Disneyland as a Single Parent
It’s no surprise that trying to balance the role of being a single parent can be tricky – especially when you’re planning a trip to Disneyland. Trying to handle the logistics of booking your hotel and flights, all while being the only adult can make the idea of taking a vacation overwhelming.
However, it doesn’t have to be! I’ve partnered with my friends at Get Away Today to give you a guide on how to do Disneyland as a single parent. These tips will hopefully make your next trip to The Happiest Place on Earth a truly magical one.
1. Use Money Saving Tips & Tricks
Before you go, it’s important to try and pre-purchase as much as you can. Luckily, Get Away Today can help you plan every detail of your Disneyland Resort vacation. By booking discount Disneyland tickets with Get Away Today, you’ll be able to go straight to the gate and avoid standing in the long ticket booth lines.
Plus, as a Get Away Today guest, you can also take advantage of their exclusive hotel specials. At most hotels, you’ll be able to get access to amenities like free breakfast, free parking and even free night hotel specials, which will save you hundreds on your next vacation. As a single parent with a tight budget with little help, saving as much money and time as possible is an absolute must.
Get Away Today also understands that everyone might not have the ability to pay for their vacation in full, which is why they created their interest-free Layaway Plan. For just $175 down, you can make as many payments as you’d like, whenever you’d like, just as long as everything is paid off 5 days before you check-in. Get Away Today truly makes vacationing affordable and flexible for every family.
2. Make a Plan
The most helpful thing you can do for yourself is make a plan. While you don’t have to have every minute of your vacation nailed down, you’ll want to have a general idea of what you and your kids want to do every day of your stay. Plus, this is the perfect opportunity to get the little ones involved, because it’s their vacation too, right?
It’s not a bad idea to do all of the research you can before you leave. While vacations can be a dream, unexpected things can happen. By knowing where to find first aid centers, pharmacies or even simply packing snacks and games to keep you entertained in line, it will take a lot of stress and worry away from the unknown of traveling as a single parent.
3. Utilize the Disneyland App
If you haven’t downloaded the Disneyland app, you definitely should! Inside the app, you’ll be able to find all of the information you could possibly need to help you on your Disneyland vacation as a single parent. Not only can you take advantage of time-saving features like MaxPass and Mobile Ordering, but you’ll also be able to locate the nearest restrooms, character meet and greets and more by using their interactive map. The best part? The Disneyland app is free and is available for download on both Apple and Android devices.
If you’re not sure what MaxPass or Mobile Ordering is, I’m here to help. MaxPass is a feature on the Disneyland app that allows you to reserve FastPasses directly from your mobile device. Plus, it also includes PhotoPass for the entire day, which means that you’ll be able to download and save magical pictures to remember your trip by. This way, you can actually be in the photos instead of being the one taking them! Although MaxPass is an additional $15 per person, per day, it’s well worth the cost to save time. However, if you just want to utilize the PhotoPass feature, you can purchase MaxPass for one person and enjoy the unlimited downloads for the day.
Mobile Ordering is a free feature within the Disneyland app that allows you to order and pay for your food without having to wait in line. You can use Mobile Ordering at over 20 restaurants in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, which means that you’re sure to find an option that everyone will love. Once your food is ready, you’ll just walk up to the window that states “Mobile Order Pick-Up” to grab your meal. It’s that easy!
4. Make Table Service Reservations
While Mobile Ordering can be a life-saver on your Disneyland trip as a single parent, it might be worth it to splurge on table service reservations. While quick-service locations are less expensive, you also have to worry about finding a table, pushing a stroller and keeping track of your kids – all while trying to carry your food and drinks. With a table-service restaurant, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Your service will bring everything to your table, so all you’ll need to focus on is spending time with your kids – which is kind of the point, right?
If dining at table-service restaurants isn’t in your budget, try to find a hotel that offers a full kitchen. This way, you’ll be able to make a home-cooked meal while saving some serious cash. Plus, most hotels in the Anaheim area are starting to offer grocery delivery services, which means that you won’t even have to worry about going to the store.
5. Stay Close
By choosing a hotel that’s within walking distance to the Disneyland Resort, you’ll be able to go back and forth from Disneyland without having to skip a beat. You never know when the kids will want to go swimming or take a nap, which is why staying close is a must for me on every Disneyland trip. Plus, no one wants to wait for a shuttle bus (especially cranky kiddos). Staying close will help you save time and energy, which are two things you’ll definitely need on your trip.
6. Daytime Entertainment
While your plan might be to ride as many attractions as you can, it’s always nice to take a step back and relax in the middle of your Disney day. Things like Frozen – Live at the Hyperion, Animation Academy or Mickey and the Magical Map can give you a much-needed break for both Mom and the kids. Plus, most of these are located inside, which means that you’ll also be able to cool down from those hot, Southern California days.
As you can see, there’s no need to worry about taking a trip to Disneyland as a single parent – as long as you’re prepared. To start planning your next vacation, be sure to visit getawaytoday.com or call 855-GET-AWAY to speak to a travel expert directly. Don’t forget to mention prom code 2Bloom, to save an additional $10 off your vacation package. Be sure to mention that Learning2Bloom sent you!
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