Coming upon our trip soon!

[martinezmom3]

Hi everyone! We are 38 days out from our second trip to the world an I'm beginning to stress! The first time we took our kids, they were 6yr, 3yr, and 9mo old. This time they'll be 10, 7, and turning 5 while we're there. We drove down last time so I packed EVERYTHING on the planet, but this time we're flying. Last time we did a timeshare for the beginning of the week, and AKL with the DDP for the last 3 days. This time we're doing POR with DxDP for 9 days! I'm looking for any tips, advice, on things to pack, places to visit, snacks, whatever. Flight tips for kids would be great too...we've never flown with our kids! Thanks so much!!!

 

[atwmommy]

Search around on these boards and you should find everything you need! Have fun. Great ages to go again.

 

[Hootch]

I hope you have you ADRs made. You get a lot of meals with the deluxe plan.

Flying with kids is mainly setting expectations and providing diversions. Explain to your kids what is going to happen. Have games, videos, books, etc to keep them occupied while waiting at the airport and while en route.

Clothes - we usually drive so I pack heavy. We also usually travel for 11 days. Still we pack a few changes of clothes and do laundry one day in the middle of the trip. Personally, I like to change clothes when we take our midday break. It helps me feel refreshed. Since it is hot during this period, I can fit my clothes in a suitcase that fits in the overhead. (I have a no long pants or socks rule for myself on our Disney/beach trips.)

There is enough to do to keep you busy for nine days. You may want to consider a water park day. There are areas in both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach that cater to smaller ones. My kids love the water parks. If you want one day it is slightly cheaper to buy a separate entry. There is an option for a little more that matches the number of ticket days. There are a couple of well themed miniature golf courses that you would probably enjoy. And frankly, the deluxe dining plan will give you a lot of break time.

Here are a couple of threads on packing advice. I can't say that we do anything unusual. We usually take a couple of trips a year and it seems so rote I would forget items.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1884129&highlight=packing+lists

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2690044&highlight=packing+lists

 

[martinezmom3]

I hope you have you ADRs made. You get a lot of meals with the deluxe plan.

Flying with kids is mainly setting expectations and providing diversions. Explain to your kids what is going to happen. Have games, videos, books, etc to keep them occupied while waiting at the airport and while en route.

Clothes - we usually drive so I pack heavy. We also usually travel for 11 days. Still we pack a few changes of clothes and do laundry one day in the middle of the trip. Personally, I like to change clothes when we take our midday break. It helps me feel refreshed. Since it is hot during this period, I can fit my clothes in a suitcase that fits in the overhead. (I have a no long pants or socks rule for myself on our Disney/beach trips.)

There is enough to do to keep you busy for nine days. You may want to consider a water park day. There are areas in both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach that cater to smaller ones. My kids love the water parks. If you want one day it is slightly cheaper to buy a separate entry. There is an option for a little more that matches the number of ticket days. There are a couple of well themed miniature golf courses that you would probably enjoy. And frankly, the deluxe dining plan will give you a lot of break time.

Here are a couple of threads on packing advice. I can't say that we do anything unusual. We usually take a couple of trips a year and it seems so rote I would forget items.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1884129&highlight=packing+lists

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2690044&highlight=packing+lists

Thank you so much! Yes I should have been more clear, we do have our ADRs which I'm so thrilled for! Some of my most exciting, BOG, CRT for breakfast and dinner, CP, Tusker, and Akershus pre park opening, and Wishes Dessert party! Yay!!! We also did park hopper/ water park and more tickets. We're renting a car because we have so many dining reservations over the nine days, I don't want to have to waste too much time getting back and forth, and we are aware that the TS meals will take a few hours out of our days, but our kids are used to dining in Chicago, so they know what it's like to sit through a meal.
My biggest concern I guess was that they've never flown, and with this being such a huge trip for us, I don't want to miss simple things that could have saved us a big hassle.
Thank you so much, I think we can use the trip up to the airport to explain what they can expect and what's going to happen, that will definitely put them at ease, as they are very practical little girls. Also I was stressing about having enough breaks in the day, but you're right, the dining will also be a time to break and relax. Thank You!!

 

[BigDisneyGuy]

There are websites with lists but I fly all the time and my musts are 2 pair of sneakers incase one gets really wet. New plastic ponchos that are folded really small. I fly Southwest and 2 bags are free so I pack a folded duffle bag in each suitcase so on the way home I can actually check double the amount of bags. This comes in handy for souvenirs.

 

[Hootch]

some breaks on a nine day trip.

We shortened our Disney stay this year because we added Universal Studios for a couple of days. Normally we rest on arrival day but went directly to the park that day. Second day we did Typhoon Lagoon, went back the room, got ready and straight into the parks. Third day in the parks all day. We were all pretty tired at the end of the day. I could not imagine nine full park days. Also, some places may not be relaxing for kids. Our daughter hardly ate at CRT. She was always looking at the characters.

Your resort will also have some activities. We usually stay at POFQ and they have movies and poll games pretty much every day. Here is a link that has the June and July rec schedules to give you an idea. There is a recreation link about halfway down the page.

http://www.portorleans.org/

One that I forgot to mention earlier is the Chip and Dale campfire at Fort Wilderness. There is a sing along around the campfire. They sell smores kits if you want. Chip and Dale greet the people around the fire. There is a movie shown later.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/chip-n-dale-campfire-sing-a-long/

 

[Hayliesmom]

I would go to touring plans.com and make some personalized touring pages! This way you can make sure to fit in ll the rides/parks your family wants to do along with your adrs. I did this for our trip that is also 9 days and we have 8 park days with only 1 free day (this is also our second trip!). I discovered we need 3 days at MK, 2 at Epcot, 2 at Hollywood, and 1 at animal (although if I could fit in a second that would be awesome!). This is due to some of us wanting rides and some of us wanting character meet and greets more.

We don't fly, we drive so I can't really help you with that, but I hope you have lots of fun!

 

[martinezmom3]

Thanks so much! We're doing a six day park hopper, and I added the water park option planning to try Blizzard Beach and Disney Quest, but we're totally flexible on those if the kids are too tired. As of right now we will be headed back to PO each day to rest for a few hours, our youngest two are moody without naps so it's a must! Can't wait!

 

[Dani C]

If you allow them to chew gum, take it with you for the flights to help with the pressure changes and the impact on their ears. Otherwise, something else to assist in keeping them from discomfort.

 

[martinezmom3]

If you allow them to chew gum, take it with you for the flights to help with the pressure changes and the impact on their ears. Otherwise, something else to assist in keeping them from discomfort.

They're not allowed gum until they're seven, so our youngest isn't quite there yet, she'll be turning five during this trip, so I'm wondering what I should give her.

 

[MinnieLee]

If you have an i-pad or a DVD player, bring that along with a few movies or download a couple of games to keep them busy on the plane. Also, make-up "find the WDW word" search of things you are going to see, places you are going to eat, characters, etc.

They may surprise you and go to sleep??!!!

Have a great trip.

 

[Hootch]

If you have an i-pad or a DVD player, bring that along with a few movies or download a couple of games to keep them busy on the plane. Also, make-up "find the WDW word" search of things you are going to see, places you are going to eat, characters, etc.

They may surprise you and go to sleep??!!!

Have a great trip.

a program that you can download to your computer for about $10 that converts your dvds into the format for your tablet or phone. I travel often for business and I have used DVD catalyst 4 for two tablets and it has worked great.

The program loads on a computer. When a dvd is loaded it scans the disk and is ready to convert. You side load onto your phone or tablet. I have had issues with a couple of dvds. My emails were answered withing ten hours each time with one of those being sent on a Sunday.

If I were more technically proficient, I could probably do this myself, but it is so simple to just drop in a disc and click. The list of supported devices is pretty extensive.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

They're not allowed gum until they're seven, so our youngest isn't quite there yet, she'll be turning five during this trip, so I'm wondering what I should give her.

Having something to chew on, especially during take off and landing, really helped my kids. Could you make an exception for the gum? Last time we traveled, my son had braces and gum was a HUGE no-no, but we allowed it just for that time (with his ortho's blessing!).

If you'd really rather have no gum, how about chewy candies? We did Skittles and Starburst and taffy when they were younger, too.

 

[martinezmom3]

If you have an i-pad or a DVD player, bring that along with a few movies or download a couple of games to keep them busy on the plane. Also, make-up "find the WDW word" search of things you are going to see, places you are going to eat, characters, etc.

They may surprise you and go to sleep??!!!

Have a great trip.

We have an 8am flight, and we're over an hour away from the airport, so I'm hoping the do sleep. I'm just worried that the excitement will keep them awake! They really do need to get a nap in at some point, hopefully it'll work out Fingers crossed

 

[martinezmom3]

Having something to chew on, especially during take off and landing, really helped my kids. Could you make an exception for the gum? Last time we traveled, my son had braces and gum was a HUGE no-no, but we allowed it just for that time (with his ortho's blessing!).

If you'd really rather have no gum, how about chewy candies? We did Skittles and Starburst and taffy when they were younger, too.

Our youngest has already sort of blossomed into her role as the "baby" of the family....and the "rule breaker" of the family, so I hate to let her bend a rule that was so firm for her sisters. But, she does love Starburst, maybe she and I could do Starburst instead. Thanks for the ideas

 

[Aliceacc]

If not gum, then a Starburst or Tootsie Roll type of candy should be fine.

If the kids wear flip flops for the flight, it will make getting through security easier; you won't have to re-tie shoes in the airport.

I'm always cold on planes, so I always have everyone bring a light sweatshirt for their carryons. If not on the plane, it will come in handy at some point during the week.

We fly Jetblue, so each of my kids gets a TV of their own (along with an inflight snack.) If your flight doesn't have that, consider bringing their Nintendo DS, a book, or something similar to keep them occupied.

I always take one outfit per person, from the skin on out, and pack it in someone else's suitcase. Our luggage has always arrived in Orlando, but if the event that one ever got misdirected, it would buy a day.

Also, put a bathing suit in each carryon. If you decide to go for a swim before your bags arrive, at least it's an option.

 

[martinezmom3]

If not gum, then a Starburst or Tootsie Roll type of candy should be fine.

If the kids wear flip flops for the flight, it will make getting through security easier; you won't have to re-tie shoes in the airport.

I'm always cold on planes, so I always have everyone bring a light sweatshirt for their carryons. If not on the plane, it will come in handy at some point during the week.

We fly Jetblue, so each of my kids gets a TV of their own (along with an inflight snack.) If your flight doesn't have that, consider bringing their Nintendo DS, a book, or something similar to keep them occupied.

I always take one outfit per person, from the skin on out, and pack it in someone else's suitcase. Our luggage has always arrived in Orlando, but if the event that one ever got misdirected, it would buy a day.

Also, put a bathing suit in each carryon. If you decide to go for a swim before your bags arrive, at least it's an option.

Will definitely remember the flip flops and sweater, as my kids complain that they're freezing walking through the refrigerated section at the grocery store! and yes, a full change of clothes sounds like a very wise idea! Thanks

 

[GaBelle]

Having something to chew on, especially during take off and landing, really helped my kids. Could you make an exception for the gum? Last time we traveled, my son had braces and gum was a HUGE no-no, but we allowed it just for that time (with his ortho's blessing!).

If you'd really rather have no gum, how about chewy candies? We did Skittles and Starburst and taffy when they were younger, too.

Our kids flew for the first time recently and I forgot gum for the first take off. They were miserable! One amazing flight attendant (love Southwest!) noticed and gave them a couple of pieces for landing. Trust me I did NOT forget on the return flight!
If you decide not to relent on the gum rule, definitely try Starburst. I know not all kids are the same but I really felt like the worst mom ever when my kids complained about their ears hurting.

 

[martinezmom3]

Our kids flew for the first time recently and I forgot gum for the first take off. They were miserable! One amazing flight attendant (love Southwest!) noticed and gave them a couple of pieces for landing. Trust me I did NOT forget on the return flight!
If you decide not to relent on the gum rule, definitely try Starburst. I know not all kids are the same but I really felt like the worst mom ever when my kids complained about their ears hurting.

A friend who recently had her two year old on a flight also recommended earplugs, so hopefully we'll be able to keep them comfortable. 34 days left and so much to get sorted out! Ahhh!!!!

 

[MinnieLee]

a program that you can download to your computer for about $10 that converts your dvds into the format for your tablet or phone. I travel often for business and I have used DVD catalyst 4 for two tablets and it has worked great.

The program loads on a computer. When a dvd is loaded it scans the disk and is ready to convert. You side load onto your phone or tablet. I have had issues with a couple of dvds. My emails were answered withing ten hours each time with one of those being sent on a Sunday.

If I were more technically proficient, I could probably do this myself, but it is so simple to just drop in a disc and click. The list of supported devices is pretty extensive.

Thanks for the heads up! Will give it a try.