Theme Park Survival Guide!

The weather is warm! Spring is here! Woohoo! And we are on our way to Disney! Wait…who? Our single self, is on our way to a massive theme park with children? How do we not only survive this day but actually have fun?! No worries – I interviewed several skilled solo moms to get the answer.

Here’s your Successful Solo Mom’s Theme Park Survival Guide!

1. BACKPACK

So now that you have gathered all these things together, it is essential that you have a great, lightweight backpack to hold it all. This backpack needs to be large enough to hold you items but not be a burden or add to the weight.  You’ll also want a backpack that has compartments so you can separate cold or wet items from all the rest.

2. WALLET ESSENTIALS

Of course, you never go anywhere without your ID, Vacs Card and you know you need tickets for the park, but – YEP – reservations too! Ever since COVID, the parks have controlled the number of people entering by forcing reservations for the day.  As soon as you purchase your tickets online, you must return to their site and make the reservation for the exact park and exact day. You’ll receive an electronic copy, but I always like to print one just in case I have any phone issues when I arrive.

Ladies, we are still on a budget here, even though we are splurging this weekend.  Rather than swiping that card all day long, pull cash from the ATM…just enough cash for snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.  Have your back-up debit card with you for emergencies but having cash in your hand give you an easy way to talk to your kids about spending expectations and physically show them when the cash has run out.

3. SANDWICHES & SNACKS

You can do this?! According to my Successful Solo Mom friends, yes! I’m definitely trying it on this trip. I had presumed they just wouldn’t allow outside food in.  However, Heather has had season passes for Disney for years and always brings her own snacks and sandwiches into the park.  They will picnic in a shaded area and avoid spending beaucoup bills on basic lunch items.

4. WATER BOTTLES

Some Successful Solo Moms have told me to bring disposable water bottles so that your load is lightened as the day goes on, while others have said bring refillable bottles since you don’t know how much you’ll need.  All have agreed that to bring in frozen water or ice packs, so that you have something to combat that heat beating you down in the afternoon.

5. PROTECTIONS

And speaking up hot Florida sun you will need sunblock.  I’m visiting Orlando, but it doesn’t matter where you are visiting, if you plan to be outside for more than an hour, you need sun protection.  Since it will likely be hot and rides often get you wet, choosing a sunblock that is sweat proof and waterproof is key.

If you will be in nature or near any standing water, you may also need bug spray too.  There are bug deterrent stickers for clothes if your little one has sensitive skin. These have the same effect without having to add more substance to your skin or clothes.

And sanitizing anything! Even pre-COVID this was a good idea.  The parks are full of people and germs. Wipes are handy for wiping down rides as you get on while hand sanitizer is great for quick cleans right before a snack. Parks require masks now so get some nice comfy breathable masks to use throughout your day.

OH! And wear deodorant! As long as you put this on before you leave, then you probably don’t need to bring this with you. Although it can’t hurt.  The first time you get stuck downwind from someone who forgot this item, you’ll understand and remember to reapply.

6. HATS & SUNGLASSES

Additional protections from the sun is very key to keeping you sane and comfortable.  Besides the protections listed above, I take both a hat and sunglasses so that I can use all of some at any point in time.  I’m not big on doing my hair when headed to the rides, to the hat doubles as my hair accessory for the day too!

7. WALKING SHOES

Wear athletic shoes built for walking or running. Even if you are coming to the 90+ degrees in Florida, very few flip flops are capable of providing you the support your need for your arches or from the sun that you need for the amount of walking you will do.  They may look a little goofy with your cute sundress, but, trust me, athletic shoes are the way to go. You will thank me later.

8. AND FLIP FLOPS

Yes, pack flip flops…just some basic flops.  The rides that soak you are so much fun and cool you off, but no one likes to have puddles in their sneakers.  A quick change while in forever long wait in line for this ride is a lifesaver.  (Funny…when we switched our shoes in line, I overheard the lady behind me saying “Smart! That’s what that is. Smart!” 🤣)  Not to mention, if your feet do get over heated, the flops will give you a chance to give them a break during lunch of on your ride home.

9. PONCHOS (OR SMALL UMBRELLAS)

Weather is tricky. The forecast may say sunny all day, but you can still get a surprise shower in midafternoon.  It may say 40% of shower and then it is sunny all day.  Either way, it will be good to pack foldable gear, like ponchos or a small umbrella, for rainy weather just in case.

10. CAMERA (aka PHONE)

I probably don’t even need to say this one out loud but do not forget your CAMERA which is highly likely also your phone.  You must snap those pics of their adorable faces as they enter and exit the rides, eat their ice cream, snuggle their new souvenir toy! Oh this is the best part…capture all the moments!

Another convenient aspect is that parks often have an app you can download with a map, show times, wait times, restaurant and bathroom locations.  This is super helpful with mapping out the day.  To keep you going all day, you may want to consider bringing along a mobile charger too.

And Now You Are Ready!

This is going to be a great day! And making it a great day will be easy with just a little organization and prep.  If you need a few ideas for saving up for this vaca, check out the Saving Money section. We got you! Take from this Successful Solo Mom, it’s worth it to make these special memories.