For Parents who have taken the kids Solo

[disneymom3]

Hey all,
I have this crazy notion to take my kids to the world for the free dining promotion. However DH does not have any vacation time so it would be me and three kids. For those of you who have done this, how do you handle ride logistics? I have a three year old, a five year old and a nine year old. Now, obviously we will not be going on any rides that all of us cannot do together, but what about say, Dumbo? We can't all fit in one elephant so, what do I do? Would they let the 9 and 5 yo ride together or the 9 and 3 go together? Same concern with Peter Pan. And several others I am sure.

And of course, I don't know that the littlest two would be willing to go with their big sis AND I don't want her bumming out because she always has to ride with a bro and not with mom. (I think I could bribe her out of that one pretty easily though!)

Anyone able to give me a list of the rides that could present a problem? Myabe we will just not go on those difficult ones until the trip when Daddy comes with us. (Which should be next Feb so not a long wait.)

And finally, go ahead and tell me if you think I am nuts to even try this by myself. And if you think it will work fine, give me your best tips. If it were two of them, I wouldn't worry, but three makes me a little nervous. We would def be doing a take it easy do what we can kind of a trip.

 

[Magic2000]

I think you'll be fine taking the kids!! It can be a lot of fun!!! My DD and I are doing our trip (leaving TOMORROW!!!!) without DH (he's staying home to paint the house).

I would suggest for Dumbo, the 9 & 5 yr old ride together and you ride with your 3 yr old. Other rides, like Peter Pan or the cars, you can ride with either the 5 or 3 yr old, and let your 9 yr old take the other. On Peter Pan, I would get on first with one child, and you can still see the other two get on. Then, you'll get off first and be able to watch them get off. (Actually, I've seen some families of four all fit in one ship. DH, DD & I can all easily fit in one ship)

Be sure to talk with your 9 yr old and explain how important it is to WAIT FOR YOU right at the exit. If you feel you can trust her to stay put and watch the younger one, then go for it. On most of the rides, you will be right behind them, so you'll be able to watch them get off.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[miche61]

I say GO! We went last Nov. just me, DD11, DD8 and DS8. My kids are not all tall enough to go on everything, so somethings we just didn't do. We'd split up oldest DD with DD8. We had an absolute blast! I would love to go again just the four of us. Do not hesitate to do it! It was almost easier with the four of us, because DH likes to "lead" us around, think of papa goose leading his flock with mama goose behind keeping the kiddos in order...
You can go at your own pace, we had more treats than we do with DH (I'm just a treat-kind of person), we missed him, but the kids did really well together.
GO GO GO!!!

 

[WendyinNC]

Last October I took my three kids ages 4, 6, and 8 by myself and we had a great time. I spent a lot of time going over what attractions we would need to skip since DS 4 was only 40''. I also explained that DS was right at 40'' and we may not be able to ride those rides. The good thing about my trip was that DH flew down for the weekend. He took DD 6 and 8 on Space Mountain and DD 8 on Test Track and Mission Space. I felt like the trip was a great success and decided I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I booked a trip in August for a week and DH will come down for two nights. Everything was right on track and then I got pregnant. After many long discussions, I've decided to go ahead with the trip. I explained to the kids that this would be a very relaxed trip and we would be spending a lot of time around the resort and that I wouldn't be able to ride many of the rides; but that when Dad came he would take them on as many of their favorite rides as they wanted and had time for.

As for Dumbo and Buzz, I rode with DS4 and DD 6 and 8 rode together.
As for Peter Pan, I think we all rode together.
I had similar concerns about how we would ride the rides since I wasn't sure DD 6 would be allowed to ride w/out an adult; but there wasn't anything we weren't able to do (that didn't have a height restriction).

Is there anyway your DH can come down for part of your trip?

Obviously I don't think your nuts if I'm willing to do it pregnant. Of course, most people would think I'm nuts so my opinion may not count for much.

 

[tbstein]

Certainly you are very brave, and wonderful! I have gone with just my children, and loved it. Once I went with my DD when she was 4. We had a blast! Even with riding Dumbo twice without getting off! (We went in January) She was choosen twice to participate in the parade that was at the MK. We had breakfast with Pooh, and dinner at the castle--all in one day! It was great! DH and DS at home didn't mind, because 2 months later they went themselves with us! Have a blast, go in the car ahead as mentioned in an earlier post, so you are there at the end. The cast members are great and always willing to help!

 

[kpk89]

What fun! I couldn't do it -- my 7 yr old loves the thrill rides most of all, so he'd be totally bummed. I would try it though, once my 3 yr old is more like 5 and we can all ride everything.

What I'd love to do is take each child on a "Mommy and Me" trip. That would be such a blast! My 7 yr old is into the thrill rides, my 5 yrs old loves AK and anything magical or princessy. And the baby ... who knows what she'll turn out to love?

disneymom3, have a FABULOUS time. I'm sure it will all work out fine. If you explain to your dd9 that she will be like your parent-assistant (and outline some perks that go along with that! ) she probably won't mind if you have to split up on the rides.

 

[Becky2005]

This is an interesting read. My DH is not a Disney fan and I have thought it would be nice to just take the kids but I couldn't fathom how it would work with the different ages I have.

I love the idea of a Mom & Me trip though individually because the personalities I have are so different also. Just haven't worked out the details.

 

[tjmw2727]

I go solo with my dd's at least once a year, but I only have two. Since your considering it I have a feeling you will have a blast.

One big thing to consider is how things go when you are out and around with all three as the solo adult. At the grocery, zoo, mall even the park, do things go smoothly or are you stressed? Will the 8yo step up and help you out if you need it? I would even consider a special reward as he/she will have to help out to make it work. Most of us mom's don't realize how much solo time we actually spend with multiple kids. Its the same on vacation without the stress of cooking, cleaning, working, homework etc, just the fun stuff!!

I would definately stay onsite and if you can ($$ wise) consider an epcot resort or a monorial resort, otherwise the bus sytem works great. I would also consider using a rental stroller in the parks for the younger two even though they probably don't use one at home anymore. It will save tired feet and keep them from wandering as well.

There are many attractions where you will be able to seat 5, on the others you will have to separate 2 and 2 but mostly in the same car. The only exception may be Dumbo. This is where the 8yo can be a big help to you!

Just remember not to focus on the few things you won't be able to do and the millions of things you will be doing while at Disney compared to at home. Shows parades and even swimming in the pool!

HTH
TJ

 

[TinkerBess_SnowTori]

Love this thread - I have been thinking about this myself --

I think - I hope that my husbands business will take him to WDW next year and we will be staying on site. But due to the classes and meetings he will be attending there will be a lot of time that the girls and I will be on our own.

How do you do it with three - like the Dumbo ride? Could the girls just ride together while I wave and take pictures - or could three of us fit. (Probably not I am thinking)

How do parents do it with just 2 -- should I bring an older helper?

(am I hyjacking? - maybe I should start my own thread?)

 

[tbstein]

I have to admit, that once I took both of them, one 4 and the other one 12. I did drag along the sitter. We had a blast! Help to break it all up, and everything. The sitter isn't big into thrill rides, so it all worked! I LOVE Mommy and Me trips. And my DH loves his Daddy and Me trips. Keeps the sanity and the love in focus!