1st timer planning trip w/toddlers lots of ?'s

[cdnmomoftwo]

I'm planning a trip the 2nd week of January with two toddlers (almost 2 and 4).

To get the early entry to Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness do I need to book a package through WDTC? Is it necessary to have the EE if we are going when there are hopefully small crowds? Also do character breakfasts need to be booked in advance in low season?

Is it better and or cheaper to book a package deal through and agent or book things individually? I'm from Canada and this will be our first trip to DL. We just started planning and I'm finding it quite overwhelming all the info available. We are only looking at hotel and ticket packages and not flights.

Is it better to stay onsite or off site? On site it would probably be PP hotel and offsite we have looked at a few places (BW Park Place, Residence Inn for example).

What attractions get preferred seating at CAP? Anything worthwhile for toddlers?

Is 5 days too long for two toddlers? Is there enough for them to see and do?

So many questions, so little time. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

We booked our September trip through AAA (Is the Canadian equivalent 'CAA'?) and got tickets for Morning Madness. Also when we booked an April trip with an agent, we got the MM tickets as well. They all in turn book with WDTC.

I've read that it's cheaper to book things separately, but I haven't done it so have no idea if it's accurate and what the cost difference might be. For convenience I just wanted everything booked together.

We went in late September with DS6 and DS2. Our stay was 8 nights, and we were very busy every day. We did a couple character meals, waited in line to meet characters (and collect autographs), did lots of rides and a couple parades, plus the fireworks one night.

Fantasyland is where a lot of the younger set's favorite rides are, but my DS2 loved The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which is in Critter Country. He also loved the Buzz Lightyear ride and Autopia in Tomorrowland. Both boys LOVED the parades!

 

[samkj]

Yes you need a WDTC package to get MTTMM. However many travel agents do book with WDTC. Since you are feeling overwhelmed I would recommend finding a good travel agent (board moderator Mary Jo works with Dreams Unlimited travel, the sponser of these boards she would be a good choice) Your travel agent should be able to help you price several options and find the best price and choices for your family.

I highly recommend advance dining reservations for any character meals, even in the off-season. This will just allow you to get seated faster, which is important with hungry toddlers!

California Adventure park has Bug's Land which your toddler will love. One word of advice skip the "It's Tough to be a Bug" movie. It's too intense for little ones, IMO.

We normally stay offsite at a walking distance hotel. I don't want to waste park time on a shuttle, plus wealways forget things in our room or want mid-day breaks. With a 5 minute walk this isn't a problem. We are staying on-site in February (well thats subject to change because the tranmission just went out in my husbands car $$$$$) so I'll give a review after I get home.

5 days with a toddler is perfect. We take our time in the parks and just enjoy the fact that we are at Disneyland. The kids rule the schedule, so it usually takes us at least 5 days to see most of the parks.

You will have an amazing trip! There is nothing like seeing Disney through your children's eyes!