Is this doable?

[2tinkerbells]

Okay, we leave in 4 weeks for our trip including me, DH, DD6 and DD2. I am concerned about how we will manage through the airport.
We are only allowed 4 checked bags on our airline or we have to pay, which I don't want to do.
We are bringing DH's golf clubs so that is one checked bag. The girls will share one checked bag and DH and I will each have a checked bag.

The biggest dilemma comes traveling through the airport. Although our airport is not big, Orlando can be big depending on which terminal and gate we get.

We are also planning to bring 2 mac strollers, 1 carseat for DD2, 1 carryon suitcase with extras for each incase our luggage gets lost, 1 backpack for DD6 and one for DD2, and one more bag with the dvd player, cameras, cellphones, misc papers and books and magazines, snacks for plane and anything else that we will need.

My question is how can we get all this through the airport and not look like pack mules?

 

[cguill]

I suggest you drive ....

 

[MightyMom]

In 2005 our DSs were 5 & 19months. We had a horrible experience.

We also checked 4 bags and my son's gait trainer.

DS5 in his wheelchair.
We had a stroller and car seat for little one.
A small suitcase with changes of clothes... just in case.
A diaper bag.
A backpack for DS5 and all his "busy" stuff.
A bag with all the electronic equipment. (DVD player, DVD's, Gameboy... etc)
I also carried a bag with all my "stuff."

The little one wasn't walking yet. My DH pushed the little one in his stroller... carried the car seat and a couple bags on his shoulders.

I pushed my son in his wheelchair and pulled the suitcase and carried my bag of "stuff". (It was too girly for DH to carry)

When we FINALLY found the luggage carrousel and our driver (This was the opening month of Magical Express and we were afraid it would be less than magical) we were exhausted, frustrated and embarrassed.

My husband and I got in the van ...... looked at eachother and said.... "We're driving from now on!"

It CAN be done.... but be prepared for the meltdowns! (I'm talking about your DH)

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

You really need to condense, or it will be a nightmare.

My kids take their own little rollaway suitcase. They carry it through the airport and what can fit it it comes, what doesn't stays home. This includes snacks, books , stuffed animals and DVD players.

Not sure why everyone needs their own carryon Can't everything just fit in one?

As far as the strollers, we always just took one. Folding and unfolding the stroller was DH's job, the carryon and kids suitcases were mine and everyone wears crocs, so everyone takes care of their shoes.

We never took a car seat.

 

[tjmw2727]

I often travel solo with my dd's (way too much) and have been since they were born.

Do a dry run - make sure you can manage

When arriving at your airport use a skycap for your checked bags.
Then to get to the gate - use one stroller for the carseat and one for the younger child to ride in while the older child walks.

I would consider using one larger backpack for all the kids stuff and the dvd stuff- IMHO too many small bags is clumsy and you have a better chance of something being left behind.

Each parent pushes a stroller, one parent wears the backpack and the other parent pulls the carryon while the 6yo walks.

When you get to the gate ask the agent for a gate check tag for the strollers, leave them at the door when you board and they will be waiting when you arrive. (Or shortly thereafter)

If you are using DME tag the checked bags and you can skip baggage claim, head for the bus and your resrt. The bags will be delivered to your room up to 3 hours after you check in.

If you are not using DME you have to claim your bags. Head to baggage claim and hire a sky cap for assistance (and have some $1.00 bills ready).

If your hiring a towcar some of the drivers will assist with luggage.

If DH can deal with rental clubs you may be able to cut it down to a more managable level with rolling bags. You can often clip the smaller bags onto the larger bags and roll 2 at a time for long enough to get to baggage claim.

HTH
TJ

 

[MommyTo5]

After 8 trips, we are pros at flying to Disney with children. We've learned to cut the extras - for our own sanity! We bring what we need to, not necessarily everything that we'd like to bring. In my opinion, you are planning to bring a lot of baggage that's unnecessary and you're going to have a very hard time managing all the stuff along with your two little ones.

Before I go too far... to give you an idea of the age ranges we've traveled with since our first family trip in 2001... on the first trip we had a 7-month-old, 3-year-old twins, a 4-year-old, and a 10-year-old. Everyone thought we were crazy, but we managed fine! We now have an additional child and our trips are still very, very easy! We are streamlined in the way we travel and this has avoided a lot of stress for our family.

First, I think you may want to consider a double stroller (if you think that your 6-year-old may need to ride in one in the parks) - or just bring a single stroller for your 2-year-old and have your 6-year-old walk. An added benefit of her walking is that if she's walking thru the airport, she can help pull a bag! You can always rent a stroller at WDW if she gets tired and needs one.

We've always made sure that I (as the stroller pusher) had only our 1 small carry-on bag to manage along with the child(ren) that are in the 1 stroller we take. We've always taken just 1 whether it be a single, double, or triple. Anything more than 1 stroller would just be too much since DH needs to handle the luggage and can't help me with the kids during this time. I've always kept the carry-on light enough so that it could hang on the stroller handle. Since you are needing to bring a car seat, I would recommend that you buy a travel bag or backpack for it. This would allow you to carry it easily as you're pushing the stroller. As far as your carry-on situation... bringing just one that everyone shares would help you immensely are you go thru security and just make things a lot easier for you in general. We bring coloring books and/or notebooks, crayons or colored pencils, and hand held video game systems for the kids - this has always been plenty to keep them entertained on the plane and outside the parks and takes up minimal room in the carry-on. (The kids also usually each buy a toy at Once Upon a Child, World of Disney, or the Disney outlets... these souvies give them something extra to play with at night at the hotel... if you do this, be sure to leave some extra room in the checked bags to bring them back!) We also put 3-4 diapers, travel wipes, sippy cup and/or bottle, and a small blanket for the little one(s) in this bag --- and a change of clothes (preferably a one-pc outfit) for the infant/toddler(s) only who has the biggest possibility of needing to change before we're reunited with our luggage. Then we have the camera and laptop in this bag (chargers / power cords are packed in our luggage) --- and travel docs (airline, car rental, hotel confirmation) in the side pocket, so they are easily accessible. That's it! We managed fine thru the years!

I wear a fanny pack with my make-up, anti-bacterial hand gel, cell phone, house keys, and money/credit cards.

We bring the larger 26" - 29" rolling suitcases. Everyone shares with a partner; even DH and I. Because we plan to do laundry every 4 days or so, we only pack enough clothes for 1/2 of the week (for instance 4 shorts & top sets, socks, undies) then we bring an extra pair of jeans and sweatshirt for each child. (We generally travel in the winter so we are already wearing one set of warm clothes with a light hoodie/jacket.) To make share you don't go over the 50 lb. weight limit on the largest bags: don't open the zipper to expand the bag while packing and don't bring a lot of shoes... you should be fine! By the way, we limit everyone to one extra pair of flip flops or sandals. If you go with the larger bags, you may want to buy a $10 travel weight scale - it's 100% worth it to avoid the overweight baggage fees! Oh, and back in our early days, we purchased a large over-the-shoulder duffle at ebags. This allowed DH to pull 2 large rolling suitcases and carry a bag as well! This sounds like this would be a great option for you... you & DH share a large rolling bag, DDs share a large over-the-shoulder bag --- this would allow your DH to manage all of the luggage along with his golf clubs. Probably wouldn't be the easiest, but it could be done without the need for a porter.

Hope this helps! Have a great trip!!!

 

[santa's surpriz]

Wow! Last year I took my dd5 and 4 checked bags plus a carryon & stroller. Yes, it was difficult and I spent lots of money on carts! It is doable but will be stressful.

This time around with the new baggage limits, It will be less (also bc I last time I had to pack christmas gifts.) But I also plan to put all carryon stuff in a carry-on suitcase including my electronics. Will be tough but once I get thru security I anticiapte have enough in room to put electronics in the carry-on suitcase that will of course roll.

Is it possible for the kids to share a carryon suitcase that rolls? They could potentially put there back packs in it for the flight. Also even though your state may have stricter car seat laws Florida seems to be a little lax in this area. Check the rental car company or travel sites to the car seat laws in Florida. Worse case, there is a huge stroller bag that you could buy. I always make it shower gift, it big and blue. (I got mine at babysrus years ago. I forget the maker but you could fit 2 Mac umbrella strollers, a car seat, and more in it. It would get heavy but as long as DH can handle may make life a little easier.

Another tip I have become wise to, I have learned never ever tell my dd when we are leaving! That she does not have a chance to pack up all unnecessary crapola she insists on packing to go everywhere! I pack a bag that will fit in my bag with smaller lighter weight stuff and the dvd player.


Good luck!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Is it possible to leave some things at home and rent when you get there? I'm sure your DH wants to have his own golf clubs, but can he rent a set at the golf course? Also, can you make due with one stroller in the airport and rent a 2nd one to use in the parks? You can get one for the entire week from A Baby's Best Friend instead of renting daily from the parks. I'm not sure but you may be able to get a car seat from them, too (unless you wanted to use that on the plane). If you can at least cut out one stroller and the golf clubs, you'll lighten the load considerably.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

We are a family of 5, and we usually have 5 checked bags and 5 carry-ons. I have no idea why, but it is always my challenge for us to carry our own bags. Usually, the youngest is in the stroller. All three of their backpacks are underneath the stroller. My middle wheels the smallest suitcase. I push the stroller and have my backpack on my back. My oldest wheels a suitcase. We have stacking suitcases, so my DH wheels two of those and then puts the third on his other shoulder using the strap. He also has all the electronics on his back. I am sure we look like pack mules! I really have no idea why we don't get help. I think we just like the challenge! My oldest complains, but my middle one is really good about helping. After we drop off the checked bags, it is a piece of cake!

My DH has rented golf clubs before. It is not his favorite, but he manages. We have also never taken car seats to Disney, but I know we have on other trips. I think we bought a bag for them and checked them.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

you could try to get in on a stroller swap from here, like we are doing. Royal Carraige and Mickeys Express are two that I can think of. Are you renting a car? if not then leave the car seat at home. Your 6 yr old can wheel the pull along carryon for you. And like others have suggested, ask DH to rent a set of clubs. But I know my dh and he also would prefer his own, but for the sake of sanity would buck up and rent. Can you just have one back pack and have the kiddos share? Really you don't need too much stuff on the plane to occupy them. We found a great crayon at walmart, it is 6 colors on a wheel for about $2.00 and we got coloring books, so we have 3 color wheels and 3 coloring books and the kids swap out on books. DD7 and DS 12 have their mp3 players which you can download a movie onto.
HTH.
have fun.

 

[lisadr]

I really wish I could give you some good advice but considering I myself have not been able to remove the yolk...that would be the pot calling the kettle...well you know the rest

 

[Vandercapellen]

Have you considered sending some of your stuff via Fed ex before you leave and have it waiting for you when you arrive. I know that I will do that as we will be traveing with DS 5. It is the only thing that will save my sanity. Also it is cheaper for us than paying to check the extra luggage. You can track the packages to be sure of their arrival before you leave. That way what you have to tote with you is minimal.

GOOD LUCK!!

 

[Colinsmom]

I'd get those carry-ons down from 4 to 2 (or maybe 3). The more stuff you have to keep track of, the more likely something will be left behind at the airport or on the plane. Your bag of extras in case your bags are lost - you are checking 3 bags, so just make sure that each bag has at least one full outfit for each person. Chances that all three bags would get lost are pretty slim, and it sounds like you might have a rental car (traveling with the car seat) so if all three bags do get lost, someone can always do a Target or Wal-mart run.

Consolidate your 2yo's carry-on with yours (or your DH's if she will be sitting next to him). Do the same with your 6yo and the parent she'll be sitting next to on the plane. The 6yo, in particular, really doesn't need a lot on the plane anyways (I assume that the 2yo is still in diapers). Do you really need the DVD player in addition to both kids' supplies for the flight? For some it is essential, for some it is not. We have video iPods that we load with kid shows and the boys watch those in flight - much more compact than a DVD player.

Use backpacks as your carry-ons. One on you, one on DH. Car seat in one stroller, 6yo walking, 2yo in other stroller.

 

[ChristusG]

I really have no idea how people fly LOL! I have never flown in my life.....and I really dont know if I could condense my luggage enough to do so. I just cannot pack light!

 

[Schmeck]

Ship one stroller and the golf clubs prior to your trip, and figure out how to ship them home too. Even if you are getting a rental car, leave the carseat at home and rent one from the dealership.

There, that gets rid of three things to carry!

 

[tjmw2727]

Ship one stroller and the golf clubs prior to your trip, and figure out how to ship them home too. Even if you are getting a rental car, leave the carseat at home and rent one from the dealership.

There, that gets rid of three things to carry!

Great idea - especially if your running into the extra bag charges.

However as to leaving the carseat behind, I respectfully disagree and I hope the OP will bring the carseat.

A few posters are advising the OP to skip the carseat. IMHO I would leave the golf clubs home and or rent them before I would leave the carseat behind. Yes its cumbersome but the FAA, TSA and American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend that children under 40lbs use a carseat on board the aircraft. This is one thing that IMHO is worth a little extra hassle to bring onboard as well has have for a rental car. Having lugged a carseat and two toddlers through the airport many times by myself I know its a pain but I do feel its worth it.

The seat will be comfortable, familiar and safe for the 2yo. In addition while most rental car agencies offer carseats to rent they are expensive (usually $10.00 per day), they won't guarantee one will be available and they are often outdated and dirty. Having your own seat means you know its safe for the child and since you are familiar with installation you can be confident you will install it properly.

TJ

 

[mommy2paris]

Sending some positive vibes your way!! We traveled last december with our 2 dd's, who were 2 1/2 & 7 months at the time.
We parked in our airports long term parking, and had to take a shuttle to the actual "airport".

We had both kids, 2 strollers (1 travel system & 1 umbrella), 2 car seats, 4 pieces of checked luggage, 3 carryons - diaper bag, backpack with all our electronic stuff / documents, and a "fun" bag for the girls.

We each pushed a stroller with one hand, carried a car seat in a bag, on our backs, and used our other hand to wheel 2 pieces of luggage to the counter.

After checking in our luggage, we still had both kids (in their strollers), both car seats on our backs, and 1 or 2 bags to carry through security.

We kept both girls in their strollers, until it was almost our turn to go through security... Then we had to get them out, fold up strollers to go through xray, put car seats through xray, send through all our bags, and declare that we had formula / liquids in the diaper bag.

After going through security, we loaded them back up, and headed to our gate.

We gate checked the strollers, and used the car seats on the plane.

Unloaded at MCO, girls back in the strollers, headed to baggage claim and then to our rental car...

All in all, it sounds really hard, and could be stressful at times, but as long as you arrive at the airport early and give yourself plenty of time, it can be done!!

Dh & I did our best to help each other out... when one of us was getting stressed, the other one would remind us that it wasn't that bad!!!
We also did our best to split things up as evenly as we could, so that one wasn't overloaded, and feeling like the other was slacking, lol.

I'm sure you guys will be fine... Just remember to relax and know that after your return trip, you can share your story with others, who are also feeling the same anxiety!!

Have a great trip!

 

[2tinkerbells]

Thank you for all the input!!!!!!

I think I have figured out what to do.

I am going to check one stroller (DD6 will need one in the parks and I hate to pay for a rental)

We will check the golf clubs (DH refused the idea of renting, oh well I guess we have to make him happy)

I will try to consolidate our checked luggage to 2. We have a 29" suitcase and a large duffel. We can shove some stuff into the golf club bag if we have to (DH's stuff of course)

We will bring the rolling carryon and attach the carseat to it and possibly have DD2 ride on it. We are renting a car so we have to have the carseat. Also, DD2 would not sit still for 2 hours on a plane in just a regular seatbelt. Picture monkeys swinging from a tree.

We will bring 2 more carryons (DD6's backpack and my old backpack). I just don't see how we can condense down to one since we may be seperated on the plane.
The other stroller will be gate checked.

I just hope we don't forget the kitchen sink when we pack.

 

[tjmw2727]

Thank you for all the input!!!!!!

I think I have figured out what to do.

I am going to check one stroller (DD6 will need one in the parks and I hate to pay for a rental)

We will check the golf clubs (DH refused the idea of renting, oh well I guess we have to make him happy)

I will try to consolidate our checked luggage to 2. We have a 29" suitcase and a large duffel. We can shove some stuff into the golf club bag if we have to (DH's stuff of course)

We will bring the rolling carryon and attach the carseat to it and possibly have DD2 ride on it. We are renting a car so we have to have the carseat. Also, DD2 would not sit still for 2 hours on a plane in just a regular seatbelt. Picture monkeys swinging from a tree.

We will bring 2 more carryons (DD6's backpack and my old backpack). I just don't see how we can condense down to one since we may be seperated on the plane.
The other stroller will be gate checked.

I just hope we don't forget the kitchen sink when we pack.

Sounds good - I still suggest a dry run

As for consolidating your carryon - I pack each of my kids a small packpack and then I put them both into my larger rolling backpack with my stuff. This way I can carry the backpack or one of the dd's can easliy roll it. Then when we board I give everyone their own backpack when we get seated.

TJ

 

[2tinkerbells]

Sounds good - I still suggest a dry run

As for consolidating your carryon - I pack each of my kids a small packpack and then I put them both into my larger rolling backpack with my stuff. This way I can carry the backpack or one of the dd's can easliy roll it. Then when we board I give everyone their own backpack when we get seated.

TJ

I love your idea of putting all the bags together. If your kids are like mine, they have to have their own bags even if they have the same stuff.