Top 5 Tips for First Time Disney Flyers

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Disney Plane

Flying to Disney for the first time, especially with children can be a little daunting. This list of tips for first-timers will help you get everything in order before, during and after your flight. Print out this list so you can check things off as you go!

Step 1: Book a Flight

  • Use a Travel Magician like my friends and I at World of Magic Travel to find you the lowest fares and best times
  • Let your agent know where you prefer to sit (window/aisle/front)
  • Save time and confusion by asking for a non-stop or direct flight
  • Sometimes airlines charge fees for sitting together (we split up to save money)
  • Check the luggage weight limits and prices per bag (it can be up to $30 each!)
  • Browse the airline sites, such as Spirit and Southwest, to see if they have any promo’s going on

Step 2: Prep for your Flight


  • Check the weight of your bag after you pack it (usually 40-50 lbs is the limit)
  • Print your boarding pass at home 24 hours before (saves time at the airport)
  • Mark your  bags  so you can spot them easily (I wrap zebra print Duck tape around the handle)
  • Be sure your liquids are less than 3oz. each and in baggies
  • Avoid wearing jewelry, metal, or complicated shoes to speed up security
  • Keep your kids occupied with coloring books, hand-held games, or movies downloaded to your phone/tablet (Disney Movies Anywhere is a great app)
  • Take any meds. you may need in your carry-on: Tums, Tylenol, or Dramamine
  • Headphones for the kids as to not annoy other passengers with the Frozen Soundtrack

Step 3: Get to the Airport

  • Get there at least 1 hour early, preferrably more
  • Put on your MagicBands so you’re ready for the Magical Express
  • Have your ID’s and Boarding Passes ready
  • Find your airline desk and check your bags
  • Use the restroom
  • Go through security
  • Grab a snack and drink (I like to grab a few magazines too)
  • Listen for your Boarding Call- (board after the main rush so kids aren’t stuck in their seats waiting for too long)

Step 4: Fly to Disney!

  • Put electronics in Airplane Mode
  • Chew gum to relieve ear pressure
  • Drinks and snacks are usually available, sometimes for free (my kids drink ginger ale onboard to calm their tummies)

Step 5: Board Magical Express

  • Grab your stuff and exit the plane
  • Ride the airport tram to the Main Terminial (it’s like a mini-Monorail!)
  • If you’re using the Magical Express yellow tags, go down to the Magical Express on B1 and use your MagicBand to check-in
  • If you are grabbing your own bags,  go pick up your bags under your airline’s sign, and then go to  the Magical Express on  B1.
    •  *I like to get my own luggage and take it to my resort with me, so that I don’t have to wait for it to be dropped off a few hours later, so we don’t use the yellow tags at all*

Tips for going home:

  • If you are flying: AirTran, Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, Southwest, United, Spirit and US Airways you can take your checked bags to the front desk at your Disney Resort
  • Tragical Express* will pick you up at least 3 hours before your flight time (*Disney Addict term for the ride home)
  • Follow the same directions as Step 3 Above and have a nice flight!
  • Most Importantly: Start Planning your next Magical Disney World Vacation (because if you don’t, the withdrawal will set in!)

Flying with children can be stressful sometimes, trust me, I have 3!  I offer free quotes, booking, planning and travel advice. I’d be happy to help you do Disney stress-free! Email me at Summer@WorldofMagicTravel.com for a free flight quote along with your Disney Trip. You can also reach out to me on my Facebook Page  if you have any questions about anything Disney or Booking a Trip on a Budget!


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