Help; Lots of Questions

[jenniferj5]

I'm trying to plan our trip and I need a bit of assistance.

Would November or December be a good time for a trip?

We live in Nebraska, stationed here with the military. Our family is in CA, so we're going to go while we're there.

We'll have a 5yr old, a 2.5yr old and a 1yr old.

Would it be better to leave the 1yr old with family? Or take him with us?

The last time I was there was in 2000. Is there anything new? What should we make a point to see for the kids.

And anyone know if they offer any military discounts? And where do I go to get them?

Thanks!

♥ Jennifer

 

[CalGal]

I'm trying to plan our trip and I need a bit of assistance.

Would November or December be a good time for a trip?

We live in Nebraska, stationed here with the military. Our family is in CA, so we're going to go while we're there.

We'll have a 5yr old, a 2.5yr old and a 1yr old.

Would it be better to leave the 1yr old with family? Or take him with us?

The last time I was there was in 2000. Is there anything new? What should we make a point to see for the kids.

And anyone know if they offer any military discounts? And where do I go to get them?

Thanks!

♥ Jennifer

Jennifer -- November/December is a wonderful time for a trip to DL! I would advise going after Veterans Day (around 11/11 I think) both to avoid the holiday crowds and to take advantage of most of the holiday decorations. IASW Holiday overlay is typically up around then. You also want to avoid Thanksgiving week and you probably want to schedule your trip before schools get out for Christmas (around 12/14?) Hours are shorter during the off-season though, and there won't be as many shows and parades, especially during the week.

As far as leaving the 1 year old at home, that's a hard, personal decision. I took my DS when he was 20 months old, and he had a great time. He was very comfortable with the characters, and was fearless on the rides. But I didn't have other young ones in tow.

There's lots of new things since 2000 including Buzz Lightyear and Nemo (fun for all ages) at DL, a revamped Space Mtn, Tom Sawyer's Island, new shows -- too many new things to list. There's also a lot of new things at DCA. The kids should really like most of the shows and parades. The Electric Light Parade is back (at DCA) but the past couple of years they haven't run in during the off season. It was my DS's favorite. If it were me, I'd consider scheduling my trip so that I had one Friday (or perhaps Sunday) to take advantage of fireworks and shows that might not be showing midweek. In fact, I might time it to end around 12/14 which just might be the first ELP showing.

Look into the 4th night free promos that have just been released if you are planning on staying that long. Sorry, I don't know anything about military discounts.

 

[jenniferj5]

thanks

my sons birthday is 12 november, so we'll probably be going sometime between then and thanksgiving.

still trying to figure out exactly when, lol.

my oldest has a weeks vacation in november and december, so we'll be taking out trip during that time, and taking him out of school for a week as well.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

well i would go at a time where you would be there thanksgiving or after. becouse thanksgiving day is when the christmas parade starts if you go earlyer you will miss it. thated be sad.

 

[WyoDisneyFan]

You should be able to get discounted passes through MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) (that what it was the Marines may have a different title for other branches.) and should be able to get them at the bases in the SoCal area. I would check with your base MWR office they should be able to get the info for you. Have a great time planning your trip!

 

[auntyjenn]

Would it be better to leave the 1yr old with family? Or take him with us?

Can the family you would leave him with come with you instead? We take the grandparents with us to DL (well, they pay their own way) and they love it (When DH and I asked them to watch the kids so we could go to DL alone they asked if they could watch them in DL ). Then when the kids poop out and need a nap the grandparents can go nap too. Or, at least there are more people to pass the baby around with. Just something else to considder.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

well im doing the same kinda..i mean i want them there and we will have fun, but ya if i ask for a few hours they will gladely watch him it happines all time and they love him. excpicaly since all im asking is they pay for tickets and there food lol

 

[jenniferj5]

Dh brought up them coming with us today . So that's definately an option.

But they may be moving out here soon, so I don't know what'll happen then.

I'm so excited to take my kids though. My oldest is already asking when we're going, lol.

 

[ter-moo]

I've always loved going the first couple weeks of December. Crowds are low, the decorations and Christmas fireworks are spectacular, and the hours are short (which is nice when you have small children--sort of forces you to take a break!)

I'd avoid the week around Christmas at all costs. It's wall to wall people, and they generally have to close the front gates on some days because the parks are at capacity.

The week of Thanksgiving is very crowded, too, as is Veteran's Day weekend.

Take your 1 year old!!! There is plenty to enjoy, and you can do a kid swap with your husband on the bigger rides (you'd probably have to anyway with the other two being as young as they are.)

When you were last there, was CA Adventure finished? If not, there's a whole other park since you were last there!