By Haylie Glass

Going to Disney with toddlers is no small task… but taking two toddlers to Disney solo? That felt nearly impossible at first. So many people told me I was brave (or a little crazy), but honestly- some of our most magical memories come from those solo trips. After regularly flying solo from New Jersey to Georgia with two kids, I realized: I can do this. That confidence gave me the push to plan our first solo Disney trip with toddlers. If you’re a parent thinking about going it alone, I’m here to tell you: it’s doable- and maybe even amazing.

Why I Decided to Take a Solo Disney Trip with Toddlers

As a stay at home mom, I have the flexibility to just get up and go whenever and wherever. My husband’s job does not have the same flexibility but I didn’t want that to stop us. After our first family trip, seeing that magic in my kids eyes was contagious and we just wanted to go back! I had so many hesitations, mostly anxiety about being outnumbered and keeping up with two small children in such a crowded and busy place. I also had worries about logistics of the three of us riding on rides together or even using the bathroom! There were so many factors to take into consideration but with the right mindset, planning, and some patience- it’s doable!

Overcoming the Fear: Can You Really Do Disney Solo with Two Kids?

Preparation is key! It is important to set expectations for yourself (and for your little ones) ahead of time. You might not get to do everything you would typically do and things might look a little different and that’s okay. It is also helpful to have some aids you might not typically use like a double stroller and lightning lane. Also, I’m just here to say…there is no shame in a toddler leash, especially solo with toddlers in the most crowded place on earth. Personally, neither of my children are runners so I have never felt the need for one but we do use apple air tags as a safety net.

My Top Survival Tips for Disney Solo with Toddlers

• Use the double stroller. Seriously. It is so helpful navigating through crowds with both kids safely contained. It is also so helpful for all the “stuff” we have and the stuff we end up buying. All the water, coffee, snacks, bubble wands, and more coffee. Also, if your children enjoy being held as much as mine I highly recommend a baby/hip carrier for in lines.

• Mobile order anything, and everything. We will typically mobile order our food while we are still on a ride. We get off the ride and our food is ready and waiting on us. Quick service restaurants at prime lunch time can be a little tricky solo with children, especially if there aren’t many tables available. It can be difficult juggling your food, drinks, and the kids but don’t be scared to ask a Cast Member for help.

• Don’t over plan. This one is just a general great tip but especially solo with toddlers. You might not get everything you wanted done and that’s okay, solo trips look a little different. It is important to plan all the breaks (ideally before the meltdown) and take your kids’ lead. You know your children best, if they are “morning people” then you rope drop…if they prefer sleeping in (first of all, I’m jealous) then I would suggest slow mornings.

• Find the toddler friendly areas. Disney in general is very family and toddler friendly but of course some areas are better than others. The baby care centers are an amazing place to take a little a/c rest, there is one located in each park. Additionally, the shows and slow rides (Hi, PeopleMover) are such a great space to unwind and relax some.
  

• Buy the Memory Maker. It is difficult getting photos of all three of us together without it. Disney makes it so easy to have someone else take your photo, scan your band, and you’re on your way! It is so important for you to get in the photos too and be a part of the memories you have to look back on.

Hardest Parts of the Trip (and How I Made It Work)

The bus… the bane of my solo Disney existence. Getting on and off the bus by myself with our double stroller, stuff, and two small children is easily one of the most difficult parts of doing Disney solo. The good news- there are so many ways around this. Location, location, location. When I’m planning a solo trip I prioritize location and transportation. We love being walking distance to the parks or a quick skyliner or monorail ride away. Bonus: my children love those modes of transportation. Additionally, a double stroller with an easy fold and a large zipper bag to put all our stuff in has been a huge help. Another solution to my bus problems- a Minnie Van! My personal favorite mode of transportation. It is operated by Disney Cast Members and can be booked in the Lyft app…and they have car seats! Nothing beats a Minnie Van ride back to the hotel after a long day.

Being prepared for the unexpected is also hard. Just when you think you’re prepared your two year old falls in your hotel room and needs stitches (ask me how I know). When something unexpected like that happens you just have to roll with the punches and go with the flow. I grabbed my three year olds iPad, my double stroller, bag with snacks and went to the front desk. The Cast Members were so kind and happy to help me find the correct help we needed. This trip we had a rental car so I just drove us to the Urgent Care but I could tell the Cast Members were well versed in helping with these scenarios. A couple stitches and some ice cream had my two year old feeling all better. 

Magical Moments That Made It All Worth It

The magic and the memories we make together is so real. My kids frequently talk about our solo trips and they also plan our next solo trip. The mommy and me time we get is so special and we won’t get this time back. After we came back from that first solo trip I felt like I could do anything. It gave me the confidence to use our bounce-back offer and book another…and another. About 80% of our Disney trips are solo mommy and me trips with the occasional family Disney trip thrown in.

Final Tips for Solo Disney Parents

Lower your expectations, this trip will look a little different and that’s okay. Pack all the snacks and your patience. Take all the photos and get in some photos too! Ask for help when you need it, Disney Cast Members are seriously amazing. You got this!

Need Help Planning Your Own Solo Disney Adventure?

Ready to book your own solo Disney trip with toddlers? I’d love to help! As a travel agent specialized in Disney, my services are completely free- and I specialize in trips just like this. Click here to request your custom quote, and don’t forget to follow along on Instagram for real-mom Disney tips and tricks.