Outnumbered: Disney Trips Solo Trips with Multiple Kids

If you are a single parent or a solo parent and planning a trip to Walt Disney World, it may seem overwhelming, but it is possible to have a lot of fun! Here are some helpful tips that can make your experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

Before you decide to stay off-property, check out the value and moderate resorts; it's nice to have the complimentary transformation, and there is safety in staying inside the Disney bubble on a solo trip. There are also numerous discounts during various times of the year. The cheapest months are January, August, and September, and typically, there are Disney deals during those months.

Arrive Early in the Day:

If you are planning a solo or a single-parent trip to Disney, it's best to arrive early in the day. This will make the day less stressful for your children as they will be less tired. On the other hand, arriving in the evening after a long day can lead to tantrums if things start to go wrong, such as a delayed flight or traffic accident. Therefore, arriving as early and reasonably as possible is always better, depending on your children's age. Additionally, traveling during the day is always safer if you have any safety concerns.

Golden Age at Disney:

At Walt Disney World, there are two important age restrictions for riding the attractions. If you are 7 years old or older, you are allowed to ride unaccompanied. However, if you are younger than 7 years old, you must be accompanied by someone who is at least 14 years old. This is important to know if you're traveling with two young children, as it may limit the rides you can go on. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the ride has a single cart that seats multiple people, you do not have to sit directly next to the accompanying adult as you are technically in the same cart. Know how tall your kids are and what rides you can go on. Guide my guides or check out my maps page so you can get to know the park and may a plan that will not have you zigzagging all over the park.

Exceptions to the Rule:

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Astro Orbitor

Expedition Everest

Realistic Disney Day:

Just like any other trip you want to build you Realistic Disney Day - with kids I would suggest 4 rides, 1 Table Service, 2 Shows, 1 Filler activity planned. A Midday break for sure, because you will be exhausted as the only parent taking the kids. And then Stick firmly to the 2 park days, 1 rest day schedule. That will help you not burn out and then you can spend some time in the resort trying to relax as you watch the kids solo. BE FLEXIBLE! That is key on any DIsney trip but one that you are solo on, you need a little extra does of it.

Genie+:

Decide if you will be using Genie+ and on what days, and have your game plan. It also would not be a bad idea to invest in standby skipper as it will be difficult to remember to book rides with your hands full. But saving 5 - 6 hours a day not waiting in line will make you day run smoother and help you avoid tantrums when you are solo.

EPCOT

Rides that fit 3 or more:

• Gran Fiesta Tour

• Journey Into Imagination

• Living With The Land

• Soarin’ Around The World

• Mission: Space

• Test Track

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Can fit a parent and 2 littles (consider littles as 10 and under):

• The Sea with Nemo & Friends

• Journey into Imagination with FIgment

Magic Kingdom Park

Rides that fit 3 or more:

• Walt Disney World Railroad

• Jungle Cruise

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Haunted Mansion

• it’s a small world

• Mad Tea Party

• Peter Pan’s Flight

Can fit a parent and 2 littles (consider littles as 10 and under):

• Magic Carpets of Aladdin

• Big Thunder Mountain

• Dumbo

• The many adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• Peter Pan’s Flight

• Journey of the Little Mermaid

• People Mover

• Astro Orbitor

• Tomorrowland Speedway (*Need purple flag to go twice so both can drive, let the cast member know when you arrive)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Rides that fit 3 or more:

• Star Tours

• Tower of Terror

Can fit a parent and 2 littles (consider littles as 10 and under):

• Alien Swirling Saucers

• Buzzlight year: Space Ranger Spin

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Rides that fit 3 or more:

• Kilimanjaro Safari

• Kali River Rapids

• Avatar Flight of Passage

• Na/vi River Rapids

• Dinosaur

Mobile Ordering:

Get comfortable with it, the great thing is that when you are on a ride, or in a queue and you know the kids will behunger in an hour or so, go ahead and mobile order their food. That way you know that when you arrive you can find a seat first and your food will be ready right away. Try to find a spot visible to the pick up window. More than likely you will go park your stroller, bring the kids with you grab the food and head back to the table.

Companion Bathrooms:

Know where they are located. This will be easier for you because you will have way more space in these bathroom instead of fiting for a stale or having one of your children have to go to the bathroom alone.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Opposite Star Tours

• Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster

• Opposite The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

• Hollywood Hills (Fantasmic!) amphitheater

• Pixar Place (near Toy Story Mania)

• Near ABC Sound Studio

• Walt Disney Presents

• Toy Story Land

• Black Spire Outpost Market

• Black Spire Outpost Courtyard

EPCOT

• Spaceship Earth (east) on left as you face SSE from Park entrance

• Future World West opposite The Land

• Future World East opposite Test Track
  Morocco on the right

• Germany on the right

• Norway on the left side

• Land Pavilion first floor

• World Showplace pavilion

• Rose Walk Restrooms

Magic Kingdom Park

• Lower level of Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Castle
  Near Splash Mountain (near photo location)

• To the right of Space Mountain (Rockettower Plaza Stage)

• Pinocchio Village Haus (my personal go-to!)

• Fantasyland Railroad Station

• Enchanted Forest (behind Gaston’s Tavern)

• City Hall

• Tangled Toilets near ‘it’s a small world’

• Transportation and Ticket Center East Gate

• Pirates of the Caribbean

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

DHS Baby Care Center Bathroom

• Discovery Island opposite Flame Tree Barbecue, just before DinoLand USA bridge on the right

• Africa near the Mombasa Marketplace

• Harambe Theater in Africa

• Expedition Everest

• Dinoland USA near Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures

• Near Maharajah Jungle Trek on the left before the entrance
  Inside Maharajah Jungle Trek to the right as you exit the Bat House

• Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch

• Pandora — The World of Avatar

Baby Care Centers:

If you are traveling with children who are 5 years old or younger, or school-age children, make sure to use the baby care centers if you cannot find a companion bathroom. These centers are available for your use, and the cast members there are always willing to help, especially if you are parenting alone.

If you can Splurge:

If you have enough money to spend on extras, I would recommend splurging on some items to make your trip more convenient. However, keep in mind that these things are not necessary and are only for your comfort, especially if you are on a budget. I personally go to Disney solo at least once a year and have never needed any of these extras to make my trip smoother.

Fireworks Dessert Party or Dining Package: These packages are great because they give you a specific seating area for the nighttime show. The dessert party for fireworks at Magic Kingdom is a good option if you're going with young kids as you get a nice location on the castle hub. If you pick the dining package for Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios or a concert series at EPCOT at the America Gardens, you are guaranteed a place to eat and a reserved seat.

Hire a Themepark Nanny: I often use a Helping Hands nanny on my family Disney trips, but if I had young children, I would not hesitate to hire one even for a few hours at the park.

Rent a Locker: If you plan on visiting the park, especially without a stroller, and you have things you want to bring in case of emergency, you can ease your burden by renting a locker at the park. This way, you won't have to carry that load on your back for an extended period.If you have enough money to spend on extras, I would recommend splurging on some items to make your trip more convenient. However, keep in mind that these things are not necessary and are only for your comfort, especially if you are on a budget. I personally go to Disney solo at least once a year and have never needed any of these extras to make my trip smoother.

Take a parent timeout: Have you heard of Camp Dolphin? It is a exclusive club for kids ages 5 to 12 years old located at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. You do need an advance reservation and do not fill guilty on your disney vacation for taking a few hours off. Your kids will think it is just another activity for them, and then you can take a little break, regroup and pick up them up for more fun! You can also call (407) 934-4241 to make a reservation.

You can do this! It is a lot to take kids on your own, but having a solid plan before you go will help alleviate stress and my last tip is to review child safety at the parks, and go over that with your kids. Make sure they understand to stay with you, but have a plan in case you do get lost.

Travel Smart: Being Aware of your Surroundings

Set Boundaries:

• Teach your children about personal boundaries and empower them to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or threatened by someone's behavior.

• Encourage your children to keep a safe distance from strangers, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places.

Trust Your Instincts:

• Listen to your intuition and trust your gut feelings when assessing strangers or unfamiliar situations.

• If someone's behavior raises red flags or makes you feel uneasy, politely but firmly remove yourself and your children from the situation.

Practice Caution with Personal Information:

• Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your full name, address, or travel itinerary, with strangers unless necessary.

• Teach your children to be cautious about sharing personal details with strangers, especially online or in public spaces.

Use Discretion When Accepting Help:

• While assistance from strangers can be helpful, use discretion when accepting help, especially in isolated or unfamiliar environments.

• Prioritize seeking assistance from uniformed cast members.

Establish Safety Signals:

• Develop secret safety signals or codes with your children to communicate distress or discomfort discreetly, such as a specific hand gesture or phrase. It's important to keep things age-appropriate so as not to scare children and to make it clear that only one of you and to ensure everyone is safe need to be prepared.

• Practice using these signals with your children to ensure they understand their purpose and feel comfortable using them if needed.

Foster Open Communication:

• Maintain open and honest communication with your children about the importance of safety and vigilance when interacting with strangers.

• Encourage your children to approach you with any concerns or questions they may have about strangers or unfamiliar situations.

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