First timer

[SewingMom]

Hi everyone -
Hubby is staying home because of work and two of ours kids' school/work schedules and I'm taking 3 of our kids by myself to Disneyworld next week and I have no idea where to even start with my questions, I have so many! I have never been to Disneyworld and although I have 5 kids (ages 20 on down) I have never flown with them when they were so little. So this trip will be a first time for everything.

I'll be traveling with my kids who are: 16 year old, a 2 year old, an 8 month old and I'm pregnant.

What do I want to be sure we do? What should we skip? We are staying at All Star Movies hotel for part of the trip and then at Pop Century for the last part. Is there anywhere to eat that's reasonably priced or should I plan on driving to fast food? (I will have a rental car)

This trip is mainly to go to Florida to see my parents but I snuck a little time in there for Disney so I am trying to keep the Disney stuff from getting too expensive.

Any tips about traveling with my little guys on the plane?
Thanks in advance for any help! I've been reading and reading on here and there is so much good information!!
Laura

 

[Tiffany_MommyOf3]

Yay for a first trip! I have no idea on the plane LOL - I have yet to take mine on a plane. We live in FL so its just a short drive for us.

Disney restaurants can get pricey. Luckily, there is a link on this site to pricing. http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm

I find that counter service places aren't too bad and since your 2 yr old eats free, you may even do fine eating at a character dining once - they truely are magical. Breakfast character buffets are cheaper than lunch or dinner. Not to mention I think have the best foods LOL - Mickey waffles are to die for.

There is a McDonalds right outside of the value resorts area. There is also a McDonalds at Downtown Disney. And I haven't been to Animal Kingdom in a while but they had a McDonalds there - but it was called something different.

 

[squirrel]

There are some places CS that have large portions that you could share with your daughter. Cosmic Ray's (MK), Sunshine Seasons (EPCOT) and Flame Tree (AK) all have a 1/2 rotisserie chicken meal that could feed two that are around $12.

The value resorts do not have refridgerators. The resorts have food courts. At Pop, I know there is a good selection of different food. If possible pack some snack foods to keep your costs down. Also makes room for your purchases.

I would bring your own stroller(s) the rental prices are very high. The strollers Disney has won't be comfortable for your ages.

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

Well, since you're pregnant, most of what I would suggest to do is out of the question. (I LOVE Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller Coaster, Mission Space, Soarin, Expedition Everest...you know, the BIG thrill rides) But, since you have little ones with you, I would suggest doing everything at MK. Almost every ride there is for "children" of all sizes...big and small! (And safe for mom's to be) And make sure to go to Mickey's Toon Town Fair at MK...it's really cute for the kids...they get to walk through Mickey's house and Minnie's house. You may want to take the time to do meet and greets with the characters. You'll get lots of great photo oportunities and have the kids get autograph books for them to sign. (You can get those at Wal Mart or Walgreens for much cheaper than in the parks)

If your 16 yo likes the big rides, have him/her get a fast pass to the bigger attractions that he/she wants to ride unless they offer a single rider line. If they offer a single rider line, he/she can usually be on and off in 10-15 minutes. That way you and the other kids aren't waiting for him/her to ride lines with huge wait times.

As far as the airplane portion of the trip...my kids always fell asleep at take off and woke up at landing when they were those ages, so I have no advice offer (sorry!) But if you have any questions about car seats...take them with you and check them in as baggage so you don't have to rent any car seats from the rental car company...they can get costly.

You're lucky you have the 16 yo to help you with the younger ones!

If you think of any specific questions, feel free to PM me or post it on here, there are lots of people on the DIS boards ready and willing to answer questions!

 

[d1sneyf4n]

Congrats on your vacation to Disney World and as far as the plane goes I would just make sure you have a bottle or pacifier for your real little one and a sippy cup for your other little one. I would also make sure you have things for ur little ones to do. I know your littlest one can not really play with all that much but maybe a favorite stuffed animal or those books that crinkle when played with. I would bring some crayons and paper as well. We brought my daughter on a plane when she was 9 months and she did great. We had her bottle and she was good to go. We have also brought my son on a plane when he was 11 months and again in Dec and he is 2 now. He does very well on the plane. He likes to look out the window and play with the shade that is on the window. He finds the tray attached to the seat in front of you facinating. We brought a book bag for him that had a few books, some of his cars, crayons and a notebook. We also had is "puppy" that goes every where with him. On the way down to Fl is fell asleep for about 3/4 of the flight......very early morning flight........and all the way home he was up the whole time and was wonderful. I hop you all enjoy your vacation and I would make sure to get on the Peter Pan ride in Magic Kingdom.........its my favorite.

 

[SewingMom]

Thanks for the replies! I really appreciate the advice I can't believe I've waited this long before going to Disneyworld! Less than a week to go now.....!!

 

[cglaura]

Another money saver: you can get free cups of ice water at the counter service restaurants, so that would save you $1.50 / $2.00 per drink. When ordering, just be sure to ask for a cup of ice water, not just a water.

I'm not sure of yours & your teen child's appetite, but the counter service meals were usually enough for us to share. Sometimes when finished we were still hungry, so I'd just go get another meal, might be a bit more time, but better than buying first and tossing left overs.

Tip for your toddler & ice cream. Bring along some soda lids from home, the kind you get from McD's, etc. If you insert the ice cream stick int the center "X" on the lid, it will catch any drips....so I guess that would be a save money on laundry tip

 

[Luckymomoftwo]

Tip for your toddler & ice cream. Bring along some soda lids from home, the kind you get from McD's, etc. If you insert the ice cream stick int the center "X" on the lid, it will catch any drips....so I guess that would be a save money on laundry tip

That's a good tip for home, too! I'll have to try that this Summer when the ice cream man visits the neighborhood!

 

[Perditamarie]

Here are some ideas for flying:

* pack an empty sippy cup and buy juice after you go through security.

* pack a lot of familiar snacks, especially if you will be flying during a meal.

* be familiar w/flight requirements for bringing liquids for infants -- I found it
very easy to bring single serving size formula and buy water after security
to mix bottle.

* have infant Tylenol handy in case of any ear issues and kids w/stuffy heads may have issues when flying, so call your ped for tips if that applies.

* If you have a lot of gear to get through the airport, it may be easier to load it into the stroller (especially car seats) and use it as a trolley until you get to the gate.

* just an fyi, you have to fold the stroller and put it on the security x-ray belt.

* have your tots wear shoes that slip off and wear socks as they will have to go through security w/o shoes.

* check w/your airllines about checking the carseats w/luggage -- that may count against your baggage allowance and cause a fee. Perhaps they will let you gate check them at no cost if you won't be using them on the plane....something to check out. If you are using the car seats on the plane, make sure they are labelled as FAA approved.

* if you use a sling for your baby, it will be super helpful in the airport and lines at the parks...strollers aren't allowed in the lines!

Have a great trip!

 

[Perditamarie]

Oh, yeah, wanted to add that since you have a car, you can stock up on some breakfast supplies so you can eat in your room in the am and save time and money. Bring your own water to the parks!!

Also, I have found it invaluable to bring a stocked cooler bag w/juice, bottle fixins', and snacks...this will save your life in lines or shows! You could even pack a picnic lunch and store it in your stroller, car or locker. The Unofficial Guide has a great tip -- get a styrofoam cooler and load w/ice from your resort to store your perishable groceries.

Time diaper changes to occur before lines or shows!

Some shows/attractions can be VERY loud, so plan accordingly!