Suggestions for first day?

[Cinmon Toast & Tacos]

We've got grandparents, two sets of parents, three little boys ages 3, 4, and 8, and one little girl age 1. None of the kids have ever been to Disneyland, and the adults either have never been or haven't been back for more than 15 years.

So...what should we do first? How would you plan out the day? More than rushing to rides, I want Disney magic for the kids. Little kids and our big kid have separate interests, but we're gonna try to stay together for at least a while since it's also kinda a family reunion. We'll have 4 days total, but I wanto to lay down a loose plan for day 1 to get the ball rolling. We'll be there on a weekday in October and the park is open from 8 - 10 pm.

Do any of you experts have a good suggestion for how to spend the day?

 

[HydroGuy]

So many options...and no real single answer.

If your kids are like ours they will want to power on rides on Day 1. Shows come later. But do make sure you know when all the shows are before you go because they are not daily in off-season. You may need to do major shows on Day 1 if they are not shown every day but are on Day 1.

I also would spent all or most of Day 1 at DL.

o FantasyLand and Toontown would be good, fun things to do on the first morning.

o Nemo Subs

o Buzz Lightyear

o Tiki Room

o Pooh

o Jungle Cruise

o POTC

o HM would be fun but could of course scare the littlest ones - your call

o Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island

o Tarzan's Treehouse

o SoundSational Parade

 

[TahoeMom]

When my kids were younger we always tried to start our visit with a character meal at Goofy's Kitchen. For some reason that got our visit off to the right start. My kids were always so excited to be there and getting to start off seeing the characters up close and getting autographs just got them even more ready to enter the parks!

Also, it has been suggested, and I think I agree that for first-time visitors (or returning after a long time) it is important to start at Disneyland (rather than Cal. Adv.) because the entry into the park and down Main Street is so magical.

After that, I would say let the day be unrushed so the kids can really take it all in. Given their ages, they would probably enjoy Fantasyland the best, although the 8-year old might appreciate some bigger rides like Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain. Of course, the character meet-and-greets are usually HUGE hits with the kids as well - don't forget to get or bring autograph books!

Have a GREAT trip!

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

After the rides, or in between, make sure you catch the Aladdin and Billy Hill shows, should be a hit will all ages.

A grand circle tour on one of the DL trains would be cool too. If you get there early enough in the morning, ask if the Lilly Belle is running and let them know of your special occasion, you may be able to ride as a whole group on one of the days you are there.