Tips about Air Travel, Kids, Magic Kingdom and Souvenirs

I have just returned (today!) from traveling to Florida from the Midwest. Sadly, this trip did not include a stop at Disney World -- don't worry, I will make that up! I would, however, like to warn future visitors to Disney World who are traveling by air that current wartime security measures SLOW YOU DOWN! Plan for double the normal time required to check-in for tickets and going through security inspections at the airport. You might even consider coming up with a "bag of tricks" for the long waits in line for your little ones, similar to the things you would do while in line for Big Thunder Mountain, etc. It might be worth the extra thought to pack some surprises and goodies in their backpacks -- nutrition bars, juice boxes, small puzzle books. I always found that if I kept those goodies hidden and a mystery until travel time, the kids were kept busy for a long time. Good luck, and don't let the delays get you down. After all, it is all for the best, and just think of it as "Basic Training" for those long lines you may encounter at Disney. - Gombars

Alaska Airlines just announced nonstop service from Seattle to Orlando. Alaska is noted for its service and good prices (it's regularly named the best domestic airline in the country by Travel and Leisure magazine). Since it's a new service, they will certainly be offering great deals. Check www.AlaskaAir.com. - Doug K

When checking in for your flight at Orlando International Airport, you may want to consider using the curbside check-in service. While the lines at the airline counters may be huge, the curbside wait is usually very minimal. Just head outside on the departure level and one of the skycaps will be happy to check-in you and your luggage. Just remember it's customary to tip skycaps a dollar or two a bag. This cost us $5 but saved us a half-hour wait! - Al Schaefer

My tip is to sign up for email letting you know of flight sales weekly -- most airlines do this. Just visit their web site and sign up. We have made several unplanned trips due to great rates on flights likes this. A great way to get the most out of an Annual Pass. - Charlotte

The only really important advice I would add to this [bringing other people's children] is to make a copy of the other child's health insurance information and also have a signed or even notarized letter from the child's parents stating they will be traveling with you, to where, and on what dates. Hopefully you will never need to use it, but you never know! - Tara Felicio

Our small kids don't care for sudden or loud noises. Take along a couple pairs of kid-sized ear plugs. They don't take up much room, but they make all the difference in the "world" to jumpy little ones! - Vicki Knuckles

Just call 1-407-363-6200 -- WDW Merchandise Guest Services! You can order just about anything they sell at WDW! Holly