Tips for a first time solo-er? Single mom with 2 small kids.

[momlificient]

I am soon to be separated, but don't want to cancel the plans I had to go to Disney in the spring. Now with the new 4/3 night offer, it seems tooo good to pass up. I will be single mom traveling with a 6 and 4 year old. Does this sound like an impossible idea? Any tips from other single parents or go-to-Disney alone parents?

Also, I was thinking of hiring a fairy godmother a day or two just to help me if I want to go on rides and such with one child. Has anyone else every done this?

 

[momlificient]

Bumping.....am I the only lunatic disney parent who wants to take two small kids alone to the dis?

 

[JDUCKY]

Can't really offer any advice other than if you're going when it will be very warm (probably about any month of the year...ha), then plan on taking a break long enough for good naps. Probably not long after lunch.

 

[vikkymax]

Whatever will be your decision but i think if you are going alone with your children than they might feel bad coz i think children needs love & care of both parents.

 

[Master Mason]

Whatever will be your decision but i think if you are going alone with your children than they might feel bad coz i think children needs love & care of both parents.

sorry, but what does that have to do with her taking her kids to WDW by herself?

OP.

Yes it will be a lot of work, but no more so than anything else your going to be doing for a while. If you can afford it, then you should do it. Your kids will still need good memories.

 

[momlificient]

Whatever will be your decision but i think if you are going alone with your children than they might feel bad coz i think children needs love & care of both parents.

My children do very much have the love and care of both parents. Perhaps if your parents loved *you* more, you would be able to spell. Now if you have something positive to contribute to the conversation that has to do with the original post, please do.

We will be traveling the end of April May. The last time I was there at that time the weather was great.

 

[Juliegirl1]

Congratulations to you for not letting your relationship separation get in the way of your life and fun with the kids.

I took my son (age 6 at the time) to Disney World by myself after my divorce. I think you will have a great time. Just talk to the kids and explain to them that while you are there to have a good time that they need to mind you and that if they don't you will leave the park to go back to the hotel. Then follow up - if you do it just once they won't usually do it again. But definitely plan a mid day break for them.

You will also want to look at the ride list to see what rides you might not be comfortable taking them on - for example, would you be comfortable letting your six year old ride alone on Big Thunder Mountain while you sat with the four year old? Learn which rides to avoid so it isn't an issue unless you have a single friend or relative that might want to go to help as additional hands. I think you will have a wonderful time and it will definitely bring you closer to your kids. Have fun!

 

[momlificient]

The good thing is the older child isn't so much of a "thrill" ride kid so I don't think there will be too much like that.

I am contemplating hiring a babysitter for 1 or 2 days to help along. I have to figure that out in advance so I can buy a discount ticket for that person.

 

[Kimmielee]

I've done many solo trips with my son, starting when he was 4. I don't have experience of doing it with 2 kids... but the best advice that someone gave me paid off big time... Make it THEIR trip. No agenda... no hurry... don't try to cram everything in... you will go back again.

Another great tip was to remember nap time. We started at a park (his choice - so maybe they can take turns choosing which park they want to go to each day), came back for lunch and a much needed rest - pool time, then back to the parks for the evening and dinner...

Oh... one more... STROLLER city baby... don't even try to keep up with them in a crowd or take a chance of one of them darting off. The double strollers are nice!

If I think of more, I'll come back and post. Keep your chin up and ignore those that feel it's their right to judge you or your situation. God Bless you!

 

[momlificient]

Kimmielee thank you for your blessings. I really appreciate them as this is all new to me.

The double stroller rental rates are up to $35 a DAY now and I just don't want to spend that much. I think I am going to bring my umbrella stroller with a stroller board (attaches to the back and one of them stands on it).

We have a week in the parks so I don't feel rushed. I never thought of asking them which park to go to each day. I don't think that will work as much as asking them what they want to see at each park and then working that into the day.

 

[Kimmielee]

Kimmielee thank you for your blessings. I really appreciate them as this is all new to me.

The double stroller rental rates are up to $35 a DAY now and I just don't want to spend that much. I think I am going to bring my umbrella stroller with a stroller board (attaches to the back and one of them stands on it).

We have a week in the parks so I don't feel rushed. I never thought of asking them which park to go to each day. I don't think that will work as much as asking them what they want to see at each park and then working that into the day.

You are most welcome! I had no idea the strollers were so expensive now! I also didn't think about you traveling with a stroller - it would be hard to pay for one and rent one in the parks! I remember renting it for my son on the first 2 trips so he was 4, then 6 and it was more for convenience to give him a resting place vs. not being able to walk through the parks. It also came in handy for carrying snacks around the park.

You and your boys will have an amazing time! I did think of one other tip for you... look at each park's attractions and if there is something related to a movie/show that they haven't seen... then rent it ahead of time! It's more exciting for them if they are familiar with the characters.

You are going during a really good time of year. It's after Easter so the Spring Break crowds are almost gone... and the weather is perfect. Our very first trip was end of April/early May. Have fun!!

 

[twinmom]

My husband is a stick in the mud when it comes to Disney so I started taking my boys by myself every year for spring break because he couldn't leave work then. The first time I took my boys they were 5, 5 and 7. Yep, twins. And they are all boy. Very spirited. I started prepping them way before we went. I got those sing a long videos that show the parks. Got the WDW vacation planning video. And I bought the kids version of the Unofficial guide to Disney. THey had a good idea of the rides and what they would want to do. I made sure they understood what a CM's name badge looked like so they would know who to go to if they got lost. I planned in lots of swimming time. I took lots of snacks in my backpack. We are DVC members so I had access to a fridge so I froze capri suns and by the time they were thirsty the drinks were thawed out.

I planned a character meal for the first night so we didn't have to waste a lot of time getting autographs. I bought the passport in Epcot for them and they loved getting those signed. Seeing their names written in Japanese, etc fascinated them. I tried to get pictures of them wearing hats from each country. Anything to make going to the countries fun. They loved Off Kilter. And the maze in back of England. My husband said they would hate Epcot but it turned out to be one of their favorite parks.

I bought them each fanny packs. I bought plain black ones and got iron on patches of their favorite character. Inside I had sunglasses and disposable cameras, their autograph book and pen. Saved me from having to get them out constantly. I also had backpacks for the plane packed with lots of surprises to keep them busy on the plane and at the hotel. I also gave them Disney dollars for Valentines Day and the Easter Bunny left some in their basket!!

Make a packing list with everything on it, like tylenol, gum for plane, etc so you don't forget anything. Buy Disney stuff from WalMart, etc and give them to them when they are there. Buy glow sticks, etc from the Dollar store for night time at the parades.

I also tried to be very laid back and not worry about things. I told them the best thing about vacation was we could do anything we want. We could have ice cream for breakfast if we wanted. Well that really stuck in their head and wouldn't you know it none of the ice cream carts were open early so one night we went to Downtown Disney and had dinner at Ghiradellis. We still do this. One year one of my boys lost a tooth while he was eating his ice cream He still talks about that.

The other thing I do every trip is take a picture of them with the wooden indian on Main Street. I love looking back on all those pictures.

My boys are now 13, 13, and 15 and they still remember lots about that first trip.

You will have a great time with your children. They are a great age to be taking them.

Laurie

 

[jpeppers]

Go and have a blast. I think with kids that close in age you will do great. I can't believe the one negative response.........what an a#$hole! The kids just need love wherever they can get it.........My 7 year old daughter will be going to Disneyworld for the 3rd time this year even though her mother (my ex) won't get on a plane. It is something we do together, doesn't mean Mom loves her any less.

 

[imtheonlyone]

Hi there, sorry for the flack some gave you. I've (46m) always gone with myself and my two kids...they are now 14 and 17. each time is a little different and despite the venue being the same, you learn new things. i decided last year to go up to the medium class resort...bad move, they loved the energy of the value resort. Hard to believe but cheaper does sometimes mean better. Keep your ears open, they can teach you so much.

I agree with others about not tying yourself to schedule, its a vacation, they are on a schedule for the whole school year, they dont want to be on vacation too. Eat when your hungry, get em a drink when they need it and let them pick the rides. you cant go wrong. Have fun.

 

[Carrieannew]

Whatever will be your decision but i think if you are going alone with your children than they might feel bad coz i think children needs love & care of both parents.

I think you already got tons of great tips here and you will be fine.

I think the poster above is.. well I wont say what I think of that poster.

Good Luck! You will be fine. I know of another Dis'r who tooks his kids alone over spring break and he had 3 kids. Its more than possible. Just look at what rides you can ride all together and some maybe they can ride together with you int he car and seat behind them.

Good luck!! You can do it. I think your a great mom for wanting to still do the trip.

 

[missymagic]

I just wanted to say you will be fine. You take the day for what it is and do what you can. I have been divorced now for 5 years but prior to that he just didn't get the Disney thing and never wanted to go.

I (36dm) would pack the girls up (Now 8 and 11, but have been taking them since they were infants) take my double stroller and go. Always had a blast with them. You go on what you can, you see all the shows you can go to, you eat when they are hungry. There is no one telling you that you have to be somewhere at a certain time. You just adjust. Come up with a basic plan and go with it. So you may have to go back a little early some nights...so what. Then you put them to bed and have a glass of wine, download photos etc.

Disney has become a special escape that my girls and I treasure together.

Just because their father and I are not together anymore (because he is a jerK)LOL why shouldn't we continue our new tradition. He doesn't love them any less because we have this tradition.

Melissa

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

I went solo 2x with dd .The first time she was 9yrs. and the 2nd she was 11 yrs. My husband and ds's no longer have any intrest in going to WDW anymore.
We had the best vacations ever ...we did what we wanted to do and when we wanted to do it . We took afternoon breaks by the pool and naps ! One day we slept in late and went to the pool then hit the parks later that afternoon. Just take your time and relax ....7 days will give you and your boys plenty of time without rushing!

My only concern as a solo parent was.... SAFETY ....My dd wore a bracelet with my cell# on it in case we got seperated. She also had an Index Card in her fanny pack with emergency # on it ( husbands cell, home, resort rm#,relatives # etc.) That gave me some piece of mind in case something were to happen to me.

Happy Planning and I'm sure the 3 of you will have a Magical Trip ...

 

[acourtwdw]

My first tip is just to relax and don't over plan. The trip will be so much better if you can just go with the flow. I'm not a parent but I have been taking my nieces and nephews to WDW since they were 3 and 4 (now 16 & 18). Remember to see things from their view.

Also, it would be great if you could take another adult (babysitter) with you. That way you can do the rider switch and have some alone time. It's your vacation too.

You will have a great time and you are creating a lifetime of memories for you kids

 

[tinkergrumpybuns]

I am soon to be separated, but don't want to cancel the plans I had to go to Disney in the spring. Now with the new 4/3 night offer, it seems tooo good to pass up. I will be single mom traveling with a 6 and 4 year old. Does this sound like an impossible idea? Any tips from other single parents or go-to-Disney alone parents?

Also, I was thinking of hiring a fairy godmother a day or two just to help me if I want to go on rides and such with one child. Has anyone else every done this?

Take a babysitter... just in case you need the help and can get some rest too.
Grab the extra days! This way you won't be rushing to see too much.

I'd suggest, read up on each park and then get a feel for what they will like and what you want to see.

Most important.. save the MK for last if possible or , after you have seen what you want to see in Epcot and Studios esp. OR do 1/2 day in another park and 1/2 in MK. you wili probably do MK a few times.<G>

Take camera and take lots of pix of them so you can look back and see how much they have grown. Take a photo of them daily in what they are wearing in case one gets " lost" and teach them how to find a cast member to find mom.
Add to the fanny pack an LED clip on light ( inexpensive) for those dark rides that may be scary.

Sorry about your divorce, been 10 yrs for me, took my older DD to disney in 02, it was a blast for us and we had some nice quality time.

 

[SoloFriendly]

Well, you're not really going solo if you're bringing your kids.

That said, I say go for it. Given your kids' ages, they will probably definitely need some nap time in the afternoon back at your resort (and so will you). I agree with the advice to go with the flow and not overplan. Many parents try to do too much with young kids at WDW, and the result is not usually good. I think if you take things at a relaxed pace, you'll all have a great time.