Can we do it? (packing question)

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Hard to believe we head to Florida in 12 days and we cruise in 14 days. Traveling solo with my 1 and 3 year old and am wondering if it's possible to fit everything into ONE suitcase. The less I have to drag, the better. I'm bringing an umbrella stroller and thinking it might be wise to bring the backpack (seat) for my 17 month old (he weighs just over 20 pounds- a lil' one). I'll be wearing a fanny pack with 2 bottle holders and will have a backpack as a carry on.

We are staying at the Hyatt, so I will have to treck from luggage pick-up to the Hyatt with one suitcase on wheels (if I can get it all in one suitcase), and one child in an umbrella stroller (with packpack hanging on stroller and the other child in the backpack. Is this even feasible?! Is there anyone in the airport to hire who will get my luggage to the Hyatt?

How am I ever going to do this!

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Yes, the Hyatt has bellhops. If you give them the claim checks for your bags along with a description of them, they will usually be happy to collect your bags and deliver them to your room. (You will, of course, want to tip them appropriately.)

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Oh, would that ever be ideal! Since I'd only have one piece of luggage to pick up, it should be relatively easy. Actually, knowing they provide that service, I can (if needed) even include an extra piece of luggage.

I certainly would tip, but what would be an appropriate amount?

Thanks so much, Dave. You have NO idea how much better you've made me feel!

 

[mcnuss]

First, re: packing. the best bag I ever bought was a big rolling duffel. it's really easy to pull and it squished down nicely to fit under a bed. I can easily pack 3 of us for up to 4 days (with no formal attire) in it, but I have to admit I would be challenged by trying to pack for any longer.

I never had to travel with 2 kids alone, just my one. I did not use an umbrella stroller bc I liked the one with the hood and the basket. It was not heavy, but that basket came in handy, and I could use the hood to carry trays & stuff. I also used a backpack, no fanny pack though. they drive me crazy.

Bottom line, I think you can do it, but ask for help everywhere. Your most challenging "adventure" will be at airport security. Undoing everything and then re-doing it is a pain in the patoot. Make sure you have as little metal on you as possible so you don't set the alarms off!

As for tipping, I think that since you are asking someone to go clear across the airport and back, you need to tip about $5 per bag. Just MHO, but I normally tip $2 per bag without someone going to "extra" trouble. You can also look for redcaps right in baggage claim. I cannot remember if I've ever seen them in MCO.

You are going to do great and have so much fun. Your kids will remember their adventure solo with you for years.

Happy travels!

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

I do have one of those big rolling duffels and have contemplated using it. We've taken it on all our other trips.

I also prefer the bigger strollers. I would LOVE to bring along my Peg Perego, but it's just too big. The umbrella stroller I have does have a canopy (strong enough to set a tray on it) and I have a netted bag that hangs in the back and you'd be amazed at how much you can fit in that baby. We never ran out of room during our trip to DW this year. It came in so handy.

Thanks for the tipping advice!

 

[Michelle]

Tammy, you may also consider one of those rolling baggage carts that you can rent for $2 at baggage claim. If your 3-year-old can walk and hold on to the cart you can carry the little one in a pack and push the baggage cart with as many as 3-4 bags with no problem. Once you get to the Hyatt you can use the elevator to get to the lobby, and then a bellhop can assist you with getting the bags to your room. They don't allow the bagge carts past the lobby level.

I'm just sorry I'm not on your flights at the same time, I would be happy to help with the little ones and getting to the room.

 

[4nana]

Lots of good ideas to consider. Have faith, of course you can do it! I admire you young women who are not afraid to tackle anything
Have a safe trip and wonderful cruise. ^i^

 

[disneyholic family]

i'm sure you'll be able to do it....
definitely the worst part is going to be at airport security....
hopefully the airline will let you take the umbrella stoller on board with you.....but they might take it away at the gate....so definitely take the backpack seat with you....
once you get on board the ship and into your room you'll be able to relax.....and you'll definitely have earned it...
have a super great cruise...

 

[ppiew]

My daughter in law traveled with small ones alone once. For the toddler, she used one of those child 'leashes', with the strap on the childs wrist and she hung on to the other end. Helps a great deal while going thru a busy airport. I have seen skycaps at the luggage area in Orlando. Whether they will go to the Hyatt or not I don't know. Don't see why not though. I admire you and know you will have a great time. Good luck!

 

[kasar]

Wow! I'm tired just reading your question. Have travelled with 2 little ones too. Could you possibly borrow/rent/buy a double stroller? At least both kids would be contained in one spot and you wouldn't have to worry about the backpack. Double strollers usually have a big basket underneath for your carry-ons not to mention bottle holders, toys, etc. It's big and clumsy but seems a bit more managable than having everyone going in different directions. I've found that most people are willing to help.

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

You guys really are the best! It's reassuring to know that others who have conquered the Magic or Wonder think I can do it solo.

Michelle, we don't deserve you! You are so sweet! Now about those baggage carts...once I get to the Hyatt and unload it, do I have to return it back to baggage claim? How does that work? It sounds ideal!

Disneyholic, I flew in March and had no problem taking the stroller on the plane with me. I of course left it at the door of plane and the attendants took care of it for me. When we got off the plane, they had the stroller all set up and ready to go. It was the same a year before that.

Kasar, I actually have a double stroller (I'm a stroller queen ), but it's a side by side and I've read that double strollers are sorta hard to manipulate around the ship. And I thought that it would be harder to manage the double stroller and luggage. Believe me, I gave it thought! Having both the kids strapped in would be ideal (no stragglers).

 

[westjones]

Remember you can do laundry on the ship, so you don't have to pack for all of those days. Take bounce sheets with you thought because they don't sell dryer sheets (I took Tide too, but they do sell that). I was tearing my dryer sheets in half and sharing with my fellow cruisers because they all expected to be able to buy dryer sheets and didn't pack any.

Debra

 

[Michelle]

Tammy, you can just leave it in the lobby of the Hyatt and ask them to return it for you. If you return it yourself you get a whole QUARTER of your $2 back, but it's worth losing that quarter to have them take it back, since you will be dealing with the little ones.

It really is not hard with the carts, I use them all the time when traveling alone with my daughter (who is much older, so it's not the same, but still hard to maneuver the luggage). They push VERY easily (just remember to push down on the handle bar, they lock when the handle is up) and are a great solution.

I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

 

[patches-4]

JUST HAD AN IDEA DON'T KNOW IF IT CAN BE DONE. BUT WHEN I TRAVEL WITH MY MOTHER ON BUSINESS, SHE IS UNABLE TO WALK LONG DISTANCES, THEY ALWAYS HAVE A PERSON AT THE GATE TO MEET US AND TAKE US, HER IN WHEELCHAIR, TO OUR LUGGAGE AND ON TO THE TRANSPORTATION AREA. ALL THE ONES WE HAVE HAD OVER THE YEARS ARE ALWAYS VERY NICE AND CAN'T SEEM TO DO ENOUGH FOR YOU,STOPPING AT THE RESTROOMS OR TO GET A DRINK, ETC, AND WE ALWAYS TIP THEM AT THE END. I WONDER IF THEY WOULD OFFER THE SAME HELP TO YOUR WITH YOUR LUGGAGE AND KIDS? IT MIGHT BE WORTH A CALL TO THE AIRLINES TO FIND OUT.

 

[mcnuss]

Hi Rumbly -- Patches4 is onto something. I remember that once US offered to take me on one of the little trams when I was traveling alone with DD. It was great!! Just ask at security on the way in if it's possible, and at the gate when you arrive.

Also, don't give the cart return another thought. Just leave it and it will get picked up. They get left all over the airport all the time - and someone who needs one to get from the Hyatt into the terminal will appreciate the free cart.

One last thought about the carts - and maybe Michelle knows about the ones at MCO - but at Logan they have a little seat in the front like a grocery cart. Also, while this may sound dangerous but I swear it's fine...I have had my DD sit on the luggage on the cart while I pushed. So you could have the little one in the seat, and the bigger one perched on the luggage (if it's flat or squishy of course!!) and you could actually have 2 hands and 2 eyes to navigate with -- what a thought!

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Boy, wouldn't a cart with a little seat be ideal! My daughter would get a trip out of riding on the luggage. She'd think she was Cleopatra! I think I will definitively get a cart, and if I still can't maneuvre it all alone, I will ask for help. Even if it's a service they usually don't provide, I cannot imagine them leaving a woman high and dry with two small children. Any decent person would not.

Thanks so much, again!

Oh, and I guess I can sacrafice a quarter. This time anyway, lol.