Advice Please!! First trip with a little one - Our niece's first trip to Disneyland! (May 3rd-8th)

[cinderelly828]

Hi there! I'm hoping for some advice from you lovely folks on doing Disneyland with a 5 1/2 year old. DH and I have been going to DLR pretty much every year since 2012 and most recently were at WDW this past Thanksgiving. Oh, we were also there for a half day in February with my parents, but that flew by so fast, it hardly seemed like a real "trip"... I grew up going to the parks with my family when I was young and am a super Disney nut , but have never been with a kid (other than when I was a kid!). We are thrilled to be able to have my sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and our darling niece (5) join us coming up at the first week of May. DH and I will arrive the morning of Wednesday, May 3rd and have the day to lay by the pool before the rest of our group gets in that evening. That night we plan to do dinner together (Downtown Disney? One of the hotels? ) and then hit the hay early for an early park day the next day. This will be our niece's first trip and we can't wait to spoil the heck out of her! She's super into Princesses, so we'll be splurging and taking her to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique after which just she and I will have some bonding time at Ariel's Grotto for lunch. I'd love any advice you have on doing the parks with a little one as well as input on what I have so far for our itinerary, etc. We only have 2 days with the whole group (DH and I will have a full day Saturday at DLR and then are heading to Universal Sunday, and flying out Monday) and I'm super worried we won't have enough time!

Sidenote, it's strange planning a DLR trip again after planning a WDW trip...!

Here are my thoughts so far for our itinerary -

Day 1:
DH & I hit MM in DL from 8 am - 9 am and get in some "big kid" rides if we can.
9:15ish - Meet up with sis/bro-in-law and DN at gates to CA to get in for RD
9:30 - Get in for RD? I've never done RD at CA so I'm not sure what time they let you in the actual gates
RD - Head to meet Anna/Elsa and Sofia/Doc McStuffins while DH goes and grabs us all RSR and WOC FPs.
Ride Toy Story Mania
Ride Silly Symphony, Jellyfish, Zephyr, etc. at Paradise Pier and wait for RSR FP time
Head to Cars Land - ride RSR, Mater, Luigi
Grab Soarin' FP
Check on what time it is (any guesses on around how long this will all take?) and line up 45 mins-1 hour before either 12:30 Frozen Live show (if we can...this is probably pushing it...) or check out Monsters, Inc., Turtle Talk, have lunch, Bug's Land, etc. and line up by 2:30-2:45 for the 3:30 Frozen Live show.
At some point in there we'll use our Soarin' FPs.
After the Frozen show we'll see how little princess is doing and see if she wants to take a break. She may be ok after sitting for the show. Depending on what she feels like maybe send sis/bro-in-law and DN to their hotel (Grand Legacy at the Park right across the street on Harbor) to take a break/swim. We are staying further (Holiday Inn Anaheim Resort Area) so probably won't head to the hotel.
After break (or just after the show if everyone's energized) we'll hop over to DL.
Once we're in DL we'll probably just wander and see what DN is into and check wait times on the app. I'm guessing she'll want to meet the Princesses at FF, maybe hit up Toontown. What are your thoughts for good things to do around this time? Maybe Storytelling at Royal Theater (5 or 6:15?)? We're planning to do MSEP and Fireworks on the 2nd day so we don't have to worry about that. Any dinner recommendations? We'll be snacking a lot (we always do), but we'll probably want something substantial at some point.
I'd love to hit up Pirates, HM, JC, BTMR, etc. if possible too. Am I being way too ambitious? And DUH, I just realized we'll need to hop back over to CA for WOC at 8:15. Crud. What time do you think we need to be there for a decent spot? Tips for this? Do we skip DL until after WOC? Ugh. DL closes at 11 pm so we could have a few hours to do some stuff (even if DN is wiped and it's just DH and I).

Day 2:
Park opens at 9 am so we'll try to be at the gates at about 8-8:15 if at all possible.
RD - Head straight to Peter Pan (if DH/BIL want they can run and grab Space Mtn FPs)
Ride whatever Fantasyland Rides we can until 10:30
10:30 am - Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservation. We're bringing her 3 dress options from home for her to choose from and just doing the Crown Package. I'm guessing this will take 45 mins?
Check app and see if there's a quick ride in Fantasyland that we haven't done and then head to
12:05 Mickey and the Magical Map
DN and I have a 2:30 reservation at Ariel's Grotto so we'll just see what we have time to do before heading over to CA. Since it's just the little princess and I, the "big kids" (DH,S/BIL) can either stay in DL and do big kid rides or come with us to CA and do the big kid rides there.
After lunch at AG we'll see if there's anything else DN "needs" to do at CA, but hopefully just hop back over to DL.
Once we're back in DL we'll check wait times on the app and see what all we can get done before the MSEP at 8:30. How early do you think we need to line up for a decent (not perfect) spot for this? Then we'll watch the Fireworks at 9:25 and see who still has energy to keep going. If DN is tired then we'll say our (probably tearful) goodbyes and send them off to their hotel while we stay til midnight and close down the park. Maybe we'll do a pre-park-open breakfast with them the next morning if they're up to it before they fly out around noon. Then we'll spend the rest of the trip doing adulty-whatever-we-want-stuff.

Any tips, tricks, thoughts, advice, anecdotes - anything really - is super appreciated! If you've made it this far, thanks for reading and helping me!

 

[Leopardstars]

We took our DD the last week of March and she's similar in age (DD turns 6 on Wednesday). What we discovered is that she is not quite as adventurous as we (and she) thought so I would be prepared to maybe skip or at least wait until mid-morning for some of the more grown-up rides. Every kid is different through.

If DN is loves princesses then Fantasy Faire and Elsa and Anna are must sees. Another suggestion is to build in times to meet as many characters as time permits. That was my daughter's favourite part of our visit.

You are going in May so hopefully the crowds will be less for you. However, I think your Day 1 plan in DCA is a little ambitious. We tried for the 12:30 Frozen show with less items and couldn't make it happen. It was mostly because our RSR return time. My guess is that it would take you at least 2 to 2.5 hours to get to the Carsland portion of your plan. It will also take longer to move around the park with a 5 year old. I'd plan tO be in DCA for about an hour before WOC.

I like your plan for Day 2 in DL as it sounds quite achievable. If you want to be in a decent spot for both the MSEP and fireworks, I'd plan to be looking for a spot by 7:15 at the latest. We got as spot 2 weeks ago about 45 minutes before MSEP and it was just in front of the the Main Street train station and not a good spot for fireworks. Dad was really tired so we walked to the hotel (we were staying at HoJo) to see them. Since DN and her parents are staying at the Grand Legacy, you could also watch the fireworks from there. I believe there are good spots from some of their rooms or at The Fifth.

 

[cinderelly828]

We took our DD the last week of March and she's similar in age (DD turns 6 on Wednesday). What we discovered is that she is not quite as adventurous as we (and she) thought so I would be prepared to maybe skip or at least wait until mid-morning for some of the more grown-up rides. Every kid is different through.

If DN is loves princesses then Fantasy Faire and Elsa and Anna are must sees. Another suggestion is to build in times to meet as many characters as time permits. That was my daughter's favourite part of our visit.

You are going in May so hopefully the crowds will be less for you. However, I think your Day 1 plan in DCA is a little ambitious. We tried for the 12:30 Frozen show with less items and couldn't make it happen. It was mostly because our RSR return time. My guess is that it would take you at least 2 to 2.5 hours to get to the Carsland portion of your plan. It will also take longer to move around the park with a 5 year old. I'd plan tO be in DCA for about an hour before WOC.

I like your plan for Day 2 in DL as it sounds quite achievable. If you want to be in a decent spot for both the MSEP and fireworks, I'd plan to be looking for a spot by 7:15 at the latest. We got as spot 2 weeks ago about 45 minutes before MSEP and it was just in front of the the Main Street train station and not a good spot for fireworks. Dad was really tired so we walked to the hotel (we were staying at HoJo) to see them. Since DN and her parents are staying at the Grand Legacy, you could also watch the fireworks from there. I believe there are good spots from some of their rooms or at The Fifth.

Thanks so much for the tips! I think that meeting characters will be a huge thing for DN too. We definitely aren't going to be bummed if we don't get to all the rides listed (especially in DCA - I'm more hopeful that she gets to experience the more "classic" DL rides) and we may not even hit up Carsland and/or Paradise Pier rides really if DN isn't into it. We're set to let her kind of steer the ship and set the pace, other than things like BBB, AG, and the shows/parades that we think she'll really like.

I definitely didn't think about how it will be slower moving through the parks with a 5 year old though - good call!

 

[Drcbelle]

What a lucky little girl! Sounds like you are going to make a great trip for her no matter what!
I have a DD a bit younger (5 this summer). We were there a month or so ago and saw the Frozen show and we are probably a rarity but I regretted spending time on it. She likes the movie but I don't know why the show just seemed darker to me I guess. Weird though because it follows the movie exactly. I don't know what it was about it, but it seemed to make her kindof sad. Maybe you have already seen it and know your niece will love it in which case ignore everything I'm saying
Anyway, we got there about 45 minutes before and could still pick which area (it was a slow day though). They let us in about 20 minutes before the show time. The show's about an hour so you are devoting a big chunk of time to it (2 hours) between waiting and the actual show.
Lots of people love it and maybe she will too. I just wanted to give you my experience with it. I didn't think it was worth the time it took up for us. But if you feel like it's a must-do than go for it!!! Just my two cents.
No matter what it will be great. I'm excited to hear how your trip goes. She is going to have the best time!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Definitely have your plan in mind, then let the 5 year old dictate the pace. Kids can be so unpredictable in their reactions to DLR and all the stimulus. Some kids get more energy, some kids get overwhelmed. Zoom when she zooms, rest when she needs to, and eat/drink on her schedule (since she won't be able to compete with your stamina). You'll have a much happier trip with a happy 5 year old who's taking everything in at her own pace. Also, try to remember where the restrooms are in each land. It can make life a little less hectic if you don't lose time looking for the restrooms, especially if the parks are crowded. And if your SIL and BIL have any questions about how their daughter might react to a ride/show/parade/etc., there are lots of full videos on YouTube that can help them judge her responses. The videos can really help prepare kids for dark rides (hello, POTC and HM!) and coasters. Have a great trip!

 

[Drcbelle]

I forgot to mention that DD loves the parades (especially Soundsational) and Mickey and the Magical Map so if your niece is anything like her I think those will be things she'll really enjoy!

 

[cinderelly828]

What a lucky little girl! Sounds like you are going to make a great trip for her no matter what!
I have a DD a bit younger (5 this summer). We were there a month or so ago and saw the Frozen show and we are probably a rarity but I regretted spending time on it. She likes the movie but I don't know why the show just seemed darker to me I guess. Weird though because it follows the movie exactly. I don't know what it was about it, but it seemed to make her kindof sad. Maybe you have already seen it and know your niece will love it in which case ignore everything I'm saying
Anyway, we got there about 45 minutes before and could still pick which area (it was a slow day though). They let us in about 20 minutes before the show time. The show's about an hour so you are devoting a big chunk of time to it (2 hours) between waiting and the actual show.
Lots of people love it and maybe she will too. I just wanted to give you my experience with it. I didn't think it was worth the time it took up for us. But if you feel like it's a must-do than go for it!!! Just my two cents.
No matter what it will be great. I'm excited to hear how your trip goes. She is going to have the best time!

We sure hope to make it magical for her! Unfortunately we don't live close so we don't get to spend as much time with her as I'd like. We just want her to have the best memories!!

Thanks so much for the feedback on Frozen! She's a pretty big fan of Anna & Elsa, so we'll see how she's feeling and see if she's up for waiting. It's also kind of a selfish thing, as DH & I haven't seen it yet and they're only showing hours for it for the first day of our trip. If DN isn't up for waiting, I may just see it solo and send DH & fam to take her on some more rides.

Overall I'm just excited to see her little face light up!

 

[cinderelly828]

Definitely have your plan in mind, then let the 5 year old dictate the pace. Kids can be so unpredictable in their reactions to DLR and all the stimulus. Some kids get more energy, some kids get overwhelmed. Zoom when she zooms, rest when she needs to, and eat/drink on her schedule (since she won't be able to compete with your stamina). You'll have a much happier trip with a happy 5 year old who's taking everything in at her own pace. Also, try to remember where the restrooms are in each land. It can make life a little less hectic if you don't lose time looking for the restrooms, especially if the parks are crowded. And if your SIL and BIL have any questions about how their daughter might react to a ride/show/parade/etc., there are lots of full videos on YouTube that can help them judge her responses. The videos can really help prepare kids for dark rides (hello, POTC and HM!) and coasters. Have a great trip!

Great tips!! Especially about the bathrooms and the YouTube videos! Luckily we're pretty well versed on bathrooms (DH seems to have the smallest bladder...) but I will definitely have SIL and BIL check out some videos. I'm so not used to the whole kid thing so these little suggestions are so helpful! We'll definitely stick to her pace - she's the boss this trip!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Oh, and don't forget to get PhotoPass so you can get as many photos as possible with your familly this trip with all of you in the shots!
Also, just a few thoughts: you might want to think about trying for fireworks on day one, just in case they get cancelled. That way you could try again on day two. If you only bet on day two and they get cancelled, will that be a big problem? (We were just at DL this past Saturday and fireworks got cancelled due to winds -- so many disappointed people!)
For WOC viewing, if you get blue FPs, try to get there early enough so that DN can be up at the railing on the bridge. That way she'll be able to see without anyone having to carry her for the whole (long!) show. If you get yellow FPs and don't mind getting a bit wet (fun!), being up front in the wet zone would give her a really close up view of everything. If you do end up further back in either section, please ask BIL/SIL not to put DN on their shoulders (totally blocks the view of anyone behind them), but to put her on their hip. If she is reasonably level with their heads, she'll be able to see just fine. To "guarantee" the best viewing for a 5 year old, I would aim to wait 60-90 minutes before your viewing area opens. Thats what we've done when we've absolutely had to have great spots, and so far it has always paid off.

 

[Jaina]

You will have such a good time! Making sure she doesn't get too tired or too hungry and that you stay flexible should help you all have a great trip. I don't have time to type a bunch of stuff out right now, but if you look at my trip reports, a few years ago we took our kids that were 2.5, 5, and 6, and we just recently went with a baby, almost-3, 6, 8, and 10. They might have some ideas for you! I would definitely recommend at least an umbrella stroller. It's great for holding all your stuff, and those little legs will get tired! It will ease frustration when you guys are in a hurry, and help her save some of her energy for fun instead of just walking. My own family never did strollers after 4-5, but as parents we found even getting to ride some made the difference for our kids at that age! That is a great age for exploring Toontown. I would hit it right when it opens one day (an hour after park opening) while it's not too hot or crowded yet. I wish we would have spent a little more time there, especially the first time. I've also read the Tinker Bell Meet & Greet area is a great photo op place even when Tink isn't there.

 

[cinderelly828]

Oh, and don't forget to get PhotoPass so you can get as many photos as possible with your familly this trip with all of you in the shots!
Also, just a few thoughts: you might want to think about trying for fireworks on day one, just in case they get cancelled. That way you could try again on day two. If you only bet on day two and they get cancelled, will that be a big problem? (We were just at DL this past Saturday and fireworks got cancelled due to winds -- so many disappointed people!)
For WOC viewing, if you get blue FPs, try to get there early enough so that DN can be up at the railing on the bridge. That way she'll be able to see without anyone having to carry her for the whole (long!) show. If you get yellow FPs and don't mind getting a bit wet (fun!), being up front in the wet zone would give her a really close up view of everything. If you do end up further back in either section, please ask BIL/SIL not to put DN on their shoulders (totally blocks the view of anyone behind them), but to put her on their hip. If she is reasonably level with their heads, she'll be able to see just fine. To "guarantee" the best viewing for a 5 year old, I would aim to wait 60-90 minutes before your viewing area opens. Thats what we've done when we've absolutely had to have great spots, and so far it has always paid off.

We will definitely do Photopass! We love having it on our solo trips and are excited for all the cute photos of DN. Also, I've convinced DH to couple Disneybound with me, so I'll want photos of that!!

Unfortunately the fireworks aren't showing on our first day, so we'll have to hope they don't get cancelled!!

Thanks for the WOC tips! And we'll definitely avoid the shoulder kid scenario. Such a pet peeve of mine!!

 

[cinderelly828]

You will have such a good time! Making sure she doesn't get too tired or too hungry and that you stay flexible should help you all have a great trip. I don't have time to type a bunch of stuff out right now, but if you look at my trip reports, a few years ago we took our kids that were 2.5, 5, and 6, and we just recently went with a baby, almost-3, 6, 8, and 10. They might have some ideas for you! I would definitely recommend at least an umbrella stroller. It's great for holding all your stuff, and those little legs will get tired! It will ease frustration when you guys are in a hurry, and help her save some of her energy for fun instead of just walking. My own family never did strollers after 4-5, but as parents we found even getting to ride some made the difference for our kids at that age! That is a great age for exploring Toontown. I would hit it right when it opens one day (an hour after park opening) while it's not too hot or crowded yet. I wish we would have spent a little more time there, especially the first time. I've also read the Tinker Bell Meet & Greet area is a great photo op place even when Tink isn't there.

Thanks so much! I'll definitely check out your trip reports! I did talk to my SIL and BIL to recommend a little stroller. And we never do Toontown so I think it will be fun to do it with the little one.

 

[VandVsmama]

You don't have to purchase a stroller. Just rent one from Disneyland.

 

[pblack]

If you're wanting something substantial to eat at some point, i recommend the French Market restaurant in New Orleans Square. Huge portions, reasonably priced, good food, and good atmosphere.

 

[cinderelly828]

If you're wanting something substantial to eat at some point, i recommend the French Market restaurant in New Orleans Square. Huge portions, reasonably priced, good food, and good atmosphere.

I love New Orleans Square.

 

[BriannaRuth]

What everyone else said about the stroller -- if she's small enough to fit in one, take one. You can rent from DL or you can buy an umbrella stroller, which can actually be cheaper than renting from DL and is good because you'll have it to take her back and forth from the hotel. Disney strollers have to stay in the park. Strollers are also great for holding stuff other than kids.

Be prepared to spend lots of time in line for characters. That was the #1 thing my girls were interested in at this age.

If she's big enough to do Splash and wants to go, be aware that there is a double seat in the very back of the log that someone can share with her.

Never underestimate how scary Snow White (and Toad) can be to a kid this age. In FL, be sure you do PP or Alice first. If you do Snow White first and it scares her, you may not get her back on another dark ride.

Some kids are frightened by the auto-flush toilets at DL. If she's one of them, take some stickers with you and cover the flush sensor.

If you do BBB, think about the best time to do it as it pertains to rides. Going to BBB followed by Splash, RSR or GRR is a bad idea. Ruins the hair.

Don't forget you may be waiting in line for a while at Ariel's Grotto even with a reservation. Don't plan on doing anything time-sensitive right after because you may be late.

Never underestimate the value of a mid-day nap, even if she doesn't normally take them.

Finally -- this is an awesome age for little girls in DL. Have fun!!

 

[cinderelly828]

What everyone else said about the stroller -- if she's small enough to fit in one, take one. You can rent from DL or you can buy an umbrella stroller, which can actually be cheaper than renting from DL and is good because you'll have it to take her back and forth from the hotel. Disney strollers have to stay in the park. Strollers are also great for holding stuff other than kids.

Be prepared to spend lots of time in line for characters. That was the #1 thing my girls were interested in at this age.

If she's big enough to do Splash and wants to go, be aware that there is a double seat in the very back of the log that someone can share with her.

Never underestimate how scary Snow White (and Toad) can be to a kid this age. In FL, be sure you do PP or Alice first. If you do Snow White first and it scares her, you may not get her back on another dark ride.

Some kids are frightened by the auto-flush toilets at DL. If she's one of them, take some stickers with you and cover the flush sensor.

If you do BBB, think about the best time to do it as it pertains to rides. Going to BBB followed by Splash, RSR or GRR is a bad idea. Ruins the hair.

Don't forget you may be waiting in line for a while at Ariel's Grotto even with a reservation. Don't plan on doing anything time-sensitive right after because you may be late.

Never underestimate the value of a mid-day nap, even if she doesn't normally take them.

Finally -- this is an awesome age for little girls in DL. Have fun!!

Yeah, we're actually calling my SIL tonight to emphasize the whole stroller thing. I think it will help a ton! By the end of the day either DH or I (...both...) are wishing we had one for us, so I can only imagine the strain on little legs and feet!

I'm totally fine waiting for characters (I spend time on this even when it's just DH and I) so we're prepared for that. I'm so excited to see her little face when she meets them! We got a video of Merida saying hi to her back in November when we were at WDW and she was so stoked on that, so I know she'll be so pumped to meet everyone!

We'll see how she feels about Splash..it kinda scares me (lol) so that may be one that either her mom/dad or DH can take her one. Good tip on the double seat though!

Thanks for the tip on Snow White and Mr. Toad. We just talked with SIL earlier and she said she's probably not going to be into Haunted Mansion at all because she's had some issues with death after a favorite great uncle passed away. Snow White and Mr. Toad are pretty creepy, so we'll stay clear of these unless she really wants to try them. Our goal for FL is definitely PP followed by Alice and probably Dumbo and the rest after that.

I would have never known that about the toilets! Learn something new every day!

Our BBB reservation is scheduled for 10:30 and then I think we're going to see if there's anything quick and easy in FL and then head to Mickey's Magical Map before heading over to our AG lunch res, so hopefully her hair stays pretty for the princesses! After AG we're going to see if there's any last DCA stuff she wants to do and if not we may try to head over for the 4:30 Soundsational, but if we miss it I don't think it will be the end of the world. Don't want to lunch auntie bonding time! (I'm on an evil secret mission to become favorite aunt by the end of this...muahahaha! )

I think there will hopefully be some nap time in there (maybe for us too!) so she's not too tuckered out by the night time. Especially on the second day - I really want her to see the fireworks!

Thanks so much for all your tips! So super helpful!!

 

[BriannaRuth]

At 5, one of my girls wasn't bothered at all by Snow White and Toad, the other was terrified. Just hard to tell until you do it.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you do use the stickers to cover the sensor on the toilets, don't forget to press the little button to flush manually afterward! It never ceases to surprise me how many people have no idea that button is there and what it is for, so they just leave the toilet a mess for the next person.

 

[cinderelly828]

If you do use the stickers to cover the sensor on the toilets, don't forget to press the little button to flush manually afterward! It never ceases to surprise me how many people have no idea that button is there and what it is for, so they just leave the toilet a mess for the next person.

Eww!