first time going to DL(questions,questions, and more questions)

[island_poohbear]

Ok so I am a newbie at all of this. This was sort of a last minute trip, DH is military and doesn't know when he can take leave until it is kind of too late to make plans. Thankfully he was told a few months in advance when he was able to go on leave and this is where the trip comes into play. I have done my research and have realized that I am totally addicted to the DISboards.

Ok so here goes, I have a DS (6) and DS (2), we will be mainly sticking to the kids and family rides, DH and I might opt for a hotel sitter and spend sometime in the park by ourselves not too sure yet. (Kids are kind of picky and attached to mom and dad).

What attractions are the must see for my kids ages?
What character dining do you recommend, we are staying off property thought this would help with the surprise of going to DL for the boys?
Where is a good place to see the fireworks and the world of color shows?
Is there a parade at DCA park as well?
What are all the showtimes for all these shows?
For the Alladin show do we need tickets ahead of time and is there preferred seating available?

If there are any more questions I have left please feel free to add and answer. Thank you for the information and any suggestions.

 

[Dizneydaz]

What attractions are the must see for my kids ages? All rides in Fantasyland. Bugslife rides in DCA. Small World, Pirates, Tarzan's Treehouse, Pirate Lair, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, Autopia, Rides in Toontown, Buzz Lightyear. See Aladdin, fireworks, WoC and maybe Fantasmic
What character dining do you recommend, we are staying off property thought this would help with the surprise of going to DL for the boys?Sorry, can't help. We haven't done any character meals at DLR
Where is a good place to see the fireworks and the world of color shows? Fireworks in front of the castle, anywhere on Main St., or in front of IASW. WoC-You'll get a FP for this and they assign areas.
Is there a parade at DCA park as well? No-only Pixar Popups.
What are all the showtimes for all these shows? Check disneyland.com or the Times Guide when you get there
For the Alladin show do we need tickets ahead of time and is there preferred seating available? You can't get tickets to Aladdin unless you book a trip that includes preferred seating vouchers. You'll want to get in line30-60 minutes before show starts.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I would add Monster Inc ride to the must do list. It is sort of out of the way and easy to miss but the line theming and details in the ride are excellent. A great dark ride!

For us, Mermaid is a must see just because it's new. Haven't been yet, so can't say how it is but you might want to see that too.

 

[cyclenut]

Ok so I am a newbie at all of this. This was sort of a last minute trip, DH is military and doesn't know when he can take leave until it is kind of too late to make plans. Thankfully he was told a few months in advance when he was able to go on leave and this is where the trip comes into play. I have done my research and have realized that I am totally addicted to the DISboards.

Ok so here goes, I have a DS (6) and DS (2), we will be mainly sticking to the kids and family rides, DH and I might opt for a hotel sitter and spend sometime in the park by ourselves not too sure yet. (Kids are kind of picky and attached to mom and dad).

What attractions are the must see for my kids ages?

In addition to what was already posted, I would add the Pooh ride and character meets over there. It is out of the way a bit and the ride isn't very long, but you appear to be a Pooh fan so I really think you and your kids would enjoy it.

What character dining do you recommend, we are staying off property thought this would help with the surprise of going to DL for the boys?

Goofy's Kitchen is good but we have done the Character Breakfast in the park a few times when the kids were smaller and really liked the experience. Make a reservation for either and you won't be disappointed.

Where is a good place to see the fireworks and the world of color shows?

BEST place is in front of the castle. You get the full experience of the show, but you will need to get there early and be prepared for crowds. You can also enjoy them from Small World and a third place that isn't as good, but still OK, is over by the rivers of america. The best experience though, for the full affect, is in front of the castle.

Is there a parade at DCA park as well?
What are all the showtimes for all these shows?
For the Alladin show do we need tickets ahead of time and is there preferred seating available?

I agree with the previous poster on these.

If there are any more questions I have left please feel free to add and answer. Thank you for the information and any suggestions.

The most important thing to remember is to just slow down and enjoy the experience. Whatever it is you make time for is going to leave you with great memories. If you end up missing some things, oh well. DL is about the entire experience, not just the rides and shows.

If you are feeling a little run down, consider taking a cruise on the Mark Twain or Columbia around the ROA. You get to relax a little while enjoying the park. Same thing with the train. That little rest can help to give you that second wind while you experience more of the magic.

 

[island_poohbear]

Thank you all for the information. Every little bit helps. My boys are kind of on a routine and need to have some type of plans for everything or we they get a little rowdy and frustrated. I am planning but not if you know what I mean. We are planning to be in the parks for a total of 3 days and I think we get a pretty good ex[erience out of that time.


I have one more question if you all don't mind, I have been reading under the restrictions on all the rides in our age categories and alot of them state not stroller accessible. What does this? Is there a place to park the stroller while you go on the ride? Not to sure about this restriction.

Thank you once again.

 

[charmama4]

Thank you all for the information. Every little bit helps. My boys are kind of on a routine and need to have some type of plans for everything or we they get a little rowdy and frustrated. I am planning but not if you know what I mean. We are planning to be in the parks for a total of 3 days and I think we get a pretty good ex[erience out of that time.


I have one more question if you all don't mind, I have been reading under the restrictions on all the rides in our age categories and alot of them state not stroller accessible. What does this? Is there a place to park the stroller while you go on the ride? Not to sure about this restriction.

Thank you once again.

Yes, there are "stroller parking" near the ride's entrance. It doesn't happen often but be prepared to find your stroller in a different location from where you left it. The CM's may have to move strollers to accomodate more coming in as some strollers leave. Just a head's up.

I understand not being able to make plans b/c of not knowing when dh can take leave. My dh is AF and during his deployment cycle it' even worse, ugh!! So glad you are able to go to Disneyland with your family. Enjoy and take lots of pictures!!

 

[cyclenut]

Thank you all for the information. Every little bit helps. My boys are kind of on a routine and need to have some type of plans for everything or we they get a little rowdy and frustrated. I am planning but not if you know what I mean. We are planning to be in the parks for a total of 3 days and I think we get a pretty good ex[erience out of that time.


I have one more question if you all don't mind, I have been reading under the restrictions on all the rides in our age categories and alot of them state not stroller accessible. What does this? Is there a place to park the stroller while you go on the ride? Not to sure about this restriction.

Thank you once again.

A few words on strollers. Even if your kid is sleeping, you'll have to remove them from the stroller AND fold the stroller up in order to ride the trams, the monorail, the trains or similar transporation, even if you can get the stroller to "fit". I expect this is the same for hotel shuttles.

I see CMs having to deal with guests every time I go that don't seem to understand this. A sleeping child is not an exception to the requirements.

I know, this sounds like common sense, but seriously ... I have seen some guests get REALLY upset about this.

 

[Kathymford]

For the World of Color show you may look into the dining packages. Even if it's just the picnic one. You can even find your seats (place on the ground), and eat it there. To me, it is totally worth it to not stand in line or get there early for the fast pass tickets.

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneys-california-adventure/world-of-color/dining/

 

[DisMike]

Don't forget about the stuff in DCA.

Muppet 3D is a blast
Turtle Talk with Crush
Animation Studio
The new Little Mermaid ride
Soarin' - the height restriction is not very high but might be too much for the 2 yr old
Monsters Inc.

to name a few.

 

[sonnyjane]

Welcome to the boards! I'm also a military wife so I too sympathize with never being able to plan a vacation with a proper amount of notice - and always having that looming fear of a last minute cancellation

You've gotten some good specific responses so far. I recommend reading the stickies at the top of the main page! To quote Disney's Pocahontas, "you'll learn things you never knew you never knew"

 

[Tablefor5]

I just want to add a tip for WOC. You will be assigned a color but within the color section you will get to pick a spot. There are several tiers/levels. My advice is that the closer the tier is not necessarily better. You will want to find a spot closest to the railing of the tier so the little ones do not have anyone directly in front of them.
We have seen WOC twice and were in the "back" but had the kids right behind the railing. They could stand and could see just fine.
Some people rush to the front thinking it is the best but those front levels fill quickly and then you could be left packed in behind tall adults and the kiddos won't enjoy it!
Have a blast!
I would vote for Minnie & Friends dining in the park. We always do a 10:30 or so. We have a small snack/breakfast, do some rides first and then head over!
And in addition to other suggestions...try and catch Turtle Talk in DCA. Your boys would probably like it!

 

[minniecarousel]

And don't forget the train that goes around the perimeter of Disneyland. From Tomorrowland to Main St., there is the famous "Grand Canyon Diorama". My boys loved that when they were little. My youngest even named his large plastic triceratops "Baby" because of the baby triceratops in it.

The Fantasyland rides will be a big hit with your kids - Peter Pan and Dumbo can have long waits, though. If you're staying at a hotel on Harbor Blvd, it might be worth it to go back to your room for an afternoon nap and/or swim. You know how much your boys can handle. Anything you see/do will be amazing.

I agree, don't fret about seeing "everything"!

 

[cougarfan84]

Ok so I am a newbie at all of this. This was sort of a last minute trip, DH is military and doesn't know when he can take leave until it is kind of too late to make plans. Thankfully he was told a few months in advance when he was able to go on leave and this is where the trip comes into play. I have done my research and have realized that I am totally addicted to the DISboards.

Ok so here goes, I have a DS (6) and DS (2), we will be mainly sticking to the kids and family rides, DH and I might opt for a hotel sitter and spend sometime in the park by ourselves not too sure yet. (Kids are kind of picky and attached to mom and dad).

What attractions are the must see for my kids ages?

The posts above are pretty good as far as rides that may be good for your young kids. In general, Fantasyland and Toontown are a must for young kids, and they most likely will enjoy most rides throughout the park that don't have height restrictions. Also I would recommend trying to utilize baby swap to at least ride a few of the "big" rides for yourself (Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, etc.). Of course, this may require you to ride single rider while the other parent sits back w/ the kids. But it is an option to consider.

Also, one place you might want to look at is touringplans.com . They have a 2-day touring plan for DL that is specific for parents w/ young children (ages 2-8) that may work well for you. There is a nominal fee for a 1 year subscription to the site, however. It also has some good (free) ride descriptions, etc.

What character dining do you recommend, we are staying off property thought this would help with the surprise of going to DL for the boys?

I haven't been to any character dining, so my opionion probably isn't very helpful here.

Where is a good place to see the fireworks and the world of color shows?

Fireworks are the best from the central hub and also great from Main Street. These spots fill up first. As others said, by IASW is also a good spot, and they are also viewable from the Rivers of America.

I haven't been to DLR since WOC started (going this summer, though ), but WOC viewing spots are based on locations given via FP. HydroGuy's WOC Superthread is a great place to find info on that

Is there a parade at DCA park as well?

There has been in the past, and will be in the future, but due to the construction of the new entrance (Buena Vista Street), the parade has been temporarily cancelled. They do have some Pixar "Pop Up" shows throughout the park to compensate, however.

What are all the showtimes for all these shows?

You can view showtimes at Disney's website as well as in the "Times Guide" when you get to the park.

For the Alladin show do we need tickets ahead of time and is there preferred seating available?

I think you need to book a package that includes preferred Aladdin seating to get the preferred seating. Other than that, there is no tickets. If you get there 30-60 minutes before the show starts you should be fine on getting a seat.

If there are any more questions I have left please feel free to add and answer. Thank you for the information and any suggestions.

If you haven't considered it, I would also recommend viewing Fantasmic! while you are there. It is definately a great show. HydroGuy's Fantasmic! superthread can help with planning that one.

In general, I'd read the stickies at the top of the board as they have great information on planning your trip.

 

[jdb in AZ]

We had Aladdin tickets through AAA several years ago. The reserved area was so close to the stage it made it difficult to see the flying carpet. We prefer the seating with the masses. Some people prefer the balcony, but DH has bad knees so the stairs aren't an option.

 

[island_poohbear]

Thank you everyone for all the information it has been a whirlwind to take in but very useful. I think I have a basic knowledge and sort of a game plan to start with. I f not then we will just wing it as we always do. Just tryin to make this a very memorable and wonderful experience for the boys.