Conference koolit::disney

    You might check out the PARENTING notes conference.  This has been
    discussed there ad nauseam.  (pun intended)

    MOIRA::PARENTING

    Thanks Len,
    	I'll go a lookin'.  If there's anything of value I'll make a 
    	reference for all to share.
    
    Frank

    When we traveled to California (5 1/2 hr flight) last year when our son
    was 6, we purchased a Game Boy with two simple games beside the Tetrus
    which comes with it. Game Boy has a mute button so noise is not a
    factor. Also, transformers were good. We also purchased tapes which are
    stories and have a matching book (Disney, etc.) because you don't
    always have to be the one reading - these fit into a walkman with ear
    phones.  We tried taking a small amount of Leggos but I do not
    recommend it - the pieces got EVERYWHERE!! The usual - puzzles, fun
    books with dot-to-dots, finding hidden words, etc also work well.
    
    

    I agree a Gameboy works well.  Other things I've taken are word search
    games - crossword puzzles etc...  I also played alot of cards and the
    game hangman!
    
    Good Luck!
    
    Kathy
    

    
     You can order childrens meals with the airline.  These meals usually
     come with a small toy or activity book as well.  The childrens meals
     are usually better than the standard airline food!!!
    
    
     -Rob
    
    

    If they are small, let them go to the bathroom before takeoff.  My
    daughter (age 4) wanted to visit each of the bathrooms on the plane at
    some time during the flight.  I'm not sure why?
    
    

    Just don't bring the game "Trouble" with you ... it made so much noise
    that people were glaring at us and I don't blame them!  My son could
    have played for hours, but since I wasn't brain dead and looked around
    once I put myself in everyone else's shoes/ears and saw how irritating
    it was, back into the suitcase it went.
    
    Of course, this depends on the age of the child, too.  My son was six
    when I brought him for the first time and he was so enthralled with the
    idea of flying that just looking out the window was entertaining enough
    for him most of the time!  And he DID fall asleep during part of the
    flight.
    
    I still stand by the oldest pleasure: reading.
    
    Leslie

Game Boy and other hand held video games may not be allowed on the airplane.
Their use can interfere with the plane's controls and cause a crash.  
They are usually forbidden at *least* during takeoff and landing and sometimes
for the entire flight.

For our 5 year old we bought travel games like "Guess Who" (which doesn't
require reading).  We also bring a deck of cards with us (which can also
sometimes be supplied by the airline).  

I usually go shopping right before travelling.  I buy games and toys which are
quiet, don't have many pieces, and are different from anything else they have.
These are designated "travel toys" and they are not allowed to be played with
before or after being in the plane (or car, if a long car trip).  This keeps
them exciting to the child.  

When travelling with a baby, I bring toys with suction cups to stick to the
tray.  They can't be thrown as easily.  ;-)

       Carol

One thing that my kids enjoy are the invisible marker books that are sold
at most book stores and also in many airport magazine shops.

They include a marker and a book that is usually a puzzle or game.
The kids them use the marker to reveal clues, etc. They really seem
to enjoy them. They make the books for all ages of kids.
Ecah book is good for about an hour of entertainment.

I think the books cost about $3.00 each.

Doug

    Hand held games, cassette players and computers are allowed on flights,
        but must be turned off until the plane has reached altitude.
    
        Radios and portable phones are not allowed (as well as some other
        'transmitting' devices).
    
        If the flight attendant tells you otherwise they are incorrect and
    refer them to the back of the flight magazine for the regulations...
          

    It depends on the technology of the device, according to the pilot on
    my last flight (just over a year ago).  CD technology interferes, but 
    standards radios, cassette players, etc. do not.  If the computer or
    video game uses CDs or if you have a portable CD player, you do have to
    wait until the plane has reached altitude.  It interferes with
    communications, which came as a surprise to the airline industry.  The
    surprise was an "near miss" because of the interference.
    
    
    Susan

For further clarification,  use of CD players is prohibited for the entire
flight on American Airlines.  Tape players, gameboy, laptop computers all
okay once the plane reaches crusing altitude.

Bill A

    
    We are scheduled to fly to WDW with 2 kids (2 and 4). We are flying
    on Delta's Dream Vacation.  Does any one know what type of kids meal
    options are available ? We are flying down with Breakfest and back w
    with Dinner.

    We had lunch on our Delta flights in April and the boys had McDonalds
    meals. Call Delta and make sure you sign up for the special meals
    for your children.
    
    Have Fun!
    
    Ron