If you think you'll have a lot of bags to deal with, in addition to the kids, you might want to look into sending your luggage ahead, rather than dealing with check-in. You can UPS or Fed-Ex the bags to your destination several days before. You might find the cost isn't any more than what the airline charges now.

Then all you have are small carry-ons with your son's meds, personal items, games, etc. and the assurance everything will be waiting at the other end.

Carol

What a great time of year to go! I don't know how far you are flying or how old your kids are, but having done trips like this with my kids - if the kids can be entertained by themselves, have them pack a backpack that they are in charge of - and have veto power - they can fill it with things that will entertain them on the plane, but even more importantly, while you are waiting in the airport. If the kids are older pack a set of extra Double A batteries. :) When my kids were toddlers, I packed their clothes in large baggies - socks, underwear, matching top, bottom, they could just take a baggie out of the suitcase and get dressed - much easier than digging through the suitcase at that age. If the kids are young and you are trying to decide about using a stroller - definitely use it at Disney. Security is no big deal, just make sure you are there early enough, and that adults have their IDs. Be sure you don't pack anything with liquid that they will take - including water - you'll have to purchase that after the check point. If possible, print out your boarding passes at home before you go, and curb check your luggage if you have the option - a little more money but worth it if the airport is busy. As far as Disney itself goes, take a good guide book, if you plan on eating at restaurants call and make those reservations now, and have everyone bring really comfortable shoes! Have a great time!

Take copies of your son's prescriptions in a separate bag so that if something happens to the medications you take, you can easily replace them.

I just flew for the first time since 2002 so I understand your apprehension. I wasn't worried about anything happening to the plane, just getting through security. Each person is allowed a quart sized ziploc bag with liquids in it as part of their carry on, although prescriptions can be more.. All liquids have to be in containers that have no more then 3 or so ounces in them and then they all go in the bag. It must be a ziploc bag. It is best for all your sons medications to still have the prescription labels on them.

I am a diabetic and have to carry syringes and stuff so I also had a note from my doctor, just in case. make sure everyone has shoes that are east to take on and off because you have to put them through the x-ray machine. The baggie of liquids(if you have one) should be right on top in your carry on as it comes out and goes through the x-ray machine separately. I was much more relaxed on the return flight once I knew what to expect.

-Robin

Make sure everyone wears shoes that are easy to get in and out of since you have to take them off to get through security. Does mom have a knee or hip replacement? Get a doctor's note because she will set off the alarms.

Don't lock your bags. Don't take anything you'd really hate to lose, like jewelry. You don't need it in Disney, that's for sure.

No matter how rude any security person may be to you, just smile, do what they ask and shut up.

I made sure I did everything right for security the last time I flew and they hardly looked at it!

Disney is so much fun. You will have a ball but it is a lot of walking.

The Allentown Airport is nice...I had to take Katie there a few times.

I haven't flown in years but DD went to Disney last summer.
It may be nippy here but wear flippy (flip flops) shoes. It makes the security wait so much easier.

As for packing for kids...get yourself some large zipper bags, place the kids entire outfits in a zipper bag-be sure to include undies, sox and for girls any hair accessories, bangles, ect...one COMPLETE outfit in each bag. Flatten by having the child sit on the bag and seal. Well just make sure you get all the air out.
One outfit for each day. Then you place the dirty outfit back in said bag at the end of the day.
Plan one outfit for each day and at least 2 back up outfits.

Make sure you pack some gum for the plane-helps with your ears popping.

SNACKS!! you won't get a snack on the plane so make sure you bring some snacks, fruit is a good choice...stay away from anything salty or messy.

Take lots of pics-we want pics!!

Cheers!
Susie

Also dress for metal detectors.
A few years back I was flying4 to 5 times a year....and it seemed every time I would get pulled out and searched.
My son flies an average of 120 or more times a year. I complained to him and he explained it...no belt, no studded jeans, wedding ring and watch ( and in my case small earrings) for jewelry and nothing else...soft shoes and ones you kick off and put into the tray.
And then came the new guide lines....just get one of those approved zip lock bags and put it all into there...tooth paste deodorant lipstick, moisturizer etc etc.
Plan to use the hotel's shampoo and conditioner...I know it's not what you are used to....but its' not the end of the world fora few days...
Anyhow I followed the guide lines and zipped through. Getting pulled out and wanded and having someone go through your purse and carry on is a pain....follow the rules and it's all easy.
Linda C

It's gotten a lot more relaxed through security. Do wear comfortable slip-on shoes - no shoelaces if possible. If they have them, use backpacks or mini-roller bags for the kids. They have fun rolling their bags through the airport just like the grownups.

You won't be able to bring any snacks or drinks through security - you'll need to buy them when you are past the security point.

Do pack games or something for the kids to do on the plane.

I'd advise against flip-flop type footwear. You don't want shoes to fall off or little toes to get stepped on.

Have a great time!

I knew you guys would come through.

Well it's too late for shipping ahead. The good news is we're using Disney's Magical Express so they will claim our bags in Orlando and deliver them to our hotel. On the way back I can check the bags at the hotel so I won't have to deal with them until I get home.

My daughter is almost 4 and my son is almost 12. Both will have birthdays in about 2 weeks. I have backpacks for each of them. I'm packing my daughters with surprises. My son wants to bring everything.

I've got all of the dining reservations including Cinderellas Royal Table. My daughter is so excited. My son is not.

I will have liquid medications. Any guess as to what they will do about my sons Epipens? Do I have to give them to security for inspection?

I've got the comfortable shoes covered. I had to buy 6.5 EEEE for me just so I would be comfortable. We plan on wearing Crocs to the airport.

Pam, No joint replacements yet. I really hope the walking doesn't kill me. I'm getting a stroller for April. I'll rent a scooter for my mom if she needs it.

Susie, How easy is Allentown to get around in? I really hate going somewhere I'm not familiar, especially with the kids.

I am definitely going to pack outfits in bags. That is a great idea. Snacks and gum are on the list.

I just bought a new camera that takes great pictures. I can't wait to use it.

I'll watch the metal. I'll just have my rings and a watch.I put the toiletries in the checked bags.

Thanks so much.

Tracey

I'm chiming in late here so I don't have anything to add to the security issue but we took DGS to Disney for his 4th birthday last week so I can add something.
Stop at town hall on main street (to your left as you enter) and get personalized Happy Birthday buttons for the kids. The Disney folks acknowledged Beau's b-day throughout the park.
Use the fast pass option for the popular rides-it really saves a lot of time. It allows you to by pass the lines..not that there will be really long lines this time of year.
When you first come into the park, immediately go to the far end of the park (i.e. Toon Town or Fantasy Land) then make your way back to the entrance. You will go against the flow but most visitors start at the front and work their way to the back so the crowds kind of move together.
It was a little warm last week but the weather should be comfortable when you get there.
Ride the monorail over and the fairy boat back to give the kids a different experience.
If you have a rental car, gas is really cheap at the Disney gas station so fill up if needed when you leave the parking lot.
We are just 1:15 away from Disney but I like to spend the night. Last week I got a $45 room in Downtown Disney on Priceline. I have never been disappointed with a hotel room in Disney area that I have gotten from Priceline.

Have a great time.

I can't take Pop Tarts or crackers? I have to have food with me at all times for my daughter, she eats all day.

Thanks for the tips Cathy. My daughter would love the birthday button.

We're staying at the Contemporary so we can be close to the Magic Kingdom.

I just checked the weather there. Looks perfect to me.

Get a doctors note for the epipen, they didn't even give my glucogon (similar to an epipen) a look but I was less worried with the note. All the liquid medications should be in a bag as well. That way it is easier to pull out in security.

Crocs are perfect.

-Robin

Okay, I'm only sharing this picture to show you the weather conditions for last weekend and for no other reason!! This was taken at the end of the day at 7:00pm and as you can see, we are still in summer clothing.

This is the birthday boy with mommy and daddy.

Susie, pop-tarts and dry snacks (unopened) should be fine, even most fruit. Last year, I traveled a lot for my job and always brought my own snacks with me on the plane. Water or soda will have to be purchased after you go through TSA.

I flew in April and forgot I had a 3 oz. bottle of Dan Active drinkable yogurt in my purse (it was an early, early morning flight and that was for breakfast). TSA didn't stop me at all; however, one time they searched my purse because I had an apple in there....go figure.

Make sure you have your IDs/credit cards out for easy access BEFORE you get to the ticket counter, and that includes the kids IDs. There's nothing worse than trying to dig your IDs and money out while standing at the ticket counter and everyone is giving you dirty looks for holding up the line. I'm not sure how they are billing for the extra checked bags now...whether it's online or at the ticket counter.

BTW, I'm in Orlando (about 45 min away from Disney) and the advice Mustangs (Cathy) gave is spot on. The weather is great and you'll have a wonderful time!

Ooops, I meant Tracey...don't know where I got Susie???

My mom travels alot and always has water with her.
One thing she discovered is that you can take an EMPTY water bottle through security, then re-fill it from a fountain or restroom on the other side. The ones sold in the stores at the airport are a rip-off!

More than once she's finished the last little bit of water right at the security gate, placed the bottle in the X-ray tray and filled it up 10 feet on the other side. It was a security guard that told her she could do it!! LOL

Deanna

Yes that's what I do with my water bottle....drink it at the security gate and then fill it up again on the other side.

I bring my own

You're right about the price of water as well as food in airports and even on flights when you have to buy it.
It's way overpriced.

SharonCb

I'm almost packed except the stuff that goes in at the last minute. Since I packed outfits into plastic bags my suitcases are only half full. That was a great tip.

Snacks are packed too.

Thanks for the water bottle advice, thats what I'll be doing.

Cathy, The weather looks great. Beau is a cutie. What was his favorite ride? My daughter wants to go on all of the roller coasters but she's too small for most.

Tracey

Tracey, Remembering from last birthday (how's he do that?) he had an agenda before we even got to the park. First was Peter Pan ride (his favorite); then It's a Small World (recently refurbished) because it's Lily's favorite; then the People Mover (he thinks it's Space Mountain 'cause you go through Space Mountain).

He loves the steam train ride so we go on that at the entrance to the park and take it to the back getting off at Toon Town. There is a roller coaster in Toon Town that isn't as intimidating as others in the park.

Kids are amazing at that age with their memory. My daughter is the same. My son used to be, but now he can't even find his shoes 5 minutes after he's taken them off. Beau will get there too.

Is It's a Small World any better since it's been refurbished. My son made me go on it every time we went in the park the last time we were there. I'm not a fan.

I've been looking at Disney books with April. The train and Barnstormer are on her list. She is so excited. I think I'm going to be exhasuted.

Tracey

Thanks to everyone for the great tips.

We made it through security without any problems. It is a pain though especially with kids. Wearing Crocs is definitely the way to go.

The packing advice was wonderful. I will definitely be packing that way from now on.

It was an exhausting trip. My daughter wants to know if we can go next year. I don't think so.

Tracey