Daddy. Daughter. Disney.

[AustinNYC]

Hey all,

I've been a DIS member for over a decade now but haven't posted in many many years. Boy, has life changed since I last posted anything here.... I'm taking my 5 year old daughter to WDW in mid-October during her fall break. Her mom and I divorced over a year ago and this is my first trip as a solo parent. I'm absolutely excited about it and I want to ensure I don't have any unnecessary stressors. What are things any of you have experienced as a solo parent with a young child at Disney? I would particularly love to hear from any other dads out there that have done a similar trip!! I'll be sure to post any experiences/lessons learned here when we get back.

 

[CarolynFH]

Our DGD’s first trip to WDW was when she was 5 and our son was a single dad. It was a family trip - there were 9 of us - but they had a lot of time on their own and had a blast. My fondest memory is that her absolute favorite ride turned out to be Tower of Terror, which is the ride he hates the most. And he was a good Daddy and rode it with her, over and over and over again! So I’d say let her lead the way, and be prepared to meet princesses (or not), to ride things you don’t like but she does, etc.!

 

[sponica]

I've never been as a solo parent, but I have had extended time in the parks with both kids. I would say the biggest challenge for me was bathrooms, so that I could use the bathroom, change the younger one's diaper and have the older one go.

If it's just you and the 5 year old, I'd develop a bathroom plan.

 

[CarolynFH]

I've never been as a solo parent, but I have had extended time in the parks with both kids. I would say the biggest challenge for me was bathrooms, so that I could use the bathroom, change the younger one's diaper and have the older one go.

If it's just you and the 5 year old, I'd develop a bathroom plan.

All the parks have Family bathrooms - my dad used them with my mom when she became wheelchair bound, but they’re not restricted to guests with wheelchairs, scooters, etc. I can’t say whether they have diaper changing stations, though.

 

[sponica]

All the parks have Family bathrooms - my dad used them with my mom when she became wheelchair bound, but they’re not restricted to guests with wheelchairs, scooters, etc. I can’t say whether they have diaper changing stations, though.

Not all of them do. We managed and while my younger one still uses a stroller, I at least have a place to contain her. Even out in the real world, if I'm with the both of them, I need a bathroom plan.

 

[AustinNYC]

I've never been as a solo parent, but I have had extended time in the parks with both kids. I would say the biggest challenge for me was bathrooms, so that I could use the bathroom, change the younger one's diaper and have the older one go.

If it's just you and the 5 year old, I'd develop a bathroom plan.

Not a bad idea. The family RR are definitely helpful. When its just the two of us, she comes into the bathroom with me and I always use the ADA stall because it offers us privacy and allows other gentlemen from being uncomfortable. She will make vocal commentary about smells which can be pretty funny for those listening.

 

[AustinNYC]

Our DGD’s first trip to WDW was when she was 5 and our son was a single dad. It was a family trip - there were 9 of us - but they had a lot of time on their own and had a blast. My fondest memory is that her absolute favorite ride turned out to be Tower of Terror, which is the ride he hates the most. And he was a good Daddy and rode it with her, over and over and over again! So I’d say let her lead the way, and be prepared to meet princesses (or not), to ride things you don’t like but she does, etc.!

Totally, she will be in charge! I'll make "suggestions", but I don't plan to commit to any paid-for plans aside from the MNSSHP.

 

[Djm_in_buffalo]

Recently went with my young daughter and wife. I think a main point to consider, and it doesn’t matter how many or how few people are in the group, is to have a general plan for each day, but be super flexible on it because of the age of the kid.

Example: have 1 or 2 rides/attractions that ‘must’ be done each day, but beyond that, just do as much as can naturally be done. While the plan might have been to stay in the park until (insert time here), kiddo is cranky and exhausted 2 hours before that. Rather than force the remainder, call it a day and regroup for tomorrow.

Even though I planned this way in advance, I had to constantly remind myself to abide by it, because there’s SO MUCH to do, I kept feeling like I ‘had’ to do this and this and this….

 

[Orcmeat]

I'm considering a trip where i'd be with my 5-y old granddaughter alone for 1 day at the park, when people above said "have a bathroom plan"...what would you suggest, i assume we'd have to use the men's room, didn't really think disney had family rooms available....any additional advice on this topic (specifc to magic kingdom)...

 

[Nicnicnic.nic]

I did a solo trip when my daughter was 3.5yo when my husband and I were separated. It has been my favorite vacation ever. It was so special. My only advice would be to ask people to take pictures of you. I had a handful of people offer to take our picture but I didn't think to ask.

Before the trip I was afraid my daughter would notice all the families and be jealous we weren't a nuclear family anymore but she didn't at all. And I was afraid I would get sad seeing all the families. But I didn't at all.

Anyway please have so so much fun. And if you're into it write a trip report.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

The biggest thing imo is mindset. If your goal is for your daughter to have an amazing experience… be prepared to be patient and set aside your ideas of what an amazing Disney experience is. Maybe she won’t want to ride Tiana’s, at all, but wants to play at the playground for hours on end. (The playground that is no different from the one at home!!!!!)

I’m here right now with my 8 year old, it’s just the two of us. I’m trying to default to “yes” when she wants something, even if I don’t think it’s an ideal thing to do on our trip. I don’t think what we do matters as much as how she felt while with me.

 

[jtopp]

Way to go, dad! Hope you both have a fabulous time making unforgettable memories. Best of luck to the two of you.