Back from Disneyland...now what?

[SFMommy]

We just returned from a wonderful 5-day visit to Disneyland and I need to plan another family vacation! It was such a perfect trip. DD turned 5 when we were there and it is such a great age for a vacation. We did San Diego (Sea World, Zoo, etc.) when she was 3.5 years old and it was a disaster! This trip was so great that I want to plan another family vacation for late summer. There was not one tear or meltdown, she was happy as a clam out all day from 7:30 - 3:30 then back to DTD for dinner later on. I am so amazed at how easy and fun this trip was. Where should we go next? We live in San Francisco, so anywhere with a 2 hour or less flight. Knotts Berry Farm? Universal? Any suggestions are welcome!

 

[rivey]

I wouldn't recommend US for a 5 year old for more than 1 day. We did with my girls when they were turning 5, and usually Universal has good deals like two days for price of 1, etc other good bargains. HOWEVER, there was a total lack of stuff to fill in a 2nd day with the 5 year olds. We saw Shrek, played at the Curios George playground, the Tram Tour, the Simpsons ride. That was it. Now, we didn't have time to get in the shows. Probably one or two of those would be enjoyed by a 5 yr old. DH and 10 year old DS went back for a 2nd day. We just stayed at DL.

Knotts I haven't been to in a long long time, but I do think there's a decent variety of kid friendly stuff to make a whole day of it. Never been interested in Legoland, but heard it's pretty fun for the kiddos.

 

[aurorae]

Disney cruise on the West Coast? That would be a less than 2 hour flight to LA, maybe just a bit over 2 hours to Vancouver. Either Mexican Riveria or Alaska, depending on what month you are going.

Normally I might hesitate to recommend Disney because of the cost (there's lots of other cruise lines on the west coast), but since you have a 5 yo, the cost over another company would probably be worth it.

 

[dizneedoll]

I have a 5 year old son and we go to Knotts a lot. They have Camp Snoopy for kids and alot of kid rides there. There is also the Calico Mine Train and the Timber Mountain Log Ride is our favorite if she's up for the big splash. My son also loves Legoland and there is a lot of stuff for a 5 year old. Besides the rides, Legoland also has a water park and the aquarium. Knotts is a one day visit but you could make 2 days for Legoland if you do the water park and aquarium. You could also do the Safari Park since you've already done the zoo. I second the recco that Universal doesn't have a whole lot for younger kids.

 

[damaris13]

I was 6 while we lived in CA, and we frequented both DL and KBF. I have such great memories from there. DH can't remember KBF, so we know we'll hit it sometime in the future, but we're going to wait until our next time around.

What about some of the national parks out there? Yosemite, Badlands, etc. We loved going there as kids, too. I believe they have horseback rides at those places, and it might be a nice little change of pace from the parks. Just a suggestion.

 

[marcemc]

The beach! Since you are considering late summer, the weather will still be really nice.

Nothing like days & days of sand & surf

 

[Dobie]

I second the beach! It is the BEST vacation for little kids!!!!

 

[Bungle]

Laguna beach is amazing that time of year.

I would probably skip universal because we went when my son was 6 and he really didn't enjoy it, truth be told neither did I. A few ok rides but not much else. Knotts sounds fun! And I think they have a water park too don't they?

Glad you had a great vacation, ours was magical too. Isn't it great when everything at DL just seems to fall into place?

 

[skiingfast]

When I was 5 I loved this place that you could probably get to quickly. Tilden Park.

But in Socal I had a great time at Knott's of course since then it has mostly added rollercoasters. So it may not be as good for a 5yo today.

I like the SD Safari Park and beach ideas too.