"Head...Shoulders...Knees and...SOCKS!"

So we're going to be taking a big family vacation down to Florida to visit with my folks. During five of those days, I'll be alone with Av, as Shiny has to come back home for work. While the idea of planning those 5 days at first was a little scary, I've gotten a handle on what we could do (beach, parks, overpriced tourist traps). No sweat.

Now initially my first thought about how to fill those days was "COOL! I can take the kid to Disney!" He's a huge Playhouse Disney fan, and has recently learned (and now loves) Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto.  He harbors a crush on Cinderellie (as he affectionately calls her).  But then I realized - "What the hell am I thinking that I could take a 3-1/2 yr old to Disney by myself!"

But then tonight, I got an email from my dad offering up the suggestion of the three of us going to Disney together for a few days. Hmmm - is this something that's a realistic suggestion? Could we do this with a preschooler who I can never get to take a nap on the weekends (but then gets loopy and "energetic" by the end of the day)? Would we need to rent a stroller? What would happen if he has to go potty after we just spent all that time waiting in line?  Would I be able to put up with him AND my dad (who I haven't travelled with in 13 years).

The last time we were at WDW, Shiny and I were working a conference. I was 36 weeks pregnant and forbidden from leaving the hotel by my colleagues. I only made it as far as Downtown Disney and hotel pool. And gave birth 3 days after we got home. Last time I was in the parks was in November 2001 on vaca with Shines. That was an awesome trip (free upgrades!) and the parks were near empty due to so many people afraid to travel post-9/11.

We have always talked about taking Av to Disney, but planned for it when he was going to be older (6-7) when he could walk around more, stay up more, not need naps, and be a little taller for some of the rides.

Any Mindsay parents out there with experience and advice?