Special things to do for your kids at disneyland

[tink2008]

Hi I am new to this forum and I have just booked our first ever Holiday vacation to Disneyland. We will be arriving on November 22nd and leaving on December 1st. We are purchasing 8 day hoppers. And yes, I do know about AP passes. We live in Wyoming, so we wont be going back agian in a year.

I would however love to know anything and everything there is to do fun inside and outside of the parks. We wont be spending all 8 days, all day long in the park. I figured it was the same price as the 6 day passes. This way if we want to go for a parade or something we can. We will be taking our 3 kids DD 12 DD 7 DS 5. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Can anyone tell me how cold it is in late November? Cant wait!

Where is the best place to eat etc.. Thanks!

 

[TheZue]

I don't have a lot of advise for the older kids, but my son was four when we went so I can tell you what your five year old will probably love.

In downtown disney we did Build a Bear and they have a few disney outfits and things in there. If you have one locally it might not be such a hit but our DS loved it and dressed Rawr Rawr in a tigger costume that matches his halloween costume.

The Block Party Bash in DCA was a huge hit with him. He's grown up on the Pixar movies and while he likes the older disneys as well; I think his favorites are the pixar.

I highly recomend a character meal! We usually do the buffets which are great. Goofy's kitchen in the Disneyland hotel is really nice with great food. The big benifit is you can interact with a ton of characters without having to stand in line. Your older kids might not be as into it but the food is good and I'm sure there will be a few things they get to do that won't interest your little one as much.

Pooh's Corner in Disneyland has a lot of Pooh characters! I'm not sure if your five year old is growing out of that phase yet but if he isn't it's a must see. Also you can get a schedule of what characters are going to be where from the front gate.

For food we LOVE Pizza Port in Tommorow land. My husband and I generally split the spagetti with meatballs and it's great. It's pathetically enough one of the things I really look forward to about disneyland lol.

 

[stampinshauna]

I agree--character meals are a must do (at least once). It is a great chance for the kids to interact with the characters without having to stand in those photo/autograph lines.

Go to City Hall and pick up some of their free buttons--they have them for honorary citizen, 1st timer, etc.

I've heard about a free Nestle cookie baking thing, but I don't know the details.

Spend a little time in Downtown Disney. If the kids like legos, spend some time at the Lego store. They can sit and play with legos there.

I'm not sure about November weather, but I think layers would be good. We were there mid-December last year and it was pleasant during the day (capris, t-shirts, sweatshirts) but at night I was cold and wore flannel pants under my regular pants.

 

[AmericanItGirl]

I've yet to be to DCA, so this is going to concern Disneyland. The age gap may be a bit tricky to manage at times, so I suggest spending the first day together then on the second day splitting up for a little while so the oldest one can go on rides that might be too scary for the younger two (Splash Mountain and Space Mountain...and the Tea Cups so she can spin it as fast as she wants which is really cool at night because all of the lights seem swirly and trippy). Some of the stuff may seem hokey for the oldest one, but force her to sit through it because she'll appreciate it (like the performance at the Golden Horseshoe that I tend to roll my eyes at but endure for the sake of my aunt whom is the person I usually go with). Never underestimate the power of Disney though because she might be just as excited as the 7 year old to meet the princesses. The younger daughter will def not want to miss the Princess Faire (even I thought it was cool at the age of 20...until cast members forced me to get up and dance with the little kids). Be sure to catch every form of scheduled entertainment at least once, but spread it out over the visit so the youngest doesn't get sensory overload. Prep them for Disneyland by letting them look at various unofficial Disneyland fan guide websites (like this one) and have them create a list of things they want to hit up and then divide the lists per day (like maybe they each get 2 items per day). Unless you have special lunch plans to eat in the park, lunch is a great time to leave and go into Downtown Disney (it's usually empty but everything is open) or back to the hotel and get away from the crowds. If you have a rental car, I highly recommend taking them to the beach for like an afternoon or even just a few hours. It might not be incredibly balmy, but it will be relaxing. I suggest Laguna Beach because around the main beach it has some cute stores, art galleries, and nice restaurants (plus I'm sure your daughter has at least heard of the MTV tv show Laguna Beach).

 

[AmericanItGirl]

I've yet to be to DCA, so this is going to concern Disneyland. The age gap may be a bit tricky to manage at times, so I suggest spending the first day together then on the second day splitting up for a little while so the oldest one can go on rides that might be too scary for the younger two (Splash Mountain and Space Mountain...and the Tea Cups so she can spin it as fast as she wants which is really cool at night because all of the lights seem swirly and trippy). Some of the stuff may seem hokey for the oldest one, but force her to sit through it because she'll appreciate it (like the performance at the Golden Horseshoe that I tend to roll my eyes at but endure for the sake of my aunt whom is the person I usually go with). Never underestimate the power of Disney though because she might be just as excited as the 7 year old to meet the princesses. The younger daughter will def not want to miss the Princess Faire (even I thought it was cool at the age of 20...until cast members forced me to get up and dance with the little kids). Be sure to catch every form of scheduled entertainment at least once, but spread it out over the visit so the youngest doesn't get sensory overload. Prep them for Disneyland by letting them look at various unofficial Disneyland fan guide websites (like this one) and have them create a list of things they want to hit up and then divide the lists per day (like maybe they each get 2 items per day). Unless you have special lunch plans to eat in the park, lunch is a great time to leave and go into Downtown Disney (it's usually empty but everything is open) or back to the hotel and get away from the crowds. If you have a rental car, I highly recommend taking them to the beach for like an afternoon or even just a few hours. It might not be incredibly balmy, but it will be relaxing. I suggest Laguna Beach because around the main beach it has some cute stores, art galleries, and nice restaurants (plus I'm sure your daughter has at least heard of the MTV tv show Laguna Beach). Don't buy any souveniers until at least the 3rd day (except maybe a pair of Mouse Ears or a special hat...be sure to get them embroidered! I still have my name-embroidered Daisy Duck hat with a squeaky bill from eons ago).

 

[tink2008]

Oh, my I am so excited! After reading your posts I can almost not wait! We are actually suprising our kids. They will be thinking we are going to grandmas for thanksgiving but we are going to stop and say hi for a couple of hours and then drive down to california. My kids are going to be so excited!

I did find this shop called libby lu in downtown disney today and my girls are going to love it! I have to take them there.

So what things are a must for Chrismtmas? I hear all the decorations are up and read a bit about decorating cookies etc. What is the cost for decorating cookies? Any info on things to do in the part at christmas would greatly help.

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

In addition to all the excellent suggestions posted so far...

If you really want to create a magical and wonderful trip for your kids think of doing things for them outside the park.

My wife and I found a suggestion here from a DISer that said she bought Disney pajamas for her kids and had the concierge deliver them to the room with a note from Mickey Mouse. We borrowed the idea and my DW and Mother made a princess nightgown for our daughter and a pair of Pirate pjs for our son. My wife then wrapped them and added a note from the Princesses and of course Captain Jack and laid them out on the beds of our hotel room while I took the kids to check out the pool. The whole trip our daughter was so excited that the princesses sent her a nightgown and even commented at Ariel's lunch about how the other girls there were just wearing "store bought costumes" and she had a nightgown at the hotel that the princesses sent her... She felt special and unique - and the Princesses all played along when she thanked them for the gift.

Another thing we found were travel journals from The Mouse For Less which are neat because they give your kids a chance to write down memories from their trip while they are still fresh. Hopefully our kids will look back on them years from now and be filled with the same excitement and adoration they had on the trip.

http://www.mouseforless.com/downloads/kids/journal.shtml

Anyway, there are a couple of ideas to add to the list.

 

[Disnee]

There's no cost for the cookie baking or decorating....the Nestle cookie baking is really cute, the kids all wear chef hats and get to participate in making the cookie dough. The dough then goes into the "magic oven", and moments later fresh cookies are ready - each kid gets 2 cookies and a little container of chocolate chips. My DS loved it, and we got some really cute pictures of him baking.

The cookie decorating is over at "Santa's Reindeer Roundup" - they will have reindeer for the kids to see, Santa, loads of Christmas decorations, etc. The kids can decorate gingerbread cookies, and are given a box to take them out of the park.

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Here is a link to a list of things to do at Disneyland during the holiday season. This will be our first trip at Christmas time and we are so excited!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Disneyland/Events/holiday-season.htm

 

[noryglory]

Tink, I have two little boys so don't know much about Libby Lu but it looks adorable...and busy!

I think I remember reading in the past that you need to book it way in advance. So be sure to contact them sooner than later and find out how far in advance you'll need to make their appointments. I'm sure someone else who's done it with their darlings can share more info.

 

[Saavy?]

Hello there...
Here is a thread with some ideas for you.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491772

 

[tink2008]

I am loving what I am reading. You are all such a great help! Please tell me more. I am so excited. I did call about the libby lu and made reservations. I spent all afternoon typing up all the menues and prices on the dis board into word so that I could print it out and take it with me. I am glad that is done. Alot of the food looks really good and not to badly priced. I was expecting much worse.
I got onto disneyshopping.com and purchased each of my kids new PJ's for only $4.99 I couldnt belive it. I bought them each two pair. There are some really good sales.

Well anything else anyone feels like sharing I would love to know everything. And if I find out anything I will surely let you know. Thanks!

 

[vanillasoftserve]

Well, welcome to the DIS! Your kids are so lucky! Wish my mom would surprise me In late November, you should wear layers ( ie t-shirt, sweatshirt), and you'll probably be fine. Christmastime is a wonderful times to visit the parks ! Some must-do Christmas things are: It's A Small World Holiday (they decorate it and they sing Christmas songs aswell as IASW), Haunted Mansion Holiday (might be scary for DS5 and DD7, I remember I was freaked out when I was around 7 and I saw it), see the Christmas Parade, and stay up for the special fireworks! It "snows" down Main Street! Are you staying at a Disney Hotel? If you are, use early morning hours. Nemo has HUGE lines since it's a new attraction. Use fast-passes on the rides you most want to see. You should probably split into 2 groups, because DD12 will probably be wanting repeat rides on Tower of Terror while DS5 will be too little. Do a character breakfast or lunch on whichever characters your kids like the most At Paradise Pier Hotel, they have a Lilo and Stitch breakfast ( they have a couple of other characters besides them ), at Grand Californian they have Chip and Dale, Ariel's Grotto ( Ariel and Mickey and Friends) at DCA, and Goofy's Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel. I believe there's a character place in Disneyland, but I don't remember. You'll have fun shopping at Downtown Disney, and here's Club Libby Lu's website http://www.clublibbylu.com/detail.aspx?menu=17&app=138&cat1=415&tp=23&lk=no&title=Pricing+&+Packages
Your older girls might enjoy pin trading. You buy a lanyard with several pins, and your girls can go up to any cast member and ask to trade with them. If they see a pin they like, they trade. Have an awesome time!

 

[kc10family]

We LOVE the Christmas time it is FABULOUS!!!! (I did say FABULOUS didn't I )

My girls are small (3&5) however we have eaten at the Storyteller cafe in the CaL Grand/Grand California (I always mix that up). The food is fabulous, the servers are outstanding and the charaters are fun also (Meeko, Chip and Dale, Turk, etc). Food for all ages.

Oh I forgot to welcome you to the FABULOUS DIS!!!

I have a question about your tickets... who are you buying them from? Walt Disney Travel? If so, you might want to ask about buying a 5 day ticket then upgrading to an 8 day. Why? It will give you two early entry mornings instead of one. All you do is buy the 5 day hopper, then after you use your EE go abck to the DTD office (near the Disneyland hotel) and tell them you want to add more days. They will have you pay the extra and poof give you brand new tickets with a new unused EE. So you will be able to go in early again if you'd like. (well that was long winded)

We like to walk through the three Disney hotels to relax, so that might be something also.

 

[dizneyfreakz]

You can get your kids excited by looking at some of the ride videos. We do this before we go. Look at the link below in my signature for a bunch of ride videos (free of course).

 

[Jenlan]

You will be there at, IMHO, the most magical time of the year. This is when we make our annual trip - the week following Thanksgiving.

Just take time to scope out and enjoy all the decorations. We do a photo treasure hunt of all the different Christmas trees.

You must spend time at Santa's Reindeer Roundup! That's where you can decorate cookies, do little art projects, kids can participate in the entertainment, say hi to the reindeer (and the pardoned turkeys!), have a little sit-down with Santa, gather character autographs...it's a great place and the bathrooms are rarely crowded. It's also a perfect place for parents to relax and regroup.

IASW Holiday is great, as is HMH. My son was 5 his first trip and he LOVED it. But you may want to cruise through if first to see if it's too scary for your kids.

Toontown is all dressed up for the holidays - don't miss it.

Christmas Parade, fireworks and snow are fantastic - especially with hot chocolate, peppermint mochas and snickerdoodles (from Pooh's Corner)!

We'll be there starting the Monday after Thanksgiving. Maybe we'll run into one another!

Have a magical time.

 

[tink2008]

I checked out the videos of the rides and they are great! Cant show the kids thought its a suprise. I loved all the extra goodies. Thanks

 

[AmericanItGirl]

I checked out the videos of the rides and they are great! Cant show the kids thought its a suprise. I loved all the extra goodies. Thanks

You could compile a dvd of clips and play them at the grandparent's house as a hint (or if the grandparents have a computer, email a list of youtube links to the kids and when they get to the grandparents' house you can tell them to go check their email while you "unload" the car).

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

You will be there at, IMHO, the most magical time of the year. This is when we make our annual trip - the week following Thanksgiving.

Just take time to scope out and enjoy all the decorations. We do a photo treasure hunt of all the different Christmas trees.

You must spend time at Santa's Reindeer Roundup! That's where you can decorate cookies, do little art projects, kids can participate in the entertainment, say hi to the reindeer (and the pardoned turkeys!), have a little sit-down with Santa, gather character autographs...it's a great place and the bathrooms are rarely crowded. It's also a perfect place for parents to relax and regroup.

IASW Holiday is great, as is HMH. My son was 5 his first trip and he LOVED it. But you may want to cruise through if first to see if it's too scary for your kids.

Toontown is all dressed up for the holidays - don't miss it.

Christmas Parade, fireworks and snow are fantastic - especially with hot chocolate, peppermint mochas and snickerdoodles (from Pooh's Corner)!

We'll be there starting the Monday after Thanksgiving. Maybe we'll run into one another!

Have a magical time.

We are going the week after Thanksgiving for our first trip at Christmas time and we can hardly contain ourselves with excitement! I love the idea of the photo treasure hunt of all the Christmas trees! I think my DS will have so much fun doing this. Thanks for the idea!

 

[tink2008]

That is an excelent idea about showing the kids the videos and grandmas, Thanks!