something special for younger visitors

[never2muchdisney]

Are there extra things little people can do at Disneyland and California Adventure outside of the rides, shows, and parades? I was looking into one of the tours, but I don’t think a 5 year old would be interested. I thought there was a cookie decorating booth or something like it. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[DangerMouse]

Boy or girl?

 

[bumbershoot]

The cookie thing is gone, not sure if it's gone for good or just while they refurb the area.

Well, unless you're going during the holidays; they had a Halloweentime cookie and a snowman cookie 2 months later, for about 6 bucks each, with stuff to decorate it. Those were both over in Woody's Roundup area behind BTMRR.

 

[grizbuzz]

You could do Build a Bear in Downtown Disney. Or you could get Disney Potato Head pieces at Engine Ears Toys in DCA. And there's Libby Lu makeover for girls.

 

[avalon451]

Are there extra things little people can do at Disneyland and California Adventure outside of the rides, shows, and parades? I was looking into one of the tours, but I don’t think a 5 year old would be interested. I thought there was a cookie decorating booth or something like it. Any suggestions? Thanks

To be honest, when I read this, I thought to myself, "You mean outside of the fact that DL is bascially built to be paradise for 5 y.o.s?

Your 5 y.o. will never, never be bored. Having just been there with my own DD5 in March, I can tell you that there are so many niches, surprises, little activities that they will run you ragged long before you ever have to point something out to hold their interest. If they show the slightest sign of boredom, you can take them to Tom Sawyer's Island/Pirates Lair and let them run around and discover stuff... to ToonTown, which has more gags, fun stuff and places to explore; Minnie's House is amazing... Tarzan's Treehouse ... Bug's Land in CA... Redwood Challenge Trail... S.S. Rustworthy... on and on.

Who needs cookie decorating?

 

[DangerMouse]

The reason I asked if it was a boy or girl is because they do have cookie decorating at the Princess Fantasy Faire. But most 5 year old boys don't want to decorate princess cookies.

Anyway, I agree 100% with Avalon's post above. . .

 

[bumbershoot]

To be honest, when I read this, I thought to myself, "You mean outside of the fact that DL is bascially built to be paradise for 5 y.o.s?

I thought that too.



Little note in case there are future trips planned and the 5 year old is on the shorter side....even if they don't meet the height of something, try anyway (OK, don't take a 40" kid to try for Screamin', LOL). For Star Tours and Grizzly so far we've gotten a cute little card that basically says "it's sad you're not tall enough yet, but bring this back when you are and your family can get on quickly". Worked beautifully for Star Tours, and we are planning our next trip in about half an inch, LOL. (measuring time by DS's growth)

But that's ONLY fun if you're going back and can remember that card then. if it's a one-time visit, I don't recommend trying for things you know they can't get on.

 

[DL4my2kids]

The cookie thing is gone, not sure if it's gone for good or just while they refurb the area.

Well, unless you're going during the holidays; they had a Halloweentime cookie and a snowman cookie 2 months later, for about 6 bucks each, with stuff to decorate it. Those were both over in Woody's Roundup area behind BTMRR.

I hope it's just temporarily gone.

 

[Jenn1116]

Hmmm Ride shows and parades have always kept me and DD entertained... Did you mean stuff like the character meals or getting dreamed?

I guess I'm with Avalon on this...

 

[never2muchdisney]

Gosh, I think my posted question was a little misunderstood. I wasn’t worried about my 5 year old getting bored, I was looking for something special for him. We’re taking a family trip to Disneyland for the holidays, and I was looking for things above and beyond the parks to buy for Christmas gifts. I’ve reserved the segway tour for my husband and son, and I’m giving the photo pass package to my daughter and her husband. I was just looking for one little special thing for my grandson to add to his Disneyland experience and give as a gift.

I have to tell you, I sure wasn’t expecting the replies to my question to make me out as some idiot who thinks cookie decorating is way more fun than Disneyland rides and parades. Believe me when I tell you I know how much fun a 5 year old can have in the parks. We’ve been taking our children and grandchildren to Disneyland annually for over thirty years. I was just hoping that Disney added some new little feature this year that I hadn’t read about, and that my grandson could participate in.

Thank you grizbuzz for the build a bear suggestion. That's the sorta idea I was looking for when I posted this morning.

 

[Disneylvrforever]

If he's into Star Wars, he could build his own lightsaber at the Star Trader.

 

[never2muchdisney]

If he's into Star Wars, he could build his own lightsaber at the Star Trader.

He loves Star Wars. Thanks, I like that idea.

 

[DevilDuckie]

I have to tell you, I sure wasn’t expecting the replies to my question to make me out as some idiot who thinks cookie decorating is way more fun than Disneyland rides and parades.

Whoops! Deep breaths! I don't think anyone meant to make you feel bad. Those are nice folks who mean well and want to help.


I second the light saber idea and suggest that you help him make a sign ahead of time for Jedi Academy.

How about a character meal for *just* him and his grandparents? The gift is as much about the undivided attention as anything else and will stick with him for years.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[DangerMouse]

Sorry, I know no one here would want to make you feel bad, but your initial post was a bit vague (we didn't know when you were going, or what gender the 5 year old was, or even that he was your grandson). We didn't really understand exactly what you were looking for until you explained further. So please forgive us.

There are lots of great special treats for him (now that I know it's a boy). If you are going over Christmas, they will no doubt have the cookie decorating returning to the BTM ranch area. Take him to Jedi Training Academy to fight Vader if he's really into Star Wars. Make a sign ahead of time to help him get picked. There is a Lego Store in DTD where he could find something special, and my kids love the Mr. Potato Head parts in Enginears in DCA. If you are one of the first on the Mark Twain riverboat, you an ask the pilot if he can go into the pilot house and be the co-pilot for the trip. He will get to "steer the boat", pull the whistle and ring the bell. That was always a very special thing for my kids at that age.

Hope that gives you some ideas.

 

[never2muchdisney]

Thanks guys, these are some great suggestions.

 

[never2muchdisney]

Is anyone familiar with the Reindeer Roundup at Christmas? Is it fun and worth the line wait?

 

[julw]

I agree with the others about trying to get him picked for the Jedi show if he is a big Star Wars fan. It's not a sure thing though, that is the hard part. But try to get to the show early and get him a seat in the front. Also, maybe have him wear any Star Wars shirts or better yet a costume if he has one. I also agree about the signs, they can be helpful.

You could also add to the present a toy of his choice from the Star Wars store at the exit of the Start Tours ride. That is my sons favorite thing to do- go toy shopping

 

[avalon451]

I'm so sorry, never2much, I didn't mean to imply anything negative! It did sound as though you were not familiar with DL. I should never presume.

I really like the idea of doing a special trip with him to Build-a-Bear! They have lots of cool stuff for boys as well as girls. Even special Mickey things, so it would really commemorate your trip to DL!

I wonder if he would enjoy a character meal at Storytellers' with Koda and Kenai, or Goofy's Kitchen with the big guy, or Lilo & Stitch breakfast at PP? Those would be a really special celebration with the Grands.

 

[grizbuzz]

Oh how could I have forgotten? My DS is 5 and if he could get a special treat from grandma it would have to be to go to the wonderful Lego store in Downtown Disney and pick out a present. He would definitely prefer that over Build a Bear.

Just another idea...

 

[Disneylvrforever]

Is anyone familiar with the Reindeer Roundup at Christmas? Is it fun and worth the line wait?

It's held in Big Thunder Ranch in the back of Frontierland, next to Fantasyland. There isn't a wait, you just walk in and enjoy the fun. On the left side where the petting zoo is, Santa's reindeers are there and you can get pics w/ Santa. On the right side, there's live entertainment such as music, magic, and games for the kids. There's also coloring, cookie decorating, and character visits. Mrs. Claus even comes to join in on the festivities besides some classic Disney characters.