I'm new and I need your help! (This is long)

[DandyDisneylandy]

Hi everyone,

I'm Jennifer from California. I was born into a family of Disney freaks. We're pretty sure we have a Mickey Mouse shaped gene floating around inside of us. I did the Walt Disney World College Program in 2007. Anyway, on to my question!

My sister-in-law has never been to Disneyland (gasp!). Since she has known me, she has grown curiouser and curiouser about Disneyland. I have told her everything I know and we have watched many Disney documentaries together, so now she really wants to go. Although I have been many, many times myself, I am still asking for help on planning the PERFECT trip (to Disneyland in CA, just to be clear). She has never been and is 28-years-old, so I am afraid she won't get the magic of it all, considering she didn't grow up with it. I can't express to you guys how important it is to me that she love the parks, so any information you can provide me with will be GREATLY appreciated. I have a 4-day Park Hopper that is good until next February. Between now and then, when would be the best time to go? I went in October 2009 thinking it would be a good time, but the park reached capacity. I was thinking May, but Splash Mountain is closed. Also, I would like to see the new Little Mermaid ride and the new Star Tours, which I know both open in June. So, please help me plan the best trip possible for my sister-in-law! She has a 4-month-old baby and I'm trying to talk her into leaving him home with my mom when we go, considering I feel he's too young and it will only cause an inconvenience (I love him dearly, I am not insulting him here!). I am very sorry this is so long!

Thank you!

 

[Sosai X]

Wait a few more years until both mother and child can attend the park together. Your SIL will only be thinking of the baby if you go now. Wait until the child is old enough to understand and appreciate what it means to go to Disneyland.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi everyone,

I'm Jennifer from California. I was born into a family of Disney freaks. We're pretty sure we have a Mickey Mouse shaped gene floating around inside of us. I did the Walt Disney World College Program in 2007. Anyway, on to my question!

My sister-in-law has never been to Disneyland (gasp!). Since she has known me, she has grown curiouser and curiouser about Disneyland. I have told her everything I know and we have watched many Disney documentaries together, so now she really wants to go. Although I have been many, many times myself, I am still asking for help on planning the PERFECT trip (to Disneyland in CA, just to be clear). She has never been and is 28-years-old, so I am afraid she won't get the magic of it all, considering she didn't grow up with it. I can't express to you guys how important it is to me that she love the parks, so any information you can provide me with will be GREATLY appreciated. I have a 4-day Park Hopper that is good until next February. Between now and then, when would be the best time to go? I went in October 2009 thinking it would be a good time, but the park reached capacity. I was thinking May, but Splash Mountain is closed. Also, I would like to see the new Little Mermaid ride and the new Star Tours, which I know both open in June. So, please help me plan the best trip possible for my sister-in-law! She has a 4-month-old baby and I'm trying to talk her into leaving him home with my mom when we go, considering I feel he's too young and it will only cause an inconvenience (I love him dearly, I am not insulting him here!). I am very sorry this is so long!

Thank you!

Perfect means different things to different people. From your post I gather you want perfect to be having all the rides operating but also have low crowds. And that is the issue. You can't. You have to choose which is more important.

If you are like me and put a higher importance on rides being open, then you need to focus on high season like summer, Spring Break or Holidays. Then you need to figure out how to minimize the crowd issues.

When you have gone to DLR, where have you stayed? That plays a big role in how much you can work around crowds.

HTH

 

[babyruth]

Wait a few more years until both mother and child can attend the park together. Your SIL will only be thinking of the baby if you go now. Wait until the child is old enough to understand and appreciate what it means to go to Disneyland.

I agree. Unless your mother lives so close that you are going to stay with her and your SIL can check on the baby at lunchtime or on breaks and be with him every night. You don't mention your brother, are you trying to do a girls-only trip? Does she leave the baby often overnight now? Once you have a kid they are the priority, they are never an inconvenience they are a fact of life! She has plenty of time to go to Disneyland and enjoy it with her family. Bring your mom with you so you have a babysitter? Just me personally I wouldn't have fun leaving my newborn for 4 days to go on a trip. If you have to "talk her into it" it doesn't sound like a good idea.

 

[Disneylovers2000]

I would have to agree with babyruth, I would not have been able to leave my baby either and have a good time on top of it BUT, if she is ok with leaving the baby, My suggestion is to go in mid June. It does seem as though all of the new attractions will be up and running, as well as the new parade. You may also get there before school lets out and the summer holidays haven't quite begun yet. You did say that you are worried she won't find the magic, trust me she will. I went for the first time in Nov. at 35 and had waited my whole life to go, and beleive me, magic isn't even the word!!! Good luck and enjoy!!

 

[kikiq]

I understand what you mean about having that Mickey gene. BUT I'm going to have to agree with PPs, wait a year until her son is older. Make sure he's exposed to Disney Junior and Mickey's Clubhouse on the Disney Channel. THEN plan a trip with them. Part of the magic you remember is seeing Disney as a child. And trust me, there is nothing like "getting" the magic then seeing your child light up, eyes wide, slow intake of breath and then this squeal of delight when they first see a character. My DH's first trip to Disney was when I took him when we were in college. He really didn't "get it" until we had our DDs. Back in the day, many moons ago, there wasn't such a mad rush when the characters came out. The day Chip and Dale took our DDs and played with them is priceless. They are still my younger DD's favorite characters. Or the day that Mickey took my oldest DD's hand and watched the parade with her. Of course, my DGD's favorite thing at Disneyland are the ducks in ROA. My DH loves Disney now and chooses DLR or WDW to vacation over anything else.

OK, I'm going to add this is and give another point of view. I posted the above thinking you were going to leave her son at home. And now thinking about the first time my DDs went to DIsneyland, I have to say BRING HIM!!! Of course with help. My oldest went to Disneyland when she was 6 months old, my youngest went to WDW at 6 weeks old and my DGD went to Disneyland at 7 weeks. Don't try to do too much. Let your sil and the baby absorb the sounds and the sights. I love watching babies in Small World. My youngest was 6 weeks old, riding WDW Small World with her big sunbonnet looking around...priceless. OK, now I"ll go back to reminiscing the olden days

 

[DisneyMomma81]

My suggestion is to go in mid June. It does seem as though all of the new attractions will be up and running, as well as the new parade. You may also get there before school lets out and the summer holidays haven't quite begun yet.

Hmmm ~ my kids last day of school is the Fri before Memorial Day *late May* I think a lot of kids are out by mid June.

OP ~ bring grandma *or another adult* and the baby, that's a great age, sleeping through the night, not so new and not yet mobile

I'd suggest a July - August *just make sure APs aren't unblocked *will happen in late Aug.* mid week visit ~ heck DD & I visited over the 4th of July weekend last year *our park days were 7/3-7/6 other then the evening of the 4th the crowds were low to just a wee bit crowded.

 

[newmouse82]

I'm a 28 year old mother of a 1 year old and I am going to Disney for the 1st time in 2 weeks, and I've waited my whole life to go. We had the choice of leaving DS at home but I really think it would take away from the trip for me. I would say either bring him (you'd have to take it slower but she wouldn't be thinking about him the whole time) or go in the fall when he is older. As a huge fan I think she would end up potentially ruining your trip by talking about him the whole time.

 

[jasy]

I think a lot rides on your SIL and her comfort level leaving her child.

I went to DL with my sisters on a "sissy trip" when my son was 6 months, he stayed home with my DH and it was awesome!!! I would do it again in an instant, but that's me and every mother has their own comfort level.

I wouldn't start planning a thing until you know your SIL (and brother for that matter) position on things, and as an aside I know you're super excited but pressuring her into sOmething she might not be comfortable with, even inadvertently will not work out in your favor.

 

[kissesbykim]

I took my DS when he was 5 months old although I did have DMIL with me so it worked out beautifully ! IMO when you get the DL bug, it's hard to get it off your mind! I'm not sure how much of the magic she will feel if she had to ride alone (with baby swap) or left her little one at home for a few day...so I have to agree. Wait until the baby is a little older or bring Grandma, Brother so some other person to help and then no one has to ride alone. I hope you guys are able to work it out so everyone feels the magic !

 

[kissesbykim]

I'm a 28 year old mother of a 1 year old and I am going to Disney for the 1st time in 2 weeks, and I've waited my whole life to go. We had the choice of leaving DS at home but I really think it would take away from the trip for me. I would say either bring him (you'd have to take it slower but she wouldn't be thinking about him the whole time) or go in the fall when he is older. As a huge fan I think she would end up potentially ruining your trip by talking about him the whole time.

Have a fantastic time! Both my DS's are DL/WDW vets now! You'll be able to take the baby on lots of different rides. My DS at 5 months hated the Jungle Cruise but loved Pirates...

 

[nana50]

I'm one that prefers missing a few rides to crowds. too many people make me cranky. Splash Mountain is fun, but you can go on the log ride if you want water and the matterhorn or the big rollercoaster at CA for a wild time. I would pick middle to end of May as the hotels are the cheapest which means the crowds are the lowest.

 

[Disco]

Pretty much all summer long is busy and the heat can add frustration so I would avoid it especially if the baby goes (I would recommend leaving the baby with mom and bringing "it" back when "it's" old enough to appreciate the park).
June is going to be brutal too. With Star Tours and The Little Mermaid opening, crowds are going to be higher than usual.
Best hope is to check sites like this http://touringplans.com/disneyland-resort/crowd-calendar to pick a slow day to avoid crowds.
There are plenty of slow days in October and most of the rides are usually open. I went last Oct (weekday) and it was a ghost town.
Christmas time is the most magical for me though.

 

[DandyDisneylandy]

A lot of you are saying wait a year for the baby's sake, but let me explain further...

As I said in the first post, I have a 4-day Park Hopper that expires in the beginning of February 2012, so we need to go by then. Also, by next March the whole family is planning on moving to Kentucky and our chances of going to Disneyland together will become VERY minimal. Brandi (the mother) has said both that she wants to leave Nolan (the baby) with my mom, and also that she doesn't want to, so she's pretty wishy-washy about it. I absolutely want my nephew to go to Disneyland someday, but not now. I went for the first time at two. I have no recollection of the trip whatsoever, but it obviously impacted me a lot. I want Nolan to go when he's can walk, talk some and be aware of the surroundings. I think one year is still a bit too young, personally.

As for my brother, he will be going too. I know we could do the baby swap thing, but it just ends up being a hassle and someone ends up disappointed about not getting to ride with someone else, etc. I am NOT in any way, shape or form putting down babies or young children, I am just stating my opinion.

You might think, "Why do you have to go with them?" Well, Brandi has never been and Tyler (my brother) has only been a few times. Neither of them know their way around the park or how to make the best use of time. I want to go to help, and I really want to be there to see Brandi's reaction.

Some of you have said go in summer, but I really dislike that idea. I know it's really the only time when all rides are operating, but the crowds are unbearable and the weather is too hot. Both my brother and sister-in-law are impatient and neither tolerate heat in the slightest. I fear that if Brandi's first trip were in the middle of the summer, she would immediately form a decision against the parks. My dad's girlfriend did this and refuses to give it another try, even though my dad begs her to go.

I like to stay at one of the hotels directly across the street so I can just walk to the park. I don't mind if some of the smaller attractions are closed, but I'd prefer nothing major.

Again, I apologize for the length of this and I sincerely appreciate all the responses!

 

[Angel Ariel]

Just focusing on the crowd/heat aspect and the desire to have most of the rides open...and take this with a grain of salt, as I have not personally been at DLR during these times

But maybe mid-November (between say Nov 12th and Thanksgiving), early-December would be a good time to go? Looking at the Disneyland Resort Update for November 1, 2010 on another site (can I link it?), the major closures were at the beginning of November to prepare the holiday overlays for isaw and HM, and removing the overlay from SM.

Depending on how you time it, you could avoid school breaks for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and it looks like (historically anyway) most major rides would be open. Plus, DLR would be decked out for the holidays. Park hours may be shorter during the week...but crowds will also be lower, and it won't be as hot.

As for entertainment...if you're going for 4 days, maybe you could plan on going Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat? The park would likely be more crowded Fri and Sat (but the entertainment would also likely be running on the weekend), but you'd have the first two days with (likely) lower crowds. that strategy served DH and I well in late April/May last year (which was off season, entertainment scheduling wise). I don't know if it would work out similarly or not in Nov/Dec, but it's something to think about.

 

[sonnyjane]

Just my opinion, but you give the impression that you're more concerned with creating your idea of the perfect experience at the park than with hers. True, her baby will not remember it, but it's very possible that she would like to bring him anyway. Maybe her idea of a perfect first visit includes taking things slowly with her little one. As some others suggested, you could bring grandma along to help watch baby in the parks, or if it's just going to be you, her, and your brother maybe you could take one for the team and watch baby while she and your brother ride, then do a rider swap. All I'm saying is you should consider her wishes in planning a first trip. It's a lovely gesture what you're doing but don't forget that everyone has different expectations out of a Disney trip and since it is her first visit, she should have a say in the matter.

 

[HydroGuy]

Some of you have said go in summer, but I really dislike that idea. I know it's really the only time when all rides are operating, but the crowds are unbearable and the weather is too hot. Both my brother and sister-in-law are impatient and neither tolerate heat in the slightest. I fear that if Brandi's first trip were in the middle of the summer, she would immediately form a decision against the parks. My dad's girlfriend did this and refuses to give it another try, even though my dad begs her to go.

Whenever I hear bad summer experiences at DLR I need to hear more. Because it usually means people did all the wrong things and put themselves in all the wrong places at all the wrong times.


IF you do DLR right you will

• have a close by hotel - IMO walking distance is the only way to go
• start early every morning (at the gates by 7:30AM) and focus on rides and FP collecting for the first 2-3 hours
• make maximum use of Magic Mornings
• take a 4-5 hour break every day at noon or 1PM where kids and adults swim to cool off and everyone takes a nap in an air conditioned room
• know which rides are air conditioned and are best to do at noon or late afernoon to further keep cool (e.g., Tiki Room)
• head out in the evening to DLR for a cooler evening and stay til midnight if you can make it and use your FPs

THEN DLR is a much, much, MUCH better experience.

You miss most all of the heat and the worst of the crowds, and you get short lines for everything in the morning and late evening.

OP, I am not trying to convince you to change your mind as I think that your mind is already made up, but for others DLR in the summer does not have to be miserable. We can easily do 20 rides a day in the summer and have done as many as 30 a day.

See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

 

[babyruth]

A lot of you are saying wait a year for the baby's sake, but let me explain further...

As I said in the first post, I have a 4-day Park Hopper that expires in the beginning of February 2012, so we need to go by then. Also, by next March the whole family is planning on moving to Kentucky and our chances of going to Disneyland together will become VERY minimal. Brandi (the mother) has said both that she wants to leave Nolan (the baby) with my mom, and also that she doesn't want to, so she's pretty wishy-washy about it. I absolutely want my nephew to go to Disneyland someday, but not now. I went for the first time at two. I have no recollection of the trip whatsoever, but it obviously impacted me a lot. I want Nolan to go when he's can walk, talk some and be aware of the surroundings. I think one year is still a bit too young, personally.

As for my brother, he will be going too. I know we could do the baby swap thing, but it just ends up being a hassle and someone ends up disappointed about not getting to ride with someone else, etc. I am NOT in any way, shape or form putting down babies or young children, I am just stating my opinion.

You might think, "Why do you have to go with them?" Well, Brandi has never been and Tyler (my brother) has only been a few times. Neither of them know their way around the park or how to make the best use of time. I want to go to help, and I really want to be there to see Brandi's reaction.

Some of you have said go in summer, but I really dislike that idea. I know it's really the only time when all rides are operating, but the crowds are unbearable and the weather is too hot. Both my brother and sister-in-law are impatient and neither tolerate heat in the slightest. I fear that if Brandi's first trip were in the middle of the summer, she would immediately form a decision against the parks. My dad's girlfriend did this and refuses to give it another try, even though my dad begs her to go.

I like to stay at one of the hotels directly across the street so I can just walk to the park. I don't mind if some of the smaller attractions are closed, but I'd prefer nothing major.

Again, I apologize for the length of this and I sincerely appreciate all the responses!

I'm sorry but it doesn't sound like you are doing this for them, it sounds like you are doing this for you. YOU want to see her reaction, YOU want to go "help," YOU don't want to baby-swap, YOU have a park hopper that expires that is dictating when everyone needs to go by. Unless you have THREE park hoppers and you are giving them to Brother and SIL....Also it seems like you already know when you want to go and have a lot of excuses why the advice you are being given won't work....

 

[babyruth]

Just my opinion, but you give the impression that you're more concerned with creating your idea of the perfect experience at the park than with hers. True, her baby will not remember it, but it's very possible that she would like to bring him anyway. Maybe her idea of a perfect first visit includes taking things slowly with her little one. As some others suggested, you could bring grandma along to help watch baby in the parks, or if it's just going to be you, her, and your brother maybe you could take one for the team and watch baby while she and your brother ride, then do a rider swap. All I'm saying is you should consider her wishes in planning a first trip. It's a lovely gesture what you're doing but don't forget that everyone has different expectations out of a Disney trip and since it is her first visit, she should have a say in the matter.

YES this ^^^^^

 

[jasy]

Just my opinion, but you give the impression that you're more concerned with creating your idea of the perfect experience at the park than with hers. True, her baby will not remember it, but it's very possible that she would like to bring him anyway. Maybe her idea of a perfect first visit includes taking things slowly with her little one. As some others suggested, you could bring grandma along to help watch baby in the parks, or if it's just going to be you, her, and your brother maybe you could take one for the team and watch baby while she and your brother ride, then do a rider swap. All I'm saying is you should consider her wishes in planning a first trip. It's a lovely gesture what you're doing but don't forget that everyone has different expectations out of a Disney trip and since it is her first visit, she should have a say in the matter.

I agree.

I think you have a nice idea but it comes off as though you're more concerned with you than them. Sure your pass expires in Feb (I think you said) and you also mentioned someone moving, while those are obstacles or inconveniences I live in Alberta, Canada and we go to Disney at least once usually twice a year so don't let the distance and possible move put you off, parkhoppers can be purchased again, it's not the end of the world.

Also, this is just my perspective but am I correct in assuming you have no children? I am in my mid twenties and although I am different than most mothers I know (I have no problem leaving my child with a responsible person so I can have me time) my child comes first. Disneyland is great and all but any new mother will tell you it's hard whether it be your first or 10th and that's your first priority, not Disneyland. I said before that I went on a sister trip when my son was 6 months old, it was awesome, and if your SIL would be okay with leaving her son that's great but if she isn't you need to come to terms with that. Her first priority is her family.