Single with kids!

[twinklebug]

There's way too many threads here about singles or married and no kids... time to even it out!

So single mom & dads let's hear from you... yea, this includes those of us who have a spouse but all trips seem to be one adult only. Any fun tales to tell about singles life with kiddos? (particularly of course if they pertain to Disney!)

 

[brenalexacamp]

I've been a few times with my family and a few times just me and my son with down syndrome. I LOVE going alone with him-we do what he wants to do- no waiting for other people- we usually go commando- he has a chair he uses for Disney-he could never do all the walking. somehow I am able to do all the pushing-lol this July all five of us are going- supposed to be fun! i am already hearing grumblings about going to the parks- I want one day at Universal for Harry Potter-One day at MK and one at Epcot-I think if we are going to disney- they should at least see the parades and the fireworks. We agreed to a waterpark day- we'll see-They are 20 and 16-I told them and Dh- if you complain even once-YOU NEVER COME AGAIN- it's too expensive to complain-it will be hot- you knew that when you decided to come-I am visiting the Down syndrome convention that week. I don't expect them to- but I have a feeling my son and I will be solo in the parks-fine.

 

[addictedtothemouse]

I'm not single but DH has never gone when the girls have and has sworn never to go again! So, yeah, it's like being a single parent when we go. I have to say though I'm not sure it would be as much fun with him along 'cause he'd be the biggest kid (not in a fun way) there.

 

[DMOMof3]

Started going to WDW with the kids yearly when I became single....Its been magical.. Until the last time my two youngest decided they were done with the mouse. Unfortunately we haven't been able to afford it since. Just a few weeks ago my DS asked me to help him plan a trip with his girlfriend....and my two DD are dying to go back..The Magic Lives On

 

[twinklebug]

I've been a few times with my family and a few times just me and my son with down syndrome. I LOVE going alone with him-we do what he wants to do- no waiting for other people- we usually go commando- he has a chair he uses for Disney-he could never do all the walking. somehow I am able to do all the pushing-lol this July all five of us are going- supposed to be fun! i am already hearing grumblings about going to the parks- I want one day at Universal for Harry Potter-One day at MK and one at Epcot-I think if we are going to disney- they should at least see the parades and the fireworks. We agreed to a waterpark day- we'll see-They are 20 and 16-I told them and Dh- if you complain even once-YOU NEVER COME AGAIN- it's too expensive to complain-it will be hot- you knew that when you decided to come-I am visiting the Down syndrome convention that week. I don't expect them to- but I have a feeling my son and I will be solo in the parks-fine.

Oh brenalexacamp, good luck with your DH and kids. I have a feeling that unless they're used to sweating the only part they'll truly enjoy will be the water parks. Brought my DH with us in Aug of 04 back when we were still married and he was so miserable that he still complains to this day You sound like an experienced summer in FL traveler so you know how it works, but if they won't listen to you print out the suggestions from others on how to survive disney in July and let them read.

The kids and I are planning on going this July again (although as a new lay-off things might change... which I can't allow to happen as the ELP is back for the summer!) I want to go to universal to see the new HP section, but my senses are telling me to just stick to Disney this time and let those crowds die down over there... maybe go next year.

I'm not single but DH has never gone when the girls have and has sworn never to go again! So, yeah, it's like being a single parent when we go. I have to say though I'm not sure it would be as much fun with him along 'cause he'd be the biggest kid (not in a fun way) there.

addictedtothemouse- you fall into the singles category perfectly! Tantrums amongst adults in Disney are common I feel bad for the kids who've been over stimulated with no naps/new schedules and the parents go into ticked-off mode because they're usual angels are acting up

Started going to WDW with the kids yearly when I became single....Its been magical.. Until the last time my two youngest decided they were done with the mouse. Unfortunately we haven't been able to afford it since. Just a few weeks ago my DS asked me to help him plan a trip with his girlfriend....and my two DD are dying to go back..The Magic Lives On

DMOMof3 - I joined DVC just so I could be sure the vacations with/or without the kids would continue. Although I love the attractions, I go for the environment - it really does get under your skin. Your two who've "outgrown Disney" will come back around. There's more to it than just an amusement park. As a matter of fact, if they get it in their heads to intern with Disney on the College program encourage them do it! My sister and eldest son both did it and it's a great conversation starter on the resume

 

[twinklebug]

My turn ---

I've been to Disney about 8 times as single parent. The kids are experts now at packing and I've figured out the traveling and discounts part to the point where I should become a Disney Travel agent.

I have one boy in college who arranges his own trips, but the younger two still go with me. They're now 12 and 16 and getting pretty independent, which is nice. I can now leave DD sleeping back in the room while her brother and I head off to a park for pastries and a few rides or whatever and she'll catch up with us around noon hehe. It's also nice that DS can zip off to the life guarded pools on his own while I rest or explore, or hit the pool bar (although he's taken a liking to those non-alcoholic kid drinks, so it's time to start hiding over there & saving my beverage budget for the real thing )

We'll be back down this July at BLT & VWL if the fates allow. (fingers crossed) There's a 50/50 chance of driving verses flying... it all depends on the airfare: right now we're priced out. I really do fear trying to drive the 1200 miles on my own and experiencing sheer exhaustion. As it is, 2 hours in a car and I go stir crazy.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I am getting ready to head down solo in October with my DD who will be 3. We went in December, last year, with my fiance - but he's opting out of this trip. I look forward to hearing from other singles who dare to venture solo with a little one! My main concern is being fried out with her, needing to have some space to myself - and having no one around to lend a hand. I am not overly concerned that this will happen, but my fiance brought it up the other day and I was like - "Wow, never thought of that..."

 

[twinklebug]

I am getting ready to head down solo in October with my DD who will be 3. We went in December, last year, with my fiance - but he's opting out of this trip. I look forward to hearing from other singles who dare to venture solo with a little one! My main concern is being fried out with her, needing to have some space to myself - and having no one around to lend a hand. I am not overly concerned that this will happen, but my fiance brought it up the other day and I was like - "Wow, never thought of that..."

I took my 4yo son and sister who was just graduating from HS years back. I love her and have great memories from the trip but somehow I think bringing my sister was the 1st mistake I made. Trust me when I say a 17 yo girl has no intention of letting a 4yo boy stop her vacation plans.

The key really was to remember my son's sleeping and eating schedule back at home, incorporate the fact that he will be more tired due to the activity and then plan for multiple breaks during the day where he could sleep. Oh I have some great stories from that trip, but those are for another time

You should do fine if you can let her/ force her to rest. Even the most hyper of kids need down time.

 

[addictedtothemouse]

Twinklebug - We drive every trip, 1400+ miles, and although tedious at times it isn't too bad if the girls are occupied/sleeping and I have a book to listen to.

 

[nurse.darcy]

My son is now 17. He grew up at DL. I gave him many choices for vacation this year and he chose Disney. We will be at Animal Kingdom for a week. . .sooo excited.

 

[DMOMof3]

DMOMof3 - I joined DVC just so I could be sure the vacations with/or without the kids would continue. Although I love the attractions, I go for the environment - it really does get under your skin. Your two who've "outgrown Disney" will come back around. There's more to it than just an amusement park. As a matter of fact, if they get it in their heads to intern with Disney on the College program encourage them do it! My sister and eldest son both did it and it's a great conversation starter on the resume

So true, my DS started talking about the Intern Program over Christmas break and just had dinner last night with my youngest while moving her out of her dorm and she talked about her friends doing the Disney program and she's going to apply


Oh and about the DVC, I'm kicking myself for not buying into it the year I bought the timeshare at the Vistana. I had talks with both, but canceled the DVC talk after the timeshare talk....Big Mistake. I rent out my timeshare so we can stay onsite.

 

[bmldisney]

I'm heading down in July for my first solo trip with my two boys 11 & 8. I'm sure they will be challenging me at times but we can't wait!

 

[Master Mason]

Back when my youngest was 15 we had DL passes, and the majority of our trips consisted me picking him up at school on friday and him saying hey, it would be great to go to DL this weekend.

I'd go home, book a room for Saturday night, we'd pack and get up at 3am, be at the gates for opening, and then come home Sunday afternoon evening when we were ready.

I'm so grateful we had those times together.

 

[twinklebug]

So true, my DS started talking about the Intern Program over Christmas break and just had dinner last night with my youngest while moving her out of her dorm and she talked about her friends doing the Disney program and she's going to apply

Oh and about the DVC, I'm kicking myself for not buying into it the year I bought the timeshare at the Vistana. I had talks with both, but canceled the DVC talk after the timeshare talk....Big Mistake. I rent out my timeshare so we can stay onsite.

Most kids love the CP - but all of them complain about being broke... seems between the required rent and expenses there's no money left for entertainment

Oh you should to go to a DVC stand and schedule a quick tour (even if you don't want to buy right then) ... reason being... free icecream and 3 instant fast passes!!! (one for each person who comes, even the kids who can camp out in the community center type area (tv, games, activities) or stay with you and drink the lemonade). Imagine walking up to Soaring at 4pm and getting fast passes good for that very minute. Uh huh. The guides are awesome people too - no pressure at all.

I'm heading down in July for my first solo trip with my two boys 11 & 8. I'm sure they will be challenging me at times but we can't wait!

Oh you're going to have so much fun without the demands of another adult along! When are you going to be there? Providing everything proceeds as planned, we'll be there from the 7th to the 14th.

Back when my youngest was 15 we had DL passes, and the majority of our trips consisted me picking him up at school on friday and him saying hey, it would be great to go to DL this weekend.

I'd go home, book a room for Saturday night, we'd pack and get up at 3am, be at the gates for opening, and then come home Sunday afternoon evening when we were ready.

I'm so grateful we had those times together.

I love that! Your son must have felt he had the coolest dad in the world.
I wish we lived close enough to WDW/DL to do the same - I plan to move to FL after the kids graduate. The sooner the better

 

[bmldisney]

We'll be there July 19-25th.