Last minute questions! (Autopia, PPH)

[JulsInAZ]

We leave Monday morning and of course I keep thinking of things I kept forgetting to ask all you experts.

First off - Autopia. Are they still giving out the driver's licenses? I'd love get one for my son. Also, are you allowed to hold a child on your lap on this or is that too dangerous? My son is 35 inches tall but he's only 18 months old and I'm a little concerned about him lunging out the side of the car if he's not being held onto. Maybe we should skip Autopia for now? Advice please!

Regarding Paradise Pier - how big are the in-room fridges? I've got usual minibar size pictured in my head. My son is still on whole milk and I'd like to take a few small cartons for him, as well as some of his favorite breakfast yogurt. Will that be a problem?

Thanks for any advice. You guys rock!

 

[Mugglemama]

I might be mistaken (and I'm headed out the door, otherwise I'd look it up for you...), but I don't think you can take a child that small on Autopia. At all. I think they have to be at least 40" to even ride it.

 

[Pearl_Mirror]

He can ride, just can't drive, it is said 12 months and older can ride and must be above 32 inches, which he is both. You do have a seatbelt on you, but I don't think he can sit on your lap that I am not sure about, but I would hold one arm around him and drive.

 

[coaches24]

I think it's 54 in to ride alone. You have to be 32 in to ride with an adult.

 

[ArchOwl]

I am pretty sure they aren't handing out the driver's licenses at Autopia anymore. But I did think they had some available upon request.

The PPH fridge is about a mini-bar size, but I had no problem putting several liter sized water bottles in them. I think as long as you take smaller cartons, instead of a gallon sized jug, you should be fine.

Have fun!

 

[JulsInAZ]

Thank you all! I think he'll be okay with a seatbelt. I haven't been on Autopia in 15+ years and I don't remember seatbelts, so I wasn't sure. And I'm sure the fridge will do fine for us. Thanks again! Two more days!!!!

 

[Geemo]

We were there in January and my grandkids got one. If you don't see them then ask one of the CM as you are in line. At the end of the ride there are a few booths where you pay $5 for your photo to stick on the license.

The picture booths are blue and down towards the bottom of the exit ramp.

 

[Mugglemama]

Good news that he's big enough to ride!

We were just on it a couple of weeks ago (our first time riding it in 10 years). There was a guy who was probably 40 driving behind me, and I kid you not, that moron ran into me 4 times in a row, until I finally turned around and yelled, "Are you serious?!!!".

So, if you're unable to have him sit in your lap, I'd definitely suggest keeping an arm around the back of your little guy's head....those seats are really hard, especially when people slam into your car.

Have a great time!

 

[Geemo]

To avoid the car bump issue, have another person in your group drive the car behind you. However, if that isn't possible, when you are standing on your number waiting for a car, check out the person that will be in the car behind you. If you think it will be an issue, say something to them.

 

[pixiewings71]

No lap sitting on Autopia.

 

[JulsInAZ]

Thanks again guys! I'll be sure that whoever is riding with him makes sure to cushion the back of his head with their arm. Hopefully either DH or I will be able to get in the car behind while the other rides with him. That's a great idea. The last time I rode was with an 8 year old driving (poorly I might add ) and boy was my back sore from the kids behind us slamming us at every opportunity. I almost forgot about that.

 

[bumbershoot]

Just a couple weeks ago they were handing out licenses during the line (where the FP people meet the normal line). Pictures, of course, are extra.


When DS was 17 months old I tried to go on Autopia with him. He absolutely would NOT sit on the seat (squirmy, big, and skilled in the art of physical leverage, even at that age), and we got to do the walk of shame out of there, because there's no lap sitting.

 

[helenb]

IME the little kids can drive... but since it's on a track they're not really driving. This is my son at 24 months...

You can see my arm behind him, in case he threw his head back! He turned the wheel but I did the gas pedal/brake. My son was so excited about steering the car himself that he leaned forward the whole ride! I didn't even use the gas pedal (just let it go at the idle speed) and let him enjoy it as long as he could.

A bonus was that my DH and DD were in the car behind us, so I knew no one would be slamming into us from behind.

My son is 9 now, so I guess it's possible they've changed the rules since then, but he was definitely able to drive at barely 2!