1 day at DL, in mid July, w/ 4 kids, including 3 month old?

[nth]

My husband and I are living in AZ right for a job he is working on, but it should be over in mid July. We will then drive back to our home in SW Washington state via California. We have tossed around the idea of stopping at Disneyland for a day on our way back. We have 4 kids, ages 6, 4, 2, and a baby that will be nearly 3 months old at the time of the trip. They have never been to Disneyland, and my husband hasn't been since he was 8.

We have a trip planned for January 2014, but that's so far away! We would be able to go on a weekday if we went in July, but I want it to be a good experience for everyone, and I'm concerned that it will be super busy. Do you think DCA will be drawing people away from DL, or will both parks just be packed? I don't mind the kids just getting a taste of things for now. I realize we would leave a lot undone. Is it crazy to attempt this? I especially want my husband to enjoy himself, so he'll be on board for trips in the future.

 

[sonnyjane]

My initial thoughts are that yes, 2014 sure is far away and I'd want to sneak in more... but... one day with four kiddos in mid-July is going to be an expensive and crowded "taste of things for now".

I'd hate for their very first visit to the parks to be rushed and for them to see all the other things they want to ride, but having to wait until 2014 to do it!

If you did go for one day, would you be able to get a hotel in the area, show up at park opening, and stay as late as possible? I wouldn't even recommend going at all if you would just be driving through and stopping for the day.

 

[nth]

We would definitely get a hotel!

 

[bakerudall]

I think you should go for it, but definitely go in with a plan so you can get your favorite rides done. You know this is going to make you move up your 2014 trip, right?

 

[mouseymommy]

If I had the money I would totally do it! Maybe pick a ride or two that each kid wants to do and make those a priority. Let them know you can't do everything, but it will be a taste of what they get later. Have fun!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Here's how we did just that! But just one day?? I'd visit for a few, weekdays mid July should be nice IMO.

 

[starshine514]

I would do it. Normally I'm a big advocate of hopping, but in your case I would say to just do Disneyland. Be there before opening and make a good day of it. Their are some time-suckers that I would avoid (perhaps avoid Peter Pan unless you really are part of the first wave in and can do it with a 10 minute wait). Your kids are perfect ages for Fantasyland, so I would definitely spend the first part of my day there. If your 4- and 6-yr olds are interested, try Star Tours and BTMRR (get FPs and you can also do the child swap so both parents get a chance to ride).

I think you can do a lot in a day (if you get an early start), even during high season.

 

[SomeDude78]

I agree with the PP to do it but visit only Disneyland and have something of a plan as to what areas are "must do" versus what areas are "only if we have time." Everyone will get something out of the visit except for maybe the youngest one ... for him/her you'll at least have pictures down the line to "prove" that you guys were there

My kids are 2 so smaller range of ages than yours, but Fantasyland and Toontown might be good candidates for being on the list to start with since younger kids tend to get a kick out of those two. Then if time permits you can check out whatever suits your fancy, maybe do some character photos and what not (those are huge time sink but little ones really really enjoy them for the most part).

 

[nth]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts everyone! It looks like most people think it would be worth it to make the stop. I wish we could stay for longer, but we have to get back for my husband's job.