First and only trip to DL this weekend!

[tinyariel]

We're driving to DL tomorrow! It's a last minute planned trip, but our move to CA has turned into just a year here, and DL is on our CA bucket list. Since my MIL has a WDW timeshare, and we're headed back east, we'll probably never get here again. We just did WDW in June, and the girls (now 2&4, then hadn't had their birthdays yet) did great, all day in the parks and napped in the stroller/baby carrier. We're going to do California adventure Saturday, and we have breakfast reservations in Ariel's grotto for the princesses. DL on Sunday. If we need to, we'll add on an extra day for Monday, though we're driving home that evening, and want to check out other things in the LA area, though we haven't decided what! I want to emphasize the things that are different, and the girls don't have the patience for more than one or two rider swaps. I know it's going to be super hot, so dress cool and drink lots of water. I feel like I'm just winging it! Are we going to be ok? Any tips for us?

 

[gottalovepluto]

Yes, you're going to be ok! It's DL not WDW so relax some and enjoy fall in the parks. You won't get everything done in two days, so know what you really want to do before you get there. There's a lot of info on the DIS boards for WDW vets visiting DL so search around here a bit.

My votes: Radiator Springs Racers in DCA (also stroll though Carsland at both day and night), Indy and Alice in Wonderland in DL. If it's in the budget, Blue Bayou sitting as close to the waterside as you can for lunch or dinner on ur DL day- there is nothing like dining inside POTC!

Have fun!!! Oh- and be there as early as possible both days, the lowest crowds are the earliest in the morning.

 

[Filipina]

Your 2&4 year olds might not be tall enough for Radiator Springs but Mater and Luigis tires might be perfect for them. I would get there at Rope Drop to avoid lines as locals will probably get there later in the day. I have a 3 y.o. and he likes Monsters Inc, Bugs Land, Cars Land, and little Mermaid. If you think your kiddos can handle it, watch Aladdin... It's pretty awesome.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

It always makes me laugh every time a WDW vet asks for help in here by saying, "This is my only trip in my entire lifetime to Disneyland because I live closer to WDW." I live in Chicago and I'm a Disneyland regular. Don't sell your upcoming experience short. Just because MIL has a WDW time share doesn't mean you won't love DL so much that you'll decide to come back anyway. Lots of WDW vets ask for help about DL in here saying it's their one-and-only trip, only to turn around later and say how they hope they can get back to DL soon. You may very well have that wonderfully unexpected experience, too.