First trip EVER! Whats the "can't miss attractions?"

[crystal12605]

We are a family of five. My husband has gone years ago but he wasn't looking for kid stuff to do because he didn't have any. Last time I went I was 7 and we went for two hours. Fastward and we have three kids ages 3, 5, and 6. A mix of boy and girls. I was wondering what are the things we just can't miss out on? I want everything from food to rides and all the inbetweens... We will be there from dec 20 - dec 27. Thanks so much for helpping me plan our first ever family vacation and let hope it wont be the last. I am just too excited!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

First, check out the Christmas SuperThread. It's a magical time to go and there are a lot of fun things going on during the holidays.

Second, go with a plan. It'll be VERY busy, and will get busier as your trip progresses.

How many days are you going to be in the parks?

 

[crystal12605]

We will be in the parks for 6 days. Thanks so much I will be check that out tonight when all the little ones are asleep, this trip is a surprise. My daughter is six and has been begging all year and said its the one dream she has. She also told her teacher its the one dream she doesn't think will come true. (breaks my heart) I know she will be so happy and I just want to make this trip as special for my children as I possibly can. Thanks again.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Great! You will have plenty of time to do everything you want to do.

Some of my kids favorites for the holiday season specifically:
*Santa and his reindeer at Big Thunder Ranch (yes actual reindeer).
*Fireworks followed by snow falling on Main Street (also falls by Small World & Rivers of America) to "White Christmas"
*Watching the projections on Small World in the evening
*The Holiday Parade

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Agree! I usually skip parades, but the Holiday Parade is worth it. Snow is totally cool too (coming from someone who hates snow too LOL)

You'll already be getting some cool perks just by going the time you're going. Haunted Mansion Holiday is really fun..same with the overlay on Small World. My kids LOVED it. They'll probably be disappointed when we go in the summer and they're both normal lol

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Agree! I usually skip parades, but the Holiday Parade is worth it. Snow is totally cool too (coming from someone who hates snow too LOL)

You'll already be getting some cool perks just by going the time you're going. Haunted Mansion Holiday is really fun..same with the overlay on Small World. My kids LOVED it. They'll probably be disappointed when we go in the summer and they're both normal lol

It was our 6th trip before my kids saw Haunted Mansion in its original form....they preferred the NBC overlay. Definitely less scary for the little ones. I actually really like the holiday version. It's more "fun".

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

It was our 6th trip before my kids saw Haunted Mansion in its original form....they preferred the NBC overlay. Definitely less scary for the little ones. I actually really like the holiday version. It's more "fun".

Exactly the way I feel. I actually don't love NBC, but my husband and kids do. I LOVE that ride. Much cuter and more kid friendly. I wish there was some way to have both. I'm not sure I can get DS on regular HM. I showed him a ride through a long time ago and he couldn't even watch..but LOVED the overlay. Hmmmm

 

[scrappinbear78]

We are going to be in DL the exact same time you are going to be there and this is our first time there as well. I don't have any tips on must see or do, but just thought it was cool that we will be there Dec. 20-27 as well. We are driving down from Portland Oregon and staying at the Best Western Park Place. Our kids are older though at 10 and 12. If I come across anything that is a MUST DO in my planning will pass it on.

 

[larina]

I can't wait to see the holiday version of WOC. We are there the 23rd through the 27th.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I can't wait to see the holiday version of WOC. We are there the 23rd through the 27th.

It's just one scene that will be holiday themed. Not the whole show.

 

[larina]

OK, thanks, now I won't be disappointed. I think I've actually heard that, but it just didn't register.

I still say, don't miss WOC if you like light/color show sort of things. I thought it was truly awesome!

 

[Mickeyflower]

Mr. Toads Wild Ride & Jungle Cruise are 2 attractions that were there when Disneyland first opened. Carnation Cafe on Main Street USA is good for lunches. THey have a half sandwich & soup for $10 and a decent kids menu, plus it's right on Main Street, perfect for people watching while you lunch (well if your able to watch other people with 3 kids to look after). Not sure if you know this or not, but your younger kids can go on any ride/attraction that does not have a height requirement, which is quite a lot! I think Big Thunder Ranch has some crafting or cookie decorating, and they usually have real reindeers too! Try to get one of the candy canes too. They make them fresh, and if I remember right, you can find out when they are making them (they sell out FAST) so you can plan right.

Have a GREAT TIME! I've always wanted to go for Christmas (even thought is REALLY BUSY) I like reading how people make their hotel room all christmas-y, sooooo cute!

 

[crystal12605]

We are driving down from Medford, Oregon. too funny!

 

[scrappinbear78]

That is too funny. We will be leaving Portland on Dec. 19 around 2 or 3 in the morning. We will drive all day and stop somewhere in Cali at a really cheap hotel for the night. Get up around 5 on the 20th and drive the remaining 3 or 4 hours (or less depending on where we stop) So, we will get to our hotel way earlier then it will be available, so the hope is it will be ready. If not, then we will go do the little shopping we need to do. We want to go to Wal-Mart and other places to pick up snacks, a small Christmas tree and decorations. We may even hit Downtown Disney that day, but won't actually go into DL until the 21st. Since we only have the 6 day park hopper and will actually be in the area for 8 days, we have to figure out things to do the first day and the last day that don't include DL. I figure once we get into town, go to the store and pick up what we need and get the decoration stuff....it should be time that we can check into the hotel. We will then spend the remaining evening decorating our room for Christmas. We will either just eat in the room and go to bed early and get a good night sleep, or grab something from a restaurant right there or even in DTD. We will get up the next morning well rested with the room decked out for the holidays, get breakfast and be in line for the rope drop. From there I have NO clue what we are doing. I am attempting to figure out what dinning reservations I want to make, what days we want to go and do particular things, what we really need to get fast passes for, where we want to eat Christmas dinner (hubby wants a prime rib dinner so have to try and figure out where we can get that, kids could care less and I can't eat...so just have to please him), and then just making sure that we make sure we see EVERYTHING and do EVERYTHING so that there are NO regrets. This is also the kids FULL Christmas gift, so any souvenirs that I want to give them as "gifts" from Santa for Christmas morning that they are bought and hidden the best we can in a hotel room.

 

[kailuagirl]

I'd look at the rides ahead of time and find the "special" one to be your first ride. Ours with our daughter is Dumbo. Athough she's only been 2x, this is going to be our first ride every single time we go to DL.

Your kids are going to love it and I can't wait to find out what your DD does when she finds out she is going!! How exciting.

My do not miss list is:

Dumbo, Peter Pan, IASW, Story Book, Casey, actually I guess all of Fantasyland, haha. But the top is the fireworks and snow afterwards. I just love, love, love that!

 

[SnowWhite09]

My 2 absolute must-dos in terms of rides are Pirates of the Carribean and Haunted Mansion, but Jungle Cruise is right up there too along with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. However, if your little ones are too young for some of these, everything in Fantasyland is wonderful.

I agree with the previous poster about choosing your first family ride. Our tradition is the Finding Nemo submarine ride - fun for all the family.

Have a great time!

 

[crystal12605]

Thanks for all the tips. We will be leaving on the 20th and take the entire day to drive there. Once we get to town we will go to a resturant for dinner and give the kids an early Xmas present, full of disney items, pjs, shirts, pez candy despensers etc. We will ask them what they think all that has in common and what it means. After a few minutes I will give my daughter a card that says, "WE ARE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!" She still learning to read so it will be exciting. We have to tell them before we get to the hotel because our hotel is right across the street. (At least that is what we are being told) I want to get the reactions on video and I really want my hubby to see their faces. (he is always the driver... Whata man!) If we show up to the hotel the surprise will be blown and no video. They have no idea we are going anywhere for christmas. We have our tree up and loaded with presents. They expect nothing. Mawhahahahaha. I just hope they will figure out mom gets to pick so rides too.

 

[rcgrahamm]

Hey - we are at DL right now, just drove from Amity, Oregon. I'll do a trip report in a few days. i have DD6 and 8, and 2 nephews both 11. Studio 365 and Build-a-Bear are musts. Also rainforest (jungle scene) was lots of fun.

 

[crystal12605]

Hey - we are at DL right now, just drove from Amity, Oregon. I'll do a trip report in a few days. i have DD6 and 8, and 2 nephews both 11. Studio 365 and Build-a-Bear are musts. Also rainforest (jungle scene) was lots of fun.

Awesome! Thanks