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!

I especially enjoy the lovely historic Willard Hotel in DC. Guests include many of our presidents including Lincoln when he was smuggled in by detective Pinkerton, as well as PT Barnum, Mark Twain, Buffalo Bill, Harry Houdini, Jenny Lind, etc. It's on Pennsylvania Ave (can't beat that!), 2 blocks from Metro Center (can't beat that!), and is central to just about everything in DC. I enjoy Georgetown but as others have noted, many of the shops are chain shops, and it's not easy to get to. There is a circulator bus which you can get either at Dupont Circle or the Rosslyn metro stops and that will take you to Georgetown. Check out some of the old stand-by eateries in DC. Bistro du Coin is wildly popular, and I especially like it in warm weather because when the entire front of the restaurant to the street, but try Ben's Chili Bowl, Old Ebbit's Grill, 1789 (Georgetown), or the Tabard Inn (Dupont Circle) for some local flavor. Also, I recommend Cafe Saint-Ex (as in Saint Expury, the writer). It is situated near the U street corridor, a wildly popular area in central DC. The Studio Theater is nearby, and I've seen some great plays there.

I was there in 1988, so a LONG time ago, and I"m sure it's changed a lot since then. (I was also there when Hurricane Gilbert hit it. Yikes. Thought that was the end). don't wander off the beaten path. Jamaica can be dangerous. Enjoy the Red Stripe beer and Ting. If they still have them, do stop when you see someone with a grill making jerk chicken and pork on the side of the road (for sale) and have some. It's out of this world delicious. I wish I could remember the name of the the best place we ate at one night when I was there. It was amazing, completely surround by lush rain forest, a tiny place. Of course, it probably isn't' even there anymore. Go up to Samsara Cliffs resort. (When I was there, it was a bar/restaurant called "Play it Again Sam's". It's on top of a cliff, and you can watch cliff diving.

I traveled FREQUENTLY throughout the country with 2 rotts, dane, m. dach, glad, and now a black mouth cur. 1. 2 forms of I'D. Chip and tags-if lost not all scanners read all brands of chips. I'D tag should always include your vet name number for history. Vet name/number listed under 'Comments' on microchip site. Also that you are traveling from/to. If your dog's seat tethers are so long they get tangled they need to get better riding manners/shorter tethers. Tether is to keep dog from flying around back seat, not enough room to get tangled. Take some practice all day rides. 2.Rabies tag and file of rabies papers with YOU. Extra collar/leash. Toilet your dog as far as possible away from others to help not picking up diseases. Pick up. 3. Crates are not needed to travel. You cannot leave your dog in a motel even for just a few minutes. (Because other dogs barked/and/or/destroyed room. Plan ahead that one of you will be with dogs at all times. (Sorry- motel personnel have keys to your room- at my last motel stay another guest had laptop stolen from room. If someone came in dog could get out.) Make certain your dog's are 'motel civilized'. Dogs may not be in same room where breakfast is served. Health regulations. Not motel/employees fault. Some motels are a little more lienent than others- all dogs were trained to not break sit/stay even with other people or dogs. In several places they were allowed to sit/stay outside the breakfast room. Other places, the dog could not be in sight/in that part of building at all. If possible I would put them in a sit/stay in the courtyard if in view. 5. Foodpeople/dog. Take water, drinks, snacks, yogurt, friut, things to make dinner in a cooler. You can eat in your room. Put things in frig. One person can run to a grocery store in evening to restock. Plan on some junk food-yuck! 6. Plan on one extra day or two- you are traveling a long distance. Dogs get bored. Stopping for some hours at a state/national site that allows dogs is wonderful!! 7. If you think the trip might be RUFF (sorry), rent a small motor home from UHaul or other so you do not have the nightly/morning unpack/repack which is tedious and time consuming.8!!! BEST HINT!! I had a 'Deal' with my dogs- any and all of them traveled for hours at end. We only stopped if I needed gas/restroom (they got to per first). Many times I did the 'Potty dance' while I waited my turn! Deal... One full hour walk in am before we left. One full hour walk at night right after we checked in and put suitcase in room. (People got to use toilet, dogs got a drink). Before I even had my hands washed they were standing at door ready to walk. This DEAL confirmed a quiet, restful night for me- no restless dog. They all knew the DEAL, and were civilized. We went all over the country. New dog is a large rescue and is leaning about the DEAL.!! Unless rules have changed- Hilton- no pets Holiday Inn- no pets Comfort Inn- yes. $10 pet charge. There are 4 brands associated with Comfort Inn. They all accepted pets. Good luck, safe driving.