Huge trip booked, looking for any helpful suggestions

[kltbump10]

Hello all! I have been a lurker here on the Dis for many years. I never participated because it saddened me so much thinking I might never make it back to the World again. When I was married, we went to the World every other year. But since my divorce, being a single mom to 2 beautiful girls on a very fixed income made my chances for ever seeing WDW again very slim. But DD17 will be graduating from high school this year and DD4 will be starting school next year. So i decided to bite the bullet and spend my tax return on a trip to WDW!! We will be staying 8 nights at All Star Sports (DD17 chose it) from Aug 16-Aug 24 in 2014 with the deluxe dining plan. It will also be a birthday trip for DD17. I want to make this trip as special as possible for them, they have been through SO much in their short lives.

I am extremely nervous about this trip. When I was married my husband handled everything from driving to Florida to checking in at the hotels. This will be our first trip ever where I handle everything. It is incredibly exciting but also terribly daunting. It will also be our first time flying, heck I've never even been inside an airport lol! I am looking for any tips or suggestions about ANY part of this trip.

I have planned quite a few character meals for DD4 because she never meets a stranger so I think she'll love them, and she loves tons of characters. DD4 favorite characters are any princesses and the monsters inc crew, as well as Sofia and Jake. DD17 wants to eat at a few places she recalls going to when she was younger like CRT, and she is dying to try Be Our Guest. DD17 is a cheerleader and loves anything athletic, which is why she chose ASSp.

Thank you so much in advance for your help!!!

 

[2a4c]

Hi there,

I don't really have any tips to share but I just wanted to say what a wonderful thing you are doing for your kids. When I was a divorcee I took my two young kids then dd4 and ds6, flying just the 3 of us from Australia. We had the most wonderful time, and I learnt that not only could I do it , but that people at wdw are the most magical and caring. So many times people were only to willing to share a seat on a crowded bus or take a photo of the three of us together or share a kind word. You can do it too! Have faith in yourself in the knowledge that this will be such a special thing you are doing and one your kids will never ever forget.

 

[Pooh2]

Sounds like a wonderful adventure that you have planned for your girls! Have a fantastic time!

 

[amie416]

One thing I never forget to bring to the airport with me is an empty reusable water bottle. I'm always thirsty on the plane, but the flight attendants only give you small cups of water and service is pretty infrequent. You can't carry liquids through the security check point and I hate paying airport prices for a bottle of water, so I put an empty water bottle in my carry-on bag and fill it at a water fountain after I get through security.

Another tip is to wear clothing that makes the security checkpoint a breeze. They ask you to take off your belt, anything metal (jewelry), jacket/sweater, your shoes, etc. So I try to wear an outfit without a belt (a simple jersey dress, slacks with no metal buttons, or yoga pants) and shoes that slip on and off easily. If you're squicky about bare feet on the airport floor, make sure you are wearing socks, or if you're wearing sandals bring a pair of ankle socks to slip on when you take your sandals off. Save time by doing this while you're waiting in line. To make the process as easy as possible, I make sure my jacket is packed in my carry-on and I don't wear jewelry except for my wedding band, which I keep in my change purse until I get through security.

There are also some great airport travel tips in these articles:

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/44774883/ns/travel-travel_tips/t/ways-get-through-airport-faster/#.UgOI1G2oT6I

http://travel.usatoday.com/deals/inside/story/2011-11-24/10-tips-to-sail-through-airport-security/51373042/1

Have a great time on your trip!!!

 

[LovesTimone]

Wow what a great trip you have planned so far. You and your DD's are going to have a blast.

Okay here's some of the things that I can think of right away. These are not in any order, but I will try to group them together.

Airport -] Be early, you never know how long security is going to take, double check and re-check the weight on you suitcase's. This can be very costly if you are over weight. You can each take on a carry on, put a extra change of clothes in, so if you need to change once you arrive you can, along medicine, and such, Make sure the 4 year old is prepared for the plane ride, talk to her about it, there might even be a book you can read together on it. Have stuff for her to do, But new stuff that she has never played with, the dollar store is great for this, lots of Disney items, Bring gum with you, most airports do not sell it. Gummies snack work well also. Write down in your phone where you parked if you are driving yourself to the airport.

Snacks and drinks out side the dinning plan - You might want to check out some grocery delivery sites, Garden Grocer, I suggest this as you will want some snacks for in the room and pool side. Bottled water, soda, juice, chips, or whatever. This will save you on money in the long run. I am assuming that you will be taking magical express, if not and you are renting a car, there are lots of grocery stores or Wal-Mart to make a quick run in, and grab something's you will need.

Extra's & Souvenir's - Not sure when your going, you could ask for Disney gift cards for Christmas or birthdays, so that the girls have their own spending money. Also I would suggest that you might want to have a garage sale for extra money, also Plato' closet is a good place for teen daughter to take her clothes that she doesn't wear anymore, they pay cash on the spot. Make sure that they know how much they will allowed to spend on the extra's.

Start new traditions, pick a special palace for your 1st night meal or last night.

Get the Photo pass - this way you will have all three of you together in the pic's.. Priceless!!!!!


Wishing you a magical trip..

 

[FTPD]

I am a very frequent airline traveler (in an airport a couple of time a week, frequent... ) and just a couple of tips that are "generic" since you didn't say which airline/airport your using.

1. Bag Check: assuming your traveling with "checked bags", you will typically need to use the kiosks in front of the bag check counters to "check in" -- even if you have already checked in online. This will notify the attendant to print your bag tag. Have your confirmation # handy. Once you finish at the kiosk, get in the line for the counter. The attendant will check your ID, you'll place your bag on the scale (make sure it's less than 50lbs or you'll pay extra!) and she'll tag and move your bag. Note: you are allowed 1 Carry On and 1 personal item PER PERSON. i.e. purse & roller bag or backpack & purse, etc. to be brought on the aircraft. Anything more than that and they will gate check it. Also, depending on your plane size, boarding zone, you may have to gate check a "larger" or rollerbag that you intended to carry on. Typically, if you are zone 4 or later, you're going to have to gate check. If you are flying a regional jet, and are lone 3 it may be sketchy. It's not a big deal & you won't be charged if you have to gate check.

2. TSA Check: Keep your ID and your DD17's ID handy, they'll check it against your boarding pass before you go to the scanning areas. Have everyone's boarding passes/ID's together, the agent will check you all at the same time.

3. Scanners: The key things are: 1. NO LIQUIDS (other than those less than 3 oz in plastic baggie), and 2. NOTHING in your pockets.

4. YOu will need to remove your shoes and any "outerwear" and belts.

5. you DO NOT need to remove jewelry. If you are wearing a "long" necklace.. just flip it around to be going down your back, so when they "pat" it, they're patting your back, and not your front..

5. You do NOT need to place your phones, ipads, tables, etc in a separate bin. They can stay in your purse/bags,etc.

6. If you are traveling with a laptop, that MUST be removed, placed in a bin by itself. Again, all other "typical" electronics can stay packed.

7. Push your bags/bins/etc forward, and stay with them until they are on the rubber conveyor and going into the scanner.

8. When you get thru security.. quickly gather up your stuff and move over to the chairs/tables area to put everything back in place.. putting your shoes on, belt on, jackets on.. replacing laptop... it is SUPER SUPER annoying and ties up the line when people stand at the other side of the scanner to "reassemble" themselves!! Sprinkle some pixie dust early.. and move on as quickly as you can!

Those are my keys to making the first part of your vacation easy-peasy... ENJOY!

 

[ShayBells]

The most I can say about flying is to check out TSA website. You'd be surprised what you can and cannot have in your checked baggage and your carry on bags. That website plus the website of the airport and the airline you are using usually has good tips and tricks.

And get there early!!! It's better to be early than stressed out about time especially with kids. Some airlines recommend two hours before but I always try for three and if you have a lot of time before your airplane boards I always plug in the laptop and let my little guy on disney games!! Fun!! or they'll have food places and shops even. Very useful to kill time.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[thiabelle]

Congrats on booking a wonderful trip. I think one of the best parts is that you and your DDs will have a whole year to look forward to it!
Many folks have covered the airport. When you book your flights I would post the airline and time of day and ask a question about the particulars for that airline. I almost always fly Southwest (SW) domestically so I don't know anything about zones but lots about boarding groups. My point is Dis'ers can help with specific info.
The other thing I thought about is that your 17yo will be a high school graduate by the time of your trip. She should be able to take care of herself and provide you with any necessary help. *airport tip- your little one won't have to take off her shoes.
I think giving your daughters the gift of travel is one of the most important things you can do. My DH and I often do not travel together (for a variety of reasons) but that hasn't stopped me from going wherever I want with my DD in tow. Sure it's easier when we travel together but showing my daughter that her mom is a strong and capable woman is also important.
Oh and of course be ready to make your dining reservations at 180 days. There are calculators on line that will tell you the day to be ready at 6am eastern time. Very important for BOG (at least it is now).
Please feel free to PM me any other questions.

 

[navywifetill2002]

With several character meals but the PhotoPass+ at least 14 days before you leave ($150) and it includes the prints from all your character dinners, select ride digitals, and all the regular PhotoPass benefits.

 

[dsneprincess]

I would try to do 1 activity a month as a family to get ready, prep for your trip. Make autograph books, Mickey tees, predecorate a scrapbook, Mickey movies, make a park bag, etc.Keep the excitement up for the year and save some money on souvenirs! Also, maybe gift cards as stocking stuffers so the girls have some spending money, which is already "paid" for. Have them each pick their "must dos", work up a travel plan, figure out meals so you can book 180 days out since you plan on doing dining plan! Have fun for the entire year with this!

 

[atwmommy]

I am not sure where you are traveling from, but the autotrain from VA to FL could be a reasonable, stress free option.

Don't overdo it on dinner plans. Plan a few special meals, then go with the flow. It's hot and crowded in August. You don't want to be locked in to a plan when you are hot and tired.

Character meals are the best! Enjoy.

 

[ktate82]

There are a ton of tips on just these boards. I want to say take a deep breath, relax, and have fun. Two years after my divorce, I took my kids (then DD5 and DS4) along with my mom to Disney World for the first time since I was a child. I was very anxious as it was our first "vacation" and a little nervous, but we had an amazing time and go quite often now. Just remember the independent strong woman that you are and have fun! Plus, there is no where really safer to go with kids of any age where the kids and adults have fun.

 

[The Hendies]

• When you make dining reservations, remember to mention that you are celebrating DD17's birthday. Grab a 'First Trip" button for DD4 so she isn't feeling left out.
  • Deluxe dining is ALOT of sitting for meals and IMHO takes away park time. even for a non-character TS, by the time you travel to the restaurant, eat, and get back to a park, you have spent 2+ hours. Multiply that by 3 meals a day.
  • Think about a stroller for your 4 year old.

Yea for you for showing your daughters how to be a strong person! Have fun!

 

[kltbump10]

My goodness everyone!! I got wrapped up in summer finals and prepping for school for the fall for the kids and myself and neglected to check this. I came back thinking maybe 1 person would have replied. Thank you all SO much for the advice and encouragement!!

A little bit more info. I did indeed purchase the photopass plus, I think it will be a really valuable asset!

I live in Delaware so plan to have a friend give us a ride to BWI (Baltimore-Washington International). When is the best time tp purchase airline tickets? Farther out, like in February-March, or closer to our trip time of August? Obviously I want to try to get the cheapest fares possible lol

I am SO excited I've already planned out our dining schedule, now it is just a matter of the ADR gods smiling down on me on the appropriate days once 6 months creeps up Our dining choices include: CRT, Crystal Palace, 1900 Park Fare breakfast with Alice & friends, Akerhaus Princess Breakfast, Le Cellier (Moms 1 indulgence lol), Coral Reef, OHana Lilo & Stitch Breakfast, Be Our Guest (DD17's top choice ), & Chef Mickeys.

Thank you all again so so much for everything!

 

[Cynister]

You & your family are going to have a blast! It will be a totally different experience with the 3 of you & that's great. You already have some great planning & great advice going on. I'll add a few of my own...

1. Grab some small, handheld, battery operated fans with misters for each of you before you go. This will come in handy if you get stuck waiting in long lines in the sun.

2. Grab a bunch of disposable rain ponchos to take with you (I got mine from the camping section of walmart). Have them in your bag that you'll carry in the park just in case it rains. They're disposable so you don't have to worry about re-folding it to go back in the bag.

3. Get a comfortable bag/backpack to keep your camera, autograph book, etc. in. I'd suggest a lightweight teardrop shaped bag with a wide strap.

4. The girls might enjoy doing autograph books for character meet & greets. There's lots of ideas for different books here. http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105
You can create a photobook after the trip with the autograph cards & photos of you with the characters in the book.

5. Get caribiners with rubber rings to hold water bottles with. This saves you from lugging bottles around in your hands all day. Just clip it on the bag & forget it until you need it.

6. Really glad to hear you got the PP+. It is going to be worth it. With all of the character dinners, meet & greets, & rides you'll be doing, you'll get a ton of photos. Ask the CMs for magic shots if they have them.

7. Do Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom in MK. It is something I saw both young & old doing while we were there. My son loved it. You can do it for days & it is never the same.

8. Have the girls collect pressed pennies. It is relatively inexpensive & it will be fun to hunt for them.

Good luck & have a great time!

 

[mrsheppo]

Check out the Creative DISigns part of the Disboards for ideas of invitations for some of the character meals you are doing for your younger DD and maybe designs for making matching t shirts for you and your girls.

I remember being a single mom 20 years ago and planning a Disney trip for my 4 kids. I scrimped and saved to make that a reality for them and they recall that trip with fond memories. Hope you and your girls have a wonderful trip.

Please keep us updated with your plans.

 

[disneymommagic]

A tip I have is for trinkets, children love all the pretty things you see at the park shops so I try and look on eBay and amazon before we head out for our trip for some things that have my kids favorite characters on them so instead of buying the costly park items, I can just give them one of the ones I have packed away.
Your youngest will never know the difference and it can save you so much in the long run.

 

[rockingrollercoaster]

your already on the right track!!!
When I went for the first time with small kids I shopped the dollar tree for months prior and bought small items that each kid would like
candy
autograph books
pens
light up toys
crayons
books
games
light up neclaces/bracelets from dollar store for the night time parades fireworks....

you name it and I bought Disney gift bags and on my computer I wrote a letter in Mickey and Minnie handwriting for each morning of the trip, i.e
Dear Susie
So glad your here at Disney, it's your first day and I hope you enjoy your day @.....
Minnie and Mickey (with a clipart of Minnie and mickey next to the signatures

I then put the gift letter in the Disney gift bag for each child and had it waiting outside the door in the morning (I put it out as soon as they got up) like it was personally delivered from Mickey or Stitch or the Princesses.
it was so fun and the kids loved it!!!!
I bet both your girls would love it, regardless of their ages........
If you decide on something like this, I would be more than happy to type up the letters for you for each day (would just need some basic info for the letter, first names, fav characters etc......) So so fun and so full of memories......

 

[momjeeps]

My advice stroller stroller stroller. Not only will it be good when the 4 yo is tired of walking but it's a great rolling storage bin for water bottles, ponchos and such. We went Nov 2012 and DS was 7. We still took the stroller. I thought we were mostly taking it for the storage, but you'd be amazed how much he used it.

Also you won't be disappointed with the PP+. We felt it was one of the smartest things we did.

With DxDP I doubt you will need any outside snacks. I do suggest getting water delivered to your room, however.

Very excited for you.