First time going alone with a 1 year old

[FSU Girl]

I just booked an impromptu trip end of July it’ll be just me and my 20 month old. Any tips for going into the parks with just me and her? I’ve always gone with my husband so this will be a new experience with a baby. We are going to go to Magic Kingdom and Epcot and I have an annual pass

 

[sponica]

If it's just you and the 20 month old, the only real challenge I see might be if you're eating CS (balancing a tray and a 20 month old) and waiting for the handicapped restroom when you have to use the restroom, when I would be out with one or both kids and they were stroller aged, I kept them in the stroller when I went to use the restroom.

My husband used to travel for work when my oldest was that age, one on one with a 20 month old is exhausting because you're always on but structurally isn't hard, depending on the temperment of the kid.

I did a morning at Epcot with a 5 year old and a 20 month old, it was exhausting and hard in the moment but my rose colored glasses look back on it fondly.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I am a single mom by choice and started travelling regularly to Disney with my DD when she was 18 months old.

I would recommend bringing a carrier to use on transportation as you will need to fold the stroller and a carrier leaves your hands free to carry stroller and other accessories.

I also brought a large bag to put all the 'stroller stuff' in when the stroller is folded.

I also brought a change of clothes to both parks to allow my toddler to play in the splash pads! She would get absolutely soaked and have the most amazing time!!

Have fun! 20 months old is a great time to visit Disney as you watch them learn and explore!

 

[FSU Girl]

If it's just you and the 20 month old, the only real challenge I see might be if you're eating CS (balancing a tray and a 20 month old) and waiting for the handicapped restroom when you have to use the restroom, when I would be out with one or both kids and they were stroller aged, I kept them in the stroller when I went to use the restroom.

My husband used to travel for work when my oldest was that age, one on one with a 20 month old is exhausting because you're always on but structurally isn't hard, depending on the temperment of the kid.

I did a morning at Epcot with a 5 year old and a 20 month old, it was exhausting and hard in the moment but my rose colored glasses look back on it fondly.

Good tips for the bathroom she’s definitely not the type to just stand and wait for me so having her in the stroller would definitely help. Her temperament is pretty good, she’s awful in a car so my 3 hour drive there will probably be the most challenging part of the trip.

 

[FSU Girl]

I am a single mom by choice and started travelling regularly to Disney with my DD when she was 18 months old.

I would recommend bringing a carrier to use on transportation as you will need to fold the stroller and a carrier leaves your hands free to carry stroller and other accessories.

I also brought a large bag to put all the 'stroller stuff' in when the stroller is folded.

I also brought a change of clothes to both parks to allow my toddler to play in the splash pads! She would get absolutely soaked and have the most amazing time!!

Have fun! 20 months old is a great time to visit Disney as you watch them learn and explore!

I bet a carrier would make it easier, unfortunately she’s a giant already a size of a 3 year old so that won’t work. I’m going to be staying at the Grand Floridian so we’ll be taking the monorail to both parks so hopefully that’ll help

 

[hardcorestitch]

I just booked an impromptu trip end of July it’ll be just me and my 20 month old. Any tips for going into the parks with just me and her? I’ve always gone with my husband so this will be a new experience with a baby. We are going to go to Magic Kingdom and Epcot and I have an annual pass

You couldn’t have picked a better time to take your little ones to Disney! They have a lot of activities for the little kids as part of their Cool Kid Summer offering.

In EPCOT they have a dance party at CommuniCore Hall (or as they call it right now GoofyCore) with fun activities and games in the cool AC. There are some kid friendly snacks nearby at the Grab-N-Goof.

In Magic Kingdom they have a Galactic Blast dance party with Stitch up in Tomorrowland near his former attraction.

Some of the Disney resorts have spontaneous character meet and greets around the 2pm hour.

Of course, there will always be those gentle, classic attractions in the Magic Kingdom. Definitely plan ahead for Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh and other attractions as we’re still fully in the summer. Rent those strollers or buy one beforehand too. Pack lots of water for that magical FL heat, ponchos for those pop up FL splash and dashers, and any additional baby safe food. Note that most quick service restaurants are handing out free cups of water too. I’m sure both of you will have a great time!

 

[FSU Girl]

You couldn’t have picked a better time to take your little ones to Disney! They have a lot of activities for the little kids as part of their Cool Kid Summer offering.

In EPCOT they have a dance party at CommuniCore Hall (or as they call it right now GoofyCore) with fun activities and games in the cool AC. There are some kid friendly snacks nearby at the Grab-N-Goof.

In Magic Kingdom they have a Galactic Blast dance party with Stitch up in Tomorrowland near his former attraction.

Some of the Disney resorts have spontaneous character meet and greets around the 2pm hour.

Of course, there will always be those gentle, classic attractions in the Magic Kingdom. Definitely plan ahead for Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh and other attractions as we’re still fully in the summer. Rent those strollers or buy one beforehand too. Pack lots of water for that magical FL heat, ponchos for those pop up FL splash and dashers, and any additional baby safe food. Note that most quick service restaurants are handing out free cups of water too. I’m sure both of you will have a great time!

Thank you for the tips! The dance party in Epcot does that have character appearances too? Where exactly in the park is that?

 

[liamthompson]

Disclaimer: I've never done a solo parenting disney trip but some general thoughts from solo days out.

Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it! When I'm solo with my stroller child, I've had so many wonderful interactions with strangers, especially grandpa-types, who will help me wrangle stroller, backpack, etc. when I need an extra hand.

Also, take your time. One night I was super stressed trying to get out of the crowded AoA food court and juggled full tray + melting down stroller child. Realized in retrospect I could have made it much easier on myself and found some free space around the food court to rearrange all the food on the tray for better stability. And it is OK to ignore the meltdown and focus on getting where you need to go next. They're safe in the stroller and one of like 3 other kids also melting down at the same time because it's been a long day and everyone is hangry! Also, we probably should have done mobile ordering more often haha

For the toilet situation - try not to wait until the last minute. If you find an empty, clean bathroom, use it because it might not be as easy later, similarly with diaper change stations.

And you probably know this but throwing it out here anyway - wear your essentials. Big backpack is for when I have my husband with me and have the luxury of time to dig through it for chilled snack containers, wipes, etc. When I'm a one person show, it's a wad of questionably clean tissues in a pocket with a squashed fruit bar.

Remember to take care of yourself! Make sure you also hydrate and eat and rest. If you're not enjoying it, it is OK to call it quits and head back to the hotel for AC and tv time.

 

[FSU Girl]

Disclaimer: I've never done a solo parenting disney trip but some general thoughts from solo days out.

Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it! When I'm solo with my stroller child, I've had so many wonderful interactions with strangers, especially grandpa-types, who will help me wrangle stroller, backpack, etc. when I need an extra hand.

Also, take your time. One night I was super stressed trying to get out of the crowded AoA food court and juggled full tray + melting down stroller child. Realized in retrospect I could have made it much easier on myself and found some free space around the food court to rearrange all the food on the tray for better stability. And it is OK to ignore the meltdown and focus on getting where you need to go next. They're safe in the stroller and one of like 3 other kids also melting down at the same time because it's been a long day and everyone is hangry! Also, we probably should have done mobile ordering more often haha

For the toilet situation - try not to wait until the last minute. If you find an empty, clean bathroom, use it because it might not be as easy later, similarly with diaper change stations.

And you probably know this but throwing it out here anyway - wear your essentials. Big backpack is for when I have my husband with me and have the luxury of time to dig through it for chilled snack containers, wipes, etc. When I'm a one person show, it's a wad of questionably clean tissues in a pocket with a squashed fruit bar.

Remember to take care of yourself! Make sure you also hydrate and eat and rest. If you're not enjoying it, it is OK to call it quits and head back to the hotel for AC and tv time.

Thank you! Quick service will be interesting with having to juggle everything. I booked a couple sit down meals I figure those will be easier and help us get out of the heat.