Planning first DL trip, info suggestions, etc needed

[mikewdw]

thinking of driving to Disney Land next summer (from Alabama) with kids, sort of see the country thing before they get to old. anyone have tips on how/what to do Disneyland? been WDW 20+times so would be totally new experience for us. any info/advice appreciated
thanks
mikewdw

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Start by reading this thread for lots of great info: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets

If you can, try to do at least part of Route 66 so that the kids can relate when they enter Cars Land.

 

[PaintsWindColors]

What a fantastic trip for your family! You'll be able to catch a lot of really cool landmarks along the way, depending on the route you take. Carlsbad Caverns, Four Corners, Grand Canyon etc. As for Disneyland, the resort is wonderful and I actually prefer it over WDW simply because it's where the magic started! Definitely check out the items specific to Disneyland - the light in Walt's apartment above the fire station, the real human skull in Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones ride (go as often as you can!), Walt's Griffith Park Bench in the Opera House, and the other rides that you can't do at WDW (Storybook Land Canal Boats, Matterhorn, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Snow White's Scary Adventure, and Pinocchio's Daring Journey). Disney California Adventure is a wonderful experience, as well, and you must take the time to not only ride Radiator Springs Racers but actually walk through Cars Land and enjoy the detailed decor. It will really feel like you've been plopped into the movie! Paradise Pier is also pretty wonderful with the only *real* rollercoaster that I've experienced at Disney (California Screamin'). And I absolutely can't end a trip without watching World of Color. It's truly the most awe-inspiring show that I've ever seen at any Disney park. I hope you have a wonderful time and safe travels!!

 

[Ndusmama]

Driving through Arizona on the 40 there is a crater you can stop and see. It is not as out of the way as some of them places and it's not usually really crowded since you are in the middle of nowhere.

The only other thing I would suggest is to make an activity book for the boredom times. I made a binder for my daughter that was Disney themed when we flew to Florida. It had coloring pages, game pages, word searches, tic tac toe, all Disney themed. I saw some road trip scavenger hunt stuff online when I was building the book, but since we were flying I didn't save them. You can print everything out and put it in a binder. Just add a pencil pouch with twist able crayons that don't melt so easily or markers and pencils.