Something unique to do in Disneyland?

[Kyliec1989]

Hello! So, my partner and I have been serious Disney fans our entire lives, and have made MANY trips to Disneyland. We used to go alone and we would travel several times a year with annual passes (were from Seattle) and usually did things cheap, priceline hotels, (though we have stayed in all 3 Disney hotels) etc. We just tried to get as many trips in as possible.

Now, we have a 1 year old, and we have to plan a little more, and our trips are fewer and farther between. We went when our son was 8 months old (October) with my Mom and sister, and since they don't go often it was important to cram everything in and do a lot in the couple days we were there. When its just the two of us, we are more relaxed and always take a break in the afternoon to nap and swim maybe, and enjoy the atmosphere of Disneyland, etc. No pressure to do every little thing because we know we will be back.

Were finally making a trip with just us again, and baby of course. We are splurging on the Disneyland Hotel because of the convenience with the baby, and are flying in on a Saturday evening and just resting up and starting the parks Sunday morning. Were all about relaxing and taking it slow this time. We will be there till Wednesday, so we have a lot of time. We almost always do Goofy's Kitchen, and we have done Ariel's grotto, as well as their World of Color dining package, and we have done Blue Bayou.

We were trying to think of something unique to do that we haven't done before. We are skipping Goofy's kitchen this time because we just did it in October. So, were sparing that expense. My only idea so far is the Fantasmic! Dessert thing...because we are big Fantasmic! fans and it would be nice to skip out on the majority of the waiting for a seat, especially with the baby and because we will want the earlier show this time. But, I am wondering if there is something that we may not know about or be thinking of that could be fun and different to do? I have never done a tour, but I am not sure if it would be uninteresting for someone who knows the resort very well already. Any ideas?

Thanks, and sorry its so long!

 

[skiingfast]

F! dessert Package sounds like a great idea.

Tours are good but if you are a serious DL fan who knows the parks and history, you are just doing them for the tour experience, not the tour information.

 

[Daniellee725]

If you're looking for food I am a HUGE advocate for Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (unless you have the hook up for Club 33, because the food can't be beat there!). BTR BBQ is an all you can eat dinner show. It has ribs, chicken, sausage, corn bread, coleslaw, beans and corn. You'll be stuffed afterwards, but the food is great, and the entertainment is really fun. Also they have a pizzooki (half-baked chocolate chip cookie with ice cream on top) that is absolutely to die for. It's only $7 more, but it's huge, and so worth the price. I LOVE that place, and if I have the money to spend, I never make a Disney trip without a reservation for BTR BBQ. (Price is about $27 per person, baby is free, I believe. )

 

[Kyliec1989]

Ohh, I will definitely look into the thunder ranch barbecue. I don't know anything about that. That sounds good. My son LOVES barbecue too, and it sounds casual enough for a baby.

And skiingfast: thanks for the opinion. I think i will skip out on a tour. I don't think it would be the easiest for the baby anyway. I think I may still do that Fantasmic! Dessert as well.

Thanks for the help!

 

[mrswh]

If you're looking for food I am a HUGE advocate for Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (unless you have the hook up for Club 33, because the food can't be beat there!). BTR BBQ is an all you can eat dinner show. It has ribs, chicken, sausage, corn bread, coleslaw, beans and corn. You'll be stuffed afterwards, but the food is great, and the entertainment is really fun. Also they have a pizzooki (half-baked chocolate chip cookie with ice cream on top) that is absolutely to die for. It's only $7 more, but it's huge, and so worth the price. I LOVE that place, and if I have the money to spend, I never make a Disney trip without a reservation for BTR BBQ. (Price is about $27 per person, baby is free, I believe. )

Did you say Pizzookie????

But I don't really like BBQ. Can I get one without having to eat BBQ?

 

[Daniellee725]

Did you say Pizzookie????

But I don't really like BBQ. Can I get one without having to eat BBQ?

Yeah, it's huge, compared to other places like BJs brewhouse. It's enough for a sweet snack for 2 very hungry people, but could probably satisfy 4 people. It's incredible.

And I don't know about eating there without getting a meal! From past experiences, we have had friends who have sat with us, but didn't eat and didn't get charged for sitting with us. So it's very possible that they would seat you and let you order just a pizzooki; you should try it if you get a hankering for one next time!! I have definitely thought about trying it, but never got around to it. You can always call the Disney Dining Line and ask, but always take it with a grain of salt because Disney is know for their lack of communication. Don't believe it 100% until you get to BTR BBQ and the hostess tells you herself.

 

[Gracomom]

I don't think you could do the Segway tour with baby (maybe in a carrier, but I'm not sure how safe that would be), but we really enjoyed the Segway tour experience of going to the park and motoring around grand californian before anyone was there. We also did the fantasmic dessert once with our 2yo, which was great. A nice relaxing, crowd-free way to enjoy the show, and definitely a treat, it wasn't cheap. Maybe the rainforest cafe with the little one and ask to be seated close to the fish tank?

 

[Escape2Disney]

How about getting a sillouette of the baby? It's a very inexpensive tradition to start! We have quite a few floating through the house.

The redwood challenge area in DCA would be a good place for your little one to run around and burn off energy.

Playhouse Disney is a lot of fun with little ones!

How about using one of the sketch artists in NOS to make a family portrait?

The island has great opportunities to run around and burn off steam.

If you like character meals, but don't want to pay for Goofy's (one of the most expensive), Minnie and Friends is cheaper and has great character interaction.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[chttyangel]

My family real enjoyed the Thunder BBQ; great food and a nice little show (it is blue grass type music when we were there but I think it changes).

This time we are trying the F! dessert thing.

 

[Sereina]

How about getting a sillouette of the baby? It's a very inexpensive tradition to start! We have quite a few floating through the house.

Yes, a silhouette is a great keepsake! We had one of our whole family (six of us) done in 2005. They don't typically do six people, but the lady was able to fit us all in.

 

[coaches24]

How about getting a sillouette of the baby? It's a very inexpensive tradition to start! We have quite a few floating through the house.The redwood challenge area in DCA would be a good place for your little one to run around and burn off energy.

Playhouse Disney is a lot of fun with little ones!

How about using one of the sketch artists in NOS to make a family portrait?

The island has great opportunities to run around and burn off steam.

If you like character meals, but don't want to pay for Goofy's (one of the most expensive), Minnie and Friends is cheaper and has great character interaction.

Hope you have a great time!

What is the sillouette? Sounds like something I might want to try with my DD but I dont know what or where it is.

 

[Huff]

Speaking of Big Thunder BBQ, we love it as well. I've always been able to stop by early in the day to get a reservation for dinner later. We'll be there this Sat.-Tues. which is spring break. With high crowds should it be ok to make our reservation 1 or 2 days prior or possible the morning we wish to eat dinner? Problem is the weather is looking bad so may have to wait and see what night would be good...most likely Tuesday when the weather improves....but crowds increase!!

 

[Escape2Disney]

What is the sillouette? Sounds like something I might want to try with my DD but I dont know what or where it is.

When you enter the park, walk down Main Street. There's a little shop on the right where it is done. Here's a link explaining what they do: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/08/a-cut-above-the-rest/

 

[Porturican]

Minnie and Friends breakfast in the park is the best!

I 2nd the silohuette, i wish i knew about it when my kids were younger because i would have done it.

 

[coaches24]

When you enter the park, walk down Main Street. There's a little shop on the right where it is done. Here's a link explaining what they do: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/08/a-cut-above-the-rest/

Thanks, those do look neat. Ill have to check that out in May.

 

[pixiewings71]

If you're looking for food I am a HUGE advocate for Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (unless you have the hook up for Club 33, because the food can't be beat there!). BTR BBQ is an all you can eat dinner show. It has ribs, chicken, sausage, corn bread, coleslaw, beans and corn. You'll be stuffed afterwards, but the food is great, and the entertainment is really fun. Also they have a pizzooki (half-baked chocolate chip cookie with ice cream on top) that is absolutely to die for. It's only $7 more, but it's huge, and so worth the price. I LOVE that place, and if I have the money to spend, I never make a Disney trip without a reservation for BTR BBQ. (Price is about $27 per person, baby is free, I believe. )

We prefer the lunch, it's $20 and you don't get the sausage or corn but all else is the same. The coleslaw at the BBQ is the BEST cole slaw ever!! I like it so much I make it during the summer when we BBQ at home. It's not called a pizzooki at the BBQ, it's simply a chocolate chip cookie sundae, I haven't had it but it looks spectacular!!! And the do the show all day, not just at dinner.

My family real enjoyed the Thunder BBQ; great food and a nice little show (it is blue grass type music when we were there but I think it changes).

This time we are trying the F! dessert thing.

It's twangy country blue grassy music, think Home on the Range type of music. We love it. It doesn't change but they have more than 1 person come out to perform, there's a guy who wanders around playing the guitar and singing, then there's Miss Chris who "owns the ranch" and she sings while someone plays piano, one of the guys is "Sasparilla Sam" I think.....I never pay too much attention to their names, I just eat. LOL

Speaking of Big Thunder BBQ, we love it as well. I've always been able to stop by early in the day to get a reservation for dinner later. We'll be there this Sat.-Tues. which is spring break. With high crowds should it be ok to make our reservation 1 or 2 days prior or possible the morning we wish to eat dinner? Problem is the weather is looking bad so may have to wait and see what night would be good...most likely Tuesday when the weather improves....but crowds increase!!

I would probably make a reservation now and then if the weather is bad reschedule, keep in mind if it rains they cancel the BBQ because there is no indoor seating.

As for something unique, ride the Lily Belle or the tender, that would be unique!!

 

[CanadianDisneyDad]

something unique.....

well someone mentioned a Tour may not be beneficial or interesting to a Disney fan but I may....yes may....just disagree.

On our last visit I booked the Walk in Walts Footstepstour. It was a 3 hour walk aroung the park included a lunch at the end. I am a Disney fan, read several books about the Parks and several Biographies of Walt and still found an abundance of interesting information I did not know.

Definately something different not everyone does....

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/tours/?name=WalkInWaltsFootstepsTourPage

cheers

 

[Kyliec1989]

Thank you all for the great ideas! I think I may have to do a couple of these!

Im so glad you reminded me of the silhouette. We talked about doing that before our last trip and never did. We will have to make sure to do it this time.

The BBQ is sounding like a good option too, since its a change from some of the typical Disneyland food.

I will have to decide if I want to splurge on Fantasmic! seating or not...hmmm. It would be awfully convenient with the baby...

The tour! I actually was advised by someone who knows Disney extremely well that the Walk in Walt's Footsteps would be valuable, even for a hardcore fan. But, I am afraid of being tied up for 3 hours with my son...you just can't ever predict a baby's behavior and I would hate to spend the money and have to bail out half way. But, I think I will do that one someday.

These ideas were all awesome! Im excited!

 

[kkmcan]

We are always looking for new things to do/see every trip. We have a list going of stuff we haven't done so that when we do them they are then checked off the list.

Last trip in jan we rode the Lilly Belle and sought out Jingles on the carousel and one of my kids rode him. We took lots of pictures. Dh and I also had some drinks at the Cove Bar next to Screamin.

We've also done the silhouettes of my kids a few years ago and then turned out awesome! We bought the frames and they hang on the wall that goes up my staircase.

We also love to do the animation academy drawing class in DCA.

DH has done the wine tasting at DCA.


Some things left on our list:

Big Thunder BBQ
Kitchen Sink sundae at Paradise Pier
Surfs Up Character breakfast
Trader Sams Tiki Bar

 

[cyclenut]

I do recommend the F! desert seating for something different. Here is a picture I took from our seats a few months ago.

It really cuts down on the wait.

As for unique things to do, that is a tough one. I would say that by the time your child is 3-4, you'll find the park to be a whole new experience as you see it through the eyes of the child. At the current age, I'm not sure you'll have that particular experience just yet. That said, don't forget to take advantage of Bugs Land and Toon Town. Sure, you've done those things before, but the physical interaction your child can have in those areas can bring about a new experience for you.