Single mom with 2 kids that like different rides, need advice, please!

[somechick]

I am taking my 2 kids, my son is 14, my daughter is 12, to WDW at the end of October. We have been several times, both when I was married to their dad, and afterwards, last time was 2 years ago. The last trip was the three of us, and my brother and his teenage daughter. We didn't do everything with them but we had an amazing trip! Part of the beauty of going with them was, when one of the kids didn't want to go on something, we could do the rider swap. I won't have that option this trip and there are a few rides that my daughter does not want to go on, mainly Expedition Everest, she didn't like it last time, and Tower Of Terror, which I actually think she would love.
I want us all to have a good time, because we are having to move from the only home any of us have ever know just before we go. I have never lived in another house, and neither have they. it's very hard to leave a place you have spent 46 years, and it is stressful for all of us. So, I would like to minimize the stress of disagreeing on rides, if I can.
I understand that we won't always agree, and when we don't I would like ideas on how to reach a peaceful resolution. How have any of you dealt with this kind of situation? I don't want to miss out on rides my son and I will love, but I obviously can't drag a scared daughter on them.

Any thoughts? I appreciate any suggestions!

 

[Alesia]

Have her go through the line with you, take the chicken exit, and wait in the giftshop until you're done.

 

[Robo]

Anyone not wanting to ride can go through the queue with everyone, then exit the queue before riding and wait at the ride exit for anyone who IS riding.

 

[Anchored]

I just came back from a trip with my 10 and 6 year old
My daughter (6) loves all the rides and my 10 year old is scared of everything, lol
He waited in line with us and took the chicken exit and waited right at the exit for us. It was only a few minutes at best (at ToT he waited with us right until we got on the ride, even through the video) and waited by the picture display thing. Everest he waited in the gift shop right by the gates. He is almost 11 and very mature though. It worked out fine for us this way. He had his phone and kept himself entertained for 2-3 minutes, no problem

 

[somechick]

Thank you! I wasn't sure if it were acceptable to let a kid her age do that. I am glad to know it's an option, she loves gift shops so this will probably be the thing that makes her happiest!

And Anchored, thank your husband and your family for his service!

 

[bumbershoot]

I wasn't sure if it were acceptable to let a kid her age do that.

Kids are allowed to go all the way through a line and onto the ride and off again (assuming they are of the right height) starting at the age of 7, so yes, your kids are definitely OK to be alone for a bit.

 

[alliecat523]

I can't do coasters but my daughter (11) love them. We stand in line together, and I head for the chicken exit while she rides solo. I'm right there when she gets off. It works wonderfully!

 

[flortlebap]

I was 10 the first time I was allowed a bit of freedom in the parks. By 13 I was allowed to get the bus with my younger brother as long as rigid time scales were set.

I was probably as mature at aged 10 as I am now at 30!

But that said, I knew the parks like the back of my hand. Every kid is different. Just do what you're comfortable with.

(I would let my ten year old queue alone for example, but there is no way in hell I would trust my 12 year old to do the same. There's a huge difference in their maturity).

 

[ttintagel]

Thank you! I wasn't sure if it were acceptable to let a kid her age do that. I am glad to know it's an option, she loves gift shops so this will probably be the thing that makes her happiest!

And Anchored, thank your husband and your family for his service!

My sister and I were turned loose in the MK at ages 12 and 13. Before cell phones, even!

 

[melifeld]

she loves gift shops so this will probably be the thing that makes her happiest!

Just bring some extra cash for the souvenirs she will find when she is in there waiting!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Your son can also ride alone if he would like, but it sounds like you want to ride with him!! As long as DD is comfortable waiting for you and you have a confirmed meeting place, everything should be fine. My DS7 rides Space Mountain alone sometimes (when mommy can't take it anymore!) and I just wait where the ride lets off. He also just did the TT single rider line for the first time a few weeks ago and we just met up at the exit sign at the end of the ride.

 

[mousefan73]

Your son is old enough to go on his own. If his goal is riding, let him loose and take advantage of single rider lines. Or mix it up with him single rider and you both ride while DD hangs out in the gift shop. EE has a cool shop etc. example HS. Do girly shows ( ariel, beauty beast ) assuming DS has no interest and have hin do RNR and TT. I know RNR has single rider. He can get alot done here.

In the end you'll save ride wait times and have more time to do other family things together.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Years ago, I established a rule with my kids: the vacation is for everyone. If somebody wants to ride something, you cheerfully ride even if you don't like it or if you are scared or just really don't want to do it, then you allow others to ride/ participate etc... without complaint. This rule has served us very well through the years and I highly recommend establishing it.

If your daughter (or son) doesn't want to ride, as others mentioned just have her come through the line with you to the end or wait in the gift shop. I am usually the one in my family to use the chicken exit as I can only ride the bigger rides once while the rest ride multiple times. (motion sickness) The process is very easy. Your kids are old enough that nobody will bat an eye.

Have a great trip!

 

[greatbigbeautifultomorrow]

You all can stand in line together and once you get to the point where you have the option to exit the line, prior to getting on it, your son or daughter could leave the line and go in the gift shop to wait. I've done this many a times. My family only had one thrill ride seeker, so the rest of us would wait in the gift shop until then.

I understand your worry of making the trip run smoothly with the change of moving. I'm sorry. I'm sure everything will go well and your family will have a wonderful time! FWIW, my parents are divorced and as much as I enjoyed and have fantastic memories of my childhood trips to Disney with my parents and older brother, the vacations I take with my parents separately are just as awesome. They're special in their own way.

 

[Baklava]

Anyone can use the "chicken exit." You're blessed that both of yours are old enough to exercise that option.

 

[DizzneyDi]

I want us all to have a good time, because we are having to move from the only home any of us have ever know just before we go. I have never lived in another house, and neither have they. it's very hard to leave a place you have spent 46 years, and it is stressful for all of us. So, I would like to minimize the stress of disagreeing on rides, if I can.
I understand that we won't always agree, and when we don't I would like ideas on how to reach a peaceful resolution.

I just wanted to wish you well with your move. I've been there and I know it's stressful but I think this trip is happening at a great time for you. After you've had a great vacation you and the kids will go back to your new home together to start the next chapter of your lives. Maybe you can find some special "housewarming" gifts--could be something as simple as dishtowels or drinking glasses--to take home with you.