one day with 3 year old - need advice

[abolanwoski]

I just got back from a week at WDW and DD3 is already asking to go back to the park. That's my girl! Anyway, we are stationed in So. Cal and are within reasonable driving distance to DL, so I thought I'd surprise her and take her to Dl instead for a Saturday visit. We would drive to Anaheim on Friday after work, stay and play on Sat and then stay o/n and leave Sun afternoon. So my questions are : Which park? DCA or DL? And where to stay? She is still a napper (especially when I get her up early and run her ragged) so proximity is important.

Thanks!

 

[Casey's Mommie]

I prefer Disneyland to Disney CA. I think most people would agree with me there. Especially for a three year old.

You should most definitely stay across the street on Harbor. I've stayed at the Park Vue and Camelot. I liked them both. Camelot is nicer but more expensive.

Try BWPPI, Camelot, HoJo's, Tropicana, Park Vue or the Desert Inn and Suites. All are right across the street within walking distance.

 

[wendypooh22]

I also agree on Disneyland.. I have stayed at the Best Western Park Place Inn and at the Carousel Inn. Both are across the street (BWPPI is closer) and I have had really nice experiences with both of them.

Since they are across the street on Harbor, in the afternoon you can go back for a nap, relax and hit the park in the evening for more fun!

When my boys were that age, I would bring my own stroller so they could ride to and from the park and save their energy for walking inside...

 

[brenda1966]

I've stayed at Hojo's, Camelot Inn and Carousel Inn and all are just fine.

I'd definately do DL first. There is a lot to do in Fantasyland!
But I wouldn't just rule out CA. Is there any way you can hop? CA has that great Bug's life area that the little kids just love. There's also King Triton's carousel, and the Brother Bear area. REally, there's a fair amount to do in CA for a little one.

I second the opinion of taking your own stroller.

 

[wendypooh22]

Oops... I forgot all about the bugs life area and the Brother Bear part too.....duh

 

[bumbershoot]

Glad someone else talked up DCA while I was waiting for the Dis to respond to my "post reply" request.

If your kiddo is expecting magic kingdom sorts of things (her request to go back to WDW) then DCA might not fit her expectations. BUT if she just wants to have a grand time, I'll tell ya, we LOVED DCA. We spent half the day over in bug's land, and could have stayed longer if we wanted to. DS went on the Chew Chew train three times in a row and wanted more. The rides are just fun over there, and it's also quite lovely!

It might be a bit late in the year now, but DS (also 3) spent an HOUR getting absolutely soaked in one of the water play areas. He had a blast, and in between noticing the glares from other parents having to explain to their kids that they couldn't copy my son, we just loved watching him run around like that. We were prepared for it, with a change of clothes down to underwear...but just in case anyone wants to be MORE prepared than we were, bring a towel and shoes (oops). But if you copy us exactly, the changing pads are nice and plush and dried him off well (a CM cleaning the bathroom saw my dilemma and suggested using thosse), and you can always buy her new, dry, shoes in Greetings from California.


Anyway, we barely cracked the surface of DCA for various reasons, and we can't wait to go back and really focus on it for a couple days, b/c it was so much fun. (kinda bummed it's going to be changed, too, but I'm sure it will emerge even better) Oh, and if she likes Monsters, INC, and if you go to DCA, ride that ride, it's great fun!!!!!


Either park is going to be great, even for a day. But if you want something different, DCA can be fun for a 3 year old.

 

[abolanwoski]

Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions. I haven't even looked at tickets yet, so I'm not sure about park hopping, but if it's not too much more I may do that, as I've only been to DL once before and never to DCA.

Glad someone else talked up DCA while I was waiting for the Dis to respond to my "post reply" request.

If your kiddo is expecting magic kingdom sorts of things (her request to go back to WDW) then DCA might not fit her expectations. BUT if she just wants to have a grand time, I'll tell ya, we LOVED DCA. We spent half the day over in bug's land, and could have stayed longer if we wanted to. DS went on the Chew Chew train three times in a row and wanted more. The rides are just fun over there, and it's also quite lovely!

It might be a bit late in the year now, but DS (also 3) spent an HOUR getting absolutely soaked in one of the water play areas. He had a blast, and in between noticing the glares from other parents having to explain to their kids that they couldn't copy my son, we just loved watching him run around like that. We were prepared for it, with a change of clothes down to underwear...but just in case anyone wants to be MORE prepared than we were, bring a towel and shoes (oops). But if you copy us exactly, the changing pads are nice and plush and dried him off well (a CM cleaning the bathroom saw my dilemma and suggested using thosse), and you can always buy her new, dry, shoes in Greetings from California.

This made me laugh because at WDW, we had the same experience at Ariel's grotto. It was so blazing HOT and I just couldn't see standing there and NOT getting wet! She was soaked (and I wasn't so dry myself) but it felt great. I did notice alot of parents having to physically steer their little ones away.

 

[BillyFan]

If you hop, also be sure to check out the Animations Studios at DCA. Lots of fun stuff to do there, as well as a nice place to take a break.
And if you are in DCA, and your daughter will nap in the stroller, head over to the Grand and have a seat in the lobby to rest yourself and enjoy the atmosphere

 

[bumbershoot]

we had the same experience at Ariel's grotto. It was so blazing HOT and I just couldn't see standing there and NOT getting wet! She was soaked (and I wasn't so dry myself) but it felt great. I did notice alot of parents having to physically steer their little ones away.

Good to know you let her have as much fun as she wanted. Ha ha, we were a bit wet too, especially since the fun ended after a 12-ish year old banged into DS and he was knocked to the ground...pain leads to big hugs, and big hugs from a sopping wet kiddo lead to semi-soaking mama!


By the way, have you looked at Hydroguy's tips about DL for WDW "vets"? Good stuff.

 

[LuvDaVillains]

Just a reminder that both parks have Baby Centers. The one in DCA is by the Tortilla Factory, the one in Disneyland is at the end of Main Street closest to the castle (you hang a hard right as you get to the end of the Main St. shops).

These have kid-size toilets, if she's more comfortable with those, and are a good place to change clothes if she spills stuff on herself, etc., without getting dirty looks from other park patrons!

Both parks have plenty for the little ones to do.

 

[DizneyMommy]

I'd do just Disneyland for that short of a trip. Save a little excitement for the next trip, and plus that way you won't feel so rushed and pressured to see it all because you paid for a hopper.

Oh and by the way - you said stationed, I assume you meant on a military base? Grab the tickets on base, and for that matter see what the travel office has for hotels, theire rates are usually so good you'll never match it on your own.

 

[abolanwoski]

I'd do just Disneyland for that short of a trip. Save a little excitement for the next trip, and plus that way you won't feel so rushed and pressured to see it all because you paid for a hopper.

Oh and by the way - you said stationed, I assume you meant on a military base? Grab the tickets on base, and for that matter see what the travel office has for hotels, theire rates are usually so good you'll never match it on your own.

Thanks! I figured they had discount tickets, but hadn't thought of the hotels. I looked online yesterday and WOW! I'm used to using Shades of Green at WDW (103/night) so I'm fairly spoiled. What sticker shock. Also, a lot of places are showing as sold out. Hopefully the ITT office will have something good available.