1st time with kids...leaving in 3 weeks...need help

[EnviroChick]

This will be our first time traveling with children (4 and 6) to WDW and their fist plane trip. We leave in three weeks and I'm trying to get the last minute details organized, but fear that I don't have enough experience traveling with kids to WDW. I have a few questions:

Our plane flights are fairly short, 1 hour and 2 hours with short layovers. Besides activity books, stickers and markers, should I bring anything else to occupy them on the planes?

Who should carry the children's tickets? Should I purchase some type of waterproof ticket holder for them to wear? I already have copies of all the tickets just in case something happens.

Should I rent a stroller for the 4 yr old? We are stayinga t Beach Club Villas and plan on leaving the parks at noon for a break, nap, lunch etc...

As we're going in January, layering of clothes is in order. Do most parents wind up carrying the excess clothing? What's the best way to prevent this?

Any other tips are so very welcome. Thanks for the help.

 

[Madsofa]

subscribing...interested in replies as we are taking our DD's for the first time as well in March.

 

[dsnymomof4]

My kids always enjoyed listening to their CD players on the plane. Also, snacks are always nice. Make sure you bring something for them to chew or suck on in case their ears hurting. If they don't chew gum, I find ring pops/baby bottle pops to be very helpful.

 

[badgirlgiz]

No matter how old the kids are we always take a portableDVD player to watch there favorite movies on while on or off the plane. Stroller rental is a must evey if just for a short break or to carry extra bags you bring into the parks. We also rent a locker at each park that we go to where we put all the extra clothes that we bring with us you never know how cold or warm it will be in Jan. so it is also good to be prepared.
POR (1998-2000-2004-2005)
PORFQ (1999-2002-2007)

 

[Vannah]

For the plane...besides all the other stuff you have, maybe some of the Disney storybooks (or any storybooks) for you 6 yo, and for your 4 yo something like a sticker book or something.

I don't really know if I helped, I really have more experiance with teens, seeing as I am one. Gameboys/hand held games, CD Players, and other stuff like that might keep the occupied as well.

 

[alicenwonder99]

Explain to the children in detail what they can expect to experience at the airport. Even do role playing with them when explaining going through security. Do not wait until you are standing in the security line at the airport to tell them about taking off their shoes, taking off their jackets, emptying their pockets, putting their stuffed animals on the belt, etc. My young kids knew exactly what was going to happen, and exactly how I expected them to behave. I told them there was to be NO goofing off. I told them that at the airport EVERYONE is expected to act like a grown up...they can act silly at WDW.

Since you are flying during the winter, be prepared for a flight delay. We were delayed over 5 hours and stranded at the Orlando airport. It was a trip with just me and my 2 youngest children (they were 5 and 7 then). Both kids had their own backpacks filled with a cd player and cds, coloring books, crayons, activity books, and snacks. I really wish I would have had a portable dvd player.

I would recommend renting a double stroller, especially for Epcot. Your 6 year old will get tired legs.

Have fun...I wish we were going this month!!

 

[la79al]

You will be surprised by how little your children will probably do on the plane besides talk. (or scream, make sure you prep them for the plane ride) maybe grab birnbaums kids book to look at with them or the planning video if you have a portable dvd player. The adults should carry the tickets, you may find out the hard way that kids often dont pick their tickets up after they have been scanned, gotten fastpasses, etc. plus kids might not notice if they go missing. Rent the stroller for the 4 year old but be prepared for the 6 year old to want to ride in it as well. There is a lot of walking and having someplace for the little one to sit not only helps keep track of them but also reduces whining. I don't have experience with the extra clothing but you could probably throw it in a backpack to leave in the stroller. Letting the children keep track of it is more than likely going to result in something left somewhere and of course they never remember the last place they had it. Other than that, keep in mind that DW is a lot for adults to take in, let alone children. Adults get tired of walking, children even faster. Make sure you point out CMs to the kids so they know where to go when they get lost.

 

[EnviroChick]

Explain to the children in detail what they can expect to experience at the airport. Even do role playing with them when explaining going through security. Do not wait until you are standing in the security line at the airport to tell them about taking off their shoes, taking off their jackets, emptying their pockets, putting their stuffed animals on the belt, etc. My young kids knew exactly what was going to happen, and exactly how I expected them to behave. I told them there was to be NO goofing off. I told them that at the airport EVERYONE is expected to act like a grown up...they can act silly at WDW.

Thanks Alice. I had planned on something like this, but I'm glad you reminded me. I fly all the time for business both domestic and international. I've worried about something as simple as the security checkpoint. I can see it now, a complete meltdown because the 6 yr old doesn't understand his shoes have to come off, or his toy has to go on the belt. We'll start debriefing on this issue well before we go....like now!

Also thanks to la79al. I'm glad I got confirmation on the stroller. Sometimes I wish they had one big enough for me, and you're right, the 6 yr old will more than likely want to rest in it too. A good place to store stuff as well.

I never thought about bringing a portable DVD. To me these are such short flights..I don't own one, but will look into it. You don't think books and stickers will be enough? Them carrying backpacks may be a good idea, or, I was thinking a big hassle through security.

About the tickets, what do you recommend for a ticket holder....something waterproof around the neck like the tourists we are, or just keep everything in the Bagallini...or something else?

 

[RachaelRol]

Disney sells a little pocket book that is great for tickets, credit cards, cash and cell phones. It folds in half, is about 4x6 inches big and has a long strap that you can wear accross you.

Bad description, but it's 20 bucks and I saw it in every park and every year we've been there. I use it everywhere we go, even non Disney places.

Its a good souveneir too, it has all of the main characters and the year on it.

 

[eeyorefan74]

Our DD5 has done well on the plane with her backpack full of activities. We don't have a DVD player either. Sticker books are great, books to look at, Color Wonder markers and paper, etc. Dollar stores have activity books, too, sometimes even Disney ones. We took one of those handheld 20 questions games and it entertained her for a long time. Be sure you take enough stuff to occupy your kids in the airport as well as on the plane. Since you have to get there so early for security, you'll spend a good bit of your waiting time there.

My DH always kept our tickets in his wallet, then just handed them out as we got to the gate. That way we always knew where they were. Definitely rent a stroller. DD hasn't used one here in a couple of years, but there's so much walking there, she was happy to have one. You can get a length of stay rental and save a couple of dollars a day. You also get to walk right up to the person handing them out at each park, and don't have to stand in the rental line. It's a good seat for parades, etc, and a great place to put the extra clothing, too. Generally we found that we went back to our resort some time during the day for a break, so we'd only carry the extra clothing when we went back out again at night. I've also tried taking two bags/backpacks into the park, a smaller one with cameras and valuables that goes with me on the rides, and a larger one with snacks, jackets, etc that we can leave in the stroller.

 

[JackJenson]

Last year, I made lanyards and id holder things for everyone in our party of 19. I got cheap lanyards on line (I just googled lanyards) and some of those plastic Id holders to go with them. Then I made everyone a name tag, putting their Mom and Dad's cell phone numbers (and an aunt and grandparents for good measure) and decorated the nametag too. I let the kids (4,4,5,6, 7,9) have their own fastpasses in their lanyard id holders from time to time, but I always kept the tickets safely in mine, or when we split up, I gave the kid's park ticket to the adult in charge of the kid.

This way, if a kid gets lost, the CM's can simply read their name from their nametag, and start calling cell phone numbers. I knew that if we were missing a kid, we would have our cell phones at the ready. Also, I felt that if a kid was upset at being lost, or crying, they might have a hard time remembering Mom's cell phone number, etc.

We made a rule that everyone had to have on their lanyard if they were leaving for the parks, and the kids got used to having their lanyards on and they collected a few pins each to wear on the straps, so it was really fun.

Stroller-wise, rent the stroller, your 6 year old will need it too. The length of stay rate is more reasonable, and it is so cool not to have to pay every day, to just hand in your ticket and grab a stroller. That is another reason why it is great to have a lanyard-type card holder around your neck or in a fanny pack (eeek! did I say fanny pack? how uncool!) because you will need somewhere to put tickets, fastpasses, stroller rental coupons and the like. It is nice to have them handy.

We are going for a long weekend when you will be there! I am looking forward to it!

Oh, and lest I forget, lollypops on the plane are key. We are taking 2 5 year olds this time, and they might take their little gameboy type things, but I am not sure yet. Coloring and playing with stickers will probably be ok, our flight is only 1.5 hours too.

 

[twinscandc]

I don't really have other great suggestions to add, but I wanted to give you a word of encouragement (actually calming words). Don't stress over the little things....your trip will be great. I got so worked up before our first trip that I almost ruined it!! You are going to the greatest place on earth and what you might forget, they have there (with a price!), or you just go without! Take a few deep breaths and repeat after me: "There's no place like home, there's no place like home". Home to us is: Walt Disney World!!

Good luck and you will have a terrific time!!!!

 

[EnviroChick]

I don't really have other great suggestions to add, but I wanted to give you a word of encouragement (actually calming words). Don't stress over the little things....your trip will be great. I got so worked up before our first trip that I almost ruined it!! You are going to the greatest place on earth and what you might forget, they have there (with a price!), or you just go without! Take a few deep breaths and repeat after me: "There's no place like home, there's no place like home". Home to us is: Walt Disney World!!

Good luck and you will have a terrific time!!!!

I really appreciate these words!!! Can you tell I'm a little stressed? Thanks...I feel calmer already.

 

[Elmo888]

I don't really have other great suggestions to add, but I wanted to give you a word of encouragement (actually calming words). Don't stress over the little things....your trip will be great. I got so worked up before our first trip that I almost ruined it!! You are going to the greatest place on earth and what you might forget, they have there (with a price!), or you just go without! Take a few deep breaths and repeat after me: "There's no place like home, there's no place like home". Home to us is: Walt Disney World!!

Good luck and you will have a terrific time!!!!

I appreciate your words, too! We leave on Saturday for our first trip with kids (our first trip anywhere with kids - we haven't taken them anywhere yet!) who are 6 and 2, and I'm a bit stressed, too!

 

[ajcolorado]

We found that our daughter still needed a stroller when she was six. We were at WDW for a week and she was fine at first but needed some relief as the week went on. Our cousins bought an inexpensive umbrellas stroller for their son who no longer used a stroller at home and they thought it was well worth it. Then they passed it on to a relative that was having their first child.

Do you know what cheap, weird thing my kids liked on planes? Those magic erase boards. Do you know what I mean? There is the waxy black stuff on the back and a grayish sheet of plastic. You draw with the plastic pencil shaped stylus and then just lift the plastic to erase the drawing and start over. Way more primative than magna-doodle but cheap too. Anyway, those were always our special thing reserved for airplanes only.

You can rent a locker at any of the parks if you get too bogged down with extra clothes.

Our kids loved the Campfire Sing-Along with Chip & Dale over at the Fort Wilderness campground. It is free unless you buy s'mores kits, which we did. I don't know if you have time in your schedule but you can read about it at: www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-campfire.html

 

[cinjam]

I've been on planes rides w/mine from ages 1 through 6 (I have two kids), I brought simple things for them to do: one good idea was a magna doodle (where the pen is attached to the unit) - nothing like crouching down on the floor looking for crayons! We usually fly jet blue which has the built-in entertainment system - and that is always a big hit. But I do take their own head phones for that (they just fit their little heads better).

Very good advise on breifing them about security! I've experienced two seperate meltdowns over shoes having to be removed.

I've always brought my own strollers (even for the 6 year old). We are going on the Disney cruise in february & will still be bringing two strollers. At WDW, even though he starts out saying he doesn't need it, at the very end of the night, going through a very crowded parks (after fireworks) - he needs it (plus it gives me piece of mind in the crowds that's he's not going to be seperated from us). I've never rented - just a personal preference.

I've always held on to my kids' tickets.

We've gone several times in february, where the weather is always iffy. My older DS wore those pants that zip off and turn into shorts (less to carry around that way). But, yes, I would usually be stuffing the jackets in the stroller basket.

My children have consistantly surprised me with very good behavior at WDW - I always expect the worse and it rarely happens. One tip I received was to always have something for them to snack on (to not let their blood sugar level drop - whcih could lead to a meltdown). So we always bring sippy cups & snacks with us to the parks.

It's great that you are planning on going back to the room for afternoon naps - even if my children don't fall asleep (sometimes they do & sometimes they don't) they at least have a chance to wind down & relax before we head out again in the evening. And, for us, that makes a big difference.

If you are renting a car, or having a town car service take you from the airport to WDW, make a grocery store stop. Yes, Disney stores have most of what you'd want/need, but they are pricey. We stop & buy a case of water, snacks, wine for DH, milk, diapers, lysol wipes (I am a germ nut) and other misc items.

I still get a bit anxious (and we've gone over 7 times), but we always have an awesome time.

I believe, without a doubt, you will have a wonderful time!!! You are going to WDW: the wonder, joy & amazement you are going to see on your children's faces is going to be something you will never forget.

 

[susykt4]

We went last January when the kids were 5 and 3. We used cheap umbrella strollers (that we ditched at the end of the trip) for both kids. DD5 didn't need a stroller at MGM and at MK we'd park the strollers at Dumbo and do all the rides in Fantasyland before retrieving the strollers and moving to the next area. DD was too big for a stroller, but using one really helped her go longer and stay happier. I'm seriously considering buying her another $10 umbrella stroller for our Feb trip and I'm definitely getting one for DS4.

Because of the strollers and the cooler Jan temps, we were able to just stay in the parks from opening until between 3 and 5pm with no nap break. We never did nighttime fireworks or shows that trip, but the kids were in bed sleeping every night at 8pm and ready to hit the parks at opening the next morning. We did this for 8 days and no one was overly tired. We love January!

I always overpack stuff for the kids to do on the plane and they never touch half of it because they are so excited. Even when we've had long, unexpected layovers the airport itself is far more interesting than stickers or magnet books. Definitely don't stress over the amount of stuff you take for the plane.

 

[tkhkroberts]

If you travel for business one of the things that I have brought with was my laptop on the flight for the kids. They could watch movies, play games, or just pound away at the keyboard. This completely kept them content for the entire wait and flights. I have also found that I only need to entertain them on the way down because they sleep on the way back after a long week at WDW.

I would also get a stoller that can hold both kids or at least that they can switch back and forth. When my youngest was 4 we did a lot of carrying her on our backs until the oldest (6) was tired and then we would rent the stollers.

There is no need to stress about taking them at all. There always seems to be an energy on the planes to Orlando because most of the people are all heading to the same place.

 

[kldmom2000]

We just went with our DD's ages 4 and 6 this past fall..... it was their 2nd trip (they also went when they were 2 and 4)

DEFINITELY rent or bring a lightweight stroller for the 4 yr old... don't be surprised if your 6 yr old wants to hitch a ride as well later in the day! My girls are quite active but when you're doing 10+miles a day, that's a lot for little ones to handle...

We were at the YC/BC both times with our girls. Stormalong Bay is AWESOME-esp. the kiddie area. You can borrow life vests for the length of your stay at the pool rental desk-there's no charge but you need your room ID to check them out. Be sure to keep close tabs on them as there is a charge if you don't return them upon checking out.

At the pool, we kept the room keys in a waterproof holder that I wore around my neck. 2 yrs ago DH kept his in his swim-trunk pocket and lost it at the bottom of Stormalong bay but we noticed it missing in time for me to go to the front desk and cancel it out since it had charging priveledges on it! They just issued him a new one and he then gave it to me to hold in my carrying case

Definitely make time for Beaches and Cream and the adjoining arcade one evening... the kids really enjoy playing air hockey there!

We always hit the parks for the rope drop-then stay until before or after lunch to make it back to the hotel around 1/2pm for a nap or pool time... then we'd get refreshed and head back into the parks for dinnertime. You definitely need to take a break with the little ones!!! My 4 yr old NEVER naps, but it seemed that she fell asleep EVERYDAY in her stroller precisely as we headed back into the parks around 4:30/5pm... here she is ON her birthday going to 1900 Park Fare for dinner....

We were very grateful to have the stroller!!!

As far as the plane-I packed a few light snacks that were permissable with the new guidelines for security. We brought along their leapsters and a portable DVD player that ended up remaining in the bag the whole flight since they just colored in their coloring books and played their leapsters.

Most of all-as others have mentioned-don't try to abide by a strict itinerary... take time for breaks to avoid meltdowns..... enjoy the time there because your trip will sadly be over before you know it!!!

Have a great time!!!!!

 

[kldmom2000]

Very good advise on breifing them about security! I've experienced two seperate meltdowns over shoes having to be removed.

Oh goodness cinjam-that happened with us too! My 6 yr old FREAKED out at the airport when we asked her to take her shoes off and put them in the bin.... she held up the line because she REFUSED to do it. DH picked her up and I pulled 'em off and we went through the security and got them back on her feet in under 2 minutes...