Single Parents at WDW - Strategy

[CBMom01]

I realize there’s a sub, sub forum for this but it’s very quiet. Not sure if there are so few or that the forum is hard to find. Just looking for advice from others who have navigated well as single parents. This is our 4th trip but only my second as a solo parent

 

[Tink_83]

I realize there’s a sub, sub forum for this but it’s very quiet. Not sure if there are so few or that the forum is hard to find. Just looking for advice from others who have navigated well as single parents. This is our 4th trip but only my second as a solo parent

What are the age(s) of your child(ren). Advice will probably change depending on this...

 

[CBMom01]

What are the age(s) of your child(ren). Advice will probably change depending on this...

1 DS. He’s 8 and a little nervous about big big coasters

 

[Tink_83]

1 DS. He’s 8 and a little nervous about big big coasters

So when I do parks (not Disney) with just my daughter I choose what she wants to do and let her decide the day. At 8 I would definitely have him look through the rides and tell you what he wants to do and build the trip around that. Since my son is 18 months I’m not really into all the things to do for boys but I’m sure someone else will have good recommendations on that. If there are rides you really want to do I’d discuss that with your son (not sure if you really want to do coasters if he doesn’t want to do them).

 

[TammyLynn33]

Single mom to 4 here and we leave in 16 days..( our third big trip alone) it’s weird the first few times traveling alone but don’t focus on the whole single mom thing and just go for it
You are kinda lucky as it’s one on one
As for the big roller coasters my strategy when my daughter was little and my son was always going , we were in the gift shop after my son had rode and they had really cool T-shirt’s saying “ I survived the ....” told her I’d buy her one she was thrilled ride got the shirt and wore it with pride the rest of the day and until she outgrew it and has been a big coaster fan ever since
Good luck.. have fun

 

[trackchik6]

I usually just do what my kids want to do. There is so much to do, I never felt like I was missing out when we didn’t do the biggest roller coasters.

This trip I’m going with my parents and just bought EMM for TSL but I know they won’t want to wake up early for that. My 7 y/o doesn’t like roller coasters. Not sure whether my 4 y/o does or not - she’s never been on! Basically I don’t think I’m going to tell them that SDD is a roller coaster and hope for the best?!?!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I'm not a single parent but have done some one-on-one park touring with my DS. While you might miss out on a few of the bigger rides, you will also find that other things go more smoothly when your group is only two - like deciding where/when to eat, stopping for shows, etc. Some tips:

At that age, you want to plan a bathroom strategy, since he likely won't want to go in with you. Make sure you know exactly where to meet each other before going in.

Play it by ear on the coasters. If he doesn't want to do the big ones, don't make him. - There's plenty to do without them! But there's also nothing wrong with a little "I'll try this ride if you'll try that one" bargain on a tamer one, just to see if he might like them.

Know your limits, and "check in" with each other. - If either of you are just wearing out, it's OK to take a break back at the resort or just find a quiet spot in the park to relax for a while. Remember, the fewer people invested in a plan, the easier it is to alter it when necessary.

 

[JulieV2222]

I went with my just turned 7 year old last September and it was great. You're going to have so much fun!!
My advice: prioritize a room with a balcony over there requests- I loved this for being able to sit out there and enjoy my wine and book when he was asleep (early!) in the evening.
I don't know how big of an eater your kiddo is but mine is tiny- sharing food was awesome. I would get a larger sized ice cream and share, or share a flatbread for dinner sometimes.
In terms of the park- let him look at the app and park map ahead of time and pick a few of his favorites. Set clear expectations of when you will be leaving (remember this is the last ride and then we will leave and come back later, which ride do you want to do first when we come back?) since meltdowns are worse to tackle in your own.
In terms of roller coasters, basically you can only do rides he is willing to do. Last time
I had to get out of line for Haunted Mansion because he was scared. No big deal, not really any other option.
And remember you get the gift of not having to deal with another annoyed or cranky adult on your trip- it's all you!! Get some awesome pics and make some great memories!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I'm not single, but DH is not a huge WDW fan, so I have taken DS11 on dozens of mommy/son solo trips since he was 3. We LOVE them! We have our own special traditions in the parks and we have such a great time together. If he is nervous about the coasters, don't sweat it. There are SO many things to do in WDW. My DS used to be afraid of the coasters, so I started him out on Barnstormer, then 7DMT and then Big Thunder. If he doesn't want to do them, I wouldn't push it. If he likes interactive activities, DS loves the pirate adventure, Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Explorers, etc. He also loves the water parks (BB in particular), mini-golf and going to the Boardwalk at night. When he was 8, I could barely get him out of the Japan pavilion in EP because he liked Pokemon so much. I would just go at his speed and enjoy whatever he seems interested in at this age. I love solo mommy/child trips!

 

[leanne2]

I'm a single mom and my dd is 11. We have been a few times with others and a few just us. They both have their advantages but I do have to say just us is a lot less stressful.
My daughter is still not sure of roller coasters but at disney she likes many of them because of the theming and many of the ques you can't see the coaster and get nervous. My daughter likes to know what's going to happen so she has watched multiple rides on YouTube.
There are times we get tired of each other and then we head back to the resort where she can swim or play the games by the pool and I can relax. She has actually made a couple of friends at the pool and made plans over the trip to meet up.
Overall I am more on her schedule and do what she wants. Honestly watching her is a big part of the fun. I will tell her at times that it's my turn to choose though.
We go back in a month and she is really enjoying the planning of this trip.