just me and my 2 preschoolers - any tips?

[linda_loo]

dh has a conference at the Dolphin, last week in April. It's hard to pass up the great rate that he gets, so we are going and staying 7 nights. He'll be totally available for a couple days, but there will be at least 2 days where it will be just me and 2 preschoolers (he doesn't need to go to every single moment of the conference, if you KWIM). They are girls, will be almost 4 and almost 2.5 when we go. I *think* I can manage the kids by myself, in the parks, if I rent a double stroller. I may just use Mears to get to MK and AK, rather than lose my santity waiting for and riding on the bus.

Here's my plan, just wondering if you have any other tips, or opinions on the plan. TIA!

Sun 23
Princess Storybook Breakfast, then enjoy Epcot together.
dh has meeting in evening only

Mon 24
dh probably has meetings, we're not sure yet
Chef Mickey's breakfast (late - 9:40 am), considering taking kids into MK by monorail after breakfast by myself... playing in Toontown, Pooh's Playful Spot.

Tues 25
dh probably has meetings, we're not sure yet
AK, ride Safari a couple times, boneyard, etc. Relax in hotel in afternoon, dh join us, early evening in going back to AK.

Wed 26
dh probably has meetings, we're not sure yet
Relax at the hotel, play in the pools, maybe walk to the Boardwalk.
1900 Park Fare Dinner with dh.

Thurs 27
dh probably has meetings, we're not sure yet
Since MGM is so easy to get to from the Dolphin, I was thinking of hitting the shows in the morning, coming back for lunch and to relax. Then, maybe dh can join us to back to MGM early in the evening.

Fri 28
no meetings
Crystal Palace Lunch, enjoy MK together.

 

[nickelsfamily]

I have never gone it alone. But, to me your plan sounds great. You seem to be very flexible in your plan and that would be the advise that I would have given!
It seems that you have allowed enough time for your kids to rest and that alone will leave you with your sanity while DH is in his meetings!
Who ever thought that work would be your excuse to go to Disney, wouldn't want to pass it up!
Good luck!

 

[poohfriend]

Only you know your family and what you can handle....

my experience in January by myself with 7, 4 and just turned 2:

Rent the double stroller at the park unless you think you need a stroller for your 2yo around the resort. (Then consider brining your own or renting a double from one of those local places.)

MK is the easiest because it has the maximum number of rides/attractions the 2 year-old can enjoy. These are things you'd be able to do together (CMs usually allow 3 to seat (if necessary) on these: Small world, Dumbo, Carosel, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Alladin,train, buzz lightyear, donald's boat, pooh's playground, character hunting, tomorowland transit, jungle cruise, plus shows like tiki birds and country bears. (Snow white and the Pirates are also available, but more scary. My two year old tolerated the Philharmagic.)

We kept returning to MK because it was easier. MGM has longer shows that didn't hold the 2yo interest as much (Exception: playhouse disney).

AK may not be open in the evening as your suggesting above. Only 2 rides my 2 yo liked here (the dumbo style dino and the Safari). Still and nice day. Again, don't count on sitting down for any of the longer shows...make sure the 2 yo is rested before hand!

We didn't do Epcot. Sound like you may have DH on that day though!

Be at the parks as close to opening as you can. It's so much easier because the crowds are lighter. Then you can go back to the hotel and rest when it gets busier.

Rest in the afternoon. If you've gotten up early, the need to rest earlier than usual may arise. (my kids were tiring by noon, but we were up early too!)

A sit down meal is delightful with just you and the kids. I especially liked the Character meals because of the entertainment. A counter service meal gives you no down-time! Make dining reservations for a sit-down in the middle of the day when you're by yourself with the kids. If you go to a buffet, ask a CM to stay with your kids while you fill your plate!

Just do one big thing a day. Don't feel like you have to fill all of your free hours. My kids adored staying in the hotel room and playing with a new toy from one of the gift shops DTD. Go to a park, come back and rest and don't feel like you have to go back! enjoy enjoy enjoy

 

[stahshee]

You and the kids will have so much fun!