Sick and this is possibley our last trip to DL - Wondering what I should NOT miss...

[MG3G]

I have a neurological disorder which might be terminal, not sure yet. While I still have decent function, which is declining, we are taking our kids to Disneyland.

We are planning to go Feb 8 - 13 - do you think the President's week crowd won't have arrived yet?

That week is also my birthday and our 15th wedding anniversary. I've already been spoiled to have a birthday in the park 7 years ago so I'm ok if we don't do a special birthday thing.

I'm wondering what would be a cool thing to do with the family on our anniversary? Our kids are 2, 3, 5, 11 & 12. Would something like World of Colour be good for that? Something else?

We are staying at the Desert Inn and renting an SUV to haul my scooter from home. Anyone have experience with Sixt rentals and the Desert Inn???

One of my boys LOVES surfing - the weather doesn't scare us coming from Canada- Does anyone know where a pre-teen can take surfing lessons for the day? Which beach is the nicest for a family?

Also - Lego land - If we use a day to go there do most people think it's worth the trip? I suffer from severe fatigue so taking a long day trip on vacation ISN'T a break, would it suck if I never got there?

Then - parks... are there any playgrounds or nice places to relax for the day away from the land? I could see our little kids needing a break from the hustle and bustle. Like what are some "normal" not touristy family things to do in the area?

Another one - can someone please suggest quiet places in the park to sit? I'm thinking like a nice grassy spot where I can take a break and the little kids can bomb around and we can eat a snack?

One more - does anyone know in general when Disney releases the schedule? I was wondering if parades and fireworks and stuff will be on in Feb?

Sorry for SO MANY questions. It just feels like so much pressure to do this trip "right". I can not handle a busy go all day vacation and planning everything I can will help with that. I wish we could wait until our kids were bigger, I wish we could afford all the bells and whistles but... who knows maybe I'll get better and we can do it again some time!

 

[rms123]

Sorry to hear of your situation. I would skip Legoland given all you said. It is a ways away and isn't really "magical". Lots of lines in hot sun that move slowly.

As far as places to watch kids play, there are some areas in Toontown, the Redwood challenge trail, and the water play area in Bugs Land.

 

[lizabu]

I think take it slow and cherish every moment. Get lots of pictures too. You can never have too many.

 

[knitster]

Sorry to hear of your situation. I would skip Legoland given all you said. It is a ways away and isn't really "magical". Lots of lines in hot sun that move slowly.

As far as places to watch kids play, there are some areas in Toontown, the Redwood challenge trail, and the water play area in Bugs Land.

I think take it slow and cherish every moment. Get lots of pictures too. You can never have too many.

I 100% agree with both of these posts.

 

[bouds]

Agree with above. Also, Tom Sawyer's island is a place to get away and and you can rest while kids run around especially in the morning. There's a nice bench there on the Splash mountain side that is shady in the mornings. Make it your base while your older family members take the little kids around to play. I'm pretty sure the island is accessible with a scooter ( not the whole island, but the raft and perimeter paths.) I can't think of a nice grassy area in the park. Aladdin's oasis is a quiet spot, but not necessary good for the kids to play. The raised area between the Matterhorn and small world might be a good break spot as long as it's not parade time. Critter country also is a quieter area with some open space for the kids to run around while you sit.

Parades will be on, but fireworks and Fantasmic will only be on weekends, so Sunday night. I don't think that will be a bad week for crowds.

Normal, relaxing things to do on a non-park day include seeing a movie and shopping at Downtown Disney or Garden Walk (there's also a bowling alley.)

Schedules usually come out about 30 days out, but can change up until about 2 weeks out. Somewhere on here is a link to historical hours.

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

I am sorry for your health issues.

As for your questions, our family enjoys eating by the water at Hungry Bear (. It is relaxing, cool and the kids feed the ducks.

At DCA, my kids can play for hours at the redwood challenge area. It has shady areas with seating.

The shows are also relaxing.

Sometimes we will take the train around the park to sit and enjoy the scenery.