were back!

[JennHales]

We got back a few days ago from our 10 day southren california vacation.

First of all I m 7 months pregnant and I was worried about how I would be able to handle the parks. But I did fine. Drank lots of water and sat down when ever I could.

We stayed at the fairfield inn in buena park 5 miles from park which we got via hotwire for $26 a night. And we were pleasently suprised with our room. Nothing wonderful but clean and it didn't stink. Plus they had a decent continental breakfast.

We were there during a huge heat wave. The first day we were there it was 102 so we went to california adventure thinking that we would be able get wet and do some indoor showes. This worked for us. What better air conditioning then the river ride and the aladin show!

Day two we went to disneyland and had a blast. There were alot of people there but the lines wern't to bad espically with fast pass and the child swap we didn't have to wait in line more then 20 minutes. (except for splash which we didn't have a fast pass for)

Day three Hermossa beach. We all got burnt

Day 4 back to disneyland, to do the things we didn't get too. Unfortunatly we didn't get to see it all.

Day 5 downtown disney, ESPN zone and build a bear and rainforest.

My tips

If you can get away with it don't take your stroller every where with you. We left ours in a central area and only used it when the kids were worn out.

if you are planning on starting your day off in critter country or fantasy land hop on the train instead of doing all the walking.


frugal people
bring a ton of zip lock bags double them up and fill them with ice from the hotel. That way you will always have cold water to dirnk.

book a hotel with free breakfast and take snacks into the park. We brought in granola bars, fig newtons, fruit, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches etc... which we kept cold buy using the ice we brought in. We ate this during the day and only at out once in the evening. We were to busy enjoying the trip to get hungry.

The kids got to pick out one "treat" (3 or 4 dollar) per day.

If you don't plan to buy souvines then don't even bother going in the shops that way you don't have to deal with your screaming kids.


The child swap was wonderful!

We had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back!

Jen

 

[maci]

Sounds like you had a great trip!!

We are counting the days til our trip. I am a bit worried about the crowds, as our last few trips to WDW have been in off season, so we havnt had to deal with crowds lately. But, It will be fun no matter what!!!

 

[Maple]

I didn't realize you were that pregnant Jen. Wow dealing wiht that heat then, good for you. Sounds like you had a great time. Did you do a character breakfast or cheesecake factory? What is the child swap, we wouldn't need it but curious? We learned aobut taking the train by later in the day, sure saved on some sore feet.

 

[5infam]

Maple,

The child swap (or baby swap) is available on rides that offer a Fastpass. If you have children in your party that are not old enough (tall enough) to ride, then when you enter the ride you can ask for a babyswap. This allows an adult to stay with the younger kid(s) and an adult to ride with the kids that can ride. When the first group comes off the ride, the waiting parent can now go on the ride with the kid(s) that are big enough (through the Fastpass line). My kids love this because they get to ride the rides back to back, once with Dad and then with Mom. The baby swap pass alows for 3 people to ride, so for my family of 5 (with usually only the youngest not being able to ride) this works out great.

 

[JennHales]

maple,
Stupid me! We showed at goffy's kitchen for what I thought was a late lunch early dinner and they were closed. So I called and tried to make a reservation for dinner but I knew my husband would freak out over the $35 for a buffet dinner. I should have just insisted but you pick your battles. We did pleanty of splurging in San Diego, We went to the Fish Market and to the cheesecake factory. If you ever make your way to the cheesecake factory they have the best Salmon! And I Am a picky when it comes to Salmon. ( I like it fresh)


Disneythey also have a single rider pass that works just like the child swap. You go to the CM at the enterence and ask for a single rider pass. This is just like a fast pass where you get to go to the front of the line. I think this would also work for people who don't care if they are sitting in the same log as the rest of their famiy in splash mountian as well as the rest of the rides.
Jen