WDW And Flying for the First Time with 3 Kids... HELP!!

Buy a double umbrella stroller off of craigslist.
You dont have to pay to check the stroller - you can gate check it which means you can push the kids through the airport in it.
The 50 minutes goes fast.You kids will love the airport - use the time to walk, go to the bathroom, etc.
The 15 month old COULD sleep part of the time. Bring a favorite little book, some stickers, and some sort of new toy. If you have a portable DVD player - bring it. If you dont,borrow one. You can brings snacks (and DEFINETLY do - lots - all kinds) but you can only get drinks in the airport.
Dont get the earplugs.
Top 5 essential things? Anything that requires a prescription (medicine,glasses). Anything else, you can buy when you get there, if you forget.

Before you go, talk to the kids about the airport and how to behave. We read the richard scary airport book and a couple of others. We talked about following directions, staying close, using a quiet voice, etc. for weeks before flying. The books were fun because when we got to the airport, my son already knew about baggage carts, fuel trucks, flight attendants, etc.

You will have so much fun!

Stroller - what would it cost to rent one for the 7 days you are there? What would it cost to buy 2 more? If the cost is the same, I'd rent b/c I think the ones at WDW are sturdier, they can lay down, and the 5 year old won't be overly heavy in it, plus it probably has some storage that the umbrella ones won't. As for the one you have. If it works for you, I'd probably bring it. You'll want one in the airport and a little inconvenience getting on and off the bus 2 times per day (getting there and getting back to the hotel) is worth it, especially if it's pricy to rent one.

You don't have to pay to check a stroller. In fact, you keep the stroller with you all the way to the gate and they check it at the gate and hand it to you as soon as you get off the plane. With a 15 month old, that will be great b/c you put him in the stroller, put your bag of goodies in the stroller, have the 4 year old stand in the stand part and 5 year old has to hold on to the stroller with one hand as you walk.

For the plane change, same thing...get the stroller, load everyone up, head to the next gate. You probably won't have a bunch of extra time before you board again. I'd plan on stopping at one of the airport shops and getting a cookie for everyone or some other little snack/treat that will keep them happy for the few minutes you have to wait. You can also have the 2 older kids play I Spy or Simon Says. It's not too loud, doesn't take a lot of time, and can be done anywhere. Practice these games at home so they know how to play when you get to the airport. The 15 month old will probably just people watch.

The best thing on a plane is little things to do. If you have a dvd player that is easy to handle, that might be nice, but you'll need headphones so they an hear. You can't turn it on until you get up and you have to turn it off on the way down. On a 2 hour flight, you'll have about an hour to watch you have to decide if it's worth the hassle of setting it up (and the weight!). Do you have a leapster? Bring that. Bring colors in a box or baggie with a coloring book. I like Color Wonder markers b/c they can't get on the seat if the kids accidently drop them. If you can get a few new things, that is best. Get a calidoscope, snow globe, view finder. Try to find things that aren't too bulky so you can put a bunch of stuff in your bag. Stickers for the 15 month old to put onto a piece of paper should go a long way. Even 1 tub of play doh for the kids to squish would be fun. You don't need the extra pieces for the play doh (sizzors, shapes, etc.), just let them squish some. They will probably be pretty much into people watching for a lot of the plane time. Get some new books for them to look at. Think Dollar store or Dollar spot at Target for some ideas of things that don't have a lot of pieces but that are new and small.

I've flown with a 3 month old all the way to 10 year olds and NEVER bought ear plug things. Have a sippy cup for them to sip on in case their ears hurt, and gum if they are old enough, but I doubt they will need ear plugs.

5 essential things - wipes, snacks, drinks, toys, comfort items if the kids have them, change of clothes, diapers.

You never know if there will be a delay at the airport, so take everyone an extra set of clothes, and make sure you have snacks. Have more entertainment than you think you'll need. Snacks are huge. If you can plan the plane ride around a meal, pack sandwhiches and let the kids eat on the plane, that takes time and full bellies make for happier kids.

It's really not that bad! The only thing you didn't ask about was the car seat? Are you bringing one on the plane? If you can, the kids usually do REALLY well in their car seat b/c they are so used to it. It's another thing that if you didn't buy a plane ticket for the 15 month old, you can bring the car seat to the gate and if there is an extra seat, they will allow you to put the child in the seat. The downside is that's a lot to haul through the airport (and while you change planes), but well worth it, especially if hubby is there to help.

You MUST tell your kids what to do if they get lost. Tell them to look for someone who works there, if they can't find someone who works there, tell them to find a mommy to help them. Put your phone number on a piece of paper in their pocket with your name, their name, etc. If they get lost they need to know to hand that paper to someone. The BEST thing I ever found were some plastic bracelets from Stuck on You. They can be pre printed with a name and phone number and it goes on their wrist. It's water proof. Whenever we were in a place like WDW, Six Flags, football game, etc., I would put them on my kids and we talked about how showing it to someone would give that person Mommy's phone number so they could help find me.

Have fun!

I started to answer but didn't know all so I googled it. Many great recommendations out there.

See this website and google others:

http://travelwithkids.about.com/cs/accessibility/ht/Survi...

If you can afford it, stay at a hotel on site. You can't imagine how far one section is from another (clear across town, a long bus ride) And it is absolutely ridiculous how far away the busses have to park for off site hotels. You'll think you've walked 2 miles. Find out which busses and trams are the closest to each park. This is my top tip.

Have to mention this: I saw parents carrying their sleepy kids. Ugh. If they need that, I'd suggest getting those things you strap on yourself to carry them hands free when necessary.

Also, check WWW. They may have FAQ on the subject. I know they have a DVD on travelling there. Ask a concierge by phone in advance at a hotel about ideas and things to consider.

We just got back from Disney yesterday, so here is my input:
1.) take the stroller -- renting is too costly. you can just fold it up before you get on the bus and carry it on. we did that with our mid-size stroller and it was not a problem. it was also nice to have for the storage and drink holder, which you don't usually get with an umbrella stroller.
2.) we flew southwest and just checked the stroller at the gate -- no charge. you leave it at the end right before you get on the plane and they bring it back up there when you deplane.
3.) portable DVD player, or bring your laptop to play movies.
4.) same as above.
5.) waste of money. have never needed anything for our kid.
6.) backpack or fanny pack, stroller, camera, layers of clothes! -- the temps varied alot while we were there.
7.) snacks yes, drinks no. on the plane all liquids must be 3 oz or less. however, you can take both into the park in your backpack.
Have fun!

i think the stroller is your absolute most important consideration. if you have a stroller that you can get all 3 into/onto comfortably, that is your best bet. i would do what i could to make that happen. they may not let you on with drinks over 3 oz for the kids, be aware. i would make a phone call and find out ahead of time. they wanted my sister to actually go outside the terminal to dump out my nieces sippy cup. she just drank it right there. that is my best advice is to be prepared. i loved having my son in his own seat with his carseat, but i dont know how you will manage all this with 3. we flew jetblue and someone helped us all along, if you get one of those big cart things and a little help its certainly do able. there is so much walking, you need the stroller for all the kids. they poop out so much faster than we do with stuff like that, and then it just becomes impossible. plus you will have somewhere to contain them at disney,, they can sit and eat, they can nap, etc. as for the plane, pack your carry on very wisely. think of everything you will need during the flight and make it accessible. whatever snacks/drinks you can. bring new toys, and if you can, the best thing is to have the toys somehow attached to your kids, with a strap or those rings or something. its a huge pain to cooooooonstantly have to squish down between the seats to pick stuff up. and nothing they will throw at anyone. i tied a big crayon onto a string and onto a big spiral notebook. stickers. take a deck of any kinds of flash cards, animals, letters, cool ones for the older kids, bakugans or whatever. get a hole puncher and some of those big split rings at staples, and punch the corners and put a set on a ring. i have lots of those floating around, they are great for the car too. of course a tv or dvd player is clutch. melissa and doug make some awesome one peice overpriced toys that are so perfect. those lacing things are great. you get the picture. and dole things out one at a time. be ready in your carry on with extra diapers wipes clothes, as well as a spare shirt for yourself, and have all that inside a smaller bag in your with-you bag, so that you can pull out the smaller bag to go to the bathroom on the plane in case of a bathroom emergency, and carry a baby, and not bop everyone in the head. and not have to come back down the aisle with a naked screaming baby like i did because the changing situation in the bathroom is so awkward on the plane, and we messed up the set we did bring back. have an extra. bring lots of sunscreen. those anti uv whatever shirts are awesome, a real time and aggravation saver, so worth it. and there is nothing like crocs or water shoes for the kids, it works out so nice at a water park. oh, and at the airport, you should be able to bring the stroller right up to the plane if it folds, we all did. put luggage tags with your id on a bright tag on the stroller. they took it from us as we got onto the plane, and it was sitting right there when we got off, perfect. call ahead and see what you can do. if you ask, they will usually let you pre-board, which is so nice too. be prepared if there are delays. have extra whatever you really need in your carry on. your carry on should always have what you absolutely cannot live without. meds, eyewear, some underwear and diapers and a bathing suit. something you wouldnt want to have to buy in 8 min in a giftshop. ugh, enough. i feel like captain obvious. have a great time, i cant wait till we go!

We went on 2006, with a 2,4, 8 and 9 year old :) I am not sure if the proceedures are still the same. We strolled the stroller right up to the door of the plane. (they put a tag on it when you check your bags) You leave it right off to the side of the plane opening. When you get off of the plane they bring the parents all of the strollers.

We brought their favorite snacks, books and things to color. The plane ride was a little tough, but the time goes by fast. One of my daughters had a little bit of ear pain on take off and landing. She takes after her mom :( If i was to fly her again i would give her some motrin.

I am sorry i am not much more help. I don't know the current flying rules.

Have a wonderful trip! Disney world was the best family vacation we ever had!

S.,

I am in a rush so i am just going to pin point a few things. I am a single mom and took my daughter for her 6 yo bday last year. We loved the pop century resort. SOOOO many kid/family activities everday. We were there 10 days.

I am so GLAD we did NOT do a stroller. You will need for the 15mo but bring your own and dont rent. Very expensive too. I would recommend a nice umbrella with a bag holder at bottom. You can get them for like $40. People STEAL strollers there so dont bring a really nice one. You might be waving good by to it.

Get dum dum lolipops or gum for the older for the plane. This will help with the ears popping.

Hope some of this helps!

Hi, we flew with our daughter to AZ from MI when she was 6months old, we took her stroller and gate checked it and they broke the front wheel off! We took her to Disney when she was 3.5 and we took an umbrella stroller ($20) which we gate checked with no problem and it was a life saver in Disney - lots of stroller corals and no worries about it being stolen (I have never heard of anyone stealing a stroller at Disney). We just went to Disney last November when dd was 5, we didn't take a stroller and we got so caught up with everything that we didn't even take a mid-day break. She did fine with an opportunity to ride on Daddy's shoulder's when she got tired. For the plane we got her a Leapster (and headphones so the rest of the passengers didn't have to listen) and small colorwonder coloring books (you don't want pen marks over their clothes, on the plane or on other passengers) - we actually got these for a flight to the UK earlier in the year and she was fine (8 hour flight).

Definitely let the older 2 kids have their own carry-on with their own toys and clothing change and possibly a small blanket.

If you don't all have lightweight fold up rainjackets go to the dollar store and buy rain ponchos for everyone - they don't take up much space and they cost $8+ at the park.

Don't wear lace-up shoes to the airport - everyone will have to take their shoes off and get them back on again. Don't wear a skirt, don't wear an underwire bra (not guaranteed to cause a problem, but I am into problem avoidance when it comes to flying).

Everyone should go to the bathroom before you board the plane.

I bought a pack of paper wristbands (the kind you get at big parties and you have to cut off) from a party store and wrote mine and my husbands cell phone #'s on them and made sure my daughter always had one on her when we were out - we never lost her but we wanted to make sure we could be contacted if we did.

Go to Michael's and buy a couple of tubes of glow sticks for a $1 a pack (you can make them into bracelets or necklaces) much cheaper than buying the glow stuff that will be on sale at the parks.

If you can find them, buy some inflatable bath pillows from the $1 store. You can blow them up and sit on them while waiting for a parade or fireworks.

Go to the WDW website and check out the attractions at each park, select the attractions you definitely want to do and print off a map with just those listed. It can be very overwhelming when you get there and you don't want to waste your time on rides that the kids are to young/small for. It also comes in handy when you forget what it was you wanted to do.

Rapunzel is only at the Magic Kingdom and only for a limited amount of time - if you are one of hte first dozen in line the kids get to have some extra time with Rapunzel. Have one parent wait with the stroller while the other one takes the older kids to the bathroom/get food/ watch a dance show.

Get a photo card as soon as you enter the park - you don't have to buy the pictures but it is a good back-up in case you forget to take your own. The picture takers will also take pictures of you with your own camera.

We bought autograph books that you can put photos in and it helps our daughter remember who the signature belongs to.

That's enough methinks.

Have an absolute blast, it truly is magical.

First order of business. Take a really deep breath your going to have a great time. now for the questions:
#1 skip buying and taking the stroller if you don't have a double one. rent one at the park. they are like $5 a day. they have double strollers also. slightly bigger charge but really in the grand scheme of things this is not one to stress over. its a hassle to check them and they might come out damaged and then your out both money and time and hassle.
#2 yes
#3 a 50 minute plane change is not really long. by the time your off the first plane and on to next gate most of that time is gone. bring one of those kid leashes if you are afraid the little on will take off.
#4 hopefully you have a seat for him. bring a couple toys. that he has not seen. small stuff that he can hold. preferably soft stuff that won't put someones eye out if he flings it across a row of seats lol. bring juice boxes or bottles to suck on while taking off.
#5 never used ear plugs so can't help you with that one lol. we did give the kids half of a Dramamine though and that helped.
#6 (1) favorite pj's or comfy sleepwear
(2) comfy walking shoes / tennis shoes not flip flops
(3) portable dvd player for the airplane along with earphones
(4) favorite small toy that the older kids can play on plane with
(5) your most comfortable underwear and shoes (you can survive anything Disney throws at you if you have that last thing lol)
#7 I think you can as long as you purchase them after you go thru security checks.

here are a couple of things we did that helped us. get each kid a small backpack that they themselves can carry. similar to their school backpacks. the kind with wheels are good. in it put a (its important to notice I said a not more than 1 each) coloring book, a pad of paper, a favorite dvd, some colored pencils (colored pencils are better than crayons or markers. crayons melt and markers ruin many things if the lid comes off) some snack stuff and a couple small toys like lego things or action figures. if possible put a parent between children. when lettting them watch the dvd make sure you use the ear phones there is always someone in the next row who will complain no matter how low the volume is. if you pick movies that are about an hour and a half you will be able to work it out so each one sees the movie. one picks the movie on way there one on way home. and keep a couple movies in reserve in your suitcase for the trip home so they have something different to watch.

Have fun

1) I bought an umbrella stroller at the local thrift store for using on a trip. It cost only a couple dollars and was an easy way to travel.

2) Strollers are typically "gate checked" for free. That way you can wheel the kids almost to the door of the plane and then leave your stroller there (they will give you a special tag for it) and it will be brought up to the walkway for you promptly upon deplaning at your destination.

3) 50 minute plane change time will go amazingly quickly. Use it to walk around, let them ride moving walkways, etc. Basically stretch their legs time.

4) The easiest way for a 15 month old is if you bought a seat for them and can put the child in their carseat. Bring some new little toys, wrapped in paper so they can have something new to entertain them (toy car or doll, mini magnadoodle, sticker book, touch and feel book). And plenty of snacks as well as a familiar comfort item.

5) I have never bothered with ear plugs. For the older kids have gum for them to chew. For the little one a pacifier or sippy cup that can encourage them to suck and swallow.

6) #1 make sure to get some water after going through security. Nothing worse than a delay taking off and having thirsty kids. #2 The older kids should have carry-ons small enough for them to handle all by themselves (including their own snacks and activities). That way you can just worry about the little ones diaper supplies and other necessities. #3 Make sure your carryon is a backpack so you have both hands free for children and strollers. #4 Make sure you have a small easy to grab diaper changing kit that has 1 diaper (you can have extras stashed in other parts of your carryon), a changing pad, wipes, and plastic baggies for disposal and odor control as well as hand sanitizer. #5 Sanitizing hand wipes! As soon as everyone is in their seats, give them 2 hand wipes and tell them to wipe down every surface possible (arm rests, trays, window shade, and especially the back of the seat in front of them). Airplanes are full of germs and the last thing you want is 3 sick kids for the return trip.

7) I highly recommend reading all the do and don'ts and other tips on the TSA website. Liquids (except 3 oz. containers or less) are a no-no when going through security but you can buy them after getting through security. This includes no canned fruit, pudding, Jell-o or other gelatinous type "liquids".

Hopefully you guys are doing Disney's Magic Express service from the airport to the Pop (love the Pop, btw). You're going at a fabulous time of year, as the crowds are very low. Bring a variety of clothes as weather can change there. You can check your stroller at the gate of any airplane- free. I would definately bring you own, as it gets expensive to rent and your kids are used to it. Also, since it won't be that crowded, it won't be that difficult (you'll probably just need to fold it down 2x a day--going/coming). You can bring snacks, but liquids for your baby only. I bring these little natural toddler juices in plastic containers that come with screw lids (have done it on every flight--around 15x and as recently as 2 weeks ago--both domestic
and international). The most they ever do is open and test by holding a special piece of paper over the top, not even touching the container.

The Earplanes earplugs aren't a great idea (I've used then and tried to use them a few times with my little one). I've found that having him drink and suck an organic lollipop works great, gum for older kids.

I always bring a new toy, a couple of books and let him watch movies on my laptop (since I always need that w/ me, a DVD player would be great too). Handheld video games are great too. My 3 yo loves his Mobigo and the Fisher Price iXL looks great too for your 4 yo.

You'll probably have to plan to keep your youngest occupied and engaged
the entire time unless he/she sleeps. I would probably also do some type of reward system for good behavior (like recognition, stickers/chart, get to choose first ride, choose a treat at the lovely Magic Kingdom Main Street Candy Shop, etc.)

I always bring sippy cup, hand sanitizer, handi- wipes, vitamins to keep up immune systems, ibuprofen and fever reducer for kids. You can buy any baby item you forget, most meds, socks, clothes, pretty much everything you can think of there. Every park has a baby station for you to rest, change diapers, feed, buy supplies.

Also, do not miss Toy Story Mania in HS. Because lines can be horrible for that ride, you may want to get there as soon as the park opens, get fast passes, ride imm., get pictures across the street w/ the Toy Story characters and get another set of fp's. Your kids (and you) will love the ride.

HTH! Have a blast!

We are just now planning our first trip with our girls, so I'm not too sure about all your answers, but we've been using the website tourguidemike.com to plan the actual days in the parks and it has been a wealth of information. We're traveling with little kids too and I'm all for tips on how to avoid bad lines, good places to eat....have fun! And thanks for posting, I'm taking notes from your answers :-)

We just returned home yesterday from a DW trip with our 5 and 2 year olds. This was our 2nd trip there with the kids (we took them when they were almost 4 and 14 months).

1. Last trip we did our sit and stand. This time I purchased a used City Mini Double off craigslist. It was cheaper than renting and now I can sell it - but I like it so much I think I will keep a while
2. We have flowen both SWA and AA to Disney. Both let you gate check a stroller for free. I do recommend getting some zip ties from Home Depot to secure your stroller in the folded position (and bring nail clippers so you can clip it off afterwards)
3. Talk to your older 2 about what you expect. I flew solo with the kids to Disney this time as my hubby was already there for work. I made a big deal of what I needed from my 5 year old - that she was a big girl and I needed her help. I had her pack her school backpack with some toys/activities (although I had veto power on the toys if not appropriate to take)
4. Movies and snacks
5. We've flowen numerous times with our kids and never did the ear plugs.
6. layers in case it gets cold (on our 1/12 - 1/18 trip it was in the 30's some nights and others only to the 50's. we absolutely needed the hats and gloves. I even wore long johns under my clothes on the coldest nights). snacks - my kids eat small amounts and eat frequently. Having snacks with us it critical so that we in line, I could easily pull out something for them. Small toys that I could carry in the backpack - again when waiting for the parade or a meal, I would pull them out so they could be occupied. lastly, this time around, i did NOT bring my normal diaper bag, but instead a back pack - it was SO much better. It kept me hands free.
7. Yes, you can take snacks/drinks on the plan. I even brought a 10oz apple juice for my 2 year old - totally ok AS LONG AS ITS FOR THE KIDS (you must say that to security). I actually packed a full lunch for the kids and I on our way out there - apples, sandwhiches, animal crackers - etc.

When my kids were small, I got "Magic Pen" or "Guess and Show" books for the plane. They grew up referring to that kind of book as an airplane book! Do take snacks - something that won't leave a mess on the child or the seats. No drinks will make it past security. And do talk about it a lot and let them know what to expect and what is expected of them.

One of my kids once had ear pain on descent. The flight attendant put warm, wet paper towels in 2 paper cups and had her hold them over her ears. It worked!!

Since you are staying at a Disney Resort, you can take advantage of the Disney Magical Express bus transportation right to your hotel. You can tag your luggage at home, bring it to the airport and the next time you see it -it will be in your room. However, it can be several hours til your bags arrive in your room, so if you are planning to go to the parks the first day, have your kids dressed for the parks or bring a carry on bag with a set of clothing/shoes/sunscreen/hat, etc for each person. I have seen every type of stroller at Disney-the ones people bring on their own and the ones that are rented at the parks. And there is definitely a lot of walking to do. Your 4 & 5 year old will probably be glad to get a break from walking some time. Are you planning to go other places in the orlando area that you might need a stroller for? Depending on which building you are staying in at POP Century, there can be lots of walking to even get to the bus transportation. Then you might want to bring your own stroller.
Make sure you take your camera (extra film or flash cards and the RECHARGER CORD !), good comfortable, broken in shoes for everyone, bathing suits, sunscreen and a Disney guide book (Birnbaum's is good) that you have studied in advance.
Since you are staying at a resort, you have a wider window of making reservations. Schedule character dining in advance and make sure you bring your list of locations and times. HAVE a wonderful time!

1. Totally RENT a stroller. The disney strollers are awesome. Our first trip to WDW I brought a sit and stand and never used it. It was a huge hassle. When you rent you can just leave it when you leave the park and then if you go to another park you can take your slip and get another one. You will probably be able to fit all 3 of your kids in one of their doubles also. Oh-and it was also an extreme hassle with the stroller at the airport I thought.

2. When we took our stroller they took it in the front of the plane when we got on. Could difffer by airline though.

3. The plane change will not be as bad as you think it will be. That time usually goes fast.

4. IT is what it is...if your 15 mo misbehaves so be it. You never know how they are going to be on a plane. Don't let it ruin things or stress you out. You will never see this people again. Bring favorite toys and snacks. I would also bring a portable movie player if you can so she can watch her favorite shows. IMO nothing keeps them quiet like TV.

5. I gave my kids gum. You may want to get the ear things just in case. My older kid does fine with the pressure but my younger one cries.

My biggest piece of WDW advice: Have Fun!!! Or should I say-LET yourself have fun! IF you stress too much you will most def not have fun. The first time in Disney is the most magical and wonderful experience you can have as a family. Let go of any expectations ...just roll with it. It is a good idea to have a game plan but be prepared to deviate from it. The kids don't know if they don't ride every ride on the plan...all they know is that mom yelled and freaked out b/c we were going out of order or not getting there fast enough. (sadly what I have done in the past and deeply regret)Just go with the flow and you will be fine!! Go back to the hotel and swim during the day for a break...kids like this kind of thing as much as the park.

Oh-and make your ADRS!!! You don't have to honor every one (make sure to call and cancel though) but this way you will at least know that you are getting in someplace-although Feb is not bad with crowds usually. And with the diding plan you will make the very most of it by doing this. Because a table service meal is the same whether it is a $45 steak dinner at the Yacht Club or a $10 sandwich at the hotel restaurant. So of course you are best to book the meals that will give the most bang for the buck. One suggestion-my favorite meal experience was the dinner at Ohana. That is a not to be missed experience. Check out WDWinfo.com for all menus to give you an idea of what is offered.

Take a sharpie and write your cell phone number on your kids arms in case they get lost. We always do this in parks. The kids are instructed to tell a worker or another mommy that this is their parents cell number and could they call it.

Have fun!! I am so jealous...this will be the first year in a while we are not going.