Need Single Parent Advice

[maddiesdaddy]

Ok..

Taking my amazing 4 year old to her (and my) first trip to Disney.

I need to have the camera, video camera all ready for all the important stuff..and I need to get FP to Pooh..and I need to ride Dumbo first thing..and I need to do all the stuff that everyone does with 2 parents..with just me.

So, what are the big tips...the big things that I need to make sure I don't forget so she has the magical trip of a lifetime.

We're going for 5 days in September..we already have Bibbity Bobbity Boutique booked, not so scary Halloween, dinner with princess in Norway (begging people to cancel Cinderella during our stay..we booked within 180 days.. ), tea with princesses, chef Mickey...

But I am talking about how to manage camera, video camera, etc at the parks?

Need some advice..but we are so excited to go.

Thanks KM for the site!

 

[tomboy_m]

Does your digital camera by chance do video as well as photos... one less thing to carry around that way.

I'd advise to just relax and have fun and use photo pass a bunch so you can get together pictures too. If you see a photo pass person that is not super busy they will click away when you are having fun if you ask them to.

 

[sohappy]

I would recommend just one camera as well. I took my digi camera and used it. My dad took video, but I don't really think that I will ever watch it- maybe when the kids are like 20 or something! I think that the best thing that you can do is let her lead the way- I had tons of stuff planned, but it all went by the wayside when the kids wanted to do something else. Those were some of the most magical times too.

 

[maddiesdaddy]

Tomboy..thanks..what is photo pass?

I think I know based on what you wrote, but not sure..can you explain for a total new guy?

So happy and tomboy..thanks..good advice. I am a semi prof photog..so I was planning on taking the big camera AND a video camera..but you all make EXCELLENT points..I'll bring the small canon dig which does video and is ultra thin..much more important to get the pics and video instead of missing stuff by fumbling.

So happy..good points..I have her stuff planned..but will let her lead the way..it's HER trip so I will just follow suit..great reminder.

I appreciate the good points..keep them coming!

 

[santa's surpriz]

I went in Dec as a single parent with my daughter, then 5. We had a blast. Best advice..make sure your knows what is planned for the day and what is expected of her (being a good listener, riding in the stroller when tired, going potty when asked and eating lunch before snacks, etc..) I left Santa notes for my daughter and worked out very well. Be sure to bring an umbrella stroller. When she gets tired it will provide a nice break and help you keep going. Plan as much as you can (ADR, which park to visit when etc. and do not forget to make reservations at the Bibbidy Boppidy Boutique-she will love it! (the package that includes hair, nails, and make-up is all you need to do.) Don't forget to pack princess dresses, they were $65 in December at the parks & resorts.

If you want to discuss more please PM me, like I said we did last year and had blast! All the planning I did paid off---only one melt down in 8 days! (BTW that is phenomenal for mt DD!)

 

[tomboy_m]

This site explains it far better than I ever could

http://stitchkingdom.com/disneysphotopass/

 

[2dogmom]

I have traveled with my 2 girls alone on a number of trips and I find I like to video tape parades and shows (Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, etc) and we watch them when we get back and talk about WDW all year long. My biggest piece of advice is make sure you get in some pictures with her. I realized when I got back that I wasn't in one single picture and I brought my 16yo niece with. I was ready to cry because I wanted something of us. So get in those pictures.

 

[james'mommy]

I'd just rent a disney stroller if I were you. One less thing to lug around. Plus they are great for the kiddo to get in and out on her own. And the BBB is usually packed. So make sure to be on time. I think the princess dress packages are over the top (more for the mommy benefit that the kiddy benefit- but what do I know I have a boy). And I always leave all my stuff (except the camera) in the stroller when we are on rides, again 1 less thing to lug around. I've never heard of rampant stroller theft in Disney. Most of all try to have lots and lots of fun. The memories are better than the pictures.

 

[roxazul]

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.

 

[maddiesdaddy]

Tomboy..thanks..wow..that's a lot..I just figured it was the six flags model..wow..it's anything but..I appreciate the link.

I'm a big planner as well..so santas..thanks for the advice.

janesmom..I am renting a stroller..already determined that. Don't want to lug one there...

2dog..very good point..I am usually the photog and used to being behind the camera but I too will be saddened if I am not in them..I will make a conscious effort to get in them.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Does your digital camera by chance do video as well as photos... one less thing to carry around that way.

I'd advise to just relax and have fun and use photo pass a bunch so you can get together pictures too. If you see a photo pass person that is not super busy they will click away when you are having fun if you ask them to.

There's also the option of doing the private photo session at one of the participating resorts so you will get more professional looking photos of you and your daughter. These photos (for a fee) will also become part of your photopass. If you decide to go the photopass route, be sure to pre-purchase for the discounted rate and also make reservations for the private photo session as well.

 

[gottalovethem]

I'm sure you will have a great time. I took my three kids for the first time two years ago and was pretty clueless, though I got lots of good info on here. The best advice, to go at her pace and don't think you *have* to do everything.

We focused on character meals last time and just experiencing the park with a few rides and shows thrown in. This time we are working in a few more rides and have a more organized plan of attack on the parks, but am still willing to just sit and let them play at a play area, if that's what they need.

There was a thread a couple weeks ago with some good single parent tips: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1827801

Good luck and have fun!

 

[maddiesdaddy]

Princess K's...I was thinking about the private photo session as we are staying at the GF..so..thought that might be a good idea.

gottalove..great idea..and thanks for the thread..great info.

 

[santa's surpriz]

another though...have some sort of name tag and your cell number in case you get "separated." There are alot of options, I got a button from guest relations and wrote my cell on the back with sharpie and explained to my daughter what to do if she got lost. I forgot to mention autographs...She will love getting them, you can get a WDW one just about anywhere on property or make your own.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I'm a single mom. I took my DD last year when she was 3 1/2 and we are going again this September. We had an absolute blast last time. I don't know who is more excited for our September trip, her or me!

I think you are on target to just take the one digital camera. You don't want to be fooling around so much with a video camera that you can't just relax and enjoy the trip.

I rented a stroller last year and liked it, but I'm taking an umbrella stroller this year. My reason, besides the huge price increase, was that you can't take the rental strollers out of the parks so they are no help when you have a sleeping or dead-tired child at the end of a day. I had one night when DD fell asleep on the bus back from the MK and I couldn't rouse her. We hadn't eaten dinner yet because it was our last night there and DD wanted to keep riding rides until it was time to leave. We left a little before park close to avoid the rush to the busses, but then I had to carry a sleeping child on my shoulder around the food court at POFQ while I got food for us to eat. It was not a pleasant experience. It would have been so much easier if I'd had a stroller. I bought a stroller travel bag and am going to check the stroller so the Magical Express will take care delivering to my room and I don't have to worry about dealing with it and a carryon bag in the airport. Just a thought....

And keep calling for the Castle. I've read where several people have managed to get last minute reservations. Also, check out the Restaurant board here. There is a thread for people to post when they have reservations they are going to cancel or want to trade.

You'll have a great time on your trip!

 

[maddiesdaddy]

Maggie's mom..

Thanks so much..I am on the fence about the umbrella stroller/disney stroller option..you make a lot of good points..but I was dead set on the desney stroller but now, I'm rethinking.

Thanks for the advice about the castle..every day, I call..every day hoping that the disney magic visits my phone call.

I know what you mean about who's more excited..her or me..It's both of our first trips..so it's a close race! We go Sep 8 and the months are moving SLOWLY..

 

[Hayloburger]

keep trying on the castle...try to snag a last minute cancellation a few days before arrival, everybody is always changing at the last minute...I think a table for two is easier to get than four...you'll get one!!

 

[Hayloburger]

We always rent a double stroller and love it (we have two kids and find that the doubles are really easy to push).....

BUT, with one child I would do the umbrella..... think how nice it would be if you could just leave her IN THE stroller and push her all the way to the monorail (or busses).....that walk (you will be carrying a tired princess, shopping bags and cameras with only two arms!) at 11pm from the gates to the monorail is along one!!!

The stroller comes in handy to/from resorts and around your resort.

 

[santa's surpriz]

I am glad you are considering the umbrella stroller. They are very convenient just as everyone has posted. If I remember the Disney rentables are the big bulky hard plastic ones. I had an idea that I never really followed thru on that may work for you....I wanted to see if there was a way to manipulate the bags that collapsible picnic chairs come in by cutting it open and sewing in velcro to wrap around the umbrella stroller or attach a shoulder strap from luggage or duffel to the ends and carry the strap across my hest and the stroller across my back. I'm not sure if I am communicating what I am invisioning correctly. At the time I was contemplating making it completely hands free. At any rate I loved mine at WDW!

Few other thoughts...try getting into 1900 Park fare dinner, it is Cinderella Gala Feast and has most of the princesses or ASkerhus in Norway, it also princess themed. Not exactly the castle, but a back up.

If you are looking for a break, check out the child activity centers. If you are staying GF there is one at the Poly, the Neverland Club. There is also the Sand Castle Club at the Beach Club. My daughter loved it! She liked the Sand Club better, for no particular reason. Gave me a chance to catch a much needed nap, laundry, and do some shopping. IT was $10-11/hour and includes dinner. I know it sounds awful ditching your kid at WDW, but in my defense my daughter asked to go back to "the place that kids go when mommies need a break and little kids can play"

 

[maddiesdaddy]

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.

a tired princess, bags, cameras all with 2 hands out of the park..that all sounds like umbrella stroller heaven to me.

We have princesses at norway booked right now and park fare is just as packed..although a nice WDW DINE person gave us a suggestion..just not sure it it will work since it's free dining time when we're there. That'll teach me to book within 180+10 days.

Thanks for the idea about the kid activity center. I don't know if I can do that or not..at wdw? We'll see how it goes. I don't ever need a break from her but that's during normal life..not less sleep, super hyper, ultra impatient, wdw crazy life. So we'll see. But thanks for the suggestion.

Another *****y..can I say that on the DIS?..if not..I said something that rhymes with witchy..DS DINE lady who I can guarantee did not check every day every meal for CRT..I thought they only hired magical people.

And I have to say thanks again to tomboy..I preordered my photo pass..it's a good way to make sure I get in the pictures with my daughter.