A Truck-Load of Misc Questions...

[JustAKid]

I have been reading and reading and reading for the past 3 days, a bunch of trip reports, I went over to the DISign boards and browsed over there, been archive searching....

All of this lead me to...you guessed it...MORE QUESTIONS!!! So, here are some that I haven't found the answers to:

1. I read a guide book that said HM isn't open during the summer, is this true?

2. I keep hearing about all these different firework shows, does every year have a different theme? If not, during a "regular fireworks" year, is it necessary to sit in front of the castle for the show? Can I expect that next year, the 55th anniversary (...right?), there will be a special show during summer?

3. With the exception of Club 33, am I correct in thinking that any person can eat at any eatery in DL? Doesn't matter if you're staying at the hotel or what-have-you, correct?

4. I have HIGH energy children and know they will go crazy standing in long lines, but sometimes it's unavoidable. What do you do in long lines to keep your kids occupied (mine are 5 and 3 so video games are out)?

5. How long can we rent lockers for, and about what time can I expect for there to be no more to use? Should I get one as early as possible? How much do they cost? If I get something out of the locker, do I have to re-pay?

6. I've heard mention of some ettiquette that y'all wish EVERYONE would do, like not putting kids on your shoulders, or not using flash photography on rides...what are some other ettiquettes I should be aware of that I might over look in my excitement (before reading it, I would have used flash photography on the rides...I didn't even know to think that it would disrupt the other passengers!! )?

7. How wise is it to pack an extra, empty suite case?

8. We're going to DL for the first time, and probably not again for at least 5 years...should I invest in pins for our kids?

9. As this is such a magical opportunity for our family, I would like to spread some of that magic and perhaps make someone else's trip that much better. We've decided that we'll be giving away glow bracelets, and collecting an extra set of FP to distribute to a group that is waiting in the regular line, but what else would you suggest I do to add magic to someone else's Disney experience?

10. Do you have any family traditions for your stays at Disneyland that DO NOT involve eating? I've heard a lot of "such and such is a must-do eat for our family" but we'd like the tradition to be something beyond our empty tummies, perhaps something we can do on vacations that aren't at Disneyland as well?


Thank you, SO MUCH, in advance for any time and advice you are able to offer. Especially for reading this novel. Lets just hope THESE questions don't lead me to more!!

 

[cali_crafter]

I only know a few...

#3 - Club 33 is the only invite/members only place, all others are fair game, even restaurants inside of Disney Hotels (like Whitewater Snacks in Grand Californian)

#4 - I gave my kids snacks during long lines, and occasionally a small lollipop.

#5 - Lockers are all day, I think the price is around $7 or $8?? it varies by locker size (if I remember correctly from DIS threads) and you can just use the code over and over all day with no extra charge.

#8 - My 6 year old really wanted a lanyard with pins after seeing everyone else's. My kids each got one pin, depends on if your kids like that kind of thing or not.

 

[bumbershoot]

What guide book said that? I love knowing what crazy things guidebooks say. Was it the most current one of that type? It could have been a guidebook written right before a long rehab, b/c HM is open, except when it has to go down for fixing or the overlays (September and January).

Yes, with the exception of Club 33 you can eat wherever.

The main thing is to just avoid those long lines. For a 3 and 5 year old, they aren't going on the really long line rides (except for Gadget's Go Coaster, which is incredibly slow loading b/c there's only one coaster vehicle), or if the 5 year old is going on something like Space, there's FP for that which can reduce the wait, AND you can use Rider Switch along with FP (at DLR you can, at least) so the second adult going (can take the 5 year old again) doesn't have to wait the entire line either. DS brought his Leapster (with math, reading, and animal learning games) on our trip, but didn't ask once to take it into the parks with us, but it's an idea (with headphones) if the kids really don't do well with the lines. Other than that, there's theming in the lines, there are other people to smile at, etc etc. But I'd just do the touring plans to avoid the lines as much as possible.

The only one they can go on that consistently has the long lines is TSMM, and honestly, that ride is so worth it that even a 40 minute wait hardly phases our 5 year old. Then again, that first time through the line was worrisome b/c we didn't know how much we'd love it. And it's somewhat boring, but the Screamin' coaster goes over the top of the building, you can see the FunWheel, there are lots of other kids in line, etc...there are things to alleviate any boredom if you look around for them.

The lockers are good for something like 18 hours, and you do have in/out privileges.

 

[Disneylvrforever]

1. I read a guide book that said HM isn't open during the summer, is this true?

Hmmm...I don't know why it would say that. It's always open during teh summer.

2. I keep hearing about all these different firework shows, does every year have a different theme? If not, during a "regular fireworks" year, is it necessary to sit in front of the castle for the show? Can I expect that next year, the 55th anniversary (...right?), there will be a special show during summer?

They have different fireworks shows for 4th of July, Christmas, and now Halloween. Every year's promotion doesn't necessarily have a new fireworks show. During the YOAMD & WWYC promotions, they kept the Remember Dreams Come True (50th anniversary) fireworks. Then they just decided to have new fireworks for this past summer's Summer Nightastic since they were having other special additions to the park. They might or might not make a new one for the 55th, it just depends.
I personally love standing in front of the castle bc Tink looks so cool when she flies over it. Some fireworks are even framed around the castle so it creates a beautiful picture. Other ppl don't mind seeing the fireworks from other parts of the park, but I love the look & feel of just being on MS.

3. With the exception of Club 33, am I correct in thinking that any person can eat at any eatery in DL? Doesn't matter if you're staying at the hotel or what-have-you, correct?

Yes. Just make sure that you make a PS for certain restaurants bc they can get overcrowded & turn ppl away, it's happened to me before.

4. I have HIGH energy children and know they will go crazy standing in long lines, but sometimes it's unavoidable. What do you do in long lines to keep your kids occupied (mine are 5 and 3 so video games are out)?

That's a good way to keep them occupied. Once I told my 5 yr. old cousin a weird story about Snow White & the Evil Queen while waiting in line. It seemed to keep her occupied for a while.

5. How long can we rent lockers for, and about what time can I expect for there to be no more to use? Should I get one as early as possible? How much do they cost? If I get something out of the locker, do I have to re-pay?

Once you rent a locker, you have it for the rest of the day. The ones on MS seem to run out fast, so it's good to get one in the morning. I've never tried getting one in DCA, but you may also want to check the lockers outside of the park & on the left side of the DL entry gates if the ones on MS are taken.

6. I've heard mention of some ettiquette that y'all wish EVERYONE would do, like not putting kids on your shoulders, or not using flash photography on rides...what are some other ettiquettes I should be aware of that I might over look in my excitement (before reading it, I would have used flash photography on the rides...I didn't even know to think that it would disrupt the other passengers!! )?

Uh...let's see....keep balloons down when watching a show/parade. Don't shove when it gets really crowded. Don't have one person waiting in a line for a ride & have the millions of other ppl in the party catch up to them (it stinks for those already waiting in line). Hmm...I guess everything else would just be common sense stuff. Just follow the Disney announcements & rules.

7. How wise is it to pack an extra, empty suite case?

It just depends how much stuff you're going to buy & bring back. Maybe make extra room in the suitcase you're going to bring or pack light.

8. We're going to DL for the first time, and probably not again for at least 5 years...should I invest in pins for our kids?

I would say yes, but don't go crazy. I would suggest to just buy some that you think are cute & have your fave Disney characters on it. Maybe also get a starter set that come w/ a lanyard & some duplicate pins so you can trade w/ CMs.

9. As this is such a magical opportunity for our family, I would like to spread some of that magic and perhaps make someone else's trip that much better. We've decided that we'll be giving away glow bracelets, and collecting an extra set of FP to distribute to a group that is waiting in the regular line, but what else would you suggest I do to add magic to someone else's Disney experience?

How thoughtful & generous! Hmm...this is a toughy. Another thing that wouldn't cost much would be candy. If you had a bag of it, you could always share w/ others. My DM had a couple pieces of candy once in her pocket once when we were waiting for fireworks. Since she had extra, she offered it to the kids of a family we were talking to. They were appreciative.
I'm really bad at thinking of stuff that's generous, but also don't cost much. I do know however that saying "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary" to someone that has a button can mean a lot.

10. Do you have any family traditions for your stays at Disneyland that DO NOT involve eating? I've heard a lot of "such and such is a must-do eat for our family" but we'd like the tradition to be something beyond our empty tummies, perhaps something we can do on vacations that aren't at Disneyland as well?

Our family traditions usually have to do w/ going to the parks on a holiday, but one thing you could do is have your pic taken in front of the castle. Then the next time you come & visit, you can take a pic in front of the castle again & see how much the kids have grown & how things might have changed.

 

[Leggyb]

Maybe the guide meant they don't have fast passes for HM in the summer? Didn't they decide to just do FP's for the HMH? Maybe that's what they were referring to in the guide?

I don't have any little ones but my DH and I play "I spy with my little eye" while waiting in line. It passes the time!

 

[carebee21]

I have been reading and reading and reading for the past 3 days, a bunch of trip reports, I went over to the DISign boards and browsed over there, been archive searching....

All of this lead me to...you guessed it...MORE QUESTIONS!!! So, here are some that I haven't found the answers to:

1. I read a guide book that said HM isn't open during the summer, is this true? No, not true. Haunted mansion always goes down for part of september for the HM Halloween overlay and again after Christmas to take it down. Maybe that's what they were talking about?

2. I keep hearing about all these different firework shows, does every year have a different theme? If not, during a "regular fireworks" year, is it necessary to sit in front of the castle for the show? Can I expect that next year, the 55th anniversary (...right?), there will be a special show during summer? I think sitting in front of the castle is the most magical but to each their own. You can see the fireworks at many points in and out of the park.

3. With the exception of Club 33, am I correct in thinking that any person can eat at any eatery in DL? Doesn't matter if you're staying at the hotel or what-have-you, correct? Correct. Just make reservations for Blue Bayou and the character meals.

4. I have HIGH energy children and know they will go crazy standing in long lines, but sometimes it's unavoidable. What do you do in long lines to keep your kids occupied (mine are 5 and 3 so video games are out)? We do fruit snacks, life savers, and stickers. Dollar tree sells disney stickers and I just pass them out to him every 5 minutes of being good in line (or whenever) We also pull out the park map and talk about which ride we're going to go to next or where we should eat. T

5. How long can we rent lockers for, and about what time can I expect for there to be no more to use? Should I get one as early as possible? How much do they cost? If I get something out of the locker, do I have to re-pay? Not sure, sorry.

6. I've heard mention of some ettiquette that y'all wish EVERYONE would do, like not putting kids on your shoulders, or not using flash photography on rides...what are some other ettiquettes I should be aware of that I might over look in my excitement (before reading it, I would have used flash photography on the rides...I didn't even know to think that it would disrupt the other passengers!! )? Use common sense and basic courtesy and you'll be good.

7. How wise is it to pack an extra, empty suite case? Depends on how much you plan to buy and how much your extra suitcase fee is if you're flying. For us, we just bring bigger suitcases so we have a little bit of extra room.

8. We're going to DL for the first time, and probably not again for at least 5 years...should I invest in pins for our kids? If you want. My son is 5 and could care less, so we don't bother. But if you or your kids are interested, then go for it.

9. As this is such a magical opportunity for our family, I would like to spread some of that magic and perhaps make someone else's trip that much better. We've decided that we'll be giving away glow bracelets, and collecting an extra set of FP to distribute to a group that is waiting in the regular line, but what else would you suggest I do to add magic to someone else's Disney experience? Just be polite and courteous. The most magical things that people have done for us, are letting our son sit in front of them during a parade so he could see perfectly. I had an older lady (probably a grandma) help my son wash his hands in the bathroom because she saw him struggling and I was washing my hands. When my son has had a break down in line, I had a lady hand him a pack of fruit snacks (thus the reason we bring them now) Just small things are some of the best things.
QUOTE]

Have a great trip and have fun planning. That's half the fun.

 

[firefly87]

Maybe the guide meant they don't have fast passes for HM in the summer? Didn't they decide to just do FP's for the HMH? Maybe that's what they were referring to in the guide?

I don't have any little ones but my DH and I play "I spy with my little eye" while waiting in line. It passes the time!

I was totally going to say that! That seems to pass the time for us. And most lines really move at a slow pace, so it's not like you're just standing in one place for a long time. They usually move along, just slowly.

If you are there after the sun goes down, you might want to bring some glow sticks from the Dollar Store. Our kids love to play with those and it keeps them entertained.

Pins.......depends on the age and interest. My oldest son got into pins when he was about 6 or 7. My youngest is 4 and I won't be buying any pins for him. I don't think he will wear a lanyard around his neck and he's a bit accident prone and clumsy anyway. I can just see him getting his lanyard or a pin caught on something.

I went for my 40th b-day in March and I wore my Happy Birthday pin every day we were there. I LOVED having CM's and guests wishing me a happy day. Giving away FP's is a great idea too! We had extra FP's for Indy and I tried giving them away to several people and no one would take them! A few people were skeptical but I explained that we had them but weren't using them, etc. I must have asked about 10 people and no one wanted them. I finally found a nice couple in line at Indy and gave them to them. They were stoked!

 

[jlmarr]

Our family traditions usually have to do w/ going to the parks on a holiday, but one thing you could do is have your pic taken in front of the castle. Then the next time you come & visit, you can take a pic in front of the castle again & see how much the kids have grown & how things might have changed.

Similarly, we take a picture in front of the "W Rabbit" side door to the Mad Hatter shop in Fantasyland, near the Teacups and Alice ride. It's a kid-size door so will be a good point of reference as the kids grow.

 

[JustAKid]

Wow! Thanks, everyone, for your responses. I ah...checked my guide book and I SWEAR I know how to read but over looked that they were speaking specifically about the holiday version of HM!

jlmarr, I *love* this idea! It's like being at home and marking the kids' height on the door frame. Thanks!

Firefly87, we actually heard about people getting bulk glow sticks on e-bay for cheap. In fact, I just read that a fellow DISer bought 1000 from e-bay at about .04 a piece. That's quite a deal! We might do that, which means we'd have A TON to give away (my kids will LOVE it!).

Carebee21, luckly we're flying Southwest which allows 2 checked bags for free!! We'll be able to have up to 12 suitcases so packing an empty one won't be an issue at all. Good idea about packing a littler amount of bigger sized suitcases!

Leggyb, I SPY IS A GREAT IDEA!!!! Thanks.

Disneylvrforever, oh my goodness, you took the time to answer EVERY question, you're an angel! You deserve a cookie or something. Thank you so much! I've decided that as a final "magic" hoorah I'm going to purchase pins for my kids, but if they don't seem interested by the last day I'll give them to different CMs throughout the park so they have more to trade with kids who ARE interested.

bumbershoot and cali_crafter, thanks for the info on lockers. I can't believe they're 7 or 8 bucks (ugh, one more thing I have to add to the budget)! I thought they were the ones where you put a few quarters in and get a key that you have to keep track of.

 

[mareed]

Disneylvrforever, oh my goodness, you took the time to answer EVERY question, you're an angel! You deserve a cookie or something. Thank you so much! I've decided that as a final "magic" hoorah I'm going to purchase pins for my kids, but if they don't seem interested by the last day I'll give them to different CMs throughout the park so they have more to trade with kids who ARE interested.

I think your kids will probably enjoy pin trading themselves, but in case they don't, you'd spread much more magic by giving them directly to other children yourself rather than giving them to CM's. Giving them to CM's is basically giving them back to Disney where they really won't ever even be noticed. But I don't think you'll find yourself with any pins left at the end of your trip because your kids (& you!) will likely enjoy pin trading yourself!

 

[21yankees]

#4. My kids were young for our last trip (ages 6, 3, and 2). The thing that kept them very happy in long lines and waiting at places (including the gate to get in) was bubbles. Even if your youngest is too young for them your older child can blow them and make a game of it for your younger one to pop them. When we were waiting outside the gate before the park opened we had a crowd of kids around us trying to pop our kids' bubbles. We never heard a complaint about waiting 45 minutes in line. Also keep gold fish, fruity cheerios, small crackers in snack bags. Lines are a great time to give kids a quick snack that way they're not always asking fo you to buy them food.

steph

 

[Kayla's Mom]

A tradition for us is getting silhouettes done of our girls at the Silhouette Shop on Main Street. I think it's up to about $9 for one person now, but it's such a neat thing to do and a very inexpensive souvenir IMO. Sylvia is the gal that has always done ours (she has been there over 30 years I believe) and I have her sign and date them for us.

 

[lattemomof3]

Playing "can you guess what Disney character I'm thinking of?" is a good way to pass the time in line. Give a hint each time. One tradition we have every vacation is to designate a "king" or "princesess" for the day. The kids take turns, each getting a day, then repeat for # of vacation days. The chosen child gets to choose where they will sit in the car and at meals, and if there are any minor decisions or arguments, kid of the day gets to choose. This cuts down on a lot of arguments!

 

[LavenderPeach]

Even if you don't get back to DLR very soon to do more pin trading, the pins could be a nice souvenir to remember the trip by and you could even frame them when you get home (either on or off the lanyard). Like a PP said, you could get pins of favorite characters or favorite rides or whatever reminds you of the trip. And I agree that giving the pins to other kids would be more magical than giving them to CMs. In fact, the CMs might not be allowed to take the pins without trading since I think they have to have a certain number of pins on their lanyards. But even if your kids don't seem interested in the pins they might be interested years from now to see the pins from that trip, especially since it's their first trip to DLR.

One idea for a family vacation tradition would be to pick a small stuffed animal (either one from home or one you buy at DLR) and take pictures of it in front of various landmarks, like the castle or riding the teacups for example. It will look like the animal is on vacation enjoying the sites. Then when you go on other vacations take it with you and do the same thing. You could put all the pictures in a scrapbook or photo album showing its travels. We've never done this but I've seen other people do it and I always think it's a fun idea.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

A tradition for us is getting silhouettes done of our girls at the Silhouette Shop on Main Street. I think it's up to about $9 for one person now, but it's such a neat thing to do and a very inexpensive souvenir IMO. Sylvia is the gal that has always done ours (she has been there over 30 years I believe) and I have her sign and date them for us.

We do this too. It's $9/person and you get two copies. We did all 4 kids in the same one and it turned out so cute. I'm not sure how much the frames are since we already had one. I'll check Halloween since we are getting them for the grandparents this time.

 

[carebee21]

#4. My kids were young for our last trip (ages 6, 3, and 2). The thing that kept them very happy in long lines and waiting at places (including the gate to get in) was bubbles. Even if your youngest is too young for them your older child can blow them and make a game of it for your younger one to pop them. When we were waiting outside the gate before the park opened we had a crowd of kids around us trying to pop our kids' bubbles. We never heard a complaint about waiting 45 minutes in line. Also keep gold fish, fruity cheerios, small crackers in snack bags. Lines are a great time to give kids a quick snack that way they're not always asking fo you to buy them food.

steph

I'm sorry and I'm not trying to start an argument over this but I wouldn't recommend this. I would be upset if someone behind me was blowing bubles and getting bubble residue on my clothes, backpack/purse or camera that I'm carrying on my shoulder.

 

[21yankees]

I'm sorry and I'm not trying to start an argument over this but I wouldn't recommend this. I would be upset if someone behind me was blowing bubles and getting bubble residue on my clothes, backpack/purse or camera that I'm carrying on my shoulder.

I understand your feelings and appreciate them. We've not encountered anyone having an issue with this. We never did in condensed lines, if that makes sense. Also if anyone ever asked us to stop we would have.

steph

 

[JustAKid]

I'm sorry and I'm not trying to start an argument over this but I wouldn't recommend this. I would be upset if someone behind me was blowing bubles and getting bubble residue on my clothes, backpack/purse or camera that I'm carrying on my shoulder.

I am in love with the bubbles idea, and am thankful that you posted this because now I can brainstorm and think of ways for my family to have fun without it affecting those around me. Like, perhaps, only doing it while waiting for parades, fireworks, or the gates to open (you know, "open" areas). That way those who want to be involved, can be, and those that don't can stay far enough away.

Like the OP said above, I appreciate your feelings about the situation and am glad you said something so we could see both sides of the coin.

 

[Princess Row]

I read above someone saying that they take a picture in front of the door of the W rabbit nex o the mad hatter shop. My mom has taken a picture of me since i was two in front of that door every single trip. I am now almost 15 and i have to bend down in front of it because of my height. it a great photo opp and a great thing to look back on. i have about 30 of those photos and its amazing to see how much ive grown since then.

 

[Leofoenget]

HM closes for the holiday referb in the summer at some point but not for the whole summer. I have been in mid Sept and it is usually closed but set to reopen for Halloween.