Single mom wdw experiences

[fizz13]

Hi everybody,
thought this might be the place to go to get some advice. Although this is my 7th trip to the world, this will be my first time taking the children on my own, who are 8, 6 and 3. We are staying for 6 nights at Pop, then 4 at Wilderness Lodge. i am pretty confident on the busses and getting round the parks but have a feeling this will be very different this time, so i wanted to ask you to share your experiences of taking your children on your own, how you found it, best thing you wish you knew before you went, handy hints, anything!
I'm sure I'll be fine but would love to hear from you that you got through it ok, and if you didn't what happened. of course i put moms but dads are single parents too so please chip in. the scariest thing to me is getting the 9 hour flight from the uk with them and doing immigration while controlling them but would love to hear about park, hotel, eating you name it.
So come and share

 

[alicenwonder99]

I've only gone once alone with my children. But we're heading there again in less than 2 weeks with just me and the younger children.

Our flight is only 3 hours, but here's what I do for the flight: I make sure I do curbside checkin (not sure if that's an option for you flying internationally). I don't even bother bringing a purse, I use my sturdy backpack so I can have my hangs free. I make sure I have all of our flight info and IDs handy so I don't have to dig around for them. Each child has his/her own backpack with all of their flight activities in it. Like IPOD, coloring books/crayons, books, snacks, gum, etc. I also drilled the kids on how to behave at the airport and on the airplane. I told them the airport is a place for adults and they must act like adults there. Oh, and I also set up my kitchen like it was the airport security and had the children role-play going through security. Seriously, I was worried they would do something stupid and get us kicked out of the airport...lol!!

Each child gets to pick 2 must-see attractions from each park. We make sure we visit those attractions, and they know everything else is just extra. Our rule is if everyone doesn't want to do the attraction (like a scary ride), then we don't do it.

Another rule is when mom has to stop to use the bathroom, EVERYONE comes in and waits!! lol. It's amazing how a child's bladder is 20 times stronger than mine!!! lol.

On my last trip alone with the kids, I went over the rules on what to do if they get lost. Well, wouldn't you know, my dd8 (she just turned 7 at the time), got lost in a store. We were all in the store together, but she couldn't find me and got very scared. She knew exactly what to do: find a CM and tell her she was lost.

If I were you, I'd get a double stroller for the 2 youngest children.

Also, figure out the sleeping arrangements at the hotel NOW. Don't wait until 5 minutes before bedtime to figure out who is sleeping with who.

Go over your itinerary with the kids and put everything in writing. Tell the kids you are sticking to the itinerary. If they start arguing at the park about where to eat or when to leave, you can pull out the itinerary and show it to them.

My kids were such angels on our last mom only trip. These are the same children who will fight at the drop of a hat at home. They didn't fight once on our trip!!! It must have been the pixie dust working.

HTH

 

[fizz13]

Thank you so much, that all sounds wonderful and i like the idea of turning your kitchen into security, might be a good idea to give them a practice run
Any more experiences out there?

 

[MiniGirl]

alicenwonder99 gave you some wonderful tips. I agree that pre-planning is key. The kids will do fine as long as they know what to expect and what is expected of them. I go to WDW all the time with my girls (8 as of last month and 5), and we've never had any problems. I have also had them physically point to the person they would go to if they couldn't find me. I found that if I asked they would roll their eyes and say, "The nearest cast member." Like you've asked 100 times now. Having them point to a person shows me what they're thinking. I can then praise their choice or point out why another person might be a better choice.

You'll have a great time. Can't wait to hear all about it.

ETA: You will also have to decide (preferably before you go) if you are comfortable letting your oldest ride some rides by themselves or if ya'll will only ride the rides you can all go on. Would getting a sitter for an afternoon to stay with your youngest while you go to the parks with your older children be an option? Or would that be beyond your comfort level? Only you can decide those answers because we each have different things that we're comfortable with. However, it is an issue that will probably come up unless your 3 yo meets the 40 inch height requirement for rides like Soarin,' Splash Mountain, Test Track, etc.

 

[fizz13]

Hi Eva,
yes my youngest is about 42" actually and is pshyched to go on Splash, big thunder, test track, he can't wait. My oldest is debating whether she feels ready to go through the Mission Space line herself or Rock n Roller Coaster as these are her favourites, so she will decide when she gets there which is fine, at least she has been on these a few times and knows the layout and she knows where i will be when she comes off if she decides to go. So at least this aspect we have discussed and thought through. my middle child at 6 thinks he is big enough to go on his own without anybody if my oldest doesn't want to leave me, but there is no way i would let a 6 year old go through on his own so he better hope that big sis feels up to it But he won't give up his Everest so there may be tears at AK.
As you can tell my kids are total thrill seekers
we have been working on itineraries for the parks today which is going well, and they are compromising nicely that we will have to do some things they grew out of like Its A Small World and Playhouse Disney for my youngest, in fact they are looking forward to seeing their little brothers face. And they have also helped make ADRs as they have their favourites: Chef Mickeys, crystal palace, Whispering Canyon to name a few.

Actually maybe I'm more organised than I thought, but please keep em coming if you think of anything else

 

[WendyinNC]

I'm traveling alone to WDW with my 4 kids this year (ages 2, 7, 9, and 12). My big concern is meals. I think counter service and buffets would be difficult without another adult. I see that you have the Crystal Palace on your list. I would really like to do this, but don't think I could handle a buffet with my 2 yr old and no other adult. My 12 year old is a big help but I'm worried that my 2 year old won't sit at the table with her while I go get food. He wants his mommy. I'm always curious why Disney has so many Character buffets when they are not easy with small children. We are planning on the Garden Grill; but, my 2 year old would really like to see Pooh. Any advice on meals when traveling alone with kids. Also, we are going the week after Easter so it will be very busy.

 

[2dogmom]

I have traveled to WDW a few times with my girls, the most recent last December (6,3) and will again this December. I loved going to buffets because that gave me some time to get food that I wanted to eat and they would wait anxiously for the characters to come by. CS seemed more difficult because I was trying to push a double stroller and carry a tray of food.

Before our trip, I drilled it in my oldest head that she will NOT be able to go on all of the rides and that's the way it is. We didn't run into any issues because she knew that I couldn't let her go alone. I actually see a reverse issue this year as my 4yo wants to go on ToT and my 7yo doesn't (she has been before).

The double stroller was definitely worth it in my eyes. I always knew where my girls were in a crowd, but my oldest was able to help out more when I asked her too because she knew that I needed the help (and I drilled it into her head if she wanted to come back again the following year).

I think the one thing I learned the most was to just go with the flow. I am a planner, and aside from picking the parks and setting some ADRs, I let rides, CS, snacks, shows, parades all come along and deal with them as the time comes.

My biggest trouble was the buses. My girls can both pass out when tired so I would sit talking to my oldest the whole time, quizing her on the day, what she liked, didn't liked, etc. just to keep her awake. I would then tell her she would need to go tell the bus driver to wait for me as I had to get a stroller, bags and sleeping 4yo off the bus and would need to make two trips. Fortunately I met a lot of very kind people that helped me by carrying my stroller on or offering to take it off and open it for me. Those people were angels to me and I would never forget the amount of help.

Oh, I also noticed I started talking to strangers in line more because there are times when you just need some adult conversation. LOL

I do think the last trip I took was out best trip ever! People look at me cross-eyed when I say I am going to WDW (yes, again!) with only my girls. Well, to me it is the greatest thing in the world. I also know that if I didn't do that, we wouldn't be going at all because there dad would never take them alone (we are divorced).

PM me if you have any specific questions. You will have a great time!

 

[fizz13]

My biggest trouble was the buses. My girls can both pass out when tired so I would sit talking to my oldest the whole time, quizing her on the day, what she liked, didn't liked, etc. just to keep her awake. I would then tell her she would need to go tell the bus driver to wait for me as I had to get a stroller, bags and sleeping 4yo off the bus and would need to make two trips. Fortunately I met a lot of very kind people that helped me by carrying my stroller on or offering to take it off and open it for me. Those people were angels to me and I would never forget the amount of help.


I do think the last trip I took was out best trip ever! People look at me cross-eyed when I say I am going to WDW (yes, again!) with only my girls. Well, to me it is the greatest thing in the world. I also know that if I didn't do that, we wouldn't be going at all because there dad would never take them alone (we are divorced).

PM me if you have any specific questions. You will have a great time!

thanks for posting, you have a point with the busses, i think my 6 year old will still be prone to passing out on me, so will do my best to keep him chatting. good for you for taking your girls, i am separated for a year from my ex-dh, and he would never take the kids to WDW, just think of all the memories we get to share with our kids that he never will, makes you feel bad doesn't it? Good for you.

 

[PrincessV]

Hi Claire!! Remember me? We met outside the Poly this past Aug with Jo and company. Good times!

I don't have a lot to offer on bringing more than one child, but I've been doing the single-mom routine with my DS5 since he was 8mths old. The only things I've struggled with have been negotiating the stroller+bags+DS on and off the buses and carrying food trays at CS places. With a couple extra sets of hands, I think you'll be more than fine!

I may run into you again - looks like you'll arrive a few days before I do. I'll be there 12/15-12/21.

 

[fizz13]

Hi V
yep i remember the tray stroller juggle, hopefully this time with everyone walking I'll be ok Would be nice to bump into you, I'll be on the lookout for LGMH as always.

 

[The Three Cabs]

This will be my second trip going alone with my sons now 9 & 10. They are fourteen months apart so when they were babies I usually brought my mother along with me. No way I could have gotten two babies a double stroller and myself on a bus or even through airport security. But now that they are older its so much easier. I love going alone with them, I have more fun with them than anyone else. I still usually ask the hotel for a room closer to the food courts/bus stops because even at their age it can still be somewhat of a challenge guiding two half asleep children back to the room at the end of the day.

 

[SomDayMyPrnceWillCom]

My DD11 and I went for the first time this summer. It has always just been the two of us (well, since she was 6 months old anyway) and I finally decided that I was going to do what it took to get us to Disneyworld!!! All of my friends thought it was wonderful that I made a trip with just the two of us. And as everyone knows, single moms (especially ones on teacher's salaries.. lol) struggle a little financially, but I worked a second job through the year on the weekends and we stayed at a Value Resort. We did do the DDP because part of our vacation experience was trying new foods and great restaurants we would never get to try in our area. I have to admit, that it was the most magical time I can remember the two of us being able to spend. (oh except when she got a bit of a stomache ache one day and threw up in the bus line). OF course, she is 11 so we didn't have to deal with strollers, diapers or the worries that mom's with smaller children deal with. And to top that off! I'm desperately doing whatever it takes for us to get back again in May 2008 when school lets out.

 

[alicenwonder99]

I'm traveling alone to WDW with my 4 kids this year (ages 2, 7, 9, and 12). My big concern is meals. I think counter service and buffets would be difficult without another adult. I see that you have the Crystal Palace on your list. I would really like to do this, but don't think I could handle a buffet with my 2 yr old and no other adult. My 12 year old is a big help but I'm worried that my 2 year old won't sit at the table with her while I go get food. He wants his mommy. I'm always curious why Disney has so many Character buffets when they are not easy with small children. We are planning on the Garden Grill; but, my 2 year old would really like to see Pooh. Any advice on meals when traveling alone with kids. Also, we are going the week after Easter so it will be very busy.

Liberty Tree Tavern is perfect with the little ones. They bring the food to you. And the characters are great!

While at DLR over the summer, I saw CMs helping single parents with the food trays at the CS restaurants.

Since my kids are older (8 & 7), I'm fine with leaving them at the table while I go back and forth with the trays. But my biggest concern is going to the bathroom all the time...lol. Seriously, my children only need to go like 2-3 times a day, while I'm running in the bathroom once an hour!! lol.

 

[flyingw/tink]

Just a tip for traveling alone with a stroller. I actually own a Maclaren stroller and took the detachable strap off of one of my duffell bags and was able to carry my stroller on my shoulder which made it so much easier for me. If you have a strap that has the padding on it then I am sure it would make it more comfortable if you intend to carry it for any period of time. Hope this helps.

I applaude you for taking your children on your own. I am actually making my first trip this May with just myself and my DD4.

 

[2dogmom]

But my biggest concern is going to the bathroom all the time...lol. Seriously, my children only need to go like 2-3 times a day, while I'm running in the bathroom once an hour!! lol.

That is SO true. Why is it we can leave in the car to go to the store and "I have to go now" but at WDW, they have no problems holding it. LOL

 

[raysnkaysmom]

Yanno..I'm sittin here tryin to think about 'tricks n tips' on doing Disney as a single parent...but I've done it that way our last 4 trips...as well as a cruise.
Just like our 8 hr drive, your plane flight will be the most challenging.. .Bring books, crayons and toys to keep them entertained. If that doesn't help... Benadryl

If you've been a single parent at home... it's really no different being out..
worth every minute

 

[fizz13]

Thanks to everyone posting for your support and tips, i think it helps knowing that other mums have done it and survived Making me feel much more confident

 

[bigsis1970]

Hi another single mom of 2 checking in.. good idea's here not much to add other then don't stress out, have fun, relax and breath .. let the kids set the pace if they want to swim in the hotel pool all afternoon - let them, you want them to remember having a great time not momma stressing out.. I let each of mine choose 2 must do's per park and make sure they get to do them. I did buffets, let the older kids go first then take the littler kids - ask the hostess to sit by closest to the buffet so you can keep them in your sight. I have a son and daughter - my son used the ladies room till he was 9 (he started his disney trips at age 5) we all went in together and all came out together.. a double stroller in the parks a WONDERFUL tip by the end of the day everyone is tired and the bags are heavy and it can be a life saver. I am sure you'll find lots of friendly people and cast memebers who would lend a hand if needed -- OH mini bubble jugs fun for waiting in line.. make sure to let us know how it goes.. Michelle