Help! So lost, many questions

[dodgewoman]

We are visiting my ILs the last week of April. MIL suggested we go to Disneyland. We can only stay 2 nights and I'm not sure that's enough time for anything. We have a 4 year old and at the time an almost 2 year old(2 weeks shy). I don't know where we should stay. I don't know what would thrill the kids the most. What kind of tickets to get. I just don't know about anything

 

[DoomBugger]

We are visiting my ILs the last week of April. MIL suggested we go to Disneyland. We can only stay 2 nights and I'm not sure that's enough time for anything. We have a 4 year old and at the time an almost 2 year old(2 weeks shy). I don't know where we should stay. I don't know what would thrill the kids the most. What kind of tickets to get. I just don't know about anything

Have your ILs buy you SoCal two-fer tickets.

 

[EMAW]

Check out HydroGuy's rules http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483 for ideas on hotels and such. Here is a really good map of the area hotels within walking distance to DL http://www.geocities.com/ashpsyche/DisneylandLinkMap

Depending on what times you expect to get there and leave, I'm guessing you want a 2 day park hopper. Your youngest will be free.

My kids love Fantasyland the most.There is a circus train, the storybook boats, the carrousel, alice in wonderland. They also love the train ride around the park. They love critter country too with the pooh ride and characters in that area.

In that amount of time with kids that little you won't see everything but if you check out a map of the park ahead of time you can plan what you think your kids would like. The Disneyland website is a great resource for that.

Have fun!

 

[Hound 109]

Have your ILs buy you SoCal two-fer tickets.

Two days is great for toddlers. A few thoughts:

- If you get the SoCal two-fers (a great deal), then i recommend visiting the park on Tues/Wed or Wed/Thurs.

- If you don't get the SoCal two-fer, then get the 2 day park hopper. Your touring plan would be a little different depending on what park tickets you buy. But either way visit mid week if you can.

- Regarding where to stay. You can stay on-site for $200 - $400 per night. or on Harbor Blvd at one of the 4-6 motels for $70-140 per night. All are a 6-10 min. walk to the front gate. All are good (& some are better).

- Read MaryJo's & HydroGuy's stickys at the top of the first page (& mentioned above) for alot of info.

- Plan on a mid day break (for a nap or swim) if you intend to enjoy DLR at night.

- Do Fantasyland rides first thing on a Non MM/EE morning (if you don't have MM/EE). MM is Sun/Sat/Tue & Thurs.


& a couple of questions:

- How far will your drive be from your inlaws?

- Do you intend to have a stroller for each child (from hotel room to park) or will the 4 y/o be expected to walk?

- Will you want to do a character meal?

- Have you ever been to DLR or WDW before?


Have fun at Walt's park.
-

 

[B9erSteve]

You definately will want a walking distance hotel, then plan on some early mornings. Hydroguy also has done a guide for hitting the parks during peak season. In a nutshell, you go early and enjoy the low morning crowds, ride some rides with little or no wait, all the while collecting fast pass tickets for use later in the day. Then as the crowd increases in the afternoon, you can start using the fastpasses while continuing to collect them for use in the evening.

If you have a hotel room for two nights can I assume that you will have three days? If so, then you should have a lot of time for DLR. Arrival day you probably should do DCA since it is not as busy as DL and does not have as many "must do" rides. I'm thinking first day because after arrival, then check in at your hotel you won't be in the park until after noon which will already put you behind the eightball for DL. Enjoy DCA until it closes and then hop over to DL for an evening of fun or the Fireworks. The next two days spend in DL your kids are so young that they will prefer that park so you should plan on spending the lionshare of your time there. If things get too busy in DL for you in the afternoon, you can always hop over to DCA for a bit or run back to your hotel for a nap.

If you are there only two days then stick to Disneyland your kids will like it much better.

Have Fun!

 

[bethy]

It will absolutely be worth going! Any amount of time at DL is worth it! Your kids will LOVE it! They will be enteretained or asleep the entire time. I have kids the same age and DL is the most relaxing destination I have ever experienced with them. I just have to roll out of bed, grab a latte and push the stoller with bleary eyes. Occasionally I have to change a diaper and make sure they eat and the rest takes care of itself. Almost no thinking is required on my part!

My biggest recommendation is that you stay as close to the parks as possible - like at one of the hotels directly across from the entrance plaza. Since you won't be there for long you won't want to waste time walking or driving back and forth to your hotel. And it will be wonderful to zip back during the afternoons for break time. Those hotels on Harbor (right across from Entrance plaza) are closer than the Disneyland Hotel! And they are reasonably priced! If it were me my first choice would be the Best Western Park Place Inn or the Tropicana if either are available. But the other ones righ in that locale sound great, too.

The Howard Johnson and Candy Cane are very popular on this board but IMO for a short trip are not worth the extra walk. I'd only be willing to walk that much further with young children if we were staying for several days and were going to spend more time hanging out at the hotel . . .

You'll LOVE it - most especially if you just go with the flow and enjoy DL's atmosphere rather than than trying to fit in as many rides as you can. Just follow your kids' cues, keep them fed and watered and shaded and rested and just enjoy being there and whatever opportunities present themselves.

If you can swing it, try and be there at least one Fri, Sat or Sun night to catch the Fireworks, the Electrical Parade and/or Fantasmic. Those are my 3 absolute favorite DL highlights. They are worth keeping the kids up late for IMO. They all three make my cry every single time.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... what would thrill the kids the most ...

For rides/attractions info, check out this link at wdwinfo.com.

JMHO, I think your 4 y/o would enjoy the following:

- every ride in Fantasyland (Snow White's Scary Adventures is only a little bit scary, so maybe try that one last)
- Gadget's Go Coaster (in Mickey's Toontown) (35 inches is the height rqmt)
- Mickey's House and Minnie's House (in Mickey's TT)
- Winnie the Pooh (in Critter Country)
- Aladdin's Oasis (in Adventureland) - your 4 y/o can sit up front -- it's a cute show
- Enchanted Tiki Room (in Adventureland)
- Autopia (in Tomorrowland) - kids love to drive -- a 4 y/o cannot ride alone, but will love Autopia anyway
- Finding Nemo (in TL) - it's not every day that you get to ride in a submarine )
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (in TL) -- remember to e-mail the photo while you're exiting the ride
- Disneyland Railroad

In DCA:
- "a bug's land" -- most Disney purists think that this area doesn't hold a candle to Fantasyland, but many Disney 4 year-olds really like this area
- Soarin' Over California -- my DD4 liked this one a lot

HTH

 

[princessnicchia]

Depending on your 4 year old, some of the rides in FL might be too scary. I took my 4 year old on Snow White last year, and she was sobbing at the end. I felt very guilty.

Every child is different, and you know your child. The main scary part is that it's very dark, and the evil witch is featured far more prominently than Snow White.

We didn't do any further dark rides after that (as she was too scared) but I've also heard that Pinnochio and Mr. Toad can be a little much for that age.

Have fun---2 days will be a great time if you just do what your kids enjoy and don't try to do everything. My daughter loved the fireworks and Toontown is great for the younger set as well.

 

[Vacation Dad]

Unfortunately, most of the rides that will really interest your 4-year old do not offer Fastpasses. This means that the only way to beat the lines in to get to get in right when the park opens up and/or go during a time of the year when the park is not busy. I would think that the last week of April is a decent time to go (after spring breaks, etc.), but I don’t know for sure. Other that, getting in line at the park before the gates open is the best way to go. The sticky messages mentioned above contain great information about this.

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

Our first trip was a couple of years ago......with my 4 year old son and daughter who was 3 weeks shy of turning 2. Those ages were great!!! My kids had a BLAST, and I'm sure yours will too. We stayed right across the street at the Park Vue, and I walked my daughter there for a nap one of the days. Since we rented strollers in the park (that had to stay in the park), I had to carry her to the hotel. I'm glad it was so close!

I agree with the previous poster about Bug's Land in DCA. It is great for little ones. Plus ToonTown in Disneyland has a little garden-ish playground. Nothing big, but like the ones they have at malls, the ground is squishy and the little things to climb on are soft. My husband and I were able to sit on benches there and watch our kids run around.......it was great to have that break. There is only one way in/out.

Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

Staying 2 nights isn't 2 days, that could be 3 days of touring!

And that's totally worth doing. My first visits back as an adult were for only ONE day, driving up from San Diego and back that night. With a 1 year old, then the next year a 2 year old (obviously, LOL).

Best part is that your littler one is still free while under 3.

 

[Hound 109]

Wasn't there a post/thread with age appropriate ride info a few months back?? Or ride progession? (for example: PP/Dumbo before Alice, then TeaCups, then Toadie, then Pinocchio, then Matterhorn, then Snow White etc. etc.)

If there wasn't one, i wish there was. & that would make a great sticky thread. Something like:

Ages 0-3:

Storybookland
IASW
DL Train etc.

But also listing any size restrictions (say for the Matterhorn or SM)

& any possible scarry stuff. (Like Tiki's loud noises or that REALLY mean witch on SW or going to H*LL on Toadie.)

Gee i know a dozen or so DIS moms that would be good candidates for authoring such a thread.

 

[bumbershoot]

"Gee i know a dozen or so DIS moms that would be good candidates for authoring such a thread."

I know that I'm such a Libra (and bet hedger) that I would list EVERYTHING, and put the pros and cons for each. Would end up being a novel rather than a quick and simple list.


So hound are you saying that Dis Dads (by the way I sooooo thought you were a woman for SUCH a long time, it's not even funny) just don't care about their toddlers' states of mental health?

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Two days is great for toddlers. A few thoughts:

- If you get the SoCal two-fers (a great deal), then i recommend visiting the park on Tues/Wed or Wed/Thurs.

- If you don't get the SoCal two-fer, then get the 2 day park hopper. Your touring plan would be a little different depending on what park tickets you buy. But either way visit mid week if you can.

- Regarding where to stay. You can stay on-site for $200 - $400 per night. or on Harbor Blvd at one of the 4-6 motels for $70-140 per night. All are a 6-10 min. walk to the front gate. All are good (& some are better).

- Read MaryJo's & HydroGuy's stickys at the top of the first page (& mentioned above) for alot of info.

- Plan on a mid day break (for a nap or swim) if you intend to enjoy DLR at night.

- Do Fantasyland rides first thing on a Non MM/EE morning (if you don't have MM/EE). MM is Sun/Sat/Tue & Thurs.


& a couple of questions:

- How far will your drive be from your inlaws?

- Do you intend to have a stroller for each child (from hotel room to park) or will the 4 y/o be expected to walk?

- Will you want to do a character meal?

- Have you ever been to DLR or WDW before?


Have fun at Walt's park.
-

While you make a lot of good points.....it may help the original poster if you explain what a 2fer is. As well as what MM/EE means. She may already know but since she's new here...she might not.

 

[Hound 109]

While you make a lot of good points.....it may help the original poster if you explain what a 2fer is. As well as what MM/EE means. She may already know but since she's new here...she might not.

Fair enough. I'm not from SoCal, so i don't know the details, but from what i understand the Two-fer is available to SoCal residents & is about $66 bucks & allows one to visit one park one day & the other park on another day (no park hopping!!)

Maybe someone who knows about it will offer more info (like if it's OK for a relative to buy a SoCal ticket for someone NOT from SoCal.) I'm not from SoCal & i like to park hop, so i don't know the details.

The reason i referenced it was because a previous poster mentioned it. If i was going to DO a SoCal pass I would DO the DL portion on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday, since the other days would have Early Entry/Magical Mornings (EE/MM)...which means that a nice lady with 2 toddlers would be walking into an already full Fantasyland at Gen. Adm. opening. (Since EE/MM opens Fantasyland for those with privliges an hour before Gen. Adm.)

If i could pick only Two days to visit (given the OP's criteria) I would pick Wed./Thurs (but only if i was at the DL Gate 20-30 min. before opening & went to Fantasyland first on Wednesday).

 

[Mrs. Bee]

I think I got a 2fer for my mom a couple years ago. But I honestly cannot remember. Wow. My memory is horrible. I could have sworn I did. But I also could have sworn we parked hopped. Hmm....yep. No clue. Haha.

 

[dodgewoman80]

- How far will your drive be from your inlaws? They live in LV so 4 hours we are staying in a hotel near DL(not sure which one yet)

- Do you intend to have a stroller for each child (from hotel room to park) or will the 4 y/o be expected to walk? Stroller for DS and 4 year old will walk mostly but I do plan on brigning my hip carrier for DS and DD could ride in the stroller at points when she gets tired.

- Will you want to do a character meal? Not sure but I bet DD would LOVE a one!

- Have you ever been to DLR or WDW before?neither! I'm a WD virgin:laughing:


Have fun at Walt's park.
-

I had to log in under a different user name issue with my password not being set, anyway........

WOW, that's a boat load of info! This is all so much GREAT info thogh. My ILs are not from SoCal. We are actually flying from the east coast(RI) to LasVegas. B/c my MIL is insane, she wants to drive the 4 hours to DL and then stay over night on Thurs and Friday. She really wants an excuse to go, she LOVES any thing Disney. Frankly after reading all your posts I'm getting excited for the kids to go. It was either this or the Grand Canyon for me, silly me wanted to see nature

 

[S. S. Columbia]

It was either [Disneyland] or the Grand Canyon for me ...

Don't worry, at Disneyland you can see the Grand Canyon, too.

From this link:

"The Grand Canyon Diorama is still there. Take a ride on the Disneyland Railroad, and you’ll see this 1958 vintage indoor diorama between the Tomorrowland and Main Street stations. The beautifully crafted diorama is similar to something you'd see at a natural history museum—nothing moves. But how many natural history museums have a diorama that's as long as a football field? The music is “On The Trail” from the Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofé. Immediately after the Grand Canyon, you’ll see the Primeval World dinosaurs from Walt Disney’s Ford Motor Company pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The dinosaurs move."

 

[dodgewoman80]

OMG, that's hysterical!

 

[Hound 109]

QUOTED FROM DODGEWOMAN ABOVE.

- How far will your drive be from your inlaws?

They live in LV so 4 hours we are staying in a hotel near DL(not sure which one yet)


Then as others have mentioned, you should consider getting a 3 day park hopper. Just a few dollars more than a 2 day hopper. You can drive in one morning, spend two nights, & enjoy a good 1/2 - 2/3 day on your last day.

- Do you intend to have a stroller for each child (from hotel room to park) or will the 4 y/o be expected to walk?

Stroller for DS and 4 year old will walk mostly but I do plan on brigning my hip carrier for DS and DD could ride in the stroller at points when she gets tired.


You should definitely stay either at a DLR hotel, at one of the handful of motel very near the crosswalk, or the Candy Cane Inn (which has a private shuttle). I would pose a separate question given your 2 kids, mom in law (if walking 7-9 min. is an issue) & also mentioning the desired amount you want to spend. Many here will give you ALOT of info if you give the parameters & dates.


- Will you want to do a character meal?

Not sure but I bet DD would LOVE a one!


Then DO one.


- Have you ever been to DLR or WDW before?

neither! I'm a WD virgin

Man are you guys going to have fun.
[/I]



A visit for 2 1/2 days might work very well:

- Avoid Rush hours (on arrival & departure day).
- Do MM/EE on one of the days (since you'll buy a 3 day hopper).
- Read all the great links provided above in several posts.
- Watch parades & do a character meal.
- Watch the fireworks (if available).
- & Have fun.

hound -

I had to log in under a different user name issue with my password not being set, anyway........

WOW, that's a boat load of info! This is all so much GREAT info thogh. My ILs are not from SoCal. We are actually flying from the east coast(RI) to LasVegas. B/c my MIL is insane, she wants to drive the 4 hours to DL and then stay over night on Thurs and Friday. She really wants an excuse to go, she LOVES any thing Disney. Frankly after reading all your posts I'm getting excited for the kids to go. It was either this or the Grand Canyon for me, silly me wanted to see nature