Disneyland Photo Op - Need Suggestions

[RRBB]

I realize I should probably post this elsewhere, but who better to help me plan out DL trip than fellow scrappers.

So here's the deal. The other day DH came home from work saying he needed a vacation. Mind you, we have a 10 day trip to WDW planned at the end of October. But he needs to get away NOW!

The choices for get-away:
1) WDW
2) DL
3) DCL (DD's not old enough for club so this is out)
4) DL-Paris (not really interested in travelling all that way just for a few days)

DH called DVC member services and found out there's nothing available at WDW the week we can get away, so west it is.

The last time DH and I went to DL was almost 6 years ago for a short 2 day trip to celebrate my birthday. To top it off I had a broken toe so couldn't get around all that well. This time we're going to be there for 6+ days with 2 small children - ages 2 & 4.

So here's where I need your help. What do you DL aficionados suggest we focus on. Since we'll be at WDW in just a few more months, I'm most interested in hitting attractions that can't be found in Florida.

Thanks so much!!!

(BTW, we have a character breakfast, princess dinner and lunch at Blue Bayou booked. DH wants to also book reserved seating for Fantasmic, but I'm not sure the kids will last that late.)

 

[pixiedustforever]

Hey, Robin!

First, we missed you at GASC this year! Ann, Denise, Anne & I spoke of you.
We hope you can make it next year. Tell those relatives they can't get married during the GASC weekend!

Ann came down in late June. We went to a crop at a new place nearby and
went to the Ten Seconds Studio/Tim Holtz workshop the next day.
Major fun!!!

Anyway, I was at DL in January for CHA. Did DL & DCA over several days. On the DL Board, I met some nice Dis-ers who helped me plan. A couple of them mailed me park maps to help me get acqauinted with the lay of the Land. (And to pinpoint the DL potties for their book! )

Be sure to include Pirates. It's a longer ride than at WDW.
And the DL Enchanted Tiki Room is the original show.
In ToonTown, Mickey & Minnie's houses are different from WDW.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is not at WDW.
Pinocchio is not at WDW.
Alice in Wonderland is not at WDW.
You can walk through Sleeping Beauty's castle and go upstairs at DL.
Storybook Land Canal is not at WDW.
The Finding Nemo Submarines are not at WDW. (It's the old 20K Leagues Under the Sea site.)

At California Adventure, they have the Monsters Inc ride, mini-tours of the Mission Tortilla Factory & Boudin Bakery. Yummy samples!!

And in between Downtown Disney and the park entrance I had the absolute
BEST kettle corn EVER!!!!

At DL, I took the "Walk in Walt's Footsteps" tour also. Not sure it's kid friendly (since it's 3 1/2 hours long), but is full of Walt history. I recommend it highly when you can. OOh - to hear about Walt's vision and how he wanted DL to be a place for adults to have fun with their kiddos. And to hear about the obstacles he had to overcome.

That's what comes to mind now - hope it helps!

Marylee

 

[Arizona Rita]

Hi Robin
Do not take your kids on Mr Toad. We took our son on it at 31/2yrs old and he did not go on it again until he was9! It can be intense and not worth the stress on little ones.
If you go to DCA definitely go to Fliks Fun Faire. All kinds of cute rides for little ones. Also in the Paradise Pier section there is a little water park area. The boat is called SS Rustworthy (the "T" "fell"off!).
Those would be my dont miss for your kids age group.

 

[RRBB]

Thanks Marylee & Rita. This is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. I'm already so excited about this trip. And thanks Rita for the scare factor warning about Mr. Toads. My 2 yo has been telling me lately that things/people are scaring her. (Sometimes I think it's to get me to stay when it's time to go to sleep. )

 

[SharonLovesMickey]

The Jungle Cruise is also different than the one at WDW. I think it will be fun to make the comparisons when you go to WDW in October! For the adults you might enjoy Matterhorn.

 

[cassidyk]

Another adult recommendation would be the Indiana Jones ride. It is so much fun and is very different than any other ride. I always hoped they would bring it to WDW but I guess I just have to settle for riding it when I get out to DL.

I know making Fantasmic make be difficult (my two kids are the same ages as yours so I definitely understand) but I think the setting for it in DL has a lot more charm than WDW so it is worth considering. Hope this helps and have fun!