A Disney-addicted mom plans a trip in August, 2010! *New pics #574*

[DrMomof3]

Haha, I was going to recommend crocs with socks! Pretty much the best way to have slip on shoes and still avoid the gross airport floor! Not attractive, but easy!
I think it's great that now you won't be switching resorts. Just will make life easier for you/your family to not have to move.

I'm glad we're staying at BCV for the whole trip. I wasn't thrilled about moving but it was at the height of our tax issues....

Eh, we wear crocs with socks at the airport, and at the park. Doesn't bother me...I know it looks bad, but I think crocs look bad enough as is, that I might as well be comfortable! Definately a good idea to have easy on/off shoes.

Too funny! So my kids won't be the only ones who are unfashionable!

I would probably wear socks with the crocs (just through security) because you're right, I would be grossed out by thinking of all those people walking there before me barefoot. blech I'm also not a germaphobe normally, but there are just certain things that, if I think about it, really gross me out!!!

Glad it's not just me!

I agree about the airport floor. Ewwwww
My nephews are wearing Keens and just putting socks on to walk through security. I like the Crocs idea too.

It always surprises me to see all the people in line at security with flip-flop and sandals.

 

[DrMomof3]

More random thoughts:

1. Maybe I should rent a double stroller from Orlando Stroller instead of checking our double stroller? If we aren't going to use it in the airport anyway, maybe it's worth not dealing with the hassle????

2. Maybe we'll go to Epcot on our 1st day instead of AK. We'll be at BCV now on Saturday night. Monday is DHS and Tuesday is MK. Wednesday the big kids are doing Albatross Cruise so we'll lose most of the morning. That would mean our 1st real Epcot day wouldn't be until Thursday. We love Epcot. Maybe we should just start there???

3. Anyone make activity books for the kids? I've been printing out coloring pages for activity books. Not sure if I can get away with just stapling the books together or if I should get them bound at Kinkos. Opinions??? Advice?

Amanda

 

[klacey1]

More random thoughts:

1. Maybe I should rent a double stroller from Orlando Stroller instead of checking our double stroller? If we aren't going to use it in the airport anyway, maybe it's worth not dealing with the hassle????
I would definitely rent, then. From everyone I've spoken with that's used the service, they make it a stress-free process for you. To not have to deal with the stroller when you're not using it at the airport would be worth the price of renting, I think.

2. Maybe we'll go to Epcot on our 1st day instead of AK. We'll be at BCV now on Saturday night. Monday is DHS and Tuesday is MK. Wednesday the big kids are doing Albatross Cruise so we'll lose most of the morning. That would mean our 1st real Epcot day wouldn't be until Thursday. We love Epcot. Maybe we should just start there???
I would definitely start at Epcot-- first day travel time will be short, which is good if you're still a bit tired.

3. Anyone make activity books for the kids? I've been printing out coloring pages for activity books. Not sure if I can get away with just stapling the books together or if I should get them bound at Kinkos. Opinions??? Advice?
I'd get the books bound, just because it'll be easier for your kids to have a completely flat surface. I think there might be some good activity stuff on this website: http://www.mousesavers.com/free.html#screen
Amanda

Responses in bold

 

[Native NYer]

I agree with Klacey1. I would rent the double and start at Epcot. If anyone gets tired, you're a short walk away from your room.

 

[dismagiclover]

I'll agree with everyone and say rent the stroller and go to straight to Epcot. It is just so cool at BCV to be able to walk to Epcot in 5 minutes. It's definitely the way I'd want to start out the trip!

 

[lexmas]

More random thoughts:

1. Maybe I should rent a double stroller from Orlando Stroller instead of checking our double stroller? If we aren't going to use it in the airport anyway, maybe it's worth not dealing with the hassle????

2. Maybe we'll go to Epcot on our 1st day instead of AK. We'll be at BCV now on Saturday night. Monday is DHS and Tuesday is MK. Wednesday the big kids are doing Albatross Cruise so we'll lose most of the morning. That would mean our 1st real Epcot day wouldn't be until Thursday. We love Epcot. Maybe we should just start there???

3. Anyone make activity books for the kids? I've been printing out coloring pages for activity books. Not sure if I can get away with just stapling the books together or if I should get them bound at Kinkos. Opinions??? Advice?

Amanda

I think if you have help checking your luggage, it really won't be a big deal to bring it. Renting is super expensive, probably almost as much as it cost to buy your stroller. At least $100, anyway. That was too much money for me to shell out when I looked at it. For that cost I could buy a cheap double and throw it away when I was done!

I think starting at Epcot makes sense. Gotta love how close you'll be!

I would get cheap binders (or those folders with the clips inside) and do it that way. Then you can use them later, and it's much easier and cheaper than getting them bound.

 

[DrMomof3]

Responses in bold

We arriving at night so we'll have a full day after a full night of sleep.

I agree with Klacey1. I would rent the double and start at Epcot. If anyone gets tired, you're a short walk away from your room.

True. One of the many advantages of BCV!!!

I'll agree with everyone and say rent the stroller and go to straight to Epcot. It is just so cool at BCV to be able to walk to Epcot in 5 minutes. It's definitely the way I'd want to start out the trip!

Thanks!!!

I think if you have help checking your luggage, it really won't be a big deal to bring it. Renting is super expensive, probably almost as much as it cost to buy your stroller. At least $100, anyway. That was too much money for me to shell out when I looked at it. For that cost I could buy a cheap double and throw it away when I was done!

I think starting at Epcot makes sense. Gotta love how close you'll be!

I would get cheap binders (or those folders with the clips inside) and do it that way. Then you can use them later, and it's much easier and cheaper than getting them bound.

Good point on the stroller. Our double cost about $70. Binders are a good idea...

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

My DH and I are still thinking about the stroller issue. Since I could check the double stroller (or maybe I should check the single stroller and keep the double with me so I can put carry-on bags in the 2nd seat), maybe it's not worth the extra $$$.
I need to get my DH's final Dallas travel plans. It looks like he'll be arriving in Orlando a few hours later than we do. It shouldn't be a big deal to get from plane to DME.
I still need to book Kids Nite Out for our date night and do the gardengrocer.com order. I think I'll book KNO in early August and do the grocery delivery about one week before the trip. Opinions?
I started a thread in the transportation forum about how to manage on Southwest with 3 kids. Most people said I don't need to pay the extra $10 per ticket but a few thought I should. I was really amazed by how nasty the thread became (please notice that I ignored all the nastiness and only dealt with comments that were helpful). I'm not bringing a car seat for Zachary. We won't have a car in Florida and I'm not dragging a car seat along for a 2.5 hour flight. Yes, it's a little safer but I have limits to what I can manage by myself. I'm sure he'll spend part of the flight on my lap but I only need him to sit like a big boy for take off and landing. I can make him do that!
I still don't have all of our Disney days planned but I know what we're doing for the first 4 days and we'll figure out the rest as we go along. For now:

Sunday: Epcot
Monday: DHS
Tuesday: MK
Wednesday: Albatross Cruise am/???
Thursday: ?AK?

I guess we'll decide Thurs/Fri/Saturday based on what we've enjoyed up to that point. We'll probably do one AK day and maybe one more day each at MK and Epcot. Or maybe return to DHS if my 6 year old wants to try JTA.
I always try to build some flexibility into the trip. Generally we do mornings at parks, afternoons at pool, dinner (usually at Epcot!), and then bed. We can return to parks in the afternoon if we feel like we want that. Or we could try a downtown Disney trip in the afternoon some day. If there's something we're dying to try that we haven't done, we can always go back.

In other news - I found out the details of my raise and it's a good one!!! I'm getting a significant raise AND a nice bonus. I'll use the bonus to pay off this trip in full and probably put the deposit down for the January trip. And I want a hair cut/highlight, mani/pedi, and new running sneakers. We'll use part of the raise toward paying off debt and part towards a down payment on a house (hopefully our house - waiting for the appraisal to happen). All good news!!!

Amanda

 

[lexmas]

First, yay for a raise! That's awesome!

What's the extra $10 per seat for?

I wouldn't bring a carseat...we don't bother, I'm not using it in Flordia anyway. Honestly, I wouldn't even want to put them in a carseat, because in the case of an emergency you're told to bend over and cover your head, and your kid would be strapped upright and subject to any projectiles that go flying through the cabin. The thought of that REALLY bothers me, since I know that I could just lift the arm of the seat between me and my kid and help them bend over and use myself to protect them.

I like the idea of being flexible later in the trip, we try and do that too. It's always fun to go back and visit old favorites later on!

 

[Charlefours]

I know it is an added cost, but what about hiring a driver for both the ride to the airport and the ride from the airport to BC? The driver would be there to help with the luggage. You could ship boxes down (sometimes cheaper than luggage fees but I don't think you will have any since you are flying SW). You would be able to get a CM from Disney help you get the boxes up to the room.

Sounds like you have a good plan going!

I can tell you since we are driving, it is the only reason I am not renting. I just think it is worth the cost not having to manhandle the stroller. Staying at BC, I would head over to Epcot for the first day, especially since it is a favorite!

for a raise! Gotta love that. I like that you are going to treat yourself a bit with the bonus as well as using it for debt payments and down payment on a house.

I would say don't bring the car seat--the flight is not that long and it would probably be too much for you to do that. The single stroller--don't forget you can do the gate check with it so you have it to help get Zachary to the gate and then to ME.

 

[DrMomof3]

First, yay for a raise! That's awesome!

What's the extra $10 per seat for?

I wouldn't bring a carseat...we don't bother, I'm not using it in Flordia anyway. Honestly, I wouldn't even want to put them in a carseat, because in the case of an emergency you're told to bend over and cover your head, and your kid would be strapped upright and subject to any projectiles that go flying through the cabin. The thought of that REALLY bothers me, since I know that I could just lift the arm of the seat between me and my kid and help them bend over and use myself to protect them.

I like the idea of being flexible later in the trip, we try and do that too. It's always fun to go back and visit old favorites later on!

Thanks!
Apparently SW has some deal where you can pay an extra $10 per person each way to get automatically checked-in 36 hours before the flight. This gives you a better spot in the boarding line so you are even more likely to get seats together. I've never flown SW before so I don't know how important that is. On my thread people suggested paying the $10 for the way home since Orlando is crazy.
In the same SW thread someone made a comment about putting the baby's car seat by the window (the implication being that I would, of course, have a car seat for Zachary). I have traveled with car seats on a plane and it's a hassle!!!

I know it is an added cost, but what about hiring a driver for both the ride to the airport and the ride from the airport to BC? The driver would be there to help with the luggage. You could ship boxes down (sometimes cheaper than luggage fees but I don't think you will have any since you are flying SW). You would be able to get a CM from Disney help you get the boxes up to the room.

Sounds like you have a good plan going!

I can tell you since we are driving, it is the only reason I am not renting. I just think it is worth the cost not having to manhandle the stroller. Staying at BC, I would head over to Epcot for the first day, especially since it is a favorite!

for a raise! Gotta love that. I like that you are going to treat yourself a bit with the bonus as well as using it for debt payments and down payment on a house.

I would say don't bring the car seat--the flight is not that long and it would probably be too much for you to do that. The single stroller--don't forget you can do the gate check with it so you have it to help get Zachary to the gate and then to ME.

I'm going to have my nanny with my on the way to Islip. The problem with a car service is #1 Islip is 90 minutes away so it'll be pricey and #2 we'd have to "rent" 3 car seats in the hired car. Not worth the cost! Otherwise I'd do it in a heartbeat!!! My nanny will certainly help us get checked-in (I can either do curbside check-in or have her supervise the kids while I check in). Since we will only have our carry-on bags for DME, I think it'll be fine without needing a car. If I hire a car, I have to go to baggage claim which defeats the whole point of DME!
I'm a pro at gate-checking strollers! I started traveling when my eldest was 3 weeks old!!! (long story for another day!)
I decided it's important to take a little $$$ to treat myself. I find myself sacrificing a lot for the family and it's my bonus, my raise, and I deserve a reward!!!

Amanda

 

[lexmas]

Apparently SW has some deal where you can pay an extra $10 per person each way to get automatically checked-in 36 hours before the flight. This gives you a better spot in the boarding line so you are even more likely to get seats together. I've never flown SW before so I don't know how important that is. On my thread people suggested paying the $10 for the way home since Orlando is crazy.

I didn't know that was an option. We flew SW to and from Baltimore...on the way down we were in group A, but on the way back we weren't so we boarded (with children under 4 or something) after group A...I thought we were screwed when I saw those people all lined up, since the A group was full, but at least half the plane was completely empty by the time we boarded, so I think you would be completely fine without paying the extra. And really, I can't imagine people wouldn't let you sit with your kids anyway, you know?

 

[DrMomof3]

I didn't know that was an option. We flew SW to and from Baltimore...on the way down we were in group A, but on the way back we weren't so we boarded (with children under 4 or something) after group A...I thought we were screwed when I saw those people all lined up, since the A group was full, but at least half the plane was completely empty by the time we boarded, so I think you would be completely fine without paying the extra. And really, I can't imagine people wouldn't let you sit with your kids anyway, you know?

I was thinking the same thing. On thread things got nasty with people saying "I'm not moving my seat if I paid extra to board early, etc." Whatever. We'll move toward the back of the plane and hope it works out....

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

More opinions needed:

What shoes should we all wear to the parks?
In the past I've been a big fan of sneakers. But I'm worried about afternoon showers, sprinklers/water areas, and wet shoes/socks. I have "trekker" shoes from Lands End that are quick dry and meant to be worn without socks.

Should I buy everyone crocs? Is that the best answer?

Amanda

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I enjoy wearing Nike Flip Flops! I'm 25 and they are super comfortable! My mom (age 52) enjoys wearing them to the pool and if we go to AK but will normally wear Crocs (MK or AK = water rides) or tennis shoes (only at DHS and Epcot = no water rides)
You can buy the Nike flip flops at stores like Nike,Shoe Sensation, Famous Footwear, Kohls, Dicks maybe? They cost around $20. If it's raining, I'll wear Crocs just because the flip flops can be slippy when it's raining!

When I worked at AK, people would throw a pair of flip flops or crocs in a backpack, put them on before getting on Kali River Rapids and then drying off their feet and putting their tennis shoes back on. That's a thought too! You could do the same with Splash Mt. I know Crocs and flip flops can be uncomfortable for some kids and adults if they wear them for extended periods of time.



I read about the SW issue. If you, hubby, or even the nanny are able to get on at exactly 24 hr before your flight you will get group A no problem. I've had to have my roommate do it for me before and she did it 2 hr later and I was one of the last in group A (could have been luck?)
On the way home...if you have a computer with you, you can get online at Beach Club and check in for your flight the day before. Since DH will be with you, it won't be bad as you could always split up if need-be. When we would do that, we would just pay for the internet for the day and get online to do that. My dad often has to be on for work and is already paying for the internet because of work. YC/BC might even have free WiFi??
If you think about it, I would bet that not a ton of people would #1 have their computer with them and #2 be willing to pay $10 just to check-in for a flight a few hours early..then again, I would be wrong?!

I agree with Lexmas, if they offer for families with young kids to board first (as they do with most airlines) I would take advantage of that! They aren't going to ask your kids their ages to verify they are under a certain age so that's a great way to save the extra money and you can use the boarding letter as a back-up in case they don't offer it but I don't see why they wouldn't??

I hope I helped, sorry about the thread becoming nasty

 

[lexmas]

I wouldn't buy everyone crocs just because crocs tend to hydroplane on wet surfaces and get really slippery. I've read TONS of threads on the dis about people wiping out in the rain in crocs, and DH has done it. When it rains, I put DS back in sneakers.

 

[DrMomof3]

I enjoy wearing Nike Flip Flops! I'm 25 and they are super comfortable! My mom (age 52) enjoys wearing them to the pool and if we go to AK but will normally wear Crocs (MK or AK = water rides) or tennis shoes (only at DHS and Epcot = no water rides)
You can buy the Nike flip flops at stores like Nike,Shoe Sensation, Famous Footwear, Kohls, Dicks maybe? They cost around $20. If it's raining, I'll wear Crocs just because the flip flops can be slippy when it's raining!

When I worked at AK, people would throw a pair of flip flops or crocs in a backpack, put them on before getting on Kali River Rapids and then drying off their feet and putting their tennis shoes back on. That's a thought too! You could do the same with Splash Mt. I know Crocs and flip flops can be uncomfortable for some kids and adults if they wear them for extended periods of time.



I read about the SW issue. If you, hubby, or even the nanny are able to get on at exactly 24 hr before your flight you will get group A no problem. I've had to have my roommate do it for me before and she did it 2 hr later and I was one of the last in group A (could have been luck?)
On the way home...if you have a computer with you, you can get online at Beach Club and check in for your flight the day before. Since DH will be with you, it won't be bad as you could always split up if need-be. When we would do that, we would just pay for the internet for the day and get online to do that. My dad often has to be on for work and is already paying for the internet because of work. YC/BC might even have free WiFi??
If you think about it, I would bet that not a ton of people would #1 have their computer with them and #2 be willing to pay $10 just to check-in for a flight a few hours early..then again, I would be wrong?!

I agree with Lexmas, if they offer for families with young kids to board first (as they do with most airlines) I would take advantage of that! They aren't going to ask your kids their ages to verify they are under a certain age so that's a great way to save the extra money and you can use the boarding letter as a back-up in case they don't offer it but I don't see why they wouldn't??

I hope I helped, sorry about the thread becoming nasty

Thank you for your thoughts! We'll definitely have a laptop at BC and I don't really mind paying for internet. I like to be able to upload pics as we go so I can save space on the memory card. Plus, the kids go to bed early so it's nice to play on the internet! I should be able to check in at the 24 hour mark on the way down. Even if I'm at work, I can get on the internet. I resent having to pay an extra $90 for "early" check-in. Ugh! We paid the extra on airtran last year and it totally annoyed me. Yet another reason to avoid airtran!!!
Thanks for you shoe thought. Maybe bringing crocs, sandals, or flip flops as a back-up. I know that in the August humidity, sneakers will never dry. At least we'll have a washer/dryer so I could try that. Jessica and Nathaniel have crocs. Zachary has outgrown his crocs but has sandals I could bring. I'm a little worried about DH because he tends to get sore feet/ankles....

I wouldn't buy everyone crocs just because crocs tend to hydroplane on wet surfaces and get really slippery. I've read TONS of threads on the dis about people wiping out in the rain in crocs, and DH has done it. When it rains, I put DS back in sneakers.

Good point. I know crocs are banned from school here.

Amanda

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Good thing you'll be at BC = hot tub to soak the sore feet!!!

I agree with you and Airtran..I'm not sure of what happened in your situation but in mine, my suitcase (brand new used once) in March was totally destroyed and the wheel had been practically torn off I didn't realize it until we were checking in at WDW - took luggage on DME so I wasn't able to file a claim at the airport I ended up throwing it away and going to Walmart outside of WDW to buy new luggage. They also dropped the one fare of my flight 23 hours after I booked and it dropped 50% so I called and they said they can cancel and rebook it and give me a credit but it only ended up being $50 instead of like $150 so I still have a credit good till march 2011 but I doubt I will use it due to their horrible customer service and zero care for customers luggage. Sadly, the closest SW airport for us is the same- 90 mins away so unless they have really cheap flights, I can't justify driving 90 mins when Dayton is 30 mins and Cincinnati is 20 mins. I'm looking into SW for my Oct trip..

 

[DrMomof3]

Good thing you'll be at BC = hot tub to soak the sore feet!!!

I agree with you and Airtran..I'm not sure of what happened in your situation but in mine, my suitcase (brand new used once) in March was totally destroyed and the wheel had been practically torn off I didn't realize it until we were checking in at WDW - took luggage on DME so I wasn't able to file a claim at the airport I ended up throwing it away and going to Walmart outside of WDW to buy new luggage. They also dropped the one fare of my flight 23 hours after I booked and it dropped 50% so I called and they said they can cancel and rebook it and give me a credit but it only ended up being $50 instead of like $150 so I still have a credit good till march 2011 but I doubt I will use it due to their horrible customer service and zero care for customers luggage. Sadly, the closest SW airport for us is the same- 90 mins away so unless they have really cheap flights, I can't justify driving 90 mins when Dayton is 30 mins and Cincinnati is 20 mins. I'm looking into SW for my Oct trip..

I know. And JetBlue prices came down enough to make it more manageable. SW is still cheaper (by $200 or $300) but not necessarily enough to justify the extra driving.
We didn't have a bad experience on Airtran. I just resented paying $6 per seat per way (6 seats - DH, me, my parents, 2 kids - Z was lap baby) + $25 per bag per way. It really added up and eroded the airfare savings. The flights were fine (minus the DirecTV and comfy JetBlue seats) and we didn't have any specific issues. I guess I should consider myself lucky!!!
We have several airports closer than Islip. White Plains is closest but small. Airtran has one direct flight per day (not at the ideal times) and Jetblue usually has about 3 direct flights. LaGuardia is pretty close. JFK and Newark are a bit further but still an hour or less (except in bad traffic). I've never been to Stewart but it's probably an hour to 90 minutes. And then there's Islip.

Amanda

 

[Charlefours]

More opinions needed:

What shoes should we all wear to the parks?
In the past I've been a big fan of sneakers. But I'm worried about afternoon showers, sprinklers/water areas, and wet shoes/socks. I have "trekker" shoes from Lands End that are quick dry and meant to be worn without socks.

Should I buy everyone crocs? Is that the best answer?

Amanda

I have never worn crocs because I just am not sure they would be all that comfortable but I can tell you all three of us will be wearing Keens. I even went ahead and bought DD the next size up knowing that she might be out of her current pair by September. They are comfortable, great arch support and quick drying. Probably the best and most comfortable shoes I have ever owned.