Me and 4-year old son alone in the World

[runswithscissors]

I am in the midst of planning a surprise trip for my son. We will be going in January 2008 and I was originally planning on staying at POFQ which is where we're staying in October. I am now considering staying at a different resort and would love some input. I prefer the moderate or deluxe resorts. DS has been to the World a few times and I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks,
Sarah

 

[spiceycat]

Cr or Polyn

 

[TinkOhio]

I would go with the CR or Poly, too. Both are on the monorail loop, and the MK is great for 4 year olds. Most boys that age that I know are really into vehicles, so the monorail is even more special to them. Maybe you can book a meal at Chef Mickey's for that reason?

Have fun with your son!

 

[SqueakyMouse]

AKL -- my kids love this resort...nearly as much as I do. (Honestly, my kids love all of the WDW resorts. I don't think you can go wrong anywhere.)

 

[Bell30012]

Four year old? And you aren't considering the POP Century? Nothing beats 40 foot tall icons... plus there is this neat area called Goofy's Pop Jets... My 4-year-old and I made a trip by ourselves last year... She enjoyed it more than every other trip to Disney thus far...

 

[sunee]

I agree that if you can stand a value resort, you might consider one. They are exactly what a four year old would love.

If you don't like the value resorts, then I'd go with CSR (moderate) or AKL (Deluxe) to please the munchkin.

 

[byoung]

Stay at one of the Epcot resorts , walking distance to 2 parks.

 

[runswithscissors]

I am not against the value resorts but, because we'll be alone, I thought that we'd be better off at either a smaller resort or something closer to the parks. We've never been to the Poly or CR and he does LOVE the monorail! My husband would freak if we went to AKL without him so that's our next family trip. We frequent the Great Wolf Lodge in PA and VA and DS loves the wilderness theme there so I'm also considering WL but was worried about the remote location.

 

[YCFAN]

I've taken three alone trips with my youngest son. First when he was 4 and two this year while he's 6. We've stayed at YC, AKL and BC. He loves the animals at AKL but his favorite is YC/BC. He loves getting on the boat to go to MGM Studios and the quick walk to Epcot. It's very relaxing there and the sandy area of Stormalong Bay is perfect for him. He can walk right in and dig in the sand. He loves it!!!! He gets to ride the bus to MK and AK and we always make sure that we take the long monorail ride at least once from Epcot to MK.

 

[runswithscissors]

Stay at one of the Epcot resorts , walking distance to 2 parks.

We stay at BCV fairly often and we love it but my parents are taking DS on the 17th for 10 days (I couldn't get away from work) so I'd like to stay somewhere else. But, SAB is an incredible pool and DS spends hours there. Have to consider the weather in January, though. I've heard BWI can be noisy...is this true?

 

[CarolA]

You know what a four year old would LOVE? All Star Movies.

My four year old nephew wanted to know WHY we weren't staying there!!! (Punt OKW head for the giant Buzz LOL!)

 

[lookingforward]

My daughter and I have been taking Mom/daughter weekend each year for her birthday in December. Our first was when she was 4, this year she will be 9 Anyhow, we have tried different resorts each year. I would suggest a monorail resort. The contemporary is great, the monorail is exciting for little boys and they have an awesome game room (check their rehab schedule though). This year we are staying at the POLY and I can't wait. The pool is awesome and I love the convienence of the transportation.

 

[runswithscissors]

I've taken three alone trips with my youngest son. First when he was 4 and two this year while he's 6.

YCFAN, when you took your son on the first trip alone, did you do anything differently to prepare for your trip? I'm excited about the trip but also a little nervous. I travel often and have vacationed alone with my son but not in Disney.

Thanks,
Sarah

 

[runswithscissors]

My daughter and I have been taking Mom/daughter weekend each year for her birthday in December. Our first was when she was 4, this year she will be 9 Anyhow, we have tried different resorts each year.

That is wonderful! I am hoping to make this an annual trip but my husband is already giving my the guilt trip about going without him! Do you and your daughter make the resort choice together? Normally my son chooses our resort but January's trip is a surprise so I can't get his input on this one. So, I turn to the DIS gurus for help!

Thanks,
Sarah

 

[IMDORY]

YCFAN, when you took your son on the first trip alone, did you do anything differently to prepare for your trip? I'm excited about the trip but also a little nervous. I travel often and have vacationed alone with my son but not in Disney.

Thanks,
Sarah

That's funny-I'm going alone with my DS 6 in August (DH can't get time off)and the only place I would consider going alone at this point is WDW-I won't have to rent a car and navigate roads, pack the booster seat...etc. I'm familiar with the "lay of the land" and the restaurants. We're staying at WL-we've stayed there before-resort size is nice and small, pool is a good size so I can easily see him. I considered YC/BC b/c of SAB...but it seems to big for me to watch were he is at this age. I like the location of WL-Boat and Bus transportation have always been good...the only thing perhaps a bit easier would be to stay at a monorail resort.

Enjoy your trip-I know I'm looking forward to mine!