A Truck-Load of Misc Questions...

[HydroGuy]

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.

I have never seen fireworks from there. If I am on a multi-day trip I do not mind (very much) waiting a long time (say 2+ hours) for something unique if it is worthwhile. However, I will not wait that long if the chance of cancellation is substantial. In the case of fireworks the chance of cancellation is always substantial. And to get a good spot in front of the castle generally requires arrival at least two hours early. I am not willing to risk that much time for something so dicey. If I went to DLR more regularly I might.

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?

Not really a tradition for us but certainly something fun is to look for hidden Mickey's. That always entertains our kids.

There are books and websites on this. Here are a couple links FWIW:

http://www.hiddenmickeysguide.com/
http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/HiddenMickey.html

 

[deejdigsdis]

One of our family traditions when I was growing up was to hop on the train and ride it full circle around Disneyland. We always did this the very first thing on the very first day of our 3 day visit. It put us all "in the Disneyland mood" (although we didn't really need anything extra to put us in the mood ). It always increased our excitement as we rode around and caught glimpses of what was in store for us. I haven't been to DL in over 13 years and I am really excited to take my 3 boys for their first time this fall. After reading tips on these boards, HydroGuy and DLR29 had me convinced that I should head straight to Peter Pan on our first day. That was my plan, but after thinking and obsessing over it, I just can't bail on my family's decades- old tradition. I want my kids' first Disneyland experience to be riding around on the train, catching glimpses of the magic yet to come, rather than high-tailing it to Peter Pan and not having a chance to really soak things up. Some might say this is a waste of precious morning time, but for me it is worth the longer lines we will face when we head to the other rides after our train ride. Of course, the crowds back then weren't what they are today, so maybe I'll have a different opinion after we actually do it. And BTW, we'll high-tail it to Peter Pan on Tuesday, for our MM instead!

 

[HydroGuy]

One of our family traditions when I was growing up was to hop on the train and ride it full circle around Disneyland. We always did this the very first thing on the very first day of our 3 day visit. It put us all "in the Disneyland mood" (although we didn't really need anything extra to put us in the mood ). It always increased our excitement as we rode around and caught glimpses of what was in store for us. I haven't been to DL in over 13 years and I am really excited to take my 3 boys for their first time this fall. After reading tips on these boards, HydroGuy and DLR29 had me convinced that I should head straight to Peter Pan on our first day. That was my plan, but after thinking and obsessing over it, I just can't bail on my family's decades- old tradition. I want my kids' first Disneyland experience to be riding around on the train, catching glimpses of the magic yet to come, rather than high-tailing it to Peter Pan and not having a chance to really soak things up. Some might say this is a waste of precious morning time, but for me it is worth the longer lines we will face when we head to the other rides after our train ride. Of course, the crowds back then weren't what they are today, so maybe I'll have a different opinion after we actually do it. And BTW, we'll high-tail it to Peter Pan on Tuesday, for our MM instead!

It sounds like you know what you are doing so will not get any arguments from me. If you read my posts carefully you will notice I do not always follow my own advice. Why? Because my kids want to do something different and sometimes I do too. My tips are really better understood as guidelines not as absolutes. If you understand them and decide to do something else, you are making an informed decision. Sounds good to me.

 

[aprincess@mail.com]

Most of these questions have really good answers to them already so i will just say something to #4.
My dd(4) loves to have her picture taken and she loves to take pics, so we are constantly taking pictures of her in line making funny faces or in front of objects in line. Although this upcoming trip, i may take bubbles or stickers too. Great ideas!!
Have a great time!

 

[deejdigsdis]

And BTW, we'll high-tail it to Peter Pan on Tuesday, for our MM instead!

Yes, I should have followed up with... "as per HydroGuy's and DLR29's most excellent guidelines." I never thought of them as absolutes, but I sure enjoy reading your thoughts on different matters. Very interesting and thanks for sharing!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

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.

It isn't closed during summer months, but in September from just after Labor Day until end of Sept.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

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.

I would ask the people around you if they minded before blowing bubbles in line. Most would be okay with it, especially if the alternative is crabby kids.

 

[rentayenta]

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?

Untrue. It's open unless it's down for refurb.

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. You can make PS at 60 days out.

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)?

I am against video games in line regardless of age. Disney is family time and having their faces stuffed in the DS makes no sense. If the lines look long, that's usually when we grab a popcorn or other treat. We also play the "closest game". Whoever guesses closest to the posted wait time, picks the next attraction between a choice of 2.

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

If the airline doesn't charge you per bag, very wise.

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 do, eBay is the place to get them. I got 37 pins for $46.

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 first time on main Street during the trip- we stroll and take it all in. We grab some character photos and enjoy the magic. Fireworks the first night- if they are showing- are also a must.

 

[bumbershoot]

My tips are really better understood as guidelines ...

Pirate.

 

[HydroGuy]

Pirate.

Nicely done Molly.