Ton of questions from a first timer :-)

[caligal415]

We are Disneyland virgins, and I am beyond overwhelmed & confused!!

I have already posted a couple questions but figured it would be easier to just do one more post with all my remaining questions/concerns, so as not to flood the boards more than they need to be Yes, I have searched the boards already for most of these topics, but couldn't find the exact info I was looking for.

Disney has done away with the free birthday admission, correct?

My daughter will be turning 5 while we are there - who should we tell about it being her birthday? Also, I've heard about special treatment on your birthday - what does it consist of?

Premium Character Dining - worth it or not? We would be doing it on her birthday. Which restaurants have the best photo ops/character interaction?

Does Disney provide any type of birthday cake or cupcake for a kid's birthday? Or would I need to buy it? Would I be able to tie it in with the character meal? Or do they have some type of birthday ceremony/cake type thing?

What are the "must dos" & "must sees" for a 5 year old girl? We will have the 3 day park hopper, if that makes a difference.

Where/how did you book your trip? Through Disney? Did you book the tickets separately fromt the hotel? I am looking at "getawaytoday.com" to book our package. Are there any other websites I should look into? We don't need airfare.

That's all I can think of right now. I will update this post as I think of more questions.

Thanks!!

 

[Sherry E]

We are Disneyland virgins, and I am beyond overwhelmed & confused!!

I have already posted a couple questions but figured it would be easier to just do one more post with all my remaining questions/concerns, so as not to flood the boards more than they need to be Yes, I have searched the boards already for most of these topics, but couldn't find the exact info I was looking for.

Disney has done away with the free birthday admission, correct?

My daughter will be turning 5 while we are there - who should we tell about it being her birthday? Also, I've heard about special treatment on your birthday - what does it consist of?

Premium Character Dining - worth it or not? We would be doing it on her birthday. Which restaurants have the best photo ops/character interaction?

Does Disney provide any type of birthday cake or cupcake for a kid's birthday? Or would I need to buy it? Would I be able to tie it in with the character meal? Or do they have some type of birthday ceremony/cake type thing?

What are the "must dos" & "must sees" for a 5 year old girl? We will have the 3 day park hopper, if that makes a difference.

Where/how did you book your trip? Through Disney? Did you book the tickets separately fromt the hotel? I am looking at "getawaytoday.com" to book our package. Are there any other websites I should look into? We don't need airfare.

That's all I can think of right now. I will update this post as I think of more questions.

Thanks!!

I just answered your character meals questions in your other thread - right before I saw this thread!

 

[tlovesdis]

we are disneyland virgins, and i am beyond overwhelmed & confused!!

I have already posted a couple questions but figured it would be easier to just do one more post with all my remaining questions/concerns, so as not to flood the boards more than they need to be yes, i have searched the boards already for most of these topics, but couldn't find the exact info i was looking for.

Disney has done away with the free birthday admission, correct? correct[/b

my daughter will be turning 5 while we are there - who should we tell about it being her birthday? go to city hall and tell them. They will give her a birthday button to wear and then tons of people will wish her happy birthday all day long! also, i've heard about special treatment on your birthday - what does it consist of?

Premium character dining - worth it or not? We would be doing it on her birthday. Which restaurants have the best photo ops/character interaction? for a 5 year old girl i would definitley do ariel's grotto in california adventure!

does disney provide any type of birthday cake or cupcake for a kid's birthday? there is a birthday cake avalable at the sit down table service restrants, call disney diningor would i need to buy it? Would i be able to tie it in with the character meal? Or do they have some type of birthday ceremony/cake type thing?

What are the "must dos" & "must sees" for a 5 year old girl? We will have the 3 day park hopper, if that makes a difference. definitley princess fantasy faire & pixie hollow

where/how did you book your trip? i always price my trip out sepereatley first and also check packages to see what is a better deal. I usually get a better deal booking a hotel directly and then buying my passesthrough disney? Did you book the tickets separately fromt the hotel? I am looking at "getawaytoday.com" to book our package. Are there any other websites i should look into? We don't need airfare.

That's all i can think of right now. I will update this post as i think of more questions.

thanks!!

my answers are in bold above!

 

[QueenDoOver]

I find that reading the trip reports helps me to determine what experiences my family might enjoy. I could say princesses and fairies for your 5 year old girl, but in fact she may prefer Stitch, or perhaps be a Mickey and Minnie fan. Only you really know your kiddo, so read the trip reports and then determine the experiences you want to have. Then come back and look for specific advise on how to best put that trip together. Have fun!

 

[momrek06]

I find that reading the trip reports helps me to determine what experiences my family might enjoy. I could say princesses and fairies for your 5 year old girl, but in fact she may prefer Stitch, or perhaps be a Mickey and Minnie fan. Only you really know your kiddo, so read the trip reports and then determine the experiences you want to have. Then come back and look for specific advise on how to best put that trip together. Have fun!

GREAT. I do that all the time. It helps in deciding and planning a trip to either, WDW, DL, US etc etc.

 

[MrsPinup]

My daughter will be turning 5 while we are there - who should we tell about it being her birthday? Also, I've heard about special treatment on your birthday - what does it consist of?
In addition to the birthday button, head over to the tortilla factory at CA and they will give your daughter a three pack of tortilla's. This was a great snack for my son's on their birthday trips. BTW, your daughter can wear the pin every day of your trip.

What are the "must dos" & "must sees" for a 5 year old girl? We will have the 3 day park hopper, if that makes a difference.
If the Rapunzel Meet and Greet is up, that would also be a great place to take her. Also, if you can fit it in your budget, get her a "makeover" in the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique.
Thanks!!

Have fun!!!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

The best way to experience DL or WDW for that matter is not to expect any "extras" for a birthday, anniversary, etc. That doesn't mean they don't happen, but it is always better to be surprised than disappointed.

I saw many families, especially during the year of Celebrations, who were angry or disappointed they did not get something special for their celebration. A note on a reservation is not enough to get special treatment. Just be proactive.

First, I've seen much more attention given at DL than WDW. So you are going to the best place for a special birthday. Second, get a birthday button for your daughter and have her wear it throughout your trip. Third, at every restaurant/special attraction tell the host or a CM that it's your daughter's birthday.

We usually do an annual Disney trip around Halloween time (surprise! ) My son's birthday usually falls during our trip. Last year was our first time at DL and there was a very noticeable difference in birthday perks. CMs and even guests would wish him a happy birthday. Ride operators would let him pick special seats. And he would usually get a little special dessert or cupcake when I reminded the restaurant host.

Be proactive, but don't have high expectations. This makes those special magical moments even more special.