HELP! Where to stay for Mom with 2 small kids?

[Twoears]

Okay, I am in a pickle! My DH just found out that he is unable to go to MNSSHP with us, so I am going solo with DS 5 and DS 17 months. Where would be the best place for us to stay? I have thought of CR Tower. We have never stayed at CR before so I would love to have some othere views. I know you guys have traveled as single parents before! We normally stay at the Poly and have also stayed at GF. Any advice would be really appreciated.

 

[milmore104]

First of all GOOD LUCK!!! I would definately concider one of the Monarail resorts.They use the less bus transporation. And w/ going solo w/ 2 little ones you are not going to want to be lugging around them and a stroller in and out of the bus!

 

[WendyinNC]

My DH can't come either. I traveled with my Mom last summer and stayed at the Poly Concierge. This year I will be traveling by myself with the 3 kids ages 4, 5 and 7. I will be staying at CR Tower Club. I think either of these locations are great for going solo with small children. My recommendation would be to upgrade to concierge. That way you can always have snacks and drinks available. I really wouldn't want to get three kids up and dressed in order to grab a cup of coffee early in the morning. So, since you will be saving some money by DH not coming along, maybe you can justify this extra cost.

 

[mbb]

take a look at leahannpen's post...lots of good suggestions there...if I can get the link to work...

aarggh! I can never do this right Sorry!

 

[BraveMom3]

I've been traveling to WDW with 3 children (hence my screen name!) for the past 5 or 6 years. We stay for 2 weeks, and my husband can't be gone that long. Anyway, I've always enjoyed staying at WL for the exact reason that I would be alone with small children. The resort is extremely compact in design, and you can get to MK easily by boat. Take a coffee pot or request one if you need it, have snacks and drinks for the room, and for sure request a room close to the elevators, ice and vending. I was always right off the elevator and the ice/vending area was there also. I would just run right over if necessary and kids were okay for a few seconds. Then when the oldest got old enough, I would allow them to go get ice by themselves by leaving the door ajar so I could hear them, and they got a big kick out of that!

It is definitely doable. You will have a great time!

 

[Alice28]

I would definitely agree about staying at a monorail resort. I think the Contemporary is a splendid choice- you're on the monorail, and you can even stroll over to the MK if you like (I did with my kids in the morning- it's a 5-8 minute walk and better than waiting with the hoardes for the monorail- plus there are 3 stops between the Contemporary and the MK so it can take up to 20 minutes to get to the MK...on the way back the Contemporary is the first stop and that is great!)

Have a great time!

 

[CalGal]

I'm a single parent, but only have one child to manage. We've been traveling on our own to DL and WDW since my DS was 21 months old. Even with only one child, it's been tricky at times, especially managing counter service or buffet meals. But CMs always seem to know when you need an extra hand; Pinocchio even watched my DS while I went through a buffet line one time. It seemed to be most difficult when my son was 3-4 yrs old. I think the ages of your children will help; the youngest will likely not fight staying in the stroller most of the time, and the oldest will hopefully know to stay closed and be able to help support you with the toddler.

To your question -- I think the CR tower is an excellent choice. The Monorail is so convenient and saving steps will probably be very important since you won't be able to carry a tired 5 year-old and push a stroller at the same time (perhaps you'll use a double stroller?). The kids will love the monorail running through the resort, and Chef Mickey's is a fun and convenient place to dine. You can watch the electric water parade from the room after the little ones have nodded off. While any of the MK resorts would be great, I think CR tower will offer you the greatest convenience. If you do decide on another, you might want request a room that's not too far from the transportation.

From a security standpoint, I don't think you need to be concerned about any of the WDW resorts. However, the delux resorts will likely offer you and your DH a little more peace of mind.

It will be great! You'll have a wonderful time!

 

[StrwLady]

I agree with the others. A monorail resort is your best choice. I stayed at the Poly 2 times on a trip with out my husband and I think it was so much easier the dealing with busses to all the parks. The CR tower is a great choice too. We have stayed in the tower and the garden wings. What I really liked about the tower is in the morning you are coming down to the 4th floor (monorail access) rather then going up. I always got on an elevator right away. But when coming from a garden wing I found in the morning (peak morning times) it was crowded and congested and often I had to wait through a few elevators before I got on an elevator going up. One suggestion I would like to make if its possible for you to have a king size bed the I suggest you request one. The rooms with a King Size bed are much more spacious. It would give you a lot of space for your son to run around and work off some steam. If your boy is anything like mine (6 in 2 weeks) . My son gets wound up when hes tired and bounces of the walls

 

[Twoears]

Thanks for all of the great advice. I booked the Poly because we have stayed there many times and I am very familiar with everything. Go where you know right!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I think you made the perfect choice! Have a great time!

 

[lynr]

Twoears:

Try to request a room close to the main building if you're not in concierge, that way you won't be to far from anything with the two kids.

I use to travel to Disney with my kids alone when they were younger. We would go for two weeks and my husband could only be off for one so he would meet us after the first week. I always found the monorail resorts the best bet.

Have a great trip.

Lyn

 

[confal1]

Glad to hear that you picked Poly. I am taking my 7 month olf and 4 1/2 year old in Nov. DH has to work. We are staying Poly GV concierge on the 2nd floor. I picked the 2nd floor so then you won't have to take the elevator to the concierge food leve. Also the 1st floor I was not comfortable with because I was afraid of my 4 1/2 figuring a way out when or if I can take a shower and the 3rd floor is smoking so that is out. My other reason for chosing the Poly over CR is the 0 depth entry pool so that your older one can still go in the water and play while you sit with the younger one. Have a great time.