An almost 4 year old and mom trip. Questions....Help!!

[leahannpen]

I am kicking around the idea of taking my son to WDW in either Feb. or March. I'd go with a girlfriend and her 10 year old. My DH and I took him this past May and stayed off site, and DS loved the trip.

My questions/concerns are: The plane ride...I doubt I'd be able to do the car seat by myself. Do I need to?

The towncar ride over...will they supply a car seat? Who's the best?

If we do All Star Movie, is the Toy Story building preferred and can it be requested?

How easy is it to do...any advice? He's a good boy, but like any 3 year old, he does test me at times LOL! He'll be four 4/16, so if we go in March, it'll be close. Thanks!!

 

[akrake]

how much does your child weigh? if over 40lbs, they just use a booster & you can get a graco one at target or walmart for around $19.........it's small, easy to carry & you can check it.

towncar, if you have your own booster, use yours. if not, call them to see what they have. i'm sure you are not the first to ask.

my 4 year old son weighed 40 so it wasn't a problem. when my daughter was 4 she was only 30lbs......so i wouldhave brought her seat with me just to be safe...you'll need it in the plane & car....if you rent one.

amie

 

[leahannpen]

Thanks for the answers... He's not going to be 40 lbs by then. He's about 33 now. Skinny little dude. I just don't see me struggling with a car seat...on a plane. Even my DH had problems when we went in May. The seating is so squishy, ya know. I just figured the town car service, which ever one we'd pick, would supply a car seat....???

 

[tjmw2727]

I did a solo trip with each of my girls at age 3 and it was wonderful - go for it! In fact since the girls and I get more vacation time than DH we still do a girls only trip every year.

If your comfortable with your child in a seatbelt on the aircraft he is not required to have one. My only concern is that he understand the belt needs to stay buckled and that he can't roam the aisles. If you think he can handle that then you can forgo the carseat.

We always use a towncar and the two that we used provdided a carseat/booster free of charge. Most recently we used quicksilver and they were wonderful. Although we don't need one anymore they had a place on the reservation form for a carseat. Try the transportation board here on the Dis for more info on towncars, prices and availilbility of carseats.

Have a great time.
TJ

 

[summerrluvv]

A booster cannot be used on an airplane so you don't really need to worry about that since your son will be out of the carseat by then. My son started riding without the carseat on the plane when he was about 2. If the plane is going down, I doubt the safety seat will really matter at that point. The lap belt will suffice and holds them down in case of turbulence. If you are getting towncar service, most of them offer a free booster seat.

 

[Belle1962]

I just came back from a "solo" trip with DGS 3 3/4 (4 in January). here are my suggestions:

His favorite activities (which required little more than supervision by Grandma so it was "down time" for me) other than the actual rides and shows

The Playground in Toontown

The race track at the Lego play area in Downtown Disney

These were good places for him to burn off energy and me to recharge mine.

AVOID Honey I shrunk the kids playground--it was to much to keep up with him (Physically) and I'm not comfortable with him out of my sight.

yes--you can request the toy story building. Be sure to put that in your original reservation if you can , if not call and ask them to add it. It also doesn't hurt to fax the resort a few days before your earlier and request that section again.

 

[leahannpen]

Thanks for all the replies. My son would sit in a seat belt good if instructed, so that's a bonus. I talked to DH last night and he said to go for it, so I'm calling today to check prices and availability. Thanks for the reassurance, as it set my mind at ease.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

I'd say definitely try to do it!!! I just did a solo trip with my sons who are 2 and 4. I met up with friends there. One of my girlfriends and her kids (also 2 and 4) shared a room with us. It was work, but it was SO much fun! We had more than one person tell us we were crazy for doing this but we both agreed it was much easier than we thought it would be.

I had one day at the front and back of our trip where it was just me and the boys alone and we really had fun together.

My kids both sat on the plane in just a seat belt with no problems. They had a portable DVD player and were perfectly happy watching their movie and munching pretzles. The only really challenging parts were going through security with them and folding up the double stroller before we got on the plane. Trying to keep track of the bags, keep my 2 year old from running off, folding the stroller and fussing at my 4 year old "Don't even THINK about touching those buttons!" as he started longingly at the buttons for the controls they use to extend the walkway out to the door of the plane was a real experience! Going through security would have been bad if my husband hadn't been able to get a gate pass to come to the gate and help us. On the way back I checked more to help get through security a little easier.

We used Murray Hill transportation (www.transportation2disney.com) and were pleased with them. They provided us with a booster and a car seat. Both were in great shape. I think any town car service should be able to provide them though. One less thing to have to check and carry!

 

[frstimer128]

Here's a second on avoiding the Honey I shrunk the kids playground.

My DD4 and I went solo and she got really hurt there. They have a little waterfall area they can play in so she got wet. She then went to climb on a small rock thing, slipped and slammed her knee. She screamed and she is not one to cry in public. I had to carry her out of there and find ice. It was a nightmare! I asked the not-so-bright person working the entrance of the play area if there were any place to get ice and she did not have a clue. Hello, was my DD hte first kid ever to get hurt there? How can you not know where i can get ice. I had to get it from a vendor because I did not know if there was a first aid place around.

Anyway....don't lug your car seat around. Just have the towncar bring you one. It will save you any aggrivation. Enjoy your trip!

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by frstimer128
Here's a second on avoiding the Honey I shrunk the kids playground.

My DD4 and I went solo and she got really hurt there. They have a little waterfall area they can play in so she got wet. She then went to climb on a small rock thing, slipped and slammed her knee. She screamed and she is not one to cry in public. I had to carry her out of there and find ice. It was a nightmare! I asked the not-so-bright person working the entrance of the play area if there were any place to get ice and she did not have a clue. Hello, was my DD hte first kid ever to get hurt there? How can you not know where i can get ice. I had to get it from a vendor because I did not know if there was a first aid place around.

Anyway....don't lug your car seat around. Just have the towncar bring you one. It will save you any aggrivation. Enjoy your trip!

I hate the playground as well. Usually the little kids are getting trampled on by the older kids. I am trying to avoid that area at all costs this year!

 

[mickeyclark]

My son and I went on a solo trip last May. He had just turned 4. Similar to your situation, we had already been to Disney World as part of a family trip a few months before ... so he knew what to expect and what he liked to do.

Some things to consider:

Carseat - If someone is dropping you off at the airport and a towncar is picking you up at the Orlando airport, then taking a carseat will be a breeze b/c there will always be someone to help you. I had the same concerns about lugging around a car seat, and realized that I didn't need to have had them after the trip.

One Suitcase - Pack all your items in one suitcase, it is less to have to fuss with.

Bring a small back pack full of goodies for the plane ride. This kept my son busy. And he felt like it was his, since he carried it.

Our plane ran out of food, which little kids don't understand. Be sure to pack snacks.

Don't schedule too many buffet meals. With just the two of you it is easier if you do counter service or have someone bring you your food. If doing character meals, the breakfast at 'Ohana's brings you your food.

I agree with finding down time activities. My son really liked the Dinosaur Dig at the AK. What 4 your old doesn't like playing/digging in the sand? And it is in the shade.

We stayed in the Toy Story section of All Star Movies and liked it.

One of the things I was reminded of during our trip was that it was alone time for my son and I, and to just go with the flow. Don't worry about doing alot or getting alot done. Enjoy the time alone. One of favorite memories is swimming at night in the Mighty Ducks pool. And the best was when we were sitting in the All Stars food court, and my son looked at me and said "Thanks for bringing me to Disney World, mommy."

Enjoy!

 

[leahannpen]

Originally posted by mickeyclark
And the best was when we were sitting in the All Stars food court, and my son looked at me and said "Thanks for bringing me to Disney World, mommy."

That is so sweet!

We are actually going with my friend and her 10 year old daughter, but it will be kind of odd without DH. I'm so looking forward to it!! I've decided against the car seat.

I am avoiding the "Shrunk" play area.

I booked A.S.Mo. and requested Toy Story. My son will love it!

Definately doing the backpack with activities and snacks and juices.

Not sure on meals. We may schedule 1 charactor meal and do the rest at leisure. Last time, all he wanted was "cheeseburger and french fries"...every day. With my friend and myself and then her DD and my DS, we can always split perfectly!

The one suitcase may be difficult for a 6 night stay...last time it was just me for that long, I had to pay for heavy luggage, and now it's even less for weight. Hmmmm...may have to do wash. Yuck!

Can't wait! See timer! LOL!

 

[Cluefinders17]

Florida state law requires children under 80 pounds to be in a booster seat and children under 40 pounds to be in a car seat. One option to carrying a car seat, is to check with the car rental company because some will rent a car seat.

Second option is to strap the car seat to a rolling suitcase or purchase a collapsible luggage carrier for about $40.

Having done Disney solo with my 3 year old DS, pack simple and light. Do laundry if you have to. Most hotels have laundries on-site - just remember to bring something to entertain the little one while you wait.

Relax and have fun!


We're going to Disney tomorrow!

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by Cluefinders17
Florida state law requires children under 80 pounds to be in a booster seat and children under 40 pounds to be in a car seat. One option to carrying a car seat, is to check with the car rental company because some will rent a car seat.

Where did you get that information? Everything I have found states that children five and under must be a car seat. I've seen nothing about a booster law in the state of FL.

 

[tjmw2727]

Originally posted by Cluefinders17
Florida state law requires children under 80 pounds to be in a booster seat and children under 40 pounds to be in a car seat. One option to carrying a car seat, is to check with the car rental company because some will rent a car seat.
snip>

Not yet but they are working on it. Currently, in Florida, children through age 3 must be in a CSR, children 4 and 5 must be buckled into the backseat. They have tried to pass the 8 and 80lb law 2x IIRC but it hasn't passed yet.
Here is the verbage:
4. What is Florida's Child Restraint Law?

All children 5 years of age or younger must be properly restrained no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. (FL Statute 316.613).

and the link:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety/HighwaySafetyGrantProgram/hsgp/HSGPAreas_OccupantFAQ.htm#Florida

Either way I think the OP is using the seatbelt in the aircraft and I personally think a 3yo should be fine. There is no requirement to use a CSR in an aircraft. I believe the towncar company is going to supply the carseat for the ground transportation.

TJ

 

[sphere99]

Murray hill towncars offers boosters and carseats for free.

 

[PaulDavid's mom]

Originally posted by leahannpen
Thanks for all the replies. My son would sit in a seat belt good if instructed, so that's a bonus. I talked to DH last night and he said to go for it, so I'm calling today to check prices and availability. Thanks for the reassurance, as it set my mind at ease.

Please let us know how the trip goes. We are going in March 2006 when our son will be 4yrs. (and 2 months). He is also a skinny little kid and we have the same concerns. Thanks!

 

[hezreck]

I too would avoid Honey I shrunk the Kids Playground. We took my daughter when she was almost four and we lost track of her in there. such a scary experience. Easy to lose shildren in that area.

 

[leahannpen]

Originally posted by PaulDavid's mom
Please let us know how the trip goes. We are going in March 2006 when our son will be 4yrs. (and 2 months). He is also a skinny little kid and we have the same concerns. Thanks!

Greetings from Franklin! I will do that!! Where are you staying?

Yes, I've decided to forego the car seat on the plane (he's flown before and follows instructions well, so wandering around the plane isn't an option and I'm confident we won't have issues with this....) and we will do a town car to A.S.Mo. I will maybe try Murray Hill (thanks S99) and see what the deal is with that.

Also, I'm avoiding HISTK play area at all costs! LOL!!

I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!