Question about taking 2 children on my own.

[loobymiss]

Unfortunately my partner and I have split up. We are supposed to be going to DLP in 2 weeks but it looks like I will be taking the kids on my own now. As you can imagine the timing is lousy and has kinda put a dampner on my excitement.

Anyway I am very anxious about this as this is the first time the kids have been abroad - they're 6 and 10. We're flying as well and I'm really scared.

My main worry is the rides. Are they all designed for 2 people, if so does that mean the girls will have to go on their own and I will have to sit on the next available seats behind them?

Also do you think I need to tell anyone beforehand that OH isn't going? The lead name on the booking is me.

Thanks

 

[DLPdaft]

Hi Looby,

I'm really sorry to hear about your break-up.

Please don't worry about taking your children to DLRP on your own - you will all be fine, and I'm sure you'll come home with some very special memories.

I took DD and Dniece last year (I always take DD on my own, DH has never come with us). They were 6 and 7, and Dniece had never flown before. She was fine, except her ears hurt when the plane descended, so make sure you get the kids sucking sweets or chewing gum when the plane starts its descent.

As for the rides, no problem at all. Buzz Lightyears ride only takes 2 to a car, but your 10-year old will probably be happy with a car all to themselves on that one anyway . Most rides and attractions are suitable for families, and so are set up to take more than 2 in a car/boat/elephant lol. I can't speak for the big thrill rides, as my DD is still a bit of a wuss, so we haven't been on them yet.

But I'm sure you'll get lots of practical advice about all the rides etc.

Take care, I hope you are looking forward to creating some lovely new memories for your children and you.

Elaine

 

[pyebibby]

I went on my own in April with 4 children 12, 10, 8 and 5. The only ride where one had to go on their own was Buzz Lightyear where they took turns to go on their own, we went on it 9 times!!!
and Autopia, which also wasn't a problem the older ones wanted to drive the cars themselves anyway.
The bigger thrill rides such as Space Mountain and Rock n roller coaster and Crush's Coaster only have 2 seats together but your 6 year old might not fancy these anyway.

Hope you have a magical time.

Jackie

 

[loobymiss]

Thanks guys

I know the girls want to go on thunder mountain and crushs coaster. We're still thinking about Tower of Terror.

I'm just a bit worried that they won't want to go on any of the bigger rides if they haven't got me next to them for reassurance.

 

[jillrobinson]

Sorry to hear about your split with OH
You can squeeze 3 into one seat on BTM no problem, we've done it several times, Crush is different because everyone has their own seat, but you can all go in the same turtle shell, the CM's will always ask how many are in your group.
Orbitron will be difficult because of the seat belts and the Autopia cars are only built for 2 but I'm sure your 10 year old will be happy on her own in these. Phantom Manor can seat 3, the boats of IASW and POTC seat 4 in a row easily, Teacups will be fine, I'm not sure about Dumbo I think that might be 2 people only, Snow White, Peter Pan, Pinocchio cars seat 4 - 2 and 2, if you can't do Dumbo or Orbitron then go over to WDS and ride the Flying Carpets, same sort of ride but it definately seats upto 4.


I can't help with the Airport, flying thing although I've taken the boys on my own, I chickened out and went by coach, so that everything was done for me, I'll be really interested to hear how you get on, because it looks like we may be flying alone next visit - I can't imagine it will be a problem at all, my DS had a problem with his ears at Tenerife, but it was quite a long descent, so I bought some special earplugs for him in a pharmacy over there for the journey home and he was fine, until that time he's always managed with a sweet.
How are you getting from the airport to the resort and vice versa ?

Once you're at the resort I can promise everything will be a doddle, we had lots of fun without "Grumpy"

 

[DLPdaft]

I've always flown to DLRP on my own with child/ren - honest, its fine .

Elaine

 

[emanlu]

I took my 6 and 4 year old at the start of April on my own and we got on fine. We flew with Aer Lingus on the way out and back with Easyjet and the staff on both couldnt have been more helpful. I made sure the girls had plenty of snacks and things to do in their backpacks for the plane and their Nintendo DS's were invaluable. They were also really excited about going on a plane as neither of them could remember being on a plane before (Lucy was 5 weeks old the last time she flew!)

We had no problem going on rides as we managed to sit three to an elephant on Dumbo but after we went on a few times Anna went on by herself with Lucy and I on the one behind. We also managed to sit all together on Big Thunder Mountain. We also sat three to a car on Buzz Lightyear - I got the joystick to control the direction and they got the guns to shoot. Anna was keen to go on her own on this but I was worried about it stopping and her getting scared on her own. If your oldest is 10 they should have no problem on their own.

I was really worried about going on my own but we had an absolute ball and are hoping to go back in November.

 

[stargatebarbie]

I know how you feel we always go by coach and this will be the first time we have flown ,im going on my own this year with two 11yr old girls (hubby has lost his pixie dust and is staying home and going to the rugby) im a bit nervous but the though of all the magic will keep me strong ,we have booked a transport from the airport to collect us and take us back so to have no worries ,im sure you will have a great time and give us some tips when you get back and remember GIRL POWER !! xxx

 

[loobymiss]

Thanks everyone.

I've been trying to forget about the holiday rather than get excited about it as I've been too stressed.

I'm getting there now. I've got to book airport parking for my old banger and I don't know whether it will be easier to book a private transfer with RS transports than use the VEA as I'm worried about getting lost! What do you all reckon?

I've also got to sort my euros but have no idea how much I will need for 4 nights/5 days!

I promise I'll try to get more excited.

 

[Dianetigger]

Firstly lots of (((hugs))) to you, I've been in your situation and it's not easy. My ex left just before our holiday to Jersey (kids were 7, 10 and 11) and I was SO worried about doing it on my own, but I did it and I know you can too.
We've always gone to DLRP on our own but my three were older than yours (my youngest was 14 by the time we could get back there), I think you will find that most of the rides will accommodate the three of you, I steer clear of the 'BIG' rides (apart from BTM which I adore) so can't help you with them.
Have a GREAT time and don't forget to come back and tell us all about it.

 

[Ware Bears]

for you, loobymiss.

If you can stretch to the private shuttle from the airport, then I think it may remove a bit of the stress, but as others have proved you shouldn't have any problems going with just your DDs.

Regarding the money, if you look at DLPfoodguide it lists all the restaurants with prices so that will give you an idea of how much you need to allocate for food each day, then add on a bit extra for souvenirs etc.

 

[Bexx]

I don't know whether it will be easier to book a private transfer with RS transports than use the VEA as I'm worried about getting lost! What do you all reckon?

Who are you flying with? If you know which terminal you will be using at CDG, you can work out where you have to go for the VEA beforehand. Then again, if booking the private shuttle will ease some of the stress, the extra cost will be well worth it.

 

[Mrs Stonfiesta]

I am sure you will be fine on your own, but have you thought about offering the spare space to a friend or relative so you can have a bit of adult company... Just an idea although it might be nice to spend some time alone time with the kiddies... Have a great trip

 

[loobymiss]

I'm flying with Air France into terminal 2E. I don't think the flights are transferable though from looking at my documents.

I think I will go with RS transports. Do you know how much notice you have to give when booking? i.e if I book it a week before, will that be OK?

 

[Bexx]

One week should be enough notice for RS Transports, though I would get in touch with them a.s.a.p. if you have definitely decided to use them

Just in case you should want to use the VEA, then here is the timetable from Terminal 2 E-F, and here is a map of the terminal. The bus goes from Gate 5 of the Gallery (the connecting area in the middle!!), which is the equivalent of 2.09 on the map - though you will want to be on Level 0 for the bus. This map will also be useful if you use RS Transports - you will be able to see were they arrange to meet you.

 

[loobymiss]

One week should be enough notice for RS Transports, though I would get in touch with them a.s.a.p. if you have definitely decided to use them

Just in case you should want to use the VEA, then here is the timetable from Terminal 2 E-F, and here is a map of the terminal. The bus goes from Gate 5 of the Gallery (the connecting area in the middle!!), which is the equivalent of 2.09 on the map - though you will want to be on Level 0 for the bus. This map will also be useful if you use RS Transports - you will be able to see were they arrange to meet you.

OMG that map looks soooo confusing!!!! lol

I take it that CDG airport is massive then (she says having mini palpitations!!!)

 

[ema74]

Hi there,

So sorry about your break-up

I wouldn't worry a lot about travelling on your own, we fly very often because both of our families live abroad. Last year I travelled with 2 kids on my own (5-year old and 10 months old baby) and even had to change planes as there was no direct plane back to Macedonia (where I come from). The journey was ok, my DD1 (5 then) was happy to draw and play games while the baby was busy watching other people. I'm doing the same trip again this summer and hoping DD2 will be well behaved .

Just make sure you have chewing gums or sweets they can chew for the pressure in the ears and a few games/magazines to last you throughout the flight. Believe me, they'll be so excited you on't even notice how time flies...

Enjoy your trip!

 

[ema74]

I take it that CDG airport is massive then (she says having mini palpitations!!!)

Don't think it's bigger than Heathrow though ! You'll be fine, promise...

 

[Bexx]

OMG that map looks soooo confusing!!!! lol

I take it that CDG airport is massive then (she says having mini palpitations!!!)

CDG airport is massive but, don't worry, you only have to find your way around one part of one terminal. Terminal 2 is divided up into six sections - A to F and each section is long and thin, which makes it easier to find your way around. If it makes you feel any better, be very grateful you're not having to negoiate your way around Terminal 1!!

 

[Ware Bears]

Please don't worry loobymiss, we flew into CDG for the first time last year, also with Air France although we went into 2F. We arranged a shuttle with BS Transports because with 5 of us it only worked out a few more euros than the VEA. After we collected our luggage we exited to find our driver was waiting and on going out of the termninal door there was the VEA bus stop ~ you can't fail to miss it. In fact, someone must have noticed my Disney Tshirt as they asked me where it was and I was able to point to it! So please don't worry, whether you opt for a shuttle or the VEA, you will be fine.

Of course, after spending the night at CDG airport I do feel rather at home there now!!