Single Mom joining the DISboard

[LaLalovesWDW]

Hey everyone!!

This is my first Disney Forum, and wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. I grew up in Florida and had a couple of family members that worked for them so as a child, I used to go to Disney like I was going to the park to play at least once or twice a month. The last time I visited was in December 2004 with my then-husband during Christmas week. I hadn't been since.

I decided to take my soon-to-be 5 year old for her birthday. So I bought us the seasonal annual pass and we are going during the week of December 13th. I'm probably more excited than she is, but I am hoping that she doesn't drive me too crazy. Is there a forum here for How Single Parents stay sane at Disney?? LOL. I am still deciding if I should stay at the resort there or down the street. Anyway, I'm looking around and finding my way around and just wanted to heeeey!

 

[Kfyr23]

I go alot with my DD who is 5 and I will be honest its tough alone but you will enjoy it. Good Luck

 

[redwingfan3991]

I am a single mom, and I have taken my son every year alone since
he has been 18 months.

It has gotten ALOT easier to travel with him ( less stuff to pack ).

We always stay on site. I really enjoy being immersed in Disney and I dont
mind the bus transportation, as I like to let someone else drive.

 

[Metro West]

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

hey everyone, thanks for the wonderful welcome!! Yeah, I been losing sleep at night just thinking about doing 4 days at Disney with her by myself, but I think it will be ok.

@RedwingFan and Kfyr - thanks SO much for your reply. That put me a teeny bit at ease. If you don't mind, I may bend your PM box a couple of times just to ask your advice on things. I think we will be staying at Disney also. I had been tossing around the idea, but I think it will be much easier to do it that way. I rented a car at the airport because I then have to drive down to West Palm Beach for jury duty the next week and then staying with my Mom through the holidays, but wondered if they allow us to park for free at Disney or should I just wait until Im leaving to rent the car?? Thanks again!

 

[pkondz]

Welcome to the DIS! You might want to look over on the Family board too. Find it here: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=23 I would also suggest picking up a copy of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World With Kids. Good luck!

 

[Princess Janay]

Wow are stories are similar I have a 5 almost 6 year old daughter. She loves the random WDW trips. Alot of single parents do meet ups in the park that way the kids can mingle and keep each other company while we try and maintain our sanity. Dont be a stranger!

 

[MICKEYLOVINMOMOF5]

Well I'm not single anymore but I was for 7 years with 3 kids so I know where you are. I can tell you that I did 7 days at WDW in Oct with four of my 5 kids and had a great time. The best advice I can give you is be flexible and let the child dictate your schedule. Nothing worse than seeing a child being dragged through a park screaming by a weary parent that is trying to get their money out of the pricey tickets. We didn't spend as much time in the parks as I had hoped but the pools are awesome and a nice break. Have a great time and cherish the special time sharing the magic with your baby!

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

Well I'm not single anymore but I was for 7 years with 3 kids so I know where you are. I can tell you that I did 7 days at WDW in Oct with four of my 5 kids and had a great time. The best advice I can give you is be flexible and let the child dictate your schedule. Nothing worse than seeing a child being dragged through a park screaming by a weary parent that is trying to get their money out of the pricey tickets. We didn't spend as much time in the parks as I had hoped but the pools are awesome and a nice break. Have a great time and cherish the special time sharing the magic with your baby!

Thank you SO much for your wise words. Wow, you are my SHEro! 7 days with 4 children... I would have been institutionalized! I totally could see me being the one dragging her through the park to get my money worth, so to deter myself from being a crazy woman , I booked my solo trip for April to do the things I want to do. This is HER time and hopefully, by Tuesday, I will come to terms with that.

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

Wow are stories are similar I have a 5 almost 6 year old daughter. She loves the random WDW trips. Alot of single parents do meet ups in the park that way the kids can mingle and keep each other company while we try and maintain our sanity. Dont be a stranger!

Thank you Princess! I have to look around and see if there are any meetups happening next week. i was going to sign her up for one of those Activity Center things for a few hours, so she can get in her little people time, and I can go have a drink somewhere.

 

[stitchaholic]

welcome to DIS , I was a single mom when I started posting here also, we started a thread for single parents, you can check it out here...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2317080

 

[ty&brenmom]

I have gone to Disney twice as a single mom, for me I didn't find it much more difficult than being a single mom at home. My youngest had just turned 5 the first year we went, and I brought an umbrella stroller just to keep him from running off while we were walking. I made sure to hold onto his hands when exiting shows and rides. The first time we were there for 8 days and took breaks. I also didn't try to change their sleeping schedule so much and since Alaska is 4 hours behind we did a lot of night EMHs which were awesome. Sure we had a few meltdowns, including the one leaving Animal Kingdom when my youngest was crying and telling me how much he hated this place and just wanted to go home, but overall we have great memories of WDW.

 

[lesmomma]

I am a single mom of DD5 and live within an hour, so we go to disney often. When I get off work at 1, many times we go to disney for a few hours. I have been taking her alone since she was born. I kind of perfer it now...no one else to keep up with or coordinate with!

 

[jessidoll]

to the Disboards!