I'm 5 years cancer free and haven't been to Disneyland since I was diagnosed.

[adSimba]

My small family is planning on going the week of Mothers Day

Except for our Honeymoon, where we stayed at the Grand Californian, I always have gone almost as cheaply as possible. Pretending that money is no object what should I not miss out on?

Also, what is new to the park, or renovated in the past 5-7 years that I need to see? I want this to be the best Disneyland vacation ever for my family, who has been through a lot with me. (also for what it's worth, I have a 5 year old kid... I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer 2 weeks after he was born, and I am coming from out of state)

 

[Sherry E]

Welcome!

I moved your thread over to the main Disneyland planning forum, where you will get more responses!

I'm so glad that you are going to celebrate your 5-years-cancer-free status at such a wonderful, happy place. Have a fantastic trip!

 

[adSimba]

Thank you, I've never posted to this site before because I find it so confusing, but I've found lots of interesting information here, which is why I'm giving it a try

 

[JandD75]

Carsland is not to be missed! See the lighting at dusk and take a look at the stoplight! Also, World of Color is beautiful! Am so happy for you, that you have made it to that 5 year mark. Hope you and your family have a great vacation!!!!!

 

[Meemoo]

I haven't been to the parks in a while either, but I just wanted to say I hope you have a fantastic trip with your family, I'm sure it will be very special

 

[luulu1999]

I second WOC it's is AMAZING!!! and F! is awesome too!!! I love DL so much so I think everything you should see and do

 

[crystal1313]

Congratulations on being Cancer free!!

I cannot think of a happier place to celebrate such a wonderful occasion.

I agree with Cars Land, especially since you have a DS who is 5. It is quite literally, like walking into the movie. My DS6 and DS5 could spend hours in Cars Land alone.

Another big hit with my boys are the parades. Both at DL and DCA...but they may be different in May for the 60th. But, I'm sure they will still be amazing.

Being huge Captain Hook fans, my boys love Fantasmic! Just remember to talk with him about the dragon. It can be intense during that part...

This last trip my kids spent hours on Tom Sawyers Island. They loved the caves, the swinging bridge and the bridge on the water. So fun. Beware not to stick any hands into the treasure area in the caves. A spooky voice will talk to you....and it totally freaked out my kids! They screamed like girls!

Remember to take lots of breaks and that you will probably move at a slower pace then before you had kids. And that's ok! We make the kids eat a snack about every 3-4 hours to prevent melt downs. The parks can be overwhelming.

If you are going for 3-5 days, I would look into the Photopass +. It's pretty awesome. Get all the photographs you can take with the Disney photographers (in front of key places like the castle, in Radiator Springs, etc plus all the ride photos)

So much has changed in the last 5 years! You will be blown away how much nicer everything is! Especially DCA. Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[YukonMommy]

Congrat's on 5 years cancer free!
I wish for you and your family the most magical time ever!
Like others have said, Carsland is not to be missed! Also BTMRR went through an extensive refurb. To catch WOC, a parade, F! would be great.

I would suggest a Character Brekkie to start one of your days with as they are always a good time.

Most importantly just go have fun! How amazing to laugh, hug, enjoy moments with the people who love you most!

Have a magical time!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Carsland is awesome, I feel like I'm stepping into the movie each time I see it! Alice In Wonderland was recently redone, Arendelle is being added to the Storybook Canal boats right now and the runaway train at Big Thunder Mountain was majorly upgraded.

You also have picked a wonderful time to go as a variety of rides are rumored to be going down for refurb this winter and early spring in order to be ready to run for the 60th anniversary celebration starting in mid-May! There is speculation Peter Pan will be majorly reworked and Splash Mountain will get some much needed TLC. There might even be a new parade and firework show- we'll see!

Can I recommend taking afternoon nap/pool breaks? That works great for our crew and helps everyone pace themselves and arrive in the parks somewhat refreshed for the evening and evening shows.

On-site hotel wise the Disneyland Hotel is the best for kids theming wise, with fun waterslides. You can see lots of pictures online.

And CONGRATULATIONS!!

 

[krispin41]

CONGRATULATIONS from one SURVIVOR to another!!!!

I just got back from a solo #celebratingcancerfree (it's how I hash-tagged my Instagram pics )trip. (One year since my surgery, and I got an all clear scan about a month before leaving.)

I stayed at the DLH, when I called to make a room request for a King sized bed, they asked if I was celebrating anything and I mentioned it. When I checked in, I was given a Happily Ever After button and an autographed picture of Mickey Mouse. I was also upgraded to a deluxe view room.

On my first full day, I picked up an I'm Celebrating button from City Hall. I wore both throughout my trip, and got smiles and cheers and hugs from CMs who asked what I was celebrating. One particularly amazing CM at World of Disney also gave me picture of the Fab Five. We cried.

And on my last day, more great CM interaction. Just a wonderful trip.

CONGRATS again!!

And I echo what everyone here says...World of Color, Fantasmic! And yes to the breaks...I wish I would have taken more.

 

[adSimba]

you guys are so great! Thank you! I wish we could afford to stay on site, but it's less than half the price to go across the street. Were looking into staying at Best Western Stovalls, if we do I'm curious to see what DS thinks about the topiaries


Hey a bunch of people are talking about Big Thunder renovations, what changed?

 

[Indiana Scott]

I am so happy for you and hope you enjoy a well deserved trip.

 

[lalasmama]

you guys are so great! Thank you! I wish we could afford to stay on site, but it's less than half the price to go across the street. Were looking into staying at Best Western Stovalls, if we do I'm curious to see what DS thinks about the topiaries


Hey a bunch of people are talking about Big Thunder renovations, what changed?

They changed the tracks, I believe, but not sure what else--I'm excited to see it in 48 days! It's been closed my last 4 (5?) trips!

As far as the hotel situation, just a heads up that many hotels in the area say they are "across the street" or "just a block away!" but the blocks are seriously long blocks, and "across the street" may mean across the street at the street at the corner, where there are no pedestrian entrances, which comes down to making a 10-minute walk for "across the street". In the case of BW Stovall's, they are a few blocks away--meaning a good walk, not really across the street at a pedestrian entrance like you would expect "across the street" to mean!

 

[Indiana Scott]

You are going to be thrilled by the updates to BTMRR. New track and explosion effects - one of my favorite updates to the park in recent times.

 

[adykate]

I just wanted to say congrats on your 5 years! I am also a cancer survivor with young kids- 10 years from initial stage III diagnosis, and 8 of those years as stage IV. My girls are 4 and 2.5. I grew up going to Disneyland, and dreaming about being able to take my own family some day. We have been several times since having kids, and I still tear up just walking in through the tunnels to Main Street, realizing just how freaking lucky I am to be there at all. My advice would be just to absorb everything you can, and just enjoy every moment. Some of my best memories from our trips with our girls are moments that were not planned, and had nothing to do with a ride, show or other entertainment. Let your 5 yo lead the way and let him just do his thing. It is amazing what you see when you let your child be the leader, and see what he finds most fascinating. Have a wonderful trip and positive thoughts for continued good health!

 

[Kristina4109]

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on hitting 5 years cancer free! That is something to celebrate for sure!

If your 5 year old is a Frozen fan, ride the Storybookland Canal Boats in Disneyland Park. They recently added Elsa's ice castle and Wandering Oaken's Trading Post to all the miniatures.

Carsland at California Adventure is simply amazing. Radiator Springs Racers continues to draw big crowds, so try to hit it as close to park opening as possible. And return to see it at night time - with all the neon lights on, it's breathtaking.