What would you do??

[LilMamiBella]

We're supposed to be going to Disney this Tuesday coming up. Well, DH says he won't be able to go the whole time..he said he might be able to go from Thurs-Mon. That means I'll be by myself with 2 kids for almost 3 days! We've never been to Disney and I just don't think I can handle going for the first time alone with the kids. We're on the myw plus dining package. So I can either:

A. Go with someone else( my mom) and just let DH stay home. ( Mom might not be able to come with me)

B. Cancel our trip and make it for the summer..(I won't be guaranteed that DH will be able to get the days off though)

C. Change our days ..and go from Thursday-Monday. We'll be driving back and forth Thursday and Monday so that leaves less time at WDW.

D. Go by myself on Tuesday and have DH meet us at the hotel when he gets there on early Fri. I'd be alone with the kids but I wouldn't have to change anything..except maybe DH'S dining plan.

What would you do? BTW, my dd is 2 1/2 and son is 5.

 

[gigi1313]

will your 2.5yo sit in a stroller? is your 5yo super active or a good listener?

when my kids were those ages i would never have thought to do something so "brave" but i totally regret it and wish i had done more... disney is a very easy place to enjoy, and i personally do not think it would be a great hardship to handle two relatively well behaved kids on your own... i would be careful not to overplan or frazzle myself trying to be on a time schedule... i'd take it slow and enjoy what i get to and not try to cram *everything* in at once, kwim?

 

[bajanswife]

It really depends on what you're usually comfortable doing alone with them. I'd take my 2 older kids alone (they are 3.5 and 5) because I wouldn't be outnumbered! My 2 yo won't sit in a stroller and is very fidgety, so I wouldn't be taking her somewhere like that if I had to worry about the other two as well! I do know WDW somewhat, so I wouldn't be uncomfortable. But I'd only go to a park 1 of those days, because I'd be limited in what we could do with only 1 adult and 2 small kids. If it were me I'd likely go to the MK one day (Weds), look around, meet characters, do a few rides that all 3 of us could easily and safely ride together etc. The rest of the time the kids would love the hotel pool and playground (where are you staying BTW?), DTD Lego place, Fort Wilderness etc. I'd choose places that don't have an admission fee and no huge crowds.

If you need a touring plan for your alone day at the MK (since you've never been and don't know your way around) I'm sure we can all help out!

 

[LilMamiBella]

It really depends on what you're usually comfortable doing alone with them. I'd take my 2 older kids alone (they are 3.5 and 5) because I wouldn't be outnumbered! My 2 yo won't sit in a stroller and is very fidgety, so I wouldn't be taking her somewhere like that if I had to worry about the other two as well! I do know WDW somewhat, so I wouldn't be uncomfortable. But I'd only go to a park 1 of those days, because I'd be limited in what we could do with only 1 adult and 2 small kids. If it were me I'd likely go to the MK one day (Weds), look around, meet characters, do a few rides that all 3 of us could easily and safely ride together etc. The rest of the time the kids would love the hotel pool and playground (where are you staying BTW?), DTD Lego place, Fort Wilderness etc. I'd choose places that don't have an admission fee and no huge crowds.

If you need a touring plan for your alone day at the MK (since you've never been and don't know your way around) I'm sure we can all help out!

Okay, my dd who's the youngest is easier to handle. She likes to walk but will sometimes go in the stroller. My son who's 5 likes to yell and be bossy. When we go to the mall, I'll look inside a store and he'll run out of the store! He likes to hide and will have a fit if I don't buy him something. The kids will listen to DH. They're angels with him! :rolleyes
Plus, I have no idea where everything is..I'd probably spend most of my time looking at a map or something.

 

[BonSchwe]

When my DS was 4 and DD was 3 we went to Toronto for one-week. We went to Canadas Wonderland (a large amusement/waterpark), Ontario Science Center, and Toronto Zoo. I have to admit it was trying at times but for the most part it was fun. We always took a break midday and never tried to push it. We went at their pace and if we spent the afternoon digging in the dinasauer dig at Canadas Wonderland - well, so be it. It is easier with another adult but on your own you can also spend some real quality time one-on-one time with your kids.

Good luck!!

 

[Hockeychic]

Ok, this is a big sacrifice but I will come help......lol

Personally I would go and have hubby meet me there.

 

[LilMamiBella]

Ok, this is a big sacrifice but I will come help......lol

Personally I would go and have hubby meet me there.

So, if I decide to go and have DH meet me there..what sort of things can I do with kids under age 6? I realize that most rides will seat 2 people so I probably wouldn't be able to get on those. What are the least crowded parks?

 

[Hockeychic]

Do you have park tickets for all the days??? I would just like to hang out at the resort, swim, play scape.

I have never been in January but with the ages of your kids MK or Ak are probably where I would go. Honestly I am not sure if you can put 3 on a ride my kids where much bigger when we started going so you couldn't fit 3 on anyways.

Hopefully some more experienced people can help you out there.

 

[ErinC]

Actually, alot of the rides will seat 3 together, especially with small children. I think your 5 year old is old enough to sit down and discuss it with. I think I would lay down the "law". Surely, he's excited about the trip. I would tell him if you go that you can't have that kind of behavior or you won't be able to go and have a good time. Usually if I discuss the situation with my kids beforehand that usually nips any poor behavior before it starts. I would go with my 2 kids, but it is a completely personal decision, probably one that only you can make, since you are the only one that knows your children that well. I would also be telling my DH that he better get with the rest of the family as soon as possible!!!HA

 

[zippehsmom]

I would go and just be very flexible. Actually, I'm taking my (almost)3 yr old & 5 yr. old this December, but we've been before. My DH can only come the first 3 days. I have to admit I was a little nervous at first, but after some encouraging posts from this Board I think we'll be OK

I think you can do it. I would just lay down the law like another poster suggested, and I would also just stick with a park like MK. What hotel are your staying at? Good Luck

zippehsmom

 

[gigi1313]

i agree with the recommendation to go to either MK or AK... both have a number of rides where the three of you could go together, and of course, the shows (Mickey's Philharmagic and Country Bear Jamboree) are suitable for any number...

depending on how your children are in restaurants, and since you have the dining plan, you may want to consider a character meal, although i would avoid buffets because you just will not have enough hands... perhaps o'hana for breakfast... crt for breakfast if you cn snag a ps at this late date...

another thought would be to cancel the dining portion of your package for the days dh won't be there and go with counter service, food court and pizza delivery to your hotel room instead!

good luck and let us know what you decide!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have taken DD4 and DD2 several times. Most rides you can sit in the same row. The only exception for your kids is that you cannot do Goofy Barnstormer even if both are tall enough b/c the rows have only 2 individual seats. And the 5 yo cannot sit in a row alone b/c the min. age is 7. Other than that the park is open to you.

MGM is good b/c they have the Beauty and the Beast Show, Playhouse Disney, Little Mermaid, Indiana Jones--et cetera. You would be okay there as well.

 

[gigi1313]

ooh, you just reminded me of when we were at mk and another family asked dd if she would go w/their younger child because the mom was pg... i am sure if the op's ds really wants to ride goofy's barnstormer, he can find a benevolent 9 or 10 yo to take him!

 

[LilMamiBella]

We'll be staying at ASMo. I've heard its pretty far away. Even though I'm driving there, I don't think I'd want to drive to a park and then find a parking space so we'll be using the bus.

I have some ps'

Wednesday- Spoodles
Thursday- dinner ohana's
Friday- Le Cellier dinner
Saturday- Boma's dinner
Sunday- Cape May Cafe and
Monday- Chef Mickey's breakfast

I should probably change Le Cellier and Spoodles to Saturday and Sunday..should I keep Boma's? We've never eaten African food..

 

[swilshire]

The drive would worry me more than anything. How many hours is it? Any time you or the 5yo needed to use the restroom, the whole group would have to trudge in. Hopefully a family restroom would be available.

It would be tough because you would be on duty 24 hours a day with no break. Even bathing could be stressful because you'd be doing it with one ear open to make sure neither of the kids woke up. I would only attempt it with them sleeping.

If Mom or another friend/family member couldn't go, I'd be tempted to cut the trip short unless it's a very easy drive for you. I also worry about the independent 5yo. I have one of those, who just turned 6, and he can be a challenge even with more than just me to watch him.

Do what feels right to you. There will always be other vacations. It isn't worth making yourself nuts over this. Just remember next time to plan alternatives if your husband's work causes this to happen frequently.

Good luck.

Sheila

 

[LilMamiBella]

It will be about a 9 hour drive!

 

[sanibelover]

Disney vacations cost a lot of money. That said, I would go when the whole family can be together for the entire time. The place is so stimulating that even the best behaved kids can turn into monsters. If it's crowded and hot, then a meltdown is almost assured. I even turned ugly sometimes.

If you are used to traveling with your kids alone, then maybe, but Disney is not where I would choose to get my feet wet. The last time we took kids, they were 5 and 8. They are very well-behaved, but I sure was glad to have someone else to share the responsibility of just keeping track of them, getting food for them, taking them to the bathroom, getting everything ready for a long day at the parks.

I know the excitement of a Disney vacation is wonderful, but you will have a much better time if you wait until the timing is right.

It can be magical, but I think it would be a whole lot more magical if you had someone to help with the children. As much as I love my mother, I would much rather vacation with my husband!!!

 

[LilMamiBella]

It can be magical, but I think it would be a whole lot more magical if you had someone to help with the children. As much as I love my mother, I would much rather vacation with my husband!!![/QUOTE]


You are totally right lol
My mom said she could come but I decided I want my DH there. Our vacation wouldn't be the same without him. So, we're going lesser days but at least I'm not driving all the way by myself. Hopefully, we can go again to Disney in the summer as well, and maybe even see some of the other attractions (Seaworld, UA/IOA, Discovery Cove,etc.)