Single Parent of 3

[NatalieO]

I am a single parent of 3 little ones, 2 girls ages 7 and 8 and my son is 5. We are planning our trip to Disney this year 19 May-26 May 2006. Does anyone have any advice on how to keep my sanity? This will be my first vacation alone with them. All of us are very excited but just wondering if anyone had any insider tips.

 

[staci]

Hi Natalie.

Are you staying on property? Have you ever been there before?

I would recommend getting to the parks at opening so you beat the crowds. Make sure to look at the park maps before you leave your room in the am so you know kinda where you are going when you get there.

I would consider renting a double stroller from disney. Some would disagree, but that is what I would do. Your 5 year old will likely NEED a stroller, and your older two will get tired. Since you will be alone I would try to avoid tired cranky kids because you will be way outnumbered. If you get a double, the 5 year old can always ride, and the other two can rest if they get tired.

Research the parks before your trip so you have an idea of what rides and attractions you will want to hit with your family.

Take a bag into the park with water bottles and granola bars or some little snacky thing to hold the kids over in between meals.

Buy some glow bracelets/necklaces before you go at dollar tree type stores. Then you can hopefully avoid the $15 glow toys they will be selling at night.

Take time to rest when necessary, seeing everything is less important than enjoying everything you see.

Have fun!
HTH

 

[NatalieO]

Thanks Staci for the advice. We are staying at the All Stars Music. And I am so glad you said the double stroller I was thinking ppl will look at me like I am crazy with a stroller for a 5 year old and my girls get tired of walking as well. We went 3 years ago but I had lots of family with me so it was easier. I will be taking snacks for the kids and lots of water. I have read to go to the park early and take a break in the afternoon and that will be my plan. Any suggestions on renting a car? Or should the Disney transportation be enough? Thanks again.

 

[kimmikayb]

That was going to be my advice too! Rent a double stroller...let the 5 yo ride...one of the older kids if they get tired and plus you'll have space for your bag. Bring something to mark your stroller (we use a bright hankie).

Have the kids wear the same bright color (if possible) that way it is easy for you to spot them all. You can wear the same color too, easy for them to spot you.

For my kids, I went to Wal Mart and had those pet tags made up with their first name and my cell phone number. I attached the tags to their shoestrings. Turned upset down, a stranger couldn't see it but the kids knew to show a cast member. That way if they are lost, I can be contacted. I instructed both of them what to look for in a cast member so they could find the right person to help them if they got lost.

Every day everyone got to pick a favorite thing to do, then the rest fell into place.

Snacks and a water bottle are great waiting in line things. So are bubbles, really great!

Use fast pass.

Use the photo pass, as much as possible then have your pictures put onto a CD.

For you....try and remember there will be meltdowns (kids and yours). Breaks will help that. Even if it's only porch sitting somewhere.

Last, you could take me with you and I'd gladly help with the kids

 

[staci]

We found DME to be an amazingly simple and efficient system. It was SO MUCH easier to not worry about luggage, and I can only imagine how that would help you. TAKE DME!!! Do not worry about a rental car. It was so nice to not have to go to a rental line, and go wait for luggage. Just walked off the airplane, straight to ME, and were IN LINE TO CHECK IN at pop century 55 minutes after our plane landed. (I think that is about the best time you will get, we lucked out that a POP bus was leaving right as we got to DME)

Sad to say, we were dissappointed this time in wait times for buses on a few occassions for POP this last trip, but the resort was booked solid when we were there. This was my 6th trip, and first time of having a problem with disney bus service. We have stayed at AllStars and always found the buses to be very convenient. For you and the kids, it will be much easier to just get on a bus than worry about going through the parking lots. I wouldnt hesitate to use bus transportation, just make sure to give yourself a few extra minutes if your resort's buses seem extra busy.

I would think twice about the stroller in your situation. If you had some adult helpers it may be a different story, but the stroller will work well to keep everyone together if nothing else.

 

[clm3]

Take afternoon breaks !!! Mine love going back to the hotel and swimming for a little while and relaxing. The rush of the parks can really get to them (and you).

The last time we went we discovered Tom Saywers Island for the 1st time and loved it. Its a great place to rest for awhile and cool off. Its very shaded and lots of places to sit and relax.

Definitely do the stroller we had one a few years back for my 3yr and 5yr (at the time) and my 10yr would have climbed in if there had been room !! The only problem with them is at AK, its alittle crazy trying to get around in there with a stroller. The paths are kind of narrow.

HAVE FUN !!!!

 

[HiddenMickey3018]

I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one taking this risk by myself! I am going to the World in December for a week with my 3 kids. They are 4, 11, and 9. I am taking them out more in public places just to test them and me on how we all act in public. Try going to dinner other than fast foods, going to the mall or movies, or even try little weekend trips. It's a good way to test your patience you would be surprised at how much you can actually handle when you know you have no choice but to do so. I plan on doing a lot of breathing and counting to 10, and I intend on them knowing that I am in charge. My oldest is my daughter, she is the mother hen to her 2 baby brothers, I know she will be my helper. I am going to do my best to just try to have fun and focus on making memories for all of us. Have fun!!!!!

Another thing is I am making it manditory to stay on property. Also, I decided on a package that offers dining (it less stress for you to feed them!) Also, I am planning like crazy!!!! I plan to do shows more than rides, and spend time out of the day just to relax and recharge.

 

[NatalieO]

Its a great feeling to know I am not the only one our there doing trying to do it by myself. I am in the military so last year I lived in Texas and took a big step by trying Six Flags by myself with them. That is how I felt by the end of the day. We tried it a couple more times until we got the hang of it. I was glad we did. I was nervous about Disney since its so much larger, but I am taking the advice of doing the double stroller, and dressing us all in the same color. I bought the kids a disney book each to choose what they want to ride and we will rotate rides. I am planning like crazy as well. And I am really enjoying it cause they are helping so much. We already discussed our lunchtime break will be swim time at the hotel and they are happy about that as well, and yes we are staying on property, I couldn't imagine us not. I know we will have fun. Good luck and have fun as well.