Advice needed: what to cut?

[spacepixie2]

We will be coming to Annaheim next week and my plans are looking way too ambitious. I'm looking for suggestions as to what/how much to cut.

We arrive at LAX at 7:30 P.M. Sat 12/4 and fly home on Mon 12/13 at 9:30 A.M.

My family consists of dh, ds (12 young for age), and dd (8). We are staying at Fairfield Inn Sat-Wed, and DLR Wed-Mon.

I purchased 6 day passes for all of us, although my dh has to do some work nearby on Wed and Thurs (daytime only).

In addition to my desire to see/do everything X-mas at DL we are also considering any/all of the following destinations as side trips: Legoland (my young 12 yr. old ds really wants this), San Diego Zoo with their X-mas lights on Sun 12/12, San Juan Capistrano, and Joshua Tree Park.

Wed and Thurs I will definitely need to stay at the DLR as I won't have the car those days. I am flexible with regards to when we schedule any other events/combination of events (even if it means doing 2 parks on the same day).

My kids are not only into the rides at the DL parks, but they are both really into any/all character interactions. As for me and my camera, we can be happy just about anywhere (I actually ended up with 5,000 pictures last year at WDW in Dec.)

Sorry this is so long, but any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Mugglemama]

Personally, I'd cut out Joshua Tree. Especially in the Winter, it's going to be freezing out there. You might even have to deal with snow, and that highway is not great.

 

[spacepixie2]

Thank You for your response. Coming from Ohio, and this being only my 2nd or 3rd trip out to Calif. the tour books make everything look good. I really appreciate the advice from someone in the know.

 

[LavenderPeach]

I agree that Joshua Tree is the best one to cut. It's also a lot further away than the the other things so it seems like it doesn't really "fit" with the rest of your itinerary. San Juan Capistrano would probably be the next thing I would cut if you find that there isn't enough time but it's right there on the way between DLR and SD so it shouldn't be too hard to fit in a quick trip over there unless the times you're traveling are in the evening or early in the morning. I personally wouldn't make a separate trip over there though.

 

[PHXscuba]

How much do you want to do in San Juan Capistrano? You could possibly combine that with the San Diego Zoo IF you are more about seeing the lights than the animals.

If you are wanting to do both Legoland and the SD Zoo that's either a lot of back-and-forth driving or staying over in the San Diego area one night.

I think the easiest thing to do would be to map out the days and see how much time you really have. If there are dealbreaker activities, put them on the schedule. If you are feeling short on DLR time, let the kids decide which other activity to cut.

BTW, you can park hop very easily -- a two-minute walk between gates. Consider starting a day in Disneyland, going over to California Adventure for the late morning and afternoon, and returning to Disneyland at dusk when they light everything up. Or spend the day in DL, then see World of Color in DCA at night (send someone over for FastPasses earlier).

PHXscuba

 

[Disney Dreams]

Have you considered staying somewhere else for 1/2 of your trip?

San Diego is about 2 hours South of DL. Legoland is over an hour South of DL. SJC is about 40 minutes South of DL.

If you picture a map:

North to South:

DL
SJC
Legoland
San Diego

Driving down and back to SD in one day, along with having time to enjoy Sea World is a loooooong day.

Just a suggestion,
Dreams

 

[spacepixie2]

The advice so far has been very helpful as I am now starting to get a better perspective of the distances. I was originaly set on sunday the 13th as the zoo day, because of the added atraction of the x-mas lights. But now, taking in the advice from everyone perhaps we should start out with Sun/Mon 12/4-5 for zoo and legoland and then move to DL for the remaining days.

I could still possibly change my Fairfield Inn reservations but the latter half of the trip at DLR is pretty well fixed. If I do re-route things, Does anyone have a suggestion as to which order to do zoo and legoland, and where I should consider looking for a hotel?

 

[Miss Peach]

Hi!

I would drop Joshua Tree.

What are your plans for SJC, besides the Mission? Too bad you aren't arriving earlier, Christmas at the Mission is Dec 4th. If you need an idea of where to eat, I like the Cedar Creek--try the Toll House pie for dessert!!

Cathy

ETA: the Zoo is a full day, by it's self, I would stay over and Legoland on my way back the next day.

 

[Miss Peach]

Also, are your kids really into Legos?? Because if they aren't really into rides, there isn't much to do at Legoland except enjoy Miniland (or whatever they call it) and go on rides. There is a great playground, but for the price... They need to really LOVE Legos.

Cathy

 

[skiingfast]

I would reconsider Legoland. If kids were 8 and 4 I would say go, but they are a little old for it. Maybe DS will suffice with the Lego Imagination store in DTD and a bucket of mixed pieces.

 

[PHXscuba]

We did Legoland when DS was 12 (with our younger kids as well). If he is still into Legos and young for his age as you have stated, I'd still go if it fits time-wise. This will probably be that last time you'll have the opportunity. (My DS is now 14.5 and taller than I am )

I think I agree with the others that I'd start in San Diego and go to DLR second, especially since the Candlelight Processional will likely spike crowds this Sunday.

PHXscuba