Visiting WDW parks w/3 kids - Reality Check Question

[jarobs]

Hi! I'm planning to accompany my DH to WDW later this summer. My question: DH is attending conferences during the day. Do you think it's possible for me to single mom w/3 kids (ages 9, 7, and 2 years) in the parks during the day by myself?

Please advise...

 

[bicker]

Sounds like more than I could manage. Superwoman, though, could probably handle it!

Seriously, do what our family does: Enlist more adults to visit at the same time, so you have numerical superiority over the children.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

Only you know how your kids would do. Are your older two pretty good at staying with you? Would they be OK riding a ride by themselves, if you were in the car in front of them with the 2 year old?

I know I could do it when I only had 3 (my oldest is 8). I doubt I would want to try with the baby ,now, though.....schedule could become unpredictable, and would put a damper on the day for the others. With your youngest being 2, he/she may be at a better stage for this. But again, you know your child. Is your youngest a "go with the flow" kid?

I would think, with a plan, it would be doable. You would probably want to think ahead to which attractions you wish to visit (make them attractions you can all go on), and figure out the ligistics of getting everyone through, in terms of splitting up etc. TS meals might be easiest so you don't have to fight for a table an dthen leave kids to get the food.

As you probably already know, everything with kids just takes a little more time and more planning. If you do that, then I bet you'll have a great time. Just let the kids know ahead of time that you are doing this solo, and NEED their cooperation on everything....if they can't help out with this, then they may miss activities.

Have fun if you do decide to go!!

 

[runner26.2]

We have 9,6,3 year olds. I wouldn't hesitate to take the three on my own. On our last trip DW wasn't feeling well one day so we went without her. Before leaving I explained to the 9 & 6 year old that they might not get to ride everything they wanted and we would probably not do as much, but the alternative was to not go to the MK.

We had a great time, altho we were "only" at MK from 9am opening until 2 and then left for the day.

It can be done, just don't try to do as much and take your time.

 

[MamaLema]

I don't know but I just wanted to tell you my kids are 2, 7, and 9 also

Personally I wouldn't do it. My 7 and 9 year old would want to go on rides with me, but we could never do it together because of the 2 year old.

Good luck with what you decide

 

[Lucky'sMom]

I think you absolutely can do it alone...I did! In Nov. of 2003 my DH had a convention at the CR. I took my 3 kids (ages at the time 7, 5, and 2 1/2) to the MK for 2 days. It was no problem. Almost every ride at MK everyone can go on, and my older two just sat together on most rides, and I rode with the younger one. I also think there is plenty at all of the parks you all could do easily. The other parks have so many shows, and also have plenty that you all could do together. My kids are all very well behaved (in public places at least, not necessarily at home!)

 

[AllNamesTaken]

I say go for it! The kids won't even be aware of the rides they are missing if you handle it with an upbeat 'Isn't this fun' attitude! They will have wonderful memories of what you DO get to do. Worse comes to worse you head back to the hotel to enjoy the pool. Most kids love the hotel pool as much as any rides! If you're relaxed and go with the flow, they will be too!
Have a fabulous time!

 

[jarobs]

Yes, my 9 yr DD is wonderful! She'll be a great help! I was thinking that we could go on the rides that allow us all to go on and shows in the AM. Afterward around 1 - 2 PM, come back to the WDW resort and swim/nap and wait for DH. Then go back to the park around 4 - 5 ish. I agree that having snacks would come in handy for all as well as the non-ride attractions (e.g. shows/play areas).

Thanks for your candid advice and experience sharing!

Janet

DD, 9 yrs.
DS, 7 yrs.
DS, currently 15 mos.

 

[AllyCatTapia]

i'd guess the 2 year old would be in a stroller.? so, probably you'd be oK

 

[HiddenMickey3018]

Hi! I'm planning to accompany my DH to WDW later this summer. My question: DH is attending conferences during the day. Do you think it's possible for me to single mom w/3 kids (ages 9, 7, and 2 years) in the parks during the day by myself?

Please advise...

You and I are in the same boat! I am taking my three children to the World for one week in December of this year. My kids are 11, 4, and 9. I have asked myself the same question. The one thing I am doing is taking the kids out more, seeing what it is like to go out to dinner, or to the movies. Even try little weekend trips (if possible) just to see how they act to being in public and in different enviroments. Right now, they are doing really well. The are unaware of the trip, which makes life a whole lot easier for me too this far out. But try that, spend time with them in public places, even if it is trip to the mall. The truth is, we have had a very hard 2 years, and I am determined to make this trip special for all of us. The older kids should be able to give you a hand if you need it. So my advice is just keep a clear head while you are there, make sure the kids know who's boss, and just have fun!!!!! Good luck!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

In January when we went to see DH run the marathon we all got a stomach virus - but at different times. One day when DH was under the weather I took all three kids to MK and then we went back that night to watch the parade. The day of the marathon I took the kids to MK to watch DH run down Main Street and then over to Epcot to watch the finish. The kids and I stayed at Epcot while DH went back to the hotel to change and shower. He finally met up with us for lunch. I was a little nervous but we did fine. The kids were 8, 7 and 5. Good luck.

 

[PaulaSue]

No problem! You just have to put your mind to it and plan well.

I take my girls to the local amusement park myself all summer long (season passes) while Dh is working. They know which rides they can do and not do when we are without another adult so othat helps. My girls are 7, 5 and 2 now.

Have a great Time!

 

[bettyann29]

I say you can do it With a 2 yr old you'll have to make sure that you take it easy.. dont do more than you think they can do.. But definitely doable... I am taking my 3 although they are older, so it will be easier.. they are 8,12 and 14.. but all the same will be a trying time..

 

[StinkerbellsMom]

Definitely do-able! But I guess it depends on what type of things you do regularly. Our gang (3 girls ages 13, 11 and 6) is used to rolling along and doing things often. My dh joins us for vacations, but we live in NYC so even rides to school (3-4 subways a day at times) is like its own "Adventureland" and we've been doing that since they were itty bitty things so they know the 'rules of the road', so to speak. We flow very well together and when we are at places like WDW it is just instinct for them to walk a certain way, hold hands and walk behind one another, and generally keep an eye out for one another. Its all in the way you get them used to functioning as a team, kwim. On our last few trips my dh took the girls to the parks by himself while my sister, mother and I did a few spa treatments and lounged. At first I was a total wreck at the thought he might lose one of them, but again, they are so used to traveling together on a daily basis that it was a breeze! I was quite impressed with dh's ability to function into the wee hours with them and he was awesome!! I guess I didn't give him the credit until I realized he could, so if he could do it, then you can too! Practice at home with them, get them used to hanging onto the stroller - one at either side - while you are walking and if they need to let go of the stroller then they should hold onto each other and walk in front of you, never behind, etc. Just little things that will help put your mind at ease and allow them to flow better. Our training as NY'ers helps us tremendously! Nothing like pushing, pulling, shoving your way through the subways with a stroller and 2 kiddos to teach you how to function on vacation! Vacation Boot Camp - NYC Style! LOL