disneyland May 10-15

[eosie]

Hi everyone,

I'm bringing my mom and two of my children (13 year old boy and 8 year old girl) to Disneyland in May. With the good deals I've sprung for the Grand Californian. Have a 5 for 3 day park hopper.

So, now I'm trying to work out the details. I think the 10 and 15th may will be "take it easy" days as we arrive and leave mid day. That leaves 11-14th and I thought 3 days "doing disney" and 1 day at universal studios.

I'm looking for advice from some veterans:

1. Are there fireworks/parades to be aware of? I'm trying to figure out when to go to universal studios?
-I checked the schedule and there is "nothing scheduled" - I got the downtown disney view so my mom (limited mobility) could watch fireworks - have I made a mistake!?

2. I'd like not to spend a fortune on food - is it better (i.e., lots cheaper) to go offsite. I'd rather find places on-site for the experience but costs are mounting. I was thinking of buying muffins at a store somewhere offsite and just bringing them in for breakfasts/snacks and then having lunch and dinner out.

3. Is knotsberry farm worth it?
-I noticed greyline has a day there followed by a medieval times dinner...

4. If we do the universal studios is it worth doing the evening LA tour (I'm not much interested in cities (work in a big one of my own - live in the country) but figure it's all part of the experience.

5. If I pick two character dining events (mostly for the 8 year old girl - we'll all enjoy but she would be focus for this event) do you have suggestions for the "best ones" i.e., where/when (break., lunch, dinner)?

I'm feeling a bit stressed out by it all - mostly because this will be our last time there as a family (unless I'm invited as the grandparent years down the road!). My mom really loves Disneyland too, and I'd like to make it special for her as I'm quite sure this will be her last time there (fourth).

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies

 

[Sherry E]

I moved this to the main DL forum for you. You should get lots of info and advice here!

 

[nunzia]

Fireworks are scheduled for Friday and Sat. nights aren't they? I'm there the 12-15 and printed out the the calendar. That is the only entertainment for night. Electrical Parade is off to WDW, Fantasmic is down, WOC not open yet (but there may be soft opening during this time, so keep your ears open. Still..lots and lots of wonderful stuff to do. It looks like the Fireworks is Dreams? boohiss..it was OK, but nothing like Wishes...
We do alot of cost cutting dining things too. Bring whatever you can..there are refigerators in the rooms. Whitewater Snacks is pretty reasonable and meals can easily be split. We buy kid's meals alot and graze (like the meat kebobs at..is it Bengal Barbecue?..good for a quick protein hit). Also like to just get the little bowl of gumbo at Cafe Orleans. Eating cheap CAN be done..oh yea..no need to buy water..CS places will give you a cup of water with no problem.
Knotts..went when the kids were little it was fine for a one time visit..same with Universal. No big deal, but OK for one time.
Character Breakfast. We have done Ariel's for breakfast twice and really enjoyed it. Lots of sweet princesses and good food brought to your table and all you can eat.