Need Single Parent Advice

[mom2grace]

We took DD for her 5th birthday, did lunch at the castle, and lunch at Norway. We are going back 2 1/2 years later, and she doesn't want to go to the castle, only Norway. I think the Castle is a little over rated.

Go at your own pace, take naps, and enjoy the small things. DD loved looking at the flowers, water areas, etc. She also liked the pool, but we didn't swim much.

She won't know what she isn't seeing, and it leaves an excuse to go back again!

 

[santa's surpriz]

Regarding checking in the stroller, this may have changed but me and other parents checked strollers at the gate just before boarding. No charge. They will bring it back up for you after landing.

I think having a stroller will actually be easier...you'll be more handsfree than you think! most umbrella strollers have a stow away pocket on the back. Stash a change of clothes, maps, drinks, etc. I got mine a while back from babyrus for under $30.

 

[crazykids]

I'm not a single parent, but I do on occasion take the kids alone due to DH's work hours. I took my 2 little ones (ages 2 & 3) this past February & we had a great time! It is a bit of a job keeping the little ones together, but we had lots of fun nonetheless. This November, I'm bringing all 3 of my kids alone, so I already have my plans in place for that! (they are now 2, 4, & 5)

Here are my tips:
I always carry a backpack, this is where all of the cameras, snacks, drinks, etc. go - I need both of my hands free at all times! ALWAYS have your dining reservations made ahead of time, it's definitely easier w/ mutiple kids to have waitress services rather than going to CS (carrying the food & looking for a seat w/ kids running all over the place). I used to rent a double stroller, but they just had a huge price increase, so for know on I'll be bringing a double umbrella stroller. As someone said in an earlier post, you can check the stroller at the gate & not be charged any additional fees for baggage. Get to the parks early! I have no problem w/ this because the kids wake up early anyway. The parks are always less crowded first thing in the morning, & this is a great opportunity to go on all of those attractions that normally fill up fast. If your child wants characters - the character dining is always better to do instead of waiting in those huge lines at the park. I always bring breakfast items down w/ me in my suitcase, cereal bars, etc. & buy some milk when I get to the resort. This keeps the kids content in the morning so you don't feel that you're always rushing out to get to breakfast. I have done photopass & it's a great service, but the photographers will also take pictures of your party if you give them your own camera. I did this every time one year & I had all of the same shots on my camera as they had on photopass, so no need to spend the $100! I also buy items from our local Disney store beforehand - they always have a great clearance section! I hide these items in my suitcase & will suprise the kids at various times throughout the trip by just leaving the item somwhere I know they'll find it - they all think Tinkerbelle leaves the gifts for them! This also saves on buying those expensive souveniers!

I'm sure I'll think of more later, but that's it for know. Have a great trip & don't worry too much about things, just have fun! I find if you do all the planning ahead of time, you will have a much better time when you get there.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Santas and Haylo..thanks for the points about the umbrella stroller..I will look for one in the months before our trip..that has something you can ship it in so I can check it..it's worth the 25 second bag fee..darned airlines..to have it 'magically' appear in my room and not have to worry about it in the airport with our luggage.

Another option is to buy one at WDW. The gift shops have umbrella strollers for sale. I've also read they have them for sale right next to the stroller rental place. They are about $45 from posts I've seen here. I'll see if I can locate a picture of one.

ETA link to WDW stroller: http://www.kolcraft.com/product.aspx?id=99&&shopby=category

Secondly, in regards to the second bag fee, you and your daughter are each allowed one free checked bag. (Unless you are flying American, in which case, you get no free checked bags. ) Pack one bag of clothes, toiletries, etc. for the both of you and the checked stroller can be your other free bag. You are going in September so it's not as if you will need bulky winter clothes.

Definitely bring a backpack for the parks. It doesn't have to be big and don't overload it, but you'll appreciate a place to keep a couple snacks, bottle of water, camera, and a bottle of sunscreen. I also stuck a couple ponchos in mine in case of rain, DD's autograph book, and a travel size MagnaDoodle to keep her occupied in line.

 

[dreamer423]

As a single parent family and verteran WDW goer's, we have our routine down. We are planning a quick trip in a few weeks and i've lost count of how may times DS6 has been.

1. get to park before opening. It's early i know, but there's a opening show at MK, DHS that's great. Never seen it @ Epcot or AK. Also-less crowded. We usually run to fantasy-take short cut behind castle, near fronteir land, and we get in line for Dumbo. After that we make the rounds of Peter Pan, Snow white etc, we get a FP for something t repeat and head over to Buzz. If ds wants to do race trak and it's not too long, we do it. After Buzz, we may get right back on. Then we go back to FL, unless toon town is open. If it is, we hops on barnstormer and a gain. Then to FL, for FP. By this time-9:45- if before toon town, or 10:30, it's getting crowded, we do the carousel, IASW, etc. Of course for a girl, there's Ariels' Grotto etc.

The point is- the earlier the better, you have less wait, less crowd, less heat.

2. Bring Snacks/cold water---grapes, cheese stickes, yogurt tubes, apple slices and small peanut butter dunkers, finger food that an be done in line , in stroller, on demand. small bag with freezer cubes that can go over stroller bars and hang or under umbrella stroller.

3. digicam that records

4. Split up the bags- I don't like to carry a back \pack-it's heavy and sweaty. So I use the portable food bag as above. Small-preschool type back pack-to hang over stroller-that holds camera and other imp stuff. I keep tix/KTTW away from camera and credit cards by keeping in a pocket or around one of those neck lanyards.

5. Make ADRS ahead

6. Plan free/flexible time-nothing is worse than feeling like you're on a must do schedule b/c it's WDW and it was $$$ to go so you've got to see everything. With a cranky kid in tow. so-take each other's "temperature" a lot and be ready to scrap it and go swimming

7. Bring umbrella stroller with shade. You're on a monorail resort, its so nice to push kid in and out of monorail w/o driving, folding stroller esp as above noted-if she's tired.

8. From MK-you can boat to Contemporary, WL. take boats/monorail a lot-kids enjoy these and they are a built in amusement.


HTH

 

[squirrel]

Don't forget that any souviners you buy can get delivered to your resort. If you aren't staying at a WDW resort it can be picked up near the front gate.

You will enjoy having the Photopass CD! It was the only way to get pictures of my niece and I together at DL last year.

Have fun.

 

[catherines_mama]

As a single mother I took my DD right before she was 3 for her first trip. Took her by myself. I think the most important thing to do.... relax, be flexible, enjoy yourself. Don't get all hung up in missing a moment (WITH THE CAMERA). If you do that, you'll miss moments for yourself.

Follow the flow that your DD wants to take. Make your plans, but within them, relax and go with the flow. People will help you. Strangers are always so nice to take pics for you if you'd like to be in them (which as single parents we rarely are). I had a sleeping DD once when I stopped for lunch. I was pushing the stroller and could not push her and carry a tray at the same time. A great CM came and helped. So just relax and ask for help when needed. If you are at a parade.. befriend your neighbors and if you have to leave while waiting to make a potty run, enlist their support to save your seat.. they will!

Have a GREAT time!! Sounds like you have a lot planned. Realize that if you don't do all the ADRs... its no big deal. Those most likely aren't the things she'll remember anyway. The moments you two have alone are what seh'll remember the most. My DDs memories of that trip .... Sitting in my lap watching Wishes! Simple as that.

*wanted to add* As a frugal single mom.. I bought gifts online before we left, and snuck them into my bag. Each morning when we were leaving.. I'd run back in the room and put one on her pillow. That way when we got back it was waiting for her. Knowing that a treat was waiting at home.. kept the "can I have"s at bay.

 

[Taja]

I'm also a single mom who will be going with her daughter so I'm looking for any info I could get.

I'm well organized so planning should'nt be an issue but I was wondering about the rates for Disney packages, I know it's cheaper when 2 adults share the room with a child. ???? any info on that

The umbrella stroller idea is a good one, even if it's not needed better take it than having to buy one over there.

If you book a package through some TAs, they may charge everything on a "per person" basis, as on a cruise. They tend to sell "bundled" or "consolidated" packages.

If you book a package directly through Disney U.S., the room is a fixed rate for up to two adults and two children, with tickets and dining plan (or other options) on a per person basis.

Not sure which would be better for you. You'll want to price it every which way you can!

 

[tina_la]

Looks like you rgoing during Sept. Don't forget about Magical Beginings. I didn't know last year about it and you can get on rides aimed at little ones (example Dumbo) with little wait. Works like EMH but with the young childrens rides.

If anyone has anymore info than that please add.

 

[Honeymooner04]

Not a single mom but I did just book my second Mommy and Me trip today! My daughter is 2 and what worked best for us in May and what I'm planning on doing in August is just RELAX! I take only the bare minimum into the parks which cuts down on the amount of stuff you have to lug around. I only use a small digital camera and use Photopass a lot. We use an umbrella stroller to get around, a Maclaren Triumph that is easy to fold up and get on and off the buses. We're actually not planning on doing very many if any sit down meals this trip. I've scoped out the places we like for counter service and I think well just eat there. It's helpful to me anyway not to have too much preplanned. For us, it just seems if you plan to much then you spend a lot of time trying to get to places you've planned to go. With my daughter, it is much easier to go with the flow and eat when you're hungry, leave the parks when you're tired, etc. without worrying that you're missing something or you're running late for something.

Have a great trip!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Looks like you rgoing during Sept. Don't forget about Magical Beginings. I didn't know last year about it and you can get on rides aimed at little ones (example Dumbo) with little wait. Works like EMH but with the young childrens rides.

If anyone has anymore info than that please add.

Unfortunately, it looks as if they won't be doing the Little Ones Extra Magic Hour this fall. I'm disappointed because I was hoping to take advantage of it this trip.

 

[maddiesdaddy]

Thank you all so much for your words of wisdom and advice. My daughter and I have so much fun together so despite the frantic pace it seems like I have outlined, we really understand each other and things can always be adjusted. Our Halloween party 'tickets' came in the mail and she's so excited. She asked what she could wear and I told her we would dress up before hand..didn't tell her about BBB..but that's the suprise. That day is our most hectic, but all stuff relating to the Halloween party.

I am def getting an umbrella stroller and will either backpack it or get those bags dreamer talked about. All great ideas. And someone suggested getting milk so not to be rushed for breakfast......absolute genius..didn't even think about that. Thanks!

Our days are semi-planned so there will never be a shortage of stuff to do but with the exception of Tuesday, still really flexible to allow it to just be 'fun'. Even if she balked at BBB..she won't...that's still fine because it is HER trip and don't hate me for saying this..I love Disney..love it..BUT..if we don't see everything, I honestly couldn't care less. This is her trip so she can be 4 and have the time of her life. I have no agenda for myself..just setting up things she would love.

You all are great..a fantastic resource, so helpful, so kind and with great great ideas.

Thanks for the help..now just make the days go by faster, please.

 

[tina_la]

Unfortunately, it looks as if they won't be doing the Little Ones Extra Magic Hour this fall. I'm disappointed because I was hoping to take advantage of it this trip.

oh no, me too! I didn't realize exactly what it was last year until we came home. Oh well maybe they will start up something else that will turn out great

 

[lntsmom]

1. Get a stroller. Both of you will enjoy the trip much more this way! Take your own...you may need it at your resort!
2. Skip the video camera. Seriously. Use it only at your resort. Don't lug it.
3. Buy fanny packs for both your daughter and yourself. You'll need to carry sunscreen, water, cameras, etc. Keep your hands free!
4. Buy the Unoffical Guide and use their touring plans to write one of your own. Seriously. They have a place where you can write and print your own plan. Having a plan will save you a ton of misery. Just be flexible. If your daughter sees a distraction she wants to do, let her do it.
5. Understand that you're going to miss out on the big rides unless you do a FairyGodmother. You might consider hiring one for an afternoon if you want to do coasters, etc.
6. Use the family restrooms. They have them most everywhere.
7. Know your daughter. Can she go all day without a break? If not, go back to your resort every day for a break. One warning, bus times are rising, so this will waste an hour or so every day.
8. Be aware of the parades, shows, and street entertainment schedule. It would be really easy to miss Nemo or The Lion King if you don't have these. You can get them at your resort the night before.
9. Do the breakfast at Tusker House. You won't regret it!
10. Try very hard to not leave the parks at closing. Getting a seat is dicey. There is no place for young kids to hold on while they stand. We had a bus driver slam on the brakes in the rain. Luckily my 7 year old was in a seat. My 12 year old was thrown into me. Had I not been holding on with both hands we both would have fallen down the step at the back of the bus!

 

[maddiesdaddy]

1. Get a stroller. Both of you will enjoy the trip much more this way! Take your own...you may need it at your resort! Shopping for the perfect stroller as we speak.
2. Skip the video camera. Seriously. Use it only at your resort. Don't lug it. Good points
3. Buy fanny packs for both your daughter and yourself. You'll need to carry sunscreen, water, cameras, etc. Keep your hands free!I am so not a fanny pack guy..I'll come up with a suitable alternative..but I get your point here.
4. Buy the Unoffical Guide and use their touring plans to write one of your own. Seriously. They have a place where you can write and print your own plan. Having a plan will save you a ton of misery. Just be flexible. If your daughter sees a distraction she wants to do, let her do it. I am getting this from the bookstore tonight.
5. Understand that you're going to miss out on the big rides unless you do a FairyGodmother. You might consider hiring one for an afternoon if you want to do coasters, etc. First I heard of this..will investigate
6. Use the family restrooms. They have them most everywhere. Always do when available
7. Know your daughter. Can she go all day without a break? If not, go back to your resort every day for a break. One warning, bus times are rising, so this will waste an hour or so every day. I do..I understand her temperments..she has been my kid for 4 years..she can really go either way so we're flexible.
8. Be aware of the parades, shows, and street entertainment schedule. It would be really easy to miss Nemo or The Lion King if you don't have these. You can get them at your resort the night before. Good points.
9. Do the breakfast at Tusker House. You won't regret it! Hope I can book it..ADRs have been tough.
10. Try very hard to not leave the parks at closing. Getting a seat is dicey. There is no place for young kids to hold on while they stand. We had a bus driver slam on the brakes in the rain. Luckily my 7 year old was in a seat. My 12 year old was thrown into me. Had I not been holding on with both hands we both would have fallen down the step at the back of the bus! planning on Monorail or boats..but still valid advice

thanks for all the input

 

[Wendy5055]

If you are going alone, ABSOLUTELY bring your umbrella stroller. When dd6.5 was there 2 years ago, she fell asleep on the bus ride back to POP every single night...without fail!!!! It would have been awful without DH to carry her back for me.

I am a huge proponant of lugging as little with me as possible. I would be (and will be in Aug/Sept) all over those photopass people!!!

My DD loved 50's Prime Time, Akershush Princess Meal, 1900 Park Fare and of course...the Castle (we are doing dinner again because we couldn't get breakfast or lunch). At Castle, if you do do not get brkfst or lunch, do dinner...it is a wonderful time for Cinderella meet & greet...DD loved this!!!

I also upgraded our Free DDP to DlxDDP because I don't want to wait in CS lines and like another poster said "search for a table w/children".

Re: Character Meals
This time around I let DD6.5 decide which meals she absolutely had to see...The only non-character meals I made ADR's for were Hoop De Doo Review (been before & loved it...will be DD's 1st time!!!), Coral Reef (but DD loves seafood so a no brainer for us), and Yak & Yeti (not sure how DD will take it...she hates Chinese Food...DH and I love it!!!).

Final note: We all agonize over characters, ADR's, dresses, etc. But, it should be kept in mind that as long as your daughter has Y-O-U...everything will be fine. If you don't get that CRT ADR it isn't the end of the world if you don't make it so. Take it easy on yourself and enjoy your wonderful trip with your daughter!!! You sound like a fantastic Mom to me!!!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

You sound like a fantastic Mom to me!!!

psst, Wendy... take a look at the OP screen name. It's maddiesdaddy.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

I'm not a single parent, but I am loving all this advice. As if you need another opinion on the video camera, I'll tell you what we do:

We don't lug it around the parks, but we do use it to interview our kids at the end of the day or on a break. They have really said some funny things about what their favorite part of the day was, what the characters did, etc.
Our favorite was at our last breakfast last year when asked his favorite part of the trip, our 2 year old held up his biscuit and said, "This biscuit!" You probably had to be there, but it really was funny!

Have fun!

 

[santa's surpriz]

I'm not a single parent, but I am loving all this advice. As if you need another opinion on the video camera, I'll tell you what we do:

We don't lug it around the parks, but we do use it to interview our kids at the end of the day or on a break. They have really said some funny things about what their favorite part of the day was, what the characters did, etc.
Our favorite was at our last breakfast last year when asked his favorite part of the trip, our 2 year old held up his biscuit and said, "This biscuit!" You probably had to be there, but it really was funny!

Have fun!

I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!! I kept a journal last year quoting everything my daughter said, but nothing beats the expression on a tired happy kiddo!

 

[tina_la]

I'm not a single parent, but I am loving all this advice. As if you need another opinion on the video camera, I'll tell you what we do:

We don't lug it around the parks, but we do use it to interview our kids at the end of the day or on a break. They have really said some funny things about what their favorite part of the day was, what the characters did, etc.
Our favorite was at our last breakfast last year when asked his favorite part of the trip, our 2 year old held up his biscuit and said, "This biscuit!" You probably had to be there, but it really was funny!

Have fun!

This biscuit! I think that's awfully cute. Sometimes it's the little things I guess