First time with kiddo

[jaloopi]

Hello - I have been to DL several times before as a kid in the 80s and once as an adult 3.5 years ago (Cards Land was under construction). DH and 5-year-old DS have never been. We have 3-day park hoppers for Mon 2/23, Tues 2/24, and Wed 2/25 (I haven't purchased tickets yet but thought the park hopper would be best?). I can't figure out which park to do which days. Star Tours and Jedi Training are on the top of my son's list. I love all the rides, so I will be riding the ones DS is too short for (DH will not go on any "roller coaster" type rides).

Our flight arrives Monday morning, so we won't get to the park until around noon that day. I'm thinking of spending 2 days at DL and one day at DCA based on what I've read on the boards, but I can't decide if we should do DL Mon (late start) and Tues, or Tues and Wed.

Tuesday we can take advantage of the early entrance at DL.

Thank you!

 

[chickapin parterre]

So all that rushing to the airport, all that discomfort on the plane, rushing to travel to Disneyland, checking in to lodging......time to breathe and DCA will be that refreshing gasp of air. A good time to judge fear factor of son on mermaid ride, explore Bugs land in the sunlight, good time for husband to relax without the crowds and all the vistas. And at night you can see Radiator Springs light up . Crush will be a great place for son to rest if nap is needed or maybe even a wall in Animation building. And then if husband says, "Hon, this place is like a State Fair." you can respond, Yep, the magic is over there...... Imagine Tuesday morning, walking into a fresh park, no people, the music, the anticipation, a better chance of magic then afternoon bustle.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I think Wednesday at DCA if you're planning on either RSR or the Frozen stuff, just because you'll want to probably be there earlier in the day to get your fast passes (or just get straight on RSR if you're there at rope drop). Your 5-year-old, if he's anything like my 4-year-old, will insist on going on RSR and it's ridiculous to stand in line for an hour if you don't have to. It's fast, so DH might not like it, but you have to do it. So I guess my vote would be DL on Mon and Tues and DCA Wed. Have fun no matter what you decide!

 

[nikkislaght]

Some people want to get to the parks straight away, and will go on their travel day.. others like me.. like to have that travel day. and go to the parks the next day.
On our travel day , we get to the hotel, leave our bags go to the supermarket . go to DTD, get some souvenirs, window shop, and then get an early dinner. go to top of Hotel to watch the fireworks,, then bed. and hit the parks bright and early the next day. We always get hoppers, it allows you the freedom of knowing that oh we have an hour before so and so. lets hop, do this and then go back ..
We always start at Disneyland.. and go to the back of the park.. and work our way forward.. we get our Mickey , Minnie , Goofy and pluto photos at Toontown and then play around there for awhile.. then walk to F/L . if you do get 3 day hoppers you may get a Magic Morning.. if you can do it your first morning. that way you will be fresh and ready for an early morning...
Take plenty of snacks and make sure you take time for a rest.. either by going back to hotel ,, we head over to Toms Island... for my son to be able to run around is a rest for him.. lol he has ADHD and standing still and walking is very draining for him.. so to be able to run is his release.. also if your son likes animals.. make time to go to the petting zoo.. they have a few goats that they can pet and walk among. in C/A they have the redwood challenge to run and play in .. again a nice way to let the kids loose for a bit ..
Anyway hope you have a great trip, no matter which way you do it ..

 

[cherice95403]

Definately get the park hopper. We tend to bounce back and forth a lot and it's pretty fast and easy. On your arrival day, I'd head to DL and grab the fastpass of your choice and plan to watch the parade at 4pm, maybe see a show (Mickey and the Magical Map), Small World is almost always an easy on. If they are available, you could try and get Fantasmic Fast Passes. Definitely plan to be at DCA at rope drop one day to get through Carsland.