What are your best Travelling With Kids tips?
- Thread starter Eden
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AirGoofy
DIS Dad#341
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- Jul 24, 2009
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We drive. Best tip is driving at night when children are asleep. It makes me tired the following day, but it eliminates noise and stops for gas refills. When they are awake, we have the DVD player, Nintendo DS, mp3 player, and some drawing paper as well.
tabithakp
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2009
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- 127
when driving anywhere we take new movies
when driving or flying they each get a travel bag full of activities (dollar store) stuff works well for us that way i can throw the modeling clay or one use items out and it doesnt hurt my pocket book. be sure to pack extra stuff in your own page for the return trip.
our kids are to young to have spending money but we do set limits on them. when at disney they are allowed one item (toy) a day.
we always take lots of snacks with us. we dont like to stop and eat so we eat on the run. also bottled water is a must.
we also throw are normal bedtime routine out the window. anything goes when we're on vacation even if your 5.
KateMW
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2009
- Messages
- 1,004
Fly! You get there faster! 
We used to use a DVD player, but this year during tax free weekend, we bought her an iTouch and it's great. Small, plays music AND movies AND tv shows and she has games on it. It's also smaller and fits in my purse or pocket, so we can use it in line or at dinner.
When we fly, I always download a new movie or show that she hasn't seen, so that she has something that will hold her attention, instead of something she's seen 100 times. Same with small inexpensive toys, she's never seen them, so she spends much more time playing with them.
Last, food! Snacks are the best. Kids love to eat! Oh but don't buy them a drink before you pass security at the airport. We bought DD a bottle of water and then went through security and she FLIPPED when we had to throw it out. I thought the Vancouver airport was going to go on lockdown from her screaming.
It was at the end of a 10 day trip skiing where she was perfect, so I shouldn't complain.
We let her stay up as late as she wants, as long as she's "going with the flow" and not being crabby, etc. It actually works great, because she doesn't feel like she's having to go to bed, but she still gets tired and wants too.
As far as spending money goes, she's probably old enough to control it herself to some extent, but she doesn't. She asks, I buy it for the most part. We don't buy cheap crap. We talk about what's worth the $ and if she REALLY wants it and will use it. She's the only child of an only child, so she gets a lot of what she wants...sue me.
We used to use a DVD player, but this year during tax free weekend, we bought her an iTouch and it's great. Small, plays music AND movies AND tv shows and she has games on it. It's also smaller and fits in my purse or pocket, so we can use it in line or at dinner.
When we fly, I always download a new movie or show that she hasn't seen, so that she has something that will hold her attention, instead of something she's seen 100 times. Same with small inexpensive toys, she's never seen them, so she spends much more time playing with them.
Last, food! Snacks are the best. Kids love to eat! Oh but don't buy them a drink before you pass security at the airport. We bought DD a bottle of water and then went through security and she FLIPPED when we had to throw it out. I thought the Vancouver airport was going to go on lockdown from her screaming.
It was at the end of a 10 day trip skiing where she was perfect, so I shouldn't complain.We let her stay up as late as she wants, as long as she's "going with the flow" and not being crabby, etc. It actually works great, because she doesn't feel like she's having to go to bed, but she still gets tired and wants too.
As far as spending money goes, she's probably old enough to control it herself to some extent, but she doesn't. She asks, I buy it for the most part. We don't buy cheap crap. We talk about what's worth the $ and if she REALLY wants it and will use it. She's the only child of an only child, so she gets a lot of what she wants...sue me.
Perditamarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2006
- Messages
- 3,094
Here's my 2 cents:
driving/flying: fly whenever possible!! load backpacks w/new surprise activities; books, ds games, new dvd, coloring book/notebook etc...pack lite tho, cuz they will want to check everything out before they settle down w/something...and that will all migrate to Mom's bag! Bring your own familiar snacks, especially for the plane and if you will fly at mealtime, and buy a drink AFTER security. If kids are young, put an empty sippy cup in their bag for use on plane/car to avoid spills.
spending money: kids save before the trip, and we discuss what is a good value. We are all done w/expensive toys at WDW that are cheaply made....I agree w/pp about the cheap crap...watch out for that, as somehow it looks magnificent at WDW!!! If your home has a stuffed animal over-population problem like mine does, beware WDW is very dangerous shopping in this regard -- every single one is the cutest, cleverest thing you have seen and before you know it you are trying to figure out how to pack up 6 of them in your luggage!! I think the hats and experiences are fun and can really add to a trip.
meals: it has saved our sanity to limit restaurant visits w/small children....you never get to eat your food while its hot and when you are finally done fixing up the kiddos plate, they are done and ready to go. We invest our time/money into buying and sharing interesting snacks often instead....especially at Epcot and down Main Street in MK. We have done more restaurant dining as kids got older, and have found character buffets are best for dining out. Our overall strategy is to save time/money and eat breakfast in the room and book a breakfast buffet for brunch time. Since we snack a lot, we find sharing a few counter service meals works well for dinner, followed by popcorn or a sweet later. We also carry a cooler bag w/familiar snacks and drinks so we have them on hand for lines/shows and we don't have to wait in line for a snack/drink when we really need one.
etc: bring your own stroller if kids are young...if not, start family walks to get everyone ready for walking miles a day, discuss expectations like what parks and rides and when you will swim so everyone is on the same page, read a guidebook (love the Unofficial Guide) so you have a depth of knowledge of what the parks, hotels, restaurants, ticket packages offer.
Welcome to the Dis!!
driving/flying: fly whenever possible!! load backpacks w/new surprise activities; books, ds games, new dvd, coloring book/notebook etc...pack lite tho, cuz they will want to check everything out before they settle down w/something...and that will all migrate to Mom's bag! Bring your own familiar snacks, especially for the plane and if you will fly at mealtime, and buy a drink AFTER security. If kids are young, put an empty sippy cup in their bag for use on plane/car to avoid spills.
spending money: kids save before the trip, and we discuss what is a good value. We are all done w/expensive toys at WDW that are cheaply made....I agree w/pp about the cheap crap...watch out for that, as somehow it looks magnificent at WDW!!! If your home has a stuffed animal over-population problem like mine does, beware WDW is very dangerous shopping in this regard -- every single one is the cutest, cleverest thing you have seen and before you know it you are trying to figure out how to pack up 6 of them in your luggage!! I think the hats and experiences are fun and can really add to a trip.
meals: it has saved our sanity to limit restaurant visits w/small children....you never get to eat your food while its hot and when you are finally done fixing up the kiddos plate, they are done and ready to go. We invest our time/money into buying and sharing interesting snacks often instead....especially at Epcot and down Main Street in MK. We have done more restaurant dining as kids got older, and have found character buffets are best for dining out. Our overall strategy is to save time/money and eat breakfast in the room and book a breakfast buffet for brunch time. Since we snack a lot, we find sharing a few counter service meals works well for dinner, followed by popcorn or a sweet later. We also carry a cooler bag w/familiar snacks and drinks so we have them on hand for lines/shows and we don't have to wait in line for a snack/drink when we really need one.
etc: bring your own stroller if kids are young...if not, start family walks to get everyone ready for walking miles a day, discuss expectations like what parks and rides and when you will swim so everyone is on the same page, read a guidebook (love the Unofficial Guide) so you have a depth of knowledge of what the parks, hotels, restaurants, ticket packages offer.
Welcome to the Dis!!
mousebymarriage
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
- Messages
- 1,011
Flying or driving: Pack plenty to keep them occupied (some familiar items some new). The new stuff can be little things from the dollar store like coloring books & stickers. If you drive always pack 1 or 2 new movies for the portable DVD player (the quiet time is priceless). My kids are a bit older and DS8 loves madLibs (those books that you have to fill in parts of the story with nouns, vebs etc.) fun yet educational.
Bedtime: I usually don't push a bedtime on the kids while on vacation unless they are cranky. They can stay up until we go to bed but, when they are younger they always fall asleep earlier and there was no bedtime arguement.
Spend money: My kids usually receive money for b-days or Valentines day (from grandma instead of candy),plus various other things that they get a few dollars here and there. They each bring a certain amount of money (both Disney dollars and regular cash total approx $100 each or so)) and I place it in an envelope with their name on it. They know that when the money is gone it is gone, so if they spend it all the first day too bad. They are great with budgeting their money and usually have a few dollars left on the last day.
Meals: When they were younger I tried to stick to their usual meal schedule as much as possible and when we went to TS meals we tried to do buffets so the kids had a lot to choose from not just the same old chicken nuggets & fries.
Bedtime: I usually don't push a bedtime on the kids while on vacation unless they are cranky. They can stay up until we go to bed but, when they are younger they always fall asleep earlier and there was no bedtime arguement.
Spend money: My kids usually receive money for b-days or Valentines day (from grandma instead of candy),plus various other things that they get a few dollars here and there. They each bring a certain amount of money (both Disney dollars and regular cash total approx $100 each or so)) and I place it in an envelope with their name on it. They know that when the money is gone it is gone, so if they spend it all the first day too bad. They are great with budgeting their money and usually have a few dollars left on the last day.
Meals: When they were younger I tried to stick to their usual meal schedule as much as possible and when we went to TS meals we tried to do buffets so the kids had a lot to choose from not just the same old chicken nuggets & fries.
**We drive and cannot drive during their sleeping times since my oldest won't sleep in the car. I'm incapable of sleeping in the car too. I don't want to start my trip off with a cranky child! For driving, we make sure we get to the hotel in time for regular bedtimes. I keep my kids on their normal bedtimes on vacation as at home. (We homeschool so I keep the same bedtime on weekends too). I have a snack bag for the car as well as a portable potty for the 3 year old. My oldest got a nintendo DS for Christmas so he'll be set for what to do during the drive! We take a portable DVD player as well. If we do the drive in one day, we stop at a playland in the middle for an hour long lunch to let the kids run around.
*The kids don't ask to buy things so spending money is quite easy! My oldest does get $1 a week allowance now. The oldest two both have some Christmas money that they're taking on the trip. In the past, I would tell them they could buy one thing while we were in a store. This cut down on spending lots of time looking for things. For our next trip, we're arriving early and hitting DTD.
*We do counter service for lunch in the parks. We do breakfast in our room with food we bring from home. Dinner is either counter service, hotel food, or an area restaurant. We never know what time we're leaving the park so we play it by ear. We based our leave time on our children last time and left between 4:30-8:00. We only have one ADR for our entire trip this next time and it's for a lunch. This is one more ADR than we've ever had!
*The kids don't ask to buy things so spending money is quite easy! My oldest does get $1 a week allowance now. The oldest two both have some Christmas money that they're taking on the trip. In the past, I would tell them they could buy one thing while we were in a store. This cut down on spending lots of time looking for things. For our next trip, we're arriving early and hitting DTD.
*We do counter service for lunch in the parks. We do breakfast in our room with food we bring from home. Dinner is either counter service, hotel food, or an area restaurant. We never know what time we're leaving the park so we play it by ear. We based our leave time on our children last time and left between 4:30-8:00. We only have one ADR for our entire trip this next time and it's for a lunch. This is one more ADR than we've ever had!
MichelleinMaine
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 2,401
What ages are you wondering about?
One I haven't seen mentioned is that we have a "travel fairy" (esp when driving long distances). The TF started visiting when drove ME>VA with DS3. TF leaves small gifts (pack of stickers, little lego set, even done fruit roll ups or poptarts as this aren't things I buy usually and seem like a real treat, lol...) anytime the kids get out of the car. (Gas stops, meals, hotel overnights.) Ok, it was a lure to make sure he'd get back into the car after rest stops!
DS is now 13 (and DD9) but woe to the travel fairy if he forgets to leave something after a stop!
One I haven't seen mentioned is that we have a "travel fairy" (esp when driving long distances). The TF started visiting when drove ME>VA with DS3. TF leaves small gifts (pack of stickers, little lego set, even done fruit roll ups or poptarts as this aren't things I buy usually and seem like a real treat, lol...) anytime the kids get out of the car. (Gas stops, meals, hotel overnights.) Ok, it was a lure to make sure he'd get back into the car after rest stops!
DS is now 13 (and DD9) but woe to the travel fairy if he forgets to leave something after a stop!
PHXscuba
Mouseketeer since birth!
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2008
- Messages
- 3,500
Love the travel fairy idea!
Portable DVD players are your friend. A new movie plus a few old favorites. Also new gizmos from the dollar store -- especially anything that lights up.
A package of glow sticks and some snacks are essential for any long wait for a show like Fantasmic, Illuminations, etc. I like to bring my own snacks into the parks so we can eat in line instead of standing in another line to get food every time.
I read on another thread here awhile ago that a new Disney T-shirt and stuffed animal purchased beforehand (better price back home) and given first thing on the trip can ward off lots of the "gimmies."
As for flying, let each kid that's old enough (like 5 and up) haul their own toys and snacks in a backpack. Again, new dollar store toys, DVDs, and liberal snacks are the best.
I do try to stick to some semblance of bedtime on vacation, especially if they have to get up on a schedule in the morning for park openings, ADRs, etc. They don't seem to sleep much later in the morning when they stay up late, and then they're zombies by dinnertime.
I agree with a PP that buffets make a nice change of pace from kids' meals. We eat breakfast in our rooms because my kids prefer it and I don't want to waste morning hours at a sit-down meal. Saves a lot of money.
PHXscuba
Portable DVD players are your friend. A new movie plus a few old favorites. Also new gizmos from the dollar store -- especially anything that lights up.
A package of glow sticks and some snacks are essential for any long wait for a show like Fantasmic, Illuminations, etc. I like to bring my own snacks into the parks so we can eat in line instead of standing in another line to get food every time.
I read on another thread here awhile ago that a new Disney T-shirt and stuffed animal purchased beforehand (better price back home) and given first thing on the trip can ward off lots of the "gimmies."
As for flying, let each kid that's old enough (like 5 and up) haul their own toys and snacks in a backpack. Again, new dollar store toys, DVDs, and liberal snacks are the best.
I do try to stick to some semblance of bedtime on vacation, especially if they have to get up on a schedule in the morning for park openings, ADRs, etc. They don't seem to sleep much later in the morning when they stay up late, and then they're zombies by dinnertime.
I agree with a PP that buffets make a nice change of pace from kids' meals. We eat breakfast in our rooms because my kids prefer it and I don't want to waste morning hours at a sit-down meal. Saves a lot of money.
PHXscuba
davidsprincess
<font color=teal>Courtesy Loretta!! Courtesy!<font
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2008
- Messages
- 897
Booze. Lots and lots of booze.
No seriously. If you can, have others along with you on the trip that can help out.
Snacks
Toys for distraction
Ear plugs for yourself
No seriously. If you can, have others along with you on the trip that can help out.
Snacks
Toys for distraction
Ear plugs for yourself
2_Eagle_Mom
Kungaloosh!!
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2008
- Messages
- 1,066
My kids are old now (22 and 20) but here are some of our favorite tips.
Airplanes: Buy earplanes (i think that is what they are called) they are earplugs that balance out the pressure in the ear upon take-off and landing.
Spending money: The kids always had their own money to spend, but we always had veto power on what they would spend. I also suggest you have your kids start a collection. This came about when both kids through a fit and HAD to have a souvie from a local amusement park, we didn't let them open up the toy as soon as it was bought and they totally forgot about it. I had put it in a cabinate and it was only when I reminded them about the items (about 6 months later) did they even remember that they had bought something. I told them if they could tell me what they "HAD" to have, I would give it to them. WELL...We just found the bag in the cabinet this last Christmas (they still have no idea what they bought). After that trip we began their collection. The guidelines were this: the item had to have something that indicates where the item was bought (no more bags of rocks or rubber snakes) and needed to be small (no stuffed animals). Magnets, keychains, postcards, thimbles, spoons, mugs are all great suggestions. This also made it easy when I was traveling for business I was able to get them something from the trip but they didn't get the "gimmies" for toys.
Line/Parade activities: Never underestimate the power of a bottle of bubbles. You won't be able to bring it in your carry-on but we used to bring the little bubble bottles with us into the park and whenever we were waiting for a parade or in a really long line we would whip it out. Not only occupies your child, but will amuse all the kids around you as well.
Dark Ride Assists: bring in a small flashlight (the kind that you squeeze to light up) and give it to your child. If they are ever scared of being in a dark ride have them shine the light on the floor of the ride vehicle. This helped us a lot in the pirate ride, the ride itself isn't that scary, but the dark parts were what freaked him out. Once he had control over the light level he was MUCH happier.
IDs: write your cell phone number on something and attach it to your child each day (luggage tag, write it on their shoe, braclet, etc) that way if you get separated, a cast member will be able to call you.
Have a fantastic trip!
Jane
Airplanes: Buy earplanes (i think that is what they are called) they are earplugs that balance out the pressure in the ear upon take-off and landing.
Spending money: The kids always had their own money to spend, but we always had veto power on what they would spend. I also suggest you have your kids start a collection. This came about when both kids through a fit and HAD to have a souvie from a local amusement park, we didn't let them open up the toy as soon as it was bought and they totally forgot about it. I had put it in a cabinate and it was only when I reminded them about the items (about 6 months later) did they even remember that they had bought something. I told them if they could tell me what they "HAD" to have, I would give it to them. WELL...We just found the bag in the cabinet this last Christmas (they still have no idea what they bought). After that trip we began their collection. The guidelines were this: the item had to have something that indicates where the item was bought (no more bags of rocks or rubber snakes) and needed to be small (no stuffed animals). Magnets, keychains, postcards, thimbles, spoons, mugs are all great suggestions. This also made it easy when I was traveling for business I was able to get them something from the trip but they didn't get the "gimmies" for toys.
Line/Parade activities: Never underestimate the power of a bottle of bubbles. You won't be able to bring it in your carry-on but we used to bring the little bubble bottles with us into the park and whenever we were waiting for a parade or in a really long line we would whip it out. Not only occupies your child, but will amuse all the kids around you as well.
Dark Ride Assists: bring in a small flashlight (the kind that you squeeze to light up) and give it to your child. If they are ever scared of being in a dark ride have them shine the light on the floor of the ride vehicle. This helped us a lot in the pirate ride, the ride itself isn't that scary, but the dark parts were what freaked him out. Once he had control over the light level he was MUCH happier.
IDs: write your cell phone number on something and attach it to your child each day (luggage tag, write it on their shoe, braclet, etc) that way if you get separated, a cast member will be able to call you.
Have a fantastic trip!
Jane
Booze. Lots and lots of booze.
And here I was thinking Benedryl... I guess a shot of something strong might work just as well on 'em.
-Hope-
Always dreaming of adventure...
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2009
- Messages
- 2,968
My kids love water and water will always cheer them up from the darkest mood. Even if its just one of those misting things or a jumping jewel water fountain. If the kids are starting to get cranky I look for some water for them to play in and we are all rejuvinated and ready to go. Water works with most kids but I know friends who say that a snack, a drink, or to sit in a cool quiet place for a few minutes is what their kids need. Figure out what works for your kids and instead of pushing them on take a few minutes now and then to honor what they need and the entire day will be more fun for everyone!
davidsprincess
<font color=teal>Courtesy Loretta!! Courtesy!<font
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2008
- Messages
- 897
Never thought of giving the booze to the kids. Might have to try that one
Jdougherty
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2009
- Messages
- 227
DVD player for plane and driving are a MUST. DD is 2 and flys regularly and has had a "movie" for the last 3 flights, it awesome at calming her down and making the flight enjoyable for all.
katierae81
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2009
- Messages
- 126
To cut down on the 'gimmie-gimmies' at the parks I stocked up on Disney items from Dollar Tree and Target's Dollar Spot before we left. Then mid trip I had my DH take the boys out of the room while I 'finished getting ready for dinner'. I set up all of the new things on their bed with a note from Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. I even took some feathers out of our pillows at home and scattered them around as if Donald were actually there. The best part were their expressions when we got back to the room that night and my DS4's comment..."Mommy, Daddy look...Donald must have shook his tail feather a whole bunch in here, look at all the feathers he left!" We also allow them to pick out one 'big' gift each trip, usually around $20-25 each.
We also allow them to pick out one 'big' gift each trip, usually around $20-25 each.Share this page
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