Disneyland with a 5 year old and a 3 year old...need suggestions!

[minniebeth]

We went in March with a nearly 3 year old and a five year old. They loved the train and it was a great way to start out. Another thing for my kids (a pp was right you know your own kids) was to not be SO ride focused that we didn't get to explore all the statues and the store windows---all the little stuff they just loved looking at. They got a big kick out of Snow White's grotto---as an adult I just wouldn't even probably look at any of this stuff, but they love it.

Ohhh, it's so true! To see Disney in the eyes of a child is so amazing!
They see the little details that adults gloss over so easily for various reasons such as we see the "big picture" or we are rushing to get to the next thing.
Disney puts so much into those little details and sometimes it takes a child to see the little wonderments and appreciate them! I find myself slowing down a lot to the pace of my kids so they can have the opportunity to soak in what they are fascinated by!

Yes, the Toy Story zoetrope in the Animation Building is SO fascinating and fun to watch!

 

[lg3]

At 3 dd loved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!!! (Barely tall enough at the time). Too scared for Matterhorn or Haunted Mansion, and didn't like to get wet, so no water rides. Loved Small world (but closed right now for refurbishment), Peter Pan's Flight, Teacups, Dumbo, Snow White (good for snuggling), and of course any pricesses! She gave up naps before she turned three anyway so those don't work for us........ just have to pace it.
Have a great time!

 

[dizneekrazee]

I would just add:

King Arthur Carrousel
Alice in Wonderland
Gadget's Go Coaster
Mark Twain Riverboat

In DCA:
King Triton's Carousel
Muppet*Vision 3-D
Playhouse Disney - Live On Stage

I cant believe I left Alice of off my list. That is one of MY faves!!!
I didnt recommend the carousels because my ds4 didnt like them, he wouldnt even get on. The most simple of rides, and he was scared. Strange child. But yes, many young children enjoy them.

Oh, and if you guys do Mark Twains Riverboat, when you are boarding, be sure to ask if your kids can steer the boat! They will have a blast!!

 

[foxykendra]

You guys are giving such great suggestions - keep 'em coming!

Thanks!

 

[tortugaverde]

Another couple thoughts...

we spent quite a bit of time at the Main Street Firehouse. We had to drag the kids out of there... they loved it.

has anyone mentioned pin trading? My 5 year old loved it, my 3 year old... not so much. She only had two pins to trade and once she traded them, she kept them as she LOVED them... but it was fun while it lasted, lol.

 

[Quest4Kingdom]

I agree with all of the above posts...
especially the following for at the park
1. strollers for tired feet
2. extra snacks & water
3. an extra "special" snack to save for restlessness in shows & lines (like their fav treat)
4. awareness of nap/pee-pee times
5. at least one character meal
Above all, just have fun and roll with it! my kids were more of spectators for their first trip, so we just kicked back & enjoyed just being in Disneyland.

Have fun! The first time is always the most memorable!

 

[mobopolo]

My 5 yr. old was most bothered by how loud the rides were. So half way through the park I remembered I had ear plugs he used on the plane. I put them in at the beginning of the loud rides. After a while he said he didn't need them anymore, because it's Disney magic". Something I told him after he freaked out on the Snow White ride. By the third day he rode Indian Jones and the Tower of Terror!! His favorite was Star Tours and The Pirates of the Caribbean, which we rode each one twice. He closed his eyes through most of the Haunted House. He also loved the Log Ride and the River Rapids (sorry if I didn't get the names right). We pretty much rode everything in both parks that he was tall enough for. He also had his older brother to encourage him or more like tease him to get on. I must say, both boys were most happy in the shops! My "We hate to go shopping!" boys, all of a sudden wanted to shop in ever store they came to...who knew?!? I would start small and work my way up. Closing your eyes and plugging your ears even works for me sometimes. Have fun!

 

[tortugaverde]

My 5 yr. old was most bothered by how loud the rides were.

I forgot that this was an issue for the first few days for us! My son was not at all bothered by the noise, but my daughter did NOT like the loud rides (every ride was loud for her, lol). We tried ear plugs, but she did not like those either. She just plugged her ears! After a few days though, it stopped bothering her.

 

[silence]

TOTALLY agree that it depends on the kid...

my DS would not go on ANYTHING scary. I think he was 8-9 before he really started enjoying the rollercoasters. Mommy, daddy and grandma "peer pressure" didn't work...however, 1 trip with a cousin the same age did the trick and he got on the rides.

my DD on the other hand has been riding all coasters since she was tall enough at 3. LOVES them all. she still closes her eyes on Space (all the ride pics are too funny with her hand over her eyes), but she loves it. even loves haunted mansion...except the elevator ride down.

 

[tink2dw]

foxykendra - Only ride the train to ToonTown!! Just when the train enters the tunnel things can be very scary! There are scenes of Dinosaurs and scary stuff I can't remember, because my dd won't ever ride the train thru there again!!

mommyof2boys1girl and mo3bys - Try Bonine! it is an over the counter Anti-nausea chewable tablet. It works for 24 hour! Try it at home first. Take it at bedtime. Then you will be able to fly, ride DL rides, and ride in cars without getting sick. I have to take 2 tablets, because my motion sickness is pretty bad. There are no side affects, check with you Dr. if you are giving it to kids.

 

[foxykendra]

Thanks Tink2dw!!

 

[heather6699]

I was so glad to see someone finally mention Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. My 4 year old DD LOVED this ride. She got a big kick out of doing no hands and screaming as loud as she wanted!! Peter Pan, Snow White, Alice, Buzz were a few more favorites. I also highly recommend the afternoon naps! I also recommend not being worried about a schedule and remember that the kids don't understand what a big park it is and how much there is to do, so slow is key. They have no clue what you are talking about when you say "come on there are so many more rides to go on!"

 

[jhch06]

We went last year with our then DD4 and DS2. I was a bit worried DS was a little too little! But we had an AMAZING time! I'll pretty much second what many have already said....afternoon breaks/naps were a must. Pretty much all of fantasyland was a big hit as was Winnie the Pooh, and DS was immediately obsessed with Buzz , still talks about it 9 months later! Haunted Mansion and Pirates were definitely faves. Both were a little apprehensive, but ended up loving them. DD also did Splash and Big Thunder! We also did lunch at Ariel's Grotto and my DD was in HEAVEN!! And who knew DS was such a ladies man!! Wish we were able to do more character meals, definitely worth it in my opinion. When it comes down to it...can you really have a bad time at Disneyland with your kids? We cannot wait to go back! Just hope it's sooner rather than later.

 

[Quest4Kingdom]

On thing my kids never want to miss is Jungle Cruise... At first i thought, why do they make 3yo pay if they arent tall enough for anything! but there really is soooo much for little ones... Don't forget ToonTown it closes off earlier!

Also, in October, Haunted Mansion will be "Nightmare before Christmas" themed and to my kids, it is not as scary as the regular one because they loved the movie and they play the theme song the whole ride... You might want to see how they like the movie if they haven't seen it yet.

And, Toy Story Mania should be open by then in DCA!

 

[mvaneps]

There are some great suggestions on this thread. I took my son when he was 5 and we went with a bunch of my inlaws. My well meaning sister inlaw wanted to go right to Pirates when we got there. I didn't think too much of it since it wasn't a huge action ride. My son was scared to death on the ride. For the rest of the trip anytime we said we wanted to go to a 'ride' he was not interested. In retrospect, the first thing we should have done is go to Toontown or Fantasy Land and work up to some of the other rides. I think it does vary per kid though.