Single mom trip tips!

[juliana_sd]

We came back this week and had an AMAZING time. Thought I would share what worked and what didn't. My DS is 4.5.

The first day (after our travel day) was pretty hard. We were adjusting to the weather and the time change, and I had to adjust my expectations of how he'd react to things. Luckily it was a relaxed day touring-wise (Epcot World Showcase). I had to really let go of a few things I really wanted to ride/see because he changed his mind at the last minute (Test Track, Pirates, etc.)

Really push the water and make sure they eat regularly. Obviously this is good advice for anyone, but when you're the only adult you don't have anyone to help you if you get to a meltdown point - so preventing them is key!

We brought a stroller and it was a lifesaver. It helped so much in the airport to lug the carryons, and in the parks as well. We usually parked it once per area and walked around to do all the "stuff".

We had lots of downtime that luckily I had planned for. We were in the pool every day (sometimes twice) and the resort arcade was a HUGE hit. Luckily the kiddie games are relatively cheap and $10 would last us an hour.

We were at AllStar Movies and the in-room pizza delivery was cool. It's a huge pizza and it was so nice not to have to wait in line and wrangle a kid and a tray One evening we swam, showered, and ate pizza in bed in our jammies.

As far as TS meals, we did 3: a sit-down (Sci Fi - very fun!), a family style (Ohana breakfast - loved this) and a buffet (Mother's Day brunch @ Epcot). The family style was easiest. No waiting for your food, but you don't have to get up either

We didn't do the dining plan. It was easier (and cheaper) to just order what we wanted and not worry about credits or specific items not being included.

Do the Photopass!! And don't be afraid to ask people to take your pic. Also, get a cheapie camera for your kids to use. I got disposables for DS and he went through 4 of them! He had so much fun taking the pics to preschool to share with his friends.

 

[gower525]

Thanks for the tips. I am taking ds6 and dd3 alone in June. I can't wait, but I am a little nervous about handling everything on my own. This is definitely a first ( I am newly single). We do have the dining plan. My biggest concern is actually CS meals. I am thinking of just parking the stroller and having ds6 hold dd3's hand while I carry the tray. Do you think this will work? I am also trying to remember what rides we won't be able to ride together ( 3 to a seat)? Which rides will absolutely only hold 2?

 

[juliana_sd]

Yeah that should work for CS. We tried to go during less crowded times and sometimes, I'd let DS go sit at a table after I ordered (if he was where I could see him). That would depend on your kids of course.

Rides... depends on your size if the 3 of you can fit, but we had plenty of room on everything. Most of the Fantasyland ones they allow you to have a kid on your lap, so if it's tight you could do that. We didn't do Barnstormer but I've heard those seats are small, so that might be a prob. I can't think of anything in Fantasyland that would be a problem.

I was so nervous going in, but we had such a fun time (after we got adjusted). Since you have two, you might want to think about taking them to a kids club individually to spend time with the other for a little bit? Or take them both so you can have alone time!

 

[csk470]

i too am going at the end of the month alone with my 2 boys! im glad to read about someone else doing this!!
Tracey

 

[sunnyday123]

Yay single Moms!!!!

My daughter and I are going in September, I've been happily single for 4-ish years. ( time flies when you're having fun!) before that we pretty much did stuff with just the two of us, her father couldn't be bothered. It was more fun anyway! I've never had a problem with taking her somewhere by myself, you get to really see stuff through their eyes and the memories you make are wonderful. We went two years ago and are still doing our scrapbook. -Ok, so you also know single Mom's don't have alot of time!! Just don't ever be concerned or not do something because it's just you and your child/children. You just have to be more prepared and lay out some ground rules. ( no running away from Mommy EVER!!!)

 

[vicceja]

I'm glad you had such a wonderful trip and thanks for the great tips.

I'm not a single mom, but my husband is not the Disney Freak as my Sons and I are . Anyway, December was my first trip alone with the boys and as I was a little anxious everything thing went surprisingly easy. We are headed back to the BC in June and guess what...it will just be the boys and Mom and I am confident that everything be awesome.

 

[allison k]

I'll be going 5 days ahead of DH with 17 month old DS (who may or may not be walking yet) and 6 yo DD. I'm more worried about the flight and moving the luggage around at the airport. I've gone to Disneyland with the two of them a lot and it works out well. I think the biggest thing is to take it slow, which I'm sure you all know!

What I'm still trying to get through my head is that my mom, brave soul that she is, took 4 of her 5 kids, me - 7, and 3 DBS 9, 14, 15, across the country from California to Orlando in a van, tent camping most of the way. I still wonder how she did it? Especially since we could be real turds!

Well, to all you single moms. I know what it was like for my mom and I don't know how I would handle it...

 

[eeyoregon]

I have been a single-mom for all of our trips and I LOVE it!!! Each of my two sons were 8 yrs old for their 1st WDW trips (younger for 1st Disneyland trip)and we have been going every year and they are now 12 and 15.

This year I am just taking my DS 12 for a special mom-n-me trip and I truly can not wait!!!

My DS 15 chose Las Vegas for his special mom-n-me trip...we will leave the day after his brother and I get home from WDW. Each son will have special grandparent time while the other is gone.

I let DS 12 pick out the resort (Sports) and almost all of our ADR's. This is going to be HIS trip and his intinerary.

to all of you parents that take your kids by yourselves!!

 

[santa's surpriz]

I'll be going 5 days ahead of DH with 17 month old DS (who may or may not be walking yet) and 6 yo DD. I'm more worried about the flight and moving the luggage around at the airport. I've gone to Disneyland with the two of them a lot and it works out well. I think the biggest thing is to take it slow, which I'm sure you all know!

What I'm still trying to get through my head is that my mom, brave soul that she is, took 4 of her 5 kids, me - 7, and 3 DBS 9, 14, 15, across the country from California to Orlando in a van, tent camping most of the way. I still wonder how she did it? Especially since we could be real turds!

Well, to all you single moms. I know what it was like for my mom and I don't know how I would handle it...

That was my fear as well! I struggling with the luggage and flying single w. a 5 year old! It worked at well though. Most people were very helpful. I used the lugage carts to tote everything around on and my daughter just sat on top of the lugagge. They cost three dollars at just about every airport, so bring losts of ones! The only struggle was the shuttle to the car rental area, but the driver was nice enough to grab a cart for me. Once you get checked in. bell hop will gladly take it to your room and the will actually help you to take it to your car at check out. Minus the airport stress it such a reward taking your children to WDW as single parent. Because no matter what no one will ever be able to take the memories away!

 

[bellazachmom]

One tip that should help with CS meals ... just ask any CM for help getting it to your table! I had NO idea that this was even a possibility. I was there last fall with my 4 & 2 year old and DH was golfing ( I know, I know ... but it is his vacation, too, and he should get to do his favorite thing once or twice! ) Anyway, the kids and I had spent the morning at MK and it was time for lunch. We headed in to one of the CS and proceeded to order and then I realized my problem ... how to get everyone and everything to the table in a crowded resturant without dropping food or loosing a small child. The CM that was ringing up my meal asked if I needed help and the next thing I knew there was another CM there waiting with me for my food! From that point on I always asked the cashier and there was always someone to help and they always did it with a smile!

Have a wonderful trip! -Jennie

As for the rides, you shouldn't have any trouble fitting everyone on except maybe Goofy's Barnstormer as a PP said. For that ride, they will let your 6 year old sit alone and you can sit right behind with the 3 year old. This is what we did and it worked out great.

 

[LAH LAH]

I applaud you all for taking them solo!

I am a single mom and talked "Meema" into meeting us there. (really not much talking involved...I suggested and she jumped up and down and said of course)

But wow...you are all my hero!

 

[Jordans_Mommie]

I just returned from my trip with DS3, it was a bit of a challenge at times, but we had a wonderful time and I cannot wait to take him on vacation again.

I was a little scared about taking him by myself, but I found that Disney is a great place for a single parent as people (CMs and other guests too) are happy to lend a hand.

 

[momtomari]

i will be taking my dd5 this december. i can't wait. i have taken her other places in the past by myself so i am used to it. last year we did a 4 generaion trip

 

[TexasTodds]

Originally Posted by allison k
I'll be going 5 days ahead of DH with 17 month old DS (who may or may not be walking yet) and 6 yo DD. I'm more worried about the flight and moving the luggage around at the airport.

Are you staying on-site? Have you thought about doing Magical Express? You don't even have to pick up your bags...they do that and deliver them to your room. All you have to do is get you, the kids, and your carry-ons to the ME line.

We did that, with 3 kids and 3 adults (yes, I know it is not nearly the same, but one adult was a 72 year old "memaw" so it was really like 2 adults and 4 kids! )

 

[gower525]

One tip that should help with CS meals ... just ask any CM for help getting it to your table! I had NO idea that this was even a possibility. I was there last fall with my 4 & 2 year old and DH was golfing ( I know, I know ... but it is his vacation, too, and he should get to do his favorite thing once or twice! ) Anyway, the kids and I had spent the morning at MK and it was time for lunch. We headed in to one of the CS and proceeded to order and then I realized my problem ... how to get everyone and everything to the table in a crowded resturant without dropping food or loosing a small child. The CM that was ringing up my meal asked if I needed help and the next thing I knew there was another CM there waiting with me for my food! From that point on I always asked the cashier and there was always someone to help and they always did it with a smile!

Have a wonderful trip! -Jennie

As for the rides, you shouldn't have any trouble fitting everyone on except maybe Goofy's Barnstormer as a PP said. For that ride, they will let your 6 year old sit alone and you can sit right behind with the 3 year old. This is what we did and it worked out great.

Thanks for the useful info.! I will definitely ask a CM to help me with the tray. I feel better about the ride situation also.

 

[b-1]

My sister and I did a trip just with our kids and our biggest challenge was moving luggage around. My sister was carrying a baby in a sling ( plus a little one to hold her hand) so she was limited in what else she could lug or roll. We spent lots on tipping luggage movers, especially on our departure day!

We had an awesome time and I would go just with my kids in a heartbeat!

 

[sunnyday123]

I'll be going 5 days ahead of DH with 17 month old DS (who may or may not be walking yet) and 6 yo DD. I'm more worried about the flight and moving the luggage around at the airport. I've gone to Disneyland with the two of them a lot and it works out well. I think the biggest thing is to take it slow, which I'm sure you all know!

What I'm still trying to get through my head is that my mom, brave soul that she is, took 4 of her 5 kids, me - 7, and 3 DBS 9, 14, 15, across the country from California to Orlando in a van, tent camping most of the way. I still wonder how she did it? Especially since we could be real turds!

Well, to all you single moms. I know what it was like for my mom and I don't know how I would handle it...

Being a single Mom is hard. But you can't dwell on that or have little pity parties. I totally don't regret the decision I made to make us single. It's the easiest hard thing I've ever had to do. I love the memories that we've made and I know we're doing pretty darn well!

 

[juliana_sd]

Being a single Mom is hard. But you can't dwell on that or have little pity parties. I totally don't regret the decision I made to make us single. It's the easiest hard thing I've ever had to do. I love the memories that we've made and I know we're doing pretty darn well!

ITA!

 

[cajunbaby1]

My dtr and I love to go "on vaca" as she says. Staying on property was a plus. You know Disney folks will go the extra mile to help you if they can. Safety is a concern and staying on site you know you'll be able to find your way home at the end of a long day; not worrying if you can remember how to get to your off site hotel.
We like to hang out and order room service--she thinks its so cool. As long as you set boundries and rules that your child is able to understand; such as they have to remain in your line of sight; no wandering off,etc. you should be fine.
Just remember to relax and enjoy the time you have together.

 

[sunnyday123]

My dtr and I love to go "on vaca" as she says. Staying on property was a plus. You know Disney folks will go the extra mile to help you if they can. Safety is a concern and staying on site you know you'll be able to find your way home at the end of a long day; not worrying if you can remember how to get to your off site hotel.
We like to hang out and order room service--she thinks its so cool. As long as you set boundries and rules that your child is able to understand; such as they have to remain in your line of sight; no wandering off,etc. you should be fine.
Just remember to relax and enjoy the time you have together.

I have always put rules and boundries out there for my daughter, from the time she could walk. I have always ( sorry guys! ) told her if she runs away from me, the "bad man" could take her and we would never see her again. When she was around two, I guess she really grasped that because whenever we went out, she would point to EVERY man she saw and say, "is that the bad man?" Needless to say, I got some very dirty looks. She's not paranoid, but she knows to be aware of her surroundings now matter where she is or what she's doing. She's also only 10, so that awareness is usually around 10 seconds long!!