Disneyland Planning Questions!!

[spcmtn mama]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, but have already read so many great trip reports and been helped in planning my first trip to Disneyland as a parent.

As background, I went to Disneyland once a year from ages 3-13, and did Thanksgiving there with my family (parents, sister) in 2003, and then did a girls trip in 2010 and 2011 with my sister. The only time I went to DCA was in 2003, and my family didn't love it back then.

I am now a parent myself and am planning a trip for mid-November for my DD who will be a week away from 2 at the time of the trip. We are going with my parents, sister and my husband. It's my first time planning a trip for a little kid and my husbands and my first disney trip together. My sister and I are also big disneyland fans and are looking forward to doing the "big kid" rides etc at Disneyland as well.

We are all traveling to SoCal and have a total of four days down there. We have plans one of the days and now we are deciding where to stay and what park tickets to buy. I think my husband and I may stay at the Sheraton Park as we have Starwood points and can use them for 2 nights and an upgrade to the club level. Any experience with this hotel and it's club level? We could also stay at the Anaheim Sheraton.

Also, how many days? How many parks?? I am leaning towards a 3 day park hopper. I am interested in seeing the new and improved DCA and I think my DD would like bugs land and the little mermaid area, at minimum. But I am also trying not to have expectations that are unreasonable for an almost 2 year old and wonder if it wouldn't be better to save DCA for another trip and spend 2 days in DL and take our time. Our days to choose from are a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. So, if we did 2 days, we wouldn't have early entry, but we are planning on doing the Minnie and Friends breakfast and so I think we could get in for that at the magic morning opening time. I'd love input on the 2 or 3 days question!

Finally, more specifically, I've never done rope drop at the park before and want to do that at least one morning. If it's our first day, will City Hall be open before rope drop so we can get a schedule and a first visit button for my DD when we enter Main Street early?

Thanks for the help I've already gotten, and I'll turn this into a PTR if there is interest. I'm already acquiring some good dollar store finds for DD and am planning Anna/Elsa disney bounding outfits with my sister!

 

[YukonMommy]

I can't answer all your questions but I will answer a few.

Take your stroller and get the 3 day PH and check out DCA.
There is a lot to see and do. The first time I went as a Mom my youngest was 18 months and loved every ride he was tall enough for. He loved watching the parades, but NOT meeting the characters!

Schedules and maps are at the turnstiles when you enter the parks.

Have a Magical Time!

 

[figment_jii]

Also, how many days? How many parks?? I am leaning towards a 3 day park hopper. I am interested in seeing the new and improved DCA and I think my DD would like bugs land and the little mermaid area, at minimum. But I am also trying not to have expectations that are unreasonable for an almost 2 year old and wonder if it wouldn't be better to save DCA for another trip and spend 2 days in DL and take our time.

If you have the budget for park hoppers, I would go with those. The parks are only 110 yards apart, which means park hopping is very easy. I've found that having the flexibility to move between the two parks was actually very helpful. Bug's Land is cute for little kids. There really isn't a "mermaid area" because it's only one ride. Still, it's a very cute ride for kids (just note that the Ursula sequence can un-nerve some children). The Wilderness Explorer area might also be fun for a little one. The child I went with also like the Ferris Wheel (not me!), the carousel, and the Aladdin stage show (though, she did get scared at some of the louder/intense parts).

So, if we did 2 days, we wouldn't have early entry, but we are planning on doing the Minnie and Friends breakfast and so I think we could get in for that at the magic morning opening time.

The Plaza Inn does not always open at the same time as Magic Morning. Sometimes it only starts serving about 30 minutes before regular park opening. So be sure to check the times on the day you plan to visit; I would recommend making an ADR if you want to dine there pre-park opening.

Finally, more specifically, I've never done rope drop at the park before and want to do that at least one morning. If it's our first day, will City Hall be open before rope drop so we can get a schedule and a first visit button for my DD when we enter Main Street early?

Yes, usually you can get buttons at City Hall when they first start letting guests into the park. Normally, there is a CM standing on the steps of City Hall at what looks like a podium. That CM often has buttons. The line for City Hall can be long at opening because of guests with questions and guests getting the DAS card.

 

[spcmtn mama]

The first time I went as a Mom my youngest was 18 months and loved every ride he was tall enough for. He loved watching the parades, but NOT meeting the characters!

So glad to hear you guys had a great time with a toddler!

 

[spcmtn mama]

If you have the budget for park hoppers, I would go with those. The parks are only 110 yards apart, which means park hopping is very easy. I've found that having the flexibility to move between the two parks was actually very helpful. Bug's Land is cute for little kids. There really isn't a "mermaid area" because it's only one ride. Still, it's a very cute ride for kids (just note that the Ursula sequence can un-nerve some children). The Wilderness Explorer area might also be fun for a little one. The child I went with also like the Ferris Wheel (not me!), the carousel, and the Aladdin stage show (though, she did get scared at some of the louder/intense parts). The Plaza Inn does not always open at the same time as Magic Morning. Sometimes it only starts serving about 30 minutes before regular park opening. So be sure to check the times on the day you plan to visit; I would recommend making an ADR if you want to dine there pre-park opening. Yes, usually you can get buttons at City Hall when they first start letting guests into the park. Normally, there is a CM standing on the steps of City Hall at what looks like a podium. That CM often has buttons. The line for City Hall can be long at opening because of guests with questions and guests getting the DAS card.

This is all so helpful, thank you. I have the date I can make ADRs marked on my calendar