Arrival day

[CdnCarrie]

So if we arrive at our hotel (Paradise Pier) around 2-3 California time it would be 5-6 back home. Our party includes 2 boys ages 4 and 7. It will be during low season (January).

I know the boys will want to walk into the park for a few hours but being Saturday it will be busy I'm sure. Tried to put this info into Ridemax with the boys fav rides (Peter Pan, Splash Mtn) using a Saturday in May and a 4 p.m. arrival and it was spitting out super duper long wait times obviously.

Realistically the boys will be tired so won't be staying out too late with the time change so no fireworks.

Any ideas/tips for making the first night special? We'll be eating CS that night I think rather than doing a character dinner or TS just in case of flight delays or overtired 4 year olds. Chances are most FPs would be gone for the day??

 

[skiingfast]

Fast passes may still be around. Maybe not for Indy of Space they tend to go quickest. But some rides have them for a long time.

Also since it is January you may want to see the fireworks, F! and WoC when you can. It's a long way out to forecast but they may not be showing everynight.

You never know they may sleep a lot on the plane and be ready to go.

 

[bumbershoot]

This is just us...but we would let DL alone for the next day, and go into DCA. Hit Bug's Land, wander around, ride Monster's Inc...have a great day at an already great park (again, that seems to just be us, LOL), and then go back to the hotel for a nice little dinner at PCH Grill. Bring jackets b/c their dining area is cold! The build your own pizza is very good, very simple, and very fun for kids.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I would actually second the going to DCA first suggestion. At that time of day, we would probably go in and ride Toy Story since it's one of those rides that doesn't have fastpass and we know we'll have to wait some no matter what time we do it. Then Bug's Land and stuff in the Hollywood Backlot area sounds good too. If it's running, you might even catch the Pixar parade before heading somewhere for dinner.

If you do decide to start with Disneyland, you would probably have best luck with getting fastpasses for Buzz and BTMRR and riding Pirates. You may prefer instead to take the opportunity to watch the afternoon parade if it's running and it's part of your plan.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Afternoon parade is a good idea!

Make your own pizza? I didn't know about that. I'll check out the menus again.

Hmmm I guess Redwood Creek challenge may be a good idea if they have been on a plane for 6 hours. Let them run off some energy.

 

[drag n' fly]

We have the same problem when flying to WDW. Rope drop is tough for us there due to the time difference. We usually grab something to eat and hit the pool or DD and get to bed early for the dreaded rope drop