getting off the ship???

[JanPrincess]

Hello everyone!!!

We will be taking our first DC on may 04, but we need to flight back to Puerto Rico. Does anyone could advice me about the real time that you get off the ship? We don't wan't to have problems loosing our flight if I schedule it too early, but we neither want to spend a hole day waiting at the airport for a late flight.

Also, I'll be taking my 3years baby girl, this is her first travel so I'm worried about the "ear problems" because of change in height in the airplane. The adults may be able to manage it by chewing a gum, but what can I do with her???

Thanks in advance for all your experienced help!!!!

 

[kcashner]

Realistically, you'll be off the ship by 9...possibly earlier. It takes about an hour to get to the airport. We've had times when the ship was disembarking at 8:15, but other times it was 9 before they started.

 

[dianthus]

They sell these things called "Ear Planes" for children's ears on planes. They look kind of like ear plugs, are clear plastic & really seem to work. They apparently relieve the pressure felt in the ears. A friend of mine swears by them for her young kids when they fly.

You can buy them in CVS, or any chain drug store.

 

[inkkognito]

If you have something for her to suck on, that will help a lot too. I always bring bottled water on board the plane with me, as sucking the bottle helps a lot. I know it sounds strange, but it works for me.
Be sure to allow a "time cushion" for disembarkation. Although it usually goes smoothly, there can be delays for things like medical emergencies etc. that cause the ship to dock late. We ended up being very late once because someone took our luggage by mistake, and Disney wouldn't do the paperwork until literally everyone else had disembarked. I guess they wanted to see if it would turn up.
In 35 cruises, we've only had two significant disembarkation delays (the other one was related to post 9/11 security measures), so the odds are with you.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[dzneprincess]

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[Alex]

I'll second Barb.. most of the time you can get off by 9 easily BUT delays have happend so don't cut it close.

 

[disneyholic family]

all your daughter needs is something to suck.....
if she still uses a pacifier, that works too....
if she still uses a baby bottle, that's the best...
but sucking on anything does the trick...
also make sure you have children's decongestant in case she has a cold..

i unfortunately had to fly with my kids quite often when they were babies and toddlers........i always gave them children's cold medicine before flying when they were little.....it helped them make it through the landings....

 

[awatt]

Stewardess gave me this trick. Put warm wet paper towels in two plastic or styrofoam cups,and cover your ears with the cups. This has helped me numerous times.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by disneyholic family
all your daughter needs is something to suck.....
if she still uses a pacifier, that works too....

 

[wdwmom2]

JanPrincess

Welcome to the boards. I can't help you with the time you will disembark, but as far as helping your children with the change in air pressure, the advise of giving your child something to suck is about the best advise you could get. I am a pediatrician's assistant and around the holidays we get alot of visits from parents that want their childs ears checked before they fly. It is very uncomfortable for a child with an ear infection or fluid behind their eardrums to have that kind of change in air pressure. If your child has any cold symtoms you may want to speak with your child's doc before leaving. I myself would give my child an antihistamine before the flight if she had signs of a cold. But contact your doc to see what he or she recommends.

 

[lstokes]

I have flown with my DD and Dnephew ages 4 and 5.
I gave them both a childs decongestant prior to boarding and also made sure had water bottle-sealed-on board.
This works great-no complaints from either one. Remind them to swallow and yawn occasionally also. If I felt the pressure , I just yawned or swallowed, they would imitate me and no troubles!!!
I myself take some Sudafed everytime I fly and Always drink water.

 

[mike2beach]

We have also used the "ear planes" when flying. They work great.

 

[Nesnboy]

Originally posted by awatt
Stewardess gave me this trick. Put warm wet paper towels in two plastic or styrofoam cups,and cover your ears with the cups. This has helped me numerous times.

I would love to see a picture of that! lol

 

[justcruisin]

Having your daughter blow her nose can also relieve the ear pressure. Though I was very worried about the pressure, it has never been a problem for DS, now 4. Your daughter may not have a problem.

Also, they do NOT sell gum at the Orlando airport. When I inquired in the gift shop the saleswoman politely said people are pigs and just spit it out wherever they are! (gross). I don't know if they sell it on the ship, so recommend you bring extra with you from home.

 

[erikthewise]

If you choose the early seating for dinner (6:00PM), your sit-down breakfast will be scheduled for something like 6:45AM. We were off the ship AND had luggage in hand by 8:00AM. Depending on your flight time you may want to do this or avoid it. If you want to stay on the ship until 9:00AM, go to the buffet breakfast (or choose late seating for dinner).

 

[babz1]

We had our breakfast at8am we were in our car driving out of the parking area by 8:45, very smooth