Calling all single moms!

[Suellen]

I traveled alone with my two dd's spent two weeks done in Florida and did some mini stays at resorts as well as day trips.

Mine are 2&4.

I have to say we went without a stroller and I thought it was awesome, easy and liberating to not have it. We rented a stroller only one day.

I was so nervous about traveling alone with them - but dh just couldn't take the time off and I couldn't pass up the chance to be in wdw! So I sucked it up - packed them up and headed out.

I was plesantly surprised at how easy it was and how much fun we had!

We had our challenges (like skipping rides bc the little one was too little) but all in all lots of Fun!

 

[2Tiggies]

Enjoy your trip...have tons of water, and ice cream, and ice pops...do whatever it is that you two want to do at that moment...have fun
here we are on our fifth WDW trip and our first breakfast at CRT

[/IMG]

Oh that is just picture perfect! I would have that in a huge, beautiful frame right in the hallway near the front door if I were you! Is it one of your favorite pics? Please excuse my nosiness.

 

[geenerbell]

Oh that is just picture perfect! I would have that in a huge, beautiful frame right in the hallway near the front door if I were you! Is it one of your favorite pics? Please excuse my nosiness.

I am a single mom and have traveled to Disney with my now 8 year old twice. We have had a blast both times. I highly recommend asking others to take pictures of you and your DD whenever possible. The picture reminded me of something I noticed on our first trip. The tables for two at some character meals are a little out of the action. I guess they assume it will be for two adults. So, I always request a table in the middle of the action at character meals. Also, if you can.... stay on site and use Disney transportation. It may take a little longer but it's worth not having to get to and from your car over and over. At buffets try to get a table close to the buffet so you can jump up and get something you need and still have your child close by. Always take a bathroom break before getting in any line. Have a blast!!!!

 

[Mommy2Jameson]

Another single mommy here! I have a 4 year old, and I have taken him the past 2 Octobers, and we'll also be spending a week this Halloween at Disney!

The first trip, he was two, and I was nervous, so I took my 2 teen siblings along as helpers! It was nice to have someone to help me with all the bags/extra equipment a 2 year old needs. But it was hard balancing the wants of a toddler and teens! LOL

But the next year, he was 3 and just the 2 of us went, and I preferred this trip! It was nice to just be able to do whatever we wanted and work around his nap schedule! I still took my umbrella style stroller, but I found it completely manageable. He knew when the bus came to stand up and hold my hand, so i could fold the stroller. I will say I did pass up 2 buses that week, because they were SOOOO full and it was so difficult to stand,hold his hand, and hold my stroller.

But there were many other bus trips, where a seated father would volunteer to hold my stroller for me while i held my son's hand. Also, I was offered a seat numerous times! I think at Disney everyone is usually SO NICE and respectful.

Also, the staff is GREAT! Our last trip, they went above and beyond. The last 2 days we were there, my son got sick. I wasn't well prepared and didn't have any tylenol with me. I didn't know what to do, because he had a 103 temp and was sleeping. I didn't want to wake him to take him to buy any from the gift shop. I called down to the front desk and explained my situation and asked if there was any way I could get some charged to my room and have it delivered. Within an hour, a MANAGER brought me Children's Tylenol, PLUS a Stuffed Mickey and a Get Well Soon Balloon! That was soooo nice of them! She was so nice and reassured me if I had any more problems or if he got worst, to call them right back, and they'd have an EMT come look at him! We were at a VALUE!

My only worry as he gets older will be the bathroom situation. He just turned 4, and I still bring him in the women's, and I've never had anyone say a word. He knows that he does his business first, while I stand outside the stall. Then we switch, and he knows he is to stay in front of the door, where I can see his shoes at all times! LOL Guess in a few years, we'll just be taking note of all the family restrooms!

 

[Kat&Dom]

My son is 4 1/2 and I have taken him to Disney 3 times on my own. The first trip was at 2 1/2 and we went to Disneyland, second trip was to Disneyworld for his 3rd birthday in September and 3rd trip was to Disneyland again at 3 1/2.

I love Disney as a vacation destination as a single mom. I feel completely safe, it is so much fun, and he is so entertained by all the sites and sounds that I can enjoy spending time with him without the constant demands that a single parent experiences. I get to have a break from being his sole focus of attention.

I always pack from Rice Crispy Squares and Fruit Snacks in my waist bag so that when we are standing in a line and he gets hungry, I can just give him a snack. I always carry a bottle of water with me too. You can't drink it on the rides or in the shows but when standing in line, you can drink it.

I personally find the meal portions to be huge at Disney so many times, we would share a meal. My son loves to drink cold water so that is always my biggest expense. On all 3 trips, I spent about $200-$300 total per trip for food and soveniors.

I always bring an umbrella stroller because I don't want to pay the rental costs - I would rather use that money to buy my son a sovenior instead. I make sure to be at park opening and do rides until 11:30 or so. It always amazes me as I am leaving the park at that time how many people are coming to the park. You can get so many rides done in the first couple of hours and the temperature is nice in the mornings whereas in the afternoons, it gets so hot. I am fair skinned so I burn quickly so I like to leave the park for the afternoon and come back in the evening. My son loves to swim so some down time to be at the pool is perfect - it refreshes both of us.

I find that it is relaxing to be at the park first thing, leave as it gets crowded and enjoy the swimming pool then come back in the evening when the temperature is cooler.

I make sure to check all the height requirements out on the rides and try to avoid the area of the rides he couldn't do. No sense having him see a ride that he can't go on - he thinks he is a big boy. Up until our last trip, we totally stayed away from Frontierland because he was too short to go on Splash Mountain and Big Thunder. Disney is very strict on height requirements - one time, the CM put a piece of paper between my sons head and the measuring sign and turned us away.

Make sure to bring a change of clothes to the park because there are some fun places that your child can enjoy the water sprays. My son spent about 2 hours one day just playing in the play area across from the Winnie the Pooh ride - I relaxed in the shade talking with another mom and he played and had so much fun. I had to buy him a new outfit because his clothes were soaked.

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[tooh8ful]

I am a single mom and always have been. My girls are 7 and (almost) 3 so there is a big span between them regarding what they can, and want to do. I kind of cheat as far WDW goes.
I figure I'm paying the same for the room no matter what, and we go during free dining, so the only real added expense for me for "help" is their park tickets. Every year we take a close friend or relative to help with the baby. This works out well for everyone. We all get to ride what we want, my 7 yr old gets to ride most things twice, and we don't miss out on anything we want to do b/c my little one is too little.

 

[Pixie Princess]

I am a single mom to my DD10. Its been just the two of us since she was 2.5, and we've going to WDW at least once a year since she was 6 with 3 trips last year. (Woo Hoo!) It's been just the two of us on all the trips but the first one. That trip we had grandma and a niece with us.

I think the only "tough" thing about doing it on your own is finding a table at the CS restaurants. It definitely was easier having another adult to grab a table with the kids while I got the food. It isn't the end of the world though. Now when we spy a table, DD runs to get it while I navigate with the food.

We are park commandos, and have been since the beginning, but with a 2.5 y.o. in Sept. I'd plan on breaks. A PP mentioned making use of the playgrounds, and I second that. Great way for the kids to burn up that energy they store up waiting in lines.

 

[Pixie Princess]

Also, the staff is GREAT! Our last trip, they went above and beyond. The last 2 days we were there, my son got sick. I wasn't well prepared and didn't have any tylenol with me. I didn't know what to do, because he had a 103 temp and was sleeping. I didn't want to wake him to take him to buy any from the gift shop. I called down to the front desk and explained my situation and asked if there was any way I could get some charged to my room and have it delivered. Within an hour, a MANAGER brought me Children's Tylenol, PLUS a Stuffed Mickey and a Get Well Soon Balloon!

This is why I LOVE Disney!!!!!

 

[liz827]

Thanks for all the great advice! I'm a single mommy too and this will be DD's first trip in May... she doesn't know about it! I haven't been in about 11 years This will be the "biggest" thing that we will have done alone.... the most we've done has gone to the zoo for the day. I think I'm more nervous about getting lost

 

[MinnieGi]

Although I'm married I have traveled alone with my two kids to WDW twice now and also on a cruise just the three of us. It has all worked out beautifully and has given me alot of confidence of what I can handle by myself!!!

I have found the cm's and other park attendees reached out to give me a helping hand when I didn't ask for it. For instance on one of those first trips I was using a double stroller for the kiddos and getting them and the stroller on the tram and/or bus was a daunting task. Well every single time some nice man standing in line also would just ask if I wanted help and would carry the stroller on for me. I had loads of people and cm's ask if I'd like them to take a picture so that I could be in the picture too. I just found people very helpful and I was so appreciative.

As someone else mentioned bring snacks in! It was huge to have a little baggie filled with some munchies while we waited in line or were walking around.

I did make sure we had plenty of down time too so that I could also relax. The kids may have watched more tv in the afternoons then they normally would have on a vacation with DH present, but it gave me time to rewind and prepare for an evening outing. I also know we did things at a slower pace b/c DH wasn't there, but it didn't detract from the trip at all, it made things run smoothly and therefore everyone had a great time!!

Enjoy your trip, you will make such fond memories!!

 

[dreamer423]

Tell us where you're staying?

I've taken Ds alone since he was 2 ish. We've gone with family and without. Its fun to be with family-but so much more fun and relaxing to be alone. We do what we want when we want.

I 2d the rope drop till lunch and then naptime. and then maybe dinner. Snacks, drinks, little toys. Slow pace. Bring stuff for breakfast-bananas, cereal, box milk to start out day in room. A sit-down a day-to rest you to.

Too many buffets can suck with a little one.

picnic in the room, ice cream for dinner.

 

[lllGurulll]

No love for dads traveling with kids?

 

[Maggie'sMom]

No love for dads traveling with kids?

Come on in and join us. A single dad already posted, on page 1 I think.

 

[2Tiggies]

No love for dads traveling with kids?

Come on in and join us. A single dad already posted, on page 1 I think.

Oh yes, of course you should join us! As Maggie's Mom said, a single dad has already posted - and such good advice I might add, that in my post, I ended up quoting his entire post. If you're on your own with your kid(s) I think the OP would love to hear from you too.

 

[MareSINY]

I'm a single aunt who has taken two of my three nieces to Disney on my own. The first time I decided to take the oldest (she was almost 5 at the time) I was so nervous, but I found it to be a great experience! We used ME and stayed at the CR, which was perfect since we spent most of our time at MK. The following year I took her sister who was also 4 at the time, but not as close to 5 as her sister had been. It was a different experience because she was still in a stroller, but again everything went smoothly.

Make sure to use ME and for your return to the airport use the resort airline check in desk, this was such a HUGE lifesaver! Not having to worry about a kid plus luggage made such a difference.

I'm actually thinking about taking my oldest niece (she's turning 9 on Sunday) on our second solo trip. I went in January without any of the kids and she was really bummed, so I'm working on a surprise for her birthday. I just need to run it past her mom to make sure it will be ok. Once my youngest niece (she's 2 1/2) is old enough I'll consider bringing her (right now she's not a big fan of Disney, so it will depend a lot on how she progresses through the years).

Have a great time and take lots of pics, you wont regret the trip in the least!

 

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

Another single mom here!!! We have gone atleast twice a year since, my DS was 2 and he turns 12 this Saturday

Everything will be fine...I did take walkie talkies with us when he started to go to the men's bathroom. I usually let him go and I wait outside. When he was finished we found a place for him to sit with the walkie talkie in his hand. I would check on him if there was a line....also I explained if anything happened to push the emergency button on the walkie talkie (it made a loud alarm type sound).

Other than that just go with the flow and don't try to rush thru everything! MAKE SURE TO TAKE AS MANY PICTURES AS POSSIBLE...YOU WILL CHERISH THEM LATER!!!

I would add pics but, I have no idea how to....

 

[shyjade]

So much great advice here! One suggestion I want to ad: STAY AT DISNEY, NOT OFFSITE!! That's a HUGE one for us. We fly, so when we arrive at the airport we go directly to the Magical Express desk and board our bus to fun. No waiting for and hauling around luggage. No rental car to worry about, no directions/traffic to deal with. No worries about getting lost, how to get places....it's all so easy and relaxing. And with airline check-in at the resorts, I can check my bags in the morning, spend the day having fun and board the bus to the airport with no hassles when it's time to go home. Lovely!

We used to always stay offsite until 2006 when free dining lured me in and converted me to an onsite fan. I will never go to Disney as a single parent again without staying onsite.

 

[LaurLaur04]

Thanks everyone for all your advice!! We are staying at Caribbean Beach...would LOVE Contemporary but of course as a single mom I just cannot fit it into my budget! I have stayed at Coronado and Riverside before but I wanted to try somewhere new We are driving down from NC, leaving one afternoon and just driving until we get tired and stopping and finishing the drive the next morning!! I am too excited! Now if these 6 months could go by SUPER FAST I would appreciate it lol I would also appreciate a good promotion to come up for Sept in hopes to add it to my package! BTW for any interested Vera Bradley is having a huge sale today (I know at least on hipsters they are $19!) and if you use the code mcsave17 you get an additional 17% off! A lovely Diser told me this today so I must pass on the savings

 

[pickles]

Not single, but might as well be. Been to Disney a few times with my 4 kids and myself.

My kids were ranged from youngest age 9 up to 12

so, they arent quite babies, but my adopted ones do have some mental handicaps.
We had some simple rules..the 4 some can never split up. so, if they ride a ride I dont want to, they must stay together. One was designated as "leader" what he says is as good as what i say(assuming we were apart for some reason.
We went over rules on what to do if some how you got separated from the group
I did use the sitting club one time for one of them that was causing stress and fighting amongst the group. It did give us a much needed break from the one who obviously needed some down time from the parks
My kids have all known how to pack their own stuff since they were about 8. Going thru airports, they transport their own luggage. and while at Disney they have used fanny packs to carry their things like autograph books. Tho, now we dont carry much more than what fits in my fanny pack.
we work together and share, good and bad
enjoy!

 

[tessa67]

My daughter (2) and I are going for her first time in May. I am sooooo excited. I think I am more excited to be going as a single mom than if I were married. I am getting to do all the planning with just her as my focus. We are going to take our time, smell the roses and do whatever she wants.