First timer: Taking 3YO DD and 1YO DS to DL...fun tips? (m)

[merela]

DH's company outing is Disneyland this year which happens to be DS' 1st birthday and our first trip to Disneyland. We'll be there 12/7 (Sat). Our 3YO is extremely excited about the trip. What rides can you recommend that we do? We should be in the park by 10am.

Since DH's company is offering complimentary continental breakfast at the California Grand, I don't think we'll be hungry before 1pm. I'll make PS at Blue Bayou around 1pm. Is that a good time? I see from another board that BB opens until 3:45pm for lunch. Will I still need PS for later seatings? Will waterside tables be dangerous for an active 1YO? There will be 4 adults and 2 children, will we be able to get waterside table easily?

My 3YO loves rollercoaster (she's a fan of the movie State Fair), but I told her she's too young for rollercoaster. Is there a ride which she can ride and feels like a rollercoaster?

Any tips on what to see and ride will be most appreciated.

Thanks.

Jennifer

 

[IandGsmom]

Make PS, you will need it, especially on a Saturday. Request a waterside table but on such short notice be prepared to not have it. If there are no more PS for that day go first thing in the morning and see if you can make a reservation that day.

My biggest advice to you is this: GO EARLY!!! If you can be there before 10 am it would be ideal, that way you can hit all the Fantasyland rides that your kids can go on. Those rides have long long lines later in the day. There is one rollarcoster for kids in Toontown. The height requirment is 35 or 36 inches. Check disney.com.
The first time I took my twins they were 2 and no one thought we could have fun, but we did. We went on alot of stuff, even Haunted Mansion and POTC.
Saturdays are always busy but this Saturday is The Candlelight Procession & Ceremony so I expect it will be extra busy. Just make sure you all nap midday and go back in the evening for the fireworks. Have a great time, I'll be there next Saturday

 

[roymccoy]

Casey Jr's Railroad is pretty fast in some spots. Has sort of a rollercoaster feel. Also, there are a couple of little kid rollercoasters in Toon Town. One thing that my 3 1/12 year old loves to do is get character autographs. Don't miss Ariel's Grotto over by the Matterhorn.

Have a great time!

Roy

 

[magicpointeshoes]

Start with a non dark ride first like storybook canals, or It's a small world and then build up to the dark rides. Some kids really have a hard time with Snow White and Pinnochio, and don't want too go on anything if that's their first ride.

My little sister at that age was afraid of the characters (except the talking ones like the princesses). It didn't mean she wasn't interested in them though. She would stand a safe distance and watch me walk up and hug the character, and I would ask if they wouldn't mind blowing a kiss to my shy little sister. The characters *love* to do this because it's one less crying kid. he following year, my sister wasn't scared anymore and loved going up to characters!

Someone already suggested an autograph book. If you do this, think about getting one of tjose poloroid sticker cameras so you can stick a picture of your kid with the character next to each sig.

Hope this helps!

Laurel

 

[hookedup]

We have been taking our nearly 3 yr old son since his first birthday to DL. We have bought annual passes and live in So Cal and go a lot so I can definately give you some tips.

All the Fantasyland rides are fun but some can be a little intense with the loud noises and stuff. My son did better on some of the rides when he was really little than he does now - some stuff scares him more now then it did when he was a small baby! Dumbo is great and so are the other rides too. Small World is my sons all time most favorite and he begs to go on it constantly!!

In Toontown there is a small coaster that she can ride if she is over 34 inches. My son was really freaked out the first time we did that but then wanted to go on it again right away - warning this one has a line frequently - and it moves slow! I hate waiting 30 minutes in line with a 2 year old for a ride that lasts 30 seconds! IMO there are a lot better ways to spend your time at Disneyland.

Your dd would probably love to meet Ariel at her grotto and usually there are other princesses throughout the day around the Castle area.

Finally regarding your question about Blue Bayou. The one thing I will warn you about is IT IS REALLY DARK in there - especially by the water. Your 1 year old will have to be in a high chair or you will really be stressed out.

The baby care center at the end of Main Steet is a great place.

You will have a ton of fun and make sure to take LOTS of pictures!!!