I have worked for a major US commercial airline for the past 8 yrs and am a mom to a 9yo son with high functioning autism and a 4yo daughter. We travel ALOT both in a plane and car.
Bringing the carseat depends on many things. Personally, I have brought the carseat for use on board the aircraft 1 time and learned that it is too much of a pain. If you like to pre-board (early), which is probably only a good idea if you have an infant and feel the need to settle in before take off. It is a nightmare to strap the seat in (must be in the window seat which may cause an argument between siblings) without holding up boarding behind you for other passengers. While you are in your row installing the seat the rest of your family is standing in the aisle and everyone behind them is now inconvenienced and you may actually cause a delay in departure. If you wait until the end of boarding it is VERY difficult to carry the carseat up the aisle without hitting everyone seated in the aisle in the head with the seat. On some aircraft you may not be able to carry it over everyone's head due to the height of the ceiling or mounted equipment. If you insist on using the carseat on board, I suggest if there are two adults, sending 1 adult on with the carseat a few minutes before the other adult and children board. That allows the 1st adult to put the carseat in and then when the kids arrive the seat is all ready for them and no one is inconvenienced.
If you need the carseat in Orlando say in a rental car you can check it at the ticket counter or the gate to be picked up in the jetbridge in each city you fly into. (1 carseat OR stroller per child free of charge if your airline charges for checked bags *carseat/stroller combos may be subject to additional fees for checking especially if you are bringing the base too*) You cannot check one carseat at the counter and a stroller at the gate for the same child without incurring another checked bag fee. If you decide to bring your carseat to the gate you may be able to forgo the stroller all together since bringing your own stroller to Disney is also a pain when using Disney transportation. Get a foldable wheeled luggage cart and bungee straps to attach the carseat to the luggage cart. Your child can sit in it and be wheeled through the airport (except through TSA) and you can gate check the carseat and carry on the folded up luggage cart (provided you have the correct number of carry ons per person).
My children both behaved well enough after I explained the rules of what the fasten seat belt light meant. They still know that when that light comes on they must be in the seatbelt (no bathroom trips) PERIOD! You know your child's respect level and limitations.
I always bring no spillable cups just in case we hit turbulence or a bouncy kiddo knocks over the drink. You can get beverages to carry on board once you pass the checkpoint. Have a variety of snacks too. I put my 4yo, even though she is potty trained in a pull up and bring extras. We call them airplane panties. You know how kids are and they have to use the potty at some in-opportune times. This way if she has an accident it is quickly cleaned up without too much stress for either of us. Always pack extra diapers if your 2yo still wears them...you never know when a flight may be delayed on the ground or in the air or if you divert. I also bring coloring books and crayons, her doll with some clothes, some traveling games and her leapster. We have brought out the laptop with movies occasionally as well. I have used the skymall magazine to look for puppies and kitties as a distraction too. Do not bring Playdoh, regular markers or crumbly snacks like popcorn....MESSY!
I am happy to answer any questions or help with suggestions that may make your air travel and Disney planning a little easier on you. My little one has been flying since she was 2 weeks old and did her first transatlantic flight at 11 mos. My kids fly usually once a month and sometimes more so I have done this a time or two!
Tracy
