Leaving in 3 weeks:) Love tips and suggestions

[aprila]

Would love to hear from lots of Disneyland goers We are arriving Monday, July 18th by roadtrip from Oregon. We are a family of 8. DH and I plus our 6 children ages 13, 12, 10, 7 (High Functioning Autism/Peanut Allergy), 4 and 23 months. First time for dh and children. I've been reading these boards since we booked in January and have learned alot but would love any more tips and suggestions you have for us to help make this even more enjoyable.

So far this is what I have planned: the day we arrive we will be enjoying DTD, settling in our room, pool play and we have reservations for Storyteller's Cafe for dinner. Tuesday morning EE, Wed or Thursday (can't remember which days they do this at the moment) morning Mickey's Toontown madness. Each day we will probably mosey on over to CA when Disneyland starts getting packed and then back to hotel for naps, rest and lunch. Probably more pool play before dinner. During our stay we would also like to get in an Aladdin show and Playhouse Disney and at night would like to get to see a parade and fireworks. If the younger kids are bushed which could very well happen my dh and I might take turns taking the older kids out later for some last minute fun rides. Of course things don't always go as planned so we are just happy to go with the flow and enjoy whatever we get to see and do. We also know it's going to be a crowded time to be there but at least we get to go this year.

Looking forward to hearing your suggestions and tips!

 

[CindyH]

Get there early - it's tough to plan to be there at 7:30, 7:45am, but the kids will be able to go on more rides in the first few hours than the rest of the day.

Plan your meals - I know it sounds rather anal, but with a large party (we'll have 6 total) and kids (we have 2) you really don't want to plan on waiting 30-45 minutes for a table. Even planning on counter service is risky, given the recent posts about non-existent or untrained CMs at the food service areas. Maybe you can plan a stop at a grocery store to pick up sandwich fixings (thank goodness PB&J doesn't spoil) for your lunchtime meals? We'll do that for the kids, and supplement it with fries/chips and maybe a sweet treat in the parks.

Again, this is anal, but maybe you can get shirts for your entire family that all look the same? I'm just thinking it might be easier for you to spot your kids in a crowded area.

That's all I can think of for now...these boards have lots of great ideas!

 

[crazymomof 4]

Make sure you get there early for the ELP it is so great to be in the front and see the little one's faces.

 

[needalatte]

Absolutely don't miss the Aladdin show. If you are able to get special passes through AAA or a Disney resort hotel (concierge guests only, I believe; you didn't say where you are staying), you can be seated in the first group which means you can sit in front (lots of fun for the kids because the characters come up the aisles and along the front row of seats). Or sit on the lower level along the aisle. No matter where you sit, it's a fabulous show. The Snow White show in DL is of equal quality, it just depends what you prefer.

Also don't miss Soarin' Over CA. Get fast passes early.

Go to the tortilla factory for a free snack--a word you don't often hear in DL!

Fantasmic is great, worth camping out for. We always have a lot of fun while we wait for the show to start. Bring a blanket, take turns with DH saving your spot while the other goes to get dinner or something. (We always get clam chowder in a bread bowl.) We've met lots of people that way.

Your plan to take it easy, go with the flow, and fit in lots of down time sounds perfect to me. Have fun--ride Space Mountain for me! (We won't be going until November, but we are cruisin' with the Mouse on July 2!!)

 

[Mom2my2daughters]

Please please PLEASE don't miss out on the Block Party Bash at CA!! Playhouse Disney is a lot of fun too (which I see is on your list already).

Have a great time!

 

[boosmom96]

April,
I hope you guys have a great trip!! My biggest suggestion is to remind you to relax!!! From everything I've heard, the crowds are going to be pretty bad. We're going a week after you and I'm trying to keep myself calm, and I've been to DL dozens of times of the past 35 years!! Your plans sound great and I know you are just going to love the whole place!!
I saw your other post about driving in LA and I wouldn't worry too much. I would think you'll be coming down 5 and it keeps you out of some of the worst traffic. Just heed the advice to keep out of the fast lane if you're not going to do 75+mph and you should be fine.
Have a great trip!!!

 

[TiggerCate]

How is your autistic child with crowds and noises? Have you researched the GAC? My son is autistic and we need to be so careful with him in crowds!

Where are you staying?

 

[aprila]

Not exactly sure how Devin is going to do with the crowds or noise but he is very aware of where we are going and is very excited. Some noises bother him some do not....we will go first thing in the morning then when it starts getting really crowded we will do other stuff either in CA or in the hotel. We are staying at the DLH 2 bedroom suite. We are prepared to take everything as it comes and if we miss things so be it.....just happy to enjoy this time with our kids I am just expecting that it's not going to be perfect and roll with it.

My brain is slow this morning...what is GAC?

 

[dulluth]

I agree with you Aprila! We will be there for the last three days of a wonderful CA trip with several family members. We know that crowds are going to be a factor, but we plan to simply "deal with it"! I mean, if you miss something, you miss it ... just think of all the things you WILL see! And most of all, you're in DL ... with your family ... life is good! These boards are great for helping to plan to see as much as you can, but with so many things that you can't control, ya just gotta smile and tell yourself, "I'm here!"