HELP NEEDED!!!....from other Disney moms!!! Please!!! (Update pg2 #24)

[TinkandPooh]

Ok so quickly here is the deal.
I am a 31 year old Disney mom. We had planned a quick day trip for the 12th of May this Monday.
In the original group was going to be myself, my grandmother, my daughters, and one of my daughters friends.
Yesterday my grandmother informed me that something has come up and she is unable to go.
My problem and this is the part I need some help and advise on is,
It would now just be myself and 3 girls ages 14, 12, and 12.
We would be driving from Central California about 30 minutes north of Bakersfield so it will take us with average traffic about 3 hours to get there maybe an additional 20 to 30 minutes if traffic is real bad.
My origianl thoughts were to leave our home Monday morning at around 5am so we could get there near park opening time which is 9am on Monday and then maybe leave to head home around 5 or 6pm just so I don't have to drive so late as I am not a good night drivers and get real sleepy after a real long day in Disney.
I am a bit worrried now about going all together and wonder if it is safe for just us girls with me being the only adult to drive down there alone???
This is the part I need help with????
What would you other Disney moms do????? Would you do it??? Do you think it is safe??? Have you done it before?????

Everyones thoughts are welcome as I am really going back and forth about this.
Of course you know the big part of me says it is Disney and I am seriously addicted to DL or really anything Disney so that motivation always keeps Disney in my mind but I do not want it to cloud my mind so much that I do something that could possibly be a danger to myslef or my children....so please help!!
Also am I over thinking this????

Ok so I know I must sound pretty darn well lets say stupid but I really am stummped so I really need some advise and opinions.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond.

Oh and one last thing if there are any other Disney moms out there that want to take a day that day and you live between say Bakersfield and Disneyland and you want to join us and follow us down for the day I would be really open for that. I guess that is a part of my problem is that I have never done this trip with out another adult family member along with me/us.
I just feel there is more safety in numbers and if you have more adults to watch both sides of the road so to speak it is better

 

[50sjayne]

OK first of ll you don't sound stupid just kind of panicked... I'll tell you right now I drove 14 1/2 hours straight, through afternoon rush hour even from Eugene Oregon to anaheim to see David Bowie a few years ago with my teen daughter who coundn't drive. This was leaving about 11pm- I did pull over for about a half hour and slept for a few minutes somewhere around Compton. And no I wasn't doing any drugs lol. I used to drive up to Seattle all the time-- 4 and 1/2 hour drive by myself and Portland (2 and 1/2 hours) is just a no brainer for me-- except for the fact that everytime I drive I am conscious of killing Polar bears these days--;-( I don't make these trips as often. My point being-- anything under 4 hours to Disneyland should be just nothing. Jeez-- if I lived that close I'd probably be there all the time without even thinking about it. I dunno though- I love driving. If you really hate driving have you thought of the train? Seems like fun anyway. Good luck.

 

[Winks At Tink]

I really don't think you'd have a problem . My dd and i drive the 4 1/2 hour drive and i'ts not bad at all. Only once have we been so tired we had to get a hotel at days inn to sleep a little (56 bucks).

 

[EmEyeSeeKayEeWhy]

I travel alone to DL with my 3 kids (12, 11, 6) many times a year from the Bay Area. The drive down is never a problem since we're all so excited to get there But the drive home is sometimes a little tiresome since we've been on the go at the parks for a few days. I think you will be absolutely fine I would suggest you allow yourself some time to rest before traveling back home though

 

[Princesses3_bythesea]

Hi there, wow...I had a very similar situation a few years back...I had a family Disneyland trip all planned out...flying into LAX...for a long time, about 6 month before the trip my ex and I split up...so it was me, alone, with my 2 girls who were 6 and 3 at the time. I actually came really close to cancelling the trip, just overwhelmed with the idea of keeping a close enough eye on both kids, while hauling luggage in the airport, walking through the park (mine were runners, lol)

Anyhow...I went ahead and it was great. And it gave me a lot of confidence...have been back there with my two many times since then, flying and driving along. Even drove w/ my youngest straight through from Washington to Colorado last summer. And the three of us are planning to drive to Minnesota and back this summer too.

So, I'd say go for it. If you're driving at night, make sure to fill up your gas tank while it's still light outside, it's not a very comfortable feeling stopping for gas in the middle of the night. I'd also suggest walkie-talkies or cell phones for in the park w/ the age of girls...as long as they are in teams of at least two, if you feel comfortable with it, you could prob let them go off and do their own thing for a couple hours at a time...I know when I was that age, I thought that was really important for some reason.

 

[jenpace]

I think it should be fine providing that you're going in a reliable car. Have great time!

 

[splash5]

We'll be there that day!

My only advice would be, if you get to the end of the day and you are really tired, why not find an inexpensive hotel and stay the night?

 

[TinkandPooh]

Hi there, wow...I had a very similar situation a few years back...I had a family Disneyland trip all planned out...flying into LAX...for a long time, about 6 month before the trip my ex and I split up...so it was me, alone, with my 2 girls who were 6 and 3 at the time. I actually came really close to cancelling the trip, just overwhelmed with the idea of keeping a close enough eye on both kids, while hauling luggage in the airport, walking through the park (mine were runners, lol)

Anyhow...I went ahead and it was great. And it gave me a lot of confidence...have been back there with my two many times since then, flying and driving along. Even drove w/ my youngest straight through from Washington to Colorado last summer. And the three of us are planning to drive to Minnesota and back this summer too.

So, I'd say go for it. If you're driving at night, make sure to fill up your gas tank while it's still light outside, it's not a very comfortable feeling stopping for gas in the middle of the night. I'd also suggest walkie-talkies or cell phones for in the park w/ the age of girls...as long as they are in teams of at least two, if you feel comfortable with it, you could prob let them go off and do their own thing for a couple hours at a time...I know when I was that age, I thought that was really important for some reason.

Wow there have been some great responses and I love that you are all taking your time this Saturday to give me some advise!!! I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!!!
Princesses3_bythesea you said going with your children on your own built your confidence and I think that is gret and also something that is needed on my part.
I feel like such a baby for worrying about this so much but I am just so used to having another adult with me that I have used that in a way like a crutch.
I suppose it is time for me to grow up a bit and build my confidence as well and do something like this Mother-Daughter/ 1 friend trip.
So I really am leaning more twards going and will make my final choice by tonight at which time I will post again with the verdict.

By the way for those of you who are going on Monday and will be in the parks if you see a group of 4 girls say hello to us. I will be the mom in the bunch..LOL and you can't miss me as if you just take a look at my shoulders I have Disney tattoos on them.
Right shoulder = Mickey mouse ears with TInkerbell flying over them touching one of the ears with her wand and pixie dust all around her wand.
Left shoulder = Red heart with flowers on it with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse above the heart and there are little red hearts floating in the middle of them above their heads. Oh and Mickey and Minnie are looking at each other.
So once again if we go and you are standing in line next to us for a ride say hello as I wold love to see other DIS board memebers down there!!!

Ok be back later

 

[kikiq]

Don't think it's stupid to be rethinking this trip alone. I guess my worry would be 3 teenage girls...is there a possibility that one will feel left out?
I would rethink leaving at 5/6 pm. That is the worse of LA rush hour. My brother works in downtown LA and works until 6:30/7pm to drive back to Valencia without much traffic. If you can leave at 7pm, your drive will be with less traffic and you could stop along the way in Santa Clarita or Valencia before you head toward Bakersfield. Or take the girls to dinner in DTD or at Mimi's and then head home.

Have fun..enjoy your time together!

 

[nodoubt51]

I've done it a couple of times, DS14 & DD11. Since we are the the only AP holders in my family. If you are that nervous, I would book a room at the HOJO & just leave in the morning. I checked and the entertainment rate is avaliable for that night. It will aso give you and the girls more time in the park.

 

[jemilah]

I have done the drive to DL from Vegas alone with my boys , my suggestion is get AAA road service if you don't have it. It is around $50 and just in-case they will respond even faster to a women alone..........I know they have done so for my sister and I on many occasions.

 

[LuvEeyore]

I understand your feelings. I am traveling from VA to DL. my goddaughter is 13 and her friend traveling with us is 14 and I helped her choose the friend that could go. My mom with alzheimers(early) is going with us and Morgan and her friend both know thta Mom is going and they are excited and talking about helping her and staying with her so I can ride rollercoasters. (she loves most rides including most roller coasters.
I have traveled with kids before and they do well and even tell me when I need to rest. They now find reading directions, maps etc as a challemge and are begining to help. (Won;t be long before they will be getting learners permits.)

Go and have fun!!!

 

[SeansMom]

How about a cheap motel that night and drive back fresh the next day? Is that possible? Or drive down the evening before, stay in a hotel, and leave a tad bit earlier the next day? Might take out some of the stress factor, breaking up the drive that way.

Have fun!

 

[Jenn1116]

Looks like a lot of good advice. In regards to being too tired for the drive home, just plan on a strong cup of coffee before leaving the parks, or maybe taking an early driving break for coffee or an energy drink. I know a lot of people have very stong opinions when it comes to caffinated beverages, especially energy drinks, and I don't know where you stand on it, but it helped me get through a sluggish 8 hr drive home.

Maybe you can pick out a couple location in-between and find a cheap hotel just in case you are too tired to drive all the way. That way you have a plan ahead of time. Noboubt51's suggestion to just book at Hojos is good one too.

 

[Bread&Butterflies]

I am glad to see you are leaning towards going now.
I had that same fear and doubt before my dd(almost 3 @ the time) and I left for
our solo, spontaneous trip. I almost decided against it when I saw the weather report too,,,(we hit almost 100 that weekend)
We left @ 6pm from the Bay Area and arrived at HoJo a little after midnight,
stopping only once for potty and gas.

I agree with the pp, that you shouldn't leave Anaheim to head back home til after 7pm...
on our March trip, we left on Saturday the day before Easter and hit SO MUCH TRAFFIC between Disney and the Grapevine!!!
It took SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long, it was unbearable and made our drive home that much more tiring. (7.5 ours as opposed to 6)
Do anything you can to miss high traffic times.
It will make your journey so much more pleasant.

Have a great time!

 

[KelsiesMommy]

I've done the drive there and back from Bakersfield alone with my 2 little girls (5 and 3- done it when they were younger, too) and it isn't so bad. I wouldn't leave DL though until 6-6:30pm to avoid traffic heading home. Otherwise it could take you 4+ hours to get home as opposed to 3.

the kids you're taking are much older than mine and I assume won't be prone to midday meltdowns when it's their usual naptime, so I say if I can do it- you can!!

 

[dizneekrazee]

I say go for it! The girls are getting big. Last April I had a kinda similar situation, just me, my 3 boys (8,3,1) and my mom, who is of absolutely no help at all! All she did was whine about going and taking a nap, which she was more that welcome to do, she just wanted all of us to go too, and well, we were at DL and we didnt want to!!

All I can say is I will never make the trip with my mom again!! But, if my boys were older, I would have no problem at all going as the only adult. And as a PP mentioned, at that age, they can go off on their own for a few hours with a designated meeting time and place, I used to love to do that at that age!!

Brandy
Have a great trip!!

 

[TinkandPooh]

Gosh I love these boards.
It is real nice to see so many of you care enough to give your input and advice, which has all been great by the way!!!
As the day goes by today I am getting more and more anxious and really talking myself up about just going for it!
I think I am safe in our car as we just bought a new gas saver last weekend a 2008 Saturn VUE so I would hope I do not break down.
As far as changing a flat tire though.....ummmm this I am sad to say could be a roblem for me if somehting of that nature were to take place.
The car is however equipped with ONSTAR and we have the safe and sound plan as well as turn by turn navigation (not that I am worried about directions to DL because I could get there with my eyes closed).
With ONSTAR they will help me if I have problems on the road along the way so I am comfy with that providing I do not have to use it late at night (scary).
Anyhow just wanted to pop in and say thanks again for all the wonderful input.
I will check back in a bit but I really think I am going to end up just going for it!

Oh and if anyone has ONSTAR in their vehicle and has had to use it for road side assist please let me knwo how that went and if they were quick to respond?

Thanks again.

 

[TinkandPooh]

Ok I am back to let everyone know we are going for it!!!
We purchased our APs awhile ago and printed them up at home.
So Monday watch out because here come the fantastic four!!! LOL
I had to create a ticker even though it is a quick 1 day up and back trip.
No itenerary though (even with as much as I like to do them) I figure a 1 day trip we will just wing it and just do what we can.
Thank you all for your input and advice.
Have a great evening, weekend, and most of all HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

 

[21yankees]

Have an awesome time!!!!

steph