Help me decide what to do this year please!

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

Hello, I'll try to make this short.

We will be living in Tucson until 6/2010. We are planning a trip to So Cal this December and next. Our two little boys will be 23 months and 10 months this December.

So, one trip will be DLR and one trip will be San Diego (SW, Zoo, WAP).

Which one should we do this year given the ages of our children, and the places we want to visit?

Thanks for your opinions and any insight you might have for me!

 

[bonita_babe232]

I would go to disneyland this year.... then add a few extra days next year and go again

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

This is a tough one. Both trips have some serious merits for good memories and impressions on toddlers. My kids are pretty close to your age split, so I've been there... I'm really finding it hard to vote for one over the other, but my inclination is to go with the San Diego trip. (Did I just commit a heresy? )

The San Diego Zoo is amazing for them, but it requires a bit of hiking - it's built into a canyon and there are mulitple elevations that the exhibits are on. There are even outdoor escalators that help people get up the elevations. If you are taking two single strollers, it will be easier on you than a bulky double, as you won't be able to take advantage of the escalators. knowing this ahead of time is half the battle.

If your kids love fish - Sea World can't be beat for a day of fun and attention grabbing. Easier to tour than the Zoo.

I've never done Wild Animal Park, but we want to. We just don't get down to San Diego as much as we could.

All that being said, DL is probably the easiest choice. Ground is level, you can stay close to everything and walk to the parks, kids will be entertained.

Disneyland will always be there. DCA is in the process of improving and probably will have 1-2 more new attractions open if you go late 2009. It would also be a nice "send-off" to leaving the area if you save the "uber-Christmas trip extravaganza of DLR" for then. They will also be old enough to really enjoy more of it and the oldest one may even remember some of it, since some permanent early childhood memories seem to start sticking around age 3.

 

[davidsprincess]

DLR all the way

 

[BillyFan]

Go to DLR this year. Purchase APs, and then next year you can do both!

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

Nancy, thanks for your insight. I did not realize that the single strollers could go on the escalators. I just figured we would be out of luck when it comes to that.

I'm leaning more towards DLR, and DH is leaning towards SD. I'm thinking the attention span for SW and WAP and Zoo will be better next year.

DLR seems easier with a little one to me.

I'm really liking the idea of DLR this year, and a longer trip with SD and a couple of days of DLR next year. What did I think of that! If we do this, I'm thinking we would do it in October, and take advantage of the halloween things for something different.

OK, more to think about...thanks for your help, and I hope more people come and give me their opinions!

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

Go to DLR this year. Purchase APs, and then next year you can do both!

That's a really smart idea! You all are the best!

 

[davidsprincess]

Nancy, thanks for your insight. I did not realize that the single strollers could go on the escalators. I just figured we would be out of luck when it comes to that.

I'm leaning more towards DLR, and DH is leaning towards SD. I'm thinking the attention span for SW and WAP and Zoo will be better next year.

DLR seems easier with a little one to me.

I'm really liking the idea of DLR this year, and a longer trip with SD and a couple of days of DLR next year. What did I think of that! If we do this, I'm thinking we would do it in October, and take advantage of the halloween things for something different.


OK, more to think about...thanks for your help, and I hope more people come and give me their opinions!

You could always send DH to SD with the kids and you go to DLR.

 

[LittleBlackRaincloud]

You could always send DH to SD with the kids and you go to DLR.

Now that is a plan!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

dl and both next year lol

 

[pixiewings71]

Go to DLR this year. Purchase APs, and then next year you can do both!

You could always send DH to SD with the kids and you go to DLR.

These were going to be my suggestions....LOL I would do the AP's for sure, my family loves DL!! You could start with park hoppers and then upgrade after a day or 2. That way you can feel it out and see if you think you'll all want to come back. I'm thinking you will......

 

[TiredX2]

With those ages I would do Sea World. My kids *LOVED* aquariums and zoos at the younger ages and wouldn't have gotten a lot out of Disneyland (assuming you are only going once). If you go both times, I would consider getting one of the passes where you can go three days at Disney and then the others too and do Disney last--- can you upgrade that to an AP? And then upgrade.

 

[disney-inspired]

I voted for Disneyland THIS year. It's awesome seeing Disney through a toddler's eyes, they still believe it's all real. Also, they are both free this year. If you wait, you'll have to pay for your older boy.

 

[pixiewings71]

With those ages I would do Sea World. My kids *LOVED* aquariums and zoos at the younger ages and wouldn't have gotten a lot out of Disneyland (assuming you are only going once). If you go both times, I would consider getting one of the passes where you can go three days at Disney and then the others too and do Disney last--- can you upgrade that to an AP? And then upgrade.

City Pass, and yes, you can upgrade the City Pass to AP's at DL.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

really? city pass can be upgraded to aps? i may have to remeber that in 2012 (if thats when i hold off till)