Expectations with toddlers

[Sherry E]

Another question- is IaSw usually closed before halloween? The disneyland app says it and turtle talk will be and hours from lady year say iasw was closed the same week

Yes. It has to close so it can get the extensive Holiday overlay before the holiday season begins. It's supposedly closed from 10/19 through 11/5 this year. That's about the norm. IASWH should soft open on 11/6.

 

[ADLFAN]

Don't forget to schedule some adult fun, too! Like a drink and snack at the Cove bar or Trader Sams at the Disneyland Hotel. There is nice outdoor seating at both.

Other gentle and fun attractions to work in are the Mark Twain steamboat, the Jungle Cruise, the Nemo Submarines and the castle walk through and of course the railroad. We actually used the railroad as a way to get around from the entrance to NOS, from NOS to ToonTown and from there back to the entrance! Saved a lot of steps over the course of the trip!

 

[tiggeroo42]

My twin girls were 2.5 when we went last fall! We had done 2 other trips with my older son, but having all 3 of them together was new and scary! I understand what you mean about having a basic plan, especially with twins. What worked well for us was having a basic plan for morning and evening based around what we wanted to do that day. For example, one morning (EE) was a Fantasyland morning, and we hit all the rides in Fantasyland before the Surf's Up breakfast. One morning was an EE at DCA where we hit all of Carsland and Toy Story before our lunch reservation at Ariel's Grotto (the kids loved the relaxed pace and characters at character meals!). One evening was World of Color, so we had planned on dinner at DCA and then did a few rides until it was time for the show. I found that by framing our day around these mini-plans, we hit most of what we wanted to do and were still able to "go with the flow" most of the time.

We found the kids to be most receptive to rides in the morning, so we would knock out 5-10 early (we stayed onsite and had EE each day). I would definitely recommend getting there as early as possible each morning! You can get so much done the first hour the park is open!

I will say that the napping/mid-day breaks were hardest to plan. I planned about 3 hours also in the middle of the day to return to the hotel and nap. We couldn't get them to nap...ever. And these girls napped without fail for 3 hours EVERY SINGLE DAY at home. Then we'd go back to the park because they got restless in our hotel room, and they'd fall asleep in their stroller and sometimes never wake back up! So that's where the "go with the flow" comes into play! There were definitely a lot of rides and shows they missed out on in the evenings, but their little bodies just couldn't handle all the excitement and the time change. My husband and I would just trade off with my son, and one of us would just stay with the stroller.

So to sum up, I would plan your must-do activities and rides for early on in the day. Plan on getting 5-7 rides done before lunchtime if you get there at park opening or for EE. After that, it can get dicey, so try to be flexible. Have a fun trip!

 

[agamble]

We found the kids to be most receptive to rides in the morning, so we would knock out 5-10 early (we stayed onsite and had EE each day). I would definitely recommend getting there as early as possible each morning! You can get so much done the first hour the park is open!

Definitely. As I said in my example morning schedule, you can get a fair amount of rides done in the first hour to hour and a half the park is opened. Kids are also the least grumpy at this time too since they've slept all night and have breakfast in their tummies.

 

[violentlyserene]

My twin girls were 2.5 when we went last fall! We had done 2 other trips with my older son, but having all 3 of them together was new and scary! I understand what you mean about having a basic plan, especially with twins. What worked well for us was having a basic plan for morning and evening based around what we wanted to do that day. For example, one morning (EE) was a Fantasyland morning, and we hit all the rides in Fantasyland before the Surf's Up breakfast. One morning was an EE at DCA where we hit all of Carsland and Toy Story before our lunch reservation at Ariel's Grotto (the kids loved the relaxed pace and characters at character meals!). One evening was World of Color, so we had planned on dinner at DCA and then did a few rides until it was time for the show. I found that by framing our day around these mini-plans, we hit most of what we wanted to do and were still able to "go with the flow" most of the time.

We found the kids to be most receptive to rides in the morning, so we would knock out 5-10 early (we stayed onsite and had EE each day). I would definitely recommend getting there as early as possible each morning! You can get so much done the first hour the park is open!

I will say that the napping/mid-day breaks were hardest to plan. I planned about 3 hours also in the middle of the day to return to the hotel and nap. We couldn't get them to nap...ever. And these girls napped without fail for 3 hours EVERY SINGLE DAY at home. Then we'd go back to the park because they got restless in our hotel room, and they'd fall asleep in their stroller and sometimes never wake back up! So that's where the "go with the flow" comes into play! There were definitely a lot of rides and shows they missed out on in the evenings, but their little bodies just couldn't handle all the excitement and the time change. My husband and I would just trade off with my son, and one of us would just stay with the stroller.

So to sum up, I would plan your must-do activities and rides for early on in the day. Plan on getting 5-7 rides done before lunchtime if you get there at park opening or for EE. After that, it can get dicey, so try to be flexible. Have a fun trip!

I have to say that no nap at all never once occurred to me. One twin is done at not quite 2 1/2 but the other needs them badly. We've missed, moved them, jumbled them around for various reasons and he naps at some point regardless if what we think. She will if particularly exhausted, like after running through the zoo yelling "faster, faster". I guess we'll just figure it out in that case!

Mini plans seem the best bet. Ive been messing with touring plans and its been very informative for time estimates and waits but i never had any intention of strictly following them.

Characters are the biggest mystery. We've watched youtube parades, met the local baseball mascot, etc in prep so im hoping that will help. I got them tote bags and a character dictionary for autographs. I scheduled the family breakfast at Surfs Up for the day we check out so they have time to warm up but the princess breakfast is our second day for my daughter and i. Shes very social and walks right up to strangers now so that should be fine.

 

[millie0312]

While i appreciate the that it works for others, votes to go with the flow are really the opposite of help. It just does not work for us. We need to have a basic plan (not schedule) that can and will be changed and adjusted to not end up in a pile of meltdowns.

The information is really helpful though so thank you for that. i had no idea that there were sheep too at btr. we've been planning this for over a year now so im amazed i missed something so simple. The ducks too will be high point im sure. nevermind that we see ducks and goats at the zoo we go to monthly.

I looked through our ratings of stuff and im thinking we may be best to head towards buzz first thing since its such an interactive ride and favorite characters for all of us. then do tame stuff in tommorowland and fantasyland until naps and toontown and parade afterwards.

We are NOT a go with the flow family and if I hadn't done a ton of research and had a basic plan we would still be discussing which ride to start with (we went last Dec lol). Anyway- we went with my dd and ds and dh plus my mom. Dd was 7 and ds was 3 months when we went and we go again this Dec. my recommendation is to make a tour in plan that includes all the rides you and the kids want to go on in touring plans (include the baby swap check box) and try to get them in a plan for the first 3 days. Follow your plan until you can't (gives you an idea of what to ride and the best time to ride it that way), but note when you skip something or want to do it again. On day 4 and 5 you can hit what you skipped or want to repeat. I agree with you taking at least a 3 hour afternoon break- we all took one from 1-5 ish daily (3 park days last year, 5 this year) and honestly everyone including dd7 slept. Just be aware 5 days is exhausting!! The second day we were there my dd and mom went to sleep around 3 or 4 and woke up the next day lol we do EE and close down the parks plus you are walking 10+ miles a day (I think dh pedometer said 12-15!). I would recommend you do your EE the first day as the last day you will be tired. Luckily if one of your park days is only a MHP you can relax some that day (if I read that right). Also we did not have park hoppers and did not miss it last year (this year we will but only because we won the tickets)- my only thought is if you are there during any other MHP DL closes early and most people hop over to DCA. Im sure you will have a great time no matter what but enjoy the planning- it's part of the fun imho!

 

[mummabear]

We have never returned to the hotels for a nap time, it certainly works for some families but for us our kids have always slept in the stroller or front pack depending on age.
I have never felt the need for too much of a plan at DLR, we always have hoppers and usually have a few meals and an idea of when parades/fireworks are but other than that go with the flow

As far as a plan this is as far as I normally get:
Disneyland 2014 –Pack a power strip so we can charge multiple devices from one adapter

Lily’s birthday: Cupcake with candles in morning, balloons, banner, Seaworld barbie

Blue Bayou C$9 A$30-$42 (depending on what you order) yes

Minnies in the Park A$28/C$14 yes

Ariels Grotto B A$38/C$20 L/D A$41/C$22 yes Order cake for Bday-6” mickey face or princess $33 $189NZD

Goofys Kitchen Dinner A$31/C$16 D A$37/C$16

Storytellers Café Breakfast A$28/C$13

Surfs Up A$31/C$16

Big Thunder Ranch BBQ? A$25/C$10

Fantasmic Dessert Package $54 pp ($162) yes

Rainforest Café-yes

Trader Sams Tiki Bar-no ressies prior to 8pm (no kids after that)


BBB-Sofia the first Package $64.95 (or coach package $54.95 or crown $59.95) $165NZD

Pirates League- $29.95-$34.95 If it is open?

Photopass plus: $69.95-preorder




· Zoe-Personalised Earhat

· See the carsland neons turn on (there is a show)

· Try a tiggers tail

· Watch Aladdin

· Trader Sams enchanted tiki bar (at DLH) No kids after 8pm!

· Go to Mickey and the magical map

· Fantasy Faire Shows x 2

· Ride RSR at night.

· Castle walk through

· Build a bear DTD-exclusive costumes

· “Route” Beer Float-Cozy cone motel

· TC: ride Pinocchio’s, Alice’s,Storybook Canal (never done)

· Tinkerbell light show

· Rainforest café

· Olaf and Pascal magic shot, Iago?

· The Halloween Carnival @ Big Thunder Ranch

· Peter Pan Bedroom in Innoventions

· Ariel Autograph a fork?

· The kitchen sink-Clarebelles $11.99

· Mad Hatter/Alice play musical chairs at Caseys corner at 2.30

· Princess Storytime on TV at DLH

· Scavenger Hunts @DLH

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[starshine514]

My DD1 naps more, in her stroller, at Disneyland than at home! We do go back to the room for naps (on days when the park hours ar 8:00 - midnight) but that's for my older girls to catch a nap. We've been enough that we know what rides we should hit first, that doesn't mean we always do, but we are not surprised when we have to wait an hour later in the day for Peter Pan if we didn't ride it at rope drop. Here's a few things we've noticed...

The Animation building no longer allows strollers in. So, don't plan on escaping the heat with your sleeping children in their stroller there.

The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail doesn't allow strollers either. Not a big deal, as this is a play area, just wanted to note to it.

You can often stay on the carousel for multiple cycles, if they aren't too crowded, depending on the CM. my DD1 loves the King Triton Carousel in DCA, but cries on the King Arthur one in Fantasyland.

The Astro Orbitor is difficult to get out of while holding a toddler. I won't ride it alone with her again until she is older.

Touring plans aren't useful with the diapers/nap/nursing age group. There is no way to keep touring with a child with a poopy diaper, no matter what the touring plan says. Get an idea of what ride you should try to hit first, but don't attempt to follow too closely.

The Baby Centers are awesome. They even sell baby food, diapers, wipes and snacks, if you run out. They are cash only.

 

[bearette]

I have toddler twins so I speak from personal experience. Avoid characters as it will end in tears for your little one. It took months for my daughter to see Mickey ( annual passes). Even Elsa in my Frozen obsessed house she was afraid of. My son walked right up to them but I had to hold my daughter for a year before she would go on her own. Don't expect it but be happy if they do warm up.

I say head for an area and then do everything there. Start at Pooh then do Splash for those who can ride then hit Pirates and Haunted Mansion.

If still going strong take the train to Toon Town and then ride and see characters there (if you want to brave it. Mickey and Minnies house). Have lunch see a show. It really is a play it by ear thing with kids. The only think I recommend is any specific table restaurants you make reservations and utilize fast pass ( especially for Elsa and Anna show and Fantasmic). The key is to minimize needless walking across the park. They'll be tired enough. I can't tell you how many fast passes I have given away because they are tired and we need to go.

 

[violentlyserene]

In the Toon Town play area buildings (like Donalds boat, etc not mickey and minnie's houses) , is that kids only or can an adult go in with the kid? They are very iffy on separating in new/busy places so i want to be prepared for what areas to avoid if that's a problem. \

We are highly unlikely to see any shows except the Disney Jr one and the Tiki room. Even parades are iffy. I do still want to see fantasmic but i still haven't figured out if there's a sitting area and that would be the only way i'd do it. Even parades are iffy. One twin is madly deeply in love with them and the other is equally likely to just want to run in and join them or scream the whole time. That may be a spot where we split up. I hate doing that since i miss a lot of the other twin that way but long enough to see the parade wouldn't be long.

My hope is NOT to return to the hotel for naps mostly but we're close enough that it's not a problem if we want to do so.

 

[WIcruizer]

My advice? Ignore touring plans. With a 2 yr old, all bets are off. You know your child best, and what they may like or not like. When our kids were that little we knew the characters would scare them. We knew what rides they may enjoy, and which they definitely wouldn't. Also depends on how early your 2 yr old usually gets up, if there's a standard nap time(s.), etc. Stick to that schedule.

Take all of that into mind, and then come up with your own touring plan. There are a lot of loud noises, intense action, etc. even for some of the attractions that would be age appropriate. I get it, we were excited to take our DD ASAP, and looking back we should have just waited a couple years. Still had fun, but felt like we spent a whole lot of money for the small amount of time we spent in the parks, and even less time enjoying any attractions.

Number one rule by far, always take your cue from the child. They will let you know when it's time to leave, and no use fighting it. In fact, my favorite line I ever over-heard at MK was "Your father spent a lot of money on this vacation, now stop crying and have fun!!!!!" Yea....that didn't work.

 

[amyg1975]

You can absolutely join your kids in Donald's boat and Goofy's House! Actually, we love Toon Town for that. There are benches, and we just sit and watch our daughter play! Same with the Redwood Creek Challenge!

 

[figment_jii]

Thinking a little more about Tom Sawyers Island...if you do venture over there, you might want to consider taking a small flashlight with you and someone should probably go with the kids if they venture into the caves. I was surprised at how dark it was inside some of those caves. The little one I was with got a bit scared, but did much better when he was holding the little key ring light I had. Also, there are a few places where the kids might need help getting to the next area (I remember needing to climb down a three step ladder type area, which he wasn't quite yet able to do). It can be a bit tight in some of the spots, so keep that in mind (i.e., kids will easily get in an out of areas, but some adults might have more trouble). Still it's a great area for little ones to run around and play.

 

[violentlyserene]

Thinking a little more about Tom Sawyers Island...if you do venture over there, you might want to consider taking a small flashlight with you and someone should probably go with the kids if they venture into the caves. I was surprised at how dark it was inside some of those caves. The little one I was with got a bit scared, but did much better when he was holding the little key ring light I had. Also, there are a few places where the kids might need help getting to the next area (I remember needing to climb down a three step ladder type area, which he wasn't quite yet able to do). It can be a bit tight in some of the spots, so keep that in mind (i.e., kids will easily get in an out of areas, but some adults might have more trouble). Still it's a great area for little ones to run around and play.

That's a good idea. I really wish a ladder presented a problem. One has been known to leap off despite being perfectly capable of climbing it so I'll keep an out for that stuff. The island is really high on our list. I think both kids will love it.

 

[Cats2]

I agree that every kid is different, which makes giving advice challenging. And every family tours differently. We took our twins for their first DLR visit, just before their 2nd birthday. We brought a small double stroller with us, but they refused to ride in it. DD has never napped well in the car or in a stroller. DS on the other hand, has fallen asleep while the plane was taxiing for takeoff. We went to DLR without an agenda, but then again DH & I grew up in So. Cal., and are very familiar with DL. This trip was strictly for the amusement of our kids. We only had 2 park days, which was sufficient for them to get a taste of the parks. They weren't really familiar with the characters--DS was scared of Goofy in Toontown. We did most of Fantasyland (Mr Toad's Wild Ride we skipped), Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room, Toontown. We decided to skip POTC, since we figured the darkness and the drops might scare them. Spent time at Big Thunder Ranch, petting the goats. In DCA, certainly Bugsland, Redwood Creek Challenge trail, Ariel, Monsters would all be good choice. We skipped parades & nighttime events due to bedtime. I don't think we had time to go to Tom Sawyer's Island though we've gone many times since then, (the caves and the DL RR going through Primeval World, are DH's childhood favorites). I agree the caves are dark and tight in areas--if your phone has a flashlight, it may come in handy. The kids took naps in the afternoon (we stayed onsite). DH & I did actually go see WOC, but only because one of my SIL offered to watch the kids one night. Since that time, we've taken our kids back yearly (typically for a one week visit). Never brought our stroller again. We still do afternoon naps (& now they're 6 1/2 yrs old!) on our DLR trips because we always try to make RD in the morning. And frankly both DH and I need that afternoon nap too! We still aren't much of a night time event family-maybe one thing on each visit starting from the age of 4: e.g. F! on one trip, WOC on another trip. Not sure about our upcoming trip next week-have MHP tickets, but would like to see PTN & DLF-but may defer PTN to another yr.

 

[agamble]

We decided to skip POTC, since we figured the darkness and the drops might scare them.

LOL! My daughter loves Pirates; it's one of her favorite rides. She was one the first time we took her to the parks and I remember feeding her a bottle and putting her to sleep on the nice dark ride. We had APs and visited a few times that year and she enjoyed the ride. One trip, probably the last time we visited that year, which was her second birthday, we went on Pirates. When we went down the drop she didn't scream, but she grabbed DH's leg. It was like she was finally old enough to realize what was happening. It was somewhat similar with our son too, though he was a bit more scared than she was.

We wish there was at least one more drop. I wish Disney would build another ride like this for families. The drops are fun, but mild. It's nice for little thrill seekers to have some "exciting" rides to go on.

 

[tiffjoy]

I just want to point out that you can't take someone else's word for what their kids liked for what yours will like. My two girls are total opposites.

As I said earlier, my DD6 loved the furry characters instantly, but was petrified of the face characters for years. I have pictures of her for her first birthday at Minnie's nose to nose with Pinocchio and gazing adoringly at Hook while holding on to either side of his face, pulling it right up to hers. But she screamed if a Princess tried to get near her. My DD3 absolutely loved the Princesses and Peter Pan on her first trip at nine months, but freaked out with all the other characters, except Minnie.

DD6's favorite rides since the very beginning have been Haunted Mansion and Pirates. At just turned two years old, riding pirates, she leaned over and whispered to us, "I like skeletons." She also really enjoyed all the little kid rides, especially IASW, but as soon as her height allowed, she has ridden and loved every big ride there is. While DD3 was traumatized on her first HM ride, and absolutely refuses to go again. She will very, very reluctantly ride Pirates every so often, but covers her eyes the entire ride. She prefers Pooh and teacups and Alice and will not ride any big rides. What's funny is she loves Snow White and Toad, and my DD6 says those are scary! You just absolutely don't know, and based on personality alone, I would have bet money that DD6 would have been more timid, and DD3 would have been a thrillseeker.

 

[geergirl]

We took our twins when they were 2 for the first time last year in September. They did not nap in the stroller no matter how tired so we took a break every day in the afternoon. They loved the characters but we had a character breakfast booked for the last day of our trip in case they were terrified and we had to cancel. We knew that we were going to start in Fantasyland with Dumbo because at the time Dumbo was the only character they knew. When the rope dropped we went straight there, rode Dumbo (they loved) and then let them pick what to do next. We worked our way through most of Fantasyland and then just randomly worked our way around doing whatever struck our/their fancy.

It was an advantage for us that we had five days in the parks and weren't in a hurry. If they loved something we rode it often (Dumbo, carousel, Peter Pan, IASW, Jungle Cruise). We tried everything they were tall enough for and we thought they might handle. Some were a success, some weren't, and some landed in the middle. I'm sure we looked like terrible parents the second and third time we took them on Pirates but they asked to go back! One twin really freaked out about the drops and had to have a quick cry on Daddy's shoulder but was okay by the time we went around the bend and saw the first scene with the impaled skeleton.

Because we were there in September the parks didn't open super early. We had breakfast in our room every morning before leaving and that killed some time. After lunch we would go back to the hotel and sleep for a few hours. Those afternoon breaks ended up being longer than I would have liked sometimes (kids fighting sleep because they were overstimulated and each had her own big bed) but it was a good thing because it was ridiculously hot that week. The naps got us all out of the sun and cooled down. We would go back in the afternoon and had supper in the parks.

By the time we went to Disneyland we were barely using our stroller at home. I listened to advice from here and rented a city mini double. It was a very good decision. I carried my crossbody purse with my camera, tickets, and wallet with pared down contents. DH had our backpack/diaper bag that had one or two diapers, wipes, bibs, sunscreen, and a spare lens for my camera. Our hotel room was close enough that if the kids really needed a change of clothes we would have gone back. We chose to risk it for the benefit of traveling light. The only things we left in the bottom of the stroller when we parked it were water bottles.

Sorry I don't have more specifics about the order to do stuff. Our plan in a nutshell was to pick two or three must do attractions for each morning. We got there early and did those and from then on it was unplanned. In the afternoon we usually had one or two things we wanted to do as well. We tried to plan a bit around meals (rides near where we wanted to eat) and stuff like that.

 

[geergirl]

I just want to point out that you can't take someone else's word for what their kids liked for what yours will like. My two girls are total opposites.

As I said earlier, my DD6 loved the furry characters instantly, but was petrified of the face characters for years. I have pictures of her for her first birthday at Minnie's nose to nose with Pinocchio and gazing adoringly at Hook while holding on to either side of his face, pulling it right up to hers. But she screamed if a Princess tried to get near her. My DD3 absolutely loved the Princesses and Peter Pan on her first trip at nine months, but freaked out with all the other characters, except Minnie.

DD6's favorite rides since the very beginning have been Haunted Mansion and Pirates. At just turned two years old, riding pirates, she leaned over and whispered to us, "I like skeletons." She also really enjoyed all the little kid rides, especially IASW, but as soon as her height allowed, she has ridden and loved every big ride there is. While DD3 was traumatized on her first HM ride, and absolutely refuses to go again. She will very, very reluctantly ride Pirates every so often, but covers her eyes the entire ride. She prefers Pooh and teacups and Alice and will not ride any big rides. What's funny is she loves Snow White and Toad, and my DD6 says those are scary! You just absolutely don't know, and based on personality alone, I would have bet money that DD6 would have been more timid, and DD3 would have been a thrillseeker.

So much this. Our otherwise fearless child is the one who was most upset on Pirates. Her fear was what finally upset her sister. She also was so upset by Toad that we had to take a day break from dark rides. They liked the Haunted Mansion and some other stuff that surprised us.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I just want to point out that you can't take someone else's word for what their kids liked for what yours will like. My two girls are total opposites.

As I said earlier, my DD6 loved the furry characters instantly, but was petrified of the face characters for years. I have pictures of her for her first birthday at Minnie's nose to nose with Pinocchio and gazing adoringly at Hook while holding on to either side of his face, pulling it right up to hers. But she screamed if a Princess tried to get near her. My DD3 absolutely loved the Princesses and Peter Pan on her first trip at nine months, but freaked out with all the other characters, except Minnie.

DD6's favorite rides since the very beginning have been Haunted Mansion and Pirates. At just turned two years old, riding pirates, she leaned over and whispered to us, "I like skeletons." She also really enjoyed all the little kid rides, especially IASW, but as soon as her height allowed, she has ridden and loved every big ride there is. While DD3 was traumatized on her first HM ride, and absolutely refuses to go again. She will very, very reluctantly ride Pirates every so often, but covers her eyes the entire ride. She prefers Pooh and teacups and Alice and will not ride any big rides. What's funny is she loves Snow White and Toad, and my DD6 says those are scary! You just absolutely don't know, and based on personality alone, I would have bet money that DD6 would have been more timid, and DD3 would have been a thrillseeker.

This is so accurate. My twins are like night and day. My daughter loves any and all rides and hates the characters. Her twin brother only likes meeting characters and the slowest, easiest rides (cries on Snow White, Pinocchio, and Mr. Toad because they're too scary). And their big brother, for all his talk, can't stand any fast rides except GRR. I think this is why a few of us gave the suggestion to be prepared to go with the flow. I understand that's not your style, but just be ready to have to split up occasionally, to have failures on rides you think they'll love, and to also be pleasantly surprised at what they do like. I remember taking my oldest to Disneyland for the first time when he was 2. I had all these expectations of what it would be like, but nothing prepared me for what he would and would not enjoy. While I was not disappointed, none of our hard-developed plans actually worked out beyond which park we were visiting which day and most of all, I remember how surprisingly exhausting it is to go as an adult with children. Worth it, but pace yourselves and be ready to collapse at some point. I agree with what others have said: If you have to have a plan, pick a land to start with, work through that one, then move to the next. If you're starting with EMH, pick Fantasyland first as it will be the best time of day. On a regular day, we pick New Orleans Square or Tomorrowland first depending on which one our kids pick. At DCA, for someone who has never been, Carsland is a good one first off, but we always go to Monster's Inc. first, then whip around to GRR, Little Mermaid, the Boardwalk area, and Carsland last (not much for little kids there despite how fun it looks).