A few Disney Questions...

[disney4life2008]

I am taking my nephews (12 and 14) - I am their Uncle to Disneyworld in August. I have a few general questions for anyone that can help.

1) My nephew (14 year old) recently revealed he is terrified of heights. Even more so, he is saying, he does not want to go if he has to get on an airplane (including a fear of roller coasters). This was to my dismay because I thought he was going to be excited about traveling and going to Universal Orlando (he will do fine at Disneyworld). Do you have any suggestions as to how I can make him feel more comfortable with flying and even getting on rides that have height?

2) We are flying Southwest Airlines. What identification do they need (if any)? I have been told they must have a state issued ID but then I have read they only need a birth certificate. What is the correct information for a 12/14 year old?

3) Do I need to carry a letter from their mom saying I have permission to travel with them. This is a silly question but I am not their guardian - I am their uncle. I just want to be fully prepared as I have never taken them out of the state before.

Thank you!!

 

[DisneyparkFreak]

1. In the A-Team they just drugged BA Barracus. But on a serious note I would just try to find some way to incentive him to get on the plane... How I dont know.

2. State issued ID like a DL or federal passport for adults, birth certificate for younger ones. We have a 4 year old and carry the BC with us, but they have never asked. They do check the ID's when going through security.

3. Unknown on the this one. I would have as much documentation as possible.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

1) If he has that much of a problem, I would suggest a psychologist rather than peer counseling here...this is an issue his parents should be dealing with, not you.

2) A copy of the Birth Certificates.

3) While they are on a trip with you, you legally serve as their guardian. You should have a letter in your wallet written and signed by their parents that says they understand you are going to Orlando from date to date, that you serve as the guardian to make any medical, entertainment, and/or legal decisions during your trip, and have their home address, phone number, and cell phone number.
Some people prefer to have that notarized.

The reality is, if you drive, you don't need any of those things. With the plane, you need ID, they need ID, and you should have a release letter from their parents. The latter will most likely NEVER be looked at by anyone -- but if you need to make an emergency room visit, etc, the first thing they will ask for is a release.

 

[DeaverTex]

1.a (flying) I have some problems with acrophobia myself. That said, I have never had any problem on any sort of aircraft, including a helicopter with the doors removed. It's far enough from the ground that it's much more like watching a movie than actually being in a high place. If he doesn't have a problem watching videos or movies taken from high places, then he should be all right as far as heights. Fear of flying, though, is an entirely different matter. If he is genuinely afraid of being on an airplane (which can be caused by claustrophobia as well as an over-active imagination that comes up with disaster scenarios), then that may actually require some sedation to help him relax.

1.b (height) Emphasize that everywhere he will be in a high place, he will be seated with a seat belt or other restraint. That usually works for me, but be prepared for him to balk if he is truly afraid of heights, and not just of the rapid changes in direction and g-forces on a 'coaster. You may just have to let him sit out the high rides, though. Nobody will have fun if he is genuinely terrified, and he's old enough to wait on the ground once or twice.

2. Not a clue.

3. I'm pretty certain you'll need documentation that the parents agree to placing the boys in your care for the duration of the trip. You may also want a limited power of attorney for medical treatment.

 

[jduran]

I can relate to your nephew. I'm 28 years old and I find flying to be a horrible and traumatic event despite being a seasoned flier. (I've been going on planes since I was 3 months old.) My fear has probably come from a few not-so-great flights I've experienced, particularly one in 1996 when I was flying to Miami from the Caribbean through a storm which made the 2 1/2 hour flight feel a like a rollercoaster I'd never want to get on and swore that the plane was going to fall out of the sky. Also things like the 9/11 attacks only made things worse.

I'll be honest, there is NOTHING you can tell someone with a fear of flying that will change that mentality (I even find professional help only suppresses the fear but never really "cures" it). What helps me is thinking about how much fun I'll have once I reach the destination. I'd encourage you to talk to your nephew and remind him that after the discomfort of flying, he'll be rewarded with an awesome vacation.

I flew twice last year to Phoenix and New York and thinking of the payoff helped a lot. I got to see the American southwest and a real life desert for the first time. In fact, I almost cried when I landed because I realized that my fear was holding me back from exploring the world. Same thing with New York, which I visited for the first time as well and stayed as a super posh hotel near Chelsea in a suite looking directly at the Empire State building. (Ace Hotel if you are wondering and I highly recommend it.)

Most of all, don't make him feel bad because he has a fear of flying. It won't help, in fact, it's only going to make him resent you. I know because I have people do this all the time to me when I start freaking out.

I will say though, it's unfortunately that your nephew isn't of legal age, because as horrible as it sounds, alcohol (both at the airport bar and during the flight) and "happy pills" like Xanax help tremendously. But things like an iPod, iPad, etc. can help to distract him during a flight. I also find having a good conversation or doing breathing exercises keeps my mind off being thousands of miles off the ground.

As far as the theme parks go, my fear of heights and not being in control extends to rides as well. What helps me is traveling with my sister. She will ALWAYS ride an attraction alone that I'm nervous about first and come back out and give me her honest opinion if she thinks I can handle it. There are some rides where the illusion doesn't really bother me (like Soarin', I know I'm just in a big room and not actually flying miles above the Earth). Worst thing you can do is "trick" your nephew into getting on a ride that will unpleasantly surprise him. He won't trust your judgement from then on and won't want to get on anything else for the rest of the trip. And if you trick him, you are basically going to have an angry and resentful teenage with you for the rest of your vacation and no one is going to be happy.

I really hope your nephew gets on the plane, because there is so much of the world to see that you can't access by car or train. Good luck.

 

[disney4life2008]

Thank you for the information. My nephew is just stubborn but I am sure by the time mid July gets here he will be counting down the days. I will have my sister get them state IDs (I would rather be safe) and have her do a letter of consent.

 

[Raven66]

I hate flying! The last time we flew I took a xanax. I don't remember much about the flight

You should have a letter from their parents stating that you have the power to make decisions regarding the kids. All we needed when we took our daughter is her birth certificate and social security card. They never asked to see them but they did ask her a few questions, like how old she was and who were the people that were with her. Have a fun trip!!

 

[disneygirl76]

I am taking my nephews (12 and 14) - I am their Uncle to Disneyworld in August. I have a few general questions for anyone that can help.

1) My nephew (14 year old) recently revealed he is terrified of heights. Even more so, he is saying, he does not want to go if he has to get on an airplane (including a fear of roller coasters). This was to my dismay because I thought he was going to be excited about traveling and going to Universal Orlando (he will do fine at Disneyworld). Do you have any suggestions as to how I can make him feel more comfortable with flying and even getting on rides that have height?

2) We are flying Southwest Airlines. What identification do they need (if any)? I have been told they must have a state issued ID but then I have read they only need a birth certificate. What is the correct information for a 12/14 year old?

3) Do I need to carry a letter from their mom saying I have permission to travel with them. This is a silly question but I am not their guardian - I am their uncle. I just want to be fully prepared as I have never taken them out of the state before.

Thank you!!

Hi there!

I'm a nanny - so when I travel out of state (I live near DC in VA but when we go to the aquarium in MD for example) I take a letter with me giving me permission to take the children to our destination. I have never needed it but just in case - it's like a permission slip that they issue in school.

I would recommend asking to meet the pilot due to your nephews fear of heights/flying - sometimes seeing the cockpit and meeting the pilots is helpful. If they won't let you do that (many airlines will allow this - especially for first time flyers) then meet the stewardess and have her show him to his seat and help him feel comfortable. My DH (who is 40) is still afraid to fly so sometimes, no matter what we do - he is afraid and he has to just get through the flight.

As for the rides - Universal has some tall ones that even my DH didn't go b.c of the fear of heights. So he may just be unwilling to get on them. Sometimes, it just takes seeing how much fun everyone else is having to help motivate the fearful person onto the ride.

 

[WonderlandAlice]

From experience with my own kids, fear of heights can be two different things when considering flying vs rollercoasters. Where rides are concerned, let him have a good look before getting in line. Chances are if it looks like fun he'll be OK. It stands to reason that you'd start small and work your way up also.

Flying is different. It's a more realistic fear so you can't talk him out of it but you can explain the safety measures taken by airlines and the basic physics of how the plane stays in the air. Requesting center seats might be an idea so he isn't looking out the window during take-off. Having an ipod or book to keep him occupied will help and hard candy to suck on will reduce discomfort during take-off also.

My daughter had worked herself into such a state a week before we left (age 7) that my GP suggested a mildly sedating antihistamine to relax her for the flight. We gave her dramamine 30 minutes before take-off and she coped much better than anticipated. As a bonus, she didn't get airsick and was able to nap which helped pass the time. Since he's old enough to understand, you could discuss this with him and ask if he'd like to try a medication (with Mom's permission, of course) to make him feel more at ease.

 

[ThinkTink721]

1) My nephew (14 year old) recently revealed he is terrified of heights.It is hard to talk someone out of any fear that they may have, but just explain to him that he will not even know he is in the air if he doesn't look out the window on the plane. As far as the rides, start small - my boys had a fear of the fast rides at first, but we were able to talk them into RNRRC, Space Mt, TOT, & a few others on our WDW trip last year. Now, my youngest child, a girl, will ride anything.

2) We are flying Southwest Airlines. What identification do they need (if any)?
That is a good question - me & 2 of my children are flying SW to WDW in the fall (my hubby & 1 child are flying on Delta).

3) Do I need to carry a letter from their mom saying I have permission to travel with them?
I am not sure, but I would.

 

[Korfar]

I have never heard of the birth certificate or SS card for kids. We travel with our kids by plane every year and have never been asked for documentation on them. Is this a new thing they are implementing now?

 

[Korfar]

I just looked at the TSA website. Documentation is not required for anyone under the age of 18. I wouldn't want to risk losing that documentation so I never take it.

 

[sublimesting]

I just looked at the TSA website. Documentation is not required for anyone under the age of 18. I wouldn't want to risk losing that documentation so I never take it.

I was told by Southwest that a birth certificate was required only if they will not be occupying a seat so as to prove they are under 2 or whatever.

As to question #1, I'd whack him with a mallet and then when he wakes up he'll be there. But once there I guess there will be alot of bench sitting. Luckily hes 14 and you won't have to babysit.

 

[Bri1121]

I hate flying! The last time we flew I took a xanax. I don't remember much about the flight

You should have a letter from their parents stating that you have the power to make decisions regarding the kids. All we needed when we took our daughter is her birth certificate and social security card. They never asked to see them but they did ask her a few questions, like how old she was and who were the people that were with her. Have a fun trip!!

How much did you take!?!?! My doctor gave it to me but it really only slightly
took the edge off. I think I need something stronger!


-We never needed documentation for our kids. Except to show they are under two and they still didn't even ask to see it.

-I agree the letter is a good thing to have!!

Hopefully your nephew will get so excited about the trip he will just get on the flight and relax. I do not like to fly either but do it. Once I had kids my doctor started prescribing me some xanax so I didn't scare them! I have taking Dramamine before and it does make you really sleepy but I think it helps a little!

Good luck and I hope you have a really great trip!!

 

[cowanfamily]

dramamine!!!!!!!!!! Lots of it!LOL

 

[Wchutch]

1. My oldest son was sacared to death to ride roller coasters. When we went to WDW when he was 12 he found something about the coaster he liked. Happened to be Rock N Roller coaster. He loves Aerosmith. While in line he must have asked me about a million times if it goes upside down. We just so happened to get the front seat in one of the cars. He absolutely loved it and round six more times the same day. Find something that they love about looking at the coaster or something that gets them involved with the ride. It might help take their mind off of it or at least make it a little easier to get on. as for the other questions. they have never flown or had the chance so I have no suggestions there. Good Luck and enjoy.

 

[stratman50th]

Do I need to carry a letter from their mom saying I have permission to travel with them. This is a silly question but I am not their guardian - I am their uncle. I just want to be fully prepared as I have never taken them out of the state before.
Thank you!!

Might not be a bad idea. The comment I really wanted to make here is related but not to your question. I strongly suggest you get insurance cards from the family for both nephews. A lot of people don't think about it but they are good to have. I think we've had someone get sick almost every time we've been. I know exactly how to get to the Centra Care clinic on 535! Just sinus infections and the like, but without the meds it would have ruined the trip.
My wife is afraid of heights. She can't get on a Ferris wheel, or won't get in a glass elevator. I'm a helicopter pilot and I wanted to take her up. She was apprehensive because it's clear most of the way around like a glass elevator. To make a long story short, she went and had a great time. (The doors were on). She also has to fly commercial frequently for her job, but she's ok with that too. I think it's the orientation of your rear, having it firmly planted in a seat helps. Dramamine, as suggested before helps a great deal. Get the good stuff, not that non-drowsy crap! You want to knock them out the entire flight!:lol:
Good luck to you. Getting them convinced is the biggest battle. The fear in many cases is not rational, but it isn't any less real.

 

[DVCOwner]

When I am traveling out of state with kids that are not mine, even relatives, I want to have a limited power of attorney with me at all times. You do not have to go to an attorney to have this done. Many sites on the internet have fill in the blank ones that will do.

 

[Poofiesdream]

no papers need to fly, but notorized medical permission is a must.

 

[MaryJaneP]

1. Medication and distraction - flying is an issue for some in my family. Xanax and similar meds are very helpful. Distractions such as IPODS or Sudoku are helpful. Books (if they can read while in motion, some people can't) about the destination can help them envision their destination and make the flight more bearable.

2. Check with Southwest and TSA to get specific documentation needs. I always get color photocopies of birth certificates and SS cards and bring them. I have only been asked twice despite six trips. Copies prevent you from chance of losing/damaging originals.

3. Letter from parents, limited power of attorney, and insurance cards are highly recommended. Hopefully you won't need them, but if you do, you have them.

I keep the papers described above in a folder in the side of my carryon. I like being prepared and it is such minimal paperwork to bring, it takes up virtually no space at all.