Traveling alone to Disney w/ 14 month old

[Honeymooner04]

Due to some problems with my husbands job he may or may not be able to have time off for our vacation to Disney that we have planned for in 2 1/2 weeks. I'm thinking of going ahead and going with our 14 month old alone. My DD and I are on our own a lot because of my husbands job and I've traveled with her alone before so I'm not apprehensive about the traveling aspect of it, just some things I'm wondering how to handle at Disney. For instance, any suggestions on what to do about the stroller? I don't know if I'll be able to handle the stroller and my DD getting on and off the bus. Are the rental strollers as big of a pain as they look? I'm just wondering if she'll be comfortable in them since she is only 1. What about buffets? Any suggestions on how to handle getting the food while managing a toddler? I think that is mainly it. I've been to Disney several times and this is actually my DD's second visit. I mainly want to go because I've been looking forward to this vacation for so long and don't want to miss it. Any other suggestions about doing Disney alone with a toddler will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again!

 

[joeathome167]

I can't answer all your questions, but I went to Disney w/ 2 kids (DS4, DS2) and my wife in May 2005. My DW was at a conference during several days of our trip so I was alone with the kids. We did use a stroller for DS2 on those days and the bus drivers were usually helpful. I remember a couple times the driver helped the kids off while I lugged the stroller.

I admit though, I don't know how I would handle a buffet. I guess you'd all have to go to the buffet together and juggle the plates Or ask for a table very close to the food service and ask a waiter to attend to the child while you quickly get food? I'm not sure.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I would probably use in a lightweight umbrella stroller. While it would never be my normal choice for home, it does the job and it is quick to collapse (for on and off any type of Disney transportation) and it is lightweight. You could even wait until you got down to Orlando to buy one if bringing one on the plane (or in the car) is too cumbersome. I've stopped at Walmart and Target on the way from the airport and picked one up for less than $20. When the trip was over, I often found someone to hand it off to. Cost me less in the end and was less of a hassle than the Disney strollers (plus you have use of it at the resorts and water parks too).

For the buffets, if you can't manage to go up together and juggle plates (and keep DD within reach), then I would try asking a CM for a table as close to the buffet as possible so that you can get up, get food and still have sight of DD without having to drop your plate and sprint for her if she decides to get up and wander off.

 

[tmfranlk]

Ahhh...my forte! I took almost weekly day trips to DL alone with DD from 4mo-20mo. We also travelled to WDW alone at 15mo and several times since then.

Stroller - Definitely take your own! While I really like the rental strollers and think they are very convenient for an older child, I on't think that your DD will be very comfortable in the rentals that young. If you have one, I would recommend anything that folds umbrella style. At 15mo we had a Pliko P3. On subsequent trips it was a Maclaren Triumph. I travelling with the Maclaren. Use the stroller in the airport to help you get to the gate and then gate check it.

We had a Hip Hammock carrier for DD as well and that was invaluable when at WDW alone. Also, I found it easiest to carry everything in a backpack. When it came time to load the buses, I would put DD in the carrier (very easy at 15mo, but I still did it this was up until she was 3yo) while waiting in line for the bus. As the bus approached, I would put on my backpack and then fold the stroller. For boarding, DD would be in the carrier on one hip and I'd use the other hand to carry the stroller on and hold it during the trip. I would add that probably 1 out of 3 or 4 trips, someone - usually a dad - one offer to help me get the stroller on and then insist on holding it throughout the trip.

Buffets - our number one table service of choice. Gotta hit all of those character meals! At 15mo, my DD was not walking so having her walk next to me wasn't even an option. For buffets, I would just carry her and fill one plate at a time. Sometimes it was easier to stack two plates and then put things for both of us on the top plate. There is enough ledge at the buffet to support the plate while you serve. When we got to the table, I would just move her portion to the second plate. Other times, we would just take two trips to the buffet for the first go around. It added a few minutes to our meal times, but then they were easily made up for in only having to wait for the two of us (as opposed to 4 or 5 people in the group) eating, riding rides, walking, etc.

Line waiting - if you have a carrier or sling that DD can still use, I would recommend bringing it. It's a lot harded to hold the little one in line when there isn't anyone to pass her off too. Again, my DD wasn't walking yet so I did more carrying than you might, though she would stand in line holding onto the rails when we weren't moving.

Room location - if you have the option (I'm not familiar with DVC processes), consider asking for a room closer to the bus stops, etc. When I mention that I am travelling alone with DD, the resorts are often willing to help me with a room closer to the main areas or in a busy area (DH feels better if he knows we are in a more highly trafficed area when we travel alone).

Counter service - Counter service restaurants were almost harder at first than buffets. Once I figured them out, they got much easier. I always use my stroller to get through the lines. The registers at at least one, if not both, far ends are open on one side so that they can accommodate wheelchairs. I use these registers and keep the stroller with me. Often there is a little bit of wall area where I can push it just out of the way of those getting their food, but still be in easy reach myself. After getting the food, I carry it with one hand and push the stroller with the other. Don't forget to stop for straws, condiments, etc before you get back to the table and get too situated.

Pictures - Photopass is a godsent for solo parents! I finally get to be in a whole lot more of the pictures from our trips. Also, don't hesistate to ask CMs or even other guests to take a picture for you. PhotoPass CMs will even take one with your camera after they take theirs.

Nighttime stuff - Not particularly unique to travelling alone, but my DD was a sleep-anywhere kind of kid (and still is!). I would take her pajamas to the parks with us each day. Around 8 or so, we would stop in the bathroom and get her ready for bed. Then, she would nod off whenever she was ready and I could spend the evening strolling around the parks and/or enjoying the nighttime shows. When I was ready to head back, she was all ready to just put into bed.

Have a great time. I love travelling and Disney, as does DD at only 4yo. DH, on the other hand, could think of few things worse. We have taken 4 trips to WDW on our own, plus 2 with my little sister (8yo or so at the time). I think you'll have a marvelous time!! If you think of any other questions, just ask away.

 

[Honeymooner04]

tmfranlk, Thank you SO much for your great advice! I do feel a ton better knowing that someone else has traveled to Disney alone AND enjoyed it! We're still hoping that my husband can come along with us but if he can't we're going to go anyway! Thanks again!!!

 

[tjmw2727]

I have traveled alone to WDW with my first dd and alone with both girls often, the first time my youngest went she was 15mos and my oldest was 3 1/2 - and yes it was lots of fun! ITA with everything tmfranlk posted it is almost exactly what I did and I couldn't have posted it as well!! I would like to emphasise that the use of a sling, snugli etc saved me esp for lines and in pavilions where strollers aren't allowed like the land as well as the buses.

Stroller, it may be a bit more convenient at times but with a 14mo I would bring rather than rent. I had a very lightweight reclining umbrella strolller with no other bells & whistles. It folded up small and could stand up when folded and had a carry strap, IIRC it was an aprica but that was 9 or so years ago. I used a back pack for a diaper bag and packed light. Instead of paking lots of snacks and drinks I personally found it easier to budget for them and buy as needed, milk and juice is readily available. One or two disposable sippies, diapers and a change of clothes in a ziplock stayed in the back pack.

One drawback was the parades and shows where you had to line up early, we ended up skipping them.

Meals- unlike tmfrank I never found a way to manage buffets but there are many other meal choices available so OP if it dosen't work don't fret. IIRC the princess meals and ohana are character all you can eat meals but served family style - those worked better for us. What I often did was book a late lunch as a table service meal and our big meal of the day. It was less crowded, great food at less $ and a great break from the day. I also did the PJ in the evening trick, usually ending the evenings in WS at Epcot taking in all the great live entertainment and a nice CS meal for myself.

All the parks have a baby care center, you don't have to use them but they can come in handy at times. Here is a great site with info on traveling with toddler in general:
http://allearsnet.com/pl/infant.htm

Here's hoping your dh can join you - even still I would follow all tmfranks advice anyway! If not and you choose to go take it easy and have a great time. Remember all you will have to do is have fun with your baby with no distractions like cooking, cleaning, etc.
HTH
TJ

 

[Disney Ron]

Honeymooner04,
My DSD brought her DS 18 months. He was very clingy and would not leave her. She went to a buffet and a CM walked through the line with her to help her fill the plates. She said the CMs were very gracious and acommodating. Wouldn't hurt to ask for help, I am sure they would be happy to. Remember they are not serving everyone else like a regular full course restaurant.


She was hesitant a first about going alone, but said she would do it again.

Mrs. Disney Ron