Should I try to do Disney with two young children by myself?

[minnieears]

My daughters and I have an opportunity to go to Orlando April 14 - April 17 with my husband who will be attending a conference there.

I wonder if my daughters (ages 6 and 5) and I should even come along. Each day, my husband will be at the conference from 9 til 5, getting out at 1:00 on Sat. So, whatever we do during the day will be just the girls and me.

What parks or activities should we do? We would be staying at the Rosen hotel, where the conference is.

Any suggestions will be most welcomed!

By the way, before we knew about the conference, we already booked a trip to Orlando March 20 - 23! On this trip, we plan to do only Magic Kingdom.

 

[clairesmom]

I've gone alone with a one and four year old before, and the trip was fine. Your girls are close in age and probably have similar interests, and will be able to understand the importance of staying with you. I have some wonderful memories of our first "girls' trip" and we plan on doing it again sometime. good luck if you decide to do it.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Sounds like a wonderful chance to spend time with your girls. As long as they listen well and will stay with you, I see no problem. Are you just doing MK one day during this trip? What other plans do you have? There are lots of non park things at WDW that you and the girls could also do if you have more time. What about afternoon tea at the GF, shopping at DD, or some time at FW. If you are all going back soon however, it might be worth getting AP's for you and the girls and then you could hit all the parks all days while DH is in meetings, and then have the AP's for your family trip.
'
Have a blast.

Jordans'mom

 

[bigsis1970]

my first trip alone to the world with my kids were when they were 5 & 8 . I would say as long as you don't push them and rent or bring strollers then you should be just fine - take it at their pace .. plus I found that just playing in the pool is a great way to vacation ! good luck Michelle

 

[jeankeri]

Went with my DS 6 & 8 while my DH was in a conference this past December. He was able to join us 2ish, so not exactly the same situation as yours but close. The only thing we had to deal with was DS8 wanting to do some rides DS6 was not interested in/ too scared to do (HM, M:S). For these we would get a fastpass so DH could go on with him when he joined us. The whole experience was great for us, we had a great time. I think it was hardest on DH- he did not get to be there to see the first reactions the DS had! Joining up with DH for parades/ character suppers, Fantasmic! is a great way to end the day and he could be a part of that.

 

[HappyLawyer]

i say go for it you guys should have a ball

 

[Esmerelda]

My boys were 6 and 9 the first time JUST the 3 of us did Disney (I had divorced at the time). Since then, we have embarked on several more trips...just the three of us...and also 2 cruises!! We have had a blast!!

Hmmm...guess I didn't need that husband after all now did I....

lol...
Esmerelda

 

[cruelladephilly]

if you arent paying=-= whats your hesitation!? if your girls are behaved as im sure they are you can have a ball!! just play it safe--if its too crowded--go back to the hotel and chill! whats the worst case scenario? a few days chillin at the pool if you decide you cant hack it? you start each day and see what you can do--disney is the perfect place to do as much or as little as you want and you still have a ball!!! woooeeee! have fun!!!

 

[kimlooman]

I did the parks with my two kids this past January while my husband was a meetings all day for four days. My boys were 7 years old and 6 mo. old so we had to be quite flexible but the older got to ride rides and I waited for him with the baby. Your girls are close to the same age so I think that will be easier, but we did alot of things all together like the train at AK, the safari, Dino land stuff, and lots at the MK. My oldest really enjoyed the free time swimming best of all so that was easy with the little one. The transportation at Disney is great and that helps with two little ones solo. I found that lots of CM's and people in general were very helpful to me when they knew I had the kids by myself. One suggestion I would give you is put a piece of paper in each of your girls' pockets with your name, husbands, name, resort staying, phone number of resort and any cell numbers they can reach either of you just incase you would get seperated from your child. I was prepared for this and my son did get off a ride at a different exit and missed me and went right to a CM (with the white name badge on) and got help and they found me in no time. Just be flexible and let the kids take the lead and go their pace and it can be a great time with your kids! Enjoy!

 

[tjmw2727]

I first took my girls alone when they were 3 and 5 - like you as part of a conference where dh was busy all day and most evenings. It was so great we now do an annual girls vacation, feb was our 4th annual! Take it slow and enjoy, WDW is really the best for this as the transportation issue is taken care of as is almost everything else. Have fun, I say go for it.

TJ

 

[Daisy64]

I went last month with my 4 and 6 yr old by myself. We had so much fun just the three of us. I had planned out each day to give us some direction, but was very flexible. I took their cues and didn't stress about "missing" anything. I'd do it again in a heartbeat although it is more relaxing having DH there!!

Daisy

 

[devaney]

My husband has to go to Orlando 4x a year and I always take my girls by myself while he is in meetings. The last time we went, the girls were ages 4 and 8. I always rent a double stroller at the park. The strollers are very roomy, itt is easy to keep up with the girls and it is just easier to get around. At ages 5 and 6, your children will still appreciate riding in a stroller because they will get very tired walking. We also stay on property, so we just take the Disney buses wherever we want to go and then rent a double stroller at the park. It's so easy.

 

[39CINDERELLA]

I DID WDW LAST JUNE WITHOUT DH WITH A 2 AND 3 YR OLD BOYS, MY DS WAS THERE AT TIMES TO HELP, I AM A LEGALLY BLIND PERSON AND HAD NO TROUBLE WITH THE BOYS, THEY STAYED IN STROLLER WHEN WALKING THE PARKS AND I USED WRIST STRAPS WHEN GOING IN LINE FOR RIDES ETC. IF I CAN DO IT ANYONE CAN! GO FOR SOME FUN REMEMBER TO BREATHE.

 

[lucky978]

We went to Disney in October and my husband says he has no interest in going back . We're going back in December with my mom, but I'm trying to plan on squeezing in another trip either in April or June. If my husband won't come, it'll just be me and my twin girls, who are 5. I think we'd be okay, but we would definately stay on-site and take it easy. The only hesitation I have is the time when we would go would be April vacation for Massachusetts, and I'm afraid it would be so crowded we wouldn't get much done anyways.

Anyways, I say go for it and have a good time!!!

 

[WDWgirls]

I first started taking my twin DD by myself when they were 5. We had a great time then and all the times after. We are Fl residents - live about 2 hours south - and go for our "girl trips" all the time. Just last weekend we had a great time at CSR and went to MK. I've done it staying on site and off and we always have fun. Nothing better than quality time with my girls. I cherish every single memory. Do it - you wont regret it. BTW- do yourself a favor - spend the $15 on the stroller. Much easier to get around and keep track of the kids in the crowds. Have fun.

Michelle

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Disney Magic Oct 2004