Last minute advice for first timer

[disneybeachbum]

We leave for California on Friday for my first visit. I have done a lot of pre-planning but I would appreciate any last minute advice.
Thank you.

 

[tlovesdis]

We leave for California on Friday for my first visit. I have done a lot of pre-planning but I would appreciate any last minute advice.
Thank you.

It's going to be hot and crowded, so bring plenty of sunscreen and lots of patience!

Also, make sure you get to each park first thing in the morning. Stay until early afternoon, then go back to your hotel and nap, swim, etc... Go back to the park later in the evening and stay until closing.

Have a wonderful time and make sure you post a trip report when you return!!!!

 

[Michelle2]

Have a great time!! We will be there too in 20-something days!!!

 

[unclescroogefan]

Just enjoy being there!!!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

My advice is to arrive before closing. The parks (DL mostly) get very crowded after 10 AM ish. We were there last Thursday and Friday and were actually surprised at the crowds in DL. DCA was not so bad. Use fast passes, don't miss the fireworks show, see the 50th presentation (can't remember the name) in the front area -maybe the frist 50 years, bring in water to save $$$. We entered DCA at 9:30 AM (didn't officially open until 10 AM) and headed to Soaring - no wait!! and it was opened. Then headed to the rapids ride and rode with only a few minuted wait. Back to the boardwalk area and walked onto the rides there. Turtle Talk with Crush is cute and don't miss Aladin. Have fun and don't rush to see everything. We though heading to the hotel and coming back for the fireworks would be a good idea. The rides were packed after the fireworks so that plan backfired for us but the break from the parks was nice.

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

My advice is to arrive before the parks open. The parks (DL mostly) get very crowded after 10 AM ish. We were there last Thursday and Friday and were actually surprised at the large crowds in DL. DCA was not so bad. Use fast passes, don't miss the fireworks show (get there early and get a space infront of the castle and Walt statue), see the 50th presentation (can't remember the name) in the front area, bring in water to save $$$. We entered DCA at 9:30 AM (didn't officially open until 10 AM) and headed to Soaring - no wait!! and it was opened. Then headed to the rapids ride and rode with only a few minutes wait. Back to the boardwalk area and walked onto the rides there. Turtle Talk with Crush is cute and don't miss Aladin. Have fun and don't rush to see everything. We thought heading to the hotel in the afternoon and coming back for the fireworks would be a good idea. The rides were packed after the fireworks so that plan backfired for us but the break from the parks was nice. Resting and swimming was a good change for my kids too.

 

[abby]

go early, go early, go early, go early, and know what the first four or five things you want to do and go for it. We did in the first hour things that would have taken us three or four hours to do later in the day. Have a great time, we wete there in april and are already talking about going back.

 

[Dave Dizney]

We'll be there too! From what I've been reading, the weather next weekend should be unseasonably mild - upper 70's and lower 80's - perfect in my world! The best advice is what has already been offered - GET THERE EARLY, take a mid-day break if needed, and stay there late.

If you see us, say "hi!"

 

[manchurianbrownbear]

My advice would be to read HydroGuy's trip report and thesis on using the FP!

You can save yourself well over an hour of waiting in line just by making good choices when you enter the park.

 

[TrixieMaguee]

NAP TIME!

I can not stress how important a mid-day nap is. Especially if you open the park and plan on closing it as well.

It gives you and your family the chance to get away from the crowds and rest those sleepy feet. If kids don't want to sleep, I suggest watching a movie together, or hitting the pool and hot tub, anything to get your body rested and relaxed for the exciting Disneyland evening

Even if you are only spending one day in the park, I don't recomend skipping the nap. It also helps avoid 'over-stimulation'

 

[Churro]

First don't miss a Dole Whip while enjoying the Tiki room. Second don't save your shopping until last thing at night..big mistake. Do take advantage of the package express. Watch the fireworks and Fantasmic for sure, but if you have time the Billy Hill and the HillBillys show is really a gem!

 

[manchurianbrownbear]

Churro's post reminded me of a mistake we made; waiting until the end of the day to pick up pictures that had been taken by CMs earlier in the day.

We thought about a dozen times throughout our last day in the park, but didn't get there until about 9pm and the line was about a 1/2 hour long.

 

[Churro]

Oooohhh ya that is bad too, but they will keep your pics for 3 days, just don't lose your piture ticket!
Oh ya if you get separated from anyone in your party, you can leave messages at City Hall for each other.
Hit Fantasyland early in the morning, especailly Peter pan...the lines in the afternoon are insane.Plus there is not much shade in that area.
Dont' forget to have fun!