Ever travel SOLO with only a child?

[DisneyCruise FANS]

Well, I'm feeling a bit apprehensive...

I'm leaving in less than two weeks and I traveling with only by DS (12). Hubby says he gets "too claustorphobic" on the ship. (I don't understand why...) So have any of you ever traveled SOLO or with just a child? I'm a little concerned that I will feel awkward or that there won't be things for me to enjoy. What do you think -any reassurance out there?

- Danielle


Disney Magic 11/98
Disney Magic 9/00
Disney Wonder 9/02
Disney Magic 4/03

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi Danielle. I am a single custodial parent of a now 9-year old and have been traveling "solo" with him since age 4 (him, not me). I have never felt awkward or displaced. As a matter of fact, the experiences have proven to be delightful and I cherish the time we are able to spend together on vacations. All too soon our kids become teenagers and no longer want to travel with a parent - much less be SEEN with one! lol. You will experience smile-sustaining memories with your DS12 and he will do the same with "Mom." Go, Danielle, and enjoy!

 

[DisneyCruise FANS]

Buckaroo's Dad,

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm feeling better already. I think its time to start packing some bags...

- Danielle

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi there...

I am a single mom.. my daughter is 9 and we travel solo all the time.

We did the cruise and she had a blast... I was a little lonely because she did not want to leave the clubs!

They gave me a pager but she never beeped me lol

I would go to check on her and she would want to stay and have lunch with her new friends... it was great for her...

I did not know what to do with myself - it took me a few days to get used to it.. Then I started relaxing more, reading, hanging out at the adult pool... getting my hair done, getting my nails done, going to play bingo, checking my mail at the internet cafe, I even when to a movie on my own.

We were on the late sitting for dinner and had great table mates that included another little girl and they hit it off and had a super time.

Only problem she was exhausted by the late sitting and was falling asleep in her plate.

You will have a wonderful time - just don't be surprised if they desert you.

>>^..^<<

 

[DisneyDarwin]

Mom went on a birding safari the last time DD9 and I went on a 4-day cruise. We had a fabulous time, and never felt awkward. We're also in YMCA Indian Princesses which means we go camping once a month without mom, and she doesn't ski so we ski annually w/o her. We had our best tablemates on this trip; we shared a table with some grandparents who were cruising with their grandchildren, 3 kids. My DD made fast friends. The problem, if there is one, will be you. The kids have the clubs and new friends, but what will you do? I went to all the shows with DIS members I had met, made some new acquaintances, went to movies, frequented the piano bar, etc. An excellent bonding time for DD and I; no qualms about doing it again.

 

[Rebd40]

Danielle- I think you will really enjoy travelling solo with your DS. Although I have never taken a cruise with my DS, we have always taken a vacation 2ce a year (usu to WDW or Disneyland)with just the two of us since he was 5 (he's now 18). I have never felt ackward. I found it to be a really good opportunity to bond and find out what's going on in his head. Actually, I preferred travelling w/ only my child.

As for things to do, I can't give you specific advice for the cruise since I haven't been on it, but in general when I've travelled with my kid, I usually focused on doing mostly what he wants - so I did make some small sacrifices like not doing a few things that I wanted or staying longer at an attraction than I'd like (5 hours at Disney Quest!). But I always had a book along to read if he's in the pool, etc. Fortunately it's really hard to find anything Disney that isn't really enjoyable for everyone so I think it'll be impossible for you NOT to have a great time! You'll both probably have the best vacation ever. Plus, you'll be glad you went now because when kids get older they seem to develop an allergy to their parental units and don't want to be anywhere near them! lol.

 

[Scratch42]

You'll have a blast! Our trip was marred due to illness but until it happened, it was fun! We were put with another Single Mom and her daughter and they made fast friends. There is so much to do with or without your DS. Take advantage for some down time for yourself and spending quality one on one.

Like Buckaroo's Dad said, they grow up so quickly and pretty soon they won't want to be seen with you!LOL

Enjoy!

DD said she would not ever go for another cruise but now realizes that hey, maybe I'll give it another try and now she is looking forward. I also met and made friends from the Dis and were gonna go sailing again.

We now have a running joke about our first cruise! I bought the plush Wonder and every once in a while either one of us will pick it up and say "IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT!" Laugh and then sing, we are goin on the MAGIC!

Ok, I realize that line is not Disney, but it works!

Scratch