Disney alone with 2 kids

[WDWFan2018]

Has anyone taken their kids to Disney alone (preferably if you have more than one child)? I have two boys that are 7 and 4 and this kind of scares me a bit. We would be flying so it's not like we're close and could just do a weekend. Is this a good age to attempt this or should I wait until they're older? Any success stories?

 

[JIMINYCR]

It depends on the kids and the control you have. My sister went alone with her 2 kids on several trips successfully at those similar ages, and also trips at later ages. For some trips she utilized a double stroller. They know the rules she sets down and do very well listening to her. It is more challenging keeping your eyes on 2 kids and dealing with 2 kids with different wants, needs and who are wanting to see everything and go in different directions. She knows their limits, doesnt try to do too much in a day, doesnt stay out too late, sets time aside for naps/breaks and the kids know that if they dont listen or behave they will be leaving the restaurant or park and lose out. It works much better because thats how she handles them at home too. If the parent has good parental control and the kids know it, it doesnt matter if its Disney or other places. Of course they are more excited with Disney cause its special with more to stimulate them but she reigns them in before they get too wild. So if you have good control and your kids listen to you it can be a very enjoyable trip, with others to follow.

 

[WDWFan2018]

It depends on the kids and the control you have. My sister went alone with her 2 kids on several trips successfully at those similar ages, and also trips at later ages. For some trips she utilized a double stroller. They know the rules she sets down and do very well listening to her. It is more challenging keeping your eyes on 2 kids and dealing with 2 kids with different wants, needs and who are wanting to see everything and go in different directions. She knows their limits, doesnt try to do too much in a day, doesnt stay out too late, sets time aside for naps/breaks and the kids know that if they dont listen or behave they will be leaving the restaurant or park and lose out. It works much better because thats how she handles them at home too. If the parent has good parental control and the kids know it, it doesnt matter if its Disney or other places. Of course they are more excited with Disney cause its special with more to stimulate them but she reigns them in before they get too wild. So if you have good control and your kids listen to you it can be a very enjoyable trip, with others to follow.

Yes, the different wants is where I will have an issue, which is why I'm considering waiting. My 7 year old is fearless and wants to ride everything. My 4 year old is afraid of some rides that I know my 7 year old will want to go on. I can't take my 7 year old on a ride without my 4 year old since there is nobody there to help and I worry this will really disappoint my older son. I worry he'll feel like he missed out on a bunch of rides because my younger son either doesn't meet a height requirement or is not feeling that adventurous.

 

[JIMINYCR]

My sister had the same issue and just had to pick and choose what to do and explain that some rides we out for that trip. Disney did have some child care services at one time. I'm not sure whats available now but unless you were willing to split their time up, you cant do it all by yourself. Waiting til they are older might work but you still have the issue even at older ages of one child being braver than the other, or having likes that differ for some attractions. Until they are old enough to go on their own, youre kind of stuck.

 

[Patcheslee]

I believe 7 is old enough for rides alone if they meet height requirements. Going through the queue alone though is what limits alot of them. If it's not a height issue with your 4yo you'd be able to all go through the queue and then exit while the 7yo rides I believe.

 

[DryerLintFan]

Yes, the different wants is where I will have an issue, which is why I'm considering waiting. My 7 year old is fearless and wants to ride everything. My 4 year old is afraid of some rides that I know my 7 year old will want to go on. I can't take my 7 year old on a ride without my 4 year old since there is nobody there to help and I worry this will really disappoint my older son. I worry he'll feel like he missed out on a bunch of rides because my younger son either doesn't meet a height requirement or is not feeling that adventurous.

Do you have a theme park or something similar near you that you could test it out with? That way the stakes are lower if it absolutely doesn't work, but you could maybe gain some lessons on how it will, too.

 

[allidog1]

I believe 7 is old enough for rides alone if they meet height requirements. Going through the queue alone though is what limits alot of them. If it's not a height issue with your 4yo you'd be able to all go through the queue and then exit while the 7yo rides I believe.

I’d check on that because I know I’ve ready in some places a kid under X age has to be accompanied by a 14 year old or older.

 

[Patcheslee]

I’d check on that because I know I’ve ready in some places a kid under X age has to be accompanied by a 14 year old or older.

Under age 7 currently.

 

[righttrack]

I would say a lot depends on the 7 year old and the 4 year old. Will the 4 year old be willing to go on everything that his height would allow? If so, this will go well, or reasonably well. If not, then the 7 year old will not be very happy. You all will have to go on everything. On most rides which hold two side-by-side with a lap bar, sit them together and you behind. The 7 year old will not be fond of riding with a stranger, and the 4 year old's lap bar won't go down as far as it should sitting next to an adult. Another tip. Give the 7 year old "jobs" and responsibilities, even if you've got things covered. Having a sense of pride over that will make the trip easier.

 

[nmason132]

Has anyone taken their kids to Disney alone (preferably if you have more than one child)? I have two boys that are 7 and 4 and this kind of scares me a bit. We would be flying so it's not like we're close and could just do a weekend. Is this a good age to attempt this or should I wait until they're older? Any success stories?

Last January I took my 4 and 6 year old to Disney world by myself. It was probably the best Disney trip I've taken. It depends on how well behaved your kids are. If they listen well and are easy going, I say go for it. The week we went had very low crowds so that helped quite a bit. My 4 year old was the more adventurous one and my 6 year old was nervous to ride a few rides but we managed. I just told them that they would have to agree on what rides we went on or I would choose. We never had a problem.

I will say the only difficult part of the trip was leaving the parks at night and trying to get on the Disney buses. I had to try to maneuver all my bags, my sleeping 4 year old in my arms and fold the stroller. My 6 year old son helped me a lot. Disney makes it so easy to get around and to and from the airport. My suggestions would be go at a slow time of year, don't over plan, and bring a stroller (even if its just to hold your stuff). Good luck with your trip! I'm sure it will be awesome!