Random travel and logistics questions

[Autumnslight]

I have some random questions about airport and travel logistics that I was hoping someone might be able to answer!

Background: We're taking our first family trip to Disney World in late September. We're flying Southwest, with three adults, two six year old boys, and a three year old girl. The adults have all flown before, but not in about 6-8 years, and the kids haven't flown before. We're staying offsite, and will have a rental car. We're bringing a Sit-and-Stand stroller with us, as well as a car seat on the plane for our daughter.

1. What's the deal with airport security and the new imaging machines? Does everyone go through those, or only people who are randomly selected or who set off the metal detector?

2. We'll have a wheeled cart for getting the car seat through the airport, since we're bringing it on the plane. Should we check the stroller with our luggage, or bring that through the airport too and gate check it? I'm leaning towards checking it with the baggage, so we don't have to deal with getting it through security. I'm also not sure how easy it would be to manage the stroller, car seat, and our luggage going through the airport.

3. We have a breakfast ADR at Chef Mickey's, and then are planning to go to MK afterwards. It was recommended that we pay to valet park at the Contemporary Resort, then walk or take the monorail to MK for the day, and then go back to CR to get our car that night. Is this the most convenient course of action?

4. One of the days on our trip is my son's birthday. We're planning breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at 9am, DisneyQuest at 11:30am, lunch at T-REX at 2pm, then probably back to DisneyQuest for a bit, and finally over to MK for MNSSHP sometime before 7pm. What's our best course of action in terms of transportation? Just drive to the Grand Floridian, then Downtown Disney, then the TTC?

5. We have an ADR for Mickey's Backyard BBQ at 6:30pm one day. We're planning on going to AK that day, which closes at 6pm. What time should we plan to leave AK, and what's the best way for us to get to the BBQ? I've heard people say to drive to the Wilderness Lodge, then take an internal bus, while others say to take a boat from MK. I've never taken a boat at Disney, nor been to any of the resorts, so I have no idea about any of that. I don't even know where this boat is that we would potentially take.

6. We're leaving on a Saturday. Our flight departs at 5:45pm. I have an ADR at 'Ohana at 10:05am, then was figuring we could go over to MK for a little bit. What's our best course of action for transportation - valet park at the Polynesian or park at the TTC then take the monorail to MK or the Polynesian and back? What time should we leave MK in order to get to the airport, return the rental car, and make our 5:45pm flight?

Thanks!

 

[goofy4tink]

I have some random questions about airport and travel logistics that I was hoping someone might be able to answer!

Background: We're taking our first family trip to Disney World in late September. We're flying Southwest, with three adults, two six year old boys, and a three year old girl. The adults have all flown before, but not in about 6-8 years, and the kids haven't flown before. We're staying offsite, and will have a rental car. We're bringing a Sit-and-Stand stroller with us, as well as a car seat on the plane for our daughter.

1. What's the deal with airport security and the new imaging machines? Does everyone go through those, or only people who are randomly selected or who set off the metal detector?

2. We'll have a wheeled cart for getting the car seat through the airport, since we're bringing it on the plane. Should we check the stroller with our luggage, or bring that through the airport too and gate check it? I'm leaning towards checking it with the baggage, so we don't have to deal with getting it through security. I'm also not sure how easy it would be to manage the stroller, car seat, and our luggage going through the airport.

3. We have a breakfast ADR at Chef Mickey's, and then are planning to go to MK afterwards. It was recommended that we pay to valet park at the Contemporary Resort, then walk or take the monorail to MK for the day, and then go back to CR to get our car that night. Is this the most convenient course of action?

4. One of the days on our trip is my son's birthday. We're planning breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at 9am, DisneyQuest at 11:30am, lunch at T-REX at 2pm, then probably back to DisneyQuest for a bit, and finally over to MK for MNSSHP sometime before 7pm. What's our best course of action in terms of transportation? Just drive to the Grand Floridian, then Downtown Disney, then the TTC?

5. We have an ADR for Mickey's Backyard BBQ at 6:30pm one day. We're planning on going to AK that day, which closes at 6pm. What time should we plan to leave AK, and what's the best way for us to get to the BBQ? I've heard people say to drive to the Wilderness Lodge, then take an internal bus, while others say to take a boat from MK. I've never taken a boat at Disney, nor been to any of the resorts, so I have no idea about any of that. I don't even know where this boat is that we would potentially take.

6. We're leaving on a Saturday. Our flight departs at 5:45pm. I have an ADR at 'Ohana at 10:05am, then was figuring we could go over to MK for a little bit. What's our best course of action for transportation - valet park at the Polynesian or park at the TTC then take the monorail to MK or the Polynesian and back? What time should we leave MK in order to get to the airport, return the rental car, and make our 5:45pm flight?

Thanks!

1. I haven't gone through one of the newer scanners in a long time. They seem to be phasing them out. There is no way to be sure what kind of scanner you will get. Prepare for both types.

2. I would just check it. If you aren't going to need it to get to the plane, why bother lugging it?

3. Yes, pay to valet park at the CR. You are then free to do whatever you wish the rest of the day. The walk to MK takes under 10 mins.

4. Six of one, half dozen of another. It will be faster to take your own car to DTD vs parking at the GF and busing back and forth. You will only have to pay to park one time if you hang onto your receipt. Otherwise, it will be very time consuming taking the bus to DTD from GF and then back again.

5. This one is tougher for me...I don't use the buses to FtW. I believe the BBQ is a short walk from Pioneer Hall. If that is the case, I would drive to WL, park there and take the boat from WL over to FtW. It is very well marked as to which line to get into. The boat dock is right down the path from Pioneer Hall, so the BBQ area shouldn't be too far from there.
I would plan on leaving AK by 5pm. That gives you plenty of time to get to WL. When you get off the bus, go to the lobby. You will walk through the lobby, down past the Artist Point Restaurant. Go out to the pool area, and keep walking...the path is well marked..wooden walkway with lampposts along the way...very nice. Get on the boat to FtW....then get off there, walk up the path and ask a CM the best way to BBQ.

6. Just park at the TTC, then you can either walk to the Polynesian...get off the tram, stay to the left of the ticket booths, and walk along the edge of the sidewalk. You will cross the entrance to a CM parking lot, keep walking and you will see the pathway to the Polynesian. It's a very pleasant walkway...takes under 10 mins from the tram to the Polynesian Grand Ceremonial house. then either take the small boat to the MK or hop on the monorail.
I would plan on leaving MK no later than 3pm..it takes about 30 mins to get to MCO, then a bit to return the car. You should be at security no later than 4pm. To be really safe, leave by 2:30...better to be early than to stress about being late. At that time of day the traffic can be iffy!!!

 

[winterwhite]

The only person who won't have to go through a backscatter scanner at most airports, especially smaller ones, is someone with an infant in arms.

So it depends on where you're coming from. I don't think I go through backscatter at LAX, but I do at BWI, BDL, ATL, TYS, BOS. What is your departing airport?

I would strongly recommend you not try to bring a carseat, stroller, rollerbags, and 3 kids through the airport, even with 3 people. You will lose one of these things somehow and it will be a pain in the rear to shanghai all that stuff together and get yourselves off the plane to pick up the stroller, etc.

 

[Autumnslight]

We're flying out of BUF. I know they have the imaging machines, I just don't know if they're standard for everyone, or if the metal detector is standard, and the imaging machines are just used for random or additional screening.

I think we'll check the stroller. That'll leave us with one backpack carry-on each, plus the carseat on the roller cart. That shouldn't be too bad. The two older kids can carry their own backpacks for sure, and if the youngest needs help with hers, that's not a big deal.

 

[amym2]

In terms of the airport, every time we travel with kids (and we travel a lot with our kids who are 11 and 9) I just go through the regular metal detector with them and DH goes through the "fancy" scanner.

I would check as much as possible at the counter. I'd even check your DD's car seat and just have her sit on the seat in the plane. We used car seats when the kids were under 3, but at 3 they were fine with just the lap belt. Car seats just made it more likely they'd be kicking the seat in front of them (unintentionally usually).

 

[Autumnslight]

I would check as much as possible at the counter. I'd even check your DD's car seat and just have her sit on the seat in the plane. We used car seats when the kids were under 3, but at 3 they were fine with just the lap belt. Car seats just made it more likely they'd be kicking the seat in front of them (unintentionally usually).

I know it would be easier to check the seat. But I also know my daughter, and the best thing for EVERYONE on that plane is for her to be strapped into her car seat on that flight!

Good note about the seat kicking thing though. We'll try to get two rows, one behind the other, and put her in the back. At least then if she kicks, she's only kicking one of us!

 

[GrnMtnMan]

I know they have the imaging machines, I just don't know if they're standard for everyone, or if the metal detector is standard, and the imaging machines are just used for random or additional screening.

Can be both. Sometimes a select few are sent to imaging while the rest go through metal sector. Other times everybody will have to line up for the imaging machine, and the few 'exempt' people will be sent over to the detector.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew Pittsburgh to LAX earlier this month and had to go through the imaging machine at both airports.

 

[amym2]

I know it would be easier to check the seat. But I also know my daughter, and the best thing for EVERYONE on that plane is for her to be strapped into her car seat on that flight!

Good note about the seat kicking thing though. We'll try to get two rows, one behind the other, and put her in the back. At least then if she kicks, she's only kicking one of us!

Good idea! DD was about 3 or 4 one time when we flew and I had no idea she was kicking the seat until the lady in front of us leaned over and said something to the effect of, "I know you probably don't know it, but every time you kick that seat, I feel it." I was glad she was very nice about it, and it took lots of effort, but I did constantly remind DD to keep her feet still for the rest of the flight. Even though she's now 9, I still have to remind her sometimes. She's on a jump rope team and her feet are constantly moving!

 

[amym2]

I flew Pittsburgh to LAX earlier this month and had to go through the imaging machine at both airports.

But did you have kids with you? It's been my experience that every time we have our kids with us, they just send us through the metal detectors. DH usually goes through the imaging machine because that's what he's used to from flying solo so often. I have never seen kids go through the imaging machine.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

My thought is for the last question. If you have the ADR after 10:00AM, it doesn't seem worth it to go to MK that day. By the time you eat, park, get to the monorail into the park it will be about 1-1:30, to have to leave the park by 2:00-2:30. Not worth it, don't forget here is getting to the baggage security time involved.
We don't have an ADR the last day with a 5:15pm flight planning an Epcot or AK day.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Good idea! DD was about 3 or 4 one time when we flew and I had no idea she was kicking the seat until the lady in front of us leaned over and said something to the effect of, "I know you probably don't know it, but every time you kick that seat, I feel it." I was glad she was very nice about it, and it took lots of effort, but I did constantly remind DD to keep her feet still for the rest of the flight. Even though she's now 9, I still have to remind her sometimes. She's on a jump rope team and her feet are constantly moving!

OMG this was us too! Except the lady in front turned around and said "IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH HER???" Mortified. Yes I was.

 

[Autumnslight]

OMG this was us too! Except the lady in front turned around and said "IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH HER???" Mortified. Yes I was.

Wow! I think my reaction would have been stunned silence, then "Is there something wrong with YOU?!" I try my hardest to keep my kids from annoying other people, but sometimes it happens anyway. I'm always embarrassed and apologetic, unless the person is rude in a totally uncalled for way. Then all bets are off!

 

[Autumnslight]

My thought is for the last question. If you have the ADR after 10:00AM, it doesn't seem worth it to go to MK that day. By the time you eat, park, get to the monorail into the park it will be about 1-1:30, to have to leave the park by 2:00-2:30. Not worth it, don't forget here is getting to the baggage security time involved.
We don't have an ADR the last day with a 5:15pm flight planning an Epcot or AK day.

Yeah, I was wondering about that. We weren't planning on doing anything big at MK, just kind of a last little farewell. We'll probably just play that day by ear, and see what happens. Maybe we'll go to Downtown Disney or something instead.

 

[sam_gordon]

But did you have kids with you? It's been my experience that every time we have our kids with us, they just send us through the metal detectors. DH usually goes through the imaging machine because that's what he's used to from flying solo so often. I have never seen kids go through the imaging machine.

This has been my experience also. Kids travelling with you = "normal" metal detector. They may send one adult through the 'big' machine, but we've been able to stay with our family.

 

[goofy4tink]

OMG this was us too! Except the lady in front turned around and said "IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH HER???" Mortified. Yes I was.

My response would have been...''Yeah, but it's not fatal...she's 3 and she'll grow out of it!'
I've had kids kicking my seat. Most of the time I don't mind....too much. I do mind the kid who isn't made to sit in the seat, so stands up, grabbing the back of my seat and pulling it back and forth! That will get a comment from me! Or the kid that constantly sticks his hands through the opening between the seats. Or the one that thinks it's cute to play peek-a-boo with the passengers in back of her! It's cute the few times....10 times? yeah, not so much.

 

[DebbieB]

But did you have kids with you? It's been my experience that every time we have our kids with us, they just send us through the metal detectors. DH usually goes through the imaging machine because that's what he's used to from flying solo so often. I have never seen kids go through the imaging machine.

No, I didn't have kids but I don't recall seeing anyone going through the metal detectors. I don't recall even seeing metal detectors at LAX, just the new scanners. I wasn't specifically looking for kids to see what they do.

It's actually scary if they make an across the board exclusion for kids. Terrorists could figure that out and plant explosives on kids.

 

[Autumnslight]

I do mind the kid who isn't made to sit in the seat, so stands up, grabbing the back of my seat and pulling it back and forth! That will get a comment from me! Or the kid that constantly sticks his hands through the opening between the seats. Or the one that thinks it's cute to play peek-a-boo with the passengers in back of her! It's cute the few times....10 times? yeah, not so much.

Yeah, this would totally be my three year old, which is why she's going to be strapped into her car seat! I would try to stop her as much as I could, but it would just be exhausting for me and irritating for everyone. The car seat should be much better!

 

[Autumnslight]

No, I didn't have kids but I don't recall seeing anyone going through the metal detectors. I don't recall even seeing metal detectors at LAX, just the new scanners. I wasn't specifically looking for kids to see what they do.

It's actually scary if they make an across the board exclusion for kids. Terrorists could figure that out and plant explosives on kids.

This is what TSA.gov says:

Screening procedures for passengers 12 and under include:

Allowing children 12 and under to leave their shoes on.
Allowing multiple passes through the walk through metal detector and advanced imaging technology to clear any alarms on children.
Using explosives trace detection technology on a wider basis to resolve alarms on children.


Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)

TSA uses advanced imaging technology (AIT) to safely screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats. Any passenger capable of assuming and staying in the required position for 5 seconds is eligible for AIT screening. If a child 12 and under goes through AIT and alarms, they will have an opportunity to go through the technology again or the Security Officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat down.

Parents carrying infants or children cannot be screened by the imaging technology. In addition, parents accompanying children may opt out of being screened by imaging technology to prevent them from being separated from their family.

AIT screening is optional for all passengers. Eligible passengers who opt out of AIT screening will receive alternative screening, to include a thorough pat-down.

That doesn't make it clear to me whether it's standard for kids to go through AIT, or only if they're selected or if they trip the metal detector.

We have enough adults travelling with us that I'm not concerned if we have to go through AIT, I just would like to know what to expect. It seems like it depends, and can change from day to day, as determined by TSA.

I would definitely prefer that the kids don't go through AIT, or get patted down, though, so I'll try to make sure they don't have anything that might trip the regular metal detector.

 

[andigomeep]

Please don't check your car seat with your luggage because you do not know how it will be handled in the long distance from check in to plane. If you absolutely do not want to use it on the plane, gate check because it's less of a distance for it to travel and possibly become damaged.