Flying to WDW with two yr old TRIPLETS... question about carseats & getting around

[jphillips_3]

We are flying to WDW with our two year old triplets in October. This is the first we are attempting anthing like this (the 26+ hour drive didn't sound like fun either - LOL). Grandma is going with to help. The seat reserved are two together, three rows... so one adult with one child.

My question is two fold....
First once we are to Florida, what is the best and CHEAPEST way to get to the resort (hope to stay at ASM). We would rather NOT rent a "van" for the week due to expense. I heard that there are grey hound type buses and the pass is $28 round trip per adult and the kids would be free. If true and that is the best option... we would NOT need car seats once in FL.

THus, my second question... is it okay and safe for two year olds to be on the plain without a carseat. Airlines say that they do not "require" it. If the plane is crashing, a car seat will not help at that point - lol. But, turbulence and/or rough landing are something to think about. I would really rather NOT hassle with the carseats since we won't need them in FL and we do have a plane transfer down and back. BUT, I want my kiddos to be safe.

HELP!!! Any advice???

THanks in advance!
Julie P.

Oh, one more question.... we have a BIG triplets stroller (two side by side and one in front of that). Will we have problems checking it at the gate (it has to be taken apart in two pieces both which are large)? Also, fitting into the resort room (same width at wheel chairs, but I have had a TIGHT squeze so many places)? And will we be able to take the stroller on the busses via the wheel chair lifts (leaving kids in)... this was suggested to us???


THanks!

 

[mom2grace]

Just my opinion, but I vote for safety. The Mears shuttles are like huge Prevost buses with no seat belts and you would potentially make several stops at other resorts before arriving at ASM. This could take a LONG time, and if you didn't take the car seats on the plane, the kiddos would be "loose" on the bus (literally and figuratively!). I would take the car seats on the plane and then either rent a vehicle large enough or use Happy Limo or Tiffany towncar.

Our daughter is only 14 months old but has flown 3 times already (Twice to Grandma & Grandpa's and once to Disney Magic cruise) and we always buy a seat on the plane for her and take her car seat. We don't have extra $$, I am a stay-at-home mom, but I won't take the risk of her getting injured when I can do something to prevent or lessen the severity of the injury.

Good luck in your decision!

Susan

 

[jel0511]

I'd bring the car seats and do what mom2grace suggested, get a towncar to pick you up at the airport. They only charge $80 roundtrip, not much more than the Mears shuttle and would be MUCH safer than taking the bus. Also, they do have handicapped busses at WDW, but they will only use the handicapped for someone in a wheelchair. You will have to fold up the stroller and carry it on the bus. For that inconvience, it might be worth it to rent a car and drive to the parks. I don't know about gate checking your stroller, I'd call your airline and check.

 

[Kermit]

I also think you'll be much happier taking the car seats and getting a limo or something like that to take you to your hotel and then back to the airport. Not only is the carseat much safer on the plane, but it's something normal in the midst of a bunch of strange experiences. The kids will be much more comfortable in their carseats, and that may just prevent a meltdown.

You'll also enjoy going directly to your hotel in a car that's there to pick you up. There could be a little wait for Mears if one just left, and you may have to stop at numerous other hotels before you get to your own. There are lots of interesting things to see out the window as soon as you get inside WDW, and I'm sure the kids will be anxious to get out.

 

[dougsmom98]

Hi. We are going to Disney World the end of December. Our twins will have just turned two and we have a 3 year old. We will be taking all three car seats on the plane. We will also check our double stroller at the gate and an umbrella for the 3 year old. We flew with our now three year old when he was a little over one year old. We were so glad that we had taken his car seat on the plane. If your triplets are anything like all of my kids, they do not sit still. My kids know that they have to stay put in their car seats and to me that is worth the extra effort of bringing them with us on the plane. I can't imagine how squirmy they would be if they just had the lap belt on the airplane seat. From what I understand, you will have to take the kids out of their strollers on Disney transportation. From the way you described taking the stroller apart, you may want to consider getting a different stroller. I know you don't want to hear that. Maybe you could find a used double and a single which may be cheaper than renting them at Dinsey for $6/day. I also know you don't want to rent a car, but that is another option and then you could drive to and from the parks and to the resort from the airport. I got a great deal on a minivan,$280 including fees, using the ENTERTAIN code for the last week in December and that is the busiest week of the year. I know people have gotten even better deals than that for slower times of the year using different codes. Good luck with everything. I am sure you are just as nervous and overwhelmed thinking about the stuff you have to pack with three small kids as I am.
Amy

 

[peg2001]

For safety reasons, your 2-year-olds will be much better off in their carseats on the plane. This will also help them to understand that they must sit still as they will be sitting comfortably in something familiar. I took my DD "loose" on a plane for a short flight and swore never again!

Once you get to Orlando, use a towncar service with a van to get to your resort. I understand about not wanting to rent a van. It is so nice not to have to worry about driving the whole time you are there. Since grandma will be traveling with you (for a total of 6 people), you will need to use a van to transport all of you to the resort.

If you decide that you will risk not using carseats on the plane, the towncar service can provide carseats for the trip to the resort, just let them know ahead of time and emphasize that you need toddler carseats, not infant seats and not booster seats. There's been some confusion for some people.

As for the stroller, you COULD gatecheck it. You might be better off with 3 umbrella strollers for getting on and off the WDW buses, since you will have 3 adults. Big strollers are a pain.

Good luck! Traveling with toddlers is an adventure. I can only imagine handling 3 of them!

Peg

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

I agree with the others about using carseats on the plane. It is just too scary to me to imagine trying to protect my child in the case of bad turbulence etc. We use a backpack carrier for our carseat - perhaps you could look into that option for your carseats as well since you do have multiple adults in your group to carry them.

I too would either use the towncar option (much better schedule, most will stop for a quick grocery stop, safer for occupants) or rent a car. I reserved a minivan through National for January for only $199 for the week taxes and fees included. It was well worth it to us to have the freedom to come and go as we pleased and not have to schlep our stroller on and off the busses and monorails.

I also agree with those who recommended looking into a different stroller setup. I am sure your triplet stroller was very expensive and is very nice but the logistics of getting it around in WDW would seem daunting to me to say the least. I would think 3 relatively inexpensive umbrella strollers (the kind with canopies and basket - not the bare bones kind necessarily) would be a much better choice. That way one adult could take one child back to the resort or to the bathroom etc. without having to go without a stroller. It would also be sooooo much easier getting on and off the buses and monorails and getting in and out of your transportation to/from the airport. Not a necessity but something to think about.

Have a Disney day!!

 

[ducklite]

Take the car seats on the plane. You'd never be able to hold on to those babies in turbulence. Bad turbulence could mean broken bones. Plus it seems to me that kids in car seats on planes are generally happier, many of them doze off. Lap babies are squirmy and miserable.

I would suggest using Tiffany or Yourride and having them bring a van. That way you can strap the kids into their car seats for the trip. Plus they'll make a grocery stop so you do'nt need to lug all the diapers and baby stuff, you can buy it there.

Also, the triplets stroller is a nightmare! There is no way you are going to safely navigate that through crowds without hitting someone or causing yourself soooo much stress. I agree with the other posters, if there are going to be three adults along, get three inexpensive umbrella strollers to take along.

Anne

 

[SueM in MN]

We travel with our DD in her wheelchair and I would not want to navigate the parks with anything that is much bigger than that. It is hard to get thru crowds and stores and restaurants are even worse.

I also wouldn't take anything that needs to be taken apart to get on the bus or plane. There's not enough space to do that and there is a pretty good chance of losing a piece.

And will we be able to take the stroller on the busses via the wheel chair lifts (leaving kids in)... this was suggested to us???

I agree with the other person who said no. It takes extra time to put the lift down, so they can't take the extra time except for wheelchairs. It also sounds like your stroller would be too long and possibly too wide for the wheelchair lift. Also, because of safety reasons, your children won't be able to ride in the stroller on the bus (besides there being no floor space to put it). When they need to make room for a wheelchair, they fold up a seat. Otherwise there is just the aisle space; not enough for such a big stroller.

 

[Rabittsz]

jphillips_3
Both Tiffany and Happy limo charge extra for Vans(10 to $15.00 )
And Happy Limo charges for car seats.. We don't Plus there is a $5.00 off coupon on our web site..
We are one of the Transportation sponsors
http://www.Yourride.net

 

[skeezixspud]

The only triplet stroller I can think of that is even slightly suitable for use on busses is the J. Mason folding triple, which is a bit bigger than a full set of golf clubs when folded. 35 lbs. Awkward, but not impossible. (Do you have the Inglesina Trio? That is the only one I can think of with the configuration you describe. If so, DON'T attempt to travel by air with it. Serious hassle requiring boxes and possibly oversize luggage charges. Gate-checking is out for that one.)

Personally, I will never fly with an unrestrained baby again as long as I live, let alone 3 of them. They will be much better behaved in carseats, believe me. Invest in a carseat satchel for transporting the seats through the airport; you can nest 3 of them inside it. Insist on pre-boarding the seats if you use them; just wrestling them onboard will be difficult, as they don't fit down the aisle in coach; you have to carry them overhead. Getting them installed will seriously hold up boarding the plane if you don't have a head start on it. Ask for a golf cart if you have to change planes; you'll probably need it. Oh, leave extra time for security; carseats usually must be hand-inspected, as they don't fit through the xray machines too well. I would suggest putting your IDs on lanyards around your necks, you'll have to get them out several times, and it is a pain with a little one in tow.

Don't forget that when you arrive, you will have the stroller & carseats to contend with on your transport as well. Get a limo service transport and forget about Mears. (Also, Mears goes to several hotels all over the place, you could spend 2 hours on that bus each way.)

Check secondhand stores for a couple of suitable strollers, or get reclining umbrellas. (You should be able to get 3 of those for about $90 new; harder to find on the used market.) A single and double Kolcraft umbrella might be good choices; again, about $90-100.

Good luck, and have a great time. The characters will be all over you, I'll bet.

 

[Jenn]

Yourride offers transportation in a van to/from airport for around $80 I think - that's round trip for your whole group. You can't beat that.

I agree on the stroller and the car seats. Bring the car seats - then you will have them for the van also.

For the stroller - I would probably go with 3 umbrella style ones - you can each push one. They also make these connector clip things you can use to connect two strollers together - you could get two sets and connect all three together if there is a time when only one of you is with the three kids.

 

[jiggerj]

Just me 2 cents. We took my then son at 1 year and then again at 2 years without his car seat on the plane. At one he was fine. Slept on his sisters lap the entire flight. At 2 it was a totally different story. No sleep and was really wild. This trip I will absolutely, definately and I am oh so much more than positive that we are taking the car seat !!! I know it was tough with just one and cant imagine it times 3 ! If I have to lug that car seat through the terminal I most certainly will ! We had very smooth flights but the previous posters are I believe correct. It would be very hard to protect your little ones in turbulance. Another vote for the carseats !!

 

[Coldpony]

I have twin daughters and a son that is only a year older than the twins. Our first trip was when the twins had just turned 1 and my son was 2. Our second trip was just a few weeks ago and the twins had just turned four and my son is 5.

Not to belittle what others have said about safety, but if your in enough turbulence to get broken bones from a seat belt, the car seat won't do much better!

I vote for no car seats. I am sure I will get blasted for this but can you imagine lugging three carseats and a stoller or two or three around the airport while trying to keep all three kids in line and carrying your carry on luggage?!?!?! YIKES!!!

Give Rabbit a call from Your Ride and tell him you need three car seats. I bet he will be available to set you up in his van and it only cost $80 ($75 with coupon from his website). And he will help you get your luggage and everybody loaded up, a 1/2 grocery stop, and help you unload and get a bellhop to help you with check in.

I might not be the best person to give advice on strollers as we have had nothing but bad luck on flights with ours. Our first trip our double stroller was gate checked and broken during the flight. On the second trip we again gate checked the double thinking it can't happen twice...and they lost it for a week!!! I still don't understand how they did that. Plus when it showed up on our door step the next week, the rubber on one wheel was rubbed half way off in one spot so now it has a wobble, and to boot it was FILTHY!

So I suggest do some garage saleing and find a few strollers that can get banged up and leave your fancy one at home!

 

[Gillian]

I'm not sure about the three umbrella strollers. A double & a single sounds better. That way 1 of you can hold a child & a stroller, grandma can hold 2 children & dad can get the double stroller & diaper bag(s). I'd suggest back pack diaper bags or somthing with a shoulder strap to leave your hands free when you board the busses. 3 strollers and 3 children at the end of the day doesn't sound good!

I suppose you are used to getting around with 3 children, so it doesn't seem so challenging to you . In any case, good luck & enjoy your trip!

 

[K P & J's Grandma]

I have to agree with 'Coldpony' about the car seats. We have never taken the car seats on the plane for our grandchildren - the first time they flew they were 2 years old. They did fine in the 'big' seat - the food tray worked great for toys & coloring. You said that you have a change of planes, that would be a hassle trying to struggle with the car seats, strollers (if you gate checked them) plus the kids!! If you decide to use the car seats on the plane, make sure that they are approved by the airlines!! I would also get in touch with 'yourride' - we used them in February & Rabbitt was 'great' with the kids. He had car seats available for us 'free'!! The grocery stop was perfect - if the kids aren't potty trained yet - you can buy the diapers at the store instead of tying to bring enough along with you!! As for the stroller - I agree with the others - leave the big one at home! Look for cheaper umbrella ones!! Last time we went our son had a double stroller - front to back. It was a pain trying to get it down the aisles of the bus!! It is great that 'mom' is coming along to help!! Once you get there - you will have a great time. Yes. the characters will love your little ones - but if they are affraid of them - don't push them to see them - it is 'their' vacation also. You will like the All Star - grounds are nicely kept up, food court has a nice selection & we never had any trouble with the bus transportation. Have a great trip - take your time - enjoy seeing Disney through the eyes of your children!!!!!!

 

[skeezixspud]

The FAA recommendation on going without a car seat is 40 lbs.
If the child weighs less than that, the FAA recommends using a carseat.

http://www.faa.gov/apa/turb/CRSTips/FRCRS.htm

When most people think of turbulence, they think of the plane dropping, and indeed, that is how lap-babies most often die. (They slam upward and hit the overhead bins head-first. A skull fracture is not just an ordinary broken bone.) A lap belt will keep you from flying straight up, provided you don't slip through it, so in that respect it is adequate.

If you pay attention to the safety belts used by the flight crew, you will notice that they all include some form of shoulder harness. One of the reasons for this is because not all turbulence causes only vertical motion. I have been on several flights where the motion was side-to-side, which a lap belt will not help much with; you will still whack your head on the wall or the passenger next to you. I got a concussion that way once, in the bad old days when airlines didn't want to talk about turbulence. A child under 30 lbs is small enough to end up flopping around like a rag doll under those conditions, because the aircraft seat is large for them, and they cannot brace themselves properly against the floor and seatback.

Now, am I saying that it is negligent NOT to use a carseat with a child under 40 lbs.? No, I'm not going to say that; but I do think it is negligent to dismiss the importance of the carseat altogether.
There are risks that should be weighed against the inconvenience of transporting and installing it, and there are other factors to consider as well.

Only a parent knows his/her children well enough to decide how rambunctious they are likely to be on an aircraft. In my case, one flight without the seat (in Europe where they are not normally used on planes) was more than enough to convince me never to skip it again until DS hit the magic 40# mark, which happened about 6 months ago. He is 5 now, a seasoned traveller who can sit still in the seat for extended periods without too much angst. When he was 2? Nightmare. Remember that a small child can maneuver around the seats in a way an adult cannot; if he gets underneath, you will not be able to extract him easily. It is also difficult to pull a child back down into the seat if he stands in it, because you have to do it from the side. If you are made at all edgy by air travel, I would suggest thinking seriously about using the carseat, or your temper will likely be in shreds by the time you land.

There are ways to minimize the inconvenience of transporting and installing the seats, and IMO, doing that makes the 2 sides of the argument just about equal in terms of aggravation quotient.