Tips from Vets!

[JustAKid]

First, let me give you a little background info: I haven't been to Disneyland since I was 5 (which was...um, a lot of years ago ), DH and our 3 kids have never gone. My best friend and her daughter have never gone. So...summer of 2010 we're packing up and heading out!!

Since it's pretty much everyone's first time (I only remember Winnie the Pooh, go figure) I was hoping to get you vets to give me the low-down on the most important things a first timer should know about Disneyland.

For example: "the #1 thing a first timer should know about Disneyland is that even Ihop is expensive." Here in Oregon I can feed 6 people for $40, no lie! I almost died when I saw that the Ihop across the street from Disneyland had an omlete for 17 bucks

We're all SOOOOO excited about the trip, it's all we can talk about. I had to join DIS so that my friends would stop telling me to hush whenever I brought up DLR.

 

[pixiewings71]

Welcome to the Dis! Just spend a lot of time here and learn things over the next months and you'll be an expert when you get there.
The IHOP is definitely NOT budget friendly, the Captain Kidd's is simply disgusting, if you're looking for that kind of food go to Denny's or Millie's or Mimi's, all on Harbor.
Learn about fastpasses and how to use them, especially if you're going in the summer.

 

[HydroGuy]

Here are my top pieces of advice.

1. Get lodging within walking distance. That is best. Second best is a nearby hotel with a reliable shuttle.

2. Get to the parks early.

3. Take afternoon breaks to the hotel.

4. Learn what FASTPASS is and how to use it.

5. Have a basic plan for each day and be willing to veer off plan when circumstances dictate

 

[marcemc]

First, let me give you a little background info: I haven't been to Disneyland since I was 5 (which was...um, a lot of years ago ), DH and our 3 kids have never gone. My best friend and her daughter have never gone. So...summer of 2010 we're packing up and heading out!!

Since it's pretty much everyone's first time (I only remember Winnie the Pooh, go figure) I was hoping to get you vets to give me the low-down on the most important things a first timer should know about Disneyland.

For example: "the #1 thing a first timer should know about Disneyland is that even Ihop is expensive." Here in Oregon I can feed 6 people for $40, no lie! I almost died when I saw that the Ihop across the street from Disneyland had an omlete for 17 bucks

We're all SOOOOO excited about the trip, it's all we can talk about. I had to join DIS so that my friends would stop telling me to hush whenever I brought up DLR.

First of all................YOU ARE GOING TO DISNEYLAND
Congrats, you are going to have so much fun!!! We will never aks you to hush here, because we all have Disney Genes!!!

Things that I would recommend: (based on previous trips)

-Don't forget to wear sunblock.
-During summer parks stay open late so take an afternoon break.
-Make dining reservations ahead of time.
-Get familiar with rides and height requirements, there's nothing more dissapointing for a kid than to get ready and excited to ride something he/she won't be able to.
-Bring your own stroller. The parks will charge you premium for a rental & even kids as old as 7 might need one!!
-Never be afraid to ask anything. This boards are awsome, people are welcoming and nice, no question is too stupid (trust me!!)
-Have fun planning your vacation. It's Disneyland, even planning your vacation should be fun!

Just my two cents!

 

[JustAKid]

First of all................YOU ARE GOING TO DISNEYLAND

Holy cannoli, it JUST sank in ...I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!!

 

[Brady's Mom]

YaY! Our first family trip was almost 3 years ago. Since then we have been together as a family 3 times and are going again in Nov. and DH and I have been together 2 times without kids. That makes 6 times for us in 3 years. Sounds pretty good to me!

I didn't know about DIS until just before our 2nd family trip. Knowing the tips and stuff I learned here has helped us have a great time on our other trips. DH and I went in the middle of July and didn't even feel panicked about crowd levels or getting everything in or anything. That's what DIS does for you. Fuels the excitement and helps stop the freaking out about not knowing anything.

You have plenty of time. You'll find all kinds of questions answered and plenty of people that want to help you have a GREAT time with your family when you go.

 

[Albort]

Here are my top pieces of advice.

1. Get lodging within walking distance. That is best. Second best is a nearby hotel with a reliable shuttle.

2. Get to the parks early.

3. Take afternoon breaks to the hotel.

4. Learn what FASTPASS is and how to use it.

5. Have a basic plan for each day and be willing to veer off plan when circumstances dictate

6. take Hydroguy with you.

 

[JustAKid]

6. take Hydroguy with you.

Apparently! He seems to be the "go-to" guy 'round these parts!

 

[txtwins2000]

I also would suggest checking into a Disney Visa card! There are some wonderful benefits to it at Disneyland! You can get a free stroller rental, save 10% on purchases of $50 or more, discounts on tours, free character photo everyday of your stay, etc. This helped cut down on some of our expenses!!


But go and have a GREAT time!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

5. Have a basic plan for each day and be willing to veer off plan when circumstances dictate

Fave tip ever!

You can't unlearn what you've learned about the parks, so some "studying" won't hurt at all. And if circumstances dictate that you veer...you'll still know things...you won't suddenly become my husband stopping right in the pathway whipping out the map (I'm trying to break him of that...)...if you can't go on x right then b/c the kiddies wanted to ride y 4 times...you'll still know the best z to go on once they are done!

6. take Hydroguy with you.

Seriously.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

I also would suggest checking into a Disney Visa card! There are some wonderful benefits to it at Disneyland! You can get a free stroller rental, save 10% on purchases of $50 or more, discounts on tours, free character photo everyday of your stay, etc. This helped cut down on some of our expenses!

Unfortunately the strollers are no longer free. They are now 50% off ($6.00). This change was made last month.

 

[HydroGuy]

6. take Hydroguy with you.

Apparently! He seems to be the "go-to" guy 'round these parts!

My rates are reasonable. Will work for a Dole Whip!

 

[HydroGuy]

5. Have a basic plan for each day and be willing to veer off plan when circumstances dictate

Fave tip ever!

You can't unlearn what you've learned about the parks, so some "studying" won't hurt at all. And if circumstances dictate that you veer...you'll still know things...you won't suddenly become my husband stopping right in the pathway whipping out the map (I'm trying to break him of that...)...if you can't go on x right then b/c the kiddies wanted to ride y 4 times...you'll still know the best z to go on once they are done!

I would add a "basic plan" has these elements:

1. At what park will you start your day - At DL? Does it have a Magic Morning? Are you going to the Magic Morning? Or are you starting the day at DCA?

2. What rides you want to focus on for the first few hours. Are there any key rides that you must hit first thing? Like Peter Pan or Dumbo? Know that and plan for it.

3. What FASTPASSes you want to get in the morning

4. Dining options

5. Whether you will park hop and when

6. What shows and parades you want to catch that day and what times they are offered. For that matter, when will you arrive and where will you try and sit (for shows like Fantasmic and Aladdin).

7. Are you going to the Jedi Training Academy with any wannabe Jedis? Know where and when JTA is offered and how to increase your kids' chances of getting selected.

8. Princess Fantasy Faire - are you going? What time of day is best?

9. Whether you will take an afternoon break and about what time that might be

Again, you can veer from any of these but at least have a "default plan" in place so you do not wander around trying to make up your mind on the spot. This wastes time and you will end up missing things you could have experienced.

 

[marcemc]

Oh, I forgot to say that even though we usually eat at the park, we like to bring our own water & snacks.

That way "everything else" my kids eat is a super treat and I can still make sure they have a balance diet.

Being your first time also, I would recommend your kiddos get those "First time visitor" bottoms. Characters & staff usually give extra special attention & interact more with those wearing them.

I'm sure I forgot something but I can always added it up I guess!!

 

[GrandBob]

... kiddos get those "First time visitor" bottoms.

Don't know why, but this "slip of the keyboard" really tickled my funny bone!

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Oh, I forgot to say that even though we usually eat at the park, we like to bring our own water & snacks.

That way "everything else" my kids eat is a super treat and I can still make sure they have a balance diet.

Being your first time also, I would recommend your kiddos get those "First time visitor" bottoms. Characters & staff usually give extra special attention & interact more with those wearing them.

I'm sure I forgot something but I can always added it up I guess!!

I chuckled at that "slip" too. It's funny, especially in the context written about the attention that it would get you.....Too cute...LOL!

 

[JustAKid]

Don't know why, but this "slip of the keyboard" really tickled my funny bone!

THANKS GOODNESS SOMEONE ELSE SAID SOMETHING!!!!!

I didn't want to venture there for fear I'd sound childish, even on a DISney site, but OMG, SO funny.

 

[marcemc]

THANKS GOODNESS SOMEONE ELSE SAID SOMETHING!!!!!

I didn't want to venture there for fear I'd sound childish, even on a DISney site, but OMG, SO funny.

I didn't even noticed!!!!!

 

[allimaree]

8. Princess Fantasy Faire - are you going? What time of day is best?

Anyone want to answer this one for me? We are going the week after Thanksgiving so crowds should be reasonably low. My one DD (after 3 boys) is FINALLY old enough to love the princesses! I want to take her to PFF, but she won't be very happy waiting 45 min to 1 hr in line. What kind of wait time can I expect at that time of year? I plan on ordering ridemax---is PFF on it? TIA!

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I'm a veteran, what tip do you want to know about?

always top off mags and have your boots nearby is a general tip.