Car seats?

[ClaireW]

We're booked with Virgin and taking advantage of the free transfer instead of hiring a car but have a question about car seats. I understand we wouldn't use them on an ME bus but in the past (pre-kids) we've been taken to the hotel by Mears in a 7 seater car - now we've got DDs 1 and 3, will they be expected/allowed to travel without appropriate car seats?

And if they are expected to travel without seats does anyone have any suggestions as to how we can get around this? Without paying out for a fortnight's worth of car hire?

 

[2Tiggies]

Based on Florida laws and the ages of your children, which will be noted on your reservation, your transfer should have car seats available but I think you need to request them - or VH does on your behalf. If nobody has done this recently and you don't get advice from here, give themn a ring and ask them how to go about it.

 

[ClaireW]

Thanks. DH did speak to someone at Virgin before I posted yesterday but didn't seem to have much confidence in her response, she said something about having to check it out properly and get back to us. Will take your advice and speak to VH and make sure this is noted somewhere.

 

[DjdBrit]

If you are using DME, you don't need car seats. There is also no way to attach them anyway. I have done this with the same aged kids and had no issues, just like taking a train or a bus at home.

If you are not renting a car and plan on using Disney transport during your entire trip I would just leave the car seats at home. One less thing to lug around.

Good luck and Happy planning.

 

[2Tiggies]

Where are you staying Claire?

 

[Princess Clayre]

Hope you don't mind me tagging onto this thread

If we take a taxi while we are there, are car seats required or are they exempt like in the UK?

Thanks

 

[2Tiggies]

Hope you don't mind me tagging onto this thread

If we take a taxi while we are there, are car seats required or are they exempt like in the UK?

Thanks

The taxi should supply one, but this is not all taxi companies and I THINK it only works if you ring and order a taxi as they are not in the habit of lugging them around in the trunk, which is generally smaller than that of similar sized UK cars. I know town cards do supply them on request when pre-booking as I looked into getting one for this trip and there was an option to select.

 

[ClaireW]

2Tiggies - we're staying at the GF

PrincessClayre - good point, will also be good to know

 

[2Tiggies]

2Tiggies - we're staying at the GF

PrincessClayre - good point, will also be good to know

Reason I asked is from your origina post I assumed you were staying offsite. Since you are staying on site and with VH you will be landing at MCO, your transfer it the Magical Express. You can't use a car seat in there as there is no way to secure it so it is not required. Problem solved.

 

[ClaireW]

Do you know I hadn't really realised how my original post read! Sorry for the confusion but...
We have travelled with VH in the past and did on 2 occasions get transferred to/from the GF in one of those people-carrier type vehicles. It doesn't seem like this is common, maybe ME is standard practice now (I'm talking about trips in 2005/2006), or maybe when we travelled previously in August it was busier and therefore they need some king of 'overflow' vehicle?
We last travelled to WDW with VH in 2008 but chose to have our own car (and therefore car seats) as it was our first trip as a family of 3. We didn't particularly enjoy having a car, and got little use out of it, so this time we're looking forward to being back on that bus!

 

[2Tiggies]

No problem. It suddenly occurred to me that I might be giving you irrelevant information and better check! So it is Magical Express for you then? It should state that on your booking. Shout if you are still stuck for help.

 

[ClaireW]

Thanks