Last Minute Advise for a DL Birthday trip for a 3 year old!!

[M&M-Mommy]

Hello all!!

So we are leaving in 5 days for my DD Birthday in Disneyland. Although I have been to DL several times..this is the first time I am taking my daughter (who is just turning 3). She LOVES everything Disney..especially the princesses!! We have ressies at BBB and Ariels Grotto for her special day. Does anyone have any advise or suggestions for a newbie (new to taking a toddler to a theme park) mom trying to make her daughters birthday as magical as possible??

 

[skiingfast]

Go slow on the rides, see what she likes and doesn't like instead of assuming that everyone loves pirates or HM.

Mid day nap if you want her up for those night shows.

 

[I❤MICKEY]

We celebrated my DS's birthday at DL in June. We did the birthday party w/ Mickey and Minnie. If you read through the discussions some people love it while others hate it. We loved it. I think the cost was $15.99/person and worth every penny in my opinion. The party is hosted by Pat E Cake who does a great job of making each child and family feel special. Each person is given a souvenir cup filled with lemonade, party hat w/ mickey ears and a design your own cake. The cake was a big hit for my family. Then Mickey and Minnie come out and everyone sings happy birthday. The kids get to have their pictures taken with them both. It's one of the few times I've seen both together in the parks. One other nice bonus was that there was a photopass photographer there. It was so nice to be able to enjoy those moments without fumbling with a camera.

I also recommend that you get a birthday button. Characters, castmembers and other guests were constantly wishing him a Happy Birthday. He wouldn't wear his pin on his shirt so we snuck it on his hat.

 

[All American]

Definitely do the birthday button. It's a little thing that will make anyone at any age feel special.

And, of course, take lots of pictures and just have fun.

 

[LisaT91403]

We took our DS about 2 weeks before his third birthday (no ticket necessary ), and he had a blast. If your DD is potty trained, I'd say to bring some extra clothes just in case. Our newly-trained DS was having so much fun that he forgot to tell us he had to go -- it was totally out of character for him. You might also want to bring a few snacks to avoid low blood sugar meltdowns. And some wipes are always handy.

We obviously didn't do any princess stuff. If he didn't want to go on a ride, we didn't make him. We wanted his first trip to be nothing but fun! We also watched a few things on YouTube before we went, and I think that helped. Girls might be different, but DS liked these rides:

IASW (great "dark" ride to start out with)
Autopia
Monorail (DS is obsessed with trains)
Disneyland Railroad (see above)
Astro Orbitor
Jungle Boat Cruise
Tiki Room
Tarzan's Treehouse
Mark Twain Riverboat
All of the Main Street Vehicles
Dumbo
Mad Tea Party
Carousel
Casey Jr. Circus Train (the BEST ride in the park, according to DS)
Winnie the Pooh (don't forget it's back there...very much worth the walk because Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore are hanging out outside the ride)

He rode, but did not like, Gadget's Go Coaster (too fast) and Peter Pan (too scary, but he assures me that he wants to go on this next time and isn't scared anymore).

Have fun! I had been to DLR dozens of times in my life, but seeing it through DS's eyes on his very first visit was magical.

 

[M&M-Mommy]

My DD is also recently Potty Trained.. little worried how its going to be in the park..but I have lots of extra clothes..just in case. I even have pull ups (hoping not to use) and lots of wipes. I have a lightweight stroller too. We have planned for a break everyday for a nice LONG nap.

Does the park allow you to bring in snacks for little ones?? I have a little lunchbox for her..but wasn't sure if they would let us bring it in.

We thought we would start with "Its a Small World" and go slowly from there...just to see how she does. Someone suggested to bring a small flash light for "dark" rides. I found one that is a flashlight and a glowstick (its even pink!! ha ha ha). I figured we would just use it as a glowstick..so it doesn't bother other people.

Think we will pass on HH..Its only open the first 2 days we are there anyway...then closed for the holiday makeover. POTC..I am hoping she will like it. She has been running around the house with a pirate hat singing "Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho..a pirates life for me." and Ahoy mateys!!

Grammy and Pappa are also going with us..so that should help alot too!
Are there any "must do's" for toddlers at DL??



We will stop and get her the birthday button for sure!! I even have a "Birthday girl" shirt for her!!

 

[M&M-Mommy]

We celebrated my DS's birthday at DL in June. We did the birthday party w/ Mickey and Minnie. If you read through the discussions some people love it while others hate it. We loved it. I think the cost was $15.99/person and worth every penny in my opinion. The party is hosted by Pat E Cake who does a great job of making each child and family feel special. Each person is given a souvenir cup filled with lemonade, party hat w/ mickey ears and a design your own cake. The cake was a big hit for my family. Then Mickey and Minnie come out and everyone sings happy birthday. The kids get to have their pictures taken with them both. It's one of the few times I've seen both together in the parks. One other nice bonus was that there was a photopass photographer there. It was so nice to be able to enjoy those moments without fumbling with a camera.

I also recommend that you get a birthday button. Characters, castmembers and other guests were constantly wishing him a Happy Birthday. He wouldn't wear his pin on his shirt so we snuck it on his hat.

Lovin' the decorate your cake thing!! That is so cute! It would be just her and 4 adults. Does it matter that there are no other kids in our group?
We are going the lunch with Ariels and having the Princess cake (serving for 1) and jewlery box thing. (I have no idea what it looks like).
So many choices!!

 

[M&M-Mommy]

We took our DS about 2 weeks before his third birthday (no ticket necessary ), and he had a blast. If your DD is potty trained, I'd say to bring some extra clothes just in case. Our newly-trained DS was having so much fun that he forgot to tell us he had to go -- it was totally out of character for him. You might also want to bring a few snacks to avoid low blood sugar meltdowns. And some wipes are always handy.

We obviously didn't do any princess stuff. If he didn't want to go on a ride, we didn't make him. We wanted his first trip to be nothing but fun! We also watched a few things on YouTube before we went, and I think that helped. Girls might be different, but DS liked these rides:

IASW (great "dark" ride to start out with)
Autopia
Monorail (DS is obsessed with trains)
Disneyland Railroad (see above)
Astro Orbitor
Jungle Boat Cruise
Tiki Room
Tarzan's Treehouse
Mark Twain Riverboat
All of the Main Street Vehicles
Dumbo
Mad Tea Party
Carousel
Casey Jr. Circus Train (the BEST ride in the park, according to DS)
Winnie the Pooh (don't forget it's back there...very much worth the walk because Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore are hanging out outside the ride)

He rode, but did not like, Gadget's Go Coaster (too fast) and Peter Pan (too scary, but he assures me that he wants to go on this next time and isn't scared anymore).

Have fun! I had been to DLR dozens of times in my life, but seeing it through DS's eyes on his very first visit was magical.

So Peter Pan is scary?? I thought it was Snow White?? She has seen both movies...will that make any difference in the scariness of it??
Goodness!! All the things you never even think about until you have a little one!! ha ha ha! I have NEVER been on the Mad Hatter. Is it going to make me sick?? You don't have to spin them if you don't want too..right?

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

I think that Snow White, Pinocchio, and Mr. Toad are all scary rides for timid youngsters. You can bring in whatever snacks you like, just not big coolers. I think toddlers still do well at the Baby Care Center. They have miniature potties right off of the ground for potty training toddlers to use. It's at the end of Main Street on the hub, to the right. I personally think it's a good idea to go in anytime you're near the BCC and do the "just try to go" thing even if the child insists they don't have to.

You don't have to spin the teacups, but as they make their way around you still get spun. It makes me ill, even if we don't turn the tea cup.

 

[LisaT91403]

So Peter Pan is scary?? I thought it was Snow White?? She has seen both movies...will that make any difference in the scariness of it??

Peter Pan isn't really scary. It's dark, and Captain Hook standing on the croc's mouth scared my son for some reason. But he didn't cry or anything, just told me afterwards he didn't like that part. Really, it was no big deal.

I *do* think it will make a difference that your DD has seen the movies. My son hasn't seen any of them. But now that he's seen "Jake and the Neverland Pirates", he said he's good with the Peter Pan ride.

Every child is different. There's no way I would take my DS on Pirates, but your daughter might be just fine. Use your best judgment, and have fun!

 

[ttfn2u2pooh]

Where is this birthday party with Mickey & Minnie done? Is it done on a daily basis? Are reservations needed?? We'll be there just over 3 weeks after DD's 3rd birthday but this would be such a fun way to celebrate with her. Would there be any issues with participating in this even with her actual birthday being over with??

 

[rnewton2]

I too am curious about the birthday party with Minnie and Mickey. We will be there in January for dd's 5th birthday. Going to do BBB and Ariel's Grotto, but the party sounds fun too!!

 

[ttfn2u2pooh]

I too am curious about the birthday party with Minnie and Mickey. We will be there in January for dd's 5th birthday. Going to do BBB and Ariel's Grotto, but the party sounds fun too!!

I just found the info at Disney.com.... Here's what it says about the different b-day celebrations....

Order a Disneyland Resort Personal-Size Party Cake

Celebrate your birthday with a meal at a full-service restaurant in Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park or the Disneyland Resort Hotels, and add to the fun with a Disney Princess Jewelry Box or Disney Pirate Treasure Chest! Each comes with a special surprise and an individual cake! The Princess Jewelry Box and the Disney Pirate Treasure Chest are available at full-service restaurants, Character dining locations, and through Disney Hotel Room Service. Price: $15 each, plus tax.



Celebrate a "My Disneyland Birthday Party" with Mickey and Minnie!

Searching for a magical way to enjoy your big day? Make plans for a "My Disneyland Birthday Party" at Disneyland Park's Plaza Inn! Join your host, Pat E. Cake, for a happy, fun-filled celebration featuring music, merriment, laughter and cake decorating — with a special appearance by Mickey and Minnie Mouse. All Guests receive a party hat, souvenir sipper cup, mini birthday cake, icing and cake toppings.

Seating daily. Reservations can be made in person at Plaza Inn, City Hall and at Guest Relations information kiosks, or by phone when you call the Disney Dine Line at (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463. Price: $15.99 per person*

I'm thinking that for the extra $0.99 having Mickey & Minnie there might be better than the "gifts". Who knows, maybe we'll do both. Nothing like celebrating at DL I guess.

 

[M&M-Mommy]

I have to say.. I just LOVE this site!! Everyone is so helpful!! I love the pictures of things too! I would have never known about the personal cake or the Birthday party if it wasn't for this site!

I think we will see how it goes for POTC. If she does good on all the Fantasyland rides..I think she will go for it. I will post pictures of the personal cake when we go.

About the Birthday Party...Does anyone know... Do we need to make reservations for all in the party (4 adults, 1 child) even if you don't want the cake and stuff??
ie..my dad is a diabetic. The cake and lemonade is pointless for him. He can't eat it..but he will want to be there to watch the fun!

 

[I❤MICKEY]

About the Birthday Party...Does anyone know... Do we need to make reservations for all in the party (4 adults, 1 child) even if you don't want the cake and stuff??
ie..my dad is a diabetic. The cake and lemonade is pointless for him. He can't eat it..but he will want to be there to watch the fun!

I know that they need to track the exact number of guests for the reservations. For example my younger son was only 6 months and didn't eat cake or lemon-aide but I was required to include him in our reservation. Of course he was free because he was under 2. I would ask when you make the reservations if you can skip the cake for someone in your party or if they have a diabetic alternative. I wouldn't be surprised if they have some type of alternative.

I recommend that you make your reservations in advance. When I called to inquire she told me they limit the number of people per day and once it's sold out they won't take any more reservations.

It doesn't have to be on your exact birthday. There was someone sitting at the table next to ours that whose birthday was the previous week.

We did a character meal on his b-day but we elected not to do the cake for $15 because we were doing the party and it seemed odd to be eating cake for breakfast. There was someone at our breakfast that had a cake but I didn't see what she got as her special gift.

By the way the party starts at 3 PM - at least it did in June.

Hope this helps.