HELP, just me and the kids at WDW

[liv luvs disney]

I made reservations last week for a September 09 trip. I only reserved for 3 (DS12, DD9, and me) because of DH work schedule being so "iffy". Well, it is looking like he is not going to be able to get off from work. I would reschedule, but he is insiting on me not working around his schedule. (His work could be another whole thread, but I won't go there.) Anyway, I am an overly concerned Mom and am already worrying about my 12 year using the restroom by himself and someone having to sit by themselves on Rockin' Roller Coaster, blah, blah, blah. I know some of you are thinking ,"he's 12 for crying out loud, it's time to cut the umbilical." So I don't want advice from you. Just kidding. I welcome all advice. What is a Mom and kid only WDW trip like and what are some things I need to know? (Yes, I am aware my trip is 5 months out, but you can never prepare too early.)

 

[tam626]

Is he pretty responsible for 12? I would just stand outside the bathroom door while he goes if it makes you feel better. At least you can hear if he is in trouble. My older son was 14 when I took them & he rode alot of rides like Rockin' Roller coaster & Tower of terror by himslef.

 

[liv luvs disney]

Is he pretty responsible for 12? I would just stand outside the bathroom door while he goes if it makes you feel better. At least you can hear if he is in trouble. My older son was 14 when I took them & he rode alot of rides like Rockin' Roller coaster & Tower of terror by himslef.

Yes, he is fairly responsible.
My parents live in FL and we're in TN so we travel back and forth a lot and I still make him go to the ladies restroom (in a separate stall) when on the road. I probably feel more comfortable with him going alone at WDW than at a McDonald's in Macon, GA!
We will ride the rides together, but someone will be alone while the other two are together. I don't know why this is a big deal to me. It's just when my husband said "go without me", I started freaking. WDW has been our big family vacation for the last 3 years and it has been so much fun. DH and DS would pair off while DD and me would do our thing. I know we're still going to have a blast, it will just be different. Who knows, we may enjoy it more!

 

[MiniGirl]

My dh is not nearly as obsessed as my girls and I are with Disney, (Okay, to be honest, he tolerates it when we go because he knows we enjoy it. Yeah, I don't get it either.) so we take many trips there without dh. My girls are now 9 and (just turned 7), but we have been doing this for serveral years now. Children have to be 8 (or maybe 7) to go on rides without an adult, and my oldest has gone on Splash and several others many times w/o me. We go through the line with her and then take the "chicken" exit and wait for her. I'm sure your son will do just fine.

As far as the bathrooms, you can always have your son go to the "family" restroom. That way nobody else is in there with him. I also think that 12 is old enough for him to wait on a bench or something while you go into the restroom.

Seriously, it'll be fine. When my girls were really young and I wasn't comfortable allowing my oldest to go by herself, we had a rule -- either we all went on a ride/attraction or none of us did. If you aren't comfortable allowing your son to go by himself, you can make the same rule and just let them know this ahead of time.

 

[3dog2kidmom]

My son is 11 and we just got back from a week at WDW. I feel pretty comfortable there with regards to letting him use the restroom alone (have done that for a few years) and even let him go in the single rider line on Everest, Test Track, and use a single fast pass on RNR this past trip. He had a cell phone on him at all times and we always waited at or close to the door and at the exit of rides. I wouldn't let him roam the park alone, but feel pretty confident that he's safe at Disney when I am close.

ETA: Another suggestion for you so there are 4... would you consider letting him bring a friend?

 

[liv luvs disney]

My son is 11 and we just got back from a week at WDW. I feel pretty comfortable there with regards to letting him use the restroom alone (have done that for a few years) and even let him go in the single rider line on Everest, Test Track, and use a single fast pass on RNR this past trip. He had a cell phone on him at all times and we always waited at or close to the door and at the exit of rides. I wouldn't let him roam the park alone, but feel pretty confident that he's safe at Disney when I am close.

ETA: Another suggestion for you so there are 4... would you consider letting him bring a friend?

Hadn't thought about a friend. Only problem is we homeschool and all of his friends will be in school during that time. After reading these posts, especially about the family restroom, I am feeling better - for now anyway.

 

[liv luvs disney]

My dh is not nearly as obsessed as my girls and I are with Disney, (Okay, to be honest, he tolerates it when we go because he knows we enjoy it. Yeah, I don't get it either.) so we take many trips there without dh. My girls are now 9 and (just turned 7), but we have been doing this for serveral years now. Children have to be 8 (or maybe 7) to go on rides without an adult, and my oldest has gone on Splash and several others many times w/o me. We go through the line with her and then take the "chicken" exit and wait for her. I'm sure your son will do just fine.

As far as the bathrooms, you can always have your son go to the "family" restroom. That way nobody else is in there with him. I also think that 12 is old enough for him to wait on a bench or something while you go into the restroom.

Seriously, it'll be fine. When my girls were really young and I wasn't comfortable allowing my oldest to go by herself, we had a rule -- either we all went on a ride/attraction or none of us did. If you aren't comfortable allowing your son to go by himself, you can make the same rule and just let them know this ahead of time.

The family restroom! I am feeling a little better now.

 

[MiniGirl]

The family restroom! I am feeling a little better now.

Well, I'm glad to be of help then.

 

[Perditamarie]

Have your 2 kids ride together and you can be the "single"...happy planning!

 

[tjmw2727]

My dh also works way too much and I have been taking solo trips with my dd's since they were toddlers. They are 11 and 13 now and honestly we have a blast at WDW.

At 12 your son should have no issues using the mens room at WDW, what is that 6th/7th grade? FWIW the "family" bathrooms are few and far between and intended for use by those who can't toilet by themselves due to a wheelchair or other issues. Some of those folks are restricted to using only those bathrooms and IMHO its not fair to have them occupied by folks who could use the regular restrooms.

Anyway - we have a plan for what to do and where to meet if separated and we have our plan on how to attack the parks. On rides where you can only sit 2 my dd's sit together and I sit alone. Lots of times they like to ride things I dont' and they ride together, I walk wilth them through the line and take the chicken exit.

It;'s lots of fun and I find it more flexible than our typical family vacations.

When you think about it we "moms" do lots of stuff solo with the kids all the time. Local zoo, museums etc - it's really no different at WDW except we don't have to cook, make the bed, do laundry etc. Nothing like 1-1 time with the kids and no distractions....

TJ

 

[livndisney]

Disney does not have "family restrooms". They have companion restrooms as listed in the Disney guide for Disabilities. As mentioned these toilets are few and far between and may be the only restroom a disabled person can use. (Some wheelchairs do not fit in a handicapped stall in the regular restrooms).

 

[liv luvs disney]

Disney does not have "family restrooms". They have companion restrooms as listed in the Disney guide for Disabilities. As mentioned these toilets are few and far between and may be the only restroom a disabled person can use. (Some wheelchairs do not fit in a handicalled stall in the regular restrooms).

My dh also works way too much and I have been taking solo trips with my dd's since they were toddlers. They are 11 and 13 now and honestly we have a blast at WDW.

At 12 your son should have no issues using the mens room at WDW, what is that 6th/7th grade? FWIW the "family" bathrooms are few and far between and intended for use by those who can't toilet by themselves due to a wheelchair or other issues. Some of those folks are restricted to using only those bathrooms and IMHO its not fair to have them occupied by folks who could use the regular restrooms.

Anyway - we have a plan for what to do and where to meet if separated and we have our plan on how to attack the parks. On rides where you can only sit 2 my dd's sit together and I sit alone. Lots of times they like to ride things I dont' and they ride together, I walk wilth them through the line and take the chicken exit.

It;'s lots of fun and I find it more flexible than our typical family vacations.

When you think about it we "moms" do lots of stuff solo with the kids all the time. Local zoo, museums etc - it's really no different at WDW except we don't have to cook, make the bed, do laundry etc. Nothing like 1-1 time with the kids and no distractions....

TJ

My son is in the 6th grade, but will be in the 7th by the time we go. I would NEVER occupy a restroom meant for handicap use, so that's not an option. I know it will all work out!

 

[scootch]

I have taken my girls to WDW alone since they were 2 1/2 and 5. This years trip they will be 7 and 10. You will love it... truly. My husband is not an amusement park person and it would be much harder if he went. We just go with the flow, if they want to ride Its a small world 10 times in a row and there isn't a line, who cares!!

For riding, I usually have to sit with the youngest, but will have my daughter right in front of me where I can touch her shoulder, makes her feel secure. There are many rides too where you can all ride together.

Have a great trip, it will be a blast.

 

[liv luvs disney]

I have taken my girls to WDW alone since they were 2 1/2 and 5. This years trip they will be 7 and 10. You will love it... truly. My husband is not an amusement park person and it would be much harder if he went. We just go with the flow, if they want to ride Its a small world 10 times in a row and there isn't a line, who cares!!

For riding, I usually have to sit with the youngest, but will have my daughter right in front of me where I can touch her shoulder, makes her feel secure. There are many rides too where you can all ride together.

Have a great trip, it will be a blast.

Yeah, my husband likes Disney, but is fine with not going and has really encouraged us to go on without him. He would go IF his work schedule worked out, but would not keep us fom going. I am not worried or concerned about going without him or being with the kids alone; that is a way of life for us 99% of the time. It's my nearly teenage son that I am stressing over. I know WDW is a very safe place or I wouldn't be going back again. It's him going to the restroom alone that has me a littled ruffled. I don't even have a problem with him sitting on a bench waiting on DD and I while we go to the restroom. It's him being in the restroom ALONE and me not being able to see him that is my concern. I didn't really want to get into this on here, but my concern stems from abuse I experienced as a child, therefore I tend to be way over protective of my children!
Regardless, I know we are going to have the time of our lives!

 

[MJAJmom]

My advice is that you should definitely go by yourself!!! And you will treasure the special time together with your 2 kids. Naturally without your DH, it will be a little different with logistics, rides, etc. But nothing that you cannot manage!!!

I took 2 trips last year with my DS3 and DS6, first with DH and the second trip without. At first I freaked out for about 2 weeks worrying if I could do it by myself, worrying about everything. Then I calmed down and started feeling I could do!! Our trip was wonderful and I loved the time alone with my 2 boys. Will absolutely do it again solo if I have too. (See my Oct trip report for my thoughts about my solo trip).

Allow yourself time to freak out..... and then you'll be fine!!!

 

[SmallWorld71]

While I haven't taken the kids by myself, I have had to address your 2 particular situations many times and I think you are worrying over things that are really very minor in the large scheme of your vacation.

As far as rides go: There are very few rides where the 3 of you can not sit together. The only "thrill" rides where this is not possible are Rock-n-Roller coaster and Expedition Everest. On our trip a couple years ago DS(then 11) sat in front of me (or DH) and DS(then 7). We couldn't all go on at the same time as we had to baby swap with DD. There were no problems. What can you actually do for them when a ride like that is in progress anyway?


As far as the bathroom goes, I am shocked that you take your 12 year old into women's restrooms!Unless your son has a special need that you have not mentioned that is inappropriate. Would you want my pre-pubescent, 5'9" tall 13 year old DS in the bathroom while your DD is in there? Make sure he knows where to meet you and he will be fine.
I know this is not what you want to hear, but if you don't want people's opinions, don't ask questions about controversial topics!

 

[EmilyJ]

I wouldnt be comfortable with a 12 year old boy in the restroom with my girls if they werent special needs.

Anyways, thats a personal decision and none of my business.

Im going in 18 days, alone with my 5 6 and 7 year olds.

 

[RN4Babies]

I can't think of many things that would be more embarrassing for a 12 year old boy than go to into the women's restroom with his mom and sister. I'm assuming he's able to yell, scream, make a scene if anything remotely inappropriate should happen in a restroom. I started letting my ds18 go into restrooms by himself when he was 8 or 9 years old (that's when he started protesting going into the women's room with me). I told him to always use a stall instead of the urinals, and I waited for him outside of the door. If he was dawdling and I was getting at all concerned, I'd holler in "Are you okay?...".....and he'd always answer back that he was fine.

I would not be at all comfortable with a 12 year old boy using the women's room my dd8 and I were using. You need to not let your fears rule your children's lives. I've gone on many trips with my kids by ourselves, and we always have a great time.

 

[liv luvs disney]

My advice is that you should definitely go by yourself!!! And you will treasure the special time together with your 2 kids. Naturally without your DH, it will be a little different with logistics, rides, etc. But nothing that you cannot manage!!!

I took 2 trips last year with my DS3 and DS6, first with DH and the second trip without. At first I freaked out for about 2 weeks worrying if I could do it by myself, worrying about everything. Then I calmed down and started feeling I could do!! Our trip was wonderful and I loved the time alone with my 2 boys. Will absolutely do it again solo if I have too. (See my Oct trip report for my thoughts about my solo trip).

Allow yourself time to freak out..... and then you'll be fine!!!

Yes, this is exactly what I needed to hear! I just need to freak out for a few days, then it will all be fine! I so enjoyed reading your trip report too.

 

[liv luvs disney]

While I haven't taken the kids by myself, I have had to address your 2 particular situations many times and I think you are worrying over things that are really very minor in the large scheme of your vacation.

As far as rides go: There are very few rides where the 3 of you can not sit together. The only "thrill" rides where this is not possible are Rock-n-Roller coaster and Expedition Everest. On our trip a couple years ago DS(then 11) sat in front of me (or DH) and DS(then 7). We couldn't all go on at the same time as we had to baby swap with DD. There were no problems. What can you actually do for them when a ride like that is in progress anyway?


As far as the bathroom goes, I am shocked that you take your 12 year old into women's restrooms!Unless your son has a special need that you have not mentioned that is inappropriate. Would you want my pre-pubescent, 5'9" tall 13 year old DS in the bathroom while your DD is in there? Make sure he knows where to meet you and he will be fine.
I know this is not what you want to hear, but if you don't want people's opinions, don't ask questions about controversial topics!

I wouldnt be comfortable with a 12 year old boy in the restroom with my girls if they werent special needs.

Anyways, thats a personal decision and none of my business.

Im going in 18 days, alone with my 5 6 and 7 year olds.

I can't think of many things that would be more embarrassing for a 12 year old boy than to to into the women's restroom with his mom and sister. I'm assuming he's able to yell, scream, make a scene if anything remotely inappropriate should happen in a restroom. I started letting my ds18 go into restrooms by himself when he was 8 or 9 years old (that's when he started protesting going into the women's room with me). I told him to always use a stall instead of the urinals, and I waited for him outside of the door. If he was dawdling and I was getting at all concerned, I'd holler in "Are you okay?...".....and he'd always answer back that he was fine.

I would not be at all comfortable with a 12 year old boy using the women's room my dd8 and I were using. You need to not let your fears rule your children's lives. I've gone on many trips with my kids by ourselves, and we always have a great time.

One thing I don't like about these kinds of forums is you never know one's "tone". I knew at some point someone would have an "opinion" about my fear of my son being in a restroom unsupervised. First of all, he is 4' 5" with shoes on and 60 pounds, soaking wet. Most people think he is in the
3rd grade! My 8 year old daughter is as big as he is. So, I am almost certain if he were (though he wouldn't be) in the restroom with you and your daughter, I assure you, you would think he was just a little kid. Secondly, when we are traveling to visit family, I stop to use the restrooms at places that have family restrooms. He goes first and stands outside and waits on us. On occasion when a family restroom is not available, I have gone into the ladies restroom to make sure noone was in there and had him quickly go and get out. (We homeschool, so we try to travel during times that are not so busy.) He voiced his dislike in going into the ladies restroom several years ago so I have stood outside the men's restroom as well and have him quickly go and meet me back. It's not a situation that we encounter very often. In smaller, familiar settings, I am not as fearful. And to keep from instilling (my) fear in my children, I ofen let them both do things that I know I am being silly - and even sometimes ridiculous - over. Excuse me for having a momentary freak out and voicing it on here. I didn't mean for this to be a "controversial issue". It's one thing to spend a week at your parent's house with the kids and no DH. It's another to spend a week at WDW alone with noone you know. I've never done this before. I just wanted ideas and tips on how to handle it, which I have gotten and am very appreciative.
Now about that "tone" thing, I hope this does not come across as me being a smart mouth. I just felt like I needed to clarify where I am coming from. In times of excitement or sudden fear, we tend to overexaggerate and maybe that is how I came across about the restroom thing, I NEVER in a million years dreamed of taking my 13 year old (that's how old he'll turn just before our WDW trip) to the ladies restroom at WDW.