Going to DL with kids and have questions

[hipmaman]

Hi,

I only went to DL many many years ago as a university student. This is the first time I do Disney with my children and have not a clue where to start and what to plan for. Please help me...

Dh, kids (one is close to 4 yrs at time of travel and the other is 5 yrs old) and I flying to visit family in SoCal. My aunt lives in Anaheim Hills and we will be staying with her. I would like to take the kids to DL and have questions with planning the trip.

We are going to be there from Apr 30 to May 7. What days should we go to DL to avoid long waiting time? How many days should we do DL with kids this age?

Although we plan to stay with with my aunt, but not opposed to staying in a hotel inside the park for one night. Should we stay in a hotel one night to see the night parade and have a character breakfast the next morning? Which night(s) of the week would the parade be on? Where should we stay (with reasonable rate)?

I'm sure I'll be back to ask for more help, but this is probably enough for now, lol. I'll be grateful for any wisdom you can share. Thank you.

 

[c&m]

From our experiences of when our kids were smaller, we tended to spend 3-4 days at DL and CA. We took those days slow and easy, making sure to take breaks. Sometimes, we would just go back to the hotel midday for 2-3 hours for naps or just to get away from the crowds, so the kids would be refreshed. It was even more imperative to take the midday break, if you plan to take the kids to see the Electrical Parade or the fireworks later on in the night.

By spreading it over a course of 4 days, we were able to see everything, without taxing the kids. Definitely a change for the park commando like me and my DH...but those breaks were key to a pleasant trip for everyone all around!!!

The hotel I recommend is the Candy Cane Inn or the Howard Johnson. They are close to the park entrance and seem be faves of quite a lot of people on this board. If your budget allows the DL hotel, PP, or GC, then go for it!!! We've stayed at the Anaheim Marriott and the Anaheim Hilton...nice hotels but about a 15-20 min. walk or a $9 cab ride one-way to/from DL. With small children, that may not work for you, if you want a quick dash back to the hotel.

 

[jgmklmhem]

Just wanted to give you the heads up that Disneyland will be closed on May 4th and that May 5th is the kick off for the 50th birthday celebration for Disneyland so it is probably going to be very very very crowded the last days you are in Cali.

 

[disneychrista]

California Adventure will be open on May 4th for those who still want to go to a park that day.

If you are not interested in going to the open day of the 50th celebration I would avoid the 5th, as I am sure it will be very crowded.

 

[hipmaman]

Thank you for the help. Do you mind more questions???

I see there is the SoCal City Pass on Costco.com for great prices and wonder if this Hopper Pass woud get us to Disney Adventure as well? It seems to have what I want or have time to do (Disneyland, Sea World, SD Zoo, Knott's Farm). Anyone can advice me on this? Oh, the new one for after Mar something will be available in Feb for purchase.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...4&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=4835&hierPath=111*4835*

I read somewhere on the forum that we have to book tickets in advance for things like the Character breakfast (is there a Character dinner as well?) What things/events should I consider?

Thanks for the help and the tips on May 4 and 5. We leave LAX on May 6 and was thinking maybe we would go to DL on Sat, Apr 30 and Sun, May 1. Go the SD, Knott's, visit family and if maybe brave the crowd in DL to do May 5, just to see the 50th celebration. By this time, we have 'done' many things in DL and not real worry about missing rides and such. Sounds like a plan?

One last question (for now ). How do I add a countdown window to my signature? I'm so excited!!!

 

[disneychrista]

Yes it will get you into DCA as well as Disneyland Park. Disneland Park and DCA are often just called Disneyland (Resort).
Yes it is a very good idea to book priority seatings for any restaurants that allow them. The only Character Dinner that I can think of is at Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyalnd Hotel.
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