[Vacationing in] Disney as a single parent About This Page:

[L'eau Sirene]

This summer i will be going to disney with my immediate family. but it will only be my 4 yr and myself staying on property. and advice for a single parent on how to make the most enjoyable vacation not only for my son but for me as well. My son can be 10 handfuls while awake.

[Momma Pirate]

Just go with his lead. I'm doing it with a 3yr, 5yr, & 7yr old in sept. I'll be watching this post too for some tips.

[lovewdw3]

I am a single parent too- and you will have a BLAST!

From 2003 to 2008 it was just my 2 boys and myself. I made a "schedule" for what parks we would go to on each day for our vacation. I also made ADRs for character meals. The great thing was that we were staying in resorts that had food courts. So I didn't have to worry what either of my boys would eat. Not sure where you are staying.

I think when you get into the parks- get a map for yourself- but let him lead you. I am sure you can lead him to something he didn't see. Magic Kingdom is Great for kids his age!

Were you planning to take a stroller with you? The only reason I ask is because it is alot of walking.

Since it will be hot when you go- you might want to take a break, and go back to your hotel pool- and cool off. Then you and your son can go back (either have dinner at your resort or eat dinner at MK) and enjoy the rest of MK, plus the fireworks- if he isn't scared by them. I think the 1st day will be the hardest only because he will be so EXCITED as you will too- but it will get better.

Now my boys are 19 and 15- I have so many great memories of when they were younger at Disney! Now, soon I will get to enjoy them as BIG kids- not sure how that will go- since I am more excited then they are! : )

Enjoy your Disney Experience with your son! : )

[coffeechef]

I have taken all three of my nephews on solo trips to Disney and all 3 of them at once. With the one on one trips. I based everything we did on what they would enjoy doing. I did not get to ride Towere of Terror or Rock n rollercoaster until the youngest one went with me at age 8. He was the only brave one at that age.
I planned our adventures on what I thought they would enjoy. Meals, Character greetings, attractions, even which Resort we would stay at. I set some ground rules, which was easier being their Aunt and not their parent. ,in regard to buying souveneers,etc
The last day or two of our Vacation, were the days I let them choose what Park we would go to. This was Kid Choice day. SInce the Parks were all new experiences they were willing to follow my lead, but loved getting to make their own choices toward the ends of our trips. I always had a blast with them on these trips and they I think would tell you the same. Best advice is know when its time to take a break back to your hotel, either for a nap or some pooltime.
and know your child and his limits of what attractions to go to. Start with attractions .. like Winnie the pooh and the auto speedway. before trying to drag him on Haunted mansion. or POTC. Dark rides scare the daylights out of little ones and then they don't trust you to not put them in that situation again. Also if your son does not like spiders,bugs, loud noises,... don't bring him in to Its tough to be a Bug. I see more kids that are terrified by that attraction. My own nephews did ok , but the middle one hates spiders and he was a bit older when he finally went on it. I think you will have a blast with your child and there can be so many fun memories with him. That was Walts Vision for parents and children to do things together.

[njsmama]

I have taken all 3 of my children on solo trips. We have always had a blast! My favorite was when I took my son when he was 5. I let him pick our hotel, plan our days (with a little help from me) and decide where we should eat. We toured in the mornings, took midday breaks for swimming and/or naps and then toured in the evenings until he was ready to call it a night. He was a shy kid that was frightened easily, but he still voluntarily rode ToT with me, lol. He decided it was pretty cool . He also enjoyed World of Disney at DTD. He spent a lot of time in the toy section and filled a chest full of pirate "treasure" and also a Mr. Potato Head. With the exception of your ADRs (and make sure you do at least one character meal), just take each day as it comes and enjoy! That alone time with your 4 year old is priceless!

[mechurchlady]

Get a harness as they keep the kid from getting lost or wondering off. A single parent looks at their wallet while buy lunch and the kid wonders off, for example.

CMs will carry your tray at restaurants if you ask. I seen a dad with a huge tray of food with a manager behind him also loaded down with food.

Practice with the kid how to things are done in public places. Things like hold mommy's hand when crossing streets, where to find help if lost, what is your name, what is mommy's name, take turns, and sharing are some things that not all kids have mastered before going to parks. Teach a child to go to a cash register as those always have a phone line or walkie talkie.

Get or rent an offsite stroller. You can strap the kid down when you need him not running around. It also makes a good seat for parades.

I help parents if I can. I hold doors open, run interference through crowds, taken a kid on a ride, and helped parents board the train. There are nice people who will help you if you ask. CMs cannot watch your kid while you ride Space Mountain so enjoy your time being a kid again. It is a lot of fun doing just kid stuff.

Read online menus for what you feel is best for the kid. You can ask for a plate and feed the kid from your meal if you prefer. I bring plastic gloves for messes and allergens. Bring lots of zippered bags. I like to fill up a bag with popcorn for later. Half eaten food can go in the bag for later use or disposal. I watch people outside of shows and rides gulping and slurping because of the No Food Allowed Inside signs. Dump the half eaten hot dog in the bag then walk right inside.

Have fun on your trip, enjoy being a kid again,

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Practicing beforehand lets you decide if you need a harness or stroller. Will you be able to get the kid back to the hotel room without anyone in your group dragging their feet, crying, whining, or grumbling. i have no kids but I have seen two parents get so busy with something important that the kid wonders off. Most kids do not need a harness. In the mall buy a snack and see if you are so busy with the kid that you ignore the clerk or are so busy with the clerk that your kid is wondering off or into places it should not be.

I have no kids but how many times have I seen kids run off to place in forbidden areas or dart in front of oncoming foot traffic. It does not make someone a bad parent to use a stroller to confine a child so that the parent can safely and sanely do business. It does not make a parent bad if they use a harness to keep a child safe. Sorry but due to personal issues including health at times my grasp of the English language is not good even if that is my native tongue. I hope what I see at the parks will prevent a child from being yelled out, parent melt downs, or a child being lost or hurt. It hurts to see a parent so frustrated that they yell or crash on a bench worn out. It hurts to see a kid plowed into by foot traffic. It is a joy to watch happy families especially the kids.

[llgmommy2]

I have taken my DD many (8) times as a single Mom. I do not think there is any need for a harness or to strap them down. They are human children not pets. Take each day as it comes. My DD was afraid of some rides but, as she got older she rode more. We really enjoyed the AC of shows when it gets to hot and pool time is a must! Just enjoy your time with your child. I know they can be handfuls but make sure to remember he is going to get over stimulated and perhaps act out just take in stride. It happens...and most of all have fun!

[dolphin041599]

I think if he is a handful (or 10), don't worry about the stroller if you don't typically have one (say for zoo trips, etc.). Kids have way more energy than we do. LOL! I also don't think they need a harness. I think if you work with them beforehand, things will be good.

I have taken my daughter as a single parent. We just had rules she had to follow - hold mom's hand, etc.

Then basically, I let her guide me. We rode what she wanted to ride, ate where she wanted to eat, and even let her help with the planning where possible. I judged when she seemed tired and that would be when we went back to the hotel. We only did a couple TS meals, because it was easier to do QS when she was hungry, not on a schedule. I also made sure we had time for the pool if she wanted to. Basically, if you listen to their cues, you'll have a great vacation.

[aislinn0903]

Lots of great tips on here, I agree with most of them. I have only ever gone to Disney as a single mom, so I know it can be a bit overwhelming. As for the stroller, pros and cons, and you'll get 20 opinions for each side. Mainly, you have the stroller to carry your "stuff", and you have it when your little guy is worn out, and you don't feel like lugging him back to the hotel. When I was weaning myself from that particular crutch, when my youngest was between 6-7, I would only take it to the park for a full touring day, and park it in a semi-central location as we went around the parks. On the con side, a child with that much energy will surely benefit from a little "exercise" running around the parks all day! There are lots of different ID systems out there, from tattoos to ID bands. I have always used a combination of physically tagging the kids with 1st name and my cell number( yes, with a Sharpie and in an inconspicous location), and a homemade ID tag I made before we left (with a pic, height, weight, what resort, etc). And although I am sure you won't let him out of your sight, be reassured that Disney does a great job with lost kids.
You'll hear this one a zillion times, but that's because it's one of the best sanity savers out there: midday nap/rest time. I used to bribe my kids with an equivalent amount of pool time for however long "quiet time" lasted. A white noise machine is invaluable in keeping noise out of your hotel room, ensuring a better nap!
Character meals are the best way to introduce your little guy to his favorite characters, face to face without standing in lines. And it gives you 60 minutes of air conditioning and enforced rest! And, yes, ziplocs are your secret weapon! When your guy is too excited/tired to eat, stick his leftovers in a baggie to pull out later when he is hungry.
And last, but maybe the most important, is just relax and have a great time! You are making memories for your family, and that's the most important thing! Have a blast!

[wmanderson]

I have twins, and took them to WDW as a single parent. However, they were 10 at the time.

We did travel extensively when they were younger because we were a military family and back then ex-hubby was deployed so much it was like being a single parent. We went to visit family, to parks, zoos, Renaissance Faires, and a few amusement parks.

Children do have lots of energy. He may run you into the ground, or he may get tired and need a stroller by the end of the night. That is something you will know about your child. I had a stroller until my kids were almost 5, when it broke (and I didn't see the sense in buying a new one for a few months or a year at most).

I have never had good luck (or good thoughts) with harnesses. At 20 months old, my children could get out of harnesses, carseats and strollers. So, instead they were taught to stay with mommy, not to climb out of the carseat/stroller, etc. They were taught that there were consequences to doing those things. When my children were younger, I had no fear of them wandering off or running off while I "did business".

Just a few weeks ago my family DD15, DS15, DH (just married 1-14-12!), me and DNephew5 went to Kings Island for a "test run" as this will be the group traveling to WDW in Aug/Sep. DH and DD went off to ride roller coasters, DS meandered off to ride other rides (with permission, of course), and I was with DN5 at Snoopy Land the whole day. I followed his lead. He wanted to try all kinds of things, and the ones that scared him we didn't go back to.

Yes, WDW is much bigger and a trip there is usually much longer than a day, but the philosophy will be the same. Pick the park for the day. Plan some character meals for the trip if you think he would like them. Plan some down time in the middle of the day (either as your character meals, or back at the resort for pool/nap time. But after that, following his lead will definitely make your time less stressful, though not less tiring. You can always steer him towards something you think he might like.

But most importantly, have fun. Enjoy the time you have together, for they grow up fast.

[disney]

I would say just go with the flow on what is geared towards kids and try to take a break in mid afternoon for nap time if he is still taking naps .
here is one item that was beyond helpful for us but it is something if you like it is great it is one of those childs safety cords with a fanny pack twist
O'Pair Child's Plush and Adult's Sleek Fanny Packs Connect for Safety from Inventive Parent
good luck and have a magical time

[JuliB57]

As a grandparent, I took my 10 year old granddaughter to WDW on a solo trip several years ago. We LOVED it! Had so much fun with just her. We planned the trip together from where to eat to what to ride and had a blast! Just relax and go with the flow. You'll never regret it!

[NOT A PACKER'S FAN]

Single mom here too going on trips 8 and 9 this year!!! My daughter is now 16 first brought her at age 5! To keep the costs low I would purchase special disney items from the dollar store puzzles, coloring books, etc, and let her choose everyday from the bag. She also had her own disney dollars to spend. You will ahve a glorious time, one of the biggest reasons we love disney is because we alwasy feel safe. My daughter and I still carry a 2 way radio just in case one of us gets misplaced from the other. Happened to me when I was 7 , and it was terrifying. got to a cast memebr who got me to my parents, my poor grandma was in tears.

[V'sMommy]

Next month will be my 3rd trip to Disney with my DD! This is her Bday trip as she will be turning 5.

When I planned our first trip last year, I was concerned (because she is also a handfull!) and contmplated getting a stroller or a harness thingy. I opted to take a chance and it worked out perfectly!! I explained to her how important is was that she listen to me, always be where I could see her and always hold my hand when we were out in the crowds. We had a GREAT time!

Each trip we've gone for at least 4 days and go to multiple parks. Our favorite park is MK so we get there at rope drop to do all the rides she likes, then we go back to the hotel for the afternoon to rest. We head back around 8ish for the fireworks. The ONLY issue I have is, leaving MK after the fireworks... she's usually exhausted and she's to heavy for me to carry but we manage.

I plan a couple of ADR's but mostly go with the flow with her. Our Disney trips have turned into our special Mother/Daughter time and we both look forward to them so much. I'm hoping it's something we'll continue to do as she gets older. Like everyone else says, just relax and go with the flow, you will have a blast!