Airport with 3 adults and 4 kids

[disfan07]

I am going to disney in late august with a family i babysit for and they have 4 kids ages 1, 3, 6 and 10 adn i have a few quick questionssince they havent flown as a family since they only had one kid...

Should we get to the airport more than 2 hours ahead just in case security does not go so well? (our flight is 7:45AM)

Also, should we bring a car seat for th 3 year old also...she is pretty small for her age and none of use are sure whether or not she should have one or not?

third, does anyone here bring a stroller for a six yr old or do you just rent one if you need it? we were thinking about an umbrella stroller b/c he is small but would renting a double stroller work also?

Thanks

 

[james'mommy]

Don't get to the airport too early because check in and security may not be open until 5 or 5:30. No need for carseat. I don't think there is a rule requiring it in Fl. I know you don't need it for Magical express. I would take my own stroller for the 6 year old because the Disney prices just increased and the price is insane.

 

[mickeymaker2003]

With 3 kids 6 and under, I'd think you will want to bring at least a double stroller (or two umbrella strollers) for the 1 and 3 year old. The 6 year old might want to sit it in too for part of the time. I would think getting to the airport 90 minutes ahead would be great plenty. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes longer to get through security and if you are there too early, the kids might get antsy.

 

[all4fun]

I think 2hrs ahead will give you plenty of time. We just got back from a trip with a 4, 10, & 14yr old and we had "special attention" from TSA both ways (long story, won't bore you w/the details) and we still had plenty of time waiting for our flights. You should be fine.

A car seat is not required on the airplane but it is recommended by the FAA for kids under 40lbs. http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

If you'll be using Magical Express and not renting a car, then a car seat will not be needed, however, after my last experience I will probably be bringing at least a booster for my ds from now on (until he no longer needs one). One of our flights was scrubbed, the airline put us up at a hotel and the shuttle service (van) didn't have a booster for him. I don't care what the FL car seat laws are, the laws of physics are the same everywhere and if we had been in a wreck he could have been severely injured. I just rather not take the chance for convenience sake. On the same note, if the 6yr old is small for his age, then they might also consider bringing at least a backless booster just in case...and definitely bring a booster and a car seat for the younger kids if they will be renting a vehicle.

As far as strollers go, a rental would be just fine for the 6yr old but they are hard plastic shells so not very desirable for the little ones. I see you've had lots of trips to WDW so you probably know what they look like but if the parents want to see this site has pics: http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/strol_faq.htm

hth!