Just me and the boys...

[Mommyof3]

Hi everyone. I just joined the board today & I'm not really sure where to put this post, so I've already posted it in the "SOLO" section and I thought I'd post it here too... Hope thats ok

Anyway, I am a single mother of 3 sons ages 10, 6 & almost 4. Our WDW vacation is set for April 28-May 2, 2005 & I am extremely excited! We live in Michigan and we have traveled a few of places before with just us but it was always drive-able or just a short flight like to Chicago so anyway this will be our first big trip together and although I'm excited - I have to admit I'm getting a little nervous because I will be taking the boys to Disney World all alone.

The original plan was for my parents & the boys dad to come along with us because their dad and I actually have a pretty ok relationship now that we're no longer together

Well anyway, my parents told me a few months back that they decided since they were moving soon they didn't want to take the trip & spend money but they wanted to go another time, and then the beginning of the year something came up with my EX so he just recently cancelled his reservation so now it's just us... I've already told the boys we were going to Disney and like I said we travel alone sometimes anyway so we're still going, but I've been hearing about how crowded WDW can get and all of that so I'm just worried that I won't be able to handle all of the boys although they are really good kids I don't know if the excitement will get them going & by myself that might stress me out, LOL because I'm sure the place is huge! Anyway, another thing I wanted to know are there alot of rides that we all can go on together?

And for anyone who has traveled alone with kiddies I would like to know what has your experience been like, was it tiring & you wouldn't recommend it or did you actually enjoy yourself and would do it again?... And also if you have any tips for me about anything so that the boys & I can make this a special trip to remember I would really appreciate it.

BTW, sorry so long

 

[meandtheguys2]

I have travelled alot with my three boys, (10, 8, and 5) and we usually do a-ok. They seem to jump into the helpful role when it is just us. I am sure that if they are normally reasonable well-behaved that you will have a ball! (No trip being perfect, though!)

Welcome to the Dis!

Michelle

 

[Mommyof3]

Awwh thanks so much for the reply and the welcome ... So you have three boys too!

It's so nice to hear that you all enjoy your travels alone & the trips have been good experiences. Thanks again for your supportive response!

 

[meandtheguys2]

Awwh thanks so much for the reply and the welcome ... So you have three boys too!

It's so nice to hear that you all enjoy your travels alone & the trips have been good experiences. Thanks again for your supportive response!

You are very welcome! They really are a fun group and I enjoy them a lot.

BTW, it is nice to see someone woring with their ex. My mom did that for us and I truly still appreciate it!

 

[Mommyof3]

Thanks again! BTW, one more quick question if you have a chance to answer... Are there any rides/attractions that we all can go on together? Or rides that will allow the two oldest to sit together and then the little one and myself together?

 

[meandtheguys2]

Plenty! I have to get dinner, but will think about this and get back to you asap!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Well I've never taken a solo trip before but have been many times and have a few ideas for you. I'm thinking about a trip with just DD for her 6th birthday in May. I'll leave DH home with DS(4) and DD(2).

First I would try to pack very light so you won't have lots of luggage to worry about in the airport. I have had success mailing a package ahead to the resort and then mailing home dirty laundry.

I would also arrange for a town car from the airport to the resort rather than a shuttle or rental car. They will meet you right a baggage claim. I had great service from FL Tours.

If you think your younger kids will need a stroller I would rent in the parks so that you don't have to deal with a stroller on the transportation to the parks. I brought a single for my youngest on the last trip and rented a double for the other 2 using the multi-day rental. You pay for the number of days you want and get something like a 10% discount and then you don't have to wait in line to pay again.

I think I'ld avoid buffets. I think you'ld find it difficult to get food for the 4 of you and watch the kids but your 10 year old could help out a bit....

Perhaps the most important. Understand that you won't be able to see all of Disney World in 1 trip. Just try to relax and enjoy what you do see and don't stress that you've got to show them everything! I learned this when I took a trip with my DD(3 1/2 at the time) and I was 6 months pregnant with baby #3. I went with a friend and left DS home with DH. On the first day my DD was having a great moment with the Penguins from Mary Poppins and noone else was around but I rushed her so we could get on the carosel. Well we missed that ride on the carosel anyways and I felt really bad that I had rushed her first character interaction. From then I on I took things at her pace and we had a great trip. We never even made it to Animal Kingdom on that trip but I have priceless memories of all the things we did see instead of just a blur of rushing around.

Where are you staying?

I'm sure you'll have a great trip.

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

I think you will have a wonderful time. After all, you take care of the 3 of them all the time at home, so why would Disney be any more difficult? In some ways, it will be easier---no cooking!

 

[Mommyof3]

I've been away from the forum, but I really appreciate all of the replies.

@lovesdumbo, you had so much helpful information, thank you so much and yes I did plan to have a car transport to/from the hotel/airport & we'll be staying at the All Star Movies resort. So we'll be staying on property which I thought would make the trip alot more convenient and stress free.

@JessetheCowgirl - you know what? I never even thought of it that way but you're right because I do for the most part take care of them any other time by myself so hopefully our trip will be a BLAST

 

[disneygoof]

For a great, structured, two hours, think about the Family Magic Tour. Lots of fun for the ages of your boys, and for you. It really is magical and you won't have to worry about the age gap for that period of time. $25 per person.

Also, be careful what you choose for meeting points if you, say, send the two older boys on a ride and keep the youngest with you to meet up after the ride. I understand most children are separated from their parents when they say they'll meet at a bench by the entrance, and then the kids are waiting by an identical looking bench at the exit, which may be around the corner and out of sight. Use unique and more identifiable locales.

Have fun!