Help me please!

[GatorMomInNC]

I am a WDW vet, having grown up in Orlando. I have literally been hundreds of times to WDW and I am always the one that other people go to for advice when they are heading there. But I have NEVER been to Disneyland and I need help.

I am taking my 2 kids (both boys ages 5 and 8) on the DCL Pixar California Coast Cruise in September, and we are planning to go to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Things we KNOW we want to do: One day at DCAP because my 5 year old HAS to go to Carsland. I plan on doing that on Thursday 9/27. Then on Friday 9/28 I want to get tix to Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party and see Disneyland that way. We fly out on the morning of the 29th.

We have been to MNSSHP at WDW a couple times and my older son loved it, but my younger son has never been. Since we are doing California this year, we won' t be able to do this in Orlando and I really want him to go, so that is a must.

So I plan on buying a one day, one park ticket for CAP and the MNSSHP tix for Disneyland. Am I missing something? Is this a good plan? Where should we eat in the parks? With such a short amount of time, are there any rides we defintely shouldn't miss (keeping my boys ages in mind)? Will it be very busy that time of year/day of the week?

And for those of you who have done MNSSHP at Disneyland, what rides are open and which ones should we NOT miss? At WDW, they say that it runs from 6pm to midnight, but you can really get there at 4pm and get in. Is that the same with DL?

Thanks!!

 

[PinkBudgie]

First read Hydroguy's Guide to DLR for WDW Vets.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Second, that Friday is my birthday! Wish I was going!

Third, are you staying on site? If so, they may still be offering Extra Magic Hour in to the parks to hotel guests. If they are, it would be good to take advantage of that time in DCA. If not, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before gate opening to get in line for FPs for RSR. This summer they have let people in for 8am rope drop at 7:30 and they can then get in the FP line for RSR. I assume they will continue that, but you can watch the boards to get the latest info closer to your trip. RSR FPs go fast. In DCA we really like Flo's V8 Cafe. The food was pretty good and the atmosphere was amazing. And the view from the tables outside at night is incredible!

I've never been to the Halloween party so I can't give info about that. If you are not going to DL for Friday until the party, what are you doing? DTD? It's a shame to miss DL during the day, but I understand it's an extra expense.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

Thanks for the link - I have just started to read it and already I know so much more. I didn't know everything was so close together - I'm used to DCL where it is 20 minutes to travel between parks.
We are staying at a Radisson about 10 minutes away - close to Knots Berry Farm (although we don't plan on going there). I got a good rate - but maybe I will try someplace closer or on site. It is complicated because my mom is with us and I need a room that holds 5 people.

I thought I would rest and pack on Friday during the day. My kids and my feet can only take so much - and we fly out early Saturday from LAX so we'll have to be up around 6am. I could add another day and go Wednesday, but we wouldn't be able to get there early. Which park takes more time - DL or DCA?

Thanks for the headsup! Definitely need to get there early for RSR!! My 5 year old saw that whole commercial disguised as a America's Funniest Videos show and is obsessed with Cars Land now, and that is the ride he wants to go on! Any chance it might be kind of slow since it is a weekday in late September?

Is DTD Down Town Disney (that is what it is in Florida)?

First read Hydroguy's Guide to DLR for WDW Vets.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Second, that Friday is my birthday! Wish I was going!

Third, are you staying on site? If so, they may still be offering Extra Magic Hour in to the parks to hotel guests. If they are, it would be good to take advantage of that time in DCA. If not, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before gate opening to get in line for FPs for RSR. This summer they have let people in for 8am rope drop at 7:30 and they can then get in the FP line for RSR. I assume they will continue that, but you can watch the boards to get the latest info closer to your trip. RSR FPs go fast. In DCA we really like Flo's V8 Cafe. The food was pretty good and the atmosphere was amazing. And the view from the tables outside at night is incredible!

I've never been to the Halloween party so I can't give info about that. If you are not going to DL for Friday until the party, what are you doing? DTD? It's a shame to miss DL during the day, but I understand it's an extra expense.

 

[PinkBudgie]

You may want to consider somewhere closer to make it easier to get to DCA early. But it's only one early day to scramble. If you were staying more days, I'd say be closer because it is just so much easier.

Carsland is really amazing! At sundown they do a neon lighting when the lights come on and they Sha Boom from the Cars movie when they first turned the lights light on. It is so pretty! And Buena Vista Street is amazing too. Espcecially for people who remember the tacky sun fountain where the Carthay Circle is now. Watch for the street characters who just walk around the area like the lady shopping with her dog, the messenger, and the policeman.

Because of all the new stuff no one is exactly sure how Sept will be. It is fall season and that seems to have gotten more busy in the past years, but it can't be worse than summer. I just don't know.

Yes, DTD is Downtown Disney. They have a new remodled Lego Store your son might be interested in. Maybe go to DTD for a late lunch before your Party?

As for which park takes more time, that's a tough one now. It used to be DL easily. Now I'm not sure. But if you were to add another part day, I'd do DL since you don't have as long there. And I just don't know what's open for the party and if your son will want to do rides or get candy.

 

[DisneytheKid]

Ditto on the link. Lots of great info Hydroguy puts out there

First read Hydroguy's Guide to DLR for WDW Vets.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Second, that Friday is my birthday! Wish I was going!

Third, are you staying on site? If so, they may still be offering Extra Magic Hour in to the parks to hotel guests. If they are, it would be good to take advantage of that time in DCA. If not, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before gate opening to get in line for FPs for RSR. This summer they have let people in for 8am rope drop at 7:30 and they can then get in the FP line for RSR. I assume they will continue that, but you can watch the boards to get the latest info closer to your trip. RSR FPs go fast. In DCA we really like Flo's V8 Cafe. The food was pretty good and the atmosphere was amazing. And the view from the tables outside at night is incredible!

I've never been to the Halloween party so I can't give info about that. If you are not going to DL for Friday until the party, what are you doing? DTD? It's a shame to miss DL during the day, but I understand it's an extra expense.