First time planning trip on my own, any tips?

[LinOneil]

Hello! I'm on a mission to surprise my mom with a short Christmas trip to Disneyland this year, and I was just curious if there were any tips to making the most of it in a long weekend's worth of time. We've always gone in summer for long periods of time, we've always driven, and as I said this will be my first time planning a Disney vacation so I'm a little nervous about goofing up!

My plan as of now is to book an early morning flight (5 AM - 8 AM) on November 27th, so we will be able to get to our hotel in Anaheim relatively early enough to have the majority of the day to play. I plan to leave in the late afternoon on November 29th, as I should be back at work on Monday.

Would it be worth it to ask for that Monday off? My common sense seems to be telling me November 29th will be a crazy travel day. Or is there any other time in December that may be a nicer time to go? I work in an office cafe, so the week before Christmas is quite slow and usually a time to volunteer for some days off.

Also, neither one of us have ever been to Disneyland outside of the summer season, and I would love to know some must-dos!

Thank you so much for any help

 

[DISNEY1975]

I dont know a lot about Disneyland, so really cant help there. But, I do know a lot about traveling! I never used to take the following day off and always regreted it. That is mostly because I travel with 3 kids and hubby, normally stay for over a week and when I get back I have all the unpacking, laundry to do, plus a grocery shopping. If your trip is just a weekend and just you and your mom, you may not need an extra day. Are you one that gets very tired from walking around for 2 - 3 days? Is your flight very late and you need a lot of sleep to function at work? Only you would know the answers and would know if that extra day is needed.

After 30+ trips, Ive finally learned in the past couple of years to take that extra day (plus Im older too, so I get very tired walking around all that time). For our upcoming WDW trip, we are checking out of our WDW hotel on a Sunday, but staying in Orlando another 2 nights to have a mini-vacation from our Disney vacation! I plan on just hanging by the pool, off my feet for a day, before flying home Tuesday. I actually booked a hotel with a lazy river Im excited!!

 

[Andrea1973]

I have never been to Disneyland, only to Disney World....so the only thing I can say is this...


Don't over think it...



It is Disney, don't make a mistake and miss out on all the sights and sounds, the atmosphere, take time (at least a few minutes every now and then) to Just enjoy and soak in all that Walt and his team wanted to put forth in Disneyland.

Soooo many people, me included, are too focused on "oh I gotta do this, I gotta do that" and then miss all the small details that make Disney so great.!

Have a wonderful trip, I know you will enjoy it.

 

[KellaCat]

Disneyland at Christmas is wonderful! Enjoy the parade and fireworks, and the snow on Main Street. Watch the candy canes being made and buy a FRESH one! Take the time to visit the Grand Californian for the Christmas decorations. Enjoy!!