going to disney alone with my toddler

[tinkerbell610]

I have reservations to visit disney in a few weeks. I am considering going with my toddler by myself. Just me and her. Shes 3 and 1/2. Has anyone ever done this? Any advice? Or am I nuts to consider this?

Thanks.

 

[snowwhitemom]

Oh my.... sounds like heaven to me!!!!!!!!

 

[kato0627]

I'd go in a minute. Enjoy the one on one time with your daugher.

 

[MNFootballMommy]

My DD3.5 and I just did this in September and had SO much fun! My personal advice: Be flexible, take LOTS of pictures and bring/rent a stroller. My kid is a commando when it comes to WDW, so we don't leave for naps. She sleeps in the stroller and then is good to go until late into the night. Everything is magical for them at that age and WDW just enhances that for them.

We had such a great time together and I really enjoyed making those special memories with just the two of us. Do it--you definitely won't regret it!

 

[Schmeck]

I think WDW would be great with a pre-schooler! One on one time with your child - what a great gift to both of you. Hope you have a great time, just make sure you go with the frame of mind that this trip is for your pre-schooler, and that you keep to her pace, and everything will be fine.

 

[star sweeper]

As a mom to two 2-year-olds, I am so jealous. I never get as much one-on-one time as my two need, or I would like. It would be wonderful to do this with my DS and DD separately. Have a great time!

 

[dizneedoll]

I'm taking my DS 2 1/2 in February. Just him and me. I'm so looking forward to it. It's his first trip and I can't wait to enjoy it through his eyes. You should take your DD with you and have a wonderful time.

 

[squirrel]

How do you manage with a sleeping child and a stroller with the buses?

I did it with my older niece who was almost 5 yrs, but next year it should be her younger sisters turn. I was able to wake the older one and she could get on and off the buses by herself. I'm not sure about that part for the younger niece as she will only be 3 next year.

 

[tinkerbell610]

Thanks for all the replies. This will be her 3rd year at disney. My husband and I recently separated and I dont feel ready to go with him and pretend to be one big happy family. We recently moved out and I've been working a lot lately too.

We're staying on property, so I have the convenience of buses. I bring her stroller always. The only difficulty I can forsee is getting on and off the bus, but if shes asleep, shes good at waking up and getting off herself. (holding my hand of course) I would just have to manage with getting the stroller on and off the bus. I would wait to be last to get off the bus. And getting on? We'll have to see. We had this planned for over 6 months already. He wants to come but I dont want him to. I know it woule be easier. Am I being selfish?

 

[WantToGoNow]

I would think a trip with just a preschooler would not be too difficult. Trip before last ds was 3.5 (and dd was turning 1) and I loved that trip with him. I think it was the first time that he was really aware of everything and had so much fun. Last trip I bought the Mac Volo stroller -- it was quick and easy to fold and had a shoulder strap. Just fold the stroller when you see the bus coming, throw it over your shoulder and get your dd's hand. At that age, you shouldn't need to carry around much, so you could throw your bag over your other stroller. I would imagine you will need to wake her on the busses if she's asleep because you wouldn't want to try to carry her and your stuff.

As for ex-dh, that would totally be your choice. If it makes you uncomfortable then I wouldn't do it. I have a friend who goes to Disney annually with her ex and his parents along with her and ex's dd. But their divorce was several years back and they've both moved on to other relationships.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Sounds wonderful to me...but then again, I have three little ones so any one on one time is great for me!!! To have those memories would be priceless. About your DH, never been in your situation but if your concerned that you couldn't do it alone, I wouldn't be, Disney caters to you so I'm sure you would be fine. Have a wonderful time and hope things work out for you and your family!!

 

[*pixie*dust*]

You are not being selfish. If your marriage is potentially over you can't pretend just because you are at WDW. Part of seperation is creating your own life outside of the realm of your life together. Also it would be confusing to your child.

I have been there and I know how scary it is to start doing things by yourself. You can do it. Be strong. Be creative. You just may find it to be very liberating.

 

[tjmw2727]

I have taken each of my dd's alone when they were in the early 3's and we had a total and complete BLAST!

I brought a lightweight easy to fold stroller and used a backpack instead of a diaper bag. I had a stroller that stood up on its own when folded and had a carry strap - it was very helpful.

The only difficulty was waiting on a parade in a great spot only to have to leave for the potty. That only happened a couple times and we usually found another spot or something else to do.

Be flexible and enjoy the trip !

TJ

 

[sparkyboy]

I'm thinking that you already know the answer to whether you want your husband to go with you or not. Why create anymore stress in your life by pretending to be the happy family. If he wants to do WDW then suggest that he consider taking DD by himself at a different time.

Be flexible-plan for down times, and enjoy the trip.

 

[tinkerbell610]

Thank you everyone for your support. I asked my daughter if she she wanted to go to disney with me alone or with me and daddy, and she said with me alone! I asked her what will daddy do while were at disney, and she said he'll be with grandma and working. I have a really smart and special little girl. All your replies have been very helpful. Thanks.

 

[Tinkerbell_n_neverland]

Have no fear! I'm divorced with a 4 year old DS (who has autism and has an occasional meltdown) but that doesnt stop me! I drag that kid all over the place by myself!

Its the greatest feeling because you become a kid again. You'll enjoy it just as she will. You'll be able to move at your own pace and go where you want to go, and do what you want to do together!

I never bonded so much with my son when I was married because my ex-husband was taking up alot of my focus. I'm having the best time of my life now showing my DS the world.

Go, enjoy yourself. Don't be afraid. And as for strollers and that sort of thing.. Im not sure how the world feels about this by my sons favorite spot to be is on top of my shoulders. I put him up there and carry him around whenever hes too tired. Stopping to get a drink is always a good idea is well. Find a shady place to sit down and rehydrate.

Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[Natalie_89]

i wood im considerin goin 2 stay wit friends for a month and they wrk so ill be spendin the days in the world with my lil boy on r own...x

 

[momsoftwins]

i went alone with two 3yr olds in 2007. we all had a GREAT time. we had only 2 melt downs in 8 days. i think thats good for that age and all we did and seen. i have no fear taken my kids anyplace. they have been to chicago, nyc and the mall of america. all those trips i went with just my kids and no help. i know what my kids can handle and what they cant. and too u know your child best. just go at their pace and dont over do it. take breaks, go swimming. my kids arent big shoppers so on the sunday night of our trip during EMHs at MK they both fell asleep after the fireworks so thats when i went shopping. i will say it was hard to get 2 kids, a double stroller and myself and a packback all on the buses but after a few times we figured out a good plan for us. so with one kid u should be good to go. just enjoy it with your child and seeing disney thru their eyes. thats magic. after the first day i had 4 eyes looking up at me saying "your the best mom"
good luck and enjoy

 

[mbanks21]

I took my 2.5 year old last month for 3 days and we had a blast. She walked the whole time, we went back to the room for a midday nap then went back out. We did CP dinner, Ohana breakfast, 1900PF breakfast, PSB dinner, I took about 150 pics