Is a 6am flight a bad idea w a 3-yr old?

[bumbershoot]

I think the fact that you doubt he'll go back to sleep means you have realistic expectations. We took an early flight to Disneyland when DS was 2 or 3, with the total expectation that he'd fall asleep once the vehicle started moving (he's a nightowl, with later nights and later wake-ups than many kids) and we were so so wrong. Therefore, there was no sleeping for our family on the plane (we werent' going to sleep if he was still awake!) and it led to misery for all of us.


But you know he won't sleep. So you're in a better place already.

 

[maxiesmom]

Fast forward a year and we decided to take the first flight out I tihnk it was close to 7AM. Meaning being at the airport for ~5-5:30 getting up at 4 and waking our daughter at 4:45. Arrived at MCO and waited in line for ME for over 1.5 hours. Everyone had the same idea to get the first flight.

That is horrible!

Even though you are technically not supposed to let your luggage use Magical Express if you don't, I would have at some point bailed and gotten a taxi. It is crazy that you had to wait so long for a bus. We waited one time 25 minutes, and I thought that was bad! I can't imagine trying to keep a little one entertained in that line for that long.

 

[MayzDisney4]

we fly very early flights with our kids (my DS since he was 1 and DD since she was 5) We would never schedule a later morning flight. My kids would be tired from getting up early and end up falling asleep on the plane. The airport is much less crowded at that time, I have never seen a line as long as a mid-day flight.. Kids run around when we get to the gate, burn off some energy and then chill on the plane.

My DS has always had his car seat on the plane. It helps him to fall asleep.

 

[wrighter]

I actually prefer early flights with youngsters. One of my favorite pics is of my kids sitting in airport chairs with their footed pj's on, hair a mess, looking happier than can be! (This is while Dad checked us all in. Afterwards we got them changed and cleaned up.)

While I don't think the flight itself will be an issue, you may want to have a back-up plan once you arrive in Orlando. If your child sleeps on the flight, you may stand a good chance of getting all your agenda items done with sanity. If not, that is a lot for a little one to handle. Not saying it's not doable! Just might want to have a plan for "if Johnny is an absolute mess, then we can do X,Y,Z instead . . ."

Have fun!

 

[hannahdrewmom]

We love this flight time! We just did it earlier this month and did exactly as you plan. A full day in the park WILL NOT work .... but what you are suggesting is perfect. We found it was easier to go into Epcot and walk around a bit and have lunch while waiting for the room than swim. (Swimming is alot of work with swimsuits and changing and such if you don't have a room yet.)

We normally take the kids in pjs (with footies) to the airport so no shoes in security. When we get to the terminal we do a quick change and breakfast. It makes waiting for the plane easy. We also have found that magic express is great early in the morning. (2 times we had no wait and were the only ones on the buss!)

 

[sparks19]

Yeah it will probably be fine. We had a flight at 7 am one time and we were a pretty good distance from the airport so it was an early morning. My then 2 year old DD was great.

Once she was up at the airport she was happy and taking in all the sights (people watching lol). Once we got on the plane and started moving she zonked right out until we landed lol

 

[disneyandme]

Remember that although you can check in to your hotel early, your room may not be available until later in the day. We arrived early on year (during a slow month) with the intent of my littl eone getting a nap. Our room wasn't ready until almost 5 pm. We ended up doing a very restless nap on a couch in the GF lobby.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

We find it easier. She sleeps most of the flight and then when we land she is ready to go. I also like taking night flights for the same reason. I think it depends on your child though.

 

[luvmyguyz]

We did the 6 am flight last year when our children were 2 and 4, and wound up doing an almost full day at Epcot with no problems. This year (in 6 days!!!!) we will do the same flight, but will attempt to tour half of MK (Frontierland and Adventureland.) We have reservations for lunch at Crystal Palace at 2, and have realistic expectations that we will have to go back to the resort for a nap if we intend to stay up for the parade and fireworks. And if we are too tired for that, we'll do it on our next visit to MK a few days later.

The airport was fine last year - we left the boys in their pj's in the car, and got them changed at the airport after we went through security and were waiting for the plane to be ready. They were so excited, I don't think they got tired at all the whole day! In fact, I don't remember them complaining about being sleepy the whole vacation, but they sure did get to bed without a problem every night.

I think as long as you have backup plans and realistic expectations, you'll be fine. And you know your child best - in our case, if we get her children to sleep two hours earlier the night before, they will likely be ok. And if they aren't, we hang out at the resort for most of the day. A less than perfect day in Disney is still a pretty awesome day!!

 

[dtcrlovedisney]

We have the 6:30 am flight with a 2.5 hr flight to orlando in early december. It will be winter here in the northeast, so delays should be fewer at that hour (and we'll get out first if there are). Security lines shorter.

I figured I'd dress my then-3 yr-10 mo old son in sweatpants for bed and just transfer him to the car at 4am. At the airport, he'll have to walk through security and probably won't go back to sleep.

We land at 9:05, have a towncar waiting, and should be at the boardwalk at 10. Drop luggage, hit a park by 11 for a bite to eat and a few rides (probably epcot). I'll book a 12 or 12:30 lunch at san angel. Nap at hotel when room is ready.

Anyone take an early flight and find it's easier with young one? Or worse?

All I can tell you is we just got back 9 days ago and ours just turned 2 1/2. Needless to tell you we'll do it again 'cause we love Disney, but she hated being buckled in and cried a lot when she was confined. However, for the most part, if not expected, it went a little bit better than I thought it would. Just prepare for the worst and you'll be happily surprised if it goes any other way!

 

[tigger813]

It really depends on your kids! We always do the 6am flights despite trying to do a different one in December. We get the kids up and they get right in the car to go to the airport. They sleep in sweatsuits so they can just get up and go. Our youngest is an easy sleeper so she has never been a problem and we usually spend our first night at a park until at least 8.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We did super early flights a few times and every time were were psycho tired by mid day and needed a nap.
We found if we just leave 2-3 hours later, we don't need naps (kids are 14 & 11 now) and our day doesn't have to be interrupted by a nap. Sure we get there later but at least we're having fun instead of snipping at each other.

 

[franterk]

We've taken our son 3 times between 13mo and 2.5 years. We always take the first flight and spend the night in a hotel at the airport, as it's a 75 min drive. Sometimes he sleeps on the plane, sometimes not. The room is rarely ready in time for an afternoon nap. Normally he falls asleep in the umbrella stroller at some point that afternoon. Regardless, we make it a light day and an early night. Like everyone else has said, just be flexible!

 

[cam&phoebsmom]

We did an early flight our 1st trip and eaded straight into MK. We were tired the rest of the day and it kind of carried over. We had clothes in our carry-on to change into since it was so hot, but our room was not ready so we could not freshen up before heading to the park.


Next trip our DD was about 22 months, and we did a flight mid-day the day before we wanted to start touring the parks. We really liked having a down day to just relax, go to DTD, and really rest up before touring started in earnest.

 

[Wadecool]

We have the 6:30 am flight with a 2.5 hr flight to orlando in early december. It will be winter here in the northeast, so delays should be fewer at that hour (and we'll get out first if there are). Security lines shorter.

I figured I'd dress my then-3 yr-10 mo old son in sweatpants for bed and just transfer him to the car at 4am. At the airport, he'll have to walk through security and probably won't go back to sleep.

We land at 9:05, have a towncar waiting, and should be at the boardwalk at 10. Drop luggage, hit a park by 11 for a bite to eat and a few rides (probably epcot). I'll book a 12 or 12:30 lunch at san angel. Nap at hotel when room is ready.

Anyone take an early flight and find it's easier with young one? Or worse?

I don't see why you shouldn't. We have flown on several very early flights with our DD when she was 2 and also since she turned 3 with no problems. If anything, the early flight makes it more likely that your DS could fall back asleep during the flight. At least that's what happens with our DD.

 

[kathymu501]

Well I am looking at an early 6:30am flight with a 5yr old who never flew. Plann to stay at hotel at airport. Any suggestion at time for return flight time? We go in November.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

i didn't read all of these replies but wanted to say that we always take the 6 or 7am flight when going down to disney! i love that i can be at a park by lunchtime. you'll have a stroller for the little guy, right? if he gets tired he can take a snooze in the stroller and you can take that time to enjoy an adult beverage!

enjoy. getting there early means and early start to vacation! just call it an early night that first night. and have fun!

 

[MarriedToAPrince]

I don't think it will be an issue. Your kiddo will probably fall asleep on the plane.

 

[crisi]

Well I am looking at an early 6:30am flight with a 5yr old who never flew. Plann to stay at hotel at airport. Any suggestion at time for return flight time? We go in November.

Our ideal return time leaves about 2pm. That lets us lounge in the morning, have a character breakfast if we want. ME will pick us up about 11 am. And we are home before bedtime and in time to rescue the dog from whomever is dogsitting.

 

[Bren's Mom]

I wouldn't have had a problem getting my 4 yo up at that hour...but I do think if we tried to do your schedule we'd have a problem. That does concern me for you. I think you're underestimating a bit how long it will take to get luggage, get to the hotel, check in, etc. I, personally, would give your kiddo a break and make that day a 'swim in the pool when we get there then take a nap day'. Perhaps having dinner at the park and hang out for a while then.