Feedback on my 1 day plan for 5 year old obsessed with princesses?

[smiles33]

Hello everyone! I am a first-time poster, having lurked for a couple weeks reading a lot of threads about Disneyland.

First, a few facts about us that have influenced my trip planning:

- DH hates rollercoasters and crowds. He is only doing DL for our girls (and me!). I suspect he will take DDs back for an afternoon nap at the hotel while I ride the big rides via FP/single rider lines.

- DD1 turns 5 before our trip but is still very timid (she only agreed to go on a carousel at our local small amusement park last weekend!). She also has an active imagination/long memory and is prone to nightmares. Thus, I may skip all the dark rides except PP and IASW (if it's not closed in October for the pre-holiday set-up). DD1 also LOVES princesses.

- DD2 is fearless and very active. She turns 2 in June. She also hates strollers. I'm buying a double stroller (Baby Jogger City Micro) because I think she will stay in the stroller if DD1 is next to her. I'll also have my Beco Butterfly 2 as a back-up in case she wants to be held (which she normally does!). I think she's basically just along for the trip and may enjoy some elements of DL (like Autotopia!).

- We are a 6-7 hour road trip away from DL but given DH's lack of Disney spirit, I anticipate we won't be back again for a few years. Plus, I'm also reluctant to push him to do more than 1 day at the parks. Current plan is to do only 1 day at DL but park-hop so we can do lunch at Ariel's Grotto. Tell me if you think I SHOULD push DH for a second day! Leaning against it because it would be a MM Saturday and we won't have MM, we really want FL and don't want to deal with MM crowds at FL, DH will be tired after not sleeping week Thursday night and a long day Friday at DL.


My plan:

- We drive to DL on Thursday night after work and arrive late. DH has crazy endurance and has already said he's fine with driving until almost 2 am and then getting up early to go to DL the next morning. Friday is not a MM so we'll be at the security tents by 8:30 am (assuming DL opens at 9 am in October). Head straight to FL and do PP, Dumbo, Circus Train, King Arthur's Carousel, Storybook Canal boats, Tea Party Cups, and Pixie Hollow. My plan is to skip Princess Fantasy Faire as we're tentatively doing the lunch w/princesses at Ariel's Grotto. Also skipping anything remotely scary given DD1's active imagination (e.g., no Snow White, Mr. Toad's, Pinocchio, Alice, etc.). Skipped the Minnie and Friends breakfast because Friday is a non-MM day and I want to maximize our time at FL. Plus, DD1 doesn't care about anything non-Princess.

- I will also try to grab FP from any rides I can that morning either on the walk over to FL (Matterhorn is right there, right?) or while DH is in line for use later in the day by me. I may just grab 3 FP (using DH and DD1's tickets) in case I have time to go multiple times.

- Bibbidi Boppity Boutique for DD1. What time? 11 am? Or 10:30 so we can try to eat an early lunch? I figure it makes sense to do it before our character lunch at Ariel's Grotto.

- Lunch reservation at Ariel's Grotto. Not sure yet on timing or if we'll definitely do this as it seems like buying a park-hopper ticket just for lunch at CA is sort of a waste. After lunch, DH walks DDs back to HoJo for naps. I go satisfy my roller coaster thrills on Matterhorn, BTMR, Space Mtn and Splash Mtn.

- When DD2 wakes up (DD1 will at least rest I hope), we'll meet back at the park. I hope to get in Autotopia (DD2 would love this as she loves all steering wheels), maybe the new Ariel Undersea Adventure ride at CA, and ride the Disney railroad the entire circuit. Any other rides would be icing on the cake.

- No shows are on my schedule given we're going on a Friday in the off-season and DDs will likely be tired by 8 pm. Plus, DH hates crowds.


Whew. Thanks for reading through this long post! Any and all advice/feedback would be much appreciated.

On a side note: I'm so excited/obsessed about this trip in October that when DH asked me whether our hotel room is air-conditioned, I replied that yes, it is, and also offers a microwave and refrigerator, which will come in handy for breakfast and afternoon snacks. At that point, he said, "I'm talking about this weekend at the beach, NOT Disneyland in October!" LOL! I completely forgot about our upcoming weekend trip to the beach as we've been there before and it's just a lazy weekend with no planning at all.

 

[Hound 109]

First off.....welcome to the Dis!!!!!

You have done some good research & overall your plan looks very logical given what you want your kids to enjoy. Other comments / opinions below:

Hello everyone! I am a first-time poster, having lurked for a couple weeks reading a lot of threads about Disneyland.

First, a few facts about us that have influenced my trip planning:

- DH hates rollercoasters and crowds. He is only doing DL for our girls (and me!). I suspect he will take DDs back for an afternoon nap at the hotel while I ride the big rides via FP/single rider lines.

Great idea. & DH will enjoy the first two hours in DL before the crowds start building.

- DD1 turns 5 before our trip but is still very timid (she only agreed to go on a carousel at our local small amusement park last weekend!). She also has an active imagination/long memory and is prone to nightmares. Thus, I may skip all the dark rides except PP and IASW (if it's not closed in October for the pre-holiday set-up). DD1 also LOVES princesses.

- DD2 is fearless and very active. She turns 2 in June. She also hates strollers. I'm buying a double stroller (Baby Jogger City Micro) because I think she will stay in the stroller if DD1 is next to her. I'll also have my Beco Butterfly 2 as a back-up in case she wants to be held (which she normally does!). I think she's basically just along for the trip and may enjoy some elements of DL (like Autotopia!).

- We are a 6-7 hour road trip away from DL but given DH's lack of Disney spirit, I anticipate we won't be back again for a few years. Plus, I'm also reluctant to push him to do more than 1 day at the parks. Current plan is to do only 1 day at DL but park-hop so we can do lunch at Ariel's Grotto.

Other great areas in DCA for the younger set include the wonderfully themed Flik's BugLand area (except It's Tough to Be a Bug show, which can be a little scary), Muppets, Monsters & Turtle Talk w/ Crush....probably others. Also the Redwood area. Plus DH might enjoy a 10 min. rest/sit down in the adjacent GCH lobby.

Tell me if you think I SHOULD push DH for a second day! Leaning against it because it would be a MM Saturday and we won't have MM, we really want FL and don't want to deal with MM crowds at FL, DH will be tired after not sleeping week Thursday night and a long day Friday at DL.

Most of us would say to do the second day....but if they head back to Hojos & you're able to SR for a couple of hours, you can have a productive one day visit & NOT burn out DH.

Edit: But i agree with abouley.....going two days allows you to travel more leisurely (but always be productive the first 3 hours ).

My plan:

- We drive to DL on Thursday night after work and arrive late. DH has crazy endurance and has already said he's fine with driving until almost 2 am and then getting up early to go to DL the next morning. Friday is not a MM so we'll be at the security tents by 8:30 am (assuming DL opens at 9 am in October).

Get to the Security tents at 8:20.

Head straight to FL and do PP, Dumbo, Circus Train, King Arthur's Carousel, Storybook Canal boats, Tea Party Cups, and Pixie Hollow.

Good plan (& DO NOT stop before doing PP & Dumbo first.....then take a pic or use the bathroom). I'd move Storybookland to right after Casey Jr's train.

Also after FL, maybe a quick visit to Toon Town?

My plan is to skip Princess Fantasy Faire as we're tentatively doing the lunch w/princesses at Ariel's Grotto. Also skipping anything remotely scary given DD1's active imagination (e.g., no Snow White, Mr. Toad's, Pinocchio, Alice, etc.).

I'd consider doing Alice....it's more fun than scary....but i'll let others comment. (& Alice would come after Dumbo)

Skipped the Minnie and Friends breakfast because Friday is a non-MM day and I want to maximize our time at FL.

Very smart.

Plus, DD1 doesn't care about anything non-Princess.

- I will also try to grab FP from any rides I can that morning either on the walk over to FL (Matterhorn is right there, right?)

Matterhorn doesn't have a FP. I would ride it (early) while DH & kiddos ride the tea cups next door.

...or while DH is in line for use later in the day by me. I may just grab 3 FP (using DH and DD1's tickets) in case I have time to go multiple times.

You could do a FP blitz, picking up SM, Indy & BTMRR (& Splash or Star Tours) one after the other.....while DH is doing another Casey or Dumbo or whatever with the kids...say an hour after opening?

- Bibbidi Boppity Boutique for DD1. What time? 11 am? Or 10:30 so we can try to eat an early lunch? I figure it makes sense to do it before our character lunch at Ariel's Grotto.

- Lunch reservation at Ariel's Grotto. Not sure yet on timing or if we'll definitely do this as it seems like buying a park-hopper ticket just for lunch at CA is sort of a waste.

As mentioned, I think DCA is great for kids....easy to spend 2-3 hours there when DL gets crowded.

After lunch, DH walks DDs back to HoJo for naps. I go satisfy my roller coaster thrills on Matterhorn, BTMR, Space Mtn and Splash Mtn.

Good idea.....but do Matterhorn the first hour.

- When DD2 wakes up (DD1 will at least rest I hope), we'll meet back at the park. I hope to get in Autotopia (DD2 would love this as she loves all steering wheels),

Maybe grab 4 FPs at Autotopia as soon as you return? Then come back in 90 min. - 2 hours?

maybe the new Ariel Undersea Adventure ride at CA, and ride the Disney railroad the entire circuit. Any other rides would be icing on the cake.

- No shows are on my schedule given we're going on a Friday in the off-season and DDs will likely be tired by 8 pm. Plus, DH hates crowds.


Whew. Thanks for reading through this long post! Any and all advice/feedback would be much appreciated.

On a side note: I'm so excited/obsessed about this trip in October that when DH asked me whether our hotel room is air-conditioned, I replied that yes, it is, and also offers a microwave and refrigerator, which will come in handy for breakfast and afternoon snacks. At that point, he said, "I'm talking about this weekend at the beach, NOT Disneyland in October!" LOL! I completely forgot about our upcoming weekend trip to the beach as we've been there before and it's just a lazy weekend with no planning at all.

Plan on picking up McD breakfast items so you all (& Hubby) can munch on items while waiting at the turnstile for 30 min.

Have a plan on how you will spend your 2-3 hours alone. If you get ALL of their FPs (& pick them up that first hour) then you could ride 10-12 headliners during that 2-3 hours. Maybe even hop over to DCA & ride a couple of others.

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[abouley]

It sounds like you have a pretty good plan and you got some good feedback for the PP. I just want to add, that if you can do the 2 days, I would really recommend it! I know your DH doesn't like the crowds and if you do 2 days that really gives you more time to spread things out make each day more relaxing...spending the busy afternoon time back at the hotel is key for those who can't stand crowds. CA can be really fun for your age of kids and especially timid riders. My kids LOVE the Aladdin show, monster's inc and the bug's land area. Also, there are tons of things for timid riders to do at DL that you probably can't do in a day like visiting the island at DL, riding the boat around the island, riding Winnie the Pooh, seeing the treehouse, riding jungle cruise, buzz lightyear, the monorail etc that you probably won't have time for in 1 day. My kids could spend hours just playing back in toon town!

The play area at HoJo's is really fun for the kids too. Would be worth spending some time there in the afternoon as well!

 

[ArchOwl]

Yeah, I was going to say that two days might actually serve your needs better if you wish to avoid burnout and crowds. If you do two days, you won't be rushing around so much trying to pack everything in. You will see a lot more and have plenty of times for naps, etc.

Day One:

At turnstiles by 8:20 or so (eat a quick breakfast in line)
9:00 walk with purpose to PP
Dumbo
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Casey Jr. Train
King Arthur Carousel
Mad Tea Party (Advise you to ride Matterhorn at this time, since no FP)
Small World

By this time I would expect it to be about 10:15 to 10:30.

Pixie Hollow, while DH waits with DDs, you go grab Space FPs

Then BBB at 11am?

Then hop over to DCA for Ariel's Grotto lunch at 12:30 or so

DH goes back to hotel with DDs

It is about 1:30 or so and you are in DCA. You single rider Screamin' and Soarin

You hop over to DL at around 2:30

Grab a BTMRR FP

Single Rider Indy

Single Rider Splash

Use FP for Space

Joined by DH and DDs around 3:30pm or so?

Autopia (FPs don't work real well for Autopia IMO, but maybe others disagree)

And then whatever you think would work well, avoiding crowds. There is Pooh, Tiki Room, Buzz, Mark Twain or Columbia, Jungle Cruise, Treehouse, Pirate's Lair, Railroad that should all be okay at this time of day. You use your BTMRR FP at some point, maybe while DH and DDs are on another ride.


Day Two:
If I were you, I would get up early and head to DL in the early morning and FP Star Tours and ride Space and other faves. Meet family at DCA opening to get on Little Mermaid.

Little Mermaid

Toy Story Midway Mania

Bug's Land rides, which I think your DDs would really enjoy!

Monster's Inc

Animation Bldg

Lunch

Girls and DH back to hotel to nap

You do Tower of Terror and then repeat Soarin or Screamin if you want

You hop over to DL and use FP on Star Tours

Single Rider your faves

When joined by family, head to ToonTown or maybe Pirate's Lair? Your choice of things you didn't have time for yesterday. Alternatively you could meet DH and girls for Aladdin show at DCA or the Disney Jr. show.

Anyway, just one more day gives you so many more options. And if you miss out on DCA, I think you are missing out on some really good options for your DDs. Of course, they will love DL, but since you don't know when you will be back, why not stay an extra day? You could even change the schedule around and give DH some extra nap or hotel time in there while you take the girls on Day 2 in the afternoon. That way he won't be the parks all that much.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[Hound 109]

ArchOwl & I really have similar thoughts/strategies. I almost completely agree with his / her plan. Comments below:

Yeah, I was going to say that two days might actually serve your needs better if you wish to avoid burnout and crowds. If you do two days, you won't be rushing around so much trying to pack everything in. You will see a lot more and have plenty of times for naps, etc.

Day One:

At turnstiles by 8:20 or so (eat a quick breakfast in line)
9:00 walk with purpose to PP
Dumbo
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Casey Jr. Train good to know....Storybook before Casey Jr.
King Arthur Carousel
Mad Tea Party (Advise you to ride Matterhorn at this time, since no FP) yep
Small World

By this time I would expect it to be about 10:15 to 10:30.

Pixie Hollow, while DH waits with DDs, you go grab Space FPs But she has FOUR tickets.....so she should maybe grab FOUR (or 3) FPs at this time.

Then BBB at 11am?

Then hop over to DCA for Ariel's Grotto lunch at 12:30 or so But pick up a ToT or Soarin' FP first.

DH goes back to hotel with DDs

It is about 1:30 or so and you are in DCA. You single rider Screamin' and Soarin &/or ToT since you snagged a FP

You hop over to DL at around 2:30

Grab a BTMRR FP

Single Rider Indy

Single Rider Splash

Use FP for Space & the other rides you picked up FPs for this morning.

Joined by DH and DDs around 3:30pm or so?

Autopia (FPs don't work real well for Autopia IMO, but maybe others disagree)

I agree, but figured what the heck since they're all there & she's already ridden the headliners.

And then whatever you think would work well, avoiding crowds. There is Pooh, Tiki Room, Buzz, Mark Twain or Columbia, Jungle Cruise, Treehouse, Pirate's Lair, Railroad that should all be okay at this time of day.

Definitely agree with all of these.....along with maybe toon town if there's time.

You use your BTMRR FP at some point, maybe while DH and DDs are on another ride.


Day Two:
If I were you, I would get up early and head to DL in the early morning and FP Star Tours and ride Space and other faves. Meet family at DCA opening to get on Little Mermaid.

Little Mermaid

Toy Story Midway Mania Maybe use two of the tickets to pick up FPs for Soarin' & ToT at this time.... while the family is in the 30 min. TSMM line?

Bug's Land rides, which I think your DDs would really enjoy! I agree....it's a neat little area....& Heimlich cracks me up.

Monster's Inc

Animation Bldg Which is where Tutle Talk with Crush is....a must do.

Don't forget the Muppets.


Lunch

Girls and DH back to hotel to nap

You do Tower of Terror and then repeat Soarin or Screamin' which is a GREAT ride to go Single on if you want. or even Griz Rapids (which is SR).

You hop over to DL and use FP on Star Tours

Single Rider your faves

When joined by family, head to ToonTown or maybe Pirate's Lair? Your choice of things you didn't have time for yesterday. Alternatively you could meet DH and girls for Aladdin show at DCA or the Disney Jr. show.

Anyway, just one more day gives you so many more options. And if you miss out on DCA, I think you are missing out on some really good options for your DDs. Of course, they will love DL, but since you don't know when you will be back, why not stay an extra day? You could even change the schedule around and give DH some extra nap or hotel time in there while you take the girls on Day 2 in the afternoon.

This is really a good idea. Let him enjoy his quiet time in the room while you take DDs to do the "princess" stuff.

That way he won't be the parks all that much.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

She'll have fun......she'll be at Walt's Park.

 

[ArchOwl]

Thanks for the helpful hints, Hound! I totally agree with them. I just wanted to add that as more information about Little Mermaid and Star Tours becomes available, things could change regarding those rides. So the advice for both of those is based on what we know now, which could change when those rides go online.

Since avoiding crowds and lines is important to you, if you have a smartphone, I would get a app that gives you wait times, etc. That way in the afternoons when you are with DH and DDs, you can construct a plan and give DH peace of mind regarding wait times. That way everyone is happy!

 

[momtoatink]

Here are my two cents.

I would do two days in the parks. That way you spend the morning...early afternoon in the park and then when the crowds hit you go back and enjoy the hotel. Then the girls don't get overtired and you can always come back that night for one of the shows.

Also my daughter is 6 and afraid of all the rides at DL and CA. That being said she has already told me that when we go in June she WILL NOT ride the little mermaid ride. Its what she calls a "dark ride". However she LOVES LOVES LOVES the Bug's Life area and will ride all the rides in there over and over. I think both of your girls will love that area.

Also my husband does not love DL as much as my DD and I do so he is staying home this trip, but when he does come I leave him in the hotel room if he doesn't want to come. That way he stays rested for when he does come to the parks with us in the morning.

No matter what you will Have fun!!!

 

[smiles33]

THANK YOU ArchOwl and Hound 109! I am in AWE of these amazingly detailed itineraries. I LOVE IT! Wow, so much to process. Gotta get back to a work meeting but couldn't read this without extending my deepest gratitude to both of you. WHAT A PLAN!

 

[ArchOwl]

THANK YOU ArchOwl and Hound 109! I am in AWE of these amazingly detailed itineraries. I LOVE IT! Wow, so much to process. Gotta get back to a work meeting but couldn't read this without extending my deepest gratitude to both of you. WHAT A PLAN!

LOL, probably more info than you wanted! I hope this helps and you have a great time.

 

[smiles33]

No, I LOVE details. I figure it's best to have a plan but still be flexible in case of meltdowns. Thanks again to all for your help and support!