Disneyland as a single parent...

[blackssrider00]

Wow it feels good to be back on these boards!!! but it took me a while to come back on her because it reminded me of my family way to much. But today is a different day... So I am thinking of planning a son and dad trip only to DL I gonna shoot for late April maybe beginning of may depending on room rates at the park vue ... but I might make this extra special for my son because he has been through so much in the past 6 months .. I have always been a family man when I go to The happiest place on earth .. So I don't know what to expect in terms of how to even begin. I can tell you my son is 3 years old and hes at the stage where he loves to walk everywhere and not be in a stroller. So is there any tips out there anyone can give me as to how to a solo trip with a 3 year old... I really interested in to hearing things... I have felt like I mastered it with my family... but now its me and the boy... thanks for help and its good to be back on these boards again!!! I missed reading everyone's post!!!

 

[DLR29]

I want to welcome you back and here's a hug for what you've been going through!

Sounds like a trip to DL is just what you two need. And we're all here ready to help you make it super special!

 

[Dizneydaz]

back. I'm a single mom and my DD10 and I go to DLR many times on our own. We also go alot with other family members-we have AP.

The times when DD and I go by ourselves are very special times. It's just the 2 of us. We take our time. We don't have to consult with other family members about where to go next, where to eat, etc. Really, it's been some of our best times.

If you go end of April, early May the parks shouldn't be very crowded which makes it even better to take your time and just be..together.

Some things your son will enjoy is the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in DCA. My DD10 still loves this and always wants to go there. It's a great place to relax for awhile while the kids just run around. Another great place for this is Pirate's Lair (formerly Tom Sawyer's Island) but depending on when you go, it may not be open. (the river is drained).
ADDED-Sorry just read that RCT will be closed April 12-May 20. Pirate's Lair should re-open on May 14th

Check out the Animation Courtyard at DCA. There are some wonderful things to do there.

Courtyard Gallery - Sit on one of the padded benches and enjoy the sights and sounds as screens all around the room show concept art as well as animated scenes from many classic Disney animated movies-This is a wonderful area for your child to cut lose. My DD loves to run around in this area while the movie clips and songs are playing and chases the lights on the floor. And the padded seats are a nice place to take a break.

Animation Academy - Disney animator teaches guests to draw a Disney character. Paper and pencils provided. If you or you DS like, or love to draw, this is fun. The class takes about 15-20 mins. and after you are done you'll have your own drawings to take with you. We've done this many times and really enjoy it.

Sorcerer's Workshop - Features various interactive exhibits. There are fun things to do here. Check out Ursula's area where your DS (and you) can record your voices singing, or acting, along with a short clip from a movie. Too cute! Have your camcorder ready.

Turtle Talk With Crush - Interactive chat with Crush the sea turtle.Your DS may get chosen to ask Crush a question. Another great camcorder opportunity and it's really cool how Crush interacts with the audience.

There is also a cool Toy Story thingy (sorry can't spell it) that spins around and it looks like the characters come to live. Pretty Cool!

You'll have a wonderful time. Maybe we'll see you there. My DD10 is off track during all of May so we will be going several times (in between my working for the Census and her softball schedule )

Oh, and since it will just be the 2 of you you might want to take advantage of the Photopass photographers. They can take photos of the 2 of you with your own camera, or with there camera and you can buy the individual pictures or buy the CD with all of them, online, when you get home. The DLR one is only $59.95 inc. all enhancements. I'll be doing this myself in May with a few friends which helps to reduce the cost.

Have FUN!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

You can do it! 3 of our 4 DLR trips last year was just the 3 of us. This July it's going to be just DD and I. Hopefully your little guy warms up to the idea of a stroller ~ I really think it makes visiting the parks easier, especially at that age.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Oh yeah, strollers are a must! I was so unhappy when DD outgrew hers-meant I had to carry everything! Sometimes we take my DNephew1 and we get to use his stroller

 

[cirquelovers]

You've gotten some great advice! The only thing I can add is A BugsLife Land,or whatver it's called, my son loved exploring around there when he was little.

It can be a lot of fun exploring with a little one, they always notice things us adults overlook.

Have a great trip, it sounds like you two could use it!

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

Another single parent reporting in here - you and your son are going to have a fantastic time!!

I would second other posters and say bring or rent a stroller. Your son may not want it much but it will be good to have when he does and it will help cart stuff around and keep it off your back.

When my dd and I would go at when she was 3 I pretty much let her determine our pace. Whatever she was interested in most is where we spent our time. We spent so much time meeting the characters and walking around. To some people it may seem like a waste of time but we both have such wonderful memories of that time.

Now that she is 8 we never see the characters and are all about the rides.

Take lots of pictures of the two of you. Make use of those photopass photographers or of people around the park. I have found that most people are willing to stop and help me take a picture of the two of us.

While I don't know your situation or what you two have had to deal with in the past few months remember that you two are just as much a family as anyone else!

 

[blackssrider00]

Wow Thank You Thank You so much everyone for the wonderful Kind words!!!! everyone's advice has been sooo helpful it means allot. I cant wait to go !!!!! he's really excited to go he keeps asking when were are going to go....again thanks again its good to be back on here!!!

 

[bnbheartdisney]

Welcome back and sorry to hear about your recent events! Have no worries, you'll be making new memories with your DS and this is a perfect age for him to explore Disneyland!
I understand that he likes to walk by himself like a big boy, however I would highly suggest renting a stroller. With all the walking he'll be doing, we will eventually get tired which means you'll end up carrying him around. That in itself may become a bit much so save yourselves the trouble and have the stroller handy when it's needed (rent it, park it and pick it up later).
As far as suggestions... just go with the flow! Let him be your tour guide and take it all in. Points of interest at his age would definitely be Fantasyland, Toontown and Bug's Land, if you're going to DCA. Hope this helps and have a GREAT time!!!

 

[skiingfast]

I took my son for his fourth birthday. We also stayed right across the street.

First I would expose him to some Disney Movies. Does he know who Mickey is? My son knew the pixar characters so I let him watch Dumbo, Peter Pan and Snow White just before the trip. I also read him a book about Disneyland with lots of pictures as he hadn't been there before.

His favortie ride in DL was the Jungle Cruise. He also like Dumbo and the Carousel. He didn't like Pirates or the Fantasyland dark rides. Speed was fine for him but not the dark.

In DCA he liked TSM the most, the line was long so we went early and late. He really liked the Pixar Parade. He is sure to like Flik's Fun fare it is the DCA version of Fantasyland.

We visited a lot of characters too.

He walked all day with little problem. But each night I carried him from the gate to the hotel room. I told him that is was important to walk and that if I carried him I would get tired and then we would have to leave for a nap.

He didn't want to leave midday for a nap, we did, but he wouldn't sleep, so we just grabbed our sweatshirts and went back for the parades.

We ate a quick bagel at the hotel and then a lunch at the park and lots of snacks, popcorn mostly. We shared the snacks. We did Dinner at Denny's.

All in all I didn't try to keep his schedule and just went with the flow.

 

[lorasmom]

I take my kids to Dland by myself all the time... and we have a blast. The H hasn't been yet

 

[marcemc]

You've gotten some great advice! The only thing I can add is A BugsLife Land,or whatver it's called, my son loved exploring around there when he was little.

It can be a lot of fun exploring with a little one, they always notice things us adults overlook.

Have a great trip, it sounds like you two could use it!

I second that. It is the cutest land for little guys your son's age, my boys still love it.

Make sure you pack him extra clothes because they have tons of stuff for kids to get wet.

 

[blackssrider00]

Just got back from a wonderful trip with my son and I have to thank everyone for the great tips that were given to me. We got to our hotel around 1230ish we stayed at the park vue. I first have to say I stay here all the time and for me each time gets better and better . They have the best continental breakfast ever I was really surprised at the improvements they are making to the place. I wasn't able to check in early but it was okay because we got the day started quickly as my boy was really excited! we got in the park around 145 and was very to surprise to say that it was not crowed at all this worked out great for me as it was just me and my little guy . We started out with pirates and worked our way down to pooh and we attempted to go on splash... but he wasn't tall enough ohh well next year!! I do have to say the cast member was sooooooo Nice they gave him a pass so when he does meet the hight requirement we can take up too 6 people with no waiting in line I thought that just made the trip more magical!! Since their was low crowds I was happy because we accomplished allot in just half a day and he did great...we just took it slow and went at his pace and worked great I am lucky to have a wonderful boy who listen well on this great trip so once again thank you for everyones help!! Had a blast

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

Just got back from a wonderful trip with my son and I have to thank everyone for the great tips that were given to me. We got to our hotel around 1230ish we stayed at the park vue. I first have to say I stay here all the time and for me each time gets better and better . They have the best continental breakfast ever I was really surprised at the improvements they are making to the place. I wasn't able to check in early but it was okay because we got the day started quickly as my boy was really excited! we got in the park around 145 and was very to surprise to say that it was not crowed at all this worked out great for me as it was just me and my little guy . We started out with pirates and worked our way down to pooh and we attempted to go on splash... but he wasn't tall enough ohh well next year!! I do have to say the cast member was sooooooo Nice they gave him a pass so when he does meet the hight requirement we can take up too 6 people with no waiting in line I thought that just made the trip more magical!! Since their was low crowds I was happy because we accomplished allot in just half a day and he did great...we just took it slow and went at his pace and worked great I am lucky to have a wonderful boy who listen well on this great trip so once again thank you for everyones help!! Had a blast

I'm gald to hear your trip went well!

 

[bnbheartdisney]

Just got back from a wonderful trip with my son and I have to thank everyone for the great tips that were given to me. We got to our hotel around 1230ish we stayed at the park vue. I first have to say I stay here all the time and for me each time gets better and better . They have the best continental breakfast ever I was really surprised at the improvements they are making to the place. I wasn't able to check in early but it was okay because we got the day started quickly as my boy was really excited! we got in the park around 145 and was very to surprise to say that it was not crowed at all this worked out great for me as it was just me and my little guy . We started out with pirates and worked our way down to pooh and we attempted to go on splash... but he wasn't tall enough ohh well next year!! I do have to say the cast member was sooooooo Nice they gave him a pass so when he does meet the hight requirement we can take up too 6 people with no waiting in line I thought that just made the trip more magical!! Since their was low crowds I was happy because we accomplished allot in just half a day and he did great...we just took it slow and went at his pace and worked great I am lucky to have a wonderful boy who listen well on this great trip so once again thank you for everyones help!! Had a blast

Good to hear!!! Thanks for the update.