single mom with four year old

[jennyf2]

Single mom here I have 2 boys & I have taken them many, many times & never had a problem (they are now 13 & 7). I took my oldest when he was 3 & now the 3 of us try to go every year --at least for a few days.

 

[mom22boys]

IMDORY, I got really excited reading your post. Just want to make sure I understood you...When you arrive at the Orlando Airport and if you take the Magical Express, you don't have to go to the carousel to pick up your luggage? You just get off the plane with your little one and carry ons and board the bus? I think I'm in heaven! That was one of my biggest worries was how to lug all the luggage around with my DD and the carry ons!

You've got it right! I love Magical Express!

 

[lissiesmum]

Thanks Mom22boys! I think I will sleep a little easier with one less thing on my "how am I going to..." list!

 

[Teacher510]

I had never been to WDW until I took my DD (now 23) when she was 5. It was just the 2 of us and my memories are some of my best ever. We went at Christmas that time and just went this past Christmas week so that DD could remember a bit more than she does from the first time. We still travel together now to WDW and lots of other places. Enjoy!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

I hope you have a wonderful trip filled with magical memories!

While I am not a member of the single moms club, have been though in my lifetime, I am taking my DD who will be 2 1/2 in Dec!

Dont give it a second thought..create those memories that will always be in your heart.

Good luck to you

 

[WDW~Lover]

Just wondering if anyone else has traveled with a preschooler alone and how it went. My dream famly vacation was demolished when my DH left and now it's just the two of us. I still want to go, but just wondering if it will be too much to handle for just one person??? If you have traveled like this, could you share the highlights (and pitfalls) of your trip?

I have made well over 22 trips now with my DD. Who happens to be grown now. But I started out young with DD, and we always had a blast!! We tried to complete the tour of resorts (staying at them). It was the only place in the world I felt "safe" being a single mom and with a daughter! I think you will find this out for yourself! Have a great trip!

 

[happymommy]

I took my kids alone when they were 4 and 6, and have done a few other solo trips with them (DH works too much, and isn't quite as into Disney as I am). DS has food allergies and ADHD, but it was so easy to go to Disneyworld alone with them! We had such a nice time, just went by our schedule! Didn't plan any sit down meals, but got caught in a rainstorm one late afternoon, so sat at the bar at the 50's Prime Time Cafe (they had no tables avail) and got served a wonderful dinner!

The best things were: bringing our own stroller (I brought a single and they took turns), booking transportation from the airport, as you don't need a car at WDW, and enjoy this time!

I plan about every other trip without DH, and we have such a good time! It really is "our" special place, and the kids have so many good memories. Go for it!

 

[nurse.darcy]

As a single parent I have made many trips with my now 15 year old DS. A couple of tips. Pack as lightly as you can - there are laundry rooms at WDW resorts and the deluxes have laundry service. My rule of thumb when packing is if I would not use it or wear it at home, I won't use it or wear it on vacation. Definitely bring your own stroller. Your daughter may like to walk and run but after a day in the park she may just want to crash out in a stroller. If you can stay in a Monorail or Boardwalk location it will make it VERY convenient, but don't rule out the values. I had a great time there this summer and never thought the bus service was bad.

You will have a great time. I love it immensly.

 

[IMDORY]

IMDORY, I got really excited reading your post. Just want to make sure I understood you...When you arrive at the Orlando Airport and if you take the Magical Express, you don't have to go to the carousel to pick up your luggage? You just get off the plane with your little one and carry ons and board the bus? I think I'm in heaven! That was one of my biggest worries was how to lug all the luggage around with my DD and the carry ons!

Oh yeah! It is AWESOME!

 

[lntsmom]

and we had a wonderful time. I built my days around what he would enjoy- meaning none of the big rides and lots of shows and playground time. We were there 2 full days and 2 half days...and he loved every minute of it.

For kids that age there is magic in things like riding the train around the MK...taking a loop on the monorail even if you don't have a reason to!

One warning, at that age kids are just beginning to get a grip on reality. On our first day we met Woody and Buzz (his favorites). The next day we saw Captain Hook and Jafar...he was fine. Wemet Mickey and friends. That went great.

Then we had dinner at the Crystal Palace. All was well until Pooh came out. My son totally freaked out, began sobbing, wanted to sit on my lap, etc. I found this odd because I'd rented a Pooh costume for his first birthday and he was fine with it then...and he'd never shown any fear of costumed characters.

When we finished dinner I asked him what the issue was. He calmly explained, "Don't you know, mom? Everyone else is just characters, but Pooh is REAL!" Ah, the mind of a preschooler!

Be prepared to deal with little unexpected quirks like that. Take a long enough break every day so you can grab a nap back at your hotel room.

In 2005 I took both boys, then ages 4 and 9, to Disneyland, and again we had a great time. It was a little harder because while the younger one wanted to do Playhouse Disney and Small World, the older one thought those types of things were torture.

I'm looking forward to this trip. My older son will be almost 13...old enough that if the 7 year old wants to do something he doesn't, he can go get a soda or look at shops instead of having to be dragged along.

Sorry, I got off topic. What I'm saying is, look at the whole trip as magic. Don't stress about getting things done...toddlers don't work well on schedules. Do what you can and enjoy the heck out of your time!

BTW...I found the CMs to be very helpful to single moms. I was there on Mother's Day and several went out of their way to wish me a happy day...since it was obvious the 3 year old wouldn't be lavishing me with flowers and meals, I guess, lol! If you ever need help, just ask someone. I'd bet they will come to your rescue any time you need them!

 

[Marty Joe]

Lissiesmum,

So lets recap... 1) Your going to WDW
2) Your taking your 4yo daughter
3) You won't be dragging around any dead weight with you
4) AND - Your going to WDW!!!!!!!

The highlights will be watching your DD's eyes light up and you both will have the time of your lives!

Lissiesmum, there are many different family combinations that go to WDW and your combination is a very common one. GO - DO - HAVE FUN!!

 

[lissiesmum]

Lissiesmum,

So lets recap... 1) Your going to WDW
2) Your taking your 4yo daughter
3) You won't be dragging around any dead weight with you
4) AND - Your going to WDW!!!!!!!

The highlights will be watching your DD's eyes light up and you both will have the time of your lives!

Lissiesmum, there are many different family combinations that go to WDW and your combination is a very common one. GO - DO - HAVE FUN!!

ok, Marty Joe, #3 has made me laugh more than anything I have laughed at in over four months! I don't know if you were referring to my ex husband as the dead weight, but I can't tell you how funny I found that and what a smile I still have on my face as I am thinking about it. My Ex would have been dead weight even if we were still married and going to WDW together...he never got excited when I was planning our family trip and he couldn't have cared less ( I often joke to my friends that these disboards are what did us in) After reading all of these wonderful replies from all of you wonderful people, I have excitement again and I can't wait to go make these memories with my beautiful daughter. Keep you stories coming! I can't remember who was talking about the Pooh story about him being real, but I had the same reaction to Pluto when I was three...My parents have this picture of me crying my eyes out over Pluto! Thanks again everyone for responding and sharing your stories and words of wisdom. I have always loved that expression "strength in numbers", and you have all given me strength and courage to continue to pursue my WDW dreams (and make them even better without him!)

 

[DisneyLady56]

Single mother...now single grandmother...I started taking my 2 daughters to DW when they were 4 and 7...then every 4 years after that. Then when my granddaughter was 4, I started taking her. Just me and her, when she was 4, 6, and 8. I have had a blast each time. In June, I am taking the oldest 2 granddaughters (age 13 and 8) to DW again for 9 nine days. The rest of the family is joining us on day 3.