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

[kikiq]

It's great that you want to help your sil understand the Disney magic. It's seems you have two things you would like to do this trip. The first is to have your sil experience the Disney magic and the second is for everyone to see the new attractions. Think back to your WDW CP. The magic you gave and saw with families/children if when they were stopping to "listen/look at the Disney magic". The parents seeing their child's face when they first see a character up close. When your brother and sil see their son's first reaction what ever it is, I think that is what starts the Disney magic. Look at my DGD (7mos) face when she first saw Goofy really up close at Goofy's Kitchen.

You want your sil to feel the magic. I don't know that there is any better way for someone to "catch" the magic than to see their own child experience it. Can you imagine the memories that a picture of your nephew eyes big would mean to your brother and sil? And maybe the trips to Disneyland and WDW would be few but they would be precious memories.

I would make a list of must dos. Do not "go commando" in your planning. Plan for breaks. And the last thing you want is for your brother and sil to sit there and say, "Oh, our baby would have loved this."

We take our DGD with us when we listen to the swing bands at Disneyland. Will she remember? Probably not, but in the moment, she's has a wonderful time "dancing" and watching the band play. Will she remember Tink flying over the castle during the fireworks? hmmm, she remembers something because during our last trip, she pointed to the sky over the castle and started clapping. We will remember and it is a precious memory for us...part of the Disney magic.

 

[babyruth]

It's great that you want to help your sil understand the Disney magic. It's seems you have two things you would like to do this trip. The first is to have your sil experience the Disney magic and the second is for everyone to see the new attractions. Think back to your WDW CP. The magic you gave and saw with families/children if when they were stopping to "listen/look at the Disney magic". The parents seeing their child's face when they first see a character up close. When your brother and sil see their son's first reaction what ever it is, I think that is what starts the Disney magic. Look at my DGD (7mos) face when she first saw Goofy really up close at Goofy's Kitchen.

You want your sil to feel the magic. I don't know that there is any better way for someone to "catch" the magic than to see their own child experience it. Can you imagine the memories that a picture of your nephew eyes big would mean to your brother and sil? And maybe the trips to Disneyland and WDW would be few but they would be precious memories.

I would make a list of must dos. Do not "go commando" in your planning. Plan for breaks. And the last thing you want is for your brother and sil to sit there and say, "Oh, our baby would have loved this."

We take our DGD with us when we listen to the swing bands at Disneyland. Will she remember? Probably not, but in the moment, she's has a wonderful time "dancing" and watching the band play. Will she remember Tink flying over the castle during the fireworks? hmmm, she remembers something because during our last trip, she pointed to the sky over the castle and started clapping. We will remember and it is a precious memory for us...part of the Disney magic.

and although your conscious "memory" may not recall things from early childhood we obviously are learning. everything babies experience contributes to the person they become.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

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!

My DH was not a Disney guy when we married. We went to Disneyland and he had fun but still didn't "get it" This last Christmas we took our son age 6 for the first time... seeing it through our son's eyes did him in! My hubby is now as Disney Tragic as I am. Truely for thosse that weren't born into Disneyholic families and first see it as adults need a boost and their children are that boost. No matter your plan I am sure she will get it when her baby is old enough to be enchanted. I would wait until he is a little older (even a year old) for Mom's intro to the land

 

[bethy]

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 TOTALLY agree! Children are a blessing at DL no matter what their age. To me, experiencing the Parks with my children - at ANY age - makes the experience 10 times more magical. We are taking our 2.5 month old to Disney this summer and even if I would have no problem leaving her with someone else I would just miss her terribly and wish she were with us. It would diminish the magic for me.

Disney is for ALL ages. Ages 0 - 99+ That's the most magical thing about it and was Walt's dream.

 

[bethy]

I also want to add that not everyone feels the magic via the same way. For example I am a total addict, own DVC, etc. My last name is even the same as one of the main characters! But I do not go to Disney for the rides. Sure, I enjoy them plenty, but they are not why I go so often. I go for the overall experience - the magic, the music, the happiness, the entertainment, the escape. I couldn't usually care less whether I get to ride a particular ride on a particular trip and have never waited more than 20 minutes in line b/c it's not worth it to me. I don't mind the baby swap process at all and in fact have spent many times happily waiting on benches with babies and soaking in the magic.

Even if your SIL didn't have a child you have to allow her to discover her own way to feel the magic at Disney - it might be different than yours. I have taken a lot of newbies to the parks and desperately wanted them to be "converted." But if I dont' watch myself then I become too intense and take on too muchresponsibility for their experience and that's not good. And it puts a LOT of pressure on them and causes tension.

Based on your comments and timing issues I personally would recommend Early December with a couple of weekend nights built in to make sure there are fireworks, etc.

 

[Soaptopia]

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 agree with you about leaving baby home. For a first trip, with all of the walking and nap breaks, it would take away from the experience of Disney by itself. Go again when you can afford it and the baby gets older.

I would definitely go in May. You will be able to ride Splash another time, and Little Mermaid too when it's not brand spankin new anymore. I think that anytime after will be slightly more crowded than usual because of these new rides. In May the crowds will be lighter and there will still be SO MUCH more to do than Splash. There is a great water ride in California Adventure called Grizzly River Run.

Make sure you use your Magic Morning and you will have a wonderful trip!

ETA: I took my fiance for his first time in 2005. I most definitely had to talk him into it. He wasn't remotely interested but he loved me so he finally agreed. He LOVED it very much. He still does and always tells me he wants to go. We have been probably 20 times since. I'm not saying this is how it will be with her but it most certainly could happen.

 

[DandyDisneylandy]

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....

I am basing my "excuses" on things I have heard directly from my brother and/or sister-in-law. I have had the Park Hopper since the beginning of 2010. Brandi knows this. She is a nurse who makes very good money and does not have a problem with paying for her ticket. She WANTS me to go with them. She does NOT want to go without me. Again, these are all things she has said directly to me. They are both two of the most impatient people I have ever known and my brother has made it abundantly clear that the baby-swap will be "annoying" and a "hassle" (again, words from HIS mouth). But he basically has NO say in whether or not the baby comes. She has been very wishy-washy about bringing the baby so far. I really just want her to enjoy it to the fullest without having to hear her boyfriend/my brother complain every time we need to baby-swap or whatever. He will, trust me. I have been to Disneyland many times, during empty times and during times when the park is full. I came here asking for help because it seems there really is no more off season, so I just wanted to see what other people said. I am sorry if I came across as rude, I did not mean to, I am just anxious.

 

[DandyDisneylandy]

I agree with you about leaving baby home. For a first trip, with all of the walking and nap breaks, it would take away from the experience of Disney by itself. Go again when you can afford it and the baby gets older.

I would definitely go in May. You will be able to ride Splash another time, and Little Mermaid too when it's not brand spankin new anymore. I think that anytime after will be slightly more crowded than usual because of these new rides. In May the crowds will be lighter and there will still be SO MUCH more to do than Splash. There is a great water ride in California Adventure called Grizzly River Run.

Make sure you use your Magic Morning and you will have a wonderful trip!

ETA: I took my fiance for his first time in 2005. I most definitely had to talk him into it. He wasn't remotely interested but he loved me so he finally agreed. He LOVED it very much. He still does and always tells me he wants to go. We have been probably 20 times since. I'm not saying this is how it will be with her but it most certainly could happen.

THANK YOU for agreeing with me. I love my little nephew very much and of course I want him to go to Disneyland, but I want him to be aware of the surroundings and all that. This particular trip is for his mom and dad.

I'm not sure we would have Magic Morning hours considering we won't be staying on property.

I personally don't mind Splash being closed or the two new rides not being open, but this is Brandi's first trip and I don't know if/when she will ever go again seeing how she's planning on moving to Kentucky next March. We don't live close enough to go twice in one year, nor do we really have the financial means or time.

Anyway, thanks for your help. Thanks for not thinking I'm mean for thinking the baby shouldn't go

 

[DandyDisneylandy]

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.

My mom (aka grandma) cannot go. I am definitely considering her wishes. I have talked with her pretty extensively about this trip. She is a person who has trouble making up her mind. One minute she wants the baby to go, the next she doesn't. She doesn't want to go when it will be very crowded or hot as she cannot stand being hot and becomes very angry if she is. I know it sounds like I know when we should go, but the last time I went was mid-October. I anticipated low crowds, but the park reached capacity while I was there. I always go in the fall, usually, but in recent years they have so many specials and events that it's hard to tell when will be a good times. I was just curious to see what would be said and if I could get any better idea. I shouldn't have mentioned the baby at all, I didn't realize so many people would get upset about it. I definitely want my nephew to go to Disneyland, but when he's a little older and can really enjoy it.

 

[nana50]

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 say take your mom, let her babysit in the hotel. They can use the pool and have a relaxing time. If there is a real problem your sister-in-law can run right over to the hotel.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I'm not sure we would have Magic Morning hours considering we won't be staying on property.

You have a 4-day PH, correct? That, along with most other regular 3-day (or more) PH passes should come with a Magic Morning.

The only 3-day PH passes that don't have a magic morning day with them, AFAIK, are the Armed Forces Salute tickets.

If you want to wait for the new rides to be open, but don't want the crowds, I think mid-November/early Dec. is probably your best bet.

As for the baby, and this quote:

I definitely want my nephew to go to Disneyland, but when he's a little older and can really enjoy it.

I know your SIL is wishy-washy about it - but, in the end, it's her decision. I would recommend not pressuring her one way or the other. If you are insistent with her in any way (which I don't know if you are or not, so not judging..just hypothesizing), and she gets to DL and realizes she really wanted her son to be with her, she could end up resenting you for her son not being there.

Maybe give her a timeline, once you've determined when you'll be visiting - something like "hey, I know you're up in the air about bringing your son, and that's cool. If he's coming, I'll need some time to plan around that (as it will change the touring plans) - so could you please decide by [insert date here] so I have enough time to do that before we go." That way you're letting her know it will require a different strategy, and that you need time to plan for that, but it still leaves the decision up to her. As someone without kids myself, I wouldn't feel right telling a mother what I thought she should do - even if she asked me. I would offer up what it would be like in both scenarios - with the child, and without - and let her make the decision on her own. JMO though. Good luck!

 

[nana50]

I agree with the OP Disneyland is magic for every age. It is not always magic with a baby along. Try to get her to leave the baby at home, or in the hotel. You will have more fun. Yes park hoppers can be bought again, yes you may be able to afford to come from far away once or twice a year....but trust me, park hoppers are expensive and so are airplane flights and a lot of people cannot afford to just fly down more than once every few years. My Canadian relatives come every five years and they stay with me, it is still quite an expense for them. Wasting a four day park hopper would be a crime. Sorry everyone is giving you grief.