September 2011 - The Planning Continues! (2nd Thread)

[peachydreamyxx]

This is our first time flying with kids and I am super nervous. For anyone that flies with children often, can you explain gate checking versus regular checking of our stroller? Can you gate check a double stroller or is it too large? Do most airlines allow you to check your stroller for free?


This is all so new to me. We drive every time, but because this trip is so short, we decided to fly. So much to think about.


We also split our luggage. I am afraid of losing bags too. The flying part, made me happy, but now it feels a little overwhelming with two young kids. Any seasoned fliers that have helpful flying tips I would be happy to hear advice.

Ive flown with my son, who is only 1 twice now, so Im no expert but I hope I can help! Ive also never checked my stroller, always done gate check. If you have a double stroller, thats an umbrella type, you should be fine to check it in at the gate. Now everytime I've gone to the gate, I just go to the desk at the gate and let them know I have a stroller. They have always given me tag to put on it (it just has your name, flight number, etc that you write in). Than once boarding begins you bring your stroller with you (unless they ask you otherwise) and usually leave it at the end of the terminal thing that you walk down to board the plan. There will be a flight attendant at the end letting you know where to leave them. After you land, the strollers will be waiting for you in the same place that you left them (except in another airport ).

As for any tips, make sure they have a drink, or something to chew for the takeoff and landing. If their ears pop that might make for a miserable flight.

 

[anjalee6]

Ive flown with my son, who is only 1 twice now, so Im no expert but I hope I can help! Ive also never checked my stroller, always done gate check. If you have a double stroller, thats an umbrella type, you should be fine to check it in at the gate. Now everytime I've gone to the gate, I just go to the desk at the gate and let them know I have a stroller. They have always given me tag to put on it (it just has your name, flight number, etc that you write in). Than once boarding begins you bring your stroller with you (unless they ask you otherwise) and usually leave it at the end of the terminal thing that you walk down to board the plan. There will be a flight attendant at the end letting you know where to leave them. After you land, the strollers will be waiting for you in the same place that you left them (except in another airport ).

As for any tips, make sure they have a drink, or something to chew for the takeoff and landing. If their ears pop that might make for a miserable flight.

Thanks so much for the information. That helps. And thanks for the advice about a sack for the little ones. I almost forgot about ears popping. That would have been bad. I am definitely looking forward to getting to Disney in 2 hours instead of 14.5 hours of driving, but there is just so much different stuff to think about and I start back to work tomorrow so less time on the DIS to figure everything out.

 

[L-Harper]

Hi guys. I've been missing from this thread for months. Things got crazy after the princess was born and I just couldn't keep up. I hope everyone has been well. I can't believe how close our trips are!

back! We can all understand about how much time a newborn can take up. Are you getting into the groove of things with your new little one now?

 

[L-Harper]

With AirTran, do you have to pay the checked bag fee for each way or round trip? I couldn't find any info on their website and I don't want to have to wait on hold with them for hours.

 

[disneydreamin247]

back! We can all understand about how much time a newborn can take up. Are you getting into the groove of things with your new little one now?

Thanks! I think we're finding a groove, finally. It took a little longer, being a single mom but we made it this far!

 

[disneyxo]

With AirTran, do you have to pay the checked bag fee for each way or round trip? I couldn't find any info on their website and I don't want to have to wait on hold with them for hours.

Unless something has changed unfortunately You have to pay the checked bag fee each way.

 

[wubbogirl]

Where is this??

KELLY - Yay!! You are getting so close now!!

harris Teeter!!! they just paid me $.65 for planters peanut butter

and I got 2 tropo oj for $.97 each

 

[wubbogirl]

I heard tropical storm irene is headed towards florida its going to be a category 1 by the time it makes landfall. Disney people might get kinda soaked.

 

[janabananas]

Based on personal experience, I would tell anybody going soon not to worry about Irene, unless she strengthens up. You never know what these storms will do but this is what usually happens:

Usually a storm, that is where it is at now, will go over Hispaniola (Dom. Republic & Haiti) and Cuba. The mountains will rip it to shreds and it will downgrade to a TD. Then it usually hits the Gulfstream and if there is a high along Florida's east coast, the high and Gulfstream will steer the storm up Florida's coast just skimming it. I have lived on the east coast of Central Florida (about 5 minutes from the beach, on the mainland) and 75 minutes from WDW for my entire (almost) 32 years. I am not worried at all about this storm at this point. There will probably be rain associated with it for people at WDW, but probably no more than our usual afternoon showers.

The weather folks always build these things up, but on the average, they are not that big a deal.

Happy planning everyone!!!

 

[wubbogirl]

I'm not telling people to worry just saying its going to get wet. I know all about hurricaines I live in north carolina

 

[MamaJessie]

I know. I'm just a complete slacker.

Nice to see you around

Based on personal experience, I would tell anybody going soon not to worry about Irene, unless she strengthens up. You never know what these storms will do but this is what usually happens:

Usually a storm, that is where it is at now, will go over Hispaniola (Dom. Republic & Haiti) and Cuba. The mountains will rip it to shreds and it will downgrade to a TD. Then it usually hits the Gulfstream and if there is a high along Florida's east coast, the high and Gulfstream will steer the storm up Florida's coast just skimming it. I have lived on the east coast of Central Florida (about 5 minutes from the beach, on the mainland) and 75 minutes from WDW for my entire (almost) 32 years. I am not worried at all about this storm at this point. There will probably be rain associated with it for people at WDW, but probably no more than our usual afternoon showers.

The weather folks always build these things up, but on the average, they are not that big a deal.

Happy planning everyone!!!

This is good to know, thanks. It gets nerve wracking planning a trip during hurricane season. One of the reasons I want to try nov/dec next time (although in no way the biggest reason). Thanks for the heads up about the building it up though. I am used to weather people doing that about nor'easters up here.

I'm not telling people to worry just saying its going to get wet. I know all about hurricaines I live in north carolina

I was thinking the same thing when I saw the forecast. And great deals at the grocery store!!

 

[janabananas]

I gotcha.

I did see that you are in North Carolina, but didn't want to assume inland or coastal or your personal experience. I didn't think you were trying to make people worry, but I wanted to put that out there as a general statement not to worry about these storms. We are all going during the height of hurricane season. Usually Central Florida isn't in the line of fire from those bad girls and boys, however, you are right that one can bring a soaking rain even if it doesn't bring the rest of the hurricane conditions.

Sometimes people who do not deal with them on a regular basis, may not know what to expect and may worry if they see a hurricane or storm coming they need to cancel their vacation. I saw on a thread a few days ago someone questioning cancelling their entire vacation because for the next 10 days it was forcasted to rain. They didn't realize that it does rain everyday in Florida, but it is usually in small doses.

If I was going somewhere that I had never gone before (ie anywhere with snow, I have never seen it) I would look for input from people who experience on a regular basis.

Sorry if I offended as it was not my intention.

 

[disneychic2]

Okay, so now that we're all getting close...what will be the first attraction you'll go to? I think ours may be Splash Mountain or Haunted Mansion.

For those who are going for the first time, I'm so excited for you to take that first walk down Main Street and see the castle for the first time. I still get tearful! OOOh it's going to be such fun!!

 

[kalolaina]

Hey! Has anyone been there mid-late sept before? How's the weather been for you? WE're going 16-24th. Can't wait!! 26 more days!

 

[MamaJessie]

Okay, so now that we're all getting close...what will be the first attraction you'll go to? I think ours may be Splash Mountain or Haunted Mansion.

For those who are going for the first time, I'm so excited for you to take that first walk down Main Street and see the castle for the first time. I still get tearful! OOOh it's going to be such fun!!

The first park we are going to is AK so after our TH breakfast we are heading to the safari We all love it and my dd who was 2 last time still talks about crossing her fingers on the bridge, two years later! I am so excited!

 

[peachydreamyxx]

Hey! Has anyone been there mid-late sept before? How's the weather been for you? WE're going 16-24th. Can't wait!! 26 more days!

Last year we went September 15-23rd and it was HOT! Luckily we didnt see even a sprinkle of rain which was awesome. At night it cooled down a bit, but not much. I would just be prepared for a lot of heat and humidity. Hope that helps!

 

[Marblies]

Okay, so now that we're all getting close...what will be the first attraction you'll go to? I think ours may be Splash Mountain or Haunted Mansion.

Creatures of habit here. Depends on the park and we haven't decided. Probably, MK and Jungle Cruise. Day 3, when DD2 shows up, it will be Epcot and Finding Nemo

Hey! Has anyone been there mid-late sept before? How's the weather been for you? WE're going 16-24th. Can't wait!! 26 more days!

Hot and humid with chance of thunder storms in the afternoons. How you cope really depends on what you are used to. We are in our 70th day at
100+ degrees. So low nineties for a high sounds sweet to me!

 

[KELLY]

Based on personal experience, I would tell anybody going soon not to worry about Irene, unless she strengthens up. You never know what these storms will do but this is what usually happens:

Usually a storm, that is where it is at now, will go over Hispaniola (Dom. Republic & Haiti) and Cuba. The mountains will rip it to shreds and it will downgrade to a TD. Then it usually hits the Gulfstream and if there is a high along Florida's east coast, the high and Gulfstream will steer the storm up Florida's coast just skimming it. I have lived on the east coast of Central Florida (about 5 minutes from the beach, on the mainland) and 75 minutes from WDW for my entire (almost) 32 years. I am not worried at all about this storm at this point. There will probably be rain associated with it for people at WDW, but probably no more than our usual afternoon showers.

The weather folks always build these things up, but on the average, they are not that big a deal.

Happy planning everyone!!!

Thanks I was getting a little worried since we leave Saturday morning. But the storm looks like right now it is a Friday morning thing. I could really care less if there is a hurricane once I get there. Been there done that in 2004 lucky that year we were at WL and they just did some indoor activities until we were on lockdown. LOL
Please Please don't upset my vacation.

 

[disneyxo]

Okay, so now that we're all getting close...what will be the first attraction you'll go to? I think ours may be Splash Mountain or Haunted Mansion.

For those who are going for the first time, I'm so excited for you to take that first walk down Main Street and see the castle for the first time. I still get tearful! OOOh it's going to be such fun!!

On our first day we aren't going to any park. Probably just walk around the boardwalk and then watch the fireworks from our balcony. On our second day (this is going to sound very undisney) we are going to Universal Studios.....sooooo our first attraction will be Forbidden Journey. Never been to Universal Studios before so it should be interesting. Right now I am thinking our first Disney Park will be HS so thinking Toy Story Mania will be our first attraction or our first fast pass!!

 

[disneydreamin247]

Okay, so now that we're all getting close...what will be the first attraction you'll go to? I think ours may be Splash Mountain or Haunted Mansion.

For those who are going for the first time, I'm so excited for you to take that first walk down Main Street and see the castle for the first time. I still get tearful! OOOh it's going to be such fun!!

Probably Buzz Lightyear for us. since we're on the monorail we're just going to hop on over to MK after checking in for a while and see the parade (my mom's wishes).