Need Suggestions on Flying 3kids!!!

[partyofive]

Hi! I am new to this site and love every typed word of it!! It has helped me sooooo much!! I have been planning a WDW trip for a year now and we decided to go ahead and fly. We have three kids 8, 6, and 4! I could really use some tips on flying! From packing certain items, what to carry-on, terminal tips and etc.! Thanks so much for all your help!!! P.S. How do you insert a ticker onto the posts???? (can you tell Im new at this I copied and pasted the ticker that I created onto the post...but when I submit it...it is just a bunch of letters and numbers!!! uuuggghh!

 

[wicket2005]

You make the ticker at ticker.com or whatever it is then cut it, then come to this site go under user cp, then signatures then paste it in there.

I think for kids it is important not to overload them with stuff for the plane. I made the mistake of doing this on our first trip and the vast majority of stuff I jammed into their backpacks was not needed or never ever used. Things like something to read, puzzle book, colouring and handheld consoles are good ways to keep them entertained.

Our flight takes 9 hours so there is always a tv with something for them to watch too but if it is their first flight just being on the plane will be entertaining (for a while).

 

[melk]

Our kids each carry their own backpack with an activity or coloring book, a couple of books and a handheld game (one has a gameboy, the other two have a pixter). I also have snacks packed for them, usually more than what I think they will eat, just in case. I have lollipops and gum for their ears (the lollipops came in handy once when because of severe weather we had to circle for quite a while).

As far as at the airport goes, my one tip is to avoid the light up sneakers on the plane. Every one else got to go through and leave on their shoes but they had to put my little one's light up shoes through on the conveyor belt. But who knows, some people I talk to say they always have to take off their shoes (velcro helps in that case).

Don't know if your kids have flown before but my dr. recommend Benadryl before the flight to help with the ears. I've tried it, but my oldest still cries on the descent every trip. I think next time I'll try earplanes for her.

Can't think of anything else right now, but have a wonderful trip!!

 

[mel63]

I just flew with my DH & DD's, ages 9 & 11, for the first time. Here are some things that I did....

1. Fly direct. Friends of ours that came down a day after we did, had to change planes, and there was a problem at the airport. Flight was delayed, then cancelled, got a new flight, then found a new one that was earlier. Just barely made it to the other plane before it left. Got in at 4:30 am. What would have been a little over 2 hours direct, or less than 5 changing planes, took almost 12 hours.

2. Check all luggage but a "diaper bag" or big purse and any electronics that you take or special items, like blankies or toys. I tried using all carry ons, and 1 checked bag. After checking the one, we all started rolling our carry ons to security. We were in line for security, when we thought the less we needed to carry on luggage. Went back and checked everything but my purse, the camera bag and a soft cooler with some perishable items in it. Do not pack everything in one huge bag. If it is oversized, you get charged extra. When we went back to check the rest, the person in front of us had a huge oversized suitcase. They were charged extra, and it actually cost more than buying a ticket just for their suitcase.

3. Take some snacks & drinks for the flight. Also, chewing gum and or lillipops for the ears during take off and landing.
In my "purse" actually a diaper bag that looks like a messenger bag but is insulated, I had some wipes, antibacterial hand gel, chapstick, sunglasses, some snacks & water bottles, hand lotion, Aleve, tylenol jr, small first aid kit, draminmine, mints and gum. Anything that I might need and if needed would be a pain to get. Then the essentials like wallet, cell phone and plugs, trip and rental information, tickets and my passporter.

4. Take something to keep them entertained on the flight but not too much, they will be wanting to switch again and again.

5. If renting a car make sure you go with a company that has the cars on site. When MCO was expanded, a lot of the rental places are off site. Each rental company that is off site has shuttles to their lots. We used Hertz (off airport), and next time will use Alamo or someone on airport. One less time that I need to load luggage.

6. Take a small totebag that you can use on the flight home, as a carry on for souvenirs.

7. Check out the treads about what to pack. Make a list of everthing that you might want, need or use. Then cross off what doesn't belong, or is duplicates or just won't use, and narrow down the list.

That is all I can think of right now. Have fun!

 

[deejohn]

We have always flown to WDW from Philly (2.5 hour ride) with kids (girls 9,6 & boy 5).I agree with everything Mel63 said, but would like to add a few things:
1. After 9/11 airport security takes a long time, so use curb side check-in if possible. You may also need to entertain them at the airport too, so keep that in mind.
2. Food,games, and activities work great, however, we find that the flight time is best used talking. We play word games and discuss what everyone wants to see and do.
3. If you are not renting a car - get a limo!!! Meyers is the OFFICAL transportation of WDW, but they are slow, crowded and unorganized. The best $95 I spend on every trip is to see the man with the sign at the bottom of the stairs!!! We even get to stop to shop and he picks us up for the return trip.
4. Split up the carry-on bags to avoid extra charges. My wife is in charge of food and personals (tissues, napkins, ect), I am in charge of entertainment (electronic games, books, music)
Good luck, lock your tray and enjoy the flight!!!

 

[scarboroughmom]

I follow all of the above advice w/my 3 kids.

I heartily agree with taking direct flights. If any of your kids have ear problems, they only have them once each way. I drive 2 hours to Boston rather than change planes flying out of Portland, which is only 15 minutes from us.

I have also made the mistake of bringing too much stuff. Try to stay away from things with small pieces like marbles, or magnet sets. The pieces keep falling on the floor, and they are nearly impossible to get at under the seat.

I also try to make sure my bag and all of the kids stuff is organized.

Also, I don't know how Magical Express is going to work out, but the cost of 5 people on Mears shuttle service is more than the cost of just taking a cab at the curb. The cab goes straight to your resort, and they are always lined up waiting for passengers.

 

[partyofive]

Thanks I did it!! The ticker turned out great! and thanks for the great advice!!

 

[shelly3girls]

The only mistake we make every time is over packing. We always pack too many options then I spend the 2 hour flight switching games, etc. Also pack snacks. I always pack snacks after a 2 hour flight turned into a 12 hour journey...we were stuck on the plane and all they had was chocolate cookies, not a great snack when trying to keep a 2 yo in her seat.

 

[Bama mom to 3]

When my fanily goes back in June of 2006, we will also be flying. This will be a first for all of us, except DH. We have three kids (who will be 10,8 and 5) and it should just take a bit over an hour to fly where it takes 13 hours to drive (which we did in 2000) so Im intrested to hear more advice on this

 

[Trixiezzz]

Please explain what you do when flying with a stroller.

We really need one, I think, but am wondering if it's too much trouble to bring it when you're flying. This is our first time, too, and I don't know a thing about flying!

 

[ottawamom]

The airline should take the stroller as a piece of luggage. I think I noticed on the transportation2disney.com website that they rent strollers etc. if you use their towncar service. If not this one check a few others. Strollers are also rented at each of the parks.

 

[Micki_Streeter]

I always pack a little Carry on with some snacks (Fruit Snacks, crackers, etc.) and a few Juicy Juice pouches. Our twelve year old always brings his gameboy, which keeps him busy the whole flight. For younger children, little wipe boards work well, or the little play sized etch a sketch is always a hit. Make it a new toy.... something that will excite them and keep them interested. Another thing that works well is the tape and book. They can listen and go along in the book if you bring a walkman. My son always liked stickers and sticker books also to keep him busy. As far as traveling trips... as everyone said, non stop flight and makesure you carry on as little as possible. In the past, it helped me also to print out directions and maps of the airports so I knew my way around them. I hope some of these helped

 

[pickinp]

A portable DVD player and a couple of movies can make a huge difference.
The kids can watch movies in the airport and on the plane. Wal-mart has a nice panasonic with a 5 or 7 inch screen for less than $200 (I think it is $149)
Some airlines have powerports in the planes where you can plug in your DVD player or laptop so you dont have to worry about running down the battery.

 

[2tinkersmom]

We haven't flown that much, but my girls now know that when we do I pack their bags for them in secret so everything in them is a surprise.

They each carry their own backpack, not too big so they don't get tired of the weight. I don't do anything fancy, much like what everyone else has said just things to color (color wonder by crayola is a great thing for young kids to take along), puzzles to do for older ones, books to read, stickers. I also do the snacks and candy treats that I keep a surprise and they each get a drink. My older daughter brought her portable CD as well.

I think the thing that works best for us is the surprise element - they don't know what is in it until we get on the plane which keeps them busier longer I think!

 

[scouthawkk]

Please explain what you do when flying with a stroller.

we keep ds in stroller until last possible moment, and check it at the gate. it is one of the last things loaded, and first to come off. it will be waiting for you at the gate as you get off the plane. ds sometimes doesn't want to sit in stroller after a long flight, so we put our carry on bags in the stroller, and he helps to push it.

 

[gary4jenn]

I usually bring quiet activities:

Pipe cleaners- kept them busy on the plane and in the room
color wonder markers- not the color wonder paints
Sticker books
word finds for my older daughter (diney related of course)
travel tic tac toe.


I agree - don't overpack.
One year I wrapped each plane item and they could open one every 1/2 hour. Kept them busy and knowing they had to wait 30 min for the next one, they played with their stuff for that time.

 

[Mad4Mickey]

I bought a portable DVD player for my trip to Disneyland last Dec . My 4 yr old nephew thought he was THE MAN . HE watched a couple of movies and he was in control of it the whole time so he felt like a grown up