Questions, Questions, Questions.....!!!!!

[chanchiluv]

Ok, here comes the inevitable post of last minute questions.

1). We'll be arriving at Orange County Airport on November 22nd around 1PM. We have reservations for a rental car with Budget. Can anyone tell me where the counter for Budget is in relation to the airport gates? Also, besides the confirmation numbers, credit card used, proof of insurance and driver's Licences, is there anything else we need to have to rent the car?

2). Since it's the week of Thanksgiving, I know they'll be having fireworks nightly while we're there. Can someone tell me what time they are having them, now that it's getting dark so early at night? Also, would you recommend watching both Fantasmic and the Fireworks on the same night, or separate nights?

3). Ok, opinions needed! What rides to you think would be too scary for a five year old? ds is technically 5 1/2, but I know he still gets scared of the dark and such. He did do alright on POTC this summer, though. Also, which rides would not accomodate a large lady with a large behind?

I know I'll think of more to ask before next tuesday. Thanks for your answers!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Ok, here comes the inevitable post of last minute questions.

2). Since it's the week of Thanksgiving, I know they'll be having fireworks nightly while we're there. Can someone tell me what time they are having them, now that it's getting dark so early at night? Also, would you recommend watching both Fantasmic and the Fireworks on the same night, or separate nights?

When Disneyland is open late, the fireworks are at 9:25. When Disneyland closes at 8pm, the fireworks are at 7:45.

I recommend watching Fantasmic & the fireworks on separate nights, unless you can watch the late Fantasmic at 10:30. If you go to the 9pm Fantasmic, there is no time to get to Main Street to see the fireworks. I've seen them from the Rivers of America area after Fantasmic, and though they're nice, they have a BETTER impact when seen from Main Street. If you can stay up late, you can see the fireworks from Main Street, then make your way to see Fantasmic. If that is too much, then go on separate nights.

3). Ok, opinions needed! What rides to you think would be too scary for a five year old? ds is technically 5 1/2, but I know he still gets scared of the dark and such. He did do alright on POTC this summer, though. Also, which rides would not accomodate a large lady with a large behind?

I would wait for PoC & Snow Whites Scary Adventures until after you go on more lighthearted dark rides. The Haunted Mansion is done up like Nightmare Before Christmas - and isn't as scary as the normal version.

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

I can't help you on the first two questions, but maybe I can help with the third.

Our DS is a timid little guy just turning 5. I've been watching the boards for some suggestions on rides to avoid vs rides to try. Here's a good thread to that effect: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=937116

Two things we are taking on our Dec trip for DS: earplugs and a keychain flashlight. At WDW I was amazed and astounded at the volume levels in the rides! I thought Pooh's Heffalump song was drilling into my head! (Better than IASM, I suppose. . .) I'm also thinking about getting a cheap Indiglo knockoff watch for him so if he gets scared he can play with the light-up watch.

We are lucky this trip to be traveling with Grandparents, so we'll be able to preview a couple of the "iffy" rides individually first. We aren't seasoned enough DLers to remember enough specifics to judge. What is perfectly OK for your kid (so you don't even notice it on the ride) may scare the bejeebers out of mine.

The HM overlay may be less frightening than the usual theme. . . but I'm still pretty hesitant on that one. We rented NBC recently and it was WELL beyond DS's comfort zone. Fortunately, we previewed that one, too. That could have been a disaster! HM is definitely on the short list of "iffy" rides to preview.

I completely agree with Mary Jo about paying attention to the order in which you ride potentially frightening rides. Start easy so you don't have to spend hours on Tom Sawyer Island or waiting in line for Dumbo to calm his fears!

There's my (much more than) two cents. Good luck!

D-n-C

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

Oops, I forgot about the last part--rides for plus-size behinds to avoid. Another thread I've been watching: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=785805

I'd rather hear recommendations for that from folks who have tried than skinny people on the ground.

Good luck!

D-n-C

 

[PattiPB]

I'll try to hit a couple of your questions...

1. We don't rent a car in Cali (we drive), but remember to ask for a map! They don't seem to give them out automatically anymore, and they are very useful. One wrong turn and you'll be thankful you've got one!

2. If possible, I'd do fireworks one night and Fantasmic another. Honestly, if you kid is nervous about dark rides, Fantasmic may be iffy, IMO, so you might want to sit on the outskirts of the crowds, so you can leave easily if necessary. Any other DL vets see this as a potential difficulty for a nervous kid??

3. Keychain flashlight! I know it was mentioned, but it's valuable enough a tip to repeat! It may help him a lot. Use child swapping to judge rides you aren't sure about. My suggestion, start off small, and build up each day to more "daring" adventures.

Have an awesome time!!!!

 

[Churro]

1.) I am sure someone can point you in the right direction for the Budget counter...just ask! I think a map is a terriffic idea, and maybe inquire about a car or booster seat.
2.)The best way to see the fireworks and Fantasmic! in the same night is to watch the fireworks from the Main Street Train Station and when it is over, hop the train to New Orleans Square and stake out your spot.
3.)I would start out slow and check his behavior while in line for some rides, you can always back out if you need to.
Don't worry too much about being too big for rides, most of the rides at DLR are accomidating.....just make sure if you are riding with a child that some rides have a pull down bar and it needs to be snug for him also for safety reasons.

 

[WickedWench]

1) The car rental counters are right next to baggage claim. Just walk past the baggage claim, and Budget is the first counter. I didn't need the confirmation number or proof of insurance, just my credit card and driver's license. They gave us a map without us asking. After you get through at the counter, you have to exit the building, cross the street and enter the parkade. You take the elevator to the Budget area.. I forget if it is up or down... there's a sign. Then you visit another counter, just off the elevator, easy to spot. They tell you where your car is and give you the keys. Just walk to the car, and you're off.

 

[chanchiluv]

Thanks for all the great tips, guys! I can't believe as of tomorrow we leave in a week! WAAAAHHHHH HOOOOOOOO!!!!!! :thewave:

 

[samkj]

I agree thanks for the tips! We ran out and bought a flashlight for my son(4 on Sunday) and now he can't wait for POTC, where before he refused to even think about going on it. HM is still up in the air, but I won't push it. If he goes on it great, otherwise, there's always next time!

 

[potterphreak]

Also, which rides would not accomodate a large lady with a large behind?


There is nothing at DL that I don't fit on. And this is coming from the lady who went to Great America for her birthday in 2004 and had to be turned away from the Demon. ( omg, so embarrassing!) The Matterhorn Bobsleds are HUGE and my 4 yr. loved it! I went on Dumbo, Peter Pan, Alice, Snow White, Teacups, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, IASW, Space Mountain, Soarin', Screamin', and that's all I can remember. Have a blast! And if he is scared of the dark, avoid all the "dark" rides in Fantasyland. Last year we focused only on rides that wouldn't make our 5 yr. old cry (Star Tours freaked her out tho, when the doors closed) so we just avoided everything iffy and had absolutely the BEST time we have ever had with kids! LOL

 

[disneylvr2]

My advice with the rental car is to pay very good attention as you drive off of the lot after you get the car. You will have to find that lot again when you take the car back. Also watch for gas stations and decide where you will fill up just before you return it. I know it probably sounds basic, but we have saved alot of money on gas by checking things out when leaving and saved ourselves many headaches by noting landmarks and street crossings as we leave the lot.

 

[mundaremom]

Just got back with a 5 year old and she loved everything except Space Mountain! Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad, Matterhorn, Grizzly River Run, POTC, you name it she loved it except Space Mountain, which was fine with me because I didn't do well on that one. She loved the ferris wheel thing at California Adventure, I wouldn't let her on California Screaming because I wasn't going on it myself. Otherwise she would have went. As for plus size, that is me and I had no issues.