Taking 3 yr old to WDW alone

[cheeringmom]

and not sure how I will work the stroller on the busses. Last time I had help from the family. We all had a job, I got the baby, my 15 yr old grabbed the diaper bag and DH took the stroller and folded and carried it on. Any suggestions on how to do this alone? The busses are always so crowded and not sure I can do all of this w/o having baby being crushed by eager people ready to explore the world.

 

[abeyst]

I took my son alone a week before he turned 4. It was a little challenging at first, but what I quickly found out is other people are always watching you and will be eager to lend a hand should you need it.

1) Try and keep to a small stroller, preferably an umbrella (just make sure it has a canopy). They fold up small, can hang over one arm while you hold the hand of your child with the other. They are small enough to fit between your legs on the bus and don't take up extra room, and are quick to set up.

2) Take the smallest diaper bag you can manage with. Try and do a backpack so your hands are free, or small enough so that it can possibly be folded up into the stroller.

3) If using Disney busses, try to board first (if busy) and deboard last at your destination. Boarding first ensures you will have a good seat together, even though you may take a little longer to find it. Let your child walk in front of you while boarding so noone will overlook him. Getting off the bus last means you can take your time.

4) Ask for a hand from a stranger. They are more than willing to assist. I had a man help get our bags in and out of the overhead compartment on the airplane because I was too short. One time I asked another gentleman at the bus stop to carry the stroller on the bus for me because I had too many things to carry. In EPCOT I had a young girl carry a tray of food in Mexico to a table for me because my son refused to walk and I had to push the stroller. (Tired kids at Disney-go figure! )

It's a little scary at first, but you'll quickly find you're more worried than you need to be. If you have the occassional moment of struggle, chances are someone will be offering to help before you have a chance to ask.

Enjoy your trip, you will truly have a blast!

 

[nasmith]

I'm taking my 3 yo by myself- have already decided to just rent a stroller- because it will be alot less stressful for myself if I'm not juggling anything! (In Dec. we will have the whole family, and I am definitely bringing my stroller for that one)

 

[jaysue]

Having taken my 3.5 yr old by myself I would 2nd with abeyst's words of advice and encouragement

People seem to really like to see "single or single for the moment parents/caregivers with their kid(s)" and they do help if engaged in a conversation etc....

I was lucky enough to be in good enough shape to carry DS on my shoulders almost all the time - renting strollers can get expensive at (I think $8 a day) - there was a thread on the budget board for a stroller swap at WDW.....

I did not have a stroller but did see and did myself help a number of people

You will do great!!!

Thanks
jaysue

 

[clutter]

Do it all the time!!!!

First question, are you going during busy season?? If not, it's not much of an issue, but do bring the lightest, most compact stroller that you can. Use a backpack for both your stuff and diaper bag stuff. And a fanny pack. Your little one can also carry a small backpack. It can sit in the basket of the stroller, but you can put in on when boarding busses or trams. My dd kept her special toys (mostly princess figurine stampers) in her Barney backpack which were lifesavers on lines, at meals and just about anywhere else!

Don't overload your backpack. I've never brought an extra set of clothes with me. Never needed them, and if we did have an accident, there's plenty of shorts and shirts to purchase.

I've found that driving to the non-mk parks is a bit easier. Just skip the tram and hoof it through the parking lot saves all kinds of hassle. Also, if it's not crowded, driving to MK is easier, since you can roll right onto the monorail and the ferry at TTC. (three year olds love both. My dd at three liked the parking lot tram the best!!!!) And if you do multiple parks in a day, you can store stuff in the car for emergencies, rather than carrying extra stuff.

As for just renting a stroller in the park, it's a fine idea, if you want to spend the money, but reality of travelling alone with a small child, you need a stroller in the airport more than anywhere else!!!!

 

[cheeringmom]

I don't think I'll rent a stroller because I will need one for airports etc. Tried the stroller swap but my dates are booked ;(
I'm hoping the busses won't be too crowded. We are flying on Oct 31-Nov 8. Should be a relatively slow week-hopefully!! Will rely totally on Dis transportation so I'm hoping I'll get a helping hand!! Again, thanks for the advice on backpacks vs diaper bags-better idea!! and when to board busses etc. I'm looking forward to an interesting, but enjoyable week!

 

[cheeringmom]

I'm also in the "burbs" of DC-well kindof. Fairfax county. Loving VA a little more each day. Been here a year and hoping dh will retire here! (if we can afford it!!!!)

 

[LoriZH]

What you may want to do is when you get to the bus stop, immediately take your child out of the stroller and have them sit or stand to wait. That way you'll already have the stroller folded and definitely do a back pack, it really would be the only sane way to travel with a toddler alone.

You'll be surprised how well you'll do alone! You may even want to rent a day or two out of your stay to make it a bit easier. Three year olds are really not like babies that have to be held all the time, they can walk from the buses and make it a bit easier for you.

Are you going to MNSSHP on Halloween Night? We'll be there!
Good Luck!

 

[cheeringmom]

Yes, we will be there with bells on, and other costume pieces!!! Thanks for the reply. Good point aboit already having the stroller folded. Am looking into getting a light weight reclining umbrella for the trip. Now if I could get my little one just to sit still at the bus stop! lol

 

[LoriZH]

Yeah getting a 3yo to try and sit still is well let's just say rare! I have 6yo twin boys and when they were three, they never went in the same direction! I would just put the stroller on the ground and hold onto the little one and I forgot to tell you that if ANYONE tries to attempt to crush you or your child, well that's what elbows are for, it's the disney way Take your time getting on the bus, I would rather get some unpatient people upset than hurt myself or my child. Oh and if they don't offer you a seat, feel free to use the STARE

I bought this awesome double umbrella stroller online, it's a kolcraft and it folded real easy and it reclined, best $50 bucks I ever spent! I got it off Ebay from the Baby Depot I think the name of the store was. The box was ripped but who cares, it was brand new, lightweight and it worked excellent! Walmart has some good ones for like $20 bucks you should check them out online. We used it three times in Disney, won't be bringing it this time, those days are over for us, sad but true. Kids look so cozy in their little strollers, lol. I may rent one now and again if it's going to be a long night so the boys can switch off if they have to.

I'll be there with my brood (dd10, ds's6, dniece16 and dh) Halloween Night we don't even have our costumes yet, but in all fairness the 3 younger ones have no idea they're going.

Well, if you need any help especially with unruley guests, we'll be at the CSR, give us a shout!

 

[Kimberle]

Went all over WDW w/ my 2.5 yr old. Backpack on back, stroller folded & in one hand, her hand in my other. Very easy to move around via the buses, monorails & boats. When you go to the parks, you really don't need to bring much. When you get to the park, just sling the backpack around the handles or put it in the stroller basket.

As far as the airport, you will prefer to have a stroller. You can wheel it right up to the gate. Just before you step into the plane, just fold it & leave it (make sure you have your gate claim ticket). When you get off the plane, the stroller will be waiting. Unfold, put kiddo in & go. The only "tricky" part is going through security. You will have to fold & slide it through the detector. Again, backpack on back, stroller folded in one hand, child's hand in the other.