New Disney Transporation From MCO To The Dolphin?

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

I'm just hearing about the new transportation option that Disney is offering from MCO (Orlando Intl Airport) to the Disney resorts. Does anyone know if this includes the Swan and Dolphin hotels?

The reason I ask is because we are going in June and taking our DS5 and DD1 to the Dolphin. I've getting really worried about booster seats and infant seats with the shuttle/limo transporation companies. The last thing I want is my son to be travelling in a car with just a seat belt and my daugher in my arms. Not only stupid but probably illegal.

Andy

 

[CarolA]

I don't think it does include the Swan/Dolphin. Sorry!
Did you buy a seat for your DD, if so you can use the car seat on the plane and then just load it into the limo.

 

[singleLiz1005]

Sorry, but from what I have heard it doesn't include the Swan/Dolphin nor the Shades of Green (?).

 

[AndyMcV]

I don't think it does include the Swan/Dolphin. Sorry!
Did you buy a seat for your DD, if so you can use the car seat on the plane and then just load it into the limo.

Hi CarolA

We couldn't afford to by my DD a seat on the plane . Just myself, DW and DS5. So it will be "challenging" in the plane. She's usually really good and may just sleep in my arms but then again she's never been on a plane before. I hope I just get a plane full of sympathetic parents.

Do people usually have their own seats for their kids or do they rely on the transporation companies? What is the state law about using car seats? Is it mandatory? We'd do it anyway but I think it's actually law in Ontario, Canada.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[ducklite]

Please rethink buying a ticket for your daughter. For one thing, that's a long trip to take with a squirmy one year old. More importantly if there is turbulence she could easily slip out of your arms and be injured, or injure others around you. Is that how you'd want to start a holiday?

Many carriers offer half price tickets for children under two. Most children restrained in their car seats will fall asleep. In their mothers arms--well my last flight we had a one year old lap child in front of us. I wasn't sure if I wanted to kill the father, the kid, or both before the two hour flight was over. Glad they weren't behind us, I'm certain the people in front of them got kicked non-stop through the flight.

You will need a car seat in any van or car, you do not need it on a bus. Some car service companies will provide one, others want to charge a fee or simply don't offer them.

BTW--I'm a parent, and a doting aunt eight times over. But I have absolutely no sympathy for people with lap babies who make othre passenger's live's miserable and jeopardize the safety of other passengers.

Anne

 

[Bimmy56]

We've taken Tiffany Towncars, have been very satisfied with their service, and have always had a car seat with the van when we requested it.

 

[DebIreland]

We couldn't afford to by my DD a seat on the plane .

Andy, I wouldn't feel bad about this at all. Thousands of people travel with children under 2 on their laps in planes every day. We've done it both ways. When my DS was 12 months we booked a seat for him on the plane, mainly because we also had a 3 year old (oh, such fun!!!) so we reckoned we'd minimise stress. Ha ha ha. We lugged our car seat with us through the airport (along with the other 100 baby items!) and onto the plane and it was just a big mistake and big waste of money. He ended up on my lap for the entire trip bar the first 2 minutes. I've never paid for a seat since then. This year we're travelling with our 2 DS's (now 8 and 11) and our little girl who'll be 15 mths at time of travel. It's a 9 hour flight for us and DH and I will take turns with her in our laps. You will be given a second seat belt which goes around your baby's waist and attaches to your seat belt (and least that's the way it was last time I flew with a baby) so your baby will be quite secure in your lap with that seat belt attached, please don't worry. Obviously in times of turbulence, keep the seat belt fastened, but you'd need to do that if you had a car seat anyway. From chatting to friends and travel agents over years I believe the vast majority of parents take their babies/toddlers (under 2) on their laps.

Just myself, DW and DS5. So it will be "challenging" in the plane. She's usually really good and may just sleep in my arms but then again she's never been on a plane before. I hope I just get a plane full of sympathetic parents.

There are a number of things you can do to make the flight a little easier. Lollipops (suitable width that won't go back her throat) to suck on to ease ear-popping, lots of juice (again, the swallowing will prevent the altitude problem of ear popping), some new little toys to entertain her, fun books. Also I would recommend rubbing some diluted lavender oil on her chest to help relax her (quite safe) or some camomile granules (available in little bottles) which are great for teething, wind but also general relaxation (again, quite safe and natural).

You'll be fine. Have a great trip. I think it's a shame that the Dolphin and Swan aren't trying to match Disney's new enterprise, Magical Express. Perhaps you and other guests should email them and pressurise them to come on board with a similar service.

 

[ducklite]

You will be given a second seat belt which goes around your baby's waist and attaches to your seat belt (and least that's the way it was last time I flew with a baby) so your baby will be quite secure in your lap with that seat belt attached, please don't worry. Obviously in times of turbulence, keep the seat belt fastened, but you'd need to do that if you had a car seat anyway. From chatting to friends and travel agents over years I believe the vast majority of parents take their babies/toddlers (under 2) on their laps.

Not on US and Canadian flights. In fact the FAA doesn't allow the belly belts to be used, and in the event of an emergency landing, you'll be instructed to put your child on the floor! In North America the trend is quite the opposite, most people do care enough for the safety and comfort of their child and the passengers around them to buy the child a seat.

And I can't believe the OP is staying Concierge/Club level at the Dolphin and says he can't afford the ticket? Give me a break...

Also, I'm sure your fellow passengers with various allergies and asthma would be quite happy if you didn't go rubbing scented oils on your child--that's as bad as using half a bottle of perfume right before getting on your flight. It's very inconsiderate of those around you who might not enjoy the scent, or worse yet might have a medical reaction to it.

Anne

 

[dreamflight99]

Hi CarolA

We couldn't afford to by my DD a seat on the plane . Just myself, DW and DS5. So it will be "challenging" in the plane. She's usually really good and may just sleep in my arms but then again she's never been on a plane before. I hope I just get a plane full of sympathetic parents.

Do people usually have their own seats for their kids or do they rely on the transporation companies? What is the state law about using car seats? Is it mandatory? We'd do it anyway but I think it's actually law in Ontario, Canada.

Thanks,
Andy

Hi Andy~ Siding with Ducklite on this one...I too, have always purchased a ticket for my DD (even as an infant). Yet...I also know MANY other families whom do not have the means, or feel they do not have to buy one (since they attest the airlines would MAKE them if truly, necessary).

So...on that note, ~I would like to offer another option recently used by some people I know. In this age of internet access, most airlines make their flight information (including plane size, type, capacity, etc) easily accessible and readily available for access by guests. PLEASE...view the flights available for the day you wish to travel. View the airline type, and seating capacity. NEXT...phone a reservation specialist and explain your situation. Be frank with her, and inform her you were not able to purchase the extra seat for your 1 YO DD, and request assistance with the anticipated flights, busy times vs. not so busy, etc. She/He should be able to assist you in determining the LEAST crowded/popular flight to take, permitting you FREE AVAILABLE SEATING for your DD.

This worked very well for some associates, whom traveled on a plane with lots of empty & available seats. Also remember, you are NEVER "stuck" in your reserved seating area. If you board the plane and find you are in a "crowded" area, but notice a few rows back there are "four vacant seats" in a row, by all means---MOVE to those seats! Inform the flight attendant of your intentions, (so she knows where you are), and feel free to relax. Even if you need to separate (a row or two back/forward) and sit with DD5 while your DW stays with DD1, or vice-versa, do this for safety's sake. The peace of mind...is worth the added effort/work.

I hope you enjoy the flight! Perhaps we should take DebIreland's advice...and EMAIL the S/D to participate in the TRANSPORTATION promo!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[shatzjsl]

most people do care enough for the safety and comfort of their child and the passengers around them to buy the child a seat.

And I can't believe the OP is staying Concierge/Club level at the Dolphin and says he can't afford the ticket? Give me a break...

Anne, I usually agree with everything you post but have to speak up on this one. Sorry, but you really don't have a right to tell someone that they don't care for their child because they didn't buy them a seat. Maybe he is staying at club level because they aren't buying that extra ticket. Maybe it is a special treat for the family. It is really none of your business.

 

[ducklite]

Anne, I usually agree with everything you post but have to speak up on this one. Sorry, but you really don't have a right to tell someone that they don't care for their child because they didn't buy them a seat. Maybe he is staying at club level because they aren't buying that extra ticket. Maybe it is a special treat for the family. It is really none of your business.

My point is that buying a ticket is a NECCESSITY for the safety and comfort of his child and other passengers. Staying Club level is a luxury. I guess my priorities are very different.

Anne

 

[Lewisc]

Anne, I usually agree with everything you post but have to speak up on this one. Sorry, but you really don't have a right to tell someone that they don't care for their child because they didn't buy them a seat. Maybe he is staying at club level because they aren't buying that extra ticket. Maybe it is a special treat for the family. It is really none of your business.

I'd side with Anne on this one. I hope you're wrong, sacrificing a child's safety as a way to pay for upgraded accommodations is just wrong. Trying to book a flight with empty seats as a way to get a free seat is a possible solution BUT many people traveling to MCO have the same idea.

The FAA doesn't allow passengers to hold a 2 lb purse or 4 lb notebook computer. The concern is it might go flying during takeoff and landings. Why are we more concerned with property flying through the aircraft than infants?

Should the airlines be allowed to sell standing room?

 

[shatzjsl]

I stand by what I said. It's really none of our business how he spends his money. His question had absolutely nothing to do with a plane trip. Answer his question and move on but don't force your opinions on him when they weren't asked for.

 

[ducklite]

I stand by what I said. It's really none of our business how he spends his money. His question had absolutely nothing to do with a plane trip. Answer his question and move on but don't force your opinions on him when they weren't asked for.

Actually it IS my business, I'll tell you why.

Let's say that I'm a passenger on the flight he's on. He's behind me with his squirmy child flailing about and kicking my seat the entire trip.

Worse yet, we encounter turbulence and his child slips from his arms and slams into my head. Now we've got an injured child and an injured "bystander" because someone chose some canapes and turndown service over a ticket.

Sacrificing your child's safety to splurge on an indulgence is just wrong IMHO. And a trip to WDW is an indulgence.

Anne

 

[DebIreland]

Andy,
I had no idea that second lap restraints for babies are not used on American flights. Sorry for the mis-information Having used them often in Europe (and they are used on Aer Lingus for Irish/American flights) I found them to be very effective and a great re-assurance. I should have thought that they might not be an internationally used item. I will add one more thing though that I thought of afterwards. The best piece of advice I got about travelling with young children is to play lots of little games with them and tire them out (!) in the terminal before take-off, thereby increasing your chances of a sleepy baby on board and avoiding this:! !

Ducklite, with regards to the lavender oil, I can assure you that a couple of drops of lavender oil diluted in water and rubbed onto a baby's chest has a very subtle odour and is certainly in no way comparable to "half a bottle of perfume". Just to add, as the mother of an 11 year old boy who suffers from *chronic* asthma, lavender oil in no way aggravates the condition. On the contrary, I first started using lavender *exactly* because of his asthma because it is one of the few things that relaxes him at night when he suffers a particulary acute attack and helps him to sleep.

Andy, I hope you have a wonderful trip to Disney and that all our kids have a magical time

 

[Lewisc]

I stand by what I said. It's really none of our business how he spends his money. His question had absolutely nothing to do with a plane trip. Answer his question and move on but don't force your opinions on him when they weren't asked for.

Since Andy said that he thought the lap child might

be "challenging" in the plane

and further said

I hope I just get a plane full of sympathetic parents

Anne's posts are most appropriate.

Sorry but I'm not sympathetic towards parents who chose not to pay for a seat for a screaming infant.

Make sure you have a copy of your child's birth certficate, if your DD looks like she might be 2 you'll need to prove that's she's young enough to be a lap baby.

 

[ducklite]

DebIreland,

All asthma sufferers have different triggers. I have a friend with chronic asthma, and various smells trigger attacks. Opening a bottle of diluted essential oils in a row near her would likely trigger a major attack. One of the reasons she seldom flies.

Your son might not be triggered by this, but he probably is triggered by something that others aren't. Direct sun light on a hot day is a trigger for me. Not for most people, but it is for me. Everyone is different. And when we can be considerate in order to prevent a medical emergency in another person, we should.

Anne

 

[goofy4tink]

Actually it IS my business, I'll tell you why.

Let's say that I'm a passenger on the flight he's on. He's behind me with his squirmy child flailing about and kicking my seat the entire trip.

Worse yet, we encounter turbulence and his child slips from his arms and slams into my head. Now we've got an injured child and an injured "bystander" because someone chose some canapes and turndown service over a ticket.

Sacrificing your child's safety to splurge on an indulgence is just wrong IMHO. And a trip to WDW is an indulgence.

Anne

Anne, I think I had that very child behind me a year ago going from Boston to Orlando. Mom, Dad, 2 kids, one in Mom's lap, right behind me. Squirmed, fidgeted, kicked the seat the whole way to Florida. My head kept banging forward. The mother did apologize once or twice. Baby did fall asleep for about 15 minutes but the older child woke him up!!!

I'm sorry this has gotten so argumentative. But, for those of us who have flown with our children in seats and had to put up with children who aren't...well, it's kind of a tender subject. Sorry, but when you hope for a plane full of sympathetic parents...well, darn it..I paid for my childs seat, I am not going to have much sympathy for someone who chose not to.

 

[CarolA]

Oh I knew this was going to be fun.

I am in the "child" needs a seat group, but I realize that it may be a financial hardship so I try not to judge.

 

[dreamflight99]

All of our "opinions" would be completely unecessary if the FAA would step-up and simply change the rules associated with this issue." EVERYONE whom wishes to fly, should have to purchase a ticket. I also agree with "reduced" fares for children and infants. I just believe everyone would be safer, if EVERYONE had their own seat on a plane. In such a confined environment, it's difficult for adults to move around without "bothering" other passengers. I recall just "touching" the seatback of the person in front of me, (as I attempted to stand), only to exact a dirty look from the passenger.

Also, children lack the cognitive necessary to assess the dangers associated with this practice. If they did, they would most likely request a ticket. Adults frequently subject children to other harmful things (second-hand smoke, etc) without proper consideration. Overwhelmingly, studies have proven children have a different opinion of these situations when they are older and have knowledge of such behavior.

I wonder how the airlines would handle the scene Anne described? What if I was seated next to a parent holding a "flailing" child on their lap, and the child "bucked" and inadvertantly head-butted/struck me in the face, etc., causing pain/injury? If this same child were properly restrained in their own seat or car-seat, this would have never occurred (certainly not in the face, etc). Therefore, are the airlines "negligent" in such a situation, or the parents? I just wish there were laws in place prohibiting such a scene or possibility. The liability factor seems obviously sufficient to warrant the necessity of tickets for each passenger. I'm sure it will take a few more "accidents" (at the expense of the passengers and unrestrained children) to require such measures.