Single parent traveling alone w/toddler

[LittleMermaidsMom]

Has anyone every traveled to WDW alone with a toddler? I am considering taking my 3 year old DD (almost 4) over Labor Day weekend... we usually go every year and have a big trip planned this December with other family members, but I found a great deal on airfare that I hate to pass up and we already have our AP's So I am thinking about taking a quick trip..

Am I crazy to try to go alone with a toddler?? Does anyone have any experience or advice? TIA

 

[disneymom3]

Welcome to the DIS!!

I have not gone with a three/four year old by myself, but did take my 5 year old alone. It was great and I would love to take my younger ones alone too! Obviously it is a totally kid focused time, but I did manage to carve out a little time by bringing a book light with me so I could read as she nodded off to sleep. I would do it in a heartbeat, if I were you.

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

Do it! I have taken 2 of my children alone twice (before the youngest was born). The first time we just stopped by the MK for a day, DD was just a baby at 5 months and oldest DS had just turned 2. They were 14 months and almost 3 years on our 2nd trip. We spent 3 nights at All Star Movies. They had a blast.
This year I have completely lost my mind and I am taking all 3 kids alone to Disney World in TWO weeks! They are now 2, 4 & 6 years old.
I think one kid would be a breeze Just go at her pace and see where she takes you.

 

[kelscross]

With one I would go. I have two toddlers and there is no way.

I say enjoy the time alone with your daughter!

 

[Lollipop Mom]

Just a humble request for a trip report with any suggestions you have when you return! I will be going with just my 4 year old and I in October. We are meeting friends there both of whom will be with their families. We too have APs and I'm on the lookout for great airfare but we live in Atlanta so driving is always an option for us too.

 

[F1Julie]

Go for it! I'm a single mom and I took my DD for her first trip at 3 1/2 and again for her 4th birthday. I love going just the 2 of us! We can just do whatever we (she) wants. I'd just be sure to stay on site to get all the Disney transportation perks. I'm going back again in August (a surprise for DD) since I got such a good room rate. We are also going in December. 3-4 is such a great age to go. My DD loves seeing all the characters. Definitely do lots of character meals. My DD has more fun there then at the parks. Mommy-daughter trips are great!

 

[LittleMermaidsMom]

We're going to do it! I just booked our airfare... thanks for all the encouragement... I think we'll have a great time.

It will be nice to be able to do whatever we want - whenever we want. We always travel with a large group and it's hard to get everyone to agree on a plan. Maybe this time we can actually make an EE morning.

We'll be sure to do a couple character meals.. my daughter loves those. And I'll post a trip report when we return with any tips I might have.

Thanks for your advice. I'm so excited now! Come on AP rates!

 

[Snoopymom]

I also would love a trip report when you get back. I'm considering taking my 4 yr old in November without dh. I'm not that worried about the hassle of it, I'm more afraid I'll be bummed that dh won't be there for any special moments with ds and I'll really miss having meals/conversation with him. The one on one with ds would be great though!

For convenience, I'd like to stay at one of the Deluxe resorts, but I'd feel like it was a waste of money for just the two of us. Where do you all stay?

 

[LittleMermaidsMom]

We usually stay at my aunt's time share, but we have stayed at the value resorts a few times. I think this trip with my daughter we will stay at one of the monorail resorts.. hopefully Poly. I think it will make it easier to get around, especially with her stroller.

 

[frstimer128]

I am a single mom with a 4 year old DD and we're going alone in October. We go everywhere together.

 

[G&J's Mom]

I am so glad I found this thread. I have been considering taking DD 4 on a weekend mommy daughter trip and leaving the boys (DH and DS) home. I think we would have a blast!!

Denise

 

[Disneymomma]

I took DD when she turned 5. It was the BEST trip! We did whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. It was a total princess trip!

 

[tjmw2727]

I have taken each of my girls on a solo mom/me trip and they were wonderful. I also take the two of them and we have a blast. Its nice to just go at whatever pace the day brings and not plan for too many different people and tastes.

If the budget allows stay on site, I got a great code for the Poly one trip and CR another and having a balcony for some "alone time" was nice in the evenings.

A couple evenings dd would fall asleep in the stroller at WS and I could stroll the countries and watch the live entertainment and have an adult beverage. The rest of the time it was MK and lots of 3-4yo fun for both of us.

I always stock up at the grocery on the way in to have breakfast in the room and some sandwich stuff. It helps to have some fruit and milk on hand with kiddos. I also made our big meal of the day a later lunch and made a ps for each day. This was a better time for dd to eat, the restaurants were less crowded and the meals were great and a bit more affordable than big dinners. Then we would have sandwiches in the room or light counter service for dinner.

Have a great time!
TJ

 

[mamalle]

dd and I took a mommy and me trip last may when she was 3 and we had a wonderful time. we did whatever she wanted to do and I really enjoyed the one on one time with her. enjoy! I would do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[ktbugsmom]

I am so glad I found this thread! I am debating taking my 4.5 year old daughter to AKL in August. I have a room booked (AP code rate of $135/night for pool view), but I was starting to feel guilty about going without my husband and step daughter.

My daughter and I have been to WDW 4 times together - but always with the rest of the family or my sister and her kids. However, I have dreamed of going with just the 2 of us and I am dying to stay at AKL. She is my Disney geek and loves to go on all of the rides. She has a ton of energy and loves to go go go, like I do. We wear out her father and sister! We are up early and hit the parks when they open. When DH is with us, it is like pulling teeth to get him moving. Once he is there, he is great though.

I think you have talked me into not cancelling my reservation and going for it!

But, does anyone else feel guilty about spending that kind of money for just 2 people?

 

[Winston112]

Don't feel guilty LittleMermaidsMom. Just think of the time alone together bonding. That's priceless.

 

[F1Julie]

It's cheaper to go with just 2 people. Cheaper meals, park tickets, souvenirs, and if you fly the plane tickets... I can afford to go to WDW with just me and my DD. I can't imagine the cost if I had more children or a husband as well. Don't feel guilty at all.

 

[jwfla422]

Since we are FL residents we have seasonal APs and go to WDW about 3-4 times a year (the more the better and the more I feel like the pass is worth it!!)

I took my dd to WDW when she had just turned 4 (within the week before we left) by myself. Dh and I had taken her several times already but he couldn't make this trip. It was wonderful. She was great and I felt very comfortable especially since WDW is like our second home.

The one really nice thing is that one night I was able to put her in the Cub's Den at the WL where we were staying because she had just turned 4 and I went to DTD and spent a few hours of grown up time having a quick dinner at Portebello's (and a glass of wine or 2 and then shopped for a few hours.

I have now taken her several times myself or I go a few days ahead of dh and he meets us up there (she's about to turn 6)...and I have to admit to this day, that the first trip alone with her was the best trip...she was so well behaved then, soon after she learned how to talk back..LOL!!!! ...much more challenging (and tiring) these days-you'd think it would be the opposite when they're younger!