Single parents...

[cyndibelle]

Can you tell me how you take your kids to disney ??? When i was with my ex we went yearly for our kids..and this coming year will be the first we havent gone...I would really like to make a trip with my children..but how do you do it on your own..My kids love Disney so much and i would love to take them even for a short trip. Honestly though i am scared..

 

[bjgrazi]

I was a single Mom and I did 3 times. It's not hard (I only had 2 at the time) We had a blast. Think of it as a big trip to the mall. It's just something I did, at first I was nervous and then when we got there, I'd couldn't for the life of me figure why I was nervous I relaxed and we had a blast. Like anything the first time is always the hardest.

We stayed on property and 2 times I didn't rent a car. The one time I did, we drove from airport to WDW, parked the car and didn't use it again till we left.

Just jump in there and do it, relax and enjoy.


-

 

[TEENEE]

If money is not an issue, just go. You'll have a blast. When my ex and I split up I had a great time doing things like that with my kids. I don't know how old your kids are but mine were old enough to understand that we needed to take some extra safety precautions but they were fine. I think they learned a lot and we had a great time. Go for it. You'll be proud of yourself for giving your kids that memory and they will love it.

 

[Art Vandalay]

Not sure how old your kids are, but my daughter and I went on a Disney cruise and had a great time. It was perfect because it allowed me to have a vacation with her, but not be with her every minute of the day. She'd go to the kid's club, but if there were any problems, I'd be no more than a minute or two away. That let me relax more than I probably could've otherwise.

 

[NMAmy]

I took dd when I was a single parent. It was one of our favorite trips. Of course, I only had one kid and she was 8 at the time--it would obviously be more difficult if you had more kids and younger ages.

I think you should go for it! Being single means learning to do things without a backup adult that might make you nervous. It really does get easier the more often you do it. I think you'd really enjoy a trip with just the kids. If you went yearly before the divorce, it would show them that not everything had to change because you divorced. That you're strong and tough and you can handle anything. (Because you can, you know.)

 

[cyndibelle]

Thank You!!! I need pep talks like that...My children are 9 and almost 7...I know i could do it..it is just a matter of taking myself out of my comfort zone...

 

[VioltePrincess]

the first time I went alone with my girls, the older one was 9 and the yoounger one was 7, and we did just fine!

go, have fun, you can do this.

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

I was divorced when my DS was 3. We have always gone on trips, just the two of us . I remarried when he was 8 but we continued to take trips together if it didn't suit for my DH to go with us. These are our best memories, our trips together.

Go, have fun and create memories!

 

[F1Julie]

I've taken DD6 to WDW by myself at least twice a year for the past 3 years. We have a blast! I actually think its easier when its just the 2 of us versus times my parents and sister have come along. We always stay on-site and rely on Disney transportation. You can't find a better, safer destination for a single mom.

 

[clutter]

Ok, I'm a single mom since day 1, and my dd and I have gone to WDW maybe 15 times. So, I"m not really sure what there is to be afraid of, lol. Of course, I only have one, and generally the only tantrums are thrown by me.

So, start voicing your concerns, and we"ll help you over them.

Here's some ideas:

Riding rides that are two-seaters?? Have you dd's sit together, and enjoy watching them!

Safety? Fifteen trips, never felt 'not safe'. Seriously, take a deep breath and don't think about it.

Money? You dd's are a great age. I usually give me daughter a certain amount of $ per day. And I agree to buy her one thing (I learned to set a $ limit on that, too!).

Meals? I've had my best times with my dd at disney, and yes, at meals. Just eat where you think everyone will find something to like.

I've found that Disney has become such a special place to us, because it's one of the only places that mom is playful all the time. I know that when my dd says she misses WDW, she's really needing some carefree mom time. And that's tough to come by here, there's always something that needs to be done, etc.

Don't think, just book it and GO! You and your dd's will have the time of your life!!!

 

[tink1978]

I take my child every year. It is easier because I only have one, but I would still go if I had more. A good thing I do is take another family member along. Usually, it is my brother....that way he can help out as well and we all spend time together. It is a good bonding experience for everyone.

 

[Robinrs]

It's just been Michael and me since we "lost" his dad to mental illness during my pregnancy.

We've been to Orlando 32 times... 33 is coming next month, since he was 5. We have such a good time together, it's the one time we are the SAME AGE.

He'll be 14 next month and our trips have definitely been the highlights of our lives.

Go. Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. You can do anything, you're a MOM!! The strongest most effective entity on EARTH!

 

[Melissa M]

Our trip in June 2007 will be our first post-divorce trip. We have 5 days left on our non-expiring passes and a friend that's a DVC member that is letting us use his points for the resort. All we need is transportation and food. We've been saving like crazy right now - no eating out, no new clothes, no movies, no ballgames. That's all "Disney money" now. It's tough, but for us it's worth it. We are so excited!

 

[Goofyluver]

I'm a single mom and took my DS over New Years this past year. It is nervewracking. I never let him out of my sight. He didn't have a choice but to hold hands when it was busy. I was also nervous about (this was the big one) him going to the bathroom. He is 10 (9 at the time) so he is too old to come with me. We used the family facilities. This helped so that he wasn't by himself in the restroom.

 

[SunshineOR]

I've took two myself to DL while dh was at a conference for a few days. It was a little tough because they were young (3 & 5 at the time) and helping them both with getting on and off rides quickly was a little stressful. And the awkward balance of one meeting height restrictions and the other not was tough without another adult. However, I think the ages of your two are perfect. They can go on the same rides and get themselves on and off without assistance. Go for it!

 

[lindalinda]

Single mom here who has taken my son every year since he was 5. We have always taken at least one extra child with us , since he is an only child. We have always had a blast! Plan , plan , plan, and make sure you have lots od maps and always know exactly where you are going. Stay on-site if you can to make it easier. Go for it, it will be so special for your family!

 

[MichelleVW]

Almost all of my trips has been as a single mom and it's MUCH easier that way if you ask me.

First time the girls were 8 and 10 and we had no worries, in fact that was Dec 2001 and I think it was out best trip ever. I got remarried in 04 and DH went with us last December, but he's Disney'ed out for now so Jan will be just the girls and me again.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Not a single parent, but I took my girls ages 6 and 10 in Sept by myself. All my friends and family thought I was CRAZY--except DH.

We had gone over a lot of ground rules first. My girls are pretty well behaved so that helps.

We flew out, took ME to the resort and Disney transportation all week.

The hardest part is that you have to take them with you everywhere, I missed shopping or running to the food court or front desk alone, but I just planned ahead to make sure I had everything.

Go and have a great time!!!

 

[ValDisney]

I have taken my 2 children (ages 9 and 7 now) by myself for the last 2yrs. We are leaving for another trip next week. i took them to last yr to MNSSHP and we had a blast.
Don't worry and have a great time.
Valerie

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

I have been divorced for 8 years and we go to Disney every year. I have gotten so used to doing things by myself that it is just like everything else. We have done Florida so many different ways. Driving down, camping, staying off site, staying on site, flying , we just do whatever we want. I have never felt afraid. I am careful but I don't let that stop me from doing stuff. We are very independent. I don't depend on anyone anymore. We have so much fun no matter what we do.