Single mom needs advice

[LisaZoe]

I'm a single parent of a daughter, 2 1/2. I'm considering a "last minute" trip to WDW in late July. However, after reading the Unofficial Guide to WDW, I'm now wondering if that is a good time for us to make this first trip. My biggest concerns are about both the weather and crowds. Am I crazy to continue with the plans?

Also, I'm not sure if I should go with a value resort or a non-Disney hotel (Downtown Disney location). From the UG book, it sounds like transportation can be difficult and I imagine having a toddler and all associated stuff won't make it easier.

I won't go into why I'm making such a trip with little prior planning but have considered delaying until September if it sounds like the crowds would be less overwhelming than we'd experience in late July.

Any advice or tips will be appreciated.

 

[Kimberle]

Hi, welcome!

We took Brittany for the first time at 2.5, in August. It was HOT!!! But, other than that, it was a perfect time. She LOVED the characters.

We stayed on-site so we wouldn't need to rent a car. We did not want to put her in & our of a HOT car. We stayed at the CR.

We are going again in Sept. If you can wait, I think you'd have a better time in Sept. The parks close early, but you'll probably putting her to bed early anyway.

I would highly recommend WL. It's one of the lower priced deluxes. It's close to the MK, just a short boatyard away. It's also one of the smallest, if not the smallest resorts on site. Some of the Disney resorts are HUGE, WL is not. It also has a very nice kiddie pool.

Brittany & I go off on our own all the time. I do not find it cumbersome on site. Just get a light stroller that folds easily. Pack you snacks, diapers, etc in a packpack. When the bus comes, the backpack goes on your back, stroller folded in one hand, child in the other. WL is always the first bus stop, so you should have no problem getting a seat.

 

[campinggal]

Hi!

While I don't have the years of WDW experience- I have been reading the boards and tons of guides when I planned our October trip last year.

July from what I have read is very hot and crowded. Long lines which would be killer with a 2 1/2 year old.

I went to WDW with DD (age 6) solo in October and stayed on property. It was fabulous- lines were minimal, it was in the 80s so the heat was very manageable. I have read that September is a low attendance time of year too.

We live in NH so summer Florida hot would totally do us in and we would be miserable- so that would be another thing to consider- just what you consider hot.

We had a great experience with WDW transportation- very easy to get around so that would be another reason to stay on property.

My vote would be September for your first trip with DD. Although anytime would be fun to go to WDW- just July would be a different experience.

Happy planning!

 

[zurgswife]

We are taking a spur of the moment trip next week....yes we are crazy but I want warm pool weather and a trip to disney....so we are going next week ...staying at WL

 

[hercamore]

With a 2 yo, I would really steer you towards Sept rather than July.

A little cooler weather, way less crowds to deal with.

Also, I'd think you would feel safer in Orlando staying at a Disney resort than offsite.

herc.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I have done Disney with a 2 year old alone, it can be done and it can be fun, BUT Stay On Site!!!!! The DD buses pick up in the middle of the parking lot, not fun at the end of the day! Be sure to take a stroller, the resorts are hugh and walking to the room you will be so glad to have one. Consider taking some food to have in your room, some nights I was just too tired to do even the food court. You can also order room service or pizza. Go back to the room for a rest in the middle of the day, or at least book a PS in a cool quiet resturant to escape the crowds, excitement and heat. Be flexable, and know your and your childs limits, enjoy what you can but LEAVE when you are tired. I hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[LisaZoe]

I think a delay until Sept. is probably the right thing for us to do. My DD doesn't know of the plans so she won't care... it's mostly my own impatience to go as I've never been either. We had such a great time at Disneyland last Sept. but did have my sister along fo much needed help with the toddler gear. I might find that we can save some money by waiting as well...

Any other tips or advice for a single mom with toddler going to WDW the first time will be appreciated.

Thanks again.

 

[tmli]

I travel with my ds alone all the time. My dh hates to travel but that's another story.

I would definitely say stay on site....it is so much easier to be able to go back for that p.m. nap and not have to worry about shuttle schedules or car rentals.

Another thing I would suggest is to get a towncar for transportation. It is invaluable to have someone meet you by the luggage carousel and get your bags for you. They also helped at the resort with the luggage. I was concerned about watching for my bags and keeping an eye on ds at the same time.

I love the time my ds and I get to spend together when travelling. I make no ps's or special plans...I follow his lead and schedule and we have a great time.

 

[cinderellawannabe]

If you can, postpone until September. I don't really thinks its that much cooler, but the crowds are significantly less, which somehow makes the heat more bearable. Also, there may be some deals for onsite properties at fall rates. Check out mousesavers.com. and yes, if you can, stay on site. It will definitely be more convenient, and a lot more magical.

All that said, if you have to go in August, then go and just enjoy it! For many years we went during the school year when it was less crowded. Then when my older son hit middle school we decided pulling him out for a week wasn't in his best interest - so now we go in July or August. yeah, its hot (and crowded) but we still love it and have an awesome time. Good Luck!

Hope

 

[kmc]

i would definitely wait until september due to crowds and extremely hot/humid weather...i also would highly recommend staying onsite--their transportation is really great and takes a lot of stress off the parent whatever you decide have fun

 

[babybunrab]

When I was single, I took 3 yo DS in July. If I had it to do again, I'd probably do it in September only because it might be easier to get around with all of the paraphenalia by yourself at that time (though people were forever holding doors, my bag, etc, which was very nice). I'd definetely stay on site. If you go in September you'll have more time to save for that, too.

That said, DS and I did have a very good time when we went in July, and we're going again in 10 days. (I now have a non-Disney DH). It's not possible to take him in September now what with school and his activities.

Whatever you decide, take it slowly and have a great time! DS loves looking back at the pictures of our trip when he was small.

 

[bobcat]

You have great advise so far. As a single mom I have been traveling to WDW with my kids since the youngest was 4. Having a stroller and all the other toddler stuff it was great to not have to worry about transportation by staying on site and I was able to relax. We love the values, even though we have stayed at all levels, because with kids we don't need all the extras.

My best advise, traveling as a solo parent or not, is to be prepared. By planing ahead there are less decisions to make and you can have a more peaceful trip.

 

[bobcat]

You have great advise so far. As a single mom I have been traveling to WDW with my kids since the youngest was 4. Having a stroller and all the other toddler stuff it was great to not have to worry about transportation by staying on site and I was able to relax. We love the values, even though we have stayed at all levels, because with kids we don't need all the extras.

My best advice, traveling as a solo parent or not, is to be prepared. By planing ahead there are less decisions to make and you can have a more peaceful trip.

 

[Gillian]

A lightweight stroller with a decent sized basket & a canopy will be very helpful! Pack light, though. I carry a backpack with the baby essentials (travel size or in a ziploc bag) that I often leave in the stroller and a fannypack for money, camera & things I wouldn't risk being lost/stolen/rained on.

September is a wonderful time to go! Especially the beginning, right after labor day. No crowds at all!!

 

[momtoPrincessA]

I would definitely recommend you wait until Sept. Just remember not to do too much planning and scheduling, we let the kids dictate (we usually go back to the hotel mid-afternoon for a swim, then go back to the parks).

Definitely stay on-property. I would recommend the Contemporary for the ease of travelling with a stroller. Just keep in mind the monorail goes the long way around (about 15 minute ride).

Check mousesavers for discount codes for hotels, they are currently offering through August so Sept. codes should be out in about a month!
Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Just thought of another tip for you. On the monorail, and the boats you do not have to fold your stroller or take the little one out of it. A resort on the monorial or in the Epcot area would help you travel to MK and Epcot with everything in the stroller basket. It is possible to get to MGM by taking the monorail to Epcot and then the boat over to MGM with out folding the stroller. To me that is the big advantage of paying more for a deluxe.

 

[F1Julie]

I am also a single mom and started taking my DD when she was 3. If you want to go in July, then go for it. I just decided to go back in August since I got a great rate with the August codes. I said I'd never go to WDW in the summer, but I couldn't pass up the deal I got. We aren't even going to any parks aside from Blizzard Beach. My DD loves the pool and character meals as much, if not more than going to the parks. If you go before you child is 3, all sit down meals at WDW restaurants are free as is park admission. Stay onsite for sure. The transportation and general Disney magic make it worth it. The value resorts are great for little ones. Since it will just be the 2 of you, you won't need a ton of space and the food courts are great. The July code has expired, but you could get a great deal on a room for August.

 

["thegirls"]

Single mom here also! All the advise above is wonderful!!! My extra advise...go with a deluxe for the balcony/patio. It is invaluable when your little one is sleeping or napping. Gives you a private, outside place to re-group and enjoy the resort without being strapped inside the room!!!
Have a great trip!! And don't forget it may become addicting...I should know. I took my first single parent trip with my 4 and 5 year old girls some 6 years ago and have been back 12 times since!!!! Oringionally I planned to take a vaction there every 2 years...YEAH RIGHT!!!

 

[Eeyore2003]

I'm also wondering if you could upgrade because of some deals they might be offering. Otherwise, actually, it sounds like maybe you NEED a break now??? All the previous points are well made and good advice. Waiting til September WILL mean smaller crowds, but if you need that break right now, I'd just plan a little, stay on site, and relax while you're there. It sounds like some afternoons at the pool and just walking around enjoying the atmosphere and characters might be just what you could use right now. Then again, I might be wrong.