Trip plan - what do you think? (long post)

[Hollytigs]

We (me, DH and DD - 4 years old with minor disabilities) are going to DLP on 7-9 May by Eurostar, staying at Sequoia. There are some rides and 'eats' that we definately want to include, but have some limitations due to DDs problems and also the fact that the 7th is a holiday in the UK and the 8th is a holiday in France - so I am expecting major crowds! But here is the general plan. Any help would be appreciated:

Day one arrive around lunchtime. Dump bags and spend a few hours in the park doing whatever rides we can that don't have big queues. Maybe watch afternoon parade and eat at Lucky Nugget or Rainforest cafe?

Day two. Really early breakfast, park opens at 8am so try and get round Fantasyland rides with queues (Peter Pan, etc) before crowds get there. Eat lunch at Lucky Nugget / Rainforest cafe. Afternoon sleep for me (pregnant) and DD while DH does fast rides. If park is busy then spend afternoon shopping in the Village, swimming at hotel or in Studios? Dinner at Sequoia?

Day three (least crowds hopefully) character breakfast / Fantasyland breakfast? Finish off rides that DD can go on, for lunch watch Lion King at Cafe Hyperion (DD hates crowds and clapping but loves food and the Lion King, so I thought if we sit at the back and eat while the show is on, she might not get upset). Couple of hours at Studios before we go home on Eurostar.

Bearing in mind that DD will hate all shows (due to loud noises and clapping) and fast rides, have I missed anything? What do people think about the restaurants I have in mind? Also, is it worth getting DD a disability pass. She will be in a special needs pushchair, but she can walk short distances, so I am worried that people will see her walking and think we are trying to jump the queues? Maybe we will just do with fast passes and trying to avoid major queues? I couldn't bear it if someone said something or complained, it would be too horrible.

Sorry for long post, but I can't wait to go and so love to make plans for it!

 

[Sarah Sarill]

Hi Hollytigs,

It sounds as if you have planned to match all yoiur needs really well.

My only concern would be the Rainforest cafe. It has irregular loud thunder noises and elephants sounds (amongst other effects) which may well frighten your DD

Personally I would have no issues using a disability pass as it will cover lots of disabilities and not just physical ones. It would be a much more realxed and stress free experience for her if you avoided the long, noisy, loud queues.

I hope you and the family have the most MAGICAL disney experience and tell us all about it when you return.

 

[Hollytigs]

That's a good point about the Rainforest cafe! Some noises bother her and some don't, so I suppose we could always go in and have a wander round first and see what she thinks before we sit down.

 

[lizbro]

i would second that on the rainforest cafe.although my older 2 weren`t bothered my ds(5)was really freaked out by the thunder and was crying to leave ,it`s very eerie when it happens as its quite atmospheric in there as it is!!
everything else sounds fab,hope you have a great time

 

[A Small World]

I agree that Rainforest cafe might be too loud if your DD is affected by loud noises.

I think it is definitely worth getting a disability pass as people will be able to see from the type of pushchair you have that it is genuine. This will avoid some queuing which can be tedious and noisy.

Another idea you could consider is instead of the very early breakfast on day 2 you could go straight to the park for 8.00 and do several rides (Im assuming this is EMH) before the crowds appear at 10.00 then go for a late breakfast - either back to hotel or Goodmorning Fantasyland breakfast (Im sure they do them as late as 10.00

 

[Sarah Sarill]

That's a good point about the Rainforest cafe! Some noises bother her and some don't, so I suppose we could always go in and have a wander round first and see what she thinks before we sit down.

Oh and I forgot to you to the forum.

 

[Hollytigs]

Thank you Sarah!

 

[Cyrano]

As others have said I'd get a pass for DD. Make sure you have a doctors letter outlining your daughters condition and go to City Hall. It is on the left hand side as you enter the park.
It will make your visit to the park much more enjoyable and the CM's will not make you feel awkward at all in using this.
You will also get access to set aside areas for the parade which will be quieter without being surrounded by to many guests.

You plan of early park entry is a great way to beat the crowds.

 

[karenmoloney]

Hi
I would agree on the Rainforest Cafe being very noisy & quite scary for small kids.
When I went last July I was 20 weeks pregnant & half way through the week my bump suddenly got much bigger & I found that I could no longer go on Peter Pan because the bar that comes down to hold you in was too uncomfotable, same goes for Casey Junior. I hope you won't find this!

 

[wendybird7]

just a tip that MIGHT be useful - when exiting the park at close, exit via Discovery or Liberty arcade, as these are generally much much less crowded that Main Street USA, and as your little one will no doubt be a bit tired at this point, I thought it might be a good idea to point out.

Also, for Lion King, it is usually quite quiet at the back, so she should be able to enjoy the show without huge crowds.

RFC I would avoid, it is usually quite busy and the lightening can scare ME at the best of times! i would maybe say cafe mickey, but if your DD doesn't like characters, maybe go upstairs where I've heard it's much more peaceful?

 

[Happy Tappy]

If you want a table meal why not try blue lagoon. It's lovely inside (lovely theaming) but a bit quieter than the rainforest cafe.

 

[Raci]

Hi Holly!
Do you have disney express booked? It's great if you do as they will take your suitcases over to SL. If not there were signs up at reception in SL when we were there saying you could pay for it as an extra service on the return journey and I would advice it as it made life so much less stressed not having to think about the suitcases.

The Lucky Nugget was a great meal, lots of choice, a lovely atmosphere and great character interaction.
If you decide against rainforest cafe maybe Walts would be a good one to consider, it isn't like 1 big restaurant room, the tables are in lots of seperate smaller rooms so its nice and quiet. The food is gorgeous and if you ask for a window table you get a lovely view of Main Street.

Early arrival is a huge advantage, we did GMF on 2 days and really noticed the difference. Also if you are in the park in the afternoon and its getting busier head over to Casey Jr and the storybook boats as they never seemed to get queue's.

It's definatly worth getting a disability pass if you can, people coming through the entrances using them did not always have wheelchairs so it would make no difference once you've got the pass. It would make your stay so much easier and enjoyable and several rides would have stairs at the queing area/entrance otherwise as well.

I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful trip! Enjoy it!!!

 

[Hollytigs]

Thanks for all the advice.

We will definately get a pass for DD then, and maybe avoid Rainforest Cafe. I have been to the Blue Lagoon before, but as I am not a big seafood fan, I thought the menu was limited although the atmosphere is lovely.

Thanks for the tip about the restraining bars on Peter Pan - I will also be 20 weeks!