First trip to Disneyland

[crickee]

My husband and I just decided last night to take the kids to DL after Christmas this year. We've done WDW about 8 times, including last year after Christmas, and thought DL would be nice for a change. We are looking at going from Dec 26thor 27th and returning on Jan. 3rd or 4th (with most of both the first and last day taken up flying cross country). I have so many questions; here are a few:

1. How many days should we spend at DL? I have children ages 4 and 6 and I was thinking 3 or 4 days. We would then spend a day doing something else, such as the San Diego Zoo and a day just hanging out.

2. What's the weather like? We took some of everything to WDW last December and needed everything from sweatshirts and jackets to shorts.

3. The disneyland sites offers the option of a buying a certain # of meals ahead. Can these meals be spread out over the days?

4. Any other suggestions of things to do - such as a Mission City to go to?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks for any info you can give me.

Crickee

 

[daannzzz]

You can do the Disneyland resort in 3 days. I know that the week bewteen Christams and New years is super busy though. Allow 2 for Disneyland and 1 for Disney's California Adventure. 4 days would be great.
Be prepared for very nice days to cool evenings or maybe a little rain and very cold evenings. We have been ther some nights in december that were so cold we had to buy extra sweatshirts, and I already had one on over my regular shirt.!!! Be ready for anything. You can get away with shorts during the day sometimes so have those ready.
Other things to do in the area...
San Diego Zoo
Legoland
Knott's Berry Farm
Queen Mary
Hollywood ( not a big deal really)
Universal Studios (Much better than Florida as far as the actual studio part goes but the kids mught not care. Universal Orlando is a better theme park.)

 

[pinktink83]

1. How many days should we spend at DL? I have children ages 4 and 6 and I was thinking 3 or 4 days. We would then spend a day doing something else, such as the San Diego Zoo and a day just hanging out.

I agree with above poster 3 days is just fine, and 4 days will be plenty. In fact, I think 4 days might be sensory over load for the younger ones! Maybe if 6 year old is still wanting to ride "bigger" rides, one parent can stay an extra day with him/her, while the other parent relaxes with the younger kids?

As for other things to do, if you're going to be in San Diego, there's always Sea World. Try the Scripps Aquarium for something different. I went there in 6th grade for a school field trip and remember loving it. I know my 2 year old LOVES looking at fish, and with Finding Nemo just out, it would probably be pretty cool for them. I think they had a tide pool with starfish & shells you could pick up, too. Plus its not as expensive as Sea World, hehe. You can also take boat trips out into the harbor. I loved seeing the sea lions and the army submerines! Or for something quick and cheap, drive over the bridge. I thought that was so scary but neat! Seems like I remember a big "pirate-like" ship in San Diego on the water that you could tour, which I really wanted to do, but we didn't have time. (anyone know what I am thinking about?) And even though its too cold to swim, a stop at the beach to pick up shells is still fun. These are just things that stood out to me when I went there as a child so I think they would be a hit with the younger ones! Have fun!

PS. Just saw the post at the very top of the page....."What else to do in CA" its pinned to the top, check it out!

 

[mytmouse]

The Pirate Ship is called the "Star of India", it is just an old Windjammer sailing vessel (no big deal really). A great place for the kids to run around and blow off some steam (not to mention inexpensive) is Balboa Park. You could pack a picnic lunch and just enjoy a day at the park. There are some museums, also a giant Merry Go Round (not sure if this is still there as it has been a while since we have been to the Park). Also a picnic lunch at the beach is a good way to spend the day. While the sun may not come out, it still is fun to dress warm and enjoy the sounds and smells of the ocean(take it from someone who grew up in SD).

What ever you do, it will be DL the little ones will remember and talk about the most. Have a great vacation.