Monday, September 22, 2008
Going to Disneyland in a few weeks.... any advice?
Alright... so we're going to Disneyland in a few weeks! I haven't been in 12 years and it's been like 21 years for Jason. And of course the kids have never been! So we are very very excited to embark on this adventure. It'll be our first roadtrip with the 4 kids! Soooo... I know a lot of you have gone before with your kids and I would greatly appreciate any advice any of you have! We'll be spending 1 day at Disneyland and 1 day at California Adventure. We can't wait! YAHOOOOOOO!!!!
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Use the child care stations! They're the best (they offer quiet, clean, and private areas for feeding -- changing tables, high chairs, small toilets for the little ones -- seriously, they're the best!). At Disneyland it's near the Plaza restaurant off of Main Street (kind of by Tomorrowland). In Disneyland California, it's right next to the Mission Tortilla Factory. Also, for rides with a height requirement, you can get a stroller pass from one of the attendants -- so if you go on a ride with Isaiah, your husband can wait with the other kids. When you get off, he can use the stroller pass and bypass most of the line so he can have a chance to go, too (and he can even take Isaiah or another child with him). That's also very handy. Definitely use the Fastpass if it's crowded -- love those, too. The younger kids will enjoy Bugs Land in Disneyland California -- those rides are geared for toddlers. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. Sorry to go crazy on this post. :)
Evan says to ask Nick-he just went.
Amen to the child care stations! :)
Plan out which rides and what parades each child wants to go on/see for sure so you can schedule your day accordingly. It's off-peak season now, but it can still be busy on the kid-friendly rides so it's best to hit those first early in the morning. Fast passes are a must regardless of season, since you never know when a ride would get busy/break down, and those passes are valid all day (i.e. you can still use it at 7pm, even though it technically expires at 10am).
Also, you can bring food and water into the parks. We usually hit up Walmart or a Food4Less (both within about a couple of miles from the park) before we go in and pack snacks. It's $2.75 for a bottle of water in the park. Ideally you want to get a hotel that's close (walking distance) to the park since naps at the park - not so much fun. :) There are a few rides you all can go in as a family (incl baby) - @Disneyland: everything in Fantasyland, Pirates, Winnie the Pooh, Disney train, Buzz Lightyear, Jungle Cruise, (Haunted Mansion if it's open), Innoventions; @Cali Adventure: Monster's Inc., most/if not all of Bug's land, Non-swinging area of the Sun Wheel (ferris wheel). Oh and if you want to get cheaper Disney themed stuff, Walmart has a Disney section.
Pack comfortable shoes (lotsa walkin to do!), sunblock, hats. There's a water play-area at California adventure - the kids might want to bring swimsuits for that.
Have fun! :D
When are you guys going?
ok, probably better to clarify level of food to bring in. :)
This site explains it best: http://www.mousesavers.com/dlmeals.html#tips
more tips on saving time (although the train bit might not be relevant since New Orleans station was closed as of this weekend):
http://www.mousesavers.com/timeismoneydl.html
My disneyland advice--stay longer! :) WE loved having more time not to feel so rushed. And I would never leave the park for naps. My kids just slept in the stroller for power naps and were fine.
And--I love my camera, but it's pretty pricey. It's the digital SLR canon rebel--it's a few years old now and you probably can get the one that I have for cheaper since they have newer models out. Jana and ben bought a Pentax digital SLR, and it's a lot like my canon, but is cheaper. I think that a good camera is a good investment but you have to remember that I"m psycho about taking pictures.
Have fun at disneyland--i'm way jealous. My other advice would be to not wait in line to see mickey mouse at his house, but to go over to California Adventures because he and cinderella, and woody have this little show that runs a bunch of times during the day and you can see them all the time.
Well, I don't have any disney advice, but that's cool that you're going!!! I love your new blog background.
We've took our 3 kids when James was about 7, Andrew was 4 and Jill was barely 3. My advice, don't plan too much. Let your kids run the show and do whatever they want to do. IF you try to plan the whole day and every ride you'll go on and when, chances are you'll only end up disappointed and frustrated b/c one or more child will have a different opinion and their tantrum will trump your schedule. Just relax and remember to have fun. If you don't get on all the rides you want, no biggie. Chances are - you'll go back in the next 5 years. It's more important that your kids have fun and have good memories.
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