Scared to do disney! Please help

[turnerx6]

Hello Everyone,
Can u please help me - im feeling VERY nervous about taking our first trip to Disney!!

We plan on going the last week in October. Our dd's will be 5yrs, 2 yrs and 11months at that time. I am scared to death about flying with them for the trip - I hate flying as it is, but to stick our family of 5 on the plane makes me weak in the knees!! How on earth will we 'control' them on the flight that long (4-5 hours..possibly one stop, but no switching planes).

Also, how on earth will I pack everything?? I have this feeling I will end up needing about 30 bags for all the stuff we need to drag along! We will have two in diapers at that time, we will need halloween costumes for trick or treating there, possibly life jackets for swimming...ugh..that alone makes me want to back out now! lol

We have talked about renting an motor home - but that would cost a little more money and would be a 17 hour drive there...again YIKES! This way I could take as much junk as I pleased - but how would i manage these youngin's for 17 hours there and 17 hours back???

And what we will do about a stroller if we fly???

Oh my...please help. I keep trying to back out of it but my dh is SET on going!!!

*Nervous Nelly*

 

[monkey30]

Hello Everyone,
Can u please help me - im feeling VERY nervous about taking our first trip to Disney!!

We plan on going the last week in October. Our dd's will be 5yrs, 2 yrs and 11months at that time. I am scared to death about flying with them for the trip - I hate flying as it is, but to stick our family of 5 on the plane makes me weak in the knees!! How on earth will we 'control' them on the flight that long (4-5 hours..possibly one stop, but no switching planes).

Also, how on earth will I pack everything?? I have this feeling I will end up needing about 30 bags for all the stuff we need to drag along! We will have two in diapers at that time, we will need halloween costumes for trick or treating there, possibly life jackets for swimming...ugh..that alone makes me want to back out now! lol

We have talked about renting an motor home - but that would cost a little more money and would be a 17 hour drive there...again YIKES! This way I could take as much junk as I pleased - but how would i manage these youngin's for 17 hours there and 17 hours back???

And what we will do about a stroller if we fly???

Oh my...please help. I keep trying to back out of it but my dh is SET on going!!!

*Nervous Nelly*

Hey we all go through some sort of nervousness!
As for life jackets, if u are staying at a resort u can get them there, for free.
Diapers and other things u can use a del service like garden grocer, you just go online and then order and they deliver to u!

As for the stroller when u fly u gate check it. Take it right to the door of the plane and they will take it from there and make sure it is ready for u when u land! Its great!

As for packing, make a list, and there are laundry services and rooms at the resorts as well, makes life way easier, we packed only for about 4 days and did a few loads in the middle.

Hope u are alright on the plane, with us the flight attendents where helpful as they could recognize when the kids were getting fussy, and would distract them to help us out.

We just came back from there and it was a 5.5hr flight, they were pretty good and eventually just fell asleep. Good luck

 

[monkey30]

Oh and we did Halloween in '08, it was so much fun, I highly reccomend the Not so Scary Halloween Party, the kids loved seeing the characters dressed up in costume, and then there was candy stations set up as well.

 

[HeatherC]

No...go....you will have an awesome time!

Where are you flying from? I would suggest getting the first non-stop flight of the day if possible so you can be there by lunch time. I'd also bring car seats even though they are a pain to lug. But...the kids are used to sitting in them and it definitely keeps them contained on the plane.

We are a family of 5 and my kids are now 13, 11 and 9. We started going when they were your kids ages. Our first trip was in May and it was over 100 degrees each day! We had such a great time, we went back that November and have been going ever since.

If you can afford to, I'd also suggest renting a minivan. That way you can leave the parks when you want to and not have to worry about the kids freaking out and having to wait for a bus. You'd also have plenty of room for a stroller. The stroller, by the way, you can just check it at the gate as you are getting on the plane. Not a problem whatsoever.

Having a car would also allow you to just stop at Walmart when you get there and pick up what you need as far as diapers, etc.. That always worked well for us. Or...you could order stuff from wegoshop.com or gardengrocer.com.

As for the plane ride, I used to bring along a backpack with special toys. I stocked up on happy meal toys and dollar store finds for months ahead of time. So every 20 minutes they would get something new to play with that they had never seen before. And...just bring along a lot of special snacks that keeps them busy!

Plan a few character meals. They are a great way for you and dh to relax a bit and for the kids to have a ball.

Have you picked a resort yet?

Have fun planning!

 

[Kat&Dom]

First of all, you can take your stroller right up to the gate of the plane and they will load it from there for you. When you land, as soon as you get off the plane, your stroller will be sitting there waiting for you. That will make getting through the airport a breeze. There is no charge by the airlines for strollers or car seats as they are considered safety items not baggage.

As far as diapers, I would take 2-3 days worth and buy them in Florida - a Wal-mart is probably 10 minutes taxi ride from Disney and would be much easier to buy than to try to pack enough for your trip.

I have flown with my son since he was 2 months old - he has flown 8 times since that first flight and he is 4. The biggest thing with a baby is to make sure that you are tapping lightly on the ears on landing and departure - once in the air - they will be fine but it is hard on their little ears with the change of pressure. The light tapping or even get them to suck on soother or bottle so that the ears will adjust to pressure change. The air pressure pain is what makes many infants cry on the plane.

The biggest thing with doing Disney is trying to get there first thing in the morning and do a few rides than head back to hotel for the afternoon of naps and swimming then go back in the evening. Take Disney at your own pace and know that you will only be able to do so much but it will be fun. It is an incredible feeling watching your child's face light up at Disney.

Do not stress yourself out over it! Your children will sense you are stressed and make act up because of it. Do some deep breathing and do your best to remain calm. Treat it like a great adventure to make some memories as a family. It will be a lot of work with 3 kids but the nice thing about Disney is that it captures children so completely that you are able to relax and enjoy things too.

A must do is at AK and the Finding Nemo Musical - try to sit in the bottom section and relax and enjoy your children's reaction to seeing the puppets - it is in A/C and a must do with toddlers.

In the meantime, know that you can do it and it will be a great memory maker.

 

[nmmom95]

You could ship down anything you may need, like packs of diapers, even Halloween costumes. I shipped tons of medical supplies last trip and the resort held them for me.

 

[Ericandjenng]

Hello Everyone,
Can u please help me - im feeling VERY nervous about taking our first trip to Disney!!

We plan on going the last week in October. Our dd's will be 5yrs, 2 yrs and 11months at that time. I am scared to death about flying with them for the trip - I hate flying as it is, but to stick our family of 5 on the plane makes me weak in the knees!! How on earth will we 'control' them on the flight that long (4-5 hours..possibly one stop, but no switching planes).

Portable DVD players (or laptops that can play DVDs) are terrific entertainment on flights. We also pack a backpack for our son with crayons, coloring books, his favorite movies, hot wheels cars and other small toys or travel size games. And don't forget a favorite stuffed animal (or lovey) and a book to read. Also the PP stated about bringing your carseats, it's a great idea for the younger ones--just make sure they are approved for flight, but if your 5 yr old uses a booster seat, they are not airline approved.

Also, how on earth will I pack everything?? I have this feeling I will end up needing about 30 bags for all the stuff we need to drag along! We will have two in diapers at that time, we will need halloween costumes for trick or treating there, possibly life jackets for swimming...ugh..that alone makes me want to back out now! lol

The previous PP suggestions are great but also remember if you plan on buying souvenirs, the empty space left by used diapers gives you the space to carry back the souvenirs! But seriously, I always take too much and wish I had taken less. Use the PP(s) suggestions.

We have talked about renting an motor home - but that would cost a little more money and would be a 17 hour drive there...again YIKES! This way I could take as much junk as I pleased - but how would i manage these youngin's for 17 hours there and 17 hours back???

And what we will do about a stroller if we fly???

It really is as easy as the PP(s) state about checking at the gate. The Airline employees are very used to dealing with parents, their kids and all the stuff that goes along with that

Oh my...please help. I keep trying to back out of it but my dh is SET on going!!!

*Nervous Nelly*

I answered each question above, but SERIOUSLY! don't back out...you will have a great time. Just relax. I flew with my son and mother across country with 2! plane changes two weeks after my son's 1st birthday. He slept alot of the time. He has his own frequent flyer card since about that time and also has his own passport. This past year at age 5, he once again flew across country with me (and hubby this time) to go on an Alaskan cruise. The big thing is you know your kids better than anyone, know how they act and what they can tolerate. BUT also realize they're kids and they are going to REACT based on how you ACT. I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Jool-e]

My advice is to pack ONLY things that you know you will not be able to get when you arrive. Stuff like extra diapers, shampoo , sunscreen etc. can be purchased somewhere when you arrive. It may waste a bit of vacation time, but it's better than having an unmanageable amount of stuff at the airport.

Read up on the amenities and extras that your hotel offers so you know what you have to bring. Don't drive. Flying is less stressful, even though it may not seem that way. Also, read up on the carry on guidelines so you can move through the security line quickly and easily. I agree with the previous post that says you should get a non-stop flight. If it takes you 17 hours to drive there, a non-stop flight should be pretty quick (2 to 3 hours), and having to land and take off more than once is pretty draining. I suggest checking out JetBlue, they have really reasonable fares, or Southwest because they don't charge to check baggage that is under 50 pounds. I believe you can could check a stroller if you need to.

Don't be nervous! Just keep calm, go with the flow, and do your homework! Have fun

 

[turnerx6]

Hi, what a GREAT tip about shipping some things down there! Did you just do UPS or something? Did you end up having to ship them back home? Did you just call the hotel in advance to tell them a box was coming? Sorry for all the questions, this is ALL new to me! lol Thanks again :0)

 

[monkey30]

Hi, what a GREAT tip about shipping some things down there! Did you just do UPS or something? Did you end up having to ship them back home? Did you just call the hotel in advance to tell them a box was coming? Sorry for all the questions, this is ALL new to me! lol Thanks again :0)

We bought a new stroller on Amazon, and had it shipped to the resort (saved us since they don't ship to Canada!!) I called the resort the day it arrived just to give them a heads up, they had no issues with it.

 

[El&Asmom]

We just got back with our three who are 14m, 4, and 6.5. I also HATE to fly. The alternative would be a 20+ hour drive which is just not practical especially during the school year.
There are some great posts around about things to bring to keep kids entertained. Ours love Playdough, Color Wonder sheets, and a small white board with dry erase markers and a small eraser. We also bring plenty of special treats that they normally wouldn't get often like candy and chocolate. We were sure to bring lots of snacks for the little one to keep her occupied as it was harder than keeping the big girls busy. I'm not going to say it's easy. At one point I had all three kids crying and pop spilled over all three of our seats on the plane. I'm sure the stewardess's loved us. I also suggest a non stop flight. Get there as quick as you can!

As much as I hate flying, we have been to WDW 8 times in the last 5 years. Obviously, it's worth it. Have fun, and enjoy planning. That's half the fun!

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

However you are going, GO! You won't regret it! We drive 17 hours, it's just too expensive to fly, plus my feelings on the whole flying thing sound same as yours.... and we have too much stuff to take, and we really don't take a whole lot "extra". We have drive down 3 times, first time just DS 4, then with DS5 and DS 2, then this last time DS 6 DS3. We really don't have trouble with them in the car. We arrange it so we're driving when they'll be sleeping/tired. We take our van, plenty of room for everyone and the stuff. You don't need a camper, but a small car would be rough. With 3 kids I'd assume you have something decent sized anyway. We drive straight through to go to FL. The last 2 trips we've stopped at a hotel to sleep on the way home since you're tired from the "vacation". The price of gas and the hotel are still hundreds cheaper than flying.
That's just something that works for our family, it's not as bad as it seems, but like I said, whatever you end up doing, do go. You will all have a great time.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

We plan on going the last week in October. Good time to go, the weather should be really nice!

I am scared to death about flying with them for the trip (4-5 hours..possibly one stop, but no switching planes). Do you have a portable DVD player? portable gaming system, pocket games (dollar store)? Any kind of distraction will work OR you could always give them motion sickness meds (only if needed) and they'll pass right out! We gave both boys Benadryl for the flight because the were a little stuffy and we were worried about cabin pressure... they slept pretty much the entire flight!

Also, how on earth will I pack everything?? Save a copy of the ultimate packing list from mousesavers.com. Delete anything you don't need/not applicable and resave it. You'll be just fine. Always remember that you can do laundry onsite. www.mousesavers.com/UltimatePackingList.doc

We will have two in diapers at that time Some airlines allow an extra bag for children in diapers, just check their FAQs page

we will need halloween costumes for trick or treating Find smaller costumes - nothing too bulky. DS is going as Phineas this year. We found the perfect shirt, I'm making his shorts and we're set. We'll probably swing by the barber shop and have them put color and gel in his hair. DD will be Tink, so a bathing suit, flip-flops, and a tiny tutu and she's good.

possibly life jackets for swimming If you stay on-site, they should have some at the pool. DS and Dneph used the ones at ASMo last fall.

And what we will do about a stroller if we fly? Put a tag on it and check it at the gate. You can drive the stroller all the way down the jetway, leave it, the airline guys will put it on the plane and you'll pick it up in the jetway at your destination.

If anything, you can always ship a box of needed items to your resort up to 2 weeks from your arrival date (a lot of folks will ship diapers/wipes/formula so you save suitcase room, same with snacks/drinks - check out garden grocer).

Slow down and relax! You have a TON of time to get everything ironed out. I know you mentioned having 2 in diapers, so may I recommend packing as many disposable items that you can - bibs, changing pads, sippy cups, flatware - it's going to save you a big headache of hauling dirty items with you all day. Ziplock bags are going to be your best friend. As you look through here or in guide books (may I also highly recommend a Passporter) keep a list of questions you have and then post them on here. You've got 8 months to get it all together, and YOU WILL! You've got the Dis to help you every step of the way.