Suggestions for single parent in wdw

[leshunlenese]

Looking for any advice on taking trips alone. If anyone did a TR I would love to read it. If it looks like I am planning too much I would love some suggestions. The only day I have a break planned is when we go to MNSSHP because it is so late and we are getting up early for a park.
A little background. We always had at least my mom come along but next time it will be just me and the DS who will be turning 5. I think I have an idea of how I want things to go but I'm so use to having help I don't want to make my child tired. First of all he hasn't napped since he was 2, for the last 3 trips since he was 3 he has never used a stroller and never complained about being tired even without a nap. We are doing 8 days
1: arrival
Epcot
D: garden grill

2: Epcot in the am
Downtown Disney pm/ Disney quest
D: cape may

3:MK
D: chef mickeys
Pirate and pals cruise

4: AK
D: HDDMR

5: HS
Rope drop for Jedi academy

6: MK
B: crystal palace

7:Hs am
Break
MNSSHP

8: B: 1900 PF
No park just home

 

[squirrel]

I have taken my nieces on my own over 4 trips. They each came twice to WDW.

I like to get to the park at opening and stay until closing or later. I always took a stroller as my nieces couldn't make it the whole day without a nap. I also liked to do the late PM EMH so I would encourage a nap on those nights.

I learned that the older niece needs a lot of sleep. I did MNSSHP the first trip and thought doing the water park in the am would be a break and more resting activity. Well we made it back for a nap in the afternoon but she wouldn't fall asleep. So after going to MK for the party guess who falls asleep for a good hour in the stroller during the party. The next year we did nothing but a buffet breakfast (latest time I could get) on the morning of the MNSSHP and then back to the resort for a swim and nap before the party.

I also found with my touring schedule my nieces did better if we did 2-3 days in the park and then had a sleep in day and hang out at the resort/DTD. We would go for 14 nights and have 10 days in the park. I'd try and work the free days into a spot after a late EMH night.

For your day 2 are you staying at Epcot until dinner time? If not, it might be a better plan to have dinner at DTD. You will waste too much time travelling back to BC to have dinner.