Overwhelmed with our upcoming trip!

[Momto3kiddos]

I'm so overwhelmed I didn't even realize I posted this in the WDW section. ooops so here it is in the DL section.
Hey...so I can tell already just by looking at this site that some of you can help me!
My family and I (husband and kids 14, 12 and 11) have a trip to DL planned for Nov 7-11. I used to live down there and have been many times, but not in 25 or so years, my husband only twice and our kids not at all.
We will be there for 5 days and I'd like to try and get some sort of game plan...but don't even know how to start
I keep trying to read threads, but don't quite have time to search out things.
Can you help by giving me some things you feel I absolutely must know going into this?
Anything will help as far as info on fast passes, places to eat, this pin trading thing? It feels like it's the first time I've ever been.

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm so overwhelmed I didn't even realize I posted this in the WDW section. ooops so here it is in the DL section.
Hey...so I can tell already just by looking at this site that some of you can help me!
My family and I (husband and kids 14, 12 and 11) have a trip to DL planned for Nov 7-11. I used to live down there and have been many times, but not in 25 or so years, my husband only twice and our kids not at all.
We will be there for 5 days and I'd like to try and get some sort of game plan...but don't even know how to start
I keep trying to read threads, but don't quite have time to search out things.
Can you help by giving me some things you feel I absolutely must know going into this?
Anything will help as far as info on fast passes, places to eat, this pin trading thing? It feels like it's the first time I've ever been.

o Learn about FP - "FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

o Learn about Magic Morning - "Magic Morning (Early Entry) Super Thread" by DLR29 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403

o Learn about the major shows

"World of Color Superthread" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37986447

"Fantasmic! Superthread" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2671983

o Do not miss the Aladdin stage show at DCA

o Park hop every day - "Why I ParkHop at DLR" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

o Understand DCA's morning hours - "The Official Scoop on DCA's Unofficial Morning Opening Hours" - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2680309

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Breathe! I promise, a 5 day trip to Disneyland doesn't require a whole lot of plotting and planning as long as you understand FPs. Hydroguy has a great thread about Fast Passes (see above). The only other thing I'll warn you about is that November 11th will be BUSY and will be your only night to see Fantasmic and the fireworks (they'll be the holiday fireworks!). I'd suggest staking out a good spot to see the fireworks on Main Street, then heading over to ROA to see the late showing of Fantasmic! They are both worth seeing.

The beginning of the week will be pretty quiet, and you'll be able to see and do a lot.

 

[Momto3kiddos]

Oh thank you both! I knew you'd get me going in the right direction!