Plan for a single mom & DS9

[Kathyandtyler]

My DS and I are going to the parks in April and staying at the Yacht club. We were there last year but since it was such an overwhelming experience being our first time, I feel like we missed alot. We will be there 5 days and DS is not a huge scary rides guy. What do you recommend? I have all my PSs and I know one day we'll do a water park.

All suggestions are greatly welcomed. I feel no need to do all the parks just do some of the parks without missing anything spectacular.

Thanks In Advance
Kathy

 

[Sandi]

First, there is no way to do everything when you're there -- even if you get to stay 2 weeks. So, know that some of the stuff will have to wait for next time (and there WILL be a next time). While I've never stayed at the YC, from what I understand, the pool area is a waterpark in itself. You might not need to do a different waterpark day -- TL is a blast though.

It's usually just me and my DD (also 9) because my DH is not a Disney person. Some of the more special things we have done include:

Cirque du Soleil -- it's a terrific show and you DS is old enough to appreciate it. It's kind of expensive, but truly worth it.

Taking our time around World Showcase at EPCOT. You can get a kid's passport and work your way around the different countries getting stamps, etc. I'm always surprised at how much my DD enjoys doing the crafts and talking with the CMs.

Getting a little break from each other. 5 days of togetherness can get to be a bit much. You might think about registering your son for the Pirate Cruise at GF and while he's doing that, you can get some time to yourself (maybe a spa treatment or just window shopping at the GF stores).

There are a few ideas. Enjoy your time!

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I'm also a single mom, but I'm going with a 3 year old. At least your ds is pretty much self-sufficient.

 

[mmeb144]

I go through Birnbaum's Official Guide to WDW with the kids before we leave. That way, I know which attractions are must sees. WDW isn't going anywhere, you will be going back. Whatever you don't see this time will be there next time. We have fun spending lots of time on one or two special things. It sure beats running around like a chicken with its head chopped off!

Marie

 

[AZKathy]

Don't forget DisneyQuest. Boys love that place!!!!!!<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_1_123.gif' border=0></a>

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Originally posted by DisneyAddict_M
I'm also a single mom, but I'm going with a 3 year old. At least your ds is pretty much self-sufficient.

I would see if you can get another adult to go with you, at least for part of the time. I brought my 4yo to WDW a couple weeks ago. My plan was to go alone (I left my husband and other 3 kids at home...), but my sister ended up meeting me there. I'm very glad that she did, because it really helped to have the extra set of hands. We were able to baby swap the rides that he couldn't go on (only a couple), and I could run and get something at the food court, for example, without having to bring Jake with me. I sayed for part of a day after she left and we were eating our lunch (counter service) and Jake needed to go to the bathroom. Ugh. I found someone who worked there and asked him to please not clear our table. He didn't and it worked out fine, but I'm glad I didn't have to deal with that the whole vacation. I might go back another time with just Jake (we bought APs), but at least I've done it once with help and have learned some hints to make it easier.

T&B

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

Thanks, Tigger&Belle, but my parents are going with me. I'm not ready to brave it alone just yet. We're going to be in separate rooms though and I'll probably end up at the parks at times with just my dd. I could never do it completely alone. Until dd's older anyway. Thanks for the advice though.

 

[shatzjsl]

I am going with my DD10 in June. I bought her Birnbaum's WDW for Kids by Kids and she has every day planned. Which rides we will and won't do, etc. Watching the WDW Vacation Planning DVD helped too.

My only requirement was that we eat at Chef Mickey's because I WILL NOT leave WDW without meeting and hugging Mickey!


(I'm getting so close to double digits on my countdown!)

 

[KERRYB108]

I'm a single mom too, I took my DD when she was 2!! It was great, I then took her again when she was 3. It was really a nice trip to get away from trying so hard to be a mom day to day. It was alot of fun, seeing her reactions to all of the amazing things around her. I think what really made it work was that I had been to disney numerous times so I knew what was a doer and what was a skipper. We are going in 3 wks--she is now 6 and now both of us are really excited--definatley get a wdw w/kids book--it helped me stratagize for planning my day out. When she was 2 we only did MK, then spent the other days @ the pool. When she was 3 we did MK & MGM, she loved it, now we will do MK & AK.
Have fun and enjoy each moment.

 

[MamaKate]

I'm a single mother of 2 (DD7 & DS 8 1/2). We have been going to WDW & Disneyland by ourselves since DD was 4.

I would agree with SANDI about scheduling some time apart. I always send my kids to one of the resort Kids Clubs while I do laundry and shop for souviners (They love the Neverland kids club @ the Polynesian). Also, I've sent them to the Grand Adventures in Cooking & the Pirate Cruise, which will give you a couple of hours of alone time.

Make sure you do a day by day itinerary, so you know which park to go to on each day. Then pick your must see's for the day, so you won't miss anything you really want to do. I also recommend getting Birnbaum's WDW for Kids and go through it with your son so you can pick the attraction & restuarants you want to visit (this book also gives a scare rating for each ride, so your son can make a decision if he wants to ride).

Make sure you schedule time for a swim at Stormalong Bay. Your son will love it.

I think planning is the key to get the most out of your trip with the least stress while you are there.

Have Fun

!
Katie

 

[Sinclare]

Last MNSSHP it was just me and my son. We had a great time but there are a few things I will do differently this year.

1: If you want them to see the firworks/parade (or special late night event like MNSSHP) DON'T get up at 7am...hit animal kingdom..Hop to Epcot for a "quick" Mission Space ride and meal...the Hop to MGM for another "quick" RnR ride....Then Hop to MK and expect them to be able to hold their eyes open for the fireworks/parade. My son just barely made it long enough to see the headless horseman ride by

2: Stop by Epcot and do the Leave a Legacy thing. Nothing like leaving a memory that they can go back and look at with their kids one day.

3: Get a PAL MICKEY! I just can't stress this enough. I got my son one last trip and he loves it. He carried it around with him everywhere. It's great for when you're standing in line and it's really fun when he tells you things about the park. My son still talks about a bird Mickey told him about at AK that lives to be 100 years old and he won't go to bed without him.

4: S-T-R-O-L-L-E-R : I know there is a difference of opinion on the boards about this but I would say if you're child wants one then rent it. It doesn't do any good to be at MK if you're kid/s are worn out and ready for bed by dark. But then again I commando the parks and it's hard for my son to keep up.

 

[tinkie]

I'm not a single mom, but I will be at Disney! I'm taking my 8 year old DS - and leaving 2 kids and my DH behind.

I just wanted to tell you single Moms that I have the utmost respect for you. You are amazing. I can't begin to imagine how hard you work and then to take the kids to Disney on your own. May the Lord bless you for all of your sacrifices and courage!!!!!!

Have a wonderful time at Disney!

 

[MamaKate]

Originally posted by tinkie
I'm not a single mom, but I will be at Disney! I'm taking my 8 year old DS - and leaving 2 kids and my DH behind.

I just wanted to tell you single Moms that I have the utmost respect for you. You are amazing. I can't begin to imagine how hard you work and then to take the kids to Disney on your own. May the Lord bless you for all of your sacrifices and courage!!!!!!

Have a wonderful time at Disney!

Thanks Tinkie, that is so sweet !

 

[Kathyandtyler]

Thanks!!!!

It is so worth every single second.

 

[PrincessDana]

I'm also a single mom and have only been to Disney when it was just DD and myself. The first time she was 7, then 8-1/2, and next we will go when she is 9. We drive from Kentucky and love having our vacations as "just the two of us".

It is harder when it comes to getting food and waiting on parades and such....but everything else is great!!

--Don't miss Test Track. Even though it's touted as a thrill ride, it really just super fun!! I bet he will really love it!