May 9 to May 16 (Opinions Please!)

[bluebooks]

We're headed to Disneyland for a trip delayed two years ago by the unexpected arrival of a little one (2 weeks before previously planned trip). So, now we have a 12 year-old, a 10 year-old, and a 2 year-old. Our children have never been to Disneyland before. I have several questions:

1) I'm not sure that my little one will make it through the day. We can choose to go do DL on Saturday (and get to see Fantasmic & the Fireworks) and potentially have a very cranky toddler. . . OR we can replace Saturday with a mid-week day the next week. Is it worth braving the Saturday crowds just for a few extra shows? By the way, we have a 3-day hopper. We're already planning to go Tuesday, May 13 and probably Wednesday, May 14. But we could shift our Saturday plans to Monday the 12th or Thursday, May 15. What are your thoughts/experience?

2) We have PS at Cafe Orleans. I noticed that their kid's menu says ages 3 to 9. How strict are they about enforcing the age limits? My 10 year-old would really rather eat off of the kid's menu.

3) How busy will it be in the park once we get past Mother's Day?

Thanks!

 

[BillyFan]

I really enjoy the nighttime entertainment, so I would suggest taking a mid-day break so your little one can nap and get refreshed out of the heat.
You shouldn't have a problem with your 10 yr old ordering off the kids' menu.

 

[pixiewings71]

My 11 y.o orders off the kids menus. I think I might this time too, some of the adult meals are just too big! Billy Fan has good advice, take that mid-day break so you can see the evening entertainment.

 

[DoomBugger]

If you think the little one will not be a problem staying out for the shows and fireworks Saturday maybe go for it. If you have a hotel close maybe a break mid-day when the heat and crowds are rough to gear up for the evening. The weekday closing times are fairly early so maybe one weekend night might be fun, but only if you can take advantage of the extra time. If not the weekdays might be your best bet.

You could just plan that one of the adults takes the youngest back early and the other adult and older kids can cut loose and go get as much DL fun in as possible!

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

My kids (2 and 4) have a nightly bedtime of 7:00. They could probably tough it out until 9, asuming they got a good nap in the afternoon. I can not seem to find the operating hours for the week you will be there, so not sure as to how late you would be keeping your little one up if deciding to go saturday.

I think your older kids would LOVE saturday night entertainment and Disney in the dark is my favorite time. I would not stay however if it ment a cranky, disobedient child.

Like a PP mentioned, would you be willing to split up the adults if it got to late for your little one?

I guess only you know your child and what they (or you) can handle.

But, if you can make it work I would stick with your current plans so the older kids can enjoy the DL at the night.

 

[bluebooks]

Thanks for all the replies!