~ When thinking about what type of stroller to bring..... STOP. Just rent a double stroller at the park. Dragging luggage + a stroller through the airport is a bitch. (Especially when they make you fold it up to put through the scanning machine) Just say no to bringing a stroller. If anything, bring an umbrella stroller if you need to stroll the smaller child in the airport.
~ I'm gonna assume you are renting a van/car. Dragging 2 car seats around an airport won't do. If you have 2 year old, you will want that little rug rat in a car seat on the plane. Bring just the one, and rent the other through your car rental company for your older child. They will pass out just like driving in the car. You don't want that 2 year old thinking they have the option to get up. If they know they are restrained, they will surrender easier. Enterprise was fabulous. They had the other car seat ready for our 5 year old.
~Be sure to pack an extra outfit for each child in your carry-on. Your child may puke or have a blowout on the plane which will leave their clothing uninhabitable.
~ Try to get a straight flight with no stops. Less stressful if ya can.
~ Bring 1 sippy/type cup per child, or straw cup with you walking around the parks. Replenish with water, juice, or milk when needed. Or just bring juice boxes...whatever your kids prefer. They will be thirsty ALL the time. This will save you money if you just prepare ahead.
~Moms and Dads, you will also be thirsty! If you want to save money, bring a water bottle to replenish, and bring a MIO Water Enhancer. Just a few squirts in your bottle, and it has caffeine in it as well!
~Walking Shoes! Get some expensive, amazing walking shoes. Your body will thank you! I highly recommend ABEO shoes from The Walking Company. It's nice to have your kids in great shoes as well, but they won't be walking as much as you.
~There are bathrooms everywhere, so don't worry!
~ I was worried about bringing my fancy camera, so I left it at home. Enjoy the moments, and use your camera phone. There are plenty of photo ops that the Disney people take for you. I did purchase a cheap $80 camera, and it was worse than my phones camera.
~If you feel like it, purchase some cheap glow sticks before you leave. These come in handy at night on your stroller or in your kids hands. They are also $15 cheaper than all the light up toys you will be forced to purchase for your kids at night while they are screaming for them at every kiosk walking around.
~Stop at the open play areas for kids every now and then so the kids can jump out and run free! This is great to do to get their energy out!
~Keep suckers in your purse. This is last resort to solving any temper tantrum before you can actually get to solving whatever issue your child is having. Pop a sucker in their mouth to relieve neighboring parents from hearing your demon childs screams.
~MEN: This is a little TMI. Get Glide anti-chaffing stick...for those thigh areas that rub when you walk. Or wherever you would need it........I'm not a dude, but I know the men on my trip used this item.
~Bring coloring books/crayons/dvds for your condo/hotel stay
~Rain Slickers! It did rain a few times, and those would have come in handy.
~Pack all the snacks! SNACKS. Goldfish, raisins, nutragrain bars, cheerios, sandwiches, whatever! Never go empty. These kids will want to eat at the most random of times. Just when you think they are full, they are not!
~TOYS! If you want to make the kids happy, and not spend a lot...you would be amazed how great all the key chain toys are! They are the most inexpensive, and the kids LOVE them. Dex got a Star Wars light saber key chain that lights up. Better than packing a life size one! They each got stuffed animal ones of Eyore and Minnie Mouse. So easy to pack, too!
Hope these pointers help some of you out!
