toddler disney world travel tips image
lady_bella
I'm wanting to go to Disney World and surprise my parents with this trip with me and my family, and since we're in AZ and NM we would need to fly. I have a three year old. This will be the first time we fly for a trip and I'm not sure if we need to take our own carseat for him, or can you rent one with a rental vehicle? I'm not sure what I need to do with that part, and also what is good to bring on a plane for a toddler to keep him busy? What has been your experience and how did you handle the carseat thing? Have you ever been to DisneyWorld? I will appreciate any advice/suggestions. Thanks so much!
Answer
I would take his car seat with you. Since he is at the age where he has to have his own seat anyway, you will also be able to use it in the plane and it will not count towards your checked baggage limit.
A CRS (Child Restraint System) is highly recommended for children under 40lbs to use on airplanes because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, restrains them properly (they may still be too small/thin for the regular airplane seatbelts) and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft. A booster seat is NOT approved for use in an airplane.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Almost all car seats pass this requirement.
Here is a picture of what the sticker will look like: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flying_children_pics/FMVSS.jpg
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device (car seat). You should call your airline to ask for a discount.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5 and baby number 3 was born 23 December). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights. Here are a few tips for the flight:
1.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (be sure to bring extra batteries) or let him use your laptop (make sure it's fully charged) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well, and my son likes to bring along some action figures to play with. I found that buying a Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained!
You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, and tell stories to your children as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where your son has a part in it so he stays interested.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your child (I let my children start this at the age of one) pick out his own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without him seeing so that he has an extra surprise when he opens his carry on.
2.) Bring Snacks! just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
3.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use. One thing I always like to carry with me is hand sanitizer! I always wipe the trays down with that (followed by a baby wipe) and use it for my kids after taking them to the bathroom (even though they wash their hands). I know that airplane bathrooms are not the cleanest, so that is why I try to be vigilant.
Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your son. You will need this in case he gets sick, spills something on himself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he get sick or that he takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Try to have your son use the bathroom as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make your child feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).
4.) Not all children have a problem with the pressure changes in their ears. If yours does however you'll want to know how to help. For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:
*Give him something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter)
*Give him a pacifier to suck on
*Tell him to yawn
*Pinch his nostrils shut, have him take a deep breath in through the mouth, then tell him to (gently) blow as if trying to blow his nose
*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears
*Gently but with some pressure, rub his neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.
You can also try using a decongestant. It is always best to check with your doctor before using any type of medications though, to make sure you are using the one best suited to your childs needs. I personally have found pain relief medications don't really help, and at least in my experience, decongestants are a waste of money.
I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives airport security rules and regulations for the US, EU, and UK, plus offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
I would take his car seat with you. Since he is at the age where he has to have his own seat anyway, you will also be able to use it in the plane and it will not count towards your checked baggage limit.
A CRS (Child Restraint System) is highly recommended for children under 40lbs to use on airplanes because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, restrains them properly (they may still be too small/thin for the regular airplane seatbelts) and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft. A booster seat is NOT approved for use in an airplane.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Almost all car seats pass this requirement.
Here is a picture of what the sticker will look like: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flying_children_pics/FMVSS.jpg
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device (car seat). You should call your airline to ask for a discount.
I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5 and baby number 3 was born 23 December). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights. Here are a few tips for the flight:
1.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (be sure to bring extra batteries) or let him use your laptop (make sure it's fully charged) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. I always bring a small pillow and blanket from home for my children (even now) because I know 100% that they are clean, and my children are accustomed to them.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well, and my son likes to bring along some action figures to play with. I found that buying a Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained!
You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, and tell stories to your children as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where your son has a part in it so he stays interested.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your child (I let my children start this at the age of one) pick out his own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without him seeing so that he has an extra surprise when he opens his carry on.
2.) Bring Snacks! just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food, yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
3.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of diapers, wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use. One thing I always like to carry with me is hand sanitizer! I always wipe the trays down with that (followed by a baby wipe) and use it for my kids after taking them to the bathroom (even though they wash their hands). I know that airplane bathrooms are not the cleanest, so that is why I try to be vigilant.
Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your son. You will need this in case he gets sick, spills something on himself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
Bring any medications that you might need for your child should he get sick or that he takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Try to have your son use the bathroom as close to boarding as possible. This will help to make your child feel fresh and more comfortable for take-off (which could also mean less problems).
4.) Not all children have a problem with the pressure changes in their ears. If yours does however you'll want to know how to help. For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent), the best ways to alleviate ear pressure are to:
*Give him something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter)
*Give him a pacifier to suck on
*Tell him to yawn
*Pinch his nostrils shut, have him take a deep breath in through the mouth, then tell him to (gently) blow as if trying to blow his nose
*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears
*Gently but with some pressure, rub his neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.
You can also try using a decongestant. It is always best to check with your doctor before using any type of medications though, to make sure you are using the one best suited to your childs needs. I personally have found pain relief medications don't really help, and at least in my experience, decongestants are a waste of money.
I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives airport security rules and regulations for the US, EU, and UK, plus offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
First Family Vacation @ Disney World : Where do we start ?
Chelle
Family of 7, 3 Adults & 4 Children 12,4,3 and infant (4mos) going to Dinsey World April 15-21 2011 : This will be the first trip for the little people so I would like to make it as memorable for them as possible. Where do we stay, where do we eat, best spot to view the parades, tips for trading pins, which park to hit first, must see events for the little people any advice you can provide would be great. My 12yr old desires to be a scientist - should we see any special exhibition's @ Epcot? Husband is a sports fan do you recommend the sports facility as a place of interest? Do we take umbrella strollers for them or rent when we get to the park? A friend stated express passes are great to avoid lines would that be an option for our trip ? My toddlers have nut allergies and we carry epi-pens so Im unsure of these meal packages that are being offered. My budget is limited to 2500.00 this is for the entire Disney experience (Room,Food and Gotta Have It's). Where do we stay, eat and play to make wonderful memories. Oh Yeah and the best Outlet for me to shop gotta have my fun :) Any advice you can provide will be great and Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my request.
Answer
I am going to say the end of my answer first so you do not get fustrated by my answer and miss the main point.
MY BEST SUGGESTION IS CHANGE THE DATE YOU ARE GOING. I priced it out if you went during the free meal plan and the price goes from $4362.00 down to $3100 which is really close to your budget. The only extras you would need are gifts.
Ok now you can read the rest.
It is going to be extremely hard on a budget of 2500 for that many people, even with three of the kids being so young. Tickets alone, without hoppers for six days is going to cost you $1100 to $1200. On a budget of that little there is not even a Disney resort you can stay at.
The All Star music Resort has family suites and the Cabins at Ft Wilderness can hold that many people but both put you WAY over your budget when you factor in tickets. I priced it as cheap as I could get... All Star Music, cheapest meal plan and no hopper pass and it comes to $4362.00.
I would suggest that you get on a webpage such as Orbitz, AAA or like sites and price out a hotel off Disney property. You wont be able to get the meal plan (have to stay at their resort to get it) and you are going to have to pay for parking ($14 a day) but that is the only way to get it into your budget.
I think your largest problem is going to be food in the parks. A lunch can cost $10-$25 a person and if you do a nice dinner a single dinner can cost $25-$50. You can save money by getting a hotel that as a kitchen and at least eating breakfast there, but at the parks you are going to run into a huge chunk of money. The meal plan of course would fix that, but without staying at one of their resorts you cannot get it.
In all honesty I would get on a travel site and try to find a good deal, but it might be better to wait a bit longer and save up a bit more money. You might also want to look at various times of the year when they offer specials. For example sometimes they have free meal plans or discounts on the resorts.
Below are the free meal plan deals for 2011: Jan 1 - 5 ⢠Jan 9 - 13 ⢠Jan 21 - Feb 3 ⢠Feb 11 - 17 ⢠Feb 25 - Mar 3 ⢠May 27 - Jun 2 ⢠Aug 19 - Sept 29
They are also running a discount on some of the rooms for the first of the year but that runs February 17 through April 16. Again, not in your window of travel.
Above is probably not the answer you were looking for, and I am sorry, but with how many people are going and the time of the year (no specials going on) the amount of money you have to spend is really not enough.
Again...
MY BEST SUGGESTION IS CHANGE THE DATE YOU ARE GOING. I priced it out if you went during the free meal plan and the price goes from $4362.00 down to $3100 which is really close to your budget. The only extras you would need are gifts.
I am going to say the end of my answer first so you do not get fustrated by my answer and miss the main point.
MY BEST SUGGESTION IS CHANGE THE DATE YOU ARE GOING. I priced it out if you went during the free meal plan and the price goes from $4362.00 down to $3100 which is really close to your budget. The only extras you would need are gifts.
Ok now you can read the rest.
It is going to be extremely hard on a budget of 2500 for that many people, even with three of the kids being so young. Tickets alone, without hoppers for six days is going to cost you $1100 to $1200. On a budget of that little there is not even a Disney resort you can stay at.
The All Star music Resort has family suites and the Cabins at Ft Wilderness can hold that many people but both put you WAY over your budget when you factor in tickets. I priced it as cheap as I could get... All Star Music, cheapest meal plan and no hopper pass and it comes to $4362.00.
I would suggest that you get on a webpage such as Orbitz, AAA or like sites and price out a hotel off Disney property. You wont be able to get the meal plan (have to stay at their resort to get it) and you are going to have to pay for parking ($14 a day) but that is the only way to get it into your budget.
I think your largest problem is going to be food in the parks. A lunch can cost $10-$25 a person and if you do a nice dinner a single dinner can cost $25-$50. You can save money by getting a hotel that as a kitchen and at least eating breakfast there, but at the parks you are going to run into a huge chunk of money. The meal plan of course would fix that, but without staying at one of their resorts you cannot get it.
In all honesty I would get on a travel site and try to find a good deal, but it might be better to wait a bit longer and save up a bit more money. You might also want to look at various times of the year when they offer specials. For example sometimes they have free meal plans or discounts on the resorts.
Below are the free meal plan deals for 2011: Jan 1 - 5 ⢠Jan 9 - 13 ⢠Jan 21 - Feb 3 ⢠Feb 11 - 17 ⢠Feb 25 - Mar 3 ⢠May 27 - Jun 2 ⢠Aug 19 - Sept 29
They are also running a discount on some of the rooms for the first of the year but that runs February 17 through April 16. Again, not in your window of travel.
Above is probably not the answer you were looking for, and I am sorry, but with how many people are going and the time of the year (no specials going on) the amount of money you have to spend is really not enough.
Again...
MY BEST SUGGESTION IS CHANGE THE DATE YOU ARE GOING. I priced it out if you went during the free meal plan and the price goes from $4362.00 down to $3100 which is really close to your budget. The only extras you would need are gifts.
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