Solo with two kids?

[mrswh]

I'm considering a long weekend DL trip with both my kids (5 and 7). I am trying to decide whether it will be more work than fun for me if I take them solo (as DH may have to work). I think we'd stay onsite (and use Magical Express), and maybe rent a stroller. If anyone has any experiences or tips I'd love to hear them!

Thanks!

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

Well, since it looks like you've gone quite a few times I say go for it. The only advice I can think of is minimizing fights between the siblings if they're prone to that. Couple of different ways to do that (swapping off ride picks, restaurant picks, etc.) but I'm sure you've thought of that. Mostly I just say take it easy, be flexible, and be firm and clear about your boundaries so they know they won't be able to talk you into something (read: whining incessantly).

 

[disneychrista]

The majority of my trips have been Solo with 2 kids. I have never had any issues.

 

[DisneyIT]

Not sure, but I was unaware DL had magical express. Has it changed recently? If not try this http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

 

[mrswh]

Not sure, but I was unaware DL had magical express. Has it changed recently? If not try this http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

I'm not sure if it's new. I remember seeing the buses at SNA in summer 2010 so it's been at least that long. I think it's actually called Disneyland Resort Express, but the same idea!

 

[gundo870]

Ever since the DW flown the coop, I have gone on a few solo trips with my 1 and 5 year old boys. There were a few trying times, but still had a great time.

We are actually going this Sunday through Tuesday staying at the Grand CA again. The pool will be a nice break, especially with the new water slides and the good weather.

I'd say go for it... A 5 and 7 year old shouldn't be too much of a problem. After all, it is the happiest place on earth!

Have fun.

 

[marcemc]

Sounds like fun to me. Often times in our trips my DH leaves during the week for meeting & what not (our business' partners live in Anaheim) & we had never encounter any problems.

We also rent a stroller for my DS5 & I love how convenient it is. Sometimes DS8 asks if he can get on it

It helps a lot that you will be staying on site, I don't know if I would consider it otherwise.

Have fun

 

[nancy drew]

I just got back from a solo trip with my 5 and 7yo. I'm divorced, so all of our trips have been solo trips. My issue is that my kids have different levels of adventure, so we have to only go on the gentlest rides. My 5.5yo would likely end up loving just about everything, but the 7.5yo won't do much. If your kids like the same rides, you should be fine.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

My kids and I visited DLR 3 times as a trio in 2009 - they were 8/9 & 5/6. I say go for it and have a fantastic time.

 

[disneycruising]

If it doesn't bother you to travel alone...go! You don't need to miss the trip because your DH can't come. You can turn it into a very special mom & kid trip!

In the past year and a half, I have gone on 4 different Disney trips alone with my children.

*Feb of last year, I drove to DL with 3 of my 4 kids. My DH and oldest DS flew in a few days later. We had a great time! I think it is easier sometimes to do things without my DH along... because only my opinion matters!

*In March, I took, my oldest DS (15) to WDW for ESPN the weekend. He planned out our whole schedule for the weekend, including the restaurants for our ADRs.

*In April, I took my youngest to WDW for a spring break. She also planned out the whole week! She even picked what DVC resort to stay at.

*In May, we did the DCL transatlantic cruise. My DH couldn't get out of a business meeting in China, so he meet us at our first stop, Portugal.

I think there is something special about being able to spend that one on one time with my kids. It is a time that is ALL about them. Where I don't have to be the 'nagging' mom. I can be the fun mom, that rides the rides and lets them have junk food for snack.

Go, you will have a great time!

 

[GhostlyHitchhiker]

I have *never* travelled alone with my children other that to DLR and only that out of necessity. Back in 2007 my youngest DD broke her arm just a few days after Summer Break started. We had the Grand Canyon, Disneyland & Las Vegas (we have family in Henderson) planned and we had always thought DH would be there for everything because for 11+ years he was able to do so...

That year his work was more demanding than usual (and his company has an ofifice in Santa Monica) and I ended up having to go to DLR with my DBIL, my two DNIL (Dear-Nieces-In-Law) and children and I have to say it was pretty amazing. My DD's, myslelf, my DNILs and my DBIL all missed my husband, but in the end we all had fun.

My nieces and DBIL went through the park not expecting to be able to do much and since my oldest DNIL was injured we couldn't. She and my youngest (with the broken arm) were trying to make sure we all had a good time (such amazing young girls), we actually did. We didn't push them and we had a fantastic time! I hope someday to go back with this DBIL and DNILs and show them some of DLR they have never seen. DBIL grew up 20 minutes away, but my DNILs grew up on the other side of the country... I know they had fun that trip, but I know they could enjoy it even more than their Auntie can make happen. DLR is fantastic on its own even without me having to manipulate it to be so...

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

I'm not sure if it's new. I remember seeing the buses at SNA in summer 2010 so it's been at least that long. I think it's actually called Disneyland Resort Express, but the same idea!

Just so you know (you probably do), but it's not free like at WDW.

 

[aliceindisneyland]

I go w/my 2 often and it's great! I will say it is much easier now that I have a 7 yr old -- "7" is the magic number for riding solo, which works well for rides like Buzz where there are only 2 guns, and the Bug bumper cars that only seat 2.

 

[mrswh]

Just so you know (you probably do), but it's not free like at WDW.

I did know that, but am not sure what the cost is - do you know? I read on another thread that it's $30 RT per person, but when I called the CM told me $18 RT per person . . . ???