Disney alone with a toddler

[jasmith34]

Has anyone taken a toddler to Disney by themselves? I can get an extremely good deal for a week in December and DD will be 18 months. We are going in May with my parents but I would like to take her again before she turns 2 and I have to start paying for her plane ticket. How difficult would it be to juggle a toddler alone? Are character meals good for that age or is she to young? What about adding a dining plan?

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Has anyone taken a toddler to Disney by themselves? I can get an extremely good deal for a week in December and DD will be 18 months. We are going in May with my parents but I would like to take her again before she turns 2 and I have to start paying for her plane ticket. How difficult would it be to juggle a toddler alone? Are character meals good for that age or is she to young? What about adding a dining plan?

how would you handle a toddler and a stroller on transportation even if you rent car and drive to parks there is the tram. as for character meals they do get long but how is she with them? she could be scared of them by that age. another thing most are buffets how do you plan to get food? something to think about how would you handle bathroom stops not much room for 2 in stall. in the handicapped/family 18 might be able to open/unlock door before you finish.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Vacations are really not vacations with young children. At least not for me. The idea of traveling anywhere alone with a toddler sounds like torture.

That being said, if you want to go and aren't afraid of the exhaustion factor of dealing with a toddler on your own, then I think it could be done. All the factors the previous poster mentioned could be overcome. There is plenty of room in a bathroom stall for two people. Heck my 7 year old still comes in with me sometimes. Riding the buses you can rent a stroller that is very easy to fold with one hand. Handling getting food will certainly be tricky, but totally doable. So as long as you are up for the challenge, I say go for it, and don't sweat the small stuff. You'll make it work.

As for meals... I have a fairly well behaved calm kid and sit down meals have always sucked. It's just not fun trying to entertain a kid at a table for extended periods of time. And this is whether there are characters there or not. My son was 4 before he wasn't terrified of the characters, your mileage may vary as every kid is different, but I would erase any image in your mind of a nice calm relaxing sit down mea, and just know that you will spend most of the time trying to make sure your toddler isn't screaming and ruining everyone else's meal.

 

[Realfoodfans]

Has anyone taken a toddler to Disney by themselves? I can get an extremely good deal for a week in December and DD will be 18 months. We are going in May with my parents but I would like to take her again before she turns 2 and I have to start paying for her plane ticket. How difficult would it be to juggle a toddler alone? Are character meals good for that age or is she to young? What about adding a dining plan?

I never did Disney but when I just had one toddler I regularly took her on trips - just us two. She was a fantastic traveller and would happily sit in a restaurant to eat - she was very calm and it wasn't an issue. I did the same with two of them on public transport (train) only once as getting off the train and to a taxi with buggy and luggage was a step too far!

I'd say you know your child and how they cope when you are out and about.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Vacations are really not vacations with young children. At least not for me. The idea of traveling anywhere alone with a toddler sounds like torture.

That being said, if you want to go and aren't afraid of the exhaustion factor of dealing with a toddler on your own, then I think it could be done. All the factors the previous poster mentioned could be overcome. There is plenty of room in a bathroom stall for two people. Heck my 7 year old still comes in with me sometimes. Riding the buses you can rent a stroller that is very easy to fold with one hand. Handling getting food will certainly be tricky, but totally doable. So as long as you are up for the challenge, I say go for it, and don't sweat the small stuff. You'll make it work.

As for meals... I have a fairly well behaved calm kid and sit down meals have always sucked. It's just not fun trying to entertain a kid at a table for extended periods of time. And this is whether there are characters there or not. My son was 4 before he wasn't terrified of the characters, your mileage may vary as every kid is different, but I would erase any image in your mind of a nice calm relaxing sit down mea, and just know that you will spend most of the time trying to make sure your toddler isn't screaming and ruining everyone else's meal.

a 7 year old is much different than a young toddler who is touching everything and trying to open door. been there done that and it was not fun.

 

[loves to dive]

I was a single mom and started taking my son when he was just shy of 3. I had no problems but he was used to going places since I took him everywhere I went. He didn't do a stroller, he hated them and refused to sit in them unless he was dog tired. If he got too tired but didn't want to go back to the room we would just sit and people watch or I would rent a stroller for the afternoon. The trick was to go on his schedule. If he wanted to ride a ride over and over, we did, if he didn't want to ride a ride but just jump off a bench, we did. Being just he and I always, we had our routines for going places. At QS, he stood in front of me in line and after I got the food he had to hang on to some piece of my clothing so I could feel him. Walking around the parks he didn't always hold my hand but did have to stay within grabbing distance of me and if it was really crowded, he did have to hold my hand or I'd carry him through the crowd. He rested on the monorails and buses (slept). I wasn't a pack horse so I didn't carry a lot into the parks. If he got too dirty for words, we just went back to the room and changed. If he got tired and grumpy, we went back to the resort, sometime we napped, sometimes we just watched cartoons and sometimes we went to the pool. We almost always went back to the parks after a break. I just played it by ear and went with how he was doing. We always ate out together so in TS restaurants he knew how to behave and loved going to them. He went in the stall of the bathroom with me, no problems.

 

[Magic2000]

We're definitely a DISNEY family!!! DH & I took our girls on MANY Disney trips. And now we have a granddaughter!!!!

I took my granddaughter at 18 months, just her and I, and we had a GREAT time! (She's been to Disney many times with her mom and dad, with DH and me, and with just me) We'll be back soon for another "MawMaw and Cady" trip! She's 5 1/2 now.

She did great on the plane at that age - actually slept the whole time! lol

I brought her stroller from home (also rented a City Mini a few times - LOVE the City Mini!!) Getting on and off the bus was not a problem. I folded the stroller, and held her hand as she got on the bus. She usually sits on my lap for the bus ride. We've had to stand a few times, and I just held her, and let the stroller lean against my legs. I've brought her in the bathroom with me, and had no problems.

Dining isn't hard - no different than when you're eating at home. It is a little harder at the buffets - I just brought her to the buffet with me, fixed my plate, and added a few things for her on my plate. Grab a second plate (or salad plate) and put her food on that once you're back at the table. We've always loved the character meals! As far as the dining plan, she'll be free, so it's up to you. My kids (and granddaughter) have always been well behaved in restaurants, and we haven't had any problems at Disney.

I make the trip very relaxing. We were at the parks for rope drop, stayed til about lunch time or a little after, then went back to the hotel for a nap and maybe pool time. We hung around the resort at night; one evening, we went to DTD for a little while. We took early baths, watched Disney Jr on tv for a little while, and went to bed.

I say - GO!!! And have a GREAT time!!!!!

 

[happymommy]

I've traveled alone with my kids when they were very young (flew alone with them when DS had just turned 2 and DD was 3 months old). I started taking my kids to Disney without DH when they were 4 and 6 years old, so yes older than 18 months but I did bring a stroller.

I had bought plane tickets for both, so even though DD was 3 months old, she was in her car seat.

I think it's totally doable to go alone with an 18 month old and have a great time! I would avoid buffets (and the dining plan), and just go with the flow doing CS mostly. Cast members are great at being helpful if you need someone to carry a tray for you! Bring your best stroller for naps!

I would think about buying a plane ticket though, if you can. If not, at least definitely have your stroller with you and gate check it.

My DD at 2 1/2 was pretty shy and wary of the characters, so you never know how they'll react.

I think you'll have fun! Go for it!

PS: We also always kept to pretty normal schedule, so I had them back at the hotel early evening for bath and wind down time. A good night of sleep was essential!

 

[TravelingTotMom]

I've taken my two-year-old about at least half a dozen times by myself (day trips - no plane, but 2 hrs. in the car each way).

I don't think I have taken him on the bus by myself, but we've done the trams and monorail, which were both pretty easy. The (relatively) hardest challenge was getting the folded up stroller on the tram, but every single time people have been extremely helpful in holding open the tram door. I wouldn't have second thoughts about going on a bus by myself with my toddler either.

Definitely take a stroller! After holding your toddler in lines, you are going to want it for longer walks across the parks. And if she can nap in it, even better!

I would skip the dining plan and buffets (juggling a toddler, plates, etc. by yourself will not be fun). If you want to do a character meal, consider one served family-style, where they bring the food to your table. We like Garden Grill (Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale) at Epcot.

Our easiest/most successful meals are quick service, or even some of the more "snack" places with seating outside. Friar's Nook (pot roast mac and cheese) and Sleepy Hollow (Nutella/fresh fruit waffle for DS and a spicy chicken waffle for me) are some MK favorites. We usually share a meal, and I would avoid table service restaurants just because of the time/having to sit still that long, etc., unless she is really good at dining out.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I started taking DS along to WDW when he was 3. Older than 18 months, I know, but still some of the same logistical issues. Some advice - if you can swing it, stay on the monorail or at one of the EP resorts as they will take some of the park buses out of the equation. I actually enjoyed the EP resorts more because you could stroll SO many places without having to get on any type of transportation. Even if you can't swing a deluxe, bring a stroller that folds easily in one hand and pack everything you need for the day in one, comfortable cross-body bag or backpack. That way when it's time to fold the stroller, you can throw the bag on, pick up your child, fold the stroller and you're off. I would do TS as much as you can. Buffets and QS (balancing that tray, getting condiments, keeping track of your child AND trying to find a table!) were really difficult for me. I'm personally not a fan of the dining plan.

 

[jaychis]

Just be honest with yourself. How does your child do on trips or outings now? We live near Disney and the one thing most parents struggle with are kids that are either tired or cranky for whatever reason. Every child is different and take this into consideration. It sounds like you would be staying on site. The smartest thing you could do is take breaks throughout the day for naps and downtime. Many parents make this mistake of jamming as much as they can each day and you will quickly find out who they are.

 

[DisneyOma]

Why is it any different taking a toddler on a trip than taking care of him at home? I took a toddler and a baby on many day trips by myself, did overnights with them when hubby was working shifts, etc. There's not a lot of alone/me time, but just expect that and it will be fine.

OP, get a pack and play for the room, so you can take a shower while the toddler sleeps/plays. Bring outlet covers, and any other safety devices you feel would be useful for the hotel room. Bring an umbrella stroller with a sunshade and a reclining seat, if you can find one.

Realize that there are going to be a lot of things you won't be able to do with a toddler in tow. No attractions with height requirements, and you'll have to carry the toddler in the queues, as strollers aren't allowed. Table service would be easier than counter service, but sometimes there are CMs who offer to carry your tray and help you find a table when they see your hands are full of toddler

 

[Kerriowl]

I would say that it totally depends on both your personality and your child's personality. I think that it could be loads of fun, but it will certainly be a lot of work as well. The memories would be mostly (entirely?) for you, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[HopperFan]

Why is it any different taking a toddler on a trip than taking care of him at home? I took a toddler and a baby on many day trips by myself, did overnights with them when hubby was working shifts, etc. There's not a lot of alone/me time, but just expect that and it will be fine.

OP, get a pack and play for the room, so you can take a shower while the toddler sleeps/plays. Bring outlet covers, and any other safety devices you feel would be useful for the hotel room. Bring an umbrella stroller with a sunshade and a reclining seat, if you can find one.

Realize that there are going to be a lot of things you won't be able to do with a toddler in tow. No attractions with height requirements, and you'll have to carry the toddler in the queues, as strollers aren't allowed. Table service would be easier than counter service, but sometimes there are CMs who offer to carry your tray and help you find a table when they see your hands are full of toddler

Agree.

Wouldn't hesitate to go.

I would avoid all buffets, from experience it's just too much work.

 

[monorailsilver]

What do you do now with your toddler? Do you go to the store, out to eat, friends houses, etc....

Does she handle that well?

I wouldn't do the dining plan because I never do it but it is just you two and when she is hungry you can go get something to eat. Character meals are your choice. If you are doing them when you go in the spring then I'd skip them unless she really loved them.

 

[scrapquitler]

how would you handle a toddler and a stroller on transportation even if you rent car and drive to parks there is the tram. as for character meals they do get long but how is she with them? she could be scared of them by that age. another thing most are buffets how do you plan to get food? something to think about how would you handle bathroom stops not much room for 2 in stall. in the handicapped/family 18 might be able to open/unlock door before you finish.

Most of these logistical issues are things Moms of toddlers deal with on a daily basis while running errands and living life at home. So not a big deal. I went to the bathroom with one (or more) toddlers at the same time at the mall, grocery store, Chuck E Cheese, etc. all the time, either by bringing them in the stall with me or using the handicap stall and having them in the stroller. At a buffet, you bring them with you and they stand next to you and you carry both plates, you just figure it out as you go.