Single mom going with 4 kids!

[theworlds]

Am I nuts?? My kids are 12, 10, 7, 4. I grew up in Florida, so I went to Disney quite a lot. The last time we went was with my ex husband 3 years ago. This is the first time I am going alone with the kids. We are staying at Port Orleans Riverside. Any tips, suggestions, advice.. for when we get there, or before we leave. Would be very helpful!! Anyone want to go with me to lend a hand?? LOL OH>> we will be there May 26-30. I also need to know which character meals I should book. The two older children and girls, and the two younger are boys. The 4 year old turns 5 while we are there too.

thanks
Jennifer

 

[tictoc]

I also am going alone with my 3 kids. My sons are ten and eleven ad my daughter is four. We will be there May 25-June 7th at the Pop. I go by myself with just the kids all the time. My husband hates Disney and refuses to go even though it would delight eighty percent of his family. Chin up--It is not as difficult as you think it may be. We have a lot of fun and we do not have to worry about anyone complaining about anything I just consider this my Mommy and kids time and my husband's break.

 

[tictoc]

With only one adult, keep the plans flexible, but have plenty. Plan some older kid time and some younger kid time. I am lucky that my 4 year old loves the thrill rides. The down side is that she is not tall enough to ride Space Mountain or Rockin roller Coaster. We always ask a cast member and they let the older two go through an exit. I just do not feel comfortable letting them wait by themselves for so long.

Before you leave let each one of them pick a day that they can choose what to ride first or what to eat that day.

 

[NYMomof4]

LOL I've done it! It's good to know there's another single mother of 4 that dares to do this My kids are DS13,DS10,DD7,DS4 and they all love Disney. I'd be glad to go with you but that weekend I am taking them camping, which is another adventure in itself.

We like to stay at POR too and I've found it helpful to request to be close to the food court when I'm traveling alone w/kids. Let the kids help plan a few things maybe and be sure to take breaks. Have a great trip!

 

[theworlds]

thank you guys so much for the tips. It is really nice to know that I am not the only one doing this..lol. Please keep the tips coming. I really like the idea about letting them choose what rides, etc that we should do on certain days.

Ok, another question.. I purchased the disney meal plan. Any suggestions on character meals for the range of ages in the kids? or should we skip them all together this trip??

thank.. keep the tips coming. Oh.. I am driving down from knoxville, TN too. So any travel advice?

thanks
Jen

 

[Shepherdess]

My kids really enjoyed the character meal at Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. We did breakfast. There are characters that will appeal to both boys and girls. We have 4 boys and 1 girl. They were DD 12, DS 10, DS 8, DS 6, and DS 4 at the time we went.

I'd love to take my kids by myself, too. My husband's not a big fan (been there, done that, doesn't want to do it again!) I hope it goes well for you.

 

[tictoc]

I asked my kids and here ya go. They all agreed on Chef Mickeys and since my kids and your kids are similar in ages--it should work for you as well. They also love the Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh. Our absolute favorite is the Liberty Tree Tavern at the last seating. If you hang around close to the end the characters will come over ans spend a lot of time with you. Last year the even danced with my kids. Another favorite is O'Hana's with Lilo and Stitch. The dinner at 1900 Park Fair with Cinderella is also one of my favorites.

For travel advice. . . We have a television and rather than judging the time in hours we judge it in movies. Your little guys will be more easily bale to understand that way. For example, it is a twenty hour drive so we pick 10 movies and decide the order before we leave. The pre-selection reduces arguments. When they ask how much longer--just reply 6 movies.

 

[HappyLawyer]

i just wanted to tip my hats to all of you because i am exhausted with only 1

 

[swillis]

I'll be heading down in May solo with my 2 kids ages 10 and 11. They are close enough in age that planning was a little easier for me I think. I'm really looking forward to the special time together.

I agree with the other posters about letting each child plan something special, whether it's a meal, or the order of rides in the park that day etc.

And it should be a little easier since your older kids can help look out for the younger ones.

I'm really excited for you....I hope you have a great trip!

 

[eeyoregon]

GOOD FOR YOU!!!

Darn...we (me, single mom and 2 DS's ages 10 and 13) were originally going to be at WDW the same time as you but ended up booking a Disney Cruise for next weeke instead! We were even booked at the POFQ! We could have attacked the place together!

Best advice is to plan out the "must do/must see" things but don't over extend yourself - you can't do it all in one visit. Would also suggest a stroller for the 4 year old to be able to keep better track. My youngest son wanted nothing to do with his stroller at home, but there is something "different" about the ones at the parks and I couldn't keep him out of it!! I also highly recommend the "late hours" in the the parks as it's cooler and usually less crowded. Of course we are from the West Coast so "late" isn't very late for us!

Take it slow, enjoy the magic and be proud of yourself! You are showing your kids what it is to be a strong, independent woman!