I'm soooo excited for your first WDW trip as a family (especially for your kids - priceless memories will be made)!!
I have two daughters, DD6 and DD2, and we've been going to WDW since DD6 was 11 mos. old, AND we've flown every time (our Nov. 2012 trip will be DD6's 12th visit)! So, I can relate to your uncertainty of your children's uncertainty about flying. Here's what I've learned and used:
1. Occasionally, and leading up to the moment you travel, have them repeat their full name, birth date, age, your name and your husband's name. Security will ask children whom they deem "capable" of answering these questions (don't answer right away for them; the TSA agent will turn to you if they want an answer). Remind them that when they're with mom or dad, it's O.K. to answer a "stranger's" question if you say it's O.K. DD6 was very shy the first time they asked her (age 3), and I had to coax her just a tad to answer.
2. Once you do tell them they're going to WDW, gently go over what's to be expected when you get to security. Remind them that they'll have to put their belongings (including "lovies") in a bin to have its' "picture taken," and that they'll get the items back. Children no longer need to take off their shoes, and the last time I traveled (Nov. 2011), they allowed my DD's to keep their light coats on. You also might want to go over "walking thru the detectors"): mom or dad will go first, followed by one child, then the next child and lastly, mom or dad. Be sure there is nothing in their pockets (I always dress my kids in yoga/sweatpants, no barretts or jewelry).
3. As for the actual plane ride, I described what to expect for take-off ("plane will go fast, faster than what daddy drives, then we'll go in the air"), and landing ("we'll gently descend and that you'll feel a bit of a bump when the wheels touch the ground, then finally, we'll slow down"). I find going into too much detail might confuse my kids. Also, remind them that they have to stay seated, just like during the car rides at home. My youngest has a hard time with this after an hour, because by this point, she's seen many people getting up and "walking around." If I can, I try to divert her eyes, but during our last trip, I had to take her to the potty for a diaper change and she thought it was "free time to run." Thank goodness for understanding passengers.
4. If they're old enough, pack gum to chew right before take-off and landing. If you don't trust gum, practice yawning, take sips from a sippy cup or "straw-type" mug, suck on a lollipop, or gently pull on the earlobes. I've never tried the ear plugs.
5. I buy new coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, pens, eraser, sharpener and sticker books (I found an "Airport" sticker book by Usborne that was a nice prepper: Amazon has it for $6.99). We also have iPads, iPods (filled with movies and children-friendly apps) and Leapster Explorers. Oh, and snacks!! Not too many sugary ones, but one or two favorite treats. This will get us thru 2 hrs.. However, I typically plan flights early in the AM or late at night, hoping that they'll "nap" for at least 1/4 of the flight.
As for what to expect at WDW:
1. "Youtube" can be your best friend! From resorts to attractions to shows, we watch them all!
2. Listen to Disney stations on Live365.com.
3. Look at pictures from your vacations past.
4. Take mid-day breaks, because running children into the ground will not only leave you with cranky kids, but cranky parents.
5. Buy them their own disposable camera (it was quite interesting to see what DD6 took pictures of).
6. Ease into full-on costumed character meet-and-greets. Don't force them or they'll end up having a fear of them (like with my DD6, learned that the hard way). Before your first character meal (if any), meet them, or look at them from afar at the parks first. Oh, get them each their own autograph book and "fat" pen.
7. Pick up, "My First Visit" pin at resort check-in or at Guest Relations inside any of the parks' entrance.
O.K., I've written WAY TOO MUCH! I hope this helps a little and enjoy your first family trip!!:wave:
