Single Mom.. need suggestions!

[DisneyLover75]

Hi

I'm a divorced mom of two kids, DD is almost 5 (11/26) and DS is almost 4 (1/19) and DS is autistic.

I want to take them to Disney World next November 30-December 6. I am thinking of staying at All Star Movies. I've stayed there before, and it's a fun place and it's a good price.

Of course, I'd much rather stay at the contemporary or the polynesian so I have the convenience of the monorail, but the price difference is astronomical.

Anyway, I was thinking maybe we should go there and mainly focus on MK, since they're so young and it'd be the most age appropriate and fun for them. But then again, I'd hate for them to miss the other parks. The thing is, I get tired pretty quick too. I don't relish the idea of walking through the miles of AK and I don't think the kids will appreciate Epcot.

So we'd be going between MGM and MK.

Are there any tips any of you can suggest? I saw the thread about the big kids in a stroller, and that'll probably be a smart thing for us, even if it's so that I can put our bag someplace. Or our drinks. It'll be nice not to have to haul that stuff around if possible.

We're going to do the deluxe ddp, so we're planning on doing all the character dining places as well, including and especially CRT.

But if anyone has endeavored to bring two young and/or a special needs child(ren) to WDW, I'd love to hear your comments or suggestions.

My DD has been there twice before, and my DS is just finally getting to the point where I can take him and he'd enjoy it. Before then, it'd have been too hard.

Thoughts?

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I'd say stick with MK like you suggested. Although I'm a huge fan of hitting all parks, with both your children so young... MK is going to be their favorite. They aren't going to miss anything because they will be so engrossed with what they see. Maybe you can do the other parks in a few yrs...
And...since you tire out easy (omg, so do I!!!), you'll all appreciate the one park

and...side note... staying at All Stars and using their bus was no disadvantage to me and my girls at all... just as simple as the monorail really....

 

[DocDis]

I am not sure what your DS's needs are, but I would definitely consider renting a DVC suite for your stay. The cost is often comprable to the Values andyou get much more space, at least a kitchenette in the studios (and of course full kitchens and washer dryers in the larger units), plus better pools, etc.

Head on over to the Rent/Trade board here on the DIS and check it out. Make sure to read the stickys, etc. so that you know how renting works.

 

[vanillasoftserve]

Your DS can get a special assistance pass at Guest Relations. This way you can use the handicap lines, and if your ds gets anxious waiting in lines or being with lot's of people, the line is shorter. It really helps (my sister uses it for her autism) If you go over to the disABILITIES board, they can help you find out more on the special assistance pass. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Aliceacc]

There's a board here for people with disabilites; why not check it out? I bet there are parents there who have shared your experiences and can give you the advice you need.

But your plan makes sense to me. It's easy to fall into the trap of "I need to see everything and do everything", but it doesn't always guarantee a good time. Your kids are young. They want the Magic Kingdom. Go and have a wonderful time!

 

[MidgeD79]

Are you getting park hoppers? This summer we went to WDW. There were 7 of us for 4 days and then 3 of us stayed for 7 more days. My grandsons (4&5) were part of the 4 day plan. We did not have park hoppers and did MK 2 days and EPCOT 2 days. It was perfect. At EPCOT, we did not go into World Showcase except for the rides at Mexixo and Norway. There was plenty to do in Future World and time for swimming etc. have fun!

 

[DisneyLover75]

Thanks for all the great suggestions I've seen so far!

I am aware of the special assistance pass, and that's going to come in handy for sure.

I'm so glad I'm not cheating them by going to MK 90% of the time! I do want to be sure and visit MGM at least once, so we can go to PlayHouse Disney Live on Stage. My kids both really like Bear in the Big Blue House.

I will have park hoppers, just because if we decide to take a nap and swim during the day, we can still come back at night!

I thought about staying at the Fort Wilderness so we'd have a kitchen and a living area for my DS, but I think it's not going to be necessary. We want to hit the character dining as much as possible and I don't want to have to bring extra food with me, or bother with groceries and then making sure we finish everything before leaving so we don't have to drag it all back.

DS does pretty well, he's getting therapy and goes to school for half a day, and in another year's time, who knows how much he will have improved. I would feel ok taking him to AS Movies.

I have to say though, we took my DD to ASMo last November (that's her in the picture with Aurora) and it was pretty hard, having to walk the extra distance to the bus, from the parks. It was especially hard when we'd have ADRs at another resort and have to bus to a park to connect.

I wish they had a bus or two that goes around to the other resorts. LOL! I'm so spoiled!

Anyway, if anyone thinks of anything else, I'm grateful to get as many suggestions as possible!

Thanks so much.

Katie

 

[My2Cinderellas]

I will have park hoppers, just because if we decide to take a nap and swim during the day, we can still come back at night!

If you return to the same park later in the day you do NOT need a hopper pass. Hopper passes allow for visiting multiple parks in the same day, i.e. spending the morning at Animal Kingdom and the afternoon at Magic Kingdom.

We had hoppers on our last trip and only used them once. Not really worth the extra charge per person. I am not buying the option on our next trip. If something comes up and we decide to visit 2 different parks in one day, I can always add the option while we are there.

 

[Gillian]

Check the park hours for your visit to see if it impacts your park hopper decision. Sometimes the park you do in the morning closes early and then you find yourself someplace else in the evening. You don't need them to re-enter the same park on the same day, but you would to go to a different park on the same day. Generally, the parks that stay open later are Epcot & MGM. If MK closes early, and you decide not to park hop, you can always find other things to do!

I'm not sure how you'd get back to All stars exactly, but your kids might like taking a boat from MK over to Fort Wilderness to visit, and then maybe taking the FW internal bus to the campfire/singalong/movie. A cabin I think would not have been worth the $$, BTW.

Do check into renting a DVC studio, because they are wonderful and a very good value! Because your trip is Sunday through friday, most of your nights are really inexpensive. It's just Friday night that's more. I've only rented once, but I'd do it again.

 

[StephMK]

I think you are planning perfectly to just hit MK & MGM. Our first trip I'd planned 2 MK days, 1 AK & 1 MGM. They were 2 & 4 & we voted on a 3rd MK day & skipped AK. I think you'll have a blast just focusing on those 2 & you can go back & see the others w/them when they're older & have different interests.

Have a great trip!

 

[SalandJeff]

Your plan sounds perfect to me. DD was 31 months on our trip last year and loved MK and MGM. We did go to AK as well, but it is so huge that we didn't do much there. She loved meeting the characters everywhere. I think when they are young they are pretty easy to please. They love the pool, the bus, everything. You just have to watch that you don't overdo and cause meltdowns!

As far as dinner at different resorts, we rent a car every year for just this reason. We have a full size car for our October trip for $120 including tax. Maybe this would be a possiblity for you.

 

[SusanMomOf2]

Last year, I took my 2 daughters - ages almost 2, and 6. My husband was (and still is) in Iraq. I was soooo proud that I didn't lose my kids or leave them behind in Orlando on accident. Hahah. I just made sure I had them with me at all times. We had a blast, for sure! We spent most of our time at Magic Kingdom. We visited Epcot and MGM once, but MK was the bomb! I rented a double stroller for them to sit in (sometimes, I wish someone would have pushed me). I believe you can do it and have the time of your lives. God bless!

 

[DisneyLover75]

Thank you so much for the replies.

I don't think I'd care much for renting a car, because I'd then have to pay for parking everywhere I went, wouldn't I? And isn't it still hard to get to and from your car and the main gates? It's a great suggestion, and I really appreciate it. I just think I'll need the extra money it would take to rent the car and pay for parking, when I can get the free transportation for staying on the Disney property.
I will, however, take that under advisement. I do have a year before going there, and I may decide it's worth the extra money.

As far as renting a studio goes, that might work. How much different is that than a hotel room, such as All Star Movies?

Thank you to SusanMomof2 for your story about taking your kids while your DH is away in Iraq. You're very brave in many ways. God bless you.

Thanks so much everyone. I'm happy for the encouragement and grateful for the suggestions.

If anyone thinks of anything else, please feel free to add them!