okay so I have read and read and read....

[mrsmeyer]

I am soooo excited, I feel like a kid again...lol. We are planning our first real family vacation and we choose to do it big. Magical.

I have two sons, ages 5 and 3 and a daughter who just turned 1. (Can ya tell I am not very savy on the abbrev, cyber, lingo) We are planning slowly because I wanna do it right. My hubby can be a pain so I want to make sure its a great experience for us all so he'll love to do it again, and again and again. He (as I) hates super duper thick crowds and super crazy chaos...I am the queen at organized chaos....or organizing chaos as to make him think it isn't chaos...but organized, planned stuctured disguised chaos..

Anyway, I have read and read post after post, thread after thread and from what I gather for a family of five like mine with kids ages 5, 3 & 1 a great time to go to DL is Wed, Thur & Friday. Tentative dates are April 30th through May 2nd 2009 and I am seriously trying to take into consideration closure or revapping of attractions. I wanna see everything, do everything and that includes witnessing the parades and special extra stuff that may not be offered in off season times.

I am thinking we will really splurge and stay at the DLH but not sure there seems to be a good variety of really close neighborhood hotels/motels. Just want it to be family friendly and super close to the park for needed breaks, nap etc.

Please please I am asking for any advice, tips or heads up to help me make great plans, good decisions and make it a wonderful trip! I have never done this before and as excited as I am, I am also super nervous! I am so thankful to have such awesome resources at my fingertips....thank you in advance.

 

[alvernon90]

I suggest that you don't tell your husband that you think he is a pain to his face. His tendency to ruin family vacations may be the primary motivation for your extensive planning, but he might not like to hear that.

Tell him instead that you want to be a hyperplanner because you love Disneyland so very much, and therefore he should feel free to let you handle everything before he ruins it with his bad attitude.

Oops, don't say that last part. This might be harder than I thought...

 

[21yankees]

Since you're a planner....you'll fit in very well with the board. Check out hydroguy's tips for rides. You can also check out ridemax. It's a software program for Disneyland or Disney World. You can create an itinerary for each day (based on your preferences) and it will adjust based on crowds. Basically it gets you to do as much as you want with the least amount of waiting time.

Your time frame should work out great as spring breaks are over by then. Keep on this board and you'll pick up lots of interesting bits of information that will help make your vacation even more magical.

I've never stayed a DLH but I hear it's really nice. I have stayed at the Howard Johnsons and the Marriott Residence Inn and they are both very nice.

Before i forget, welcome to the board!

steph

 

[trodrigue]

I would just suggest that if you can add one more day, you stand a better chance of seeing "everything". Plus, if that is your goal, then no point in staying at DLH because you will not have time to enjoy it. But if you can stay 4 nights, then you may have more time at Hotel, in addition to adequate time to explore. The pace is slower for sure with younger kids.

It is likely there will be a really great AP rate after spring break time and before summer, so you could potentially save a bundle to make up for the extra night.

Keep on reading and you will find out everything you need. Welcome aboard!

 

[Leofoenget]

Well, those dates will be during spring break, but the tail end so you will probably be ok during the week. Plan on friday evenings being crazy but it will be your 3rd day so I think you can do it.

I have gone Mid May Mothers day (arrived) Mon-Wed and it was perfect. After spring break, but before grad nights start. Mid week Mid May is a very nice time to go.

 

[mrsmeyer]

Thank you all for your replies, I appreciate it so much. This site is sooo awesome. No question goes unanswered. I check in here whenever I can, usually with a question already in toe....I check in and to my amazement someone already has posted thee question and answers come flying in.

Dates have been set we are driving in on Tuesday April 28th settling in. Start our 3 day park hopper for Wed, Thurs and Friday (Fri is considered weekend right??? Silly question but want to be sure as from what I understand this will be the only firework opp for us..etc) I think we are doing Wed and Thur DL and Fri DCA...

One more question....Days Inn good??? Not too far to walk??? Getting a great rate so want to ask you all before I book it.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers.