Doing disney without my Dh Help?

[KELLY]

My dh may be starting a new job. But he told me to take the girls to Disney without him if he started this job. My girls are 4 and almost 2. I can get away with just a lightweight umbreall stroller this trip and no car seat. We will use disney transportation.

I won't be totally alone my parents are taking my niece for 2 weeks in April. They are staying at CBR. But they are also doing a 4 day cruise. We won't be able to do the cruise and go for 2 full weeks. The days they are on the cruise I plan on enjoying the pool,dtd and taking the girls to the MK one day. Before we do any of the real park touring and the water parks. Trying to make life easy on myself. My only problem is my 4 year old she can get very whiney still. My 2 year old is actually easier she is more mellow. Any suggestioins on making my trip easier with my girls?

I plan on bringing a back pack for diaper and wipes so that free up my hands for the bus to deal with the stroller and my girls. Most days my dad and mom will be with us so not really a issue. But I feel like I should be able to handle this on my own. We would be staying at CBR and a perferd room also.

 

[Deb & Bill]

What will you do if one of the girls falls asleep when you need to catch the bus? How will you manage a stroller, diaper bag, one crabby child and one sleeping child? Undoubtly the other will wind up being crabby because she won't want to leave or she will be sleepy, too.

 

[KELLY]

Well the sleep isn't really a issue. My youngest weighs 22 pounds and does walk up and down stairs with a hand(sometimes by herslef.) the stroller is a ultra lightweight maybe weighs 5 pounds. My 4 year old may fall a sleep on the bus. But she has done this before and I have just woken her up and she is fine. My 4 year old doesn't need a stroller she walked the entire time in October. But yes she is a whiney one sometimes.

 

[scottish mum]

I think you will manage fine. make it clear to your 4 yr old any whining and you leave the park. The 1st day if she does whine follow through and go back to your resort, chances are she won't whine again. As for the buses I think you will cope, you can always wait for a 2nd bus if all seats are taken. You are only going to be alone for a few days after that you will have help. Stop worrying and just enjoy the trip with your little ones.

 

[Hannathy]

I think you will manage fine. make it clear to your 4 yr old any whining and you leave the park. The 1st day if she does whine follow through and go back to your resort, chances are she won't whine again. As for the buses I think you will cope, you can always wait for a 2nd bus if all seats are taken. You are only going to be alone for a few days after that you will have help. Stop worrying and just enjoy the trip with your little ones.

I agree with this. Also throw in a little bit of "I know I can count on you being a BIG girl when Daddy and the Grandparents aren't here" Build up what a big help and model she is going to be for her sister and help to you.

Go have a good time, don't be oblivious to problems that could happen but don't go expecting them either. You'll be fine.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have done the park with my kids by myself and that age I would recommend a double stroller-if for anything, you have a place to put the older child when she is tired and don't get stuck carrying her.

My biggest challenge is navigating those busses. But it is doable. Sometimes strangers will help you. But often the bus driver is patient (as long as it isn't terribley busy) as you get the munchkins off and on.

When I don't want a certain behavior from my kids--I institute a zero tolerance policy and I mean it. Well--it's 1 warning and I mean it...b/c at that age, we can forget that there was a serious rule with a serious consequence.

The suggestions about leaving the park are spot on--and if she throws a hissy fit--I dare say to let her. There is little to do to drag her out of the park while you push a stroller, so find an out of the way safe naughty corner/spot and put her there.

Go in with the mind that you are in charge, you can take charge and you guys will have a great time as long as the kids behave.

I only had to go home one time and that is b/c in a strange series of events, I was not prepared for the rain and it ended up that one of my kids who was healthy when we left my house--developed a fever by the time we go inside the MK. So we went home of course as that was the only option. (It was a day trip.)

 

[hillview]

My boys are the SAME age. I'd do a double stroller for sure.
SORRY!
/hillary

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

It is very doable. We are going back in September for 16 days. I would highly recommend the double stroller. We hardly used ours in the park though. And I received sooo much help from other guest on the buses. I did get a few looks but ya know what...it's my vacation.

Our first day at the resort...I told both kids the rules. My son was the one I had to look out for. He throws trandrums when he doesn't get what he wants. But he done really well. When I saw them wearing down...we left the park and went back to our room or went to the kiddie pool. They made allot of friends there.

You will have a great time!!!!

 

[arielmomma]

While I have never been to WDW alone with my 2 & 5 year olds, I have thought about it a lot. I think you'll be fine. I would recommend a double stroller, though. If you can't get one, I agree with the PP about being clear, yet positive with the 4 year old. Otherwise, just pace yourself and have a great vacation!

 

[yellownovawife]

Whining can be a bad habit that cannot be instantly broken just because you are on a great trip. Try to help her learn some new strategies to use instead of whining. Usually the whining is due to wanting sor needing some attention or just feeling needy and not knowing how to handle it. Help her figure out some ways to deal with feelings/issues/problems before you go so that she will have the skills to use instead of whinig. My ten year old is a whiner and I am working on this with her too! Easier with an older child because she has so many more skills (she is not a whiner at school!) However harder too because she has had the habit so long! A little preparation and you will do great! it sounds like you have a really good perspective on what is realistic on the trip. Have Fun!

 

[LSCOM]

I always make sure there is some "quiet time" in our schedule. The Lego tables and the water fountain in DTD are favorites. I know you will have a great time.

 

[Curiouser&curiouser.]

I did a trip by myself with 3 little ones this past October. 7,5,2. I took a double stroller and at times the 7 &5 were in the stroller and the 2 year old was walking with me pushing them! haha! I would definately recommend a double stroller. I use a lightweight side-by-side stroller that folds up nicely and I can carry over my shoulder. I took 1 backpack for diapers, wipes & a sippy cup. I limited our time in the parks to about 2-3 hours before we went back to the room and had down time (nap time for the younger 2) and gave some QT w/my oldest to play cards, watch tv, write in journal. then we did pool time before we would head back to a park for dinner and another 2-3 hour time limit at night. kids really enjoyed time at the resort and it helped subdue any meltdowns.

 

[happymommy]

I've taken my kids alone a few times (actually, more often than not or DH only stays part of the time). I agree about the double stroller! I would definitely bring a double! My kids used to nap in it every day. It is a pain getting on and off a bus, but other than that it's essential. Usually folks are patient with you, and I'm sure someone will help if you need it (like on an airplane, same thing, there's always someone who is kind if they see you need help).

 

[mjkacmom]

Another vote for a (small lightweight) double stroller. It will be good for meltdowns, or if your dd gets hurt, if you are in a hurry to get from point A to point B (bathroom emergencies...).

 

[babynala]

A double stroller might be a good option for you. Handling two small kids by yourself could get a little overwhelming. If you are worried about the traveling on the bus you might consider taking a taxi cab to the park the one day you will be by yourself.

 

[tlh0726]

I agree with another PP. You need to stop tolerating the whining. Put consequences on it now. Hopefully by the time of your trip, your DD will no longer be doing it.

Having 2 small children and being season passholders to our local park these are my suggestions.

Definitely use a double stroller
When you exit a ride/attraction both kids need to go in the stroller. This eliminates each child running in different directions and when walking people getting between you and your child(ren).

Skip the waterpark unless others will be with you

 

[helloconnie]

I just got back last night from a trip with my two sons and without my DH. My sister came with us, and although she could help with taking the LO to get on the bus, she was limited in providing additional help as she is fighting some health issues.

I have a DS (age 4 yr 4 mons) and a DS who will be 1 yr old in just two short weeks. And yes, the baby is so much easier than the 4 year old. I took a 'Sit and Stand' stroller that we have used on a previous trip that DH was on. I won't do that again. I ended up with cuts on both forearms, one of them is pretty bad, from folding up the thing and lifting it onto the bus. The bus drivers do not help at all. It must be against policy because they stare at you while you struggle to get on the bus.

By Day 4 of our trip I was seriously considering buying the umbrella stroller they sell in the parks at the gift store and having my 4 year walk.

At the MK, you are only using your stroller to get from point A to point B. Once you get to Fanstasyland or wherever you are headed, you park the stroller in the designated stroller parking lot and walk from ride to ride, carrying the littlest ones. The walking at the other parks is a bit more but I found we spent more time out of the stroller than in it.

So, from experience, my recommendation is to do a lightweight stroller for the littlest one if you feel your four year old can handle the walking. If you absolutely need a double stroller, then I would say get the lightest one that folds up compactly. The buses are the worst part when it comes to using a stroller.

That's my 2 cents!

 

[devotedchristian]

You are one brave woman. I only have 1 child and he is 6!

I could not and would not go to Disney without my DH.

That would totally stress me out.

 

[tjmw2727]

I have been taking my dd's to disney at least once a year since they were 1 and 3 as the solo adult. Lets just say they are now 13 and 15 and our next trip is early April!

At that age I had a lightweight double stroller - there is sooo much walking at WDW your older child will likely want to ride more than you anticipate. I used a small backpack as a diaper bag and kept what I carried to a minimum.

If you consider all the things you do with your kids alone during the week I bet you manage just fine. The grocery store, the zoo, a movie, play places etc. IMHO Disney is easier because you don't have to add chores, cooking and cleaning on top of that. If everyone wants to swim you swim, if your happy at the parks you stay. If someone needs a nap you hit a quiet place or head back to the resorts. FWIW we always stayed value or moderate and I did fine on the buses with the stroller and the kids.

All the rides we did at that age fit the three of us just fine and we enjoyed lots of characters and shows together.

One of my fondest memories is walking the world showcase in Epcot at night. The kids happy in the stroller with a snack and a sippie cup watching the outside acts like the the acrobats & the jugglers and musicians and me enjoying a "beverage" of my own from the UK

I did have rules and consequences and I did follow through so I rarely had issues in the parks. One warning with clear explanation and clear consequences was usually enough. If you keep to their schedule, make sure they are fed and hydrated and rested you should be ok.

If you decide to go for it and have specific questions please feel free to ask.

 

[Pixie Princess]

You can do it! My first trip was with my DD, 6 and niece 4. I had grandma with me, but she has health problems which left me alone with the girls at times. I agree with PPs who have voted for the double stroller. We didn't bring a stroller at all thinking these kids could walk and ended up renting one in the park. Well worth every penny! I think your big challenge will be with CS restaurants. I travel alone with my DD, and when she was younger that was always my challenge. It can be a little difficult managing the trays, looking for a space and keeping the kids close. Just set the expectation with your kids to stay close etc. before hand and you should be fine.

My niece is high strung and can be a whiner as well. I have found with her (both in and out of WDW) if I give her a job to do, it eliminates or seriously cuts down on the whining. There are all sorts of little things she can do that will make her feel like a big girl and mommy's helper.

I think the big thing is for you not to let the stress get to you ,and your kids will generally follow. They get their cues from us. Just try and go with the flow, and enjoy.