Greetings all,

I'll be at DLR with my kids (ages 7 and 4) but without my DH in October. I believe I read somewhere in a WDW guide that there's some sort of set-up that pairs up single-parent families so they can watch each others' kids in a baby swap/parent switch type arrangement on rides with height restrictions. Is there any similar arrangement at DLR? Anybody know any way for single parents (and their bigger kids) to enjoy rides like Indy? Obviously there is no way I'd leave my 7 and 4 year old on their own while I do single rider, but I might consider an arrangement where another adult is watching them at the loading area of the ride (also under the watchful eyes of the CMs).

Thanks,
Pixie Glitter

Personally, I'd never leave my kids with someone I don't know. Even under the "watchful" eyes of a CM.

When I go to DL without my husband, we just don't go on certain rides. I'm not aware of any program such as the one you described being offered at DLR.

If you are staying at the DLH, PPH or GCH, there is an "evening care" option available called Pinocchio's Workshop (Click here (http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/ak010706.htm) to read more about it.) The minimum age for this service is 5 years old, however.

This is my opinion only, but, as parents, we sometimes have to make some "sacrifices." On this trip, for you, it might be some of the faster rides.

I love visiting DLR with my children and I don't feel like I've
missed much when we don't get to go on a few rides. I actually don't even remember the last time I went on Indy, but I don't think it was within the past year at all.

Adrienne K

Good points, all, and I totally agree. The program I read about at WDW was a Disney-monitored system, and it sounded like they checked people out. I, too, would never leave my kids with a random stranger--gives me goose bumps to even think about it--yikes! And, yes, I also agree that parents have to make sacrifices for their kids. This trip isn't about me; I was just exploring all the options for my older and taller child.

consider inviting a cousin or buddy along as a "ride" partner? My hubby is 100 percent pure Muggle, hasn't set foot inside the parks since the mid 80's and then only because he was in a wheelchair and didn't have a choice, we 'dragged' him there LOL....but I always bring along either one of Brandys cousins (or all 3 that live here locally) or her surrogate big sister, someone, it's worth the extra expense to make sure we all have the best time!

That's a great idea Mamma -- if you do have an older relative (teen, etc.) who could come along (one old enough to be able to take your 7 yr old on the rides), or even better one who lives locally you could take for just one day for your 7 yr old to be able to ride the height restricted rides, that might be the way to go...

Originally posted by Pixie Glitter
I'll be at DLR with my kids (ages 7 and 4) but without my DH in October. I believe I read somewhere in a WDW guide that there's some sort of set-up that pairs up single-parent families so they can watch each others' kids in a baby swap/parent switch type arrangement on rides with height restrictions.

I've been asking around among people who have experience with WDW and I can't find anyone who is familiar with this program. Do you remember at all where you read about it?

There *is* a program called "Single-rider lines" but it has nothing to do with single-parenting or watching children. Many rides that typically have long lines have "single-rider lines." If a person is by him/herself or is willing to ride alone, he/she can get into the single-rider line. This line usually has a shorter wait than the regular line. But, like I said, there's nothing about setting up pairs of parents to watch each other's children. I really doubt Disney would get involved with something like this because there'd be no way to guarantee a child's safety with strangers.

Adrienne K