Single Dad here.
I have traveled to the parks 3 times with just me and my kids. Once with a 2 and 3 year old girls, once with 4 and 5 year old girls, and once with 7 and 8 year old girls. It is always magical, but sometimes difficult with only one adult. (especially when I need to use the bathroom).
Based on your child's age, here is some advice:
1. Have a good stroller. A jogger stroller is preferable because of the ability to carry so much extra stuff.
Yes, your own stoller is something of a security crutch - and will save you some money too!
2. Have extra drinks and snacks with you at all times. Getting food is a lot more difficult and time consuming with only one adult. Having a quick granola bar or fruit snacks to tide them over makes things a lot easier.
Excellent advice. YOu will not believe how much you will appreciate having done this. Kids announce that they are hungry "now" and waiting in lines to get something is unnecessary stress! To add to that, (my DD was 7 on our trip last year) I always have a small airtight container with a lid. Kids dont finish their food a lot of the time and then half an hour later they are starving and cranky. You will be able to keep the leftovers for later without ruining things in your bag. I also take a plastic sports bottle (you may sub for sippy cup if still used) with some juice in it. Once it is empty, you can decant some of the beverage from your meals into there to keep it handy for later.
3. Spend some time at the various playgrounds in the parks. It is a great time to let them run off steam while you can sit and catch your breath.
That goes for resort playgrounds too. Aside from some down time and allowing some exercise (read: sleep well at night
), the best part of this is that you get to socialize with other parents - don't forget you need some adult company too and you will all have a common talking point: kids!
4. Bring a blanket with you and plan on taking lots of naps. I found when I put my tired kids in the stroller with a blanket and rolled around the parks, they fell asleep in no time.
5. Plan for extra time. Getting on and off the buses, getting stuff from the stroller, or general navigation is sometimes more time consuming without two sets of adult hands. You have to watch your kid and do something at the same time, in a busy crowd. It will take longer, so plan for it.
That goes for your touring time of the parks too. The great thing with just the 2 of you is that if your child gets a bit fussy and tired, you can just stop, wthout it impacting on anyone else. I have wonderful memories of sitting in the shade hunting for ladybugs while the crowds were heaving around us. It is a special part of the magic and often a great opportunity for some really natural photos.
6. When in doubt, ask a Cast member. They are great for helping distract your kid while you do something. (like go to the bathroom)
Oh yes! They are wonderful!
Another thing, remember to take loads of photographs and when people offer to take pics of you two together with your camera, say yes! My first trip had about 1000 pics - DD was in pretty much all of them. I was in 6! Now I prefer to be behind the camera than in front of the lens, but when your little one gets older, those pics of you together will be treasures.
Have realistic expectations. My attitude still is, we do what we can. What we can't do/isn't age appropriate yet, can be done when the time is right and we both get to enjoy it - together.
Keep a few toys/coloring pages/crayons etc in your backpack. It is great when you are waiting for stuff to be able to give the little one something to do. I still do it! It is especially good when waiting for food at a restaurant.
One last thing: Disney is the only vacation I do. I am a single mom and have one DD (just turned 8 this month). I need to know that I am safe where I am going. Disney checks more boxes in that department than anywhere else.
Most importantly, have a great time and don't forget your trip report so we can all read about it.
I think it's a great thing to do and it creates wonderful memories. The child gets all the attention and you can catch every smile and gleam in their eye. Cherish every moment of them being young because they grow up so fast. Now, the only way to get DD16 more excited about going to WDW is if one of her friend's come along. Which, I don't mind and I actually enjoy a 3rd person.
It really is our special place.
It's just me and the kids (and grandma came the last trip). It's a great way to just spend time with just them. No outside friends, no phone calls, no shutting themselves in their rooms......just mom and kids time. My DD and DS hate each other at home, but at WDW they LOVE each other 
It will be a whole new adventure. Can't wait to read more tips.
