New to flying, need tips

[steins]

I have a few things I would like some advice about. My fiance and I decided to take a 4 hour flight to DW for our honeymoon instead of a 10-12 hour drive. Our flight will arrive in Orlando May 30 at 11am. About how long does it generally take to get from the airport to DW? We are staying at the Boardwalk, and we will be using the Magical Express. I've been trying to read up about that since it is new to me as well, but if anyone has any tips that I might not find elsewhere let me know.
What time can you actually check into your room, is it 3:00? I guess I'm wondering what to expect when I get there. If it takes a few hours after we land to get to the resort, I would probably just wander around the Boardwalk until my room is available. But this will only be my 2nd trip to DW, and I can't remember how everything works.

Our flight leaves from Orlando June 6 at 7pm I believe. I know that the Orlando airport is much bigger than the airport we will be coming from, so about how early should we leave for the airport? Also, we will not have park tickets for our last day... any suggestions on how to spend the day?

Now one last question... I've flown once (in the 7th grade) and my fiance was too young to remember flying. Are there any tips on packing thorough for Disney, yet keeping it minimal so our luggage isn't extreme. I tend to pack a lot when I have a car full of room to fill, but I feel limited with flying. Any flying tips would be welcomed, I must admit it makes me a little nervous since we're new to it.

[petesimac]

Wow, that's a lot of questions! I'll try to answer a few, but then I'll steer you to a site that has a really good breakdown of all the questions you asked.

I'll be flying in to MCO for the first time this coming summer as well; I normally drive, but my body just can't do the time in the car anymore. Therefore, I can only guess how long it will take to get to WDW from the airport; but having lived there growing up, I can give a pretty good estimate. Obviously it depends on when you are arriving and what day. I would say that on a normal day, about 30 minutes or so should do the trick, but you'll have to wait for the Express Bus, then drive to the resort, then wait as the bus goes to one resort after another. I'm counting on about an hour from the time the bus leaves the airport until we arrive at Pop Century.

I think you are pretty close to being accurate about check-in time, although sometimes a room can be ready early. If you have tickets to the park for your first day, you can drop your luggage off at check-in and they can, I believe, take it to your room when it's ready, or at worst, you can pick your luggage up when you return from having fun.

As for your return flight, you can always do Downtown Disney for half a day, or tour some resorts. Worst case scenario, just hang out at the airport. We fly out at around 2:30 pm so we won't have quite as long to wait.

As for what to bring, that's a tough one as everyone is different. I just make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, a water-spritzing fan (you can pick one up at Walmart for a few bucks vs. the $25 version at WDW), and hats to keep the sun away from the scalp. Many bring ponchos for the pop-up rain storms, but they fade quickly in most cases (but you're from Alabama, so you know about afternoon thunderstorms).

As for flying tips, just make sure to review the tips on whatever airline your flying's website; they'll tell you when to arrive, what to make sure you have to get through security, etc. It's pretty easy. We flew to DL last summer, my first flight since 9/11, and it was all pretty straight forward.

Now for that website; go to allears.net and you'll see everything and anything that someone might want to know about going to WDW. Give it a try, and have fun on your trip!

[oregontraveler]

From what I know about DME, you can either check your bags and they will
show up in your room about 4-5 hours after you've landed. If you decide
to pick up your bags and then take them to the DME check-in, then I imagine
they will be on the same bus as you are. In any case, it's a good idea that
a small carry-on contain a change of clothes, maybe a swimsuit and other
essentials. It looks like you'll have some time to kill before you can get in your room. Airline security has increased, there are restrictions on carry on liquids, medications, baby formula etc. Bring some gum so your ears won't pop. On your last non-park day, there will be plenty of options for you.
The World is a big place to explore: Downtown Disney, all the other hotels,
Disney Quest arcade, 2 water parks & 2 mini-golf courses.

[mkraemer]

First, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! You will have a wonderful honeymoon at Walt Disney World! :)

I have a question to ask you: If you are arriving at 11 am, are you planning on spending the rest of the day at one of the parks after you reach Walt Disney World? To keep things relaxed, I would estimate two hours to get to baggage claim, take the Magical Express, drop off your luggage in case you cannot take it to your room at the Boardwalk, and be on your way to the parks. (If you make it sooner, great, but why stress? It's your honeymoon!)

If you are not going to the parks, you can travel around Walt Disney World on the WDW transportation and get an idea of where everything is. I personally think riding the monorail is a terrific way to spend some time and enjoy myself, without going through a park turnstile.

Once you check into your room, you can also spend time at the resort pool, which is a lot of fun. Another fun thing to do is the miniature golf at Fantasia Gardens. Or Disney Quest. There are plenty of things to do!

I would suggest *not* making any early dining reservations that day, just in case you have some flight delays.

For your last day, you could consider going to one of the water parks for a few hours. Sure, you might have to take home some wet bathing suits (ziplock baggies are great for this), but you'll be sitting on that plane ride home pretty darned happy! (You can keep your bags at the hotel until you're ready to leave, even after you've checked out of your room.)

Now the flying issue...first, check with your airline about their luggage specifications. Some carriers let you take on a carryon bag as well as a purse, other carriers might have different rules. Same thing goes for checked bags; some carriers charge for the *first* bag, others don't. Know the weight limits before you pack and don't 'hope' they let you slide for 'just' a pound or two over the limit.

I try to always take an empty duffel bag with me, so that if I happen to get carried away with shopping (ahem...), I have another bag that I can check (it also comes in handy if my first bag happens to be a little overweight).

If you don't fly often, know this: a suitcase or duffel bag that has wheels is your friend. A very good friend. Because it seems like 85% of baggage is black (and nearly indistinguishable from everyone else's bag), tie something bright (ribbon, fabric) onto the handle so you can see your bag easily at baggage claim. Be sure to have your identification on the bag, and it wouldn't hurt to have a business card with contact info inside the bag.

Keep any medications with you, and put the rest of your lotions and potions into your checked bags because of the restrictions on carrying on liquids. Wear comfortable (preferably slip-on/off) shoes because you'll have to take off your shoes to get through the security screening.

Take along some gum or mints; pop 'em into your mouth when the plane is about to take off to help your ears pop as the plane gets into the air. Ear pain is no way to spend your vacation.

Hope this helps!
Mary

[steins]

Because it seems like 85% of baggage is black (and nearly indistinguishable from everyone else's bag), tie something bright (ribbon, fabric) onto the handle so you can see your bag easily at baggage claim. Be sure to have your identification on the bag, and it wouldn't hurt to have a business card with contact info inside the bag.

Thanks, I love the idea about tying something bright onto my luggage! I would have never thought of that.

We will have park tickets the first day. When we had planned to drive, I was imagining getting there a little before dinner time and making a late dinner reservation for Le Cellier (one of my favorites and convenient since we can walk from the BW:)). I was thinking of making the reservation a little earlier since we'll be there sooner, but I guess if we grabbed a lunch when we got there I could keep it around 7:30. It is likely that I'll wander around Epcot once we've somewhat settled, since we'll be going there for dinner anyway. I know we will be very tired, so I might ride spaceship earth for a nap ;)

[Drince88]

Even if your room isn't ready, you can check in when you arrive. My sister has checked in before 9am on a couple of trips - sometimes the room is ready (which she likes, because she's just taken a red-eye from California), and sometimes it's not.

You'll LOVE the location of the Boardwalk if you're big Epcot fans!

Regarding your last day - DME will put a letter on your door the day before you leave, and it'll have on there what time you have to catch the bus. Generally, it's approximately 3 hours before your flight time, which gives you plenty of time at the airport, even if you have to check luggage.

What airline are you flying? Do you know if they participate in the Resort Airline Check In Program (this is DIFFERENT from DME)? If they do, you can check your bags at the resort - if not, you bring your bag with you to the bus, the driver will put it under the bus, and then you retrieve it when you get to the airport. Also, if you're flying Southwest, even though they don't participate in the resort airline check in program, you can get your boarding pass at GUEST SERVICES in your resort or in a theme park 24 hours or less before your flight. You just need your confirmation number.

Also, one other thing I learned a couple of trips ago, and it worked out GREAT for 4 of us earlier this month - when you get to Orlando and need to check your bag, if the inside counter has any sort of line, look outside at the curbside check in guys. There was NO wait for him (he even greeted us inside!), and you do have to tip them ($1-2 per bag), and some airlines charge, but it really saves on the line waiting!

[mom22gls]

When you pack, keep it light. You will, likely want to change clothes, at least a shirt, if you feel sweaty mid-day, and it just isn't practical to bring enough clothes for a week. Plan to do laundry once, during the week. You don't need anything fancy to wear, and you'll mostly be in shorts and t-shirts, or other casual clothing. If you decide to dine at a signature restaurant, such as California Grill, that has a "dress code," all you need is something like a sundress for you and a nicer shirt for your husband (just nothing collarless, khakis and a polo shirt are fine). Bring comfy walking shoes, and take one spare pair. Last year I bought a pair of Fitflops, and I was very comfortable walking for miles each day. There is no reason for you, as a couple, to check more than one suitcase each. BTW, if you want to chew gum, don't count on buying it at the Orlando airport, or at Disney World, because you won't find any to buy in either place. Bring it from home. The Orlando airport has a tram that takes you from your gate area, to the main terminal, and it's a fun little ride.

[KJSJpipe]

If you plan on chewing gum in the airplane be sure to bring enough for the return trip. They don't sell it in the Orlando Airport or on Disney Property.

[scoobydooby]

Four hour flight - consider yourself lucky! By the time you've got settled, had a chat, watched the film, you'll be there! If you really hate it take some night nurse ;) I think if you have some time to kill before you can check in the Boardwalk sounds like there is lots to do to entertain you just wandering around. As for packing - iron everything first and lay it FLAT at alternate angles in the case. Take coats, if you need to, on the plane. If you're really pushed for space order your toiletries from garden grocer to be there when you arrive- that can save a lot of space and case weight.

[littlej]

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptuals! :D
I haven't checked a bag on an airplane in 5 years. That includes my own honeymoon, which was a week in the Caribbean and then 3 more days in WDW. I will give you a couple of websites that I use for packing tips, but here is my own personal favorite. Pick a color scheme from your wardrobe, and keep to it for the entire trip. For example, for a recent 6 day/6 night trip with my DH to WDW in December, I picked blue/green. Everything I packed was blue, green, aqua, or would go with those colors. This way I could mix and match pieces and have a different outfit every day. It was cooler weather, so I didn't get too sweaty, and most pieces could be reused. In warmer weather, you can pack more pieces, because they will be made of lighter material (and possibly less fabric, depending on how daring you are!).
The Travelite FAQ (http://www.travelite.org/about/)
CruiseDiva.com (http://cruisediva.com/pack_it.htm) - not just for cruising!
As mentioned, AllEars has some good stuff too, as well as Passporter.com.

Also, don't forget that in addition to a carryon suitcase, you also get a "personal item." This could be a small purse, or something as big as a small drawstring bag, or a computer bag. On my last trip, I took my large computer "purse", but not my computer. I was able to fit snacks, a paperback, 2 magazines, my purse, and my headphones in it, among a bunch of other small things. As long as it fits under the seat in front of you, it's cool.
Have a great time!

[Samrain]

If you get to the hotel before check-in and use DME, remember that you can always hit the parks when you get to the hotel and your bags will be in your room when you get back :)

Keep in mind that if you do this, you may not be able to get to your checked luggage before heading to the parks so be sure to pack a small sunscreen in your carry-on and anything else you might want before hitting the parks (comfy shoes if you can fit them). Airline regulations restrict carry-on liquids, gels, and the sort to 3oz so one of the little travel size bottles is perfect.

We learned this the hard way, but we never forget now!

[Lani]

OK, here is one very important thing you need to know, before I go onto my travel tips.

Since your trip will be for your honeymoon, make sure when you book your trip that your fiance is listed under her maiden/current name. I believe a marriage certificate is *NOT* considered sufficient as a form of ID at the airport. I know it sounds silly but those TSA people are pretty strict. And unless you can guarantee that she will have a new government-issued photo ID card with her married name before the trip, there will be problems if the airline ticket is under her married name and her ID is in her maiden name.

OK onto more pleasant things...


When you pack, keep it light.
Lots of great tips here.

For traveling light... if I may toot my own horn, can I recommend my Web site, The Travelite FAQ (http://www.travelite.org)? Lots of tips and tricks for how to (mostly) fly.

The biggest difference between a driving trip and a flying trip is that you are limited in how much you can carry, so you need to plan ahead and know what you're going to take.

NOBODY (and i mean NOOOOOBODY) ever says, "I didn't take enough with me on the airplane last trip, next time, I am going to pack more stuff!"

However a lot of people will say, "Oh my, we never used a lot of the stuff we packed 'just in case.' Next time, we should leave that stuff at home."

Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who can take long trips with just their carry-on bags (Alex and I did two weeks in Europe last fall and we each only carried one carry-on bag that weighed less than 13 pounds), and a lot of it is just planning in advance and taking clothes that will all match with every other item you take.

If you decide to take more stuff that you will need to check it in at the ticket counter, make sure you keep your valuables (credit cards, ID, money, jewelry, prescriptions) in your carry-on in case the airlines lose your luggage. It happens more often than we'd like... and a lot of times the bags eventually turn up, but often after they were routed incorrectly... and they ship it to your house after your trip is over! So keep the valuables in your carry-on.

I'd also suggest packing at least a set of clothes in your carry-on just in case. Toiletries, too, if you can.

Toiletries in carry-on bags need to follow the Transportation Security Administration's current "3-1-1" rule... each bottle cannot be more than 3 ounces, and they all have to fit in 1 quart-sized ziploc bag, and you can't have more than one of these toiletry bags in your carry-on.

Most travel-sized bottles (including the ones you can buy from places like Bath and Body Works) are three ounces or less, so you're in good shape.

Trust me, most people do not use 3 whole ounces of *anything* during a regular trip. And things like shampoo, you can just get new ones from your hotel room or the nearby convenience store.

Congratulations on your pending nuptuals.

[mkraemer]

O
NOBODY (and i mean NOOOOOBODY) ever says, "I didn't take enough with me on the airplane last trip, next time, I am going to pack more stuff!"


Not so, Lani!!

I say that all the time, when I'm packing for the next trip and some smart aleck in the family asks if I have packed enough stuff.

And after they regain consciousness, we laugh about it. :~D

[4biegelboys]

I also have the tendency to pack way too much stuff, especially if it is for the kids. I don't know if I think they don't sell things like sweatshirts or cold medicine anywhere else but here at home or what. I read somewhere that if you are planning on going somewhere warm that you should wait until you get there to but a sweatshirt or jacket because you might not need them and they take up a lot of space. We did this on our last trip to DL. It saved us some room but we still ended up with way too many bags, not over the check in limit but still a lot. I went to NYC last August as it was so nice to just have a carry on, but then again it was just 2 of us not the normal 9 that we usually travel with and we were only gone overnight, but it was still nice!

[4biegelboys]

That would be buy a sweatshirt. I read right over that one. Sorry:)

[UsBurchs]

I always tell people about Earplanes! You can get them at drugstores (most) and online or at travel supply and baggage stores. They are these little earplugs you put in your ears to relieve the pressure. If you have sinus or ear issues at all, I highly recommend these. If you hate how earbuds (headphones) feel in your ears because they are too big, go with the kid size Earplanes.

Also . . . security can be nerve wrecking, however . . .
Maybe someone might have mentioned this, but remember slip on shoes for security - keep your boarding pass out until you pass through the metal detector (don't stuff it back in your bag, they need it again) - laptops have to be in their own bin for the x-ray machine if you plan on bringing one, so keep it accessible - and DON'T carry rolls of pennies and quarters in your carryon (for pressed pennies if you do those). I learned the hard way! :O

Have a wonderful time!!!

[candles71]

and DON'T carry rolls of pennies and quarters in your carryon (for pressed pennies if you do those). I learned the hard way! :O
Oh, I'd like to hear this story if you please.:) (including which airport) As we have come through w/o anything being said.

[Drince88]

Not EVERY airport requires your boarding pass after going through the metal detector, but many many do, so just keep it with you and if they don't need to see it, it's not that big of a deal. I hold mine in both hands in front of me, so that I don't accidentally hit the side of the metal detector, which will make it go off.

Also, I'm not a fan of super easy on and off shoes. I don't recommend knee high lace up boots, but something that will stay on your feet in an emergency is a good thing. I like to think of myself as a somewhat prepared traveler, and if I have to go down a slide to get out of the plane, I want my shoes staying on my feet. Yes, this is a bit of paranoia shining through, but it doesn't take that long to sit down after going through security to tie your shoes. I bet the people on the 'Hudson River' flight were happy their shoes stayed on their feet!

[UsBurchs]

Not EVERY airport requires your boarding pass after going through the metal detector, but many many do, so just keep it with you and if they don't need to see it, it's not that big of a deal. I hold mine in both hands in front of me, so that I don't accidentally hit the side of the metal detector, which will make it go off.

Also, I'm not a fan of super easy on and off shoes. I don't recommend knee high lace up boots, but something that will stay on your feet in an emergency is a good thing. I like to think of myself as a somewhat prepared traveler, and if I have to go down a slide to get out of the plane, I want my shoes staying on my feet. Yes, this is a bit of paranoia shining through, but it doesn't take that long to sit down after going through security to tie your shoes. I bet the people on the 'Hudson River' flight were happy their shoes stayed on their feet!

Well, I have to agree with you on that statement - not just ANY slip on shoes. I'm kind of the same way about the thought of emergencies. My slip on shoes are not EASY off, necessarily, but they aren't lace up. I wouldn't do flip flops. :)

[UsBurchs]

Oh, I'd like to hear this story if you please.:) (including which airport) As we have come through w/o anything being said.

Ok, so I had a bunch of quarters and pennies in two M&M minis containers. They were in the bottom of my carry-on and the security person made me "pull over" while she took out EVERYTHING ('cause it had to be in the way bottom, of course) and found the coins. She said that it was such a solid cylinder - they had to check. Luckily, I packed neatly, so it wasn't much of a hassle.

HA! The pennies were much easier to bring in my carry-on on the way back home . . . of course, they were smashed by then and I'd used up the quarters! ;)

OH!!!! And this happened at Sea-Tac here in Seattle. :)

[candles71]

Ay, thats as bad as DH and I. We had gone to Vegas, sans kidlets, and found a snow globe (now they have to be checked) for dd1. We also had found a skull piggy bank for BIL (he collects skulls, many of his gifts come from pieces of eight;)). So they didn't fit in the carry-on bag we had taken for the weekend. DH was carrying them in a shopping bag and yeah, apparently all they saw was a round image with wires (musical of course) and a skull, He got "pulled over" too.