Completely new at this

[acflodi]

Hi all. I just found out that a family member is having vow renewal in Disneyland next summer. I know I'm really early in this and I can't even book anything now, but I'm trying to learn all I can now so I'm prepared. I've only ever been to Disney World and know nothing about Disneyland at all. I've never even been to California. So, all you very knowledgeable people, tell me all I need to know about visiting Disneyland. Where do I need to go, what do I need to see? I'll have a 3 year old with me and hopefully an itty bitty baby. I'd love to do at least one character meal, if that's even an option because I don't know.

 

[genki3]

If you have the funds, stay at the Grand Californian. It has a direct entrance from the hotel into Disney's California Adventure.

 

[figment_jii]

HydroGuy has a useful thread that introduces DLR to guests that have been to WDW: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. Depending on how familiar you with WDW, that may help you get a sense of what is similar and different at DLR.

In terms of character meals, they are primarily breakfasts at DLR. There is one location in each park, and one at each of the on-site hotels.

• Plaza Inn (breakfast) - Minnie and friends
• Ariel's Grotto (breakfast and lunch) - Princesses
• Storytellers (breakfast) - Chip, Dale, and other woodland friends
• Goofy's Kitchen (all meals) - Goofy and friends
• PCH Grill (breakfast) - Mickey and friends.

In terms of going to DLR with small children, the biggest things I can think of are to be sure and take breaks, know where the Baby Centers are located (especially if you are nursing), and use Rider Swap/Baby Switch for the thrill rides (if going with another adult).

 

[acflodi]

Thank you! I will definitely check that thread out. I was looking at the Grand Californian, It may be too pricey for us but we do have a bit of time to save. Thank you for all the character meal places. I'll look them all up and see what sounds the best for us.

 

[KookyDisneyFam]

I'm in the opposite boat as we plan our first ever DW vacation but my family has been to DLR 6 times and every time has been worth every penny and 100% magical! The first time we took our kids, they were 4 year and 6 months. I LOVED taking a baby! The baby care centers are amazing and so helpful. As far as character meals, our favorite of all of them is definitely Goofy's Kitchen (totally worth the extra $$!). While we love both parks, we definitely spend more time in Disneyland rather than California Adventure and that is mostly because of the many rides for little ones. Hope you love your trip!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

One thing I would say is make sure to look at the harbor hotels. Like Best western is right across the street. As you know WDW you may not understand the hotels at the cross walk are only 5 mins from the gate.
With your kids I highly suggest Minnie and friends as your Chr meal if you only do one. This one has 7-12 chrs each time we have been their.
Don't be afraid to take it slow, and try to go for 4 or 5 days and hoppers.
You may be surprised to know DL has as many rides or more (?) then wdw.
Don't skip Toon Town, I suspect it will be gone soon but as we have not heard of it going byebye yet I think next year you would be able to see it before it closes. Toon town is not my fav, however it is a place every one should see once.
Take your time, enjoy main street. , take a tour if you can.
Remember this was Walt's park. He walked Disney Land.

 

[SMD]

If the vow renewal is being done through Disney there should be an event rate for on site hotels and tickets. You might want to start there.

 

[CaptBane]

Take a slow day. Where you walk around the park and just look. There are all kinds of little things to see. The petrified tree Walt bought for Lilly. Go to the Main Street train station and see if they are running the Lilly Belle. (It will have to be a full ride around the park...but it is worth it if you can get it.) Look at the windows up and down main street. Take the coaches and horse drawn trollies...and total advantage of the photopass.

 

[MeishkaD]

If you are planning way in advance you might want to look at renting points to stay at a GCH DVC villa. I priced it out, and if I could get the dates I wanted we would have been able to stay at GCH for somewhere between the cost of PPH and DLH. Just make sure you do your research first.