Just me and 3 kids...am I crazy?

[disneyfor5]

My husband started a new job and will be in training for 3 months in Georgia. I decided to take our three kids to Disney for a week in August. My husband is going to meet us for 2 days (all he can get off) but the rest of the time will be just me and the kids. Their ages are 4, 10 and 11. Just like to hear any advice of people doing it singlehandedly...am I crazy?

 

[ms_missy66]

I guess it depends on your children. Do you feel like they would be good about sticking very close to you? Do you think they'd be understanding that you're single-parenting and may need help or a break?

I've got two girls, ages 6 an 4, and would, without hesitation, do a single-parent trip. My biggest fear would be that the little one would poop out and do this thing where she won't move. She doesn't throw a fit. She just gets totally irrational and noncompliant. Daddy is super handy in those times! LOL Regardless, I'd still brave it.

Hope it works out for you! My vote is to go for it!

 

[CyndiLooWho]

At those ages, I think I'd take them, too. The older ones are old enough to understand and be helpful with the younger one, and they'll have a blast. Just make sure to think out all the situations you could possibly deal with in advance (like if little one sits and decides not to move, if the older ones do something irresponsible, etc) and talk about the consequences so everyone has a script to refer to when something does happen (older 2 get ice cream while little one has a fit, everyone goes back to the hotel and offending one gets no tv/early bedtime/whatever). Peer pressure should keep the older two in line and they shouldn't have to suffer b/c little one is having a fit.

Make sure to plan downtime and breaks, too. I know that would be key for me.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[PoohHappens]

The other thing I thought of is are you OK letting your 10 and 11 year old ride something they are tall enough to go on while you wait with the 4 year old who may not be.

I think the trip would be totally doable if you have kidos who listen in general and are not likely to take off.

 

[PoohHappens]

For me too, I would definately use a stroller for the 4 year old. I would not be up to carrying the child when it was tired. My DH will put our son up on his shoulders or carry him back to the hotel when he got tired, but I would not be up for that. A 10 or 11 year old should be able to help with folding and unfolding the stroller for the bus, I would just let them practice a few times before you go.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

I would be OK but would only stay on property.

 

[MickeyMouse'sBFF]

I think the "crazy" part isnt that you are going by yourself with three kids, but that you are going there in AUGUST!
The kids at that age will be fine. Just decide ahead of time you all are going on rides you ALL can go on as a group so there wont be a lot of waiting with your little one for them all the time. Well, OK...Maybe a few rides here and there...but theres pleanty to keep you all together there. Have fun!

 

[onemaybaby]

I've taken my two DD's when they were 3 and 7. We stayed off-site and drove down (20 hour drive) by ourselves.

I think it depends on yourself and your children. When I told people that they looked at me like I have 2 heads
But we had a great time and I would do it again in a hearbeat.

 

[disneyfor5]

Thanks for your replies and just to add that we were just in Disney this past April and my little one who has just turned 4 LOVES any thrill ride she is tall enough for. She went on from Splash Mountain to Fast Track which she just made the height on them (40"). Will have a stroller too and will be staying at All STar Movies. I know the August heat will be bad though...

 

[DisDreaminMom]

I'm going next week and taking my 9 and 6 year old with me. I'm driving 13 hours, too. Family was supposed to join us, but pooped out, so now I'm by myself. I have repeatedly told kids that we will have to COOPERATE with each other and make decisions as a team. So we'll see.

My DS is autistic, so I'm taking a wheelchair for him, since he melts in the heat and I have no "nap" option for him. He's just too big for a stroller now, and he is very physically weak. It will help conserve his energy and buy us time. It's usually the "weakest" member of the group that blows up your plans, so get that stroller for the 4 year old. We also agreed not to "go commando" and be more relaxed about how many rides we go on, what we actually do, etc. This trip, it's more about being there.

Oh, and PP is right- stay on property. It's just easier.

I was freaking out a few days ago, but now I see it as a good opportunity for all of us. Plus, how grumpy can we be at Disney?

 

[Laurabearz]

If the 4 year old is 40 inches or taller I say go for it

Anything less and I would reconsider.

 

[MJAJmom]

I think you should absolutely go!! And you'll have a great time. With kids those ages, it will be lots of fun. I took my DS3 and DS6 by myself last Oct and we had a blast. DH couldn't come, so it was either not go or go without him. So hubby stayed home and we went. (see link below for my trip report). I'm going solo again with the boys on June 5th for Star Wars Weekends -- can't wait.

Now, a trip alone will be a little bit different. You need to reset some expectations of what you can accomplish. Also, go over the ground rules with your kids. The pace will be a just a little bit slower going without DH. For me, it was more critical to adjust my thinking than the kids. Take lots of deep breaths, try not to yell too much, and remember that your at Disney so it can't get too frustrating or overwhelming.

I found it to be a very special time with my 2 boys. We also did some things that we probably wouldn't have done if Daddy came along. Overall, I'm so glad that I went solo. Now I know I can do it again. Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[Tiffany_PartyOf7]

I'd do it in a heartbeat... especially since there are 2 that are a little older. I went twice a week in my third trimester with my then 4 yr old, 2 yr old, and 1 yr old. LOL. If one day gets to be too much, you can head back to the hotel and hang out. I'd definitely bring a stroller (or rent one) for the 4 yr old though.

 

[bz8bls]

I'm taking my DGC (twin girls 4 1/2 and boy that is 6 1/2) in the middle of July. Luckily the twins are 42' and 43' in height so there are quite a few ride options.

I am driving from Michigan and will stop in Atlanta to visit my mom on the way to and from Florida. I think it will be nice to break up the drive.

We are also staying on property (DVC members); actually I am more excited that DH is not going this time (he's not a theme park kind of guy, however, he loves the Disney cruise)

We are going to be in Orlando for 11 nights, plan on going to Universal and Seaworld as well.

Maybe all of us Moms should start a caravan

Oh yea...I've gotten that look when I told relatives and friends of my vaction plans.

 

[MJAJmom]

I think you should absolutely go!! And you'll have a great time. With kids those ages, it will be lots of fun. I took my DS3 and DS6 by myself last Oct and we had a blast. DH couldn't come, so it was either not go or go without him. So hubby stayed home and we went. (see link below for my trip report). I'm going solo again with the boys on June 5th for Star Wars Weekends -- can't wait.

Now, a trip alone will be a little bit different. You need to reset some expectations of what you can accomplish. Also, go over the ground rules with your kids. The pace will be a just a little bit slower going without DH. For me, it was more critical to adjust my thinking than the kids. Take lots of deep breaths, try not to yell too much, and remember that your at Disney so it can't get too frustrating or overwhelming.

I found it to be a very special time with my 2 boys. We also did some things that we probably wouldn't have done if Daddy came along. Overall, I'm so glad that I went solo. Now I know I can do it again. Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[tjmw2727]

I would - I take my dd's to WDW by myself fairly often but I know there is a big difference between 2 kids and 3. Considering the ages of your children and that you have been recently I think its very do-able.

I would imagine that you do many things with all 3 of your kids as the solo adult so think of this as just another trip to the zoo, mall, supermarket etc. = just a little longer

The nice thing is that you don't have to cook or clean and you can really spend time just having time with your kids.

A few things to think about; one is the quick serve meals and buffets - can one of your older kids sit with the 4yo while you and another of the older kids get qs meals? I would consider getting a grocery delivery and a cooler so you can have some favorite foods and snacks in the room and save having to run to the food court as often. I use wegoshop.com and have had excellent service.

Parades/fireworks - be prepared that no matter how much you plan and grab a spot in advance, someone will probably have to go and you may loose your spot. I brought along a beach towel to help save spots for parades and fantasmic. If I did have to run on a bathroom trip with one of my dd's the beach towel helped the other child hold a spot. Other times we just all left and found a new spot after.

I would make sure that you have a pretty good but simple plan for each park outing. Its going to be hot in August so maybe have everyone pick 1 must do and after that everything else is a bonus. We are going the 20th of August and plan to hit the parks at opening, swim in the afternoon and return out for evenings at the parks. We also have a waterpark day planned.

Maybe all of us solo "parent's" who are going in August should meet up - perhaps we could have our own grand gathering - JK

TJ