How long to Stay and what all to do?

[RuthieT]

We are trying to get all the planning and figuring out done before we book our hotel. We are thinking we will have 4 full days does that give us enough time for everything??

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Hi! Please tell me more about your trip- how many people, ages, what time of year (the specific dates could help). Then I could help a little more.

 

[RuthieT]

It will be myself, DH and our daughter 3 years old. We are thinking of staying at the HOJO. Dec. 10th and for 4 or 5 nights.

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Great- I hope your daughter LOVES princesses! Mine does.

I went last year, in May, and spent three full days at DL. We arrived on a Monday and left on Friday. I was there on a business trip and an old friend met me there so I was without the kids.

If you can arrange to get there on Monday and spend Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the parks and leave on Saturday, that would be perfect.

The parks are generally more crowded on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays so going mid-week is a great option. Even though the park will be crowded on Friday, that's the day for the evening parades, shows and fireworks. I missed them all because I left on Friday. I wish I has stayed the extra night.

I stayed at the Best Western Park Place Inn and Suites which is SOOOOOO close to the entrance (you can't get any closer!). It was clean and basic and a good price. I recommend this place because it will be easy to go back to the room for a mid-day nap/break. You will get a lot more accomplished and have a better time if you get there about a half an hour before park opening time and stay until around 1:00-2:00. Go back for a rest and then come back to the parks for the evening.

Eat on the off hours- like lunch at 11:30 or 1:30 and dinner at 5:30 or 8:00. We ate at Taste Pilots (counter service) one day at around 11:30 and walked right up. By noon, the line was out the door.

It is very important that one day you make sure you are there before opening and head right to Fantasyland, with Dumbo being your first ride. I'm sure your daughter will love those rides and the lines get longer and longer as the day goes on.

And don't forget about FastPass!

Please let me know if you have more questions!

 

[dizzyami]

The other thing to be aware of is baby-swap passes if you and your DH want to ride on any of the height restricted rides. This used in conjunction with fast pass will get you on pretty much anything without a great deal of waiting in line.

There is also Flik's Fun Fair in DCA that also has rides catered to the little ones.

If you get park hoppers with EE - be sure to utilize the day and hit the Fantasyland rides.

 

[ter-moo]

We've done everything EASILY at that time of year within two/two and a half days, so 4 should be plenty of time for you. You'll be able to take a little bit of a leisurely pace, especially if you get there at opening each day and do the big stuff first thing.

Make sure you take time for shows, and spend some time in the Animation Studios at CA Adventure. I wouldn't waste any time in Innoventions with your daughter the age she is, so don't try to fit that into your schedule. Also, don't forget to fit naps into your day--or at least some down time "resting" at the hotel.

Since the parks open late and close early at that time of year, it forces you to have down time, which'll be nice for you. It's my favorite time to go!