Single mom trip tips!

[jrandtysmom]

It's so good to see that there are other single mom's out there venturing to Disney by themselves with kids and have survived. I'm doing this in October and even though I take my boys lots of places by ourselves (including the beach) for some reason Disney was scaring me (I think because it seems so big and lots of travel back and forth). Weird I know.

To the OP, you are really making me rethink my plans of the DDP and so much TS. I've been a little worried about it because although my boys like the occasional restaurant, they are not very patient on waiting to eat and after a long day at the parks, not really wanting a meltdown in the waiting area. The day you described of the swim and eating pizza in our jammies would be a perfect night for us. The DDP just seemed to save money when I priced it all out but will the hassle be worth it?? Don't know.....but thanks for sharing!

 

[lntsmom]

We're packed and ready to go on our third Disney trip- my third Disney vacation as a single mom. The reality is, being a single mom on vacation is no different from being a single mom the other 51 weeks a year.

For me, being a single mom means that if it is going to get done, I'm the one who'll be doing it. In fact, for almost 12 years I was not only a single mom, I was a caregiver to an elderly relative, too.

If you are a single parent who does well handling the challenges of single parenthood from day-to-day, there's no reason to be afraid of traveling alone with your kids. That said, as my kids get older, this sort of thing gets easier and easier. To all you single parents with young children, hang in there! They do grow up and, as far as things like airport travel, it does get easier!

 

[PrincessDreams2]

Another single mom here! DD4 and I are taking our first trip in September. I am so excited! We have the DDP (it is free while we are there) I know it will be great as we don't eat out much at home, so I am planning on REALLY treating myself to some great meals!

I applaud all the single mom's who have done this!! I hope our trip turns out as good as I hope!!

SUNNYDAY123 - you sound a lot like me! Don't regret my decision either! It was the best one thus far! DD4 and I have been doing great on our own for 3 years now!!

(and I gotta try that "bad man" thing!!)

 

[gottalovethem]

I am going alone in 2 weeks with DD6 (turns 7 at WDW), DS5 and DS2. I went alone with them two years ago when the youngest was only 6 months. (The trip report is closed, but you can check it out http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1104505)

CS - I would balance the tray on the stroller while I pushed it and have the other two walk in front of me.

Practice, practice, practice -- we talk all the time about what to do if they get lost; what to do if they want to do something they see up ahead; what expectations I have of them on the airplane; how they better listen or I'm getting the Disney babysitters.

Manage your own expectations-- you won't be able to do everything. Our goal last time was to see characters and just wander; this time we are going to try to do some more rides than last time, but also will be sure to have downtime at a play area when/if there are breakdowns.

I am nervous of course, but hope it all will work out great! Glad to hear there are so many single moms venturing out there and having a good time!

 

[juliana_sd]

I am going alone in 2 weeks with DD6 (turns 7 at WDW), DS5 and DS2. I went alone with them two years ago when the youngest was only 6 months. (The trip report is closed, but you can check it out http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1104505)

Wow! That is definitely a trip to remember!

 

[TheLittleRoo]

Has anyone had success using "To Go" with the DDP? We usually stay at Port Orleans Riverside, and Boatwright's offered to let us order off the menu with last years Free Dining and take it to our room in boxes to eat. We never actually did it, but it was nice to have in our back pocket as an option in case the kids were flipping out and we had to cancel an ADR.

This could help if you have a TS restaurant in your hotel lobby. Looking back, this would be a better option for me if I return this year with the kids. They absolutely do not care a whig about the quality of the food. They just want to eat as fast as wolves and get back to the parks or the pool.

Has anyone done to go with Free Dining?

 

[clomahony]

We just came back from our trip to Disney the end of April and although I am not a single parent (my hat's off to all you single parents ), I took my son (4 1/2) and daughter (2) to Disney and Universal for 10 days on my own. My husband is a stay at home dad so I wanted to get away after tax/audit season and give him a break.

Everyone thought I was crazy to take 2 toddlers to Disney but we had a great time. We stayed at All Stars Movies in the Mighty Ducks section and I was really pleased with our stay.

The only caveat I will make is that we missed quite a lot because I had to make sure to stay on the 2 year old's schedule including nap times and bed times (except when we went to the Pirate/Princess Party). So it can be done but compromises must be made. And I will admit we had a couple of meltdowns in the parks.

 

[clomahony]

I also meant to mention that staying in the World helped a great deal as well. There were many very kind hearted people who would help me as I would lug a double stroller in one hand, 2 year old in the other arm and backpack on my back and trying to make sure the 4 year old stayed with me. Often people would carry the stroller or offer seats so I could sit with my daughter (2 year old) and sometimes carry trays at the counter services. I actually found that to be the hardest to juggle - 2year old in stroller, backpack on back and balance tray of food while trying to find a table.

So for all those people who stopped and helped a HUGE THANK YOU!!

I know that as my kids get older, I'll always be on the look out to see if there is someway I can help out others in that situation just knowing how it really made my day for these small kindnesses.

 

[lyzziesmom]

In January I took my two girls (9 and 3) to WDW, it was the first time the three of us had gone by ourselves and I have to say it was our best trip EVER. Prior to that, we'd either had other family members or friends go with us/meet us there, or I took each girl individually while the other one stayed home with Grammy. As much as I love the individual trips, my bank account doesn't like them very much!

The one issue we encountered was with rides -- not the usual seating issue you read about often (DD9 doesn't mind sitting alone, in fact she usually loves it) but DD9 wanted to ride the "big kid" rides that DD3 is too small to ride. We talked a lot before the trip about how we would have to skip certain rides. You just have to know ahead of time what the expectations are, and make sure the kids understand what can/cannot be done.

Child swap doesn't work for single parents, because there is nobody else to watch the non-riding little one! I did let DD9 ride a couple of rides by herself. One time I asked the CM at the entrance to Space Mountain if we could all wait in line and then I would "chicken exit" with DD3 while DD9 rode. They not only let us do this, but led me and DD3 to a small waiting area with benches right at the unloading area, so I could see DD9 right when her car returned and we exited the ride together. The next day, she wanted to do the same thing and that time the CM at the entrance (still at Space Mountain) said nobody could enter the line if they didn't meet the height requirement. So it really depends on who is working the attraction as to whether this might be an option.

I found that with more than one kid, buffet meals are very difficult. You don't want to all get up at once and leave the table empty, but you also don't want to leave any kids sitting alone at the table. I much preferred full-service TS to buffets, although the kids do love being able to load up their plates with whatever they wanted. The way we dealt with it was asking to be seated near the buffet tables, so our table was in sight while we were getting our food.

For CS meals, I would just balance the tray on the top of the stroller and have one of the girls carry the drink (to avoid spilling on the food). It worked just fine and was easier than trying to carry the tray and steer the stroller.

The most important key to having a successful WDW trip as a single parent is to let the CHILD(REN) lead the activities. Give them choices even if they are simple ones: Should we head to the left or the right? Should we take the boat or the bus from DHS to Epcot? It really helps them feel in control. Of course make sure the choices are age-appropriate, and things you're willing to do either way. Watch your child for cues, if they seem tired or crabby stop for a snack or a pool break, or suggest a choice of indoor, calmer attractions to let everyone cool off and relax. It's amazing how quickly everyone can recover from a possible meltdown.

The Magical Express service was a lifesaver for us. I try to pack light and everyone, even DD3, is responsible for carrying something even if it's just her own carryon backpack. Bring a lightweight stroller that folds easily (if you need one) rather than renting so you'll have access to the stroller at the resort, and won't have to struggle too much with it on the buses. Carabiner clips are a great way to corral bags, just clip them onto the stroller and voila! your hands are free(er). Do not expect anyone to help you carry your things, but be grateful if they offer and accept the help when you can. I had one moment while boarding a bus after a long day at Epcot, when I was struggling with several bags, a diaper bag, and both girls had fallen asleep. The bus driver stood there watching me trying to pick up everything (I also have back problems and a bum elbow and should not be carrying more than 20 lbs, but oh well!) and he just scowled at me and asked me to hurry it up. Somehow I managed, but I learned that resort package delivery is a wonderful thing: use it!

Most of all -- enjoy this magical time with your children. They may not realize just yet how difficult it is for you to take them to WDW as a single parent, but one day they will grow up and realize how much you did for them. Make the most of it and remember to slow down and just enjoy each moment.

 

[gottalovethem]

lizziesmom -- I agree to and can to relate to everything you said! And your final comment brought tears to my eyes. That's exactly why we are going, for the family bonding and memories. One day, they will realize how much we have always loved them!

 

[holly7347]

Sounds like you had a great time.

My DD's love cameras and taking pictures too. And I think it is cool to see what they have captured. #1 will take pictures of very wierd things. We were recently at the zoo and she took a picture of a drain and a small patch of dirt next to it I recently upgraded my own digital camera so #1 inherited my old digital and #2 inherited #1's old fisher price digital camera so we are all a happy picture taking bunch

 

[sunnyday123]

Another single mom here! DD4 and I are taking our first trip in September. I am so excited! We have the DDP (it is free while we are there) I know it will be great as we don't eat out much at home, so I am planning on REALLY treating myself to some great meals!

I applaud all the single mom's who have done this!! I hope our trip turns out as good as I hope!!

SUNNYDAY123 - you sound a lot like me! Don't regret my decision either! It was the best one thus far! DD4 and I have been doing great on our own for 3 years now!!

(and I gotta try that "bad man" thing!!)

Lol!! I'm not eating UNTIL September! I can't wait for our trip, I've read some posts saying September is hotter than Africa, but Disney will always be there, we are just going to take it slow. I'm more excited about the memories we'll be making!

Everyone said I was crazy with the whole "bad man", but you can't send kids out today till the streetlights come on like we used to...it made/makes her more aware. It was kinda funny when she would point at men in the store and say ( very clearly) "Is that the bad man?" to each man she saw! I got some seriously dirty looks, but oh well. I've also always told her if she gets lost to go to a Mommy or a worker wherever we are. I'm slightly paranoid and just a tad overprotective!

 

[MarieS]

I'm glad I found this thread! Lots of helpful advice! I am taking DS by myself in October. In the past someone else came with us, but that won't work this time. We are meeting family flying in from a different airport. We will be eating some meals by ourselves. One thing I am stressing about ( other than the airport! LOL ) is our Crystal Palace meal. Pooh is a favorite so we don't want to miss this. DS is in a wheelchair and I don't know how I'm going to push him in line and carry 2 plates?? Any suggestions for buffets? Do you think a CM would help like a PP said they do at CS places? At a buffet, is it a problem to leave the table empty?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[gottalovethem]

I let my kids, even though they are young, sit at the table while I went to refill the plates. I was pretty quick. the kids knew to sit there, and at most places I could peak at them while gathering some food.

For this trip, I'll have my oldest make sure she stays put and watches her brothers.

Marie, is your son capable of hanging out at the table while you get the plates?

 

[MarieS]

Marie, is your son capable of hanging out at the table while you get the plates?

I think I could leave him at the table if we had a table that was in sight of the buffet. I would need to be there though when the characters stop by. Would they wait to stop until a parent was there do you think? Of all the things to stress about during a trip--I can't believe I'm worried about a buffet! LOL

 

[gottalovethem]

I think I could leave him at the table if we had a table that was in sight of the buffet. I would need to be there though when the characters stop by. Would they wait to stop until a parent was there do you think? Of all the things to stress about during a trip--I can't believe I'm worried about a buffet! LOL

I hear ya tho!! What I realized is that the characters take a while to circulate, and you just don't get up if one is coming your way. Otherwise you are sure to have a few minutes as long as they are further away. You'll do great!

Bravo to you for going it alone!! Who needs a man

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I have been a single mom for many years and I have dragged my poor little darlings (see below!) all over the world! If I can do it, you can do it... and by 'you' I mean basically anyone !

A few good hints for traveling:

One rolling bag and one carry-on backpack per kid, for those whose kids are big enough. One hand to wheel the bag, and one hand for the handrails. This way you don't need to rent a cart and you won't be making any ER visits.

When possible, use a rental car company located AT the airport, rather than one where you have to use a shuttle. Some airports they are all off-site, but at MCO there are many on-site. Easy cheesy!

If you are renting a car in FL, empty an Airborne container and fill it with quarters for the tolls. Keep the container in the car. This avoids frantic pocket scrounging as you approach the toll booth. Also a good job to give the kids, counting out the needed quarters.

Bring tiny packets or tongue-strips of medicines your kids may need with you in your purse. Pepto, tylenol, motrin, band-aids, cold strips, allergy. You don't need to bring a lot, just 2 doses of anything will get you by until you can run to a drugstore or Target, if necessary.

If you are a member of AAA, get free road maps before you go. They are more detailed than the variety handed out at the rental counter.

Locate in advance things you may need; Fee-free ATMs, AAA locations, your kids' favorite restaurant (Sonic, for my kids) and phone numbers for your hotel, airline, car agency, insurance, etc.

Journals and cameras are great things for kids to take along. They love journaling their adventures!

Good luck with your trips!!

 

[ty&brenmom]

lizziesmom -- I agree to and can to relate to everything you said! And your final comment brought tears to my eyes. That's exactly why we are going, for the family bonding and memories. One day, they will realize how much we have always loved them!

I couldn't agree more with lizzies mom. We are so busy working, going to school, custody cases, and managing a whole household as the only adult (and to constantly remind my oldest son that he is a child and doesn't need to worry about adult things (like bills, etc), along with my younger son being high maintance. Sometimes it's hard to feel like we have time together to be a family. That we are just trying to get from one day to the next and when we can squeeze in as much quality time that we can
When we went to disney last year it was how I wanted it, us being a family and just getting to enjoy ourselves. It was great and all the memories and togetherness, really brought the three of us together as a family (that it was okay for just us to be a family,that this is not a broken home).
I have coworkers who can't believe that I would rather rent and not own (I rent a three bedroom house in a nice neighborhood, that I love) and just "blow" my money on another disney trip instead of be responsible.
Looking at what lizziemoms said and what I have written how can I not go to Disney again, I don't think my boys are going to grow up and say man if only mom would have bought a house instead of taking us to Disney.
Sometimes doing what is right isn't always being "responsible".