Am I nuts

[pigletforever]

DH has to be in San Diego for a one day conference over Labor Day weekend - (Saturday)

We have enough points at the Sheraton to get a 3 night stay free. I was thinking about driving down Friday afternoon - from Sacramento with DS 6, spending Saturday in the park just the 2 of us and having DH meet us and spend Sunday and part of Monday at the parks before heading back to N. Ca. Are the crowds going to be horrid that weekend? DS is 6 and this will be our first visit to DL.

 

[JaneJetson]

DH has to be in San Diego for a one day conference over Labor Day weekend - (Saturday)

We have enough points at the Sheraton to get a 3 night stay free. I was thinking about driving down Friday afternoon - from Sacramento with DS 6, spending Saturday in the park just the 2 of us and having DH meet us and spend Sunday and part of Monday at the parks before heading back to N. Ca. Are the crowds going to be horrid that weekend? DS is 6 and this will be our first visit to DL.

You'll still be going again in 4 months like your signature says? How long is that trip going to be?

I don't think it's ever nuts to spend time at Disneyland. However, it might be kind of crowded.

 

[pigletforever]

The trip in December/January is 12 days and we are also doing LegoLand, Knotts Berry farm and Universal on that trip. I keep trying to convince DH that the benefit of living here is being able to go to Disney on the drop of a hat but he doesn't see it that way.

I was kind of liking the idea of having DS to my self for a day in the park. When he is with his dad that is who he wants to ride everything with and I kind of get stuck riding by myself. (at least at WDW that happens)

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

Do it it will be fun take advantage of the fastpasses

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I'd do it.

Then if you're going back you can be relaxed about it even if there are crowds

 

[pigletforever]

Will the crowds be horrid?

 

[Disney Dreams]

...I was thinking about driving down Friday afternoon - from Sacramento with DS 6, spending Saturday in the park just the 2 of us and having DH meet us and spend Sunday and part of Monday at the parks before heading back to N. Ca.

Fun fun fun! One logistics question: How does DH get from Sac - SD and from SD - Sac while you and DS get from Sac-Anaheim? 2 cars?

Are the crowds going to be horrid that weekend?

Yes.

I'd do it. Then if you're going back you can be relaxed about it even if there are crowds

I would do it too. Since you mentioned DS has never been before, you can go the first time to get have fun, get a feel for the Park, NOT run around like crazy trying to see everything bc... you will be back soon.

Will the crowds be horrid?

Yes. But... who cares? Go, enjoy time with DS (and later DH), and have fun.

I would even do the math and see if it makes sense to turn your tickets into APs (oh no! a reason to come back! hehe).

- Dreams

P.S. Yes, the crowds will be THAT bad.

 

[pigletforever]

Fun fun fun! One logistics question: How does DH get from Sac - SD and from SD - Sac while you and DS get from Sac-Anaheim? 2 cars?

DH is flying to SD and DS and I will Drive to Anaheim. DH will have a rental that he will probably just turn in when he gets to Anaheim or we will have to waste "valuable time" going to pick him up.

I would even do the math and see if it makes sense to turn your tickets into APs

When we go at Xmas we are getting APs then.

Yes, the crowds will be THAT bad

DL does have GACs right? DS has Sensory Integration Disorder and the GAC saves us at WDW.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I've heard that the crowds haven't been as awful lately.

I'd go anyway, I'd do the fastpass morning stroll and then enjoy the rest of hte day

 

[jernysgirl]

When we go at Xmas we are getting APs then.

If you are already planning to get APs in Dec/Jan, I would just do it now... it will save you money in the long run on tickets and you can use the discount on food. Just make sure to know the blackout days on the deluxe AP if you are not getting a Premium. Or consider getting a premium to take advantage of all of the perks! More discounts means you get to go more often!!!

And, by the way.... I would definitely go. It would be such a special time for you and your son!

 

[Disney Dreams]

DH is flying to SD and DS and I will Drive to Anaheim. DH will have a rental that he will probably just turn in when he gets to Anaheim or we will have to waste "valuable time" going to pick him up.

Ah, perfect! Sorry, my brain got stuck on that detail. Just had to ask.

When we go at Xmas we are getting APs then.

YAY! However, as Jernysgirl pointed out, it would save you a considerable amount of money to get your APs Labor Day weekend. Just a suggestion.

DL does have GACs right? DS has Sensory Integration Disorder and the GAC saves us at WDW.

Yep, DL has GACs. You get them at City Hall.

I have a question that is with 100% respect and pure curiosity, nothing else at all. I am guessing from your reference to the GAC that DS cannot wait in lines due to having SID. Do the bright lights, sounds, and motions on the rides not affect him? Again, I am just curious, nothing else, as to why he cannot handle the lines, but does okay on the rides. I know someone with SID who cannot go to theme parks at all. So I am just curious (if you don't mind sharing).

Hope you end up working in this extra little getaway for you and DS.

- Dreams

 

[mariezp]

YES! YES! YES! GO! GO! GO! It may be crowded but any time is still a good time to be at Disneyland. No offense to your hubby, but I bet if is just you and your son you will be able to take it easy and do the park at a more relaxed pace. You never can really be sure about the crowds. Plan to go and maybe you will get lucky and be pleasantly surprised with less crowds.

Also, I can relate to the wanting to enjoy time alone, just the 2 of you. This will be our 8th annual trip this year. Four of us go but since my son is 17, he and my DD-8 like much different rides. We spend a good amount of our trip split into 2 groups, son/dad and mom/DD. I so enjoy the time alone with my DD!

This year we will have another family with us for the first week. As much as I will enjoy their company, I can tell you I am really looking forward to the 2nd week. I know the first week my DD will be riding with the other kids. By the second week I will be glad to have her back to myself! Silly, huh?

 

[caligirl stuck in va]

Definitley go! What a special trip to be able to share so much time just the two of you. You can really let him guide you with what is of interest to him. And since you are going back for a longer trip in such a short time, you can plan to hit anything you will miss this time. Be sure to take advantage of MM/EE - Fantasyland is great during this time, a good spot to start for a first timer. Even if lines are too long in the afternoon, you can wander around the property and get a good dose of Disney magic.

Have a great trip - come back and write us a TR!

 

[pigletforever]

I have a question that is with 100% respect and pure curiosity, nothing else at all. I am guessing from your reference to the GAC that DS cannot wait in lines due to having SID. Do the bright lights, sounds, and motions on the rides not affect him? Again, I am just curious, nothing else, as to why he cannot handle the lines, but does okay on the rides. I know someone with SID who cannot go to theme parks at all. So I am just curious (if you don't mind sharing).

THere are various levels of SID. With SID some kids are hypo sensitve to somethings and hyper sensiteve to others. With our son he thrives on motion. He can spin in a chair for 20 minutes and not be dizzy, he loves swings because of the motion, he loves TOT at WDW. ON the flip side he hates noise - he hides when I run the vaccuum. We have earplugs for when we go to the movies and we take them to WDW. SID is something very little is known about. With the ride lines it isn't so much the lines with waiting in them as all the extraneous stuff.

 

[edit1]

You should go for it! Sounds like a great plan, and you get nice accommodation for free, too. Seems like the crowds aren't so bad this summer but if it is crowded that weekend just use your fastpasses. Have a good trip!

 

[Disney Dreams]

THere are various levels of SID. With SID some kids are hypo sensitve to somethings and hyper sensiteve to others. With our son he thrives on motion. He can spin in a chair for 20 minutes and not be dizzy, he loves swings because of the motion, he loves TOT at WDW. ON the flip side he hates noise - he hides when I run the vaccuum. We have earplugs for when we go to the movies and we take them to WDW. SID is something very little is known about. With the ride lines it isn't so much the lines with waiting in them as all the extraneous stuff.

Interesting. TOTALLY forgot about the soothing effects of the motion! Appreciate you sharing.

I'm not sure what they ask for at City Hall to get a GAC, but if you call ahead, I am sure you can find out.

I hope you decide to go, it sounds like it could be a wonderful few days!

 

[dizneekrazee]

THere are various levels of SID. With SID some kids are hypo sensitve to somethings and hyper sensiteve to others. With our son he thrives on motion. He can spin in a chair for 20 minutes and not be dizzy, he loves swings because of the motion, he loves TOT at WDW. ON the flip side he hates noise - he hides when I run the vaccuum. We have earplugs for when we go to the movies and we take them to WDW. SID is something very little is known about. With the ride lines it isn't so much the lines with waiting in them as all the extraneous stuff.

I was also wondering about this condition. I am a nursing student, and we barely even touched on this condition in lectures at all. Thank you for sharing.

BTW, Go for it!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

DH is flying to SD and DS and I will Drive to Anaheim. DH will have a rental that he will probably just turn in when he gets to Anaheim or we will have to waste "valuable time" going to pick him up.

When we go at Xmas we are getting APs then.

DL does have GACs right? DS has Sensory Integration Disorder and the GAC saves us at WDW.

Yes, see below.

Interesting. TOTALLY forgot about the soothing effects of the motion! Appreciate you sharing.

I'm not sure what they ask for at City Hall to get a GAC, but if you call ahead, I am sure you can find out.

I hope you decide to go, it sounds like it could be a wonderful few days!

There is information about GAC (Guest Assistance Cards) in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is a link to that thread in my signature.
Although the information was written about WDW, CMs who work at DL have confirmed for me that the information also applies to DL. Some of the 'how it works' may be a little different because DL is older and less accessible, but most of the information is the same.
They usually will not give information over the phone ahead of time - the CMs you talk with on the phone are not Guest Relations CMs and may give out information that is not correct.

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

Ok, I am going against the grain....I would not go.

If you are getting AP in December, have enough points for a free weekend stay, and can drive down I would not waste my time and gas money on such a cowded weekend. I would plan to go for a long weekend that will not be so busy. You could still go with just DS, just tell DH you need some bonding time

Now if DH having his conference provides a perk like his work paying for his (ie the family) milage to drive or his (ie the families) hotel room then yes go.

 

[Gisele]

(In a thick German accent) vell veddy veddy interesting, indeed, just lie back on the couch and begin with your earliest recollections of your childhood............