*** Single Parent with Twins - Possible??? ***

[edgarjcs]

Hello,

Last year in September, I had the opportunity to travel to Orlando for first time and visit not only the Disney parks but also the Universal ones. I was in that trip with my sister and my wife and we were staying out of property.

Sadly, things have gone bad and now I am planning a single parent trip to Disney World with my 5 years old twins (age at planned trip date) in February 2015. They are a girl and a boy

We live in Panama. They already have the non immigrant Visa to enter into USA and a valid passport (thanks God) and I am pretty sure that I will have the permit from their mother to take them out of our country.

But I am afraid for several things and I apologize in advance for the several questions that come to my mind in this moment:

1. I always felt attracted by the All Star Movies Resort, because of the very well known figures around the hotel, but I have read that one of the best options for us would be Pop Century due to its own (direct?) buses line. Pop Century is a bit more expensive, but seems like having neighbor of Art of Imagination is a plus. The downside could be the lack of known icons in the exterior decoration for my kids. Any input on this matter?

2. Fortunately I found information about companion restrooms that saved my life, because it was going to be one of my big issues during the trip, but how populated these restrooms are? It is difficult to find them?

3. I am planning to rent a double side to side stroll. I know that at the very beginning it will be like an useless stuff because the kids will be willing to walk and discover the world, lol, but they will get tired soon or later. The question here is, how difficult is to take this double side to side strollers in and out of the buses? Remember please that I will be running out of help. Have to take care of the kids and at the same tire, handle the stroller.

4. One of the biggest issues that I think we will have, are the rides. If its just my twins and me and the rule to ride alone says the child needs to have 7 years old, it means that we will be missing a lot of attractions? Where can I find a list rides that would allow us to ride together? Or perhaps, a list of rides that we would miss?

5. Even when I am planning to buy a package for 6 nights with 4 days park tickets (one park for day), I think that instead of do Epcot with my kids I should repeat one of the other parks, mainly thinking on Magic Kingdom right now. Any suggestions?

6. I know for my past experience that going to parks can be tiring and my kids could pass from excitement to boredom easily if I don't plan some kind of resting. Depending of the planned crowds in the park, my plan so far is take them two days in a row to the parks and then rest for a whole day. I am thinking in renting a car for a day, take the to the biggest McDonald's and soft stuff like that without so much rush or walking. The question is, where can I find a nearby rental car from Disney property? Do I need to take a taxi?

7. Considering that I will be traveling with my kids, I would like to know if there is any restriction about taking one or two beers in the parks where it is allowed. I know this trip is basically for my loved kids, but I am not planning to get drunk, just want to have the opportunity to rest and relax a while without break any rule.

8. Finally, about weather. Information varies from website to website, so it is not really clear for me. Rains so often in February? It is possible to use the pools or weather is too cold to attempt it?

So many questions, so many doubts. Sorry again. Bad english, sorry for that too. But I really appreciate any tip or answer on these doubts.

Thanks and Regards,
Edgar

 

[AuthorAndrea]

Hi Edgar, you and your kids are going to have a wonderful time and all of your planning will pay off! It IS definitely possible! For what it's worth, here are my experiences and suggestions:

1. We had a great experience at Pop Century, but the price has increased due to the opening of Art of Animation. There were enough "familiar" icons (Jungle Book, Lady and the Tramp) for them to get excited over, and since we spent very little time in our room or at the resort, they didn't seem to "miss" anything. I have read that there is one "pickup" bus stopping at All Star Sports, Music, then Movies, which could result in a wait; but I have also read that the hotels are close enough together that Movies guests often get on the bus at Music. You'll have to decide what will work best for you.

2. The location of the companion restrooms should be noted on each park map, which you can probably find online in advance for reassurance. Any cast member (Disney employee) will be happy to direct you.

3. My husband thought I was crazy for renting a double stroller from Baby Wheels Orlando for our kids who were nearly 6 and nearly 8. It was our saving grace! My youngest was able to open it and close it one-handed. It came with a free "parent console" (drink holder), detachable cooler, and had a basket underneath as well as a pouch behind the seat. I am only 5'3" and had no trouble folding the stroller and carrying it on and off the buses. Your kids are old enough to climb onto the bus ahead of you, and people are very accommodating about making sure the kids will find a seat, even if you are standing with the stroller. We enjoyed the peace of mind of being able to walk at our pace, and their energy was better used waiting for rides and to meet characters.

4. The Disney parks websites should each have a detailed description of the rides and restrictions. I don't think you'll have a problem!

5. The price difference between a four-day ticket and a five-day ticket is minimal. If you decide not to "rest" on the third day, perhaps you could do each park on the first four days, and spend the 5th where everyone had the most fun. Again, if you read the descriptions of all the rides and activities at Epcot, you'll have a better sense of what your kids will be interested in. Mine absolutely loved collecting "autographs" in each of the countries.

6. Several of the "Downtown Disney" hotels (located near Downtown Disney, but not owned by Disney) have car rental facilities. You would need to take a cab to get there. Before you look into that, consider spending your "rest day" enjoying all of the amenities available on Disney property. You could ride the monorail, explore the other resorts, find the butterfly garden, play games on the Boardwalk, rent fishing poles, take a carriage ride... these "extras" are the things I'm looking forward to the most on our next trip! You may find more than enough to do on property if you read reviews of "overlooked attractions" and "free and cheap things to do".

Also, when planning your day, whether or not your kids still nap, you might consider getting to the parks when they open, staying through lunch, then going back to the hotel for a break to swim (or, take a bus to another hotel for another "adventure"/change of scene), then head back to the park at dinnertime or after dinner, depending on their bedtime. I think the key is to know which rides/activities are your "musts" and plan your day accordingly.

7. I don't know about bringing beer into the park, but I do know you can purchase it, at least in Epcot's World Showcase.

8. We visited February 11-17 in 2012. We FROZE for the first two days, with temperatures in the 40's and 50's, but it gradually warmed up and we were able to swim for the last few days. It only rained briefly on one afternoon. Watch the weather just before you leave, and pack for all weather conditions.

I hope this helps!!!!

 

[JillyBean1899]

I don't think he meant he was going to take alcohol into the park, I think he meant he was going to purchase and drink a beer or two while he was there, and wanted to know if there were any rules about one adult staying "sober". You'll be fine, plenty of single parents there have an adult beverage or two during the day. As long as you're not rip-roaring drunk or causing a problem, nobody will say anything (and if you were that bad, they'd say something even if you were the only adult drinking in a group of 10 adults)

 

[squirrel]

It won't cost much to get more park days if you need them, just make sure to upgrade them before you have used the last day (you can still upgrade on the last day before you leave the park).

Pop Century is a great resort. It also has Mr. Potato Head, which you kids will probably recognize.

I tried going back to the resort with my niece, but found it was a waste of time. She would either fall asleep on the bus back to the resort or on the way back to the park.

What I did was do 2-3 park days and then a day off to hang out at our resort and then another 2-3 park days. We did full days at the park and enjoyed the EMH in the evening. I told my niece she would be able to ride more rides if she could stay up late and she would need a nap so she would be able to stay up. She had so much fun riding her favorite rides without having to get off.

Most of the rides are built for two people but since your kids are small and you only have one adult I think you will find that you can fit on all the rides. If not I'm sure they allow you to ride in the seat behind them. Buzz and TSMM are the only ones I can think of that will be a bit disappointing if you all ride together as they only have 2 guns/cannons. I guess you will have to ride a few extra times so you get a turn.

We had a rule that if one of us had to go to the bathroom we both went. It saved us so much time. Make sure you all go to the bathroom before waiting for parades and the fireworks, since you won't have anyone to save your spot.

Have a great time with your kids!

 

[mjkacmom]

The last time we were there, the twins were 4, and we rented a double stroller in the parks. It was more expensive this way, but we didn't want to have to deal with a stroller outside the parks, since our kids were definitely old enough to walk. It was used mostly to get from point A to point B quickly.

I don't see the need for companion restrooms, in your case. They are few and far between, and I can't imagine a 5 year old girl would have any struggles, or need to fear anything, in the ladies room at WDW.

I also can't imagine making an effort to rent a car to go to McDonalds. If you want a break, maybe Downtown Disney? There are so many fast food options onsite - we go to McDonalds in emergency situations only (starving on long drives).

 

[squirrel]

I don't see the need for companion restrooms, in your case. They are few and far between, and I can't imagine a 5 year old girl would have any struggles, or need to fear anything, in the ladies room at WDW.

Some people are not comfortable letting a child as young as 5 in a restroom by themselves. Also some have more than one exit. I could see a 5 year old get confused in a few of them as they are so large and are like a maze.

The washrooms are companion washrooms and the OP has the right to use them.

 

[MSSANDRA]

1.We have stayed at both of these value resort and while we do prefer Pop over AS, there is not a huge amount of difference. The biggest is bus service. I would not worry to much about the theme. Kids will be happy where ever.

2. Companion bathroom are not marked on regular maps but CMs can direct you. You can also use the baby centers in each park. You may or may not feel comfortable asking a mom with little girls going into the bathroom to keep an eye on your little girl. I have been asked and agreed before.

3.We found 5 the cut off for absolutely needing a stroller. What we did at that age was plan to rent in the parks if we needed to but really never needed it. With two I do see the possible need to have one and depending on the room location, walk back to rooms at the values can be long.

4.Most ride can hold an adult and two kids. There are a few like Buz that is more fun if you all have a gun and most CM will let you sit one kid right in front of you. Three can ride in BTMR and many of the other 40 inch rides are individual seats in a row and will not be an issue.

5.I would do tickets for everyday. So little to add on another day or two and certainly cheaper than renting a car to go off site and doing other activities. Don't skip Epcot! Plenty of fun things there for everyone!!

6. See #5. With tickets everyday, you can go at a slower pace and take a mid-day rest break a few days if you need it.

7.Beer is served in most sit down restaurants not in the MK, and at many bars around the world. You will find no problems with ordering them with your children in tow,

8.Weather in February can be iffy. WDW is fun and easy to manage in any weather. Swimming is a toss up. We don't swim in Winter but many people do. Pools are heated.

HAVE FUN!

 

[edgarjcs]

Hello,

I really appreciate all your replies to my post. I will keep investigating stuff and surely I will be back with more questions

I am definitely dropping the idea of renting a car and maybe as some of you have suggested, I would get more tickets or will spend quality time in Downtown Disney.

As Squirrel said, I am among those that would not feel comfortable letting a girl of 5 going alone to public restrooms. I would prefer to keep an eye on her.

About the rides, its nice to know that we will be able to ride a lot of them together (well, those where their size allow it). In Toy Story Mania it will be more like helping them to understand the functionality of the guns and helping them to aim and shoot, so I think I will be fine. Lol, I hope so.

Talking about beers is a relief to know there is no rules avoiding a father to drink alcoholic beverages while in company of children. And yes, I was referring to the possibility of buying the beers inside the parks that allow it.

Finally about the weather, I need to read more. Certainly weather could be not so cold, but depends of how my kids could handle it, taking into account that we live in a hot country and the weather change could affect them.

Again, thanks so much for your help.

Best Regards,

Edgar

 

[FreeThinker]

Our twins walked just fine at 4, and again at 5, so I would not do a stroller unless you find you really need one while you are there. We do have a littler one, so we had to have a single stroller, but I always hated that big, bulky double stroller, and I would not use one unless I felt it was absolutely necessary! I would just go at the kids' pace, if they are tired, find a show or air-conditioned place to sit and rest. Take a mid-day break for a nap if you need to. Make sure that you are totally focused on them, and that each day is centered around what they need- watch for when they need a nap, break, or snack. Don't let them get overly-tired

I would mark all of the family restrooms on the map, so you will know where they are.

As for rides, at 5 they will be able to ride most of the rides. Last year mine couldn't do RnRc, but they could do all the other rides. At 4 they weren't able to do Mission Space, Space Mtn., and some of the other rides like that. It will depend on how tall they are, but know ahead of time which rides are okay and which they aren't tall enough for.