One day suggestions?

[Lissame]

We're going on a Disney Cruise to the Mexican Riviera, leaving on Sunday, March 20. Our plane arrives Saturday, March 19 at 10 AM. So we're looking for a one-day thing to do.

It's me, dh, and our kids ages 12 and 10. We go to Disneyland every year, were just there for a week last summer. Not that we're opposed to going to Disneyland for the day, but it's a hefty cost with so much being closed (esp. our favorite ride Splash Mountain) just for a few hours at DL. We'd end up leaving at a decent hour (9 PM) so we can be well rested before leaving on our cruise. Typically we "close down" the park, but that won't be an option this time.

Any other fun things we should consider? We're such DL nuts that we can't really come up with anything close by to do for the day. We've been to Legoland twice, don't want to go back there again. We had considered Universal Studios, the kids have never gone and it's been years since DH and I have gone.

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

I have always wanted to check out the kids science center that is just south of Disneyland:
http://www.discoverycube.org/
I can't comment on it since we haven't gone, and I don't know if it is age appropriate for 12 and 10 year olds (i.e. - is it geared toward those ages or younger???). But it looks pretty cool. Might not take up a whole day though. My husband belongs to the EAA and I think we can get in there for free (just wanted to mention that in case anyone else belongs).
Have a great trip!

 

[Huff]

Since you are arriving at 10am it really depends on which airport such that you can make it somewhere early enough to make it worthwhile.

Check hours that Universal is open. If they are open late night it would be worth it. You will be able to do everything there in a day unless its extrememly packed which is not often.

Long Beach Aquarium is a great place to spend an afternoon. They also offer whale watching and harbor cruises from there.

Knotts Berry Farm is 5 miles from Disneyland and a fun park. Several thrill type rides such as roller coasters but plenty others as well.

 

[SnowWhite09]

I would probably go to Universal Studios if I was you. We took our daughter who is 12 in 2009 and she had a great time!

I hope you have a great cruise!

 

[taaren]

When I've done Universal I thought it was more like a half-day trip, not sure if its worth the drive ... but if you want to drive that far, and if your kids are into thrill rides there's Six Flags Magic Mountain a little farther north, which is pretty cool for boys that age. Other options are to go an hour South to SeaWorld, there are Grayline buses that do a drop off/pick up ticket deal - that's something I intend to do every year and just end up saying, nah let's just do another day at Disney (or a relaxing pool/resort day).

 

[LavenderPeach]

Yes, knowing what airport you're arriving at and also where your hotel is will help in giving suggestions but here are some thoughts:

What about spending the day at DTD? You could eat at one of the hotel restaurants, maybe a character meal to get into the disney spirit? You could also see a movie and do some shopping.

You could go down to San Diego and tour the city. You could go check out Old Town or take a tour of the USS Midway aircraft carrier or look around Balboa Park.

 

[Lissame]

Well, I'm back...the trip is getting closer and I'm still trying to figure out what to do. Now I am also trying to figure out what to do on our last day.

Here's the plan at the moment:
Saturday 3-19--plane arrives at 9:15 AM. Renting a car. Probably going to Downtown Disney for a couple of hours, then going to the Cabrillo Aquarium in San Pedro. We're staying at the Doubletree in San Pedro. Those two things are probably plenty to keep us entertained for the day. Any other suggestions for one more thing we could do? Planning to have dinner fairly early and be back at the hotel for the night at 7 for our DIS meet and greet.

Sunday 3-27--will probably be off the ship by 10 at the latest. Taking a taxi or shuttle to the Long Beach airport (whatever's cheapest) Check in for flight and check our luggage. Our plane leaves at 6:15 PM. Assuming it's now about 11-11:30, what do we do for the rest of the day? We can definitely rent a car...but where do we direct that car? Downtown Disney again? Anything else?

Help!

 

[suzy021372]

How 'bout heading to the beach? It is only 20 minutes from Anahiem. Or, go check out the "Hollywood" sites, if you are up for a bit of a drive. There are lots of great museums...the La Brea Tar Pits, the Museum of Tolerance... I don't think I would spend the money for an amusement park when arriving late in the morning...

Have fun, whatever you choose!