Help me with my tips!!!

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I am leaving in 2 weeks for DLR. There are 20 of us going!! My SIL's family has never been, and the others haven't been in quite awhile. As the family Disney expert I've been put in charge of the planning.

I want to put together a list of tips and suggestions on things to bring to the park/on the trip, etc. Also we will be there during the AP craziness on June 20-22 so take that into consideration for any tips. We won't be sticking together the whole trip so I'm hoping to have them well prepared to have a magical trip.

Here's the cast of characters if that'll help with suggestions:
Us: DLR vets with kids ages 18 mo-8 yrs
In laws
SIL and BIL no kids
SIL and BIL with kids ages 20 mo and not yet 3
SIL and BIL with kids ages 7-13 (in this family only my SIL has ever been to DLR)

So share your best tips!!!

 

[superme80]

Enjoy walking in and taking in Main Street. I love that feeling. Also if any of the little ones still need pacifiers ATTACH THEM TO CLOTHING!!! I found this out the hard way with DS! Make sure everyone goes on Finding Nemo. My son was only 5 months and he loved it. Have an awesome time!!!!!

 

[Raindown]

I will probably be sunny. I recommend a comfortable hat, perhaps one you don't mind wading up in a pocket. I use some of the hats I play tennis in. They are thin, white, have a good size bill, and can come out of a pocket without wrinkles.

Hand sanitizer. Get the mini bottles and buy a refill to keep in the hotel. Use liberally. Drinks lots of water. Also, bring a watch. Having everyone spread out will probably generate some cell phone calling, save your battery for calls rather than using it for the time. Comfortable shoes.

I know some of that is really basic, but I'm throwing it out there. My brother and his girlfriend will be there at the same time, I'm getting a lot of the same questions .

 

[mvf-m11c]

I want to put together a list of tips and suggestions on things to bring to the park/on the trip, etc. Also we will be there during the AP craziness on June 20-22 so take that into consideration for any tips. We won't be sticking together the whole trip so I'm hoping to have them well prepared to have a magical trip.

Here's the cast of characters if that'll help with suggestions:
Us: DLR vets with kids ages 18 mo-8 yrs
In laws
SIL and BIL no kids
SIL and BIL with kids ages 20 mo and not yet 3
SIL and BIL with kids ages 7-13 (in this family only my SIL has ever been to DLR)

So share your best tips!!!

You should look at this post a while ago http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2470650 about packing tips and there are a lot of different websites that other DISers have post about packing and what to bring. I look at those tips and these are good tips from the DISers and the websites.

It will be really difficult during that week you are going since most of the AP holders are unblocked during your visit.

 

[Disney Dreams]

If you are in line for an attraction when the Park closes, you will get to ride / experience it. So, if late night is not an issue - save the longest wait for once the Park is closed and you aren't missing out on anything... but be sure you are IN LINE 5 minutes before Park closing (so if your watch is different than the CMs, you are still golden).

 

[BeccaG]

The kiddos may enjoy "driving" the Mark Twain. Now all of you would not fit, but if you ask at the dock, a few of you can go up with the captain and "steer" and such and get a certificate and everything. Its a cool unique memory!

June can be unpredictable weather in so cal. If it's warm, which it likely will be, the mornings will frequently start with lots of clouds. Us locals call this "June gloom." You will want to dress in layers to adjust for the weather change throughout the day. If you are staying at a nearby resort, I would try to get there early and enjoy the lighter crowds in the morning, then go back to the room for naps with the kiddos and then come back later in the early evening.

If you must see World of Color, make dinner reservations or send someone over first thing in the morning to get the fastpass/showpass for the show. Or, there are rumors that Disneyland will add a third show at 1130 after the park closes if the crowd warrants it but I know my kiddos would not make it to that time!!!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

You should look at this post a while ago http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2470650 about packing tips and there are a lot of different websites that other DISers have post about packing and what to bring. I look at those tips and these are good tips from the DISers and the websites.

It will be really difficult during that week you are going since most of the AP holders are unblocked during your visit.

Thanks for the link. I know it'll be crazy busy then. Unfortunately my opinion was over ruled by everyones schedules when we booked our dates.



Other thing: we rented a house nearby so we will be able to fully stock it with food.

 

[NMMickeymom]

I feel your pain, we are going with a crew of 17. Seems like any time we go, every relative within 3 states decides to join us. A few things that I do for our big group. * Make a list of everyone's cell phone number for your crew. So very handy when you split up. * Have a few reservations scattered throughout your time for a family "sit down" meal, trying to get seating for large group on the fly is next to impossible. *We send runners to get fastpasses (uncle chad will gather tickets and get passes while the rest of the crew rides small world for the 25th time ) *Our crew thinks it is fun/novel to "fill the boat" Don't hesitate to ask a CM if you can wait for the next Boat/Ride Vehicle so you can all go together. (Do this with caution as this typically prompts more extraverted family members to sing along loudly or razz the Jungle Cruise operator relentlessly ) *I also give each family a spreadsheet of reservation times, park hours, fireworks times, etc. (I know, I'm obsessed ) I find it helps people understand the plan and they can pick and choose as they like.
Enjoy your time together, as much of a pain as it is to organize a big crew there is nothing like sharing your love of Disney with your family. I can't wait to see my darling nephews and nieces see Disneyland for the first time.

 

[PinkBudgie]

We went there during the same time last summer. Yes, it got crazy but the best tip I can give is urge everyone to get there before gate opening. This is so important on a busy day. You will be able to get in a lot of rides during this time. Also pick up FPs everytime you are able. When all the FPs are gone for the day for most rides, check with Buzz. We were able to get lots of those FPs and rode it many times without waiting more than 5 minutes.

Bring plastic baggies. Good for keeping electonics dry on wet rides and saving left overs.

Be on the lookout for hidden mickeys.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

uncle chad will gather tickets and get passes while the rest of the crew rides small world for the 25th time

Lucky uncle Chad!

Like the spreadsheet idea! And I'm looking forward to an "interesting" Jungle Cruise expedition!!

 

[Somegirl]

About the hand sanitizer tip: Remember not to use it after you've had your hand stamped!
I'll be there during the same crazy time and I know we plan on leaving in the afternoon and coming back at night. I learned from someone here that hand sanitizers wash off the hand stamp. If the parks are super busy ( they will be ) you might not be able to get back in in the evening.
Make sure everyone on your big group knows this.

 

[dismom73]

Attach something to the inside of kids clothes with parents name and cell phone number on it. Also, we make the rule that if we are at the hotel (or in your case rental house) only drink water. We spoil the kids in the park and they get soda (which they don't normally get at home) and along with all the junk they eat and the walking around in the hot sun it is really easy to get dehydrated and/or constipated sick: I know, gross, but it happened to my 10 year old DD on a trip to WDW once and she was in a lot of pain she actually had to leave one of the parks in a wheelchair). Anyway, so now our rule is once we are in the hotel room at night and while we are getting ready in the morning...it's WATER WATER WATER!