If you are flying to Walt Disney World, the question may come up or whether or not you need to haul your car seat to Florida. Here’s my advice:
When Should You Leave Your Car Seat at Home?
- You are flying to Disney with your child in your lap on the plane, and taking the Magical Express shuttle service from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to your Disney resort. You will then be using Disney’s transportation for your entire stay. Actually, you will find that Disney will not allow car seats on any transportation.
When Should You Bring Your Car Seat?
- You will be renting a car during your Disney vacation. While many car rental agencies offer car seats for rental cars, I strongly feel children are more comfortable in their normal car seat, plus you know that it has been well taken care of.
- You have purchased a seat on the plane for your child and have an FAA Approved car seat.
Related Car Seat Questions
What about car seats and Minnie Vans at Disney?
Each Minnie Van at Disney is equipped with two Graco 4Ever car seats. The Minnie Van drivers have taken a safety class to safely install these specific car seats. Car seats in the Minnie Vans are only allowed in the middle row bucket seats and children under two will be placed rear facing per Disney policy.
Are taxis available with car seats?
If you need a car seat during a taxi ride, simply request that one be sent in your taxi. You may have to wait a little longer, but your child is safer in a car seat.
Where else can I get a car seat during my Florida vacation?
In the event that you need a car seat during your trip, car seats are available for rent from several, local companies such as Derenter or A Baby’s Best Friend.
What car seat alternatives are available for the plane trip?
If you have a longer flight and don’t care to bring your car seat, the only FAA Approved device is called CARES. CARES is a travel harness that fits around the airplane seat and is designed to fit children 12 months and up to 40″. Your child will need their own seat on the plane to use the CARES harness. It is available at online retailers, and Amazon.com generally has it for around $75.
Don’t forget, if you plan to check your car seat on the plane, I recommend using an old suitcase, large duffel bag, or car seat bag to help protect it from damage during travel.
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Are there special considerations when you are coming from Canada? I will be traveling with a 12 month old and 3.5 year old from Canada and renting a car for some or all of our trip. We have Britax Boulevards for each child (purchased in Canada).
Thanks!
Hello! If you are renting a car, you’ll need to bring your car seats, or rent from the car rental provider, or an outside source. I’m always leery of the car rental company car seats, as you can’t guarantee how well they have taken care of them.