Single Adult with Kids at DLR?

[NewbieMouse]

We are going on a family vacation to Disney in June, but I was also considering taking my daughters on a surprise Disney trip at Halloween, considering all the great things I've been hearing about DLR at that time. DH won't be able to come though, so I'd be solo with the kids. I saw in another post that sometimes kids meet the height restriction but are too young to ride alone. I hadn't considered this and have only been researching height restrictions in my planning, so I'm trying to figure out if this would affect us if I took DDs by myself (ages 5 and 6).

They wouldn't be completely "alone" as I'd been with them (except on spinning rides like teacups, I don't do those ), but it wouldn't be a "one adult to one kid" kind of thing. I know Autopia would be a problem. I'd hate to spring a surprise trip on my kids and get there to find out we couldn't go on a lot of the rides - they'd be heartbroken!

Does anyone know anything about this, and which rides might be a problem for us? Or has anyone taken kids to Disney without another adult and can give me any advice? Thanks!

 

[Raindown]

Come to think of it, I can't think of any age requirements besides autopia and the cups.

 

[MVBowers111]

I believe that you can fit three people into an Autopia car...So, I don't think Autopia would be a problem for three of you.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

All of our visits last year were just the 3 of us except for WDW in Oct. and our 2 day visit in early Dec. You'll be fine.

 

[NewbieMouse]

I should maybe as rentayenta, who posted this is the "memorable disneyland moment" thread"...

Another was when I took the kids without DH. We had waited in line to ride BTMRR. DS was too small so the plan would be that we'd walk through the line with the girls then wait at the exit once they loaded. Well, my daughters though tall enough, weren't old enough to ride alone.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Come to think of it, I can't think of any age requirements besides autopia and the cups.

My understanding, confirmed by a number of CMS over the years, is that a child has to be 7 years old to ride in a ride car alone. We tend to ride most things with DS8 and DS10, but DH and I prefer to watch when they ride Gadget and Mulholland Madness. Both my guys are short, and I notice that the CM still asks my younger son his age every time he gets on. Heck, both my boys get asked still anytime they try to board a Buzz car alone.

So my expectation would be that you would have to ride in a single Buzz car with both DDs and that you would need to skip Autopia. Peter Pan and Haunted Mansion can easily fit 3 per vehicle if those rides happen to be of particular concern to you. I don't think you'll run into a lot of problems on other rides so long as you are accompanying both children. I'm sure if others can think of potential problem rides, they will chime in. There will still be PLENTY of rides you can do alone with your kids. My suggestion would be to certainly let them know of any rides you will have to skip (you can wait until you get there if you are trying to surprise them), but emphasize that it's ok since you will need that time to soak up all the Halloween spirit of the parks.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Thank you for this - I'm interested in what other have to say as well.

I'll definitely have to put them in that Pinocchio's Workshop so I can take an evening and ride all the good stuff myself, or I'll be heartbroken .

 

[bumbershoot]

Can you bring a friend with an iron stomach (so they can go on teacups with the kids)?

Depending on the size of the three of you, I think you could do Autopia if you squeezed. You'll want to do it twice, of course, so each kid gets a chance to steer.

 

[Anj]

My husband rode on Autotopia with our 5 and 7 year olds and wasn't squished.

 

[NewbieMouse]

So it seems there are no "rules" about only 2 in a car or anything like that? We're pretty small, I think we could squish in to most things together if it's allowed.

 

[bumbershoot]

As long as it's just a lap bar or big lap belt, I don't think there's a problem.

Lap bars (one big one): BTMM, PP, Alice in Wonderland, Monsters, Buzz, Haunted Mansion, Pooh, Toad, Roger Rabbit?????, Pinocchio, Snow White...

Lap belts (big long one fits across whole seat): Dumbo, Heimlich, Flik's Flyers (and since you'll be in the same "vehicle" one child can sit on one side while you and one sit on the other...or just have the two kids sit on one side together, I've definitely seen that done), the seat portion of Casey Jr (no restraints in the "cages"...

that's all I can think of right now, that have restraints and should have room for you 3...

 

[Kayla's Mom]

My understanding, confirmed by a number of CMS over the years, is that a child has to be 7 years old to ride in a ride car alone.

Yes, they always asked my DD8 how old she was to ride alone. She tried to ride the teacups with her 6 year old cousin and they wouldn't let them w/o me riding with them.

So it seems there are no "rules" about only 2 in a car or anything like that? We're pretty small, I think we could squish in to most things together if it's allowed.

I ride the majority of rides with both my daughters. The only two I can think of off hand that we wouldn't fit is Gadget's Coaster and Astro Blasters (I think we could fit in there, but not comfortably!). Oh....Heimlichs Chew Chew Train at DCA too.

 

[LavenderPeach]

DH, DS and I can all fit together on most rides so 2 kids and one adult shouldn't be a problem, especially since you said you're pretty small. I love that there are so many rides at DLR that fit 3 people.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Yes, they always asked my DD8 how old she was to ride alone. She tried to ride the teacups with her 6 year old cousin and they wouldn't let them w/o me riding with them.



I ride the majority of rides with both my daughters. The only two I can think of off hand that we wouldn't fit is Gadget's Coaster and Astro Blasters (I think we could fit in there, but not comfortably!). Oh....Heimlichs Chew Chew Train at DCA too.

Thank you everyone for your comments. Do you think we could get on Gadgets/Chew Chew Train (& other rides like that if the three of us rode)? They could be in one row and I would ride in the row in front of them, perhaps?

I guess I've got a date with gravol for those teacups

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Thank you everyone for your comments. Do you think we could get on Gadgets/Chew Chew Train (& other rides like that if the three of us rode)? They could be in one row and I would ride in the row in front of them, perhaps?

I guess I've got a date with gravol for those teacups

We are 2 adults and 4 kids and have never had a problem with 3 to a row. I rode gadgets with me and 2 of my girls in the same row.

 

[NewbieMouse]

This has been very reassuring. I kinda panicked there for a second. I was getting excited about a possible Halloween trip, and don't want to be disappointed!

 

[Kayla's Mom]

We are 2 adults and 4 kids and have never had a problem with 3 to a row. I rode gadgets with me and 2 of my girls in the same row.

Really? I am pretty thin and felt really cramped in there with one daughter (Gadget's specifically). I guess it can be done then!

 

[disneydreamerbelle]

My DS wanted to ride Jumpin Jellyfish once while the rest of the fam was on the Maliboomer. I asked if I could wait in line with him and strap him in and just wait while he rode. The CM said he had to be 7 and he was only 4 (going on 30) at the time. However, she offered to ride with him while I sat out with the baby. She said that you can ask if there is a CM available at any rides this may be an issue with and if they have an extra they will ride with your child.

Don't stress about what you can and can't do. Just go and enjoy it!

 

[NewbieMouse]

She said that you can ask if there is a CM available at any rides this may be an issue with and if they have an extra they will ride with your child.

I'm glad to hear about this advice from a CM. I will take advantage of that if necessary. Thanks!