Help me please! Tell me if we can do this!

[angiejg]

I need expert help please!

My husband will be attending a convention in Orlando June 14-18. He will be attending conferences, etc. part of this time. We have the opportunity to stay at the Hilton. Is it "kid friendly"? Anyone know much about it?

I have an 18 month old and a 6 year old.

Monday is free after we arrive early afternoon
Tuesday afternoon is free
Wednesday and Thursday he will be in meetings on and off
Friday is free until we leave that evening

Would we be able to handle this without Daddy? How close are we to Downtown Disney? Can I push a stroller with an 18 month old holding the 6 year old's hand and still be safe? Are there plenty of things to do at the hotel if we stay there? What should we do when he's available and what should we do when we're alone? I'm afraid to go to Magic Kingdom without him.

I know I'm asking for a lot of info, but we've never been to Disney and thought this might be a chance to go cheap!

Thoughts? Help!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks in advance,
Angie

 

[Barb D]

Where is your DH's convention? Is it at Disney or at the Convention Center? Can you stay anywhere or do you have to stay at the Hilton? (And which Hilton is it? There are several in the area.) Will you have a car?

I went to a convention at the Convention Center in January, but we stayed onsite at Disney. I decided it would be better for me to travel each day and let my family be close to the Disney action. It was a bit of a commute for me (especially since the Convention Center is HUGE and I couldn't park anywhere near where the convention itself was).

BTW, if your DH's convention is at the Convention Center, he can buy discount park tickets at the ticket booth there. He has to show proof that he's attending a current convention, and they limit the number of tickets, but they have options not available at the parks (like shorter stay hopper passes, "After 2PM" passes, etc.

I wouldn't be afraid to go go MK without him; there are only a few rides you won't be able to do with your 18mo.

There's TONS to do at Disney even without going into the parks, but you'll be fine even in the parks without your DH. It really is VERY safe, and the transportation system is wonderful. Your 6yo will have a blast, and your 18mo will have lots of fun too! You'll have to pace yourself, but any time you get at WDW is better than being at home!

 

[angiejg]

Yes, It's at the convention center. The only Disney hotel option is the Hilton at Disney. I have not idea where that is or how far it is from the "fun". Thanks for any more help you can give me!

 

[bartleby1]

I can't help you out with the Hilton, but just wanted to let you know that you really shouldn't be afraid of doing the magic kingdom or any other park with kids that age by yourself. My husband has a convention in August and I was planning on doing the parks without him with a 4 year old and 2 year old, until I found out that I will be around 28 weeks pregnant with number 3 when we go. Luckily, my parents are going to arrange to go with us so I will have some help.

If you are using a single stroller for your 18 month old, I would just let the 6 year old know that he/she must hold on to the stroller when walking through crowds. Your 6 year old shouldn't need much help getting on/off rides so that will leave your hands free for your little one. There are very few rides that your 18 month old can't go on so that shouldn't really be an issue.

Otherwise, you could simply hang by the pool of your hotel which I'm sure the kids would enjoy also. I actually find it harder to do the pool by myself though, since neither of my two can swim yet. I don't feel like I have enough hands to save two drowning kids !

 

[Barb D]

Who decides what hotels are acceptable? I know that for the convention I went to, the convention organizers SUGGESTED certain hotels, but my company didn't care where I stayed as long as it was within their $$ limit. We stayed at the Contemporary at WDW for one night, and then at Port Orleans Riverside (another WDW resort) the rest of the time. If you do some research, you'll probably be able to find an on-site hotel within your $$ limit.

There are a couple major advantages to staying onsite. One is that the WDW pools have lifeguards. (The Hilton might; you could probably call the front desk and ask.) Another is that the transportation system is better (especially the MUCH closer drop-off point at MK.) I'm assuming your DH would have the rental car to get to and from the convention center. (Tell him to leave himself a good hour to get there and get parked, and longer the first day so he can find his way around.) This means you and the kids will be using whatever free transportation your hotel provides.

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

I have taken my 2 oldest kids to Disney World by myself before. You can do it The last time we went they were 14 months & almost 3. I brought a sling and carried my DD most of the time while my DS rode in the stroller. We did stay on site & use Disney Transportation. We only visited 2 parks - Magic Kingdom and MGM/Disney Studios, plus we spent lots of time at All Star Movies and Downtown Disney.

This year I am being brave yet again and taking 3 little ones. They are now 6, 4 & 2.

I know my 6 year old will not wonder off at all. He pays close attention to where I am. If the crowds get thick I always ask him to hold on to the stroller, which he does. I don't think you will have any trouble pushing a stroller and keeping an eye on your 6 yo. You could always practice at a local mall on a busy day. Ask your 6 yo to hold on to the stroller and see if he wonders away at all. Give him a talk about the importance for staying together.

You will have tons of fun! You should go and enjoy your special time in the parks with and without your DH.

 

[crazelion]

The Hilton Hotel is onsite at Downtown Disney and have it's own transportion to the parks that runs every 30 minutes I think.
Downtown Dinsey has so many shops and food places to try out that don't even have go into parks one day.

Majic Kingdom is the park to with little ones they will love it.

Next park I would to is Animal Kingdom to watch alot shows.

MGM Studios don't have much for little ones to ride if they like shows then that is the park to .

Epcot I think I save when they is older and able to enjoy it more.

How about getting a cheap twin unbrella stroller and have both kids ride in the stroller.

I would post your question on Orlando and Attractions board you will get more answers to your qustions.

2 Days in Majic Kingdom

1 day Animal Kingdom

1 Day Downtown Disney exploreing shops and swim in the hotel pool.

That would be my plan.