Rocking Theme Parks Like a Boss


Rocking Theme Parks Like a Boss

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How to survive theme parks as a Solo Mom

Let’s face it, crowded theme parks can be a nightmare for many parents. Horrified looks fly my way when I announce that I’m taking my children to Disney World by myself.

“Surely, someone is going with you,” which is usually followed by, “Are you crazy?”

For many years, when my husband was deployed or on extended temporary duty, I stayed home. I never took the kids anywhere, aside from Target, the commissary, and a few local events. However, I love to travel, my children love to travel, and we especially love theme parks. Why should our visits be limited to when my husband can come? Because many people are shocked when they hear I visit places such as Disney World flying solo with five children, I decided to share a few of the strategies I use to make my Solo-Mom theme-park adventures more manageable.

1. Research. Once a destination is chosen, visit the theme park’s website and take some notes. I’m not talking about a doctoral thesis here, although a spreadsheet can always help. Take note of admission prices, operating hours, and height restrictions for attractions. Also, a quick check of unofficial websites can be extremely beneficial. One of my favorite planning sites is TouringPlans.com.

2. Purchase admission tickets ahead of time. If at all possible, buy tickets online or at a retailer in advance. You will be able to enter the park right away and not have to wait in line with children who are chomping at the bit to rush the turnstiles. For many attractions in Florida and California, visit MouseSavers.com to find out if any discounts are available.

3. Get there early. Arrive at the theme-park turnstiles at least 30 minutes before opening. Take care of tasks such as locating a park map and show schedule, and renting a stroller or locker. Visit the headliner attractions first. The first hour or two that the theme park is open will have the lowest crowds and shortest lines.

4. Manage your expectations. It will be next to impossible to see everything. Make sure your brood realizes that sometimes they have to do things they don’t want to. For example, the younger children may have to wait with you while the older children go on a roller coaster. Likewise, the older children may have to go on “kiddie rides” with the younger ones. Also realize it will probably take you longer than you may expect to go from attraction to attraction.

5. Family restrooms and baby-care stations are your friends. Baby-care stations are underrated. I’m not talking about the plastic thing that flips down from the wall but staffed air-conditioned areas in the theme park that cater to small children. A baby-care station is a welcome oasis in the middle of a theme park. The bathrooms are cleaner. Often there is a preschool-sized toilet for your little ones to use. Did I mention air-conditioning and chairs to sit on?

6. Don’t forget to eat. Your kids will probably be hungry earlier than you expect. I don’t like to carry a huge pack with me full of bottled water and granola bars, although many people do. I will buy the kids a muffin or kids’ meal to split to tide them over until lunch or dinner. I’ll also ask for free cups of ice water when I’m there.

7. Take breaks. After going all morning, you will need an afternoon break. If this is an extended vacation, go back to your hotel and rest. As a Solo Mom, when I took my children to Disneyland, I made everyone (including teenagers) take a nap in the afternoon. If it is day trip, find a show or restaurant that is air-conditioned where you can sit down to catch your breath.

8. Consider a kids’ club or a sitter. I love my children, but sometimes spending a few nights in a hotel room with them can be challenging. Many resorts have kids’ clubs, where for an hourly fee they will provide dinner and structured activities. Having one evening to yourself or to spend exclusively with your older children is very enjoyable. Usually the younger kids have such a blast that they don’t want to leave at pickup time.

9. Take pictures. I have to remind myself to do this. Don’t worry about taking a fancy digital single-lens reflex camera—you have other things to haul around. A few phone snapshots to catch your children’s expressions will help you remember the time you spent together.

10. Talk about the trip afterward. Get your children’s opinion on what went right, what went wrong, and what they would do differently the next time. The conversation with your kids will be great, and your Solo-Mom theme-park trips will improve each time.

Don’t be afraid to take that solo leap; you not only can do it but also might even enjoy it!


Jennifer Daigle is a certified emergency nurse, military wife, and mother to five children. Currently a Solo Mom during her husband’s fifth overseas tour and trying to maintain calm in the midst of chaos, she enjoys sharing her love of theme parks and raising her kids to be awesome human beings.

Please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions.


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