First Trip...Can you Help Me?!

[trctjs]

We are traveling to Disneyland for the very first time the beginning of June. (I went as a 12 year old....but only for one day and don't remember much).

Our kids will be almost 7, almost 5 and 1.5. We have booked the Kids Suite at HOJO's.

We plan to visit the park June 1, 2 and 3.

Any tips on how many days we need park hoppers? Do we need 2 days in 1 park?

And....what about the best places to eat? I know we want to do Ariel's Grotto for sure.

Thanks!

 

[dizneedoll]

I would say 2 days for Disneyland and 1 day for DCA and you should be able to do and see the things you want to see. There are several places along Harbor Blvd between Hojo and DL entrance to eat at. Mimi's Cafe is a favorite. Inside the park my favorite is Cafe Orleans, they serve the Monte Cristo sandwich which is the best imho. Blue Bayou can't be beat for atmosphere but it is pricey and service has been sketchy. If you go to BB, make an early lunch reservation and ask to be seated by the water. DTD has good places too depending on your tastes and what the kids like, Ralph Brennans is good and despite what people say I do like Rainforest Cafe especially with kids.
As to park hoppers, it's nice to have them especially here when it's so easy to just walk between the parks. I would say if they fit into your budget then get them.
We stay at Hojo for every trip now and love it! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Raindown]

I deals on park hoppers are pretty good, you mind as well buy all you days as hoppers. That what you can do anything you want whenever. Plus with a 3 day park hopper with till get a Magic Morning.

 

[purpleorchids]

How fun. I will also be going back the first time next year with the girls (they are much younger) so I'm trying to get as much info as possible also

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Visit both parks each day. Have you read the tips at the top of the board? If not I suggest you do so. Have fun.

 

[rentayenta]

I would get 3 day hoppers.

Storytellers for breakfast has Chip n Dale and you don't have to order the buffet. Buffets get really old really fast.

If possible I would be to the park about 30 minutes before rope drop (opening), take a midday break, and then return around dinner time.

Mimi's is right by HoJo- good food, big portions, at great prices- easily enought to share.

Bring your own stroller. They are $$$ to rent each day.

 

[Gisele]

It is wonderful that after such a long hiatus that you will be able to visit Disneyland again! Even though it will be your second trip, why not ask for your first visit button anyway? I might. And definitely do so for your children.... Any birthdays, or other special occasions? Disneyland has buttons for those days as well. And if it is a birthday, you may recieve a phone call from Goofy at City Hall.
Goofy's Kitchen receives rave reviews on this site, and in general as well. You may wish to ponder that possibility for dining. As for days, two days in Disneyland, and one in DCA, I too say is a good plan. I normally do not venture into DCA, because I suppose I am what is referred to as old school and am quite the Disney purist too. I like DCA, I do visit, but if you think I am missing while visiting Anaheim, just put an APB out for me in Disneyland!
You all have a wonderful and magical day and time while visiting the land!

 

[nana50]

Gisele OT but I just have to say I noticed you spell your name the French way the same as my granddaughter, with one L. She is named after her French grandmother.

 

[Gisele]

Bonsoir,

One of my most absolute favorite ballets is Giselle. I wanted to use that name as my user name, but someone had taken it already. So I dropped one L and voilà.. I was able to have this spelling as a user name. Good to know that the true French spelling is with one L. I did not know that, thank you. I am trying to learn the language too, not easy when you don't have a teacher. Bonne nuit A bientôt

 

[nana50]

Bonsoir,

One of my most absolute favorite ballets is Giselle. I wanted to use that name as my user name, but someone had taken it already. So I dropped one L and voilà.. I was able to have this spelling as a user name. Good to know that the true French spelling is with one L. I did not know that, thank you. I am trying to learn the language too, not easy when you don't have a teacher. Bonne nuit A bientôt

My usband is French and came her when he was 21, so I know it is a "real" French spelling. Bonne nuit

 

[Gisele]

Bonsoir,

If you know of a single French man that likes American women, let me know. That would be an additional good way not only to learn the language, but to also actually get a husband.

Bonne nuit

 

[Gisele]

Yeah I know.... too much information... ha!

 

[nana50]

Most French men love American women. However since my husband is now 63 years old, he is a bit beyond knowing any single men. All his brothers are married. He is the only family member to come to the states. The rest are all in France. A good way to meet French men is to join a "French Club" for francophilles in your city.

 

[Gisele]

Merci, that is a good idea. I especially love England, so if I am really fortunate, I will meet a real man that is English, and is fluent in the French language.

 

[bnbheartdisney]

I agree with dizneedoll, 2 days for Disneyland and 1 day for DCA. Although, if your budget allows, I would strongly suggest Park Hoppers!

 

[trctjs]

Is it better to buy our passes directly from disney or from the last minute travel website I've seen talked about elsewhere?

Will 3 character meals be too many? I don't want to overwhelm my kids!

Also....is there a way to make dining cheaper?

 

[trctjs]

Oh...and I recently found out that we are Pg with a surprise baby....

Will there be anything I can ride and enjoy with my kids?

 

[wasser]

Oh...and I recently found out that we are Pg with a surprise baby....

Will there be anything I can ride and enjoy with my kids?

Congrats! The list of things you can't do is probably far smaller than the things you can do.

The rides that would probably be not recommended for you would likely be coasters, including Indiana, and the big water rides (Splash in DL and Grizzly Rapids in DCA). The bumper cars in DCA might be avoided. The rest of the things to avoid would probably depend on you and your own tolerances (Teacups and Roger Rabbit both spin, Soarin' is sedate, but high, and Pirates in DL has a couple mild drops). Oh, Star Tours is pretty jarring and might not be recommended either.

That leaves a lot of rides to enjoy with your kids.

 

[MaiynaMouse]

Congrats on the newest addition.

I don't think 3 character meals would be too many. We generally always do a minimum of 3 of them and my kids never tire of them. My kids LOVE seeing the characters and I HATE standing in line for them. So, we do the character meals and cut the lines. Admittedly, I don't *love* the food of the character meals but the atmosphere is worth it to me. If you can afford it, go for it.
~mm