This post is an epilogue to the TR's I have already posted:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=956262
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=956567
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=957885
What follows are some random hints, tips and things we would do next time. They are not in any order just things that sprout from my brain while listening to a selection of music that runs the gamut from the Clash, to Cat Stevens to Johnny Cash to Tom Lehrer to Elton John and more. Most of these apply to either driving there or having a rental car.
We did this trip with a two and half year old. We knew there was no way we could do the parks from opening to closing. We didnt ride everything nor did we see every show or fireworks event. It was like we got a hearty meal but didnt leave overstuffed. We managed to take time to relax and I think that help us all get along without too many meltdowns (either the child or the adults).
If you think you might be split-up at all, invest in a good pair of two way radios, but please turn off the roger chirp.
The Wal-mart on Euclid two exits up from Harbor Blvd. has Disney shirts for far cheaper than in the park or WOD. Ours dont say Disneyland on them but we only paid $6 a piece versus $29 and up at the park. This was important for my daughter who continues to grow like a weed.
Buy sodas, water and snacks ahead of time. We never had a problem taking these into the park. We made up the Chex Party mix and brought our own Ziploc bags. We brought a small cooler which kept the drinks and fruit cold.
Speaking of a cooler, be sure and have this out of your stroller (if bringing one) BEFORE you get to security. It sure keeps the lines shorter if you have all coolers and purses out and ready to be checked BEFORE you get to security.
I am a bit surprised that DL does not have metal detectors or X-rays, it seems the perfect place for some type of an event. The inspection was cursory at best and easily had I wanted we could have smuggled something in.
Bring or buy lunch meat, cheeses, PB and Jelly and bread. It is sure cheaper than park food and for the most part better tasting.
My DD lived on Kellogg's Fruit Twistables in a variety of flavours.
Why oh why do the speakers in the rides have to be set on what seems like ELEVEN! Some of those rides would have been more enjoyable if the sound, words and music was not so loud.
Most DL hotels have fridges in the rooms or available to rent, but we love our plug in Igloo that keeps food and drinks cool. We have the AC converter for use in the rooms.
Like Hydroguy said, NOTE the time on the Fastpasses for when you can get another one. It was an hour or two before I looked at the BOTTOM of the FP for that time and not the end time of the window. Also we never had a problem using them LATER than the end time on the FP.
If you are an AAA/CAA member be sure and ask if there are any discounts at the hotels, WOD or even the character breakfasts/lunches/dinners. We did and it saved us a bit on our total.
Bring your own stroller if you can. The one you own is more than likely far better and more comfortable for your child than the one DL rents for $8 a day.
The continental breakfast at the Ramada is a joke at best. It is two pastries and one fruit per person from the coffee shop located on the property. Milk is not included but juice and coffee are. Cereal is not included either.
We never used the pool at the Ramada as they had been stripping the palm trees before we arrived which made the hot tub and pool areas covered in black palm tree dust. It seemed to be adequate as far as pools go, but then we didnt go in the heat of the summer either. It was downright cool the nights we were there.
Always ask if a Jacuzzi room is available when you check in. Your calves, feet and body will thank you for it.
Eat at Mimis Café on Harbor instead of IHOP. The breakfast there at IHOP was pretty greasy though hot.
I am sure there is more and I may come back and add to or edit this, but of all the things I can think of, I think this is most important. Never forget the power of thank you, youre welcome and excuse me. I was saddened but not surprised by the times I didnt hear someone else saying that, but heartened when a CM or character would respond to us saying it like they had not heard it all damn day! I also lost count of the number of times we or our daughter were jostled out of the way by someone demanding a better view or an autograph with no acknowledgement of the disruption to our personal space.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=956262
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=956567
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=957885
What follows are some random hints, tips and things we would do next time. They are not in any order just things that sprout from my brain while listening to a selection of music that runs the gamut from the Clash, to Cat Stevens to Johnny Cash to Tom Lehrer to Elton John and more. Most of these apply to either driving there or having a rental car.
We did this trip with a two and half year old. We knew there was no way we could do the parks from opening to closing. We didnt ride everything nor did we see every show or fireworks event. It was like we got a hearty meal but didnt leave overstuffed. We managed to take time to relax and I think that help us all get along without too many meltdowns (either the child or the adults).
If you think you might be split-up at all, invest in a good pair of two way radios, but please turn off the roger chirp.
The Wal-mart on Euclid two exits up from Harbor Blvd. has Disney shirts for far cheaper than in the park or WOD. Ours dont say Disneyland on them but we only paid $6 a piece versus $29 and up at the park. This was important for my daughter who continues to grow like a weed.
Buy sodas, water and snacks ahead of time. We never had a problem taking these into the park. We made up the Chex Party mix and brought our own Ziploc bags. We brought a small cooler which kept the drinks and fruit cold.
Speaking of a cooler, be sure and have this out of your stroller (if bringing one) BEFORE you get to security. It sure keeps the lines shorter if you have all coolers and purses out and ready to be checked BEFORE you get to security.
I am a bit surprised that DL does not have metal detectors or X-rays, it seems the perfect place for some type of an event. The inspection was cursory at best and easily had I wanted we could have smuggled something in.
Bring or buy lunch meat, cheeses, PB and Jelly and bread. It is sure cheaper than park food and for the most part better tasting.
My DD lived on Kellogg's Fruit Twistables in a variety of flavours.
Why oh why do the speakers in the rides have to be set on what seems like ELEVEN! Some of those rides would have been more enjoyable if the sound, words and music was not so loud.
Most DL hotels have fridges in the rooms or available to rent, but we love our plug in Igloo that keeps food and drinks cool. We have the AC converter for use in the rooms.
Like Hydroguy said, NOTE the time on the Fastpasses for when you can get another one. It was an hour or two before I looked at the BOTTOM of the FP for that time and not the end time of the window. Also we never had a problem using them LATER than the end time on the FP.
If you are an AAA/CAA member be sure and ask if there are any discounts at the hotels, WOD or even the character breakfasts/lunches/dinners. We did and it saved us a bit on our total.
Bring your own stroller if you can. The one you own is more than likely far better and more comfortable for your child than the one DL rents for $8 a day.
The continental breakfast at the Ramada is a joke at best. It is two pastries and one fruit per person from the coffee shop located on the property. Milk is not included but juice and coffee are. Cereal is not included either.
We never used the pool at the Ramada as they had been stripping the palm trees before we arrived which made the hot tub and pool areas covered in black palm tree dust. It seemed to be adequate as far as pools go, but then we didnt go in the heat of the summer either. It was downright cool the nights we were there.
Always ask if a Jacuzzi room is available when you check in. Your calves, feet and body will thank you for it.
Eat at Mimis Café on Harbor instead of IHOP. The breakfast there at IHOP was pretty greasy though hot.
I am sure there is more and I may come back and add to or edit this, but of all the things I can think of, I think this is most important. Never forget the power of thank you, youre welcome and excuse me. I was saddened but not surprised by the times I didnt hear someone else saying that, but heartened when a CM or character would respond to us saying it like they had not heard it all damn day! I also lost count of the number of times we or our daughter were jostled out of the way by someone demanding a better view or an autograph with no acknowledgement of the disruption to our personal space.
