first time taking kids (by myself) to WDW.

[Betsyt82]

My hubby is being deployed to that giant sand box in the east called Iraq. We had planned to take the kids on a surprise weekend in Oct. Well I am going to do this solo. I had thought of cancelling the whole thing but.........decided to go anyways at DH urging. Both kids are experienced WDW kids. They will be 7 and 5 1/2 for this trip. I was wondering if there any tricks or suggestions out there for a single parent outing to WDW that might be helpful for me, since there has always been someone else with me and the kids. Any and all suggestions please.

Dh will be deployed for 12 to 18 months. So not looking forward to that.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I wish for your DH's safe return home...

In the meantime, for your trip...My DC took her DD's 3 and 11 last Christmas. She took them alone because her DH had to visit his ailing DM in a different country that he felt was not safe enough for his DW and DDs to travel to.

She took frequent breaks back at the hotel, and was not afraid to ask CMs for occasional help (taking photos etc.) She also said she once asked a CM to watch DD11 for about 5 minutes because she had to take DD3 to the bathroom and DD11 really did not want to miss a parade. The CM was an older woman and more than happy to help.

She is not comfortable letting DD11 (now 12) go on rides alone. So DD11 missed a lot of the big rides. She made sure they did things that they could all do together. There was one big ride they want on, that I can't recall which, but she went with both girls and then her and DD3 left through the chicken exit and she let the CMs know that DD11 would be alone.

They had a great time. The CMs are awesome about helping out.
Your kids are closer in age than my cousins so you'll probably have an even easier time,as my DC had to deal with a lot of "That's baby stuff" and "I wanna go on such and such and the baby can't go".

Whatever happens, you'll have fun. It's WDW.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Could you take someone with you? Like a sister, a friend, or maybe an older niece.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=568883

This thread is for single and solo parent meets from the DIS meeting up at WDW. I know you are not technically "single" but I don't think that would matter to the folks here. They will be traveling alone with kids too. It might be a nice chance to meet a fellow DIS'r and have the kids make some new friends.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

I took the kids 5 & 7 to the parks a couple of times by myself.

The only problem you could encounter is when one kid wants to ride and the other doesn't. DD didn't want to go on HM and DS really did - so I explained we can only go on rides we all want to go on - and there are pleanty of them!

The only rides I let DD7 go on by herself were the ones outdoors that I could see her. (Teacups, Goofy Barnstormer, Dumbo)

I rented a double stroller and this seemed to work well. The Disney doubles are fine for "older kids". I felt comfortable leaving DD7 in the stroller waiting for the parades, if I had to run DS to the restroom. She knew not to move from the stroller.

Also - I have a suggestion - you should check out doing the Family Magic Tour. It is well suited for your kids and they'd love it.

Have a great trip.

 

[Robinrs]

I always take my son or my son and his friends alone because I am single. I've done it since he was 6 over 20 times now. The only problem was when they couldn't go on together, otherwise there was no problem at all.

 

[jrydberg]

I'm a single dad with a 6 year old daughter. My main bit of advice is don't stress. The kids will have fun. Make sure you do as well At that age, if they're anything like my daughter, plans go out the window as soon as you get there, so I wouldn't get too caught up in planning

And don't hesitate to ask for a little assistance with pictures, meals, anything. In my experience, the staff are exceptional in their service and are happy to be of service.

And btw, thank you to your DH, to you and to your whole family. Best wishes.

 

[Betsyt82]

Thanks for all the responses.