Help! This is my first time flying!

[Robinbare]

I need all the pointers I can get? We originally had planned to drive....And I new exactly where I was putting everything in the van...LOL Well now I really have to change gears! I just wonder how I should pack and how much we can take on the plane?? Also how do I get our souvenirs back??? Help!!

 

[LucyStorm]

You could have your souvenirs shipped straight home from Disney, that would help. I am a light packer, bring the basics, and do laundry. You can have 1 personal item and 1 carry on on the plane, and depending on your airline, 2 bags in baggage. Get to the airport early to acclimate yourself, and so you don't feel rushed. I usually go 2 hours ahead of time, get through security and then relax with a good book or something. If you go to your airline's website, it will have a lot of good information about what you can bring and what you can't. If you go over to the Disney Tips section of this board, you can most likely find a packing list.

The best tip I can give you is to just relax and have a good time.

 

[LucyStorm]

OH! And Robin! Get yourself some of the large ziplock bags, put your clothes in them and then squish the air out and seal them. Makes for a lot more room in your suitcase!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We bring two large and two small suitcases for our family of four. We do laundry while we are there. We also pack an empty medium sized duffle bag for souveniers.

Have a great trip!

 

[MamaQuack]

We travel with carry-ons just so we don't have to wait in the mob scene at MCO trying to get our bags. I do ship a box with clothes and a duffle to the resort. Dirty clothes and souvenirs go in the duffle and we are all set. If I purchase something big or highly breakable I'll have Disney ship it direct.

Relax! Have fun!

MamaQuack

 

[safetymom]

I find MCO to be one of the quicker places to get my luggage.

Just be aware of your size and weight limitations of your luggage with the airline you are flying.

 

[wld]

Carry on what you can't do without. For us we carry on our medication and our cameras. We also pack light and do laundry one day which isn't too bad especially at the moderates where the laundry is right by the pool. We pack snacks and that spot goes to souvenirs. Usually works since we aren't big buyers. Anything breakable i buy I carry on. Instead of a purse, use a back pack. I place a really small string type purse inside my backpack for when I am at the parks. Dress in layers. If you fly in winter it can get warm on the plane. If you have a big suitcase make sure it doesn't weigh too much. I always pack my shoes in my smaller suitcase and wear my heaviest shoes.

 

[suzifli]

I always make sure I drink plenty of water on the plane, I bring my own bottle and order water every time the flight attendants offer. I tend to get very dehydrated on the plane. I Wash my hands thorougly on and when I get off, that many people in such a confined space easily leads to colds. As for packing I always carry my largest purse on the plane and put the can't live without stuff, snacks and a good book or magazine. This trip I am going to bring my laptop and my son can put some of what I may have put in my purse in his back pack. Your airline's website will have any baggage size and quanitity restrictions. I chew gum at take off and landing, it does help with the ear pressure. I also bring a sweatshirt I can fold up for a pillow, lots of times I have found that there are not enough pillows to go around.

Most important of all is to relax and enjoy the experience.

 

[JC Butterfly]

How long is your trip and how many people are you packing for?

If you tend to purchase a lot of t-shirts or similar items you might be able to pack, let's say 2 t-shirts for a 4 day trip and assume that you will buy two shirts when you get there. Saves space in the luggage.

Since most airlines will allow you two checked bags if you are able to fit everything you want in one checked bag you can take a completely empty suitcase/duffle with you and fill it with souvies on your way home.

If you do choose to ship your items home from Disney there are a couple of benefits: 1 you do not pay sales tax. So if you save up all your shopping to do at the world of disney downtown for example, it may actually end up being CHEAPER to mail it home. for around $300 worth of shipping it's like $15 to ship and you save at least that in taxes.

2) If anything breaks on its way to you that Disney has shipped, they will replace that item free of charge and free of additional shipping costs.

 

[Robinbare]

We are traveling from N.C. The flight will be about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Its myself, DH, DD11, DS7.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I have flown from NC to Orlando many times. You barely get settled in your seat before it is time to land. *L* I would be sure to have a bottle of water with you as the attendents may only get around once.

Do any of your family members have ear problems? DD23 does and that short flight really hurts hers. There is so much pressure change in the take off and landing and not much time in the air to adjust. We have found 2 lifesavers. She takes Sudafed non drying non drousy about an hour before take off. Also, they sell a product called Earplanes which relieves the pressure. They come in kids' and adults' sizes. We have found them at the drug store.

Be sure to look out the window as you are flying. Heading south, they usually fly right along the coast over GA and Jacksonville, FL before turning inland. The marshes, beaches, and ocean are so beautiful. Right after take off on the way home, you can usually see the Epcot sphere in the distance.

Have fun!