unexpected - going alone with 3 kids (ages 4,5,6) at Easter

[nicki.momof3]

So yesterday my husbands company told him he could not have off work as planned due to the bad economy - if he did take off it would risk his job. WE are 5 days out so there is not a refund option on anything so we are still going. We are scheduled to leave for WDW on Monday (in 5 days). The kids are so excited but I will be going alone with the kids ages 4,5,6. We have done WDW before but never without both of us.

Any tips for making it work on rides and such with 3 small kids and one parent for a week at Easter?

Anyone ever done it?

 

[rluey29]

Wow!! You are a brave soul, LOL.

 

[nicki.momof3]

I am not concerned about managing all 3. I am used to going on outings and on short vacations out of state alone with them however, the ride factor is a concern.

So on the rides that only take 2-3 in a seat how do I do it. I assume I will ride with the 4 year old and do I put the 5 and 6 year old together in front of me (than they will get off the ridw before me). I jsut have to get them to stand right with the cast member when we they get off so they do not get seperated from me.

Anyone tried this before?

We have daily ADR's so that will help with some controlled time not on rides and of course we love the parades at night. The nightly busses could be a challenge

 

[Colleen27]

Do you have a friend or relative that might be willing to tag along? When my DH has to bail on a trip at the last minute because of work, I just take my mom instead. She gets a free vacation and I get an extra adult to help with the kids. Its win-win.

 

[ancestry]

I think Colleen made a good suggestion. Do you have a friend or family member who would be willing to tag alone to help out?

The logistics with kids that are still fairly young could be difficult by yourself -- like you mentioned seating on rides, etc.

 

[delmar411]

Honestly I would skip any rides where they are completely separated from you unless you know they will sit on the ride the whole time (Buzz Lightyear, TSM, Dumbo, HM). I have allowed my 4 and 5 yr old to ride together on Buzz Lightyear but I know they do not attempt to ever stand up on rides, get off before the end, etc. I wouldn't allow them to go on any scary ride or any ride in the air w/o an adult or older child beside them though just in case.

Think of it as a slow down trip. Spend more time at the pools and doing Fantasyland type rides/shows. Maybe ride the big steamboat and go over to Tom Sawyers Island to roam around. Try to do some character hunting and see how many autographs the kids can get. Or find all the pressed penny machines and see how many you can collect.

I'm sure there is plenty to fill a week with that wont' require much separation of the group.

 

[delmar411]

Do you have a friend or relative that might be willing to tag along? When my DH has to bail on a trip at the last minute because of work, I just take my mom instead. She gets a free vacation and I get an extra adult to help with the kids. Its win-win.

I think this is a great suggestion. Even if there is no family available, maybe hire a teen to come along as a mother's helper. An extra set of hands will make the trip smoother and less stressful.

 

[delmar411]

trying to think of all the rides that you guys can do together:
MK~
Snow White
Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's Philharmagic
Carousel
Tea Cups
Barnstormer
Small World
Splash Mountain
Monsters Inc
Pirates
Aladdin's Carpets
Jungle Cruise
Swiss Family Tree house
Tiki Room
Tom Sawyer's Island
Steamboat

 

[delmar411]

EP~
Test Track
Mission Space
Soarin (put the youngest on one side of you and the next youngest on the other side of you with the oldest on the other side of the middle child so you can reach them all at once if needed)
Turtle Talk
aquarium
Living with the Land Ride
Circle of Life movie
World Showcase

HS~
most of the shows/movies
great movie ride
star tours
ToT

AK~
not as familiar with this park but maybe someone else is

 

[nicki.momof3]

Thank you for all the suggestions - I have tried a few people to go with me but with the huge cost of airfare it is an issue. We are travelign at Easter. I can not transfer my husbands no refundable ticket and I can not afford a $400 new ticket for a friend and not one is in a position ot pay for their own ticket.

I am 100% going to make it a slower week as much as possible at Easter. Thanks for the ride tips. My kids listen very well so that is a big plus.

 

[Fabinva]

This past January my kids decided they wanted to ride together instead of riding with husband or I, my son was 8 and DD6 and rode HM, Nemo and TSM together while husband and I followed on cart behind. We were able to see them get in and out and even during the ride at times.
Have a great trip

 

[floridafamilyetyem]

My suggestion, though I've never traveled alone with my kids, is don't panic The other suggestions I have are pack a cooler with drinks (an over the shoulder one) and other snacks and light lunch foods. Remember the sunscreen, and use a double stroller. Also a lot of the rides you will be able to squeeze all of you in there and if not let a cast member know you are traveling alone with your small children, they will help arrange seating at the rides. Your kids are at least old enough to take directions, and your six year old is old enough to be aware of what's going on. Always remind them they have to be the big helper. Good luck

 

[MJAJmom]

Absolutely you can do it on your own!! I went in Oct with my 2 boys, ages 3 and 6 and it was an awesome trip. Here is a great website that shows the seating for each ride:

http://allears.net/tp/gal_ride.htm