Do I need a carseat for almost 3 year old in taxi

[jrmo]

So long as we stay on Disney property? We're staying at POFQ, and have a very early Ohana reservation. I don't know if it's even possible to make it that early with Disney transportation and to rent a van for the 5 of us, is going to cost $400. It's just not worth it for one trip, KWIM? I'm a complete safety nut, so it makes me a little crazy to even consider this, but I'm not sure what else to do. The reservation agent said as long as we're on Disney property, we don't have to have a carseat in a taxi. Can anyone verify this? TIA!

 

[iluvdiscruises]

how about bringing a small booster seat for the taxi? We did that on our recent trip. It didn't count as a carry on for the plane either, so there was no charge to bring it loose on the plane. Some taxis have boosters but you can't count on it.

 

[lil mermaid]

Under Florida law, your two year old will need to be in a carseat.

 

[jtslykin]

What about in all the disney transportation like the buses?

 

[smidgen21]

are you flying? IMHO kids should fly in their carseat/booster seat just like they ride in the car. Then it would be with you to use in the taxi. maybe you could put it in the coat check/baggage area while you are eating? make sure to put your name etc on the underside....

 

[missboogirl]

I would bring a little booster seat along. Its much safer...

 

[tjmw2727]

Florida law requires children 3 and under to use a carseat. Buses are exempt as are other forms of public transit but taxi's and towncars are not exempt in Florida.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=CH0316/SEC613.HTM&Title=->2001->CH0316->Section%20613

You can make arrangements in advance for a taxi with a carseat or a towncar to pick you up and bring you to the Polynesian.

TJ

 

[all4fun]

So long as we stay on Disney property? We're staying at POFQ, and have a very early Ohana reservation. I don't know if it's even possible to make it that early with Disney transportation and to rent a van for the 5 of us, is going to cost $400. It's just not worth it for one trip, KWIM? I'm a complete safety nut, so it makes me a little crazy to even consider this, but I'm not sure what else to do. The reservation agent said as long as we're on Disney property, we don't have to have a carseat in a taxi. Can anyone verify this? TIA!

Under Florida law, your two year old will need to be in a carseat.

Correct, Disney property is still part of Florida and is still covered under Florida law. I don't know what that Reservation agent was thinking, but the only way that is true, is if you're using the Disney bus system to get around.

How early is your ressie? The buses start running at 7am according to this page here.

hth

 

[aanderson5]

I don't about Florida law but here a child needs to be 40 lbs to be in a booster. I'm not sure how big your child is but I know my 3 year old (32lbs) is still a long way from being in a booster.

I would take your car seat from home (good for the plane anyway) or look into renting one in Florida. I'm sure renting a seat will be cheaper than renting a car.

 

[Alesia]

Buses start running at 6:30. You will be able to make it to breakfast on time.

 

[tartemis]

Last year when my daughter was 5 months old, we took a taxi for a dinner reservation without a car seat because we were on disney property -- we went from the GF to BC. Somebody told me that you didn't need a carseat in a taxi, but it looks like they were wrong. I will admit, that the whole thing made me VERY nervous and on the way back we walked all of the way through Epcot to catch the monorail back instead of taking a Taxi again.

That being said, I would not take a carseat just for one trip. Figure out a way to use the bus system instead.

 

[tanyaandallie]

Regardless of the laws of FL (which thankfully in this case actually require your child use a safety seat) you are never exempt from the laws of physics. Your 2 year old needs to be in a car seat in a taxi. A tax is no different than the vehicle you drive at home. If you would not allow your child to ride in a seat belt at home, why do it while on vacation? Being on vacation in WDW does not make it any safer. Disney is located in the midst of a bunch of very busy roads with high speed limits. Accidents do occur at Disney just like they do everywhere else. Is it worth the risk? If you are in a crash your child is at risk of serious injury or death when riding in a seat belt only.

At not even 3 years old, if you plan on using a taxi, you need to bring his car seat from home. A booster seat is NOT appropriate for a 2 year old. If you don't want to bring his seat from home, you could consider investing in the Ride Safer Travel Vest, assuming that he meets the height and weight requirements.

The buses do begin running early for early am reservations. I'd take the bus.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

Took a taxi from ASSp to Midevil times with DD3 and DS5, neither were restrained beyond a seatbelt. The taxi driver never said a word (not that they would thinking the may loose a fare). We are such horrible parents apparently!

 

[stephen11]

We took a taxi van from BWV to the Contemperary Resort in December - they (Mears van) provided a car seat for our 19-month old granddaughter. Just make your request at your resort...

 

[raysnkaysmom]

Wow...I never would have even thought someone would have suggested no carseat in a taxi......
I know they don't in buses... but if you really dont want to carry a carseat, look into renting one if you need to use a taxi.....

 

[ilandrazdsw]

Wow...I never would have even thought someone would have suggested no carseat in a taxi......
I know they don't in buses... but if you really dont want to carry a carseat, look into renting one if you need to use a taxi.....

Maybe it is something WDW should look into...renting carseats at the front desk just for taxi rides. You could turn it in at the next resort, or if you are going off property return it when you get back (the down side would be having to carry it with you when you leave the taxi...but if it is a resturant or show the facility should have a place to store it).