I struck gold here!! Help this single mommy!

[MommyWithDreams]

I will be taking my son who is 3 to Disneyland for the first time. I have not been since 1993. We will be going the week of March 11-17th. I am overwhelmed with trying to make it perfect for my son. I went through a divorce this year and became a FT working mommy so needless to say after all the changes my son and I went through in 2006 I really want this to be the most amazing experience for us together. Any tips you can give me would be greatly appreciated. He's leary of characters but does warm up.....how are the characters with the "clingy" ones?
We will be going with my sister and her family so he'll have lots of other kids he knows interacting with characters, I just want those kodak moments but without pushing him. I think I will be around here a lot, this place is a huge help I can tell already.

 

[Juliegirl1]

Just don't force him to go up to the characters - let him do it at his own pace. Also in the parks are plenty of statues and large murals where you can get pictures of him that might be a little easier.

I am also a single mommy and just got back from a 7 day trip to WDW with my seven year old son. We had a wonderful time! Take your time and enjoy yourself and the wonder and magic that WDW offers.

 

[tmarquez]

I know it is easier said than done...but...

...my best advice is not to try to plan out these "kodak moments" too much...just let Disney happen. Otherwise you may be let down. Also a 3yo can change ALOT in 2 months so how he is right now may be totally different than when you go.

For a clingy kid...maybe you could get in the picture too, he may feel more comfortable if mom is ok with it.

 

[flying_babyb]

aww, dont try so hard. I come from a single parent home where my mom was working full time (2 jobs) and going to school. I know alot of times I was angry that mommy wasnt around. I would cherish ANY time I could get with my mom. So what Im saying is your sons gonna be glad to have mommy time and will awalys remember this trip. I think what would be cool is to find one night that you can break away from the group and do somthing thats just you and him.

 

[MommyWithDreams]

Oh thanks everyone. And I'd never push the character thing. He really suprised me last summer at Six Flaggs with approaching a few on his own. I honestly think I'm being too hard on myself with this trip and wanting it all to be perfect. But then again.....how can any trip to Dland be anything but?
I'm just feeling so blessed to have the chance.
And we will definitely be splitting from the group for some mommy and son time. I can't wait!!

 

[3DisneyGals&1Grumpy]

I would definitely try a character meal at the beginning of the trip. This way he can scope things out and also see other kids his age enjoying the characters. He will be able to see the characters from a distance and then see them gradually get closer as they make their way to your table.
Chef Mickeys would be a great way to start your trip.
Collecting autographs from the characters is another way that may take the "scary factor" out of meeting the characters. Although I do have to warn you that there have been a couple of times I wish my girls didn't know what autograph books were. My youngest insist that we try to find every character that Disney ever had. My DH insist that somewhere offstage there is a bulletin board with our daughter's picture listed as a "Warning...Character Stalker. May appear at any moment with Sharpie!"

 

[3DisneyGals&1Grumpy]

Oops! Just realized you will be going to Disneyland instead of Disney World. I am not sure what character meals Disneyland has but I do know that it has them. I am sure you could find out on the Disneyland thread. There are lots of great photo ops at them!