All kinds of traveling questions...

[lalasmama]

We're in the 2 week countdown now! 14 days from TODAY, we will be at the airport, getting frisky with security (well, hopefully not too frisky, but I have yet to make it through security without a wanding; maybe I'll get a pat down this time!)....

I'm going to call myself a "first time flier" even though I'm not... because this is the first time I'm flying as an adult, in charge of everything. I've flown 2 other times as an adult (to Reno), but, even then, my mommy or my MIL took care of everything--all I had to do is show up packed with a driver's license... and it was all pre-9/11! Keeping that in mind, wow do I have a million random questions that I'm hoping people can answer for me without laughing *too* much!

First, traveling with my DD, who is legally still a foster child... I'll have my certificates that prove I am her legal foster parent, and that I have permission to take her over state lines. We're flying Southwest, if that makes a difference. Do I need some other way to "prove" who she is? Do I need to bring her birth certificate? (I'm kind of scared to do that, and end up losing it or something, and obviously, I'm not listed on it!) Or do I really need to bring anything for her? Her last name is the same as mine, so most people never realize she's not "mine" biologically.

For me, all I need to prove who I am is my valid drivers license, right?

I'm a complete internet junkie. I'm also the only person in the world without a smart phone, which means I get online the old-fashioned way: a laptop and a broadband card. I'm assuming most airports have free WiFi? Or will I need to bring my broadband card? What about the hotel? It says it has free WiFi, so that's all I need to get online and upload the pics from the day, and maybe do a few Facebook updates, right?

Anyone know if the Disneyland Express from SNA to the hotels stops at non-Disney hotels? I'm assuming they do if they have a rider at a non-Dis hotel, right? (We're willing to walk, but if we can avoid it...)

Any idea how many suitcases really get lost/misdirected?? One of my coworkers recently had this happen to her, so I'm more aware of it now... but nothing will "really" likely happen on a quick ride from PDX to SNA with only one stop (and no changing planes), right? Hee hee hee, I almost said we won't be disboarding the plane at that one stop, but then it hit me, I "dis-board" here all the time, so if they let me take my computer out, I'll likely be "dis-boarding"! Sorry, I'm so easily entertained with silly word play!

Okay, I think that's it for now! Thanks again for all your wonderful help... I think Dis-peeps may be the most helpful travel planners ever!

 

[raftislander]

I have never flown with a foster child, but It is hard to imagine that you will need more documentation than what you have listed. All you need is a valid driver's license. From SNA I would look at taking a SuperShuttle which I know will drop you at non-Disney hotels.

Take a deep breath- you will have a fabulous time

 

[Geemo]

I went to Disneyland last month with my two grandkids 17 and 14 yrs old. They both brought photo ID. I also had my son send a signed, written note with all medical insurance info for the two, stating they were traveling with their grandmother. Along with all the necessary contact info to reach him or my DIL.

PDX has a scanner. Step into the scanner, put your feet on the yellow foot pads, raise your hands and arms above your head, wait for TSA to wave you through. The hardest part was getting shoes and personal items as well as my laptop out and into the plastic tubs. NO ONE ever laid a hand on any of us or our things in the plastic tubs. There wasn't a line when we went through TSA and it took about 15 minutes.

SNA no scanner, they have the walk through detector. There were a few people going through TSA besides us. Same thing... Everything into the plastic tubs, walk through.... No problem for my two grandkids. However, for me I was re-directed into the center glass palace... And so were the others coming through with laptops. The TSA person asked a few questions regarding my three tubs of items. Then they asked again, if the laptop was MINE and permission to inspect and swab my laptop. It kind of startled me at first. I wasn't expecting anything different from PDX. I was glad the area was all glass, that way I could keep an eye on my grandkids. Other than that going trough TSA was a breeze.

I don't have a smart phone either, just the old fashion dial and talk. We were so busy the five days we were there I never used my laptop. Next time I'll leave it at home. That way I won't have the little hassle through TSA.

For transportation you might want to do a search here to see how others get to and from the airport. I know I like the small shuttle vans. My neighbor used super shuttle to the Marriott Fairfield Inn and was happy with them.

On our last trip I used 24-7 Ride. 24-7 Ride is $38 from SNA and $33 Back to SNA. It was an exclusive mini van for us. We didn't have to wait for the van to fill for the trip. The driver was there to pick us up within 5 minutes from the time we called disbatch telling them we were ready to go..

Have fun

 

[Bossy22]

Good questions!!! We are taking our DD2 for her first trip, wee decided to get her passport for photo i.d. as she is aboriginal and we are not. Photo I.D. Is very nice to have.

 

[croppincolburn]

Do you know about Southwest's check in and boarding procedures? You can get info. on their site if you don't.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I didn't need ANYTHING to fly with my kids, not even a birth certificate to prove they were mine. It's good you have the documentation, just in case, but I doubt you'll need any of it.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

The Disneyland Express isn't owned by Disney, so yes, they do stop at the other local non-Disney owned hotels.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I'm going to try to address the questions others have not.

Hotel internet: Many hotels nowadays promote free wifi, but upon arrival the reality is that there is free wifi in the lobby, but not in the rooms. Others have free wifi, but only for their club members. sigh You can call your hotel, check their web site and read really carefully for the fine print, or just find out upon arrival, but keep in mind that "free WiFi" may not mean "free WiFi in YOUR room accessible to YOU for free." If indeed you have free wifi in your room, you may have to create a username and p/w on a welcome screen and agree to their usage terms and then - boom - internet.

Luggage: Okay so, first the hard, cold truth. Yes, luggage gets lost. Left behind. Misrouted. It happens. It's not a myth or internet folklore. Of course the hope is that it never happens to you. However, my rule for travel is to realize that it COULD and make sure if it does, my life can roll on. So, how do you do that? Easy. In your carry on bag, be sure to pack the following:

• ID/wallet
• any medications that you must have
• glasses/contacts & solution
• valuables
• hotel/flight information
• a clean set of undergarments
• cell phone charger
• umbrella - hello Portland!
• any other "must have" items

Essentially, if you had to survive for 24-48 hours without your checked bag, you want to be able to do so. And hopefully will never have to.

Last two comments on the luggage: Make sure you have a tag on it with your contact info. Make sure the phone number on it is your cell, not your home -- you aren't at home.

One of the best travel tips I was ever given: When you check-in at the airport and the agent is putting the tags on your luggage that have the destination city printed on them, check that tag! If you are headed to SNA, make sure it says SNA. If you can't see it (sometimes they are quick!), just make a little joke, "Can I peek at that little tag for a quick second, please?" "Cool! Thank you!" This is especially true when you have a stopover, as you do. You don't want that tag to read whatever city you are stopping at briefly. No early "disboarding" allowed , well, unless it's 1am am you are DISBoarding.

HTH,
Dreams