Last minute prep help

[dr&momto2boys]

We leave for 2 1/2 days at DLR next Tuesday. We'll do EMH and have a rough plan for the first few hours at the parks to maximize rides and minimize waits. I'll pack a cell phone charger. Other than that what else might be helpful?
DL app? Other apps?
Just my 10 year old son and myself and I didn't plan to make dining reservations (just quick service) but now I'm second guessing myself. If I make 2 dining reservations for early dinner, where would you recommend? Son eats hamburgers and I like healthy choices.
What else?!
Thanks!

 

[pblack]

I would recommend downloading the DL app and another called "Wait Times for Disneyland." It's made by VersaEdge software and has a purple icon. The reason I keep both is sometimes the DL app is not correct, and the wait times app is easier to read. (at least for me.) I'd bring a bottle of water or two in, as long as you don't mind them room temp. Maybe a few snacks for if you get hungry in line. Some basic meds (small travel kit with bandaids, aspirin, etc). I know you can go to the "infirmary" free of charge for most over the counter stuff, but it's a whole lot nicer to not have to walk over there from all the way across the park.

I have not eaten at Carnation cafe(res required), but i want too. They would probably have variety for you and your son. I also recommend the french market cafe (qs) if your son doesn't want a burger. If you want to splurge a little, i also suggest blue bayou (res requried). When I go i normally stick to quick service, so i can't comment too much on the reservation restaurants, except for blue bayou, and it's delicious.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

There aren't a whole ton of table service. To be honest, I think everyone should eat at Blue Bayou at least once. The ambiance is unreal.

 

[BriannaRuth]

I third Blue Bayou. Make a reservation now, then arrive 20 minutes before your reservation time and ask to sit by the water. Tell them you'll wait. It's pricey but I bet your son would love it. Look at the menu to be sure there's something your son will eat.

I always pack a small first aid kit as well, including bandaids and tylenol or similar. I also put blister bandaids in mine. Consider taking a change of socks ... nothing like walking around with squishy feet if you go on GRR or Splash and get soaked. Not sure how hot it will be when you're there, but if it's in the 80s or 90s, consider taking one of those cooling towels and/or a mister bottle.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you don't feel like carrying water bottles, just about any CS place will give you free cups of ice water, usually as many as you want. That saves a lot of money and weight in my bag. If your charger gives you any trouble, there are now vending machines that sell chargers thoughout the parks. Yes, they are pricey (and the same chargers are cheaper on Amazon.com), but they are reusable. So you only have to buy them once. You might enjoy eating at UVA Bar in DTD. That is located right in the center of things, literally, so you can enjoy great people watching. There are burgers and lots of other choices. Have you looked at allears.net for the DLR menus? That would give you a better idea of what interests you and what your son might enjoy.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Thanks, everyone!

 

[Nevada Jen]

I second bringing packable snacks. Hanger is a real problem in my family.

 

[Tasscrapper]

I would recommend wearing hats to help keep the sun off your face and protect your eyes from that bright light all day. I rarely wear a hat at home but it is a necessity for me at the parks to prevent headaches. I would also suggest familiarizing yourselves with which rides do fast pass and single rider. If you are willing to ride separately you can save a ton of time on some of the bigger rides and you usually finish within a couple minutes of each other. The Disneyland app can be invaluable . . . explore it before you go. It can give you wait times for the rides as well as current fastpass distribution times, all the restaurants and menus with prices (you can make reservations from the app), bathroom locations, character locations along with times they will be there, entertainment schedules ect.

 

[GenGen22]

I would carry sunscreen as it gets pretty hot at DL.