Doing the world as a newly single mom

[Wild about Walt]

Ok, so we all know things happen....my husband and I have recently split (amicably). He has agreed to let me take our 3 kids to Disney (which was previously planned for the 5 of us) as we figure they will need a vacation to blow off some steam from the split.
This will be my first time travelling that far with them on my own. I want to give them the most of Disney as I can.
Can anyone give me any tips on how to do WDW solo-as there will be no more divide on conquer strategies.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Here are some starting questions..........

When are you going?

Are you staying on site?

Can you guys rise early for park opening, or does everybody generally sleep in?

 

[MichaelH]

Well I can't speak for doing it solo, but here is what I would do if it was me. If I were you , since you originally booked for 5, I would see if any of my single girlfriends would go with me. This way if someone does not want to ride, or can't ride, something someone could hang with them until the others rode that ride.

I would also do the EE and Extra Magic Hours. You can get a lot of rides in doing these. Also make use of FastPass.

As the other poster said, not sure when you are going. Post that so people with experinece in your situation can give you more specific ideas. I believe anything you do will make them have an awesome time, it is Disney. That should help them forget there worries.

 

[The Hendies]

My first thought, looking at the ages of the kiddos is, do they all enjoy the same type of rides? If so, great, but it you have a dissenter, how are you prepared to handle it? Are the older 2 going to want to do the coasters while your younger wants to stay back? How far are you willing to let the older 2 wander off alone? WILL they be able to wander off alone? I hope it all works out!

 

[msp2mco]

I would ask your kids how they want to do it. Ask them if they will work with one another so all 3 kids get to see and do the special things that individual wants. Do they realize that you might need a little down time? Could they stay in the room while you get a massage or something?

I like the idea of bringing another adult, especially if the kids don't seem willing to help one another out. However, I would make sure your kids are on board with the idea too.

Good luck!!

 

[ness0905]

For me it would depend on how many times kids have been if it isn't that important to hit every ride I would just go with the flow hit parks early each kid picks fav. Ride and do those first do the pool take this time to make new memories with them something to carry forward but if you goal is to do as much as you can then I would bring someone with if you can not that you can't do it alone but you will be much less stressed

 

[ShayBells]

More power to you and God bless you!!

In a single mom but I take my mom with me to help out and I only have one kiddo.

I would recommend going slow. Don't over load yourself. Go at the kids pace and enjoy alone time with them. Splurge a but if you are able and pick your battles. Very important especially when everyone's emotions are running high!!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[plutoloversmom]

I did my first ever trip to Disney world solo with DD2, DD 7 and DD6. Just breathe, you will be fine and everyone will have a blast

 

[noahdove]

You didn't say how old your children are so that to me makes a difference in your planning...don't plan on doing everything everyday....take your time and enjoy this very special time...

 

[Wild about Walt]

Here are some starting questions..........

When are you going?

Are you staying on site?

Can you guys rise early for park opening, or does everybody generally sleep in?

We are going May 9 to the 24th.(I'm so excited even this far away)

No, off site at a condo.

Yes we are early risers and would love to do rope drop for once

 

[Wild about Walt]

My first thought, looking at the ages of the kiddos is, do they all enjoy the same type of rides? If so, great, but it you have a dissenter, how are you prepared to handle it? Are the older 2 going to want to do the coasters while your younger wants to stay back? How far are you willing to let the older 2 wander off alone? WILL they be able to wander off alone? I hope it all works out!

Yes, all three kids are pretty much thrill seekers(just as much as mom is) I'm not sure I'm overly comfortable letting the older 2 wander off by them selves at all. I might be a little over protective here but it will be my first time being alone with them so far away from home.
The three of them are pretty open to suggestions and have always done well just going with the flow. The last 2 trips they were amazing. The fighting stopped and there was little to no whining. Amazing what a little Disney Magic can do

*Noahdove-my kids will be 13, 11 and 7 when we travel and it will be our third trip to WDW
*ShayBells and plutoloversmom-it's comforting to know there are other moms in the same situation that do their best to give their children all they can.

Thank you all for the great advice. I do think taking another adult may be a way for me to go. My sister is 43 and hasn't been since we were kids. I may try to convince her to take a couple of weeks off work

That being said, I'd like to let them relax and take things as they come. The point of the trip is for everyone to unwind.

Thank you all for your support.(I knew I could count on my fellow dis'ers) I greatly appreciate it

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

If the 2 older ones are "mature" and responsible................and they have a cell phone...........it might be nice to let them tour on there own for an hour or two in the same park as you and the youngest one. It would be a super memorable experience for them and it would be a big vote of confidence in the fact that they are "growing up".

If on the other hand you don't feel comfortable with it, that is fine too.

You are going during a nice time and your length of trip is very generous. I know you guys will enjoy your trip.

Since your trip is so long, you might be able to do a few things that you normally don't do. You could take a boat ride to Wilderness Lodge or Ft Wilderness and take in the atmosphere. You could ride the boat from DHS/Boardwalk/EP and stop at the boardwalk for a sweet treat.

 

[Ashlander]

You are going to have so much fun! Your kids are at a great age for you to handle the trip on your own - it will be a great opportunity for you all to relax and make great memories together!

I think staying together in the parks is a good plan. You will be there for so long that there will be plenty of time to do everything. We are going to try Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game this year - have you done it? I bet your kids would enjoy it.

 

[V2000]

Disney is just the place to bring up your spirits.

I would recommend making reservations and planning out your trip.

Please try the Sci-fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood studios. The kids will love it. I would suggest it for lunch time.

 

[ZoZo]

Ok, so we all know things happen....my husband and I have recently split (amicably). He has agreed to let me take our 3 kids to Disney (which was previously planned for the 5 of us) as we figure they will need a vacation to blow off some steam from the split.
This will be my first time travelling that far with them on my own. I want to give them the most of Disney as I can.
Can anyone give me any tips on how to do WDW solo-as there will be no more divide on conquer strategies.

How old are your kids?

 

[DWGal210]

First, I'm sorry to hear about your divorce and I hope you're doing OK.

Second - I really like the idea of taking your sister, or another friend. Maybe you even have a friend who is also a single mom, who would want to bring her kid(s) and join you? Either way, you will have a great time. I also agree with the poster who suggested that perhaps the older children could go on their own for an hour or so, in the same park you're at. I remember my parents letting my brother and I walk around a bit on our own and we thought we were SO cool. This was in the pre-cell phone era but we had a pre-arranged meeting spot and time. That could also allow you some one-on-one time with your younger child and do attractions the older ones might not love.

 

[Wild about Walt]

If the 2 older ones are "mature" and responsible................and they have a cell phone...........it might be nice to let them tour on there own for an hour or two in the same park as you and the youngest one. It would be a super memorable experience for them and it would be a big vote of confidence in the fact that they are "growing up".

If on the other hand you don't feel comfortable with it, that is fine too.

You are going during a nice time and your length of trip is very generous. I know you guys will enjoy your trip.

Since your trip is so long, you might be able to do a few things that you normally don't do. You could take a boat ride to Wilderness Lodge or Ft Wilderness and take in the atmosphere. You could ride the boat from DHS/Boardwalk/EP and stop at the boardwalk for a sweet treat.

The older two are quite mature and I trust them totally. Good point with the cell phone idea. I'm still going to have to think this one over though.

The boat ride idea sounds great too. I didn't realize you could just hop on a boat and be whisked off to so many places. Where do you go to catch the boat? We have been to Fort Wilderness but didn't get to explore much. I will put this on my list of things to do for sure. Thank you!

 

[Wild about Walt]

Disney is just the place to bring up your spirits.

I would recommend making reservations and planning out your trip.

Please try the Sci-fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood studios. The kids will love it. I would suggest it for lunch time.

I agree and I'm so looking forward to it. I think it will be just the 'spoon full of sugar' the kids need.

Yes, I am a planner to a certain extent. I don't do WDW commando by any means but I like ADRs and planning what park we will be at for what day and what special things we will do that day. But that's about it.

I've always wanted to try Sci-Fi but there are sooo many good looking restaurants at WDW. It's hard to pick which ones to choose as we only do 3 or 4 while we are there. Sci-Fi looks like so much fun! Thanks for the recommendation

 

[Wild about Walt]

First, I'm sorry to hear about your divorce and I hope you're doing OK.

Second - I really like the idea of taking your sister, or another friend. Maybe you even have a friend who is also a single mom, who would want to bring her kid(s) and join you? Either way, you will have a great time. I also agree with the poster who suggested that perhaps the older children could go on their own for an hour or so, in the same park you're at. I remember my parents letting my brother and I walk around a bit on our own and we thought we were SO cool. This was in the pre-cell phone era but we had a pre-arranged meeting spot and time. That could also allow you some one-on-one time with your younger child and do attractions the older ones might not love.

Thank you DWGal210. I appreciate that We are doing ok. One day at a time, right?

Do you remember how old you were when your parents let you go off on your own? It does sound very tempting to give my DS7 some mommy time at the parks. But as for the older two not loving certain attractions, they are just as Disney crazy as I am and are very willing to experience all of it (they are aware that there's always the possibility that they may not have the opportunity to go back-heaven forbid)

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

MK has their boat docks near the main entrance to the park.

DHS has their dock just outside the bag check area.

There is a somewhat large vessel that goes from MK to Ft Wilderness. I think a small boat goes from Wilderness Lodge from MK.

There is also a small boat that makes a loop from MK/Grand Fl/Poly

Ask any CM and look at the signs.

The small boats fly different color flags to help you identify the right one to hop on.