Planning help needed!

[MinnieMama09]

We leave 2 weeks from today for our first holiday trip to DL! Getting a little overwhelmed with planning out our days while we're there. We have two little ones, DS4 and DDalmost 2, plus taking Grandma and Grandpa with us (they've never been to DL or WDW). We have 3 day PH, we'll be there Sun-Tues (Dec. 12-14). Sunday is a long day (but I know it's going to be busy-open 8-12), Mon. and Tues. close early for CM parties. Any helpful tips would be appreciated! We'll make sure to see fireworks on an early closing day (better for the kids), but with Sunday being a lot busier than the other days, not sure what we should do when? Oh, and I know with the mix of family going, we will be taking a more leisurely place (Grandpa has knee trouble, small children, oh, and DH likes to take it slow )

Of course, we want to hit all the Fantasyland rides, Toontown stuff, IASW and Haunted Mansion, etc. Any suggestions?

 

[Sherry E]

You and I will be there at the same time!! (Except I leave 2 weeks from tomorrow and stay until 12/15.) I'm a wee bit overwhelmed too. Last year I didn't stay in a hotel. I just went to DLR on day trips so it wasn't as stressful in terms of making lists of what to bring - because I didn't have to pack a suitcase - or what to put on the schedule, because we were only there for one day. I haven't stayed onsite and done a multi-day trip in 2 years. And I am realizing that this trip is fast approaching.

Don't forget to spend some time at the Reindeer Round-Up. Don't forget to visit Santa at his various posts around DLR (5 total). Visit the GCH lobby at night, plunk down in the comfy chairs with a snack or beverage, and enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere, with entertainment from the carolers, the pianist and the guitarist by the fireplace. Make sure to catch the nighttime Winter Castle lighting and the snow on Main Street. Stop in A Bug's Land in DCA and see the oversized Christmas ornaments and lights.

Oh,and don't forget to use your Magic Morning option if you can on Tuesday (or Sunday, if you get there early enough).

I would get in as much Disneyland stuff on Sunday and daytime on Mon-Tues. Leave the DCA stuff for Monday and Tuesday evenings after DL closes, if possible.

 

[MinnieMama09]

All very good stuff! Thanks, Sherry! How fun you'll be there too...I'll be lookin' for the lime green Mickey! That's what I was thinking to do too...make sure to get DL in during the days (especially on Mon and Tues since it closes early). I know Sunday will be a long day...I may be the only one headed back to get in some attractions at night! I haven't yet decided what we'll do about Fantasmic or WOC...not sure how the kids will do and if they'll make it so late. Definitely will be headed back to the HoJo for naps (well, I may opt out of that one...my DH can handle the kids!)

Oh, so much to see...

 

[Sherry E]

I think that the GCH lobby idea (at night, when the carolers and guitarist are there) would be great for Grandma and Grandpa, if they want to do something nice and leisurely and holiday-ish without going back to the hotel just yet. You could head back into DL at night to catch the snow, the Winter Castle lighting, etc. and they could have a wonderful time just sitting at the GCH.

I know that on Monday and Tuesday night, I will either be in the GCH lobby myself, or I will be in DCA.

 

[MinnieMama09]

Yes, they will LOVE the GCH lobby at night...definitely will plan on that one! Very good idea!