Planning my trip w/ DH, 4yr old & 1.5 yr old...

[Rockafeller]

I feel like sometimes I'm overthinking all the details but hey if I don't who is going too right!

I'm planning our first trip to DL & CA, we fly into Long Beach at 2 in the afternoon. May 3rd is the actual day of my son's 4th b-day we originally had decided not to go on this day because we had heard it was Bat's Day that weekend and were a little concerned of what type of crowd would be there (he's very sensative). Anyways the original plan was to get 5 day park hopper passes and take our time and go back to hotel across street for rest and swim (youngest for naps). With the shorter park hours (which I'm assuming since they are not posted yet but since we are there mid-week I'm wondering if maybe we should either try to take advange of the Sunday night (May 3) or if that is just going to be too much for the day (flying there, driving to hotel etc. I guess we could all get 6 day passes too and then just go for a little bit (train ride, etc. on the Sunday too). I've also been thinking me and DH could get 6 day passes and go on Sunday as grown ups which would be SOOOO much fun, but I'm nervous about the babysitter situation since I don't know them and I'd feel a little guilty leaving my boys after just arriving - they wouldn't be in a familar environment etc. Anyways, anyone have any wisdom for me? One other question I have is if we go there with 5 day passes and decide we want to upgrade to 6 day I know we can just pay the difference, but where do we do that to avoid lines, or is there no way - would we have to waste one morning standing in line?

 

[californiamomof4grls]

i would recommend taking the arrivial day slow. We took our four girls last year, 7, 5, 3, and 1.5, at the time, It was my frist trip ever as well. My DH had been b4. We used the first day as a travel day, we drove. I found it was nice to take that first day and recover from the travel. We walked around Downtown disney, went to the pool, etc. It is also a good time to plan out what you wnat to do first the next day, check your camera supplies, waterbottle status, etc. Then get a good nights sleep, hard with all the anticipation, and get up early to hear to the park.

We also went mid week. The crowds are smaller, but the park is not open as long as it is on the weekends. So it is a trade off. The major downside is that entertainment options i.e. fireworks and such. If i could give you one piece of advice it would be to not OVERPLAN. Some wil say that you should plan out every ride in order and fill every minute of the day. With young kids that is next to impossible. Be ready to take them back to the hotel for naps if necessary. Sure you will lose a little time in the parks but the payoff is far greater having well rested kids who will enjoy themselves rather than tired cranky ones.

Also as it is their first visit i would HIGHLY recommend you do the Goofy's kitchen character breakfast. If you do it on your first day it is a great way to start the experience. It is a buffet style breakfast and the characters walk around and visit with the kids. Really gets the excitement going. Make sure you bring/buy and autograph book. It will really make the experience something to remember. We have the picture framed on the wall of our living room.

Lastly, with little ones food and drinks can be a problem. Things in the park can be EXPENSIVE! But despite what people think you can take food and drinks into the park. Not a whole banquet mind you, but snacks and juice boxes work wel for keeping them satisified. We purchased some insulated 'cool" bags from our grocery store and froze waters in the hotel fridge. We also brought salami and crackers. We merely had to let them check the bags at the security station and we were in. We then rented an all day locker and stored the goodies in it so as to lighten the stroller. It worked out great.

Above all else, be flexible. You are going for 5 days, dont let the pressure to do everything force your hand (although with 5 days it shouldn't be a problem). Relax, and have fun. You will remember thier first visit Forever. PM if you have any further questions, I would love to help.

Regards

 

[pixiewings71]

Well, don't forget this years promo. Your DS will be able to get a $59 Fun Card to spend on merchandise in the parks but ONLY if you go into the parks ON his bday. Your other option is to get him a free admission ticket for that day, then you would only have to pay for the rest of your family.

 

[Rockafeller]

Yeah I know but then we would be paying the extra for 3 of us (aprox. $6-8 each extra to upgrade 5 day to 6 day pass x 3 to go on that day for a few hours so he could get $59 of merchandise?) And I'm sure they will be grumpy, etc. I don't really want to spoil the next day. Not sure it's worth it. Thanks for the tips and ideas so far...keep em coming.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Our travel day is always our 1st day ~ we take a early morning flight, we wake up around 5am our time and get to the parks by 10am (11am our time) last April our arrival day the park closed @ midnight (1am for us) we took a mid day break then, but earlier this month DL closed @ 8pm on our arrival day so we did not take an afternoon break that day.

 

[abouley]

I think I'd spend the extra $15 for the family to upgrade to 6 day park hoppers just to get the $59 fun card. You can buy your signature books, mickey ears, etc with the card. Plus, it gives you just a couple of hours to just sort of enjoy the park that first night. I'd be too excited to sleep anyway On our last trip, we found Sunday night to not be busy at all! You could ride the train, the monorail, some other things that just give you the feel and but be sure to get to bed at a decent hour! Then, I would consider the babysitter for another night and enjoy the parks with just DH! Kids will be tired later in the week and an early evening will be good for them! Not sure about park hours though as you'd want a night that the parks stay open kind of late! Whatever you decide you will have a blast though and so will the kids! Just definitely be ready to take it slow and rest as they need to! Even going to the pool for a few hours refreshes us all!

Alison

 

[IBLarsen]

On our travel day, we were all exhausted. What we did was to schedule Dinner at Goofys Kitchen the night of our arrival. We had plenty of time to check into the hotel, get situated, relax, change clothes, and then walked through downtown disney (you have to walk alllllll the way through downtown disney to get to Goofy's). That was a great way to start our trip, we got a little of the disney magic that first night, without going into the parks. It worked out great for us and we would plan to do that again. The kids (ages 3 and 5) loved Goofys. We saw a ton of characters, and they were very interactive. I have heard this can be hit or miss, but we had a great experience. Have a great trip!

 

[pixiewings71]

Another option would be to upgrade just you and him, take him in and get the Fun Card and then just go back to the hotel. The Fun Card doesn't expire so he can use it on the rest of the trip. You could get his bday button at the same time, he can wear it the next day, you could get park maps and schedules and take them back to the room and check them out. It would be worth the upgrade IMO.

 

[Rockafeller]

Are you sure about the gift cards not expiring, I thought they were only good on the b-day as well?!

 

[abouley]

I read on another post that CA law requires that gift cards not expire. We used my son's gift card throughout our 3 day trip and have some left over for next time!

Alison

 

[pixiewings71]

Are you sure about the gift cards not expiring, I thought they were only good on the b-day as well?!

CA law does not allow gift cards to expire. His card will not expire so really, do what you can to get it for him!! He can't use it on food but he can use it on merchandise IN DL, DCA or at WoD in DTD. It's worth the few extra bucks to get it IMO.