Jim’s Travel Tips

The Chinese may have invented fireworks but Disney has perfected the night display. Every night at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Orlando, FL there is a great fireworks show. Besides the fireworks themselves, Tinkerbell will actually fly through the air towards the end of the show at Cinderella’s castle. If you have a desire to view both the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom and Tinkerbell’s flight*, the best place is near the castle. Don’t stand in front of Cinderella’s castle; the castle will block your view of the fireworks.When looking at the castle you want to be on the right side near the entrance to Tomorrowland. You will see Tinkerbell fly right over your head. If Tinkerbell is not your thing, than the best spot to view the fireworks is in Fantasyland – between the Carousel and the Tea Cups.

* Tinkerbell does not always fly – weather is a key factor, wind/rain etc. will cancel her flight. However the fireworks always go off.

For traveling with small children, whether by car or plane, it makes the trip more fun for them to have their own “carry-on” bag. A child-sized backpack works well. Must haves to pack in it:

• Snacks: just a few, most will be in your bag for portion control

• Art supplies: a notebook/coloring book and crayons. Crayons are less messy than markers and less sharp than colored pencils – don’t bring the 64 pack unless you want to retrieve that many when they spill.

• Small, favorite plush toy: good for conversations and snuggling when they get sleepy.

• One-piece toys/games: Again, less parts to retrieve

One thing that should NOT come on the airplane – any toy that makes a noise. The little blip, beep, tick, or tune that is harmless in your home becomes an amazing annoyance (to you and your seatmates) when heard repeatedly in a 2 x 2 foot space.

(Authored by my best traveling partner, my wife)  A primary rule for air travel with children is to be aware of the “ear pressure” thing. For adults, it is a barely noticeable plugging of our ears. Close your nose with your fingers and pretend to blow it. That will “pop” your eardrums and suddenly your hearing improves. This is a hard thing to teach to children. TIP: For babies, have a bottle ready to feed as soon as the plane takes off. If it is a long flight, save the second feeding for landing. Shorter flights, let the baby suck on a pacifier or, at the very least, cup your hands over its ears during descent. For older children, a lollipop or gum will get them swallowing and should help keep their ears clear.  (Thanks, honey!)