first trip since divorce

[maxtomsmom]

Hi all- We've been to Disney before but this is the first time I am going since my divorce. I am flying solo with two little boys ages 8 and 6. We are going during Spring Break right before Easter so I know that is a crazy time of year. We have never gone during this time so I was wondering if it would be wise to rent a car. Are the bus lines very long - longer than say the end of April crowd? We are DVC members and I was thinking I could stop and get some water, drinks, snacks etc. at a local grocery store. I have a GPS that I know I would definitely need to use. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. I want to show my boys we can still do it even if their father no longer lives with us.

Thanks!

 

[*pixie*dust*]

You can definately do it! Traveling after my divorce was really hard the first time. DS and I went to WDW in October and it was a geat trip. Way to go mom! Show those boys that their mom is a fearless chick!

During busier times, buses run more frequently that in quiter times. The car decision is entirely up to you. You could also use Garden Grocer for basics if you want them delivered to your villa if you decide to use ME instead of getting a car.

One word of caution if you do get a car, you might want to print some mapquest or google maps for getting around in WDW. My GPS turned us all around on property. Just a tip!

Have an wonderful magical, vacation!

 

[buzzrelly]

Hi...I've been separated for over a year now so we're kind of in the same boat. We'll be doing this in October but my mom is going to come with us so I'll have another adult in case we want to split up. I am really excited to be going but there's a part of me that gets sad because I think about the family trips we've had in the past when ex-DH was with us. I would never mention that to the kids though because they will be super excited when they find out we're going. Anyway, I don't really have any advice except relax and have fun with the kids...I'm sure you all deserve a nice vacation!

 

[happymommy]

I hope you have a wonderful time. You can definitely not only do this, but have so much fun! Show your kids that life goes on, and there's so much out there for you!

I started taking my kids alone when they were 4 and 6. My DH can't always get away, plus he really isn't as into Disney vacations (he'd rather sit on the beach, which is fine but sometimes I get bored or get sick of being the ones to entertain the kids, so Disney is great in that we're all entertained), plus sometimes it's easier without dealing with his two hour workouts in the gym before we can head out...

First time I took the kids alone, we used a town car service. It was so convenient, and I felt safe with them (I've used the same service many times not). We did the quick stop at the grocery store, and were checking in in no time. I have also rented a car, but usually just get it for arrival day. We stop at the store, then turn it in at the Dolphin (with Alamo or National you can do this). If you can get a good one day rate, this is a cheap option (remember to put the correct drop off location on the reservation, and there's no extra drop fee).

I have taken ME once, but it took so long and my kids were so tired. It was well over 2 hours before we even got close to the BWI, ugh, so we won't use that again.

The buses should be fine, as the PP said. If it's busy, you won't find your waits any longer (except Downtown Disney, those buses sometimes are infrequent). I would leave the driving to Disney once you're there.

Have a magical vacation!

 

[growinupdisney]

First, you will have a wonderful time. The first time I took my kids to WDW after our separation/divorce was wonderful. Actually better than when he went along. I never really thought about him the entire time and the kids never brought him up either. Trip was all about them and what they wanted to do! They had a great time and still talk about that trip as being one of the favorites!!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

you can do it!!! I would skip the car, less hassle. Have fun!

 

[canabrits2]

First, you will have a wonderful time. The first time I took my kids to WDW after our separation/divorce was wonderful. Actually better than when he went along.

hehehe.....I thought the same thing when I took my daughter without ex-husband. Funny thing is, ex-husband and I went by ourselves before she was even born and only hoped to take her in the future. When I did take her, she was much better vacation company than my previous trip. evil, I know.... mwahahaha

You'll have a great trip.

My two cents is on Disney transport only because that's less hassle....maybe a few extra minutes waiting at the busy time of year but let's face it, you'll spend that saved time doing paperwork and doing rental car pick-up and drop-off and gas tanking filling...

 

[E-Stop]

If you plan on staying on property and not visiting any other attractions outside of WDW, skip the car. The bus service @ WDW is very good, they run in very short intervals (15-20 mins. during our visit) One caveat, they can get crowded during park closing, but in the morning, not too crowded, as not everyone is into the whole "rope drop" thing... Save the rental car money and spend it on the kids! There is a store that delivers groceries if you need to purchase items. also Costco ships cases of bottled water to the resorts. I had 2 cases of half liter bottles (48 bottles, We like to be hydrated, people!!) shipped to us on our trip. They arrived and were waiting for us in our room, along with the stroller I purchased online! You can do this!!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I'm a big fan of the car service. I took ds by myself over Thanksgiving (dh wanted to stay home and watch football), and it made it so easy! We had a stop at the grocery store, and I was able to load up with all things growing boys eat and drink, plus some fruit and chocolates for Mommy!

I didn't have to worry about luggage -- the car service person handled it after I retrieved it from the carousel, and I could just focus on ds. Well worth the cost, for the quick ride, comfort, and grocery stop -- which saved me a ton over shopping in the resort hotel stores!

Maria

 

[maxtomsmom]

Thanks for the tip.

 

[maxtomsmom]

Thank you all. I like the idea of getting the rental for one day. If renting a car for a day, would magical express take you back to the airport?