Single Mom with 12, 11, and 4 year old... Help!

[BellaO]

I'm very excited to be taking them but nervous about how best to handle everything. The two oldest can go on rides together but I feel like there will be a lot of down time for my 4 yr old as we wait for the boys. Any tips in general for this upcoming adventure?

 

[DWillowBay]

I did this same kind of trip as a single mom years ago. Don't worry...it will go well! It's Disney! There's no such thing as "down time"! You and your youngest will be able to watch the rides, see a character, scan a gift shop (there are one or two at Disney, you know?!) while you wait for the older ones. Use this time to see the park through the 4 year old's eyes....magic! Have a great time!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome to the dis, Bella.

I would echo the advise above. Enjoy your trip, it will be wonderful for all of you.

 

[MainMom]

How tall is your 4 year old?

 

[BellaO]

My 4 yr old is tiny
She'll be all about the princesses and magic! I love DW and can't wait to share it with her. Boys went when they were younger so I'm not sure how magical it will be for them, I don't want to neglect them either.

 

[Marlyn]

My 4 yr old is tiny
She'll be all about the princesses and magic! I love DW and can't wait to share it with her. Boys went when they were younger so I'm not sure how magical it will be for them, I don't want to neglect them either.

It will be magical for your boys as well!!! I've been travelling to WDW alone with my twin boys since they were 7. Every trip has been magical! We are taking our 10th trip together this July. The boys will be 21 and we are looking forward to it just as much now as we did way back when they were 7!

 

[WDmommyof4]

I have taken my four, now 15, 14, 12 and 10 alone since the oldest two were 2 and 3. It really works out well at Disney. Since the majority of rides are those that everyone will ride, it really doesn't create a lot of downtime. Plus, with the new Fastpass system, it is easy to go in and change two fastpasses for your older children to one ride and one for yourself and your four year old to another. We have done this a few times. I will get them fastpasses at one ride, and fastasses for me and the two younger ones at a ride really close by for the same time. Then we point out a meet up location and go on our respective rides alone. It is absolutely doable, and you will have a ton of fun!

 

[a742246]

Try pin trading with your youngest you can get a them on ebay!

 

[Mikie]

In addition to good advice above, consider collecting pressed pennies! They're a cheap souvenir and finding the machines and selecting your design is part of the fun. You'll often find machines in gift shops and other areas near a ride you might be waiting on.