Help break up my routine!

[squirrelgirl]

Hi all! First time posting on this board. I hope you all can help me out of my family's routine.

We are going to DL in a couple of weeks and staying at DLH. Family of four..two kids ages 5 & 8. We are very fortunate in that we have taken the kids on many occassions. They certainly love it. Everytime we go, the kids just love their routine..same rides, same places to eat, etc. It is all fine and wonderful, but I would like to just introduce them to one or two new and fun things. I can usually try out a new ride with them; last time we went we went on Buzz..I know that is now going to be part of the plan.

Can anyone suggest something just a little different, maybe something often overlooked that you find really special? Like I said, we are vets to the park..and I was just looking to get some new ideas to make sure that they are still suprised and find it all as magical as possible.

Thanks!

 

[Aggie96]

If you haven't done Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe, try that. Go for lunch or dinner and then if you don't like the show, you won't have wasted any time because you would have been eating somewhere anyway! The food is perfect for families. I won't go in to any more detail because this may be one of those things you already do. We actually did this twice on our last trip even though we hadn't intended to do it at all. It's just such a fun alternative to sitting down somewhere to eat while NOT being entertained.

 

[Tink33]

Visit the animation building in DCA. In the Sorcerer's Workshop take the test to determine which Disney character you are most like. Then go on a quest to find the smashed penny machine with the character you are most like. (Bring shiny 2005 pennies with you)

If you are visiting a ride for the first time, you might be able to get the smashed penny for that too.

Try to find all of the Hidden 50's located around Disneyland.

Go to the Adventureland Bizarre across from Jungle Cruise. In the back of the shop you can rub the lamp and have the Genie grant you a wish (I think it is $.50)

Try to ride a Golden Vehicle.

 

[Chickysmom]

Do you eat at the Blue Bayou? That's really fun! The child's menu and the lunch pricing is actually not bad and the food is good. Make reservs early tho and make sure to ask for a table by the water so the kids get a good look at the POC boats floating by!

 

[Janomi]

Consider spending some time in Innoventions. It's indoors, so air conditioning is always nice. The lower level of Innoventions has VMK computers, a virtual fireworks game, and specially led CM games in which you can win TiVo plushes and whatnot.

Upstairs, there are playstation dance dance revolution games that can eat up time quickly. There is also a new asimo (robot) display upstairs to interact with. And when you're finally bored or overwhelmed by Innoventions, swing over to the Rocketpad area for some food. (right next door).

 

[MousseauMob]

I'm not sure what DLH does but 2 things we did last time we went were at the hotel - and they were a BLAST. The DGC had a little event that my DS(8 at the time) went to where they showed us how to fold little towel (in our case washcloth) animals. We were allowed to keep our creations and we loved them. It was a small group and we had a great time creating our creations. DS modified his slightly and created a new creation - he was so proud when the CM asked him to show them what he did to create his squid so they could duplicate it.

Also, they put on a Mickey's cooking class where the kids made Mickey shaped PB&J sandwiches and they made little cakes in their own little easy back oven. They were so adorable in their aprons and hats. Then one of the chef's from one of the resort restaurants came in and brought them all a treat to try and signed their chef certificate and gave them real chef hats to take home! So my suggestion is look at the activites the resort is doing and try some of them also!

 

[crazymama]

Hi there. We just got back three days ago so the trip is really fresh in my mind. The kids loved Turtle Talk with Crush (from Nemo) in DCA (animation building). They loved talking to Stitch in Innoventions and were totally enamoured with meeting Push (the talking trash can) in Tomorrowland. Unfortunately, meeting him is really hit and miss. They met him once and then stalked out Tomorrowland after that but were never able to meet him again. The Aladdin Musical in DCA is really professional and entertaining. We also loved Build a Bear in downtown Disney (but be prepared to drop a few pennies there!!!!).

 

[funnygarcia]

Look for the DL kitties (feral cats that live in DL and DCA, watch for them in darker areas of park: NOS, back trail by BTMRR, Hungry Bear. DCA: under the "train" with the bakery/ice cream place)
Wait for the "fish" to jump -- stand on the bridge along Big Thunder Trail by BTMRR, there are real koi in the pond there but there is also a fake fish on a loop that jumps up.

Have you fed the Koi at DLH? That's a fun and magical experience for children and adults. They have a little sign posted with feeding times, the CM has you kneel on a platform over the water, food in hand, the koi come to you and suck the food off

I know a web site that lists all sorts of memorable things to do
http://www.thegoodgirls.com/small_memories.htm
Sadly some things you no longer can do.. like the "dancing waters show" at DLH and "Play Who Wants to be a Millionaire—Play It".

Something I plan to do on my next trip.. have hot chocolate while sitting at the outdoor fireplace at GCH.
Exit the GCH lobby thru door near the freplace, outside is another fireplace with a patio consisting of comfy chairs and chaise lounges with built in heating units in the ceiling. Not many people know it's there.

 

[BrerMama]

Have you done the Discover the Magic tour with them? Sounds like a bunch of fun!

 

[HydroGuy]

There are VMK quests you can do. They send you around DL looking for clues to things to complete the quests. This is over near Innoventions.

 

[got2travel]

funnygarcia - thank you so much for posting the link. I had found my print out from a long time ago and was trying to remember the link where I got it from. I've got it bookmarked now.