New and seeking advice...

[princesses2]

sorry if this is a repost. i couldn't figure out how to post.
Our family will travel to CA during Spring Break. I'm trying to get organized for our upcoming trip and need lots help in planning.

First details of our trip with 3 kids (ages 7,5,1)
3/25 fly to San Diego
Sat-we'll visit the zoo
Sun/Mon-legoland
Tues-coronado island. hang out at the beach
Wed-drive to Disneyland. staying at DLH. not really sure what to do once we get there. I do want to do character dining for sure.
Sat-fly home

Now comes all the questions. What's the weather like? What kind of jackets should I pack (fleece or windbreaker kind)? What kind of clothes should I bring? Should I rent/buy strollers? What is the law in CA regarding carseats? Do I need one for my 7 yr old? Should we have a rental car in Disneyland? Where can we shop for groceries near there? What are the things I shouldn't miss at Disneyland? As you can tell, I need lots of help. Any advice from veteran Disney travelers?

I'm glad I found this site. I'm learning a lot from everyone.

 

[firstcruiser]

The weather should be nice when you come. Mid 70's in the day and 50's at night. We don't usually get a lot of rain so I would recommend fleece.

I believe stroller rentals are $7 and they have doubles also. We live here so usually bring our own. I think you can take them from park to park now but not to downtown Disney. It is good walk from the park to your hotel, even if you take the monorial, so you may want to bring your own with the age of your kids.

I don't think you really need a car if you're spending your time at Disneyland. You can walk from your hotel through DD to D.

We have never shopped for groceries so I can't help you with that one. I'm sure there is something close by. You may want to search through a yellow pages like www.bigyellow.com to find one.

We have done Goofy's Kitchen and Ariel's Grotto. I prefer Ariel's but you may want to try Goofy's since it is in the hotel. We also enclosed the princess breakfast on Main Street. I've heard horror stories but we had fun. Make sure to make a PS for when you are going because it will be crowded.

I'd say don't miss Alladin at CA. We love that show!

Have fun when you're here.

 

[firstcruiser]

I forgot the car seats. The law is 6 years or 60 lbs.

 

[pocohontas2004]

Just had our sons at Legoland and we only needed one day - originally thought we would need 2. (Also, there were more Lego kits at the retail Lego store in Downtown Disney than there were at THE BIG STORE in Legoland!)

Near Disneyland, there is a full service Von's grocery store on Chapman. It intersects with Harbor and is easy to find.

If you've never done a character meal with your kids, I recommend it. The characters come to your table versus standing in some long lines at the parks to see them.

Yes, Aladdin's show at CA was great!

 

[princesses2]

Thanks so much for the advice. I've decided to bring the booster seat anyway for my 7 year old. Our state law requires it until age 8 and I'm so used to using it that I'd feel rather uneasy not having my son in it. What's one more booster seat since I'm already bringing 2 carseats! I also debated over how many days at Legoland and I've decided to do just 1 day. The other day will be at Sea World. Can't wait!

 

[pocohontas2004]

Legoland is a good 1/2 drive (or more) from the Sea World area. Legoland is easy to find, by the way, from I-5. It is also 1 hour or so south of Anaheim. Perhaps that will help you plan out your trip...