First trip with my new family

[Markie Mouse]

Hello, Im new to the community and very happy to see Im not the only Disneyland fanatic. I have been going at least every other year since I was 5. Now I am 25 and have a family of my own. This march will be my first solo trip with my wife and my daughter (we are leaving the 2 month old with his grandma). This will be a short trip because we both have internships to come back to. We are leaving the 26th and going to DLR on the 28th and 29th. I am hoping for some advice about parking, best times for parks, and food recommendations.

Parking? I am staying in venice with my wive's grandparents and need to know about what time to leave there to get to the parking lot at 7am. And when I get there, which parking lot do I use? I have heard some parking lots have been shut down. Can I enter the parking lot on Harbor Blvd and Disney Way?

Times? I was wondering if I should go to DCA on the 28th since its on a sunday and DLR will be packed and just reserve the 29th as DLR day. Should I buy 1 more day at DLR and spend the 27th day at DCA?

Food? I have heard many suggestions for food from this community but we can't make up our minds. What do Monte Cristo's taste like (sour?salty?heavy?light?greasy?) my daughter really wants to try gumbo, is it spicy? Should we stick to the quick foods like chimies, corn dogs, and turkey legs?

Thanks

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi Markie Mouse & to the DIS.

I'm sure you will get a lot of good advice here on the boards. We also have information at the top of the Disneyland Board for visiting the parks. Be sure to check out the sticky faq thread at the top, too. There is a lot of good info there.

 

[Markie Mouse]

Thanks. I can't wait fot this trip. I will have video and pics when I return. Me and my wife have made a promise to return when our son is 2 yrs old go every other year after that. No other place on earth brings out the kid in you like DLR.

 

[Markie Mouse]

Anyone please? Im going on friday and need some help.

 

[Raindown]

I'm glad to see you are going to take advantage of the morning. Even on busy days it seems that 7/8 (opening time) to 10:30/11ish is still pretty mild. People just don't get up early I guess.

Food really depends on what you want to eat. Personally not a huge gumbo fan, so I stick to the clam chowder.

I think parking is really going to depend on when you get there and what lot they are filling at the time, but it is probably going to end up being the structure. I like the structure, it is shaded and the spots are comfortably sized. I hate to say it but I'm not afraid to skip a spot when someone parks over/on the line. Getting dents out of a German import is not cheap. However, I find adults are generally careful with the doors.

I'm not sure how you are buying your tickets. Park hoppers don't seem that much more than single day admissions. Perhaps that flexibility is worth it to you. Plus, I believe if you buy a 3 day, it will give you access to one magic morning.

 

[Markie Mouse]

Thanks Raindown, is the structure close to the entrance? I was hoping to get some parking on the one at Harbor and Disney Way because its the closest one. I have never used their parking if you can tell. I always stay at a Hotel within walking distance, but after getting hit with a $900 car repair bill we are saving about $500. Is there a reference to what the parking areas are called? I have heard M&F or Pocohontas parking but would like to know which side each one is on.

The 3 day makes more sense but now my wife woke up set on going to the beach on Sat. We are from AZ so the beach will be real cold to us but sometimes there is no convincing her.

One more question, are they really strict about age at the front gate about age? My DD(3) turned 3 about 3 weeks ago but we are hoping to get her in as a 2 yr old. Plus our grandparents in Cali bought us the tickets with So. Cal discount, do they check ID to verify you are from Cali? Because technically they bought them for us and did not resell them. Just stressin and worrying before we go to make sure the trip goes smoothly as possible.

 

[Raindown]

Yea the structure is called Mickey & Friends. I haven't parked anywhere else and I usually get to DLR around opening. However, there is a lot next to the structure that I hear they fill first. I think it is the Pinocchio lot. The M&F structure is not far, but they offer trams to take you to the main gate area. In the morning the wait, if any, is short. At night the trams get a little busy and I don't mind walking to M&F. I wish I could provide you with streets, but I usually just exit the freeway and bam into the structure half asleep. I'm sure there is a map or google maps can show you.

As for the gate. I'm not sure about age. I don't have kids so I don't have any experience in that area. Before getting an AP I have used the SoCal tickets, but was not asked for an ID (but nothing beyond a 2-day hopper). However, those tickets were e-tickets bought and paid for via my SoCal credit card info. I think the general feeling on this board is that the use of SoCal tickets is fine if the resident is with you, but beyond that it is risky.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Hello, Im new to the community and very happy to see Im not the only Disneyland fanatic. I have been going at least every other year since I was 5. Now I am 25 and have a family of my own. This march will be my first solo trip with my wife and my daughter (we are leaving the 2 month old with his grandma). This will be a short trip because we both have internships to come back to. We are leaving the 26th and going to DLR on the 28th and 29th. I am hoping for some advice about parking, best times for parks, and food recommendations.

Parking? I am staying in venice with my wive's grandparents and need to know about what time to leave there to get to the parking lot at 7am. And when I get there, which parking lot do I use? I have heard some parking lots have been shut down. Can I enter the parking lot on Harbor Blvd and Disney Way?

Times? I was wondering if I should go to DCA on the 28th since its on a sunday and DLR will be packed and just reserve the 29th as DLR day. Should I buy 1 more day at DLR and spend the 27th day at DCA?

Food? I have heard many suggestions for food from this community but we can't make up our minds. What do Monte Cristo's taste like (sour?salty?heavy?light?greasy?) my daughter really wants to try gumbo, is it spicy? Should we stick to the quick foods like chimies, corn dogs, and turkey legs?

Thanks

It could take you up to 2 hours to get from Venice to Anaheim in the AM traffic. To me the Monte Cristo is greasy, think of it as deep fried french toast with meat or cheese. I would park hop and not just dedicate a day to DL. Have a great trip.

Jack

 

[DisneyMomma81]

One more question, are they really strict about age at the front gate about age? My DD(3) turned 3 about 3 weeks ago but we are hoping to get her in as a 2 yr old. Plus our grandparents in Cali bought us the tickets with So. Cal discount, do they check ID to verify you are from Cali? Because technically they bought them for us and did not resell them. Just stressin and worrying before we go to make sure the trip goes smoothly as possible.

Your 3 year old needs a ticket ~ come on - if you wanted to get her in for free you should've visited before her B~day *you would've dealt with less crowds as well* Honesty is the best policy.

Have fun.

 

[Disney Dreams]

How exciting! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Disney vacation!

...Parking? I am staying in venice with my wive's grandparents and need to know about what time to leave there to get to the parking lot at 7am. And when I get there, which parking lot do I use? I have heard some parking lots have been shut down. Can I enter the parking lot on Harbor Blvd and Disney Way?[\quote]
You will most likely be directed to the structure, as posted above. From there, they have trams that take you to DtD and the entrances for both DL and DCA.

Times? I was wondering if I should go to DCA on the 28th since its on a sunday and DLR will be packed and just reserve the 29th as DLR day. Should I buy 1 more day at DLR and spend the 27th day at DCA?

I would suggest paying the difference and getting Park Hoppers. You will find that it is very easy to go back and forth between the 2 Parks (if you don't mind a little walking). A 3 day PH will let you go back and forth between both Parks throughout your entire visit.

Food? I have heard many suggestions for food from this community but we can't make up our minds. What do Monte Cristo's taste like (sour?salty?heavy?light?greasy?) my daughter really wants to try gumbo, is it spicy? Should we stick to the quick foods like chimies, corn dogs, and turkey legs?

Food is such a personal preference issue it's sort of hard to answer this one, but.... We like to do 1 meal where we actually sit down at a table (even if it's buffeteria-style) and then grab things throughout the rest of our visit as we get hungry. Again, though, it really depends on your family's style.

One more question, are they really strict about age at the front gate about age? My DD(3) turned 3 about 3 weeks ago but we are hoping to get her in as a 2 yr old.

But, she's not 2. If she's 3, she needs a ticket.

Plus our grandparents in Cali bought us the tickets with So. Cal discount, do they check ID to verify you are from Cali? Because technically they bought them for us and did not resell them. Just stressin and worrying before we go to make sure the trip goes smoothly as possible.

This is a topic of much debate. Technically, they are for SoCal residents. However, since you can buy up to 8, it is interpreted by many that the SoCal resident can buy for him/herself AND family / friends. Many people here have reported using SoCal tickets and not being asked for IDd; however, Disney has the right to ask for ID.

To get the REAL answer to this, I would suggest asking Disney directly. 714-781-4000.

- Dreams

 

[Markie Mouse]

Your 3 year old needs a ticket ~ come on - if you wanted to get her in for free you should've visited before her B~day *you would've dealt with less crowds as well* Honesty is the best policy.

Have fun.

I know, we really wish we could have but My DW was going to school, I was working 2 jobs and interning for a new career at another studio, and my wife just had our new son. This trip is actually a late B-Day Gift, DW's grad celebration, and my quick vacation before Im back to working my tail off again. Im only 24 and am not in the position to take time off as I please. We Planned this trip before the new baby but Life happens. Thanks, I'll see if we can get more tickets.

 

[Brady's Mom]

If you can swing the Parkhoppers they would be your best bet. You can switch between DL and CA really easily and if you are tired of one park or feeling crowded or whatever you can switch. Also, if your wife wants to hit the beach on Sat. you should do it. BUT, go to DL first and hit up some rides while the lines are short and collect FP's. Save your fast passes and head out of the parks around noon or so when the weather will be warmer - head to Huntington beach (about 20 ish minutes away) sit in the sand, walk in the water, enjoy the beach for awhile. Come back to DLR when you have had enough beach and use up those saved FP's and eat some dinner, catch the fireworks or the DEP. That way you get the best of both worlds. Beach and Disney!! Hope you have a great trip!

 

[blackjackdelta]

I know, we really wish we could have but My DW was going to school, I was working 2 jobs and interning for a new career at another studio, and my wife just had our new son. This trip is actually a late B-Day Gift, DW's grad celebration, and my quick vacation before Im back to working my tail off again. Im only 24 and am not in the position to take time off as I please. We Planned this trip before the new baby but Life happens. Thanks, I'll see if we can get more tickets.

We all try to save a $$. There are sometimes pitfalls when try going around Disney's rules, and they seem to come down when you least expect them to. Heck, I am 60+, still work two jobs so does my DGF. There is nothing wrong with hardwork.
Have a great time and enjoy your family.

Jack

 

[Markie Mouse]

Thanks Jack , we are so excited. Do you know if disney offers exchanges if you haven't picked up the tickets? We were trying to get a hold of our grandpa but he already bought the tickets. He said we have to pick them up which I dont think we can cause we are not So Cal residents. We want to maybe exchange them for the 3 day for 2 special. its only $50 more/person.