First (partial) Day

[GAOinLV]

I posted this previously, but think I got it on the wrong (WDW) board, so forgive me if it's a repeat. Here is my question:
My husband and I are taking our 3-year-old granddaughter to Disneyland in May. We are driving from Las Vegas and are REALLY excited for the trip. I'm figuring my budget and itinerary right now. We plan on staying only 3 nights. We arrive on a Monday and are leaving for home on Thursday. My initial plan was to use the first day for travel, get a 2-day park hopper, and then drive home the 3rd day. However, now I'm wondering about that first day. It's about a 5 hour drive for us, so we will probably arrive in the fairly early afternoon. At first I was thinking about doing a character dinner (Goofy's Kitchen) that evening and then hanging around the hotel pool. That was BEFORE I saw how much Goofy's Kitchen costs. So now I'm wondering if it might not be worth it to pay the +$60 and upgrade to a 3 day park hopper and actually go to the park that first day/evening. It's a budget trip and our only big splurge is going to be the Bibbity Bobbity Salon on the first full morning. We're going to try to eat on the cheap for the most part and just watch for characters in the park. Any thoughts on getting a ticket that will include that first day? What would you do?

 

[pixiewings71]

I would add the 3rd day and hit the parks. Do some character meets that day so you don't have to do them the other days, I think that will save you a bit time.

 

[Cinderpamela]

Definitely do the parks!! I dont think I could be so close and not go the the parks.... its different than WDW where everything is so spread out that you wouldnt be as tempted. Its all so close that you can hear it and will want to go in the parks!!

 

[Gisele]

Your plan sounds nice and good and I would suggest as well to go ahead and stay for a third day if your able to do so. The more Disney days the better!
If you don't mind my suggesting for the sake of your budget have you considered giving your granddaughter a fairy godmother makeover yourself? I think that it would be a wonderful thing to do either way, especially seeing how she is but a wee lass of only 3 and might not be partial to sitting for a prolonged period of time especially when it comes to strangers touching her hair and face. You can work on making this awesome transformation yourself as easy as possible by doing so in increments of time if necessary. Perhaps you have a nice princess type dress for her already or may be able to borrow one. There is plenty of time to acquire an outfit or piece it together maybe even sew it yourself. The Disney Store has very nice sales throughout the year on their beautiful costumes and accessories in store and on line. Not long ago at my local Disney store they had a sale on costumes. And also had cute tiaras that would be perfect in a tots hair. You may also find very nice tiaras anywhere from Claire's to antique stores.


~~ Have an awesome time! ~~

~~ I love you Phil and you will forever be with me! Forever my very best and most special friend! I love you to no end. ~~​