Advice for Disneyland with a child for the childless?

[tobink]

Hello!

Later this month I will be taking my 6 year old cousin to Disneyland (for just an overnight girl's trip...both our brothers have to stay at home!) and I'm looking for some advice. I've never traveled with children before, so I'm wondering, what do you wonderful parents bring with you into the parks when you travel with a six year old? An extra change of clothes? Coloring books? All advice is welcome and needed, because this is me now --> !! Also, is there anything I should brace myself for now?

Thanks for your help, you all rock!

 

[ireland_nicole]

first of all, 6 is the absolute perfect age, and you're going at a marvelous time of year- so the first thing you absolutely, positively need to know is- wait for it- Have FUN!!!!

Really, at DL you probably won't need a stroller unless she has a disability that affects her stamina, she won't need special food/cups,snacks,etc.

So you really can just relax and go with the flow. If she wants to go on Dumbo- do that first- honestly, can't stress this enough. Go when the park opens, and... actually, that's the highlights. I wouldn't bring crayons, because they can melt if in the sun (ask me how I know this I put Disney stuff on my iphone and my kids can watch/listen if they want, but it's not necessary. You probably won't encounter really long lines because of when you're going. You'll probably be chattering like magpies anyway, so short lines aren't really a problem. We also play word games, like disney themed 20 questions, etc. to pass the time. If she's really sensitive to noise, maybe bring some earplugs. Hat for shade, keep hydrated.

If you want a sit down meal, it's probably a good idea to book now. You can develop a more advanced touring plan, but it's so much easier in Late Sept/early Oct you probably don't need to be militant about it.

As far as a change of clothes- not a bad idea, but if you have them then there's no excuse to buy another outfit if the first one gets messed up

HIH

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Take a small bag with a change of clothes, some kind of queue distraction (cards, trivia, video game), a drink and some snacks (just a little something to keep on hand "in case").

Otherwise, sit back, relax and have a blast!

Does D-cousin know you're going? You could always have a planning night where you talk about all the things she would like to do on your trip (meet the princesses, ride Big thunder 10 times, etc...).

 

[DisneyMomma81]

You should check out the Disneyland board ~ *it's my favorite!

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26

Ask any ?s you have over there ~ you'll get lots of help and ideas.