Solo Dad heading to WDW with 3 kids

[jadeheart6]

I'm taking my ex-wife's three girls 7,9, and 12 to WDW from Dec 14-20th. We will be staying at Pop Century and I did manage to get a reservation in for lunch at the Akershus restaurant so they have a Princess Storybook Dinner. Does anyone else have suggestions for which attractions at which parks might peak their interests? Also might anyone have advice on how I might be take a breather for an hour or so from them during the trip.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[colinsdad]

DHS has a High School Musical 3 show in front of the Sorcerer's Hat several times each day that they probably would enjoy.

I'm sure they would enjoy Fantasmic at DHS as well.

As for getting some "me time" for an hour, if you have any "pirates" in the group, they do offer a Pirate Cruise at the Grand Floridian for 2 hours at 9:30 and 11:30am. You drop them off and pick them up when finished.

From the DIS:
Ahoy! Any child who has ever dreamed of being part of a pirate adventure will enjoy "heading out to sea" in pursuit of treasure.

Children ages 4-12 will be outfitted with a red/white striped pirate Mickey hat (or a bandana) and board their pirate ship (pontoon boat) under the supervision of the "pirate" crew. At each "port of call" a new treasure awaits. At the final stop, they can share their booty while enjoying lunch. At least two Cast Members accompany the children, which are all CPR certified. All participants must be potty trained. (No Pull-ups.)

Lunch is usually Peanut butter and jelly Uncrustables, Goldfish crackers, Rice Krispee Treat and fruit punch juice box"

It would cost $90 for the 3 of them for the 2 hour cruise.

You could also check out www.kidsniteout.com. Its $94 3 kids for 4 hours which includes the $10 transportation fee . They come day or night right to your resort and are Disney approved. You can even request the age of the sitter (grandmotherly, college age) to suit whatever you think the kids would like.

 

[Belle1962]

The kids clubs ($11 per hour per child with a two hour minimum).

There is also the Grand Adventure in Cooking at the Grand floridian.

There also several pirate type cruise: http://www.wdwinfo.com/just_for_kids/piratecruise.htm


I thought there was some tpye of kids camp at the Animal Kingdom lodge on Saturdays but can't find the info maybe someone else can help. Found it:
Bush Camp - 407-WDW-PLAY

When: Saturdays

Where: Animal Kingdom Lodge

Hours: 3 - 5pm

Ages: 6 - 14

Price: $30 (plus tax) per child with $10 being donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund - Credit Card Guarantee - 24 hour cancellation policy - DVC Members get 10% discount

This weekly program takes kids on an exploration of the Animal Kingdom Lodge's Savannah. They'll learn about the African culture through games, taste testings, activities and crafts.



There is also a service called Kids Nite Out and Fairy Godmothers that priovde child care at Disney --either in room or in the park.

 

[jadeheart6]

Thanks for the info, I'll look into those. Anything to keep my sanity.

 

[cinderellamom123]

What a nice thing to do. Have fun. Would suggest you utilize the free photopass opportunities to capture all your memories.

 

[Vickibean]

I think it's great that you still see your ex-wife's kids. The end of an adult relationship shouldn't mean that children lose a step-parent. I still see my ex-husband's kids, along with his stepson from his first marriage (try to draw that family tree ).

I just got back from a single parent trip with my 3-year old. I think the strangest thing was the lack of adult conversation.

My 12-year old ex-stepdaughter liked looking for Hidden Mickeys on our last trip. Get them involved in the planning so they know what to expect. That way you can be prepared with a good touring plan. Nothing worse than having to take the "chicken exit" because someone didn't realize what they were about to ride.

Can the 12-year old be trusted to babysit the other 2 in the room while you sneak down to the pool bar for a little break?

 

[jadeheart6]

Can the 12-year old be trusted to babysit the other 2 in the room while you sneak down to the pool bar for a little break?

They are good kids although they tend to be mean to one another. I would hate to leave them alone though in such a strange place. Maybe it's just different now than when I was a kid. Or maybe I'm just all grown up now and remember all the crazy things I did when I was their age. I doubt leaving them alone would be a good idea.

I have a good relationship with them. After all I'm the only dad they've every known so I consider them my kids.

 

[Vickibean]

I doubt leaving them alone would be a good idea.

Father knows best!!!!!

My son was 6 when he went to the Neverland Club at the Polynesian. He loved it. Maybe one of the clubs would interest the girls....and give you a little break.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I'm taking my ex-wife's three girls 7,9, and 12 to WDW from Dec 14-20th. We will be staying at Pop Century and I did manage to get a reservation in for lunch at the Akershus restaurant so they have a Princess Storybook Dinner. Does anyone else have suggestions for which attractions at which parks might peak their interests? Also might anyone have advice on how I might be take a breather for an hour or so from them during the trip.

Thanks,

Rob

I just wanna say
WAY TO GO!! I think it is AWESOME that you are taking the kids!

Wish my sisters ex was as caring/involved in his daughters life. A VERY sad situation.
Fortunately my sister has re-married to a terrific guy that has become the father that her own biological was not.

 

[Darkside]

Hey Rob,
What a great thing you are doing. My two oldest daughters never knew their real dad, so I know where you are coming from. Have your daughters look at the WDW web site so they can get an idea of what they will want to do. A little advance planning will go along way, because there is a lot to do. I would not count on much rest, more than likely when you go back into Pop Century at night you will all just pass out anyways. This will definatelly be a great bonding experiance for you and your daughters.

 

[jadeheart6]

Thanks for all your messages. Kids are the most important thing in the world. My only desire is to be a positive influence in their lives and show them that the world is theirs if they can believe in themselves.

 

[DznyDreamz]

I think this is really great of you to do! Brings a tear to my eye. Wish everyone could be such a "stand up" guy.

My DD8 loves pin trading. It can be pricey if you buy new pins in WDW, but with a little help from ebay, you can get a bunch of pins for less then $2 a piece and have loads of fun trading in the parks!

Not sure where you are staying, but the arcades are usually a lot of fun for my DD.

Have a great trip!