Best Solo Parenting Resort

[blistex]

So it looks like our fall break trip is just going to be the kids and I - they're 4 and 6. We have always stayed at the cabins because my husband really prefers the solitude there, but if we're on our own I think it would be easier to handle the kids at a regular hotel with easily accessible food options like a food court, etc, and it looks like I can change our reservation to any moderate or value resort at no extra cost and even beach club would only be $200 more.

Our plan is to wake up early and hit the parks and be back hanging out at the pool or disney springs around lunch time. No stroller, both kids are very enthusiastic walkers but the younger one does get tired once we hit around 5 miles for the day and husband won't be around to carry her. Where would you stay??

 

[ErinsMommy]

depends what park you'll likely spend the most time at. If DHS/Epcot pick Boardwalk, Beach Club or Yacht Club. If MK, pick one on the monorail line.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

The OP asked for Moderate resorts. I'd say PO FQ because it's so small in comparison to the other moderates, has a fun pool with a dragon water slide, and isn't too hard to get to the parks from.

 

[sponica]

French Quarter, it's small so even the farthest room isn't that far from the bus stop. The splash pad is fun but you can also use the pool at riverside.

There's also the boat to Disney springs

ETA: My concern with Beach Club is that stormalong bay seems nuts to handle 2 kids alone.

 

[PollyannaMom]

So it looks like our fall break trip is just going to be the kids and I - they're 4 and 6. We have always stayed at the cabins because my husband really prefers the solitude there, but if we're on our own I think it would be easier to handle the kids at a regular hotel with easily accessible food options like a food court, etc, and it looks like I can change our reservation to any moderate or value resort at no extra cost and even beach club would only be $200 more.

Our plan is to wake up early and hit the parks and be back hanging out at the pool or disney springs around lunch time. No stroller, both kids are very enthusiastic walkers but the younger one does get tired once we hit around 5 miles for the day and husband won't be around to carry her. Where would you stay??

With that info, I think I'd go Beach Club for the location and pool. (I've never actually stayed there, though, so it's an "on paper" recommendation.)

But if you'd really like to spend the $200 another way, we loved POFQ! It's small (so not a lot of walking after you get back to the hotel) and has the boat to DS. The food court is decent as well.

 

[stephk1981]

If you can make your two children stay together at the pool, I would pick BC. Amazing location, fun pool etc. However, if they don't normally want to do they same things....you will either have to make them take turns on which part of the pool to be in, or it won't be doable ( just my opinion!!!!!) SAB is amazing, but it's large...too large to watch two young children in two different areas. I have DS10 and DD1 I make DD1 go wherever DS wants at SAB with short intervals taking her back to her favorite part ( shallow sand play area.) It has worked so far, but smaller more compact pools are much easier for me to handle both kids on my own! Have an amazing trip!

 

[ErinsMommy]

The OP asked for Moderate resorts.

I dont see OP saying that at all, just said "I can change our reservation to any moderate or value resort at no extra cost and even beach club would only be $200 more." And Beach Club is a deluxe.

 

[Donaldswife]

So it looks like our fall break trip is just going to be the kids and I - they're 4 and 6. We have always stayed at the cabins because my husband really prefers the solitude there, but if we're on our own I think it would be easier to handle the kids at a regular hotel with easily accessible food options like a food court, etc, and it looks like I can change our reservation to any moderate or value resort at no extra cost and even beach club would only be $200 more.

Our plan is to wake up early and hit the parks and be back hanging out at the pool or disney springs around lunch time. No stroller, both kids are very enthusiastic walkers but the younger one does get tired once we hit around 5 miles for the day and husband won't be around to carry her. Where would you stay??

I would take them to Wilderness Lodge in a bunk bed room. They each get their own bed, boat to MK or the Fort if you want to HDDR, and a deluxe resort with the food court inside, and an easy walk. I am biased though, we took my daughter there a few times from ages 4-6 and we had a blast.

 

[Hi Pluto]

Beach club would allow easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios (meaning no buses). And for only $200 more? Yes please!

 

[mickeynut1]

I agree with the pp on the WL suggestion. It has interior corridors with everything under one roof, Roaring Forks is great for quick meals/snacks, pool is nice/fun, the boat is great for going to MK (or the bus is direct with no stops), and you can take the boat to the CR to visit/eat/shop at the monorail resorts. Plus it's a beautiful resort with a great atmosphere. The BC is nice as well, but I think SAB might be a little overwhelming by yourself with 2 little ones.

 

[calngavinsmom]

POFQ! The resort is small, easy to navigate, has a reasonable sized pool, so easy to keep your eye on the kiddos and a new splash pad for littles It also has a great food court and a boat to Disney Springs. Also, staying at FQ you can also walk, or boat over to RS and use the pools there if you want.....and check out the YeeHaw Bob show! It is so much fun....My kids loved it when they were little.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/e...t-riverside/yehaa-bob-jackson-at-river-roost/
Good luck with your decision!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I would take them to Wilderness Lodge in a bunk bed room. They each get their own bed, boat to MK or the Fort if you want to HDDR, and a deluxe resort with the food court inside, and an easy walk. I am biased though, we took my daughter there a few times from ages 4-6 and we had a blast.

Aren't bunk bed rooms going away at both WL and AKL? Stormalong Bay can be hard with kids who can't swim really good. There are some really deep areas like 8' deep with a swift current. Two parents would make it really good, but just one may be difficult.

 

[tjmw2727]

Single mom here, I have been taking my dd's solo to WDW since they were 2 and 4 !

I happen to love POFQ, as well, as mentioned the resort is compact, quick and easy to get to anything including the pool and food court and the bus service is usually straight to and from the parks. (Occasionally you will share with POR during slower times of the day). The pool area is perfect for that age and again small enough to keep an eye on the kids.

I agree with you that despite the space inside the cabins aren't as convenient if you need something quick and it can be a long bus ride/walk if you don't rent a golf cart. We just spent a week in a cabin in April and even though we loved it I probably will choose elsewhere in the future (and my kids are "adults" now!)

As for the other moderates if you can't get a preferred room I would pass, long bus rides and no easy access to amenities. I really like wen you can walk through the food court/shopping area on the way back to your room for easy access to things you want in your room without making a special trip.

BC is great but at that age I personally would have avoided the main pool area due to its size and I wouldn't have been comfortable taking two of them into the lazy river alone. The sandy pool area is shallow and fun and there is quiet pool but a smaller pool with a smaller slide may be a better fit for kids your ages.

If you use the "kitchen/microwave" features of the Cabin then maybe a studio villa would work? I loved having the couch folded up during the day for more space in room and the mini kitchen area and microwave came in handy for quick breakfast or the occasional dinner in. Our favorite are the BWV due to the location of the resort and the layout of the villa, although there isn't a food court here so that may be a downside for you.

What a great problem Have fun deciding and even more fun on your trip.

 

[Donaldswife]

Aren't bunk bed rooms going away at both WL and AKL? Stormalong Bay can be hard with kids who can't swim really good. There are some really deep areas like 8' deep with a swift current. Two parents would make it really good, but just one may be difficult.

I had not heard that bunk bed rooms were going away! That a shame if they get rid of them, I only have one child, but I would think they would be great for families with two kids.

 

[Hi Pluto]

Since you always stay at the cabins with your husband, why not think about what YOU want this time. It's all about mama.

I still vote BC for the pool and amenities, kids that are 4 & 6 really aren't going to be quite as hard to handle by yourself as others make it seem. There's a kids club that our son LOVED, and would offer you some alone time. Cape May is our favorite both for character breakfast and dinner. Hurricane Hanna's serves kids meal in sand pails that can then be used in the sandy part of the pool. Beaches & cream (if not closed at the time you're there) is fun. Plus you have the boardwalk at night and the ease of popping in and out of two parks.

I would recommend a stroller rental for the 4 year old in the parks (and the 6yo can pop in if needed). That was a life saver when DS was 4.

 

[mickeymom22]

My choices would be WL or POFQ for all the reasons stated above!

I would also throw in POR...royal rooms! I am all about those Disney fiber optics. I loved the theming of those rooms and they are in a preferred location...close to buses and food court. Our room had a quiet pool right outside the door!

With either POR or POFQ you also can take the boat to DS or just for a ride. My kids loved riding the boats at WDW when they were that age!

Happy Planning!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Last trip we did a split with POFQ and BWV. It was just DD12 and myself. I thought both resorts worked very well for a solo parenting trip.

I think the BC is awesome (and probably my fave Disney resort) but if your kids aren’t strong swimmers or willing to stay together so you can watch them then I would probably avoid it. SAB is huge and the slide entrance is far.

 

[bellebud]

In your situation, no way would I do Beach Club. The pool area would be way to stressful for me as a single adult with a 4yo and 6yo.

The other suggestions are spot on (POFQ, WL). If you snag a deal on a deluxe, Contemporary is everything under 1 roof and you have Chef Mickeys and an easy walk to the MK. AK would be awesome too if your kids love animals.

 

[stephk1981]

Since you always stay at the cabins with your husband, why not think about what YOU want this time. It's all about mama.

I still vote BC for the pool and amenities, kids that are 4 & 6 really aren't going to be quite as hard to handle by yourself as others make it seem. There's a kids club that our son LOVED, and would offer you some alone time. Cape May is our favorite both for character breakfast and dinner. Hurricane Hanna's serves kids meal in sand pails that can then be used in the sandy part of the pool. Beaches & cream (if not closed at the time you're there) is fun. Plus you have the boardwalk at night and the ease of popping in and out of two parks.

I would recommend a stroller rental for the 4 year old in the parks (and the 6yo can pop in if needed). That was a life saver when DS was 4.

I agree with this poster, a stroller would be helpful with the 4 y.o.
I believe they never reopened the Sandcastle Club after closing in 2018. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.....you can use Kids Nite Out if you need to.

 

[Scubadaddy32]

Don't sleep on Coronado Springs new Gran Destino Tower. It's a deluxe level room and one of the most beautiful hotels on property at moderate pricing. The hotel is brand new, always a bonus for me. The Water view has a great view of the entire property, one of the prettiest at WDW IMO. The main pool has a really good theme and has a great slide.
You get a great bang for your buck, new hotel rooms, deluxe styled hotel at a moderate price along with a great view.
Because it's considered more of a convention or business hotel the main pool is not all that crowded and it has 3 smaller pools on property as well.
Check out YouTube videos on the Gran Destino.