Requesting advice for a 18 month old...(long)

[kristinanderic]

We leave on January 3rd for a 6 night stay at Pop Century. My husband and I are really looking forward to the trip. My parents have bought 18 of us (including them) 3 day MYW theme park tickets and made dinner reservations for all 18 of us at Hoop De Doo Review. They originally wanted to pay for all of us to go, but this is what they could afford, we are more then estactic

So....our party of 18 will be Meeting up at WDW Jan 4, 5, & 6th. (we all have staggered stays depending on our work and school schedules).

I'm asking for advice on a couple different things our son with be 18 months at the time of the trip. I know he isn't going to remember much, but that isn't the point, this is the first of his many disney trips in the years to come and the joy on his face will be priceless, I get teary eyed just thinking about it.

We have 2 seats currently booked on American Airlines. They told us if the flight had an extra seat when we checked in they would let us have it for a carseat. This is the first time that I've ever flown with a child so I not familiar with airline policies. We have the opportunity to upgrade to first class for free thanks to a very kind woman on another message board, however my concern is that if we choose to upgrade to first class and there is a extra seat available, would we all be moved to coach or how does that work? Do they ever give a child with a car seat a "extra" first class seat?

Secondly, I've never flown with a child, let alone my own child...or a 18 month old for that matter. I'm very concerned on how I am going to keep him contained on the flight that is about 2 hours long. I'm hoping that he'll take a nap since our flight departs at 6:55 am, but I need some back up plans. We are considering taking our laptop so that he can watch a DVD on the flight...but I'm not sure that will contain him either. I've read that some people have taken play doh....is that messy? (yes...I'm a first time mom...I didn't get to play with play doh as a child much) Any suggestions would be great.

Third....another concern of mine. I'm a heavy packer...and its going to be January so the weather may be unpredictable. I want to take 2 large suit cases, 1 medium, 2 carryons (one being a laptop). I don't plan on taking a purse or diaper bag (I have a tote that can hold the laptop, diapers, wallet ect...) We are also bringing a stroller and car seat. I plan on bringing a backpack for the parks, but I will pack it inside one of the suitcases. We are renting a car at MCO...so my question is....is this obessive? Are there some type of carts that we can rent (or are they free ) How are we going to get to Dollar without being stressed?

And lastly, as I said previously we are renting a car at MCO. We used the mousesavers code and got the free additional driver HOWEVER, i'm only 24. Would I be free or would I have to pay the $25 a day fee just to be added to the drivers?

Ok, I think thats it for now. I'm sorry this is so long, but I have these questions running through my head and everyone on the disboards have been so overwhelmingly wonderful to me, I know you all can help me out.

Thanks so much!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It's unlikely that there will be an extra seat available for your son if you don't buy him a seat in coach, so I would plan on holding him for the flight and checking the car seat. It's pretty much guaranteed that there won't be an open first class seat (that would be given to one of AA's MANY elite FF flyers requesting a courtesy upgrade before being given to a child who didn't pay for a seat in the first place).

If I were you, I would buy my child a seat and ride in coach. However, if you don't want to do that and you can get an upgrade, take that and plan on holding your child for the flight.

If you take a laptop to play a dvd for your child, I hope that he is able to wear earphones, if not, don't do it. The sound will be VERY annoying to other passengers. Personally, I don't think 18 month olds should even watch videos (just my opinion) and most don't pay attention anyway for any length of time. You might want to do a search of the boards for one of the many threads on the topic of flying with kids for more suggestions.

As for luggage, you are taking FAR too much for 3 people, even traveling with a baby. How many clothes do you really need?

How are we going to get to Dollar without being stressed?

You're traveling with an 18 month old, stress is the name of the game,
Luggage carts are available for rent at the airport at a nominal cost.

I can't answer the car rental question, as I don't know. Why not just call the rental agency and ask?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Entertaining the 18 month old: How is he entertained at home? Coloring books? Stuffed animals? Bring a couple/few of whatever he enjoys onto the plane; or, just play with him similar to something you'd do on the ground; or read to him, or something like that.

As lost*in*cyberspace states, you should be prepared to hold your son on your lap for the entire flight; planes are flying with few, if any, empty seats. If you want your son to definitely have a seat, you'll need to purchase a ticket for him.

While the luggage you list is within airline limits, remember that for the most part, YOU will need to move it from one point to another. Never bring more luggage than you can easily handle. Two adults, three checked bags, two carry-ons, a car seat and a stroller doesn't sound particularly easy, but... as for unpredictable weather in Florida in January, it's not THAT unpredictable. Standard packing advice (generally stated as a joke, but really pretty good advice): Lay out everything you want to pack. Put half of it away. Pack the rest. But, yes, there are luggage carts you can rent, or SkyCaps you can tip. Standard tip is a dollar or two per piece, and this holds true for Bell Services at your hotel, too. Don't forget, too, that whatever you bring will have to fit in the rental car.

Getting to Dollar:
Exit plane
Take tram to main terminal
Proceed down one level to baggage claim
After claiming luggage, go down one more level to ground transportation
Proceed to Dollar counter
Complete transaction
Go across street to garage to pick up car

Yes, at 24 you WILL have to pay the additional $25 per day for underage driver.

 

[kristinanderic]

We've always intended our holding our son, the car seat will have to come with us anyways because we are renting a car...so if we get to use it on the plane it would just be a bonus for us. We aren't banking on getting an extra seat...this was a "what if" scenario question.

I think our son will be fine on our laps. I have held him through a funeral service, weddings, and the movie CARS. I've always had snacks and a quiet toy.

We may be able to elimiate a suitcase...I guess I will figure that out when the time comes.

I say the weather may be umpreditable because I've been in January when its been hot, and I've been there when they covered all the plants at disney because they expected a frost that night.

Thank for the information about Dollar. My husband is 29 so I'll just let him drive everywhere...I really have no reason to pay $25 extra a day just so that I could drive.

 

[katerkat]

My almost-20 month old has been on 8 round-trip flights - December will be #9 - and I've only had someone to help on 2.5 of those, so I consider myself a toddler-flying expert.

I'd go for the upgrade to first class. I can't physically hold my 18-month old anymore, but in the roomier seats and with DH to help, you should be able to manage for two hours. In coach, we've gotten a free extra seat about 75% of the time we've asked for one, and my last two flights, there were a few empty seats in all segments. (We bought his seat at that point because I can't hold him alone anymore and need the guarantee!)

To entertain: I'm aware of the DIS debate on earphones and all the reasoning, but I'll just say, when my 18-month old was screeching like a banshee and kicking me in the head as I pulled out the laptop, because he did NOT want to be in the carseat anymore, the people around me were happy with the bare minimum noise of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. To be fair, I've only once needed it, and that was on a flight over 6 hours long - normally we try to pick flights that stop halfway across the country so he can get out and stretch. I put the laptop on the lowest sound level because he really just likes looking at the pictures.

Other options: coloring books and the big fat crayons that he can grasp easily. Russ likes markers now, but we tend to stick to Color Wonder stuff when we're out and about as he tends to miss the paper a lot. Actually, skip the coloring books and just use paper, since everything is just scribbles at that age. I personally wouldn't use PlayDoh on a plane (at their age). An airplane toy is good, Russ loves to "zoom" things around. Not anything small you'll be picking up off the floor every 20 seconds.

Three suitcases for 3 days? You may just want to watch the weather a couple days beforehand and see if it's predicted to be cold or warm. We'll have one large and one medium for 10 days. But anyway - if you have rolling suitcases and can hook them together, it's doable. By myself, I've usually done one medium checked suitcase, carseat on a folding luggage cart, stroller and three carry-ons. (One snacks/drinks, one diaper bag filled with toys, one laptop.) So hey, that means the extra person just needs to get two suitcases.

Good luck! We're taking Russ in three weeks and I can't wait to see his face once we get there. (After three planes and over 10 hours of traveling - wanna trade?)

 

[kristinanderic]

We'll be at the pop for 7 days and 6 nights. January 3-9th. We are only meeting my family for 3 of those days.

Sorry for the confusion.

 

[kristinanderic]

Thanks KaterKat you've been very helpful, but then again that is because you are definately the expert!

I think I am definately going to look into some color wonder markers and such, that sounds like a good idea.

 

[katerkat]

Ah, 7 days is more understandable for that many suitcases! Really, if they can attach together and most everything big is on wheels, I could see it as do-able. I definitely recommend the folding rolling luggage cart if you're toting the carseat through the airport.

If you don't get Color Wonder, get washable markers. Russ tends to like to draw on himself as well. In fact, at home, a fun game is drawing on his face in the mirror. (Probably not the best thing to encourage, though!)

 

[Hannathy]

It still is too many suitcases! My DH would be having a fit, we only took 4 this summer for 4 people including a teenager for 11 days and he thought that was excessive. You can check the weather 10 days out and pack accordingly. The less you have really helps with the stress.

For the plane try taking some matchbox cars they are good for running on the tray and cheap so you can surprise him with a new one when he gets bored. get 2 cups and plain ice in only 1 and let him play putting the ice back and forth. Save up new Macdonald toys from the kid meals. Plastic animals or dinosaurs etc.Books, save some new ones as a treat. The biggest toy will be YOU don't expect to sit back and relax. If you care about the other passengers flying with a little one is a lot of work, my guy would play for an hour with his cars as long as I was running one of them to. Do bring headphones and be considerate of the other passengers.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Another thing - Pop Century has laundry rooms. You could really get by with three or four outfits each, and do a load of laundry partway through, e.g. while you spend a few hours at the pool. Nobody's going to care if you wear the same shirt two or three times, least of all family.

 

[djbleach]

get 2 cups and plain ice in only 1 and let him play putting the ice back and forth

This is a great idea. As many times as I've traveled with our DD, it never came to mind.
I could see how this will keep them occupied for a few minutes.
We fly from Va to Fl and it's around 2 hours.
When she was 18m, we never bought the extra seat and usually always had a seat to put the car seat.
She would take naps on some flights, some flights she'd cry a few minutes(feels like hours when your going thru it)
We fly southwest, so we would preboard.
By preboarding, most people with kids are upfront. So to me, if somebody chooses to sit upfront in the ''kiddie zone", then they need to be ready for the unexpected.
I've learned not to really let "what others might think" and just go with the flow and handle situations to the best of my ablility.
Lately , I've tried to wait more until the flight was full, before we boarded. On Southwest If my wife is with us, I'll get her to hold us seats. So this cuts down on entertainment time on the plane.
When she was 18months I think we took a portable dvd player, but it really didn't help. Just to young to stay focused . There's alot going on in the world and kids want to see and take it all in.
At 18 months we had not taken her "off her ta ta or paci". So that helped in getting her to calm down to take a nap. The car seat really did help, because she knew what the car seat means.
On the luggage, I'd say do like Rick Steves. Put everything you think you will need on the bed. Now Take HALF and put it back. You can do it. I use to think I needed a new "outfit" for each day and night. Then I wised up and realize I can wear pants two days in a row if they don't stink. Wash laundry half way thru the trip If needed.(I know it doesn't sound like vacation, but it really only takes about an hour and it's done. Also you can do the laundry before you come back home, and it just gets put away. Helps on getting back into things when you get back home.) So I'd try and keep it simple on the packing.
I think they have carseat bags that you put the carseat in and carry it like a backpack. Not sure what they cost? But I'd pay $20 for one. It would be worth it. I use to carry our DD in the carseat thru the airport. She's 3 now, so she sits in the big girl seat. We usually check the carseat at the gate.
Anyway.
You sound like you like to plan things. So just try to plan on taking it easy.

 

[mexican-mouseketeers]

Do not preboard with the baby. And if you can, buy the extra seat in coach.

What dh and I used to do was that one of us would be preboard with the carseat and stuff while the other would take care of dd out of the plane while she ran, etc, then dd would be the last to board the plane, as pp mentioned, it takes a lot of time out of entertaining in the plane.

Julie

 

[PrincessGracie]

Have you thought about renting a carseat thought the car rental company? I think they run about $7-8 a day. That way you wouldn't have to lug it through the airports!!

 

[steelfish535]

Ok...we just went to disney in October with a 15 month old, so I'll see what I can help you with. My son isa little hyper sometimes, so I was very concerned about the plane trip (almost 2 1/2 hours). I brought lots of snacks that he likes, crayons and paper, the dvd player, a favorite board book of his, and a few little cars). The most important thing? Other than the DVD player, DON'T bring noisy or messy toys. It will annoy other people around you and just make you messy.
I would check the carseat....Bring it to the check in and they will tag it. We did that and had no problems. You can also rent one from the car rental too. Don't bring it on the plane. It's not even guaranteed that it'll fit, and with the plane belts, it's a pain to get it strapped in. If he can get his own seat, that's great, but you'll be just fine sitting with him on your lap (I had DS on my lap the whole time, and it was easier than his own seat...he had that one the way home.) Don't stress. He'll do fine. Just bring little things to keep him occupied. And if you're feeling up to the challenge, a short walk to the bathroom might be another distraction.
When you get off the plane, either find a cart or find a guy with a cart to take you over to the car rental place. We found a very nice gentleman who put all our stuff on a cart and took it over for us. Easy, simple. Same thing on the way back.
Make sure you bring a small bag with you on the plane with a change of clothes for him, an extra shirt for you (just in case he makes a mess with something). You can get water in the airport to bring on the plane so he can drink during take off. Ask your ped if there are any other tips for you.
Good luck! Have fun! Don't worry about him...he'll LOVE it all!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

No pla-doh on the airplanes... The Airline has an hour to get that plane ready to fly out again. No one will appreciate the fact you just wanted to keep your son occupied while they scrape it out of the crevices so the next passenger to sit there doesn't ruin her silk slacks.

If you plan to hold your son in your lap, you'll be far more comfortable doing so in First Class. Your cabin-mates may not be as comfortable, but hey, if you don't bring the pla-doh they are still ahead of the game.

Consider packing light clothes along with one fleece hooded jacket. Fleece is light and warm and can make up for bulkier heavier clothes. Might save you a suitcase.

Let your husband drive. SmarteCartes are available to take your luggage from the carousel to the rental location (or shuttle) - it runs a couple of dollars.

Good luck. Learning to engage your 18 month old in quiet interaction can be quite a challenge at that age, but it's entirely possible! Enjoy Pop!