What do you suggest? Ideas? No Rides?

[sway_559]

So, I'm thinking our first day in DL, we're going to take it easy, and just actually SEE and ENJOY DL. I have NEVER been able to do this! and I can't remember anything from DL other than long lines and rides. So my question is, with my 2 (turning 3 year old) DD, What do you guys suggest for seeing the first day in the park? I know I want to take DD to see PFF and PH, but I'm not sure what else? Suggestion or advice? Should we do PFF first thing? Our first day will be a Tue. (no MM tickets for us).

 

[aussiegirls]

We kind of did the same thing on our first day. We actually didn't get there until the afternoon (spent the morning shopping ). Our first day was a Saturday and I knew it would be busy so I deliberately didn't have plans to try and get lots of rides etc in.

I had booked dinner at Big Thunder Ranch so after we got into DL we just did a long leisurely walk through the park to Big Thunder Ranch. We sat and had a nice relaxing meal and watched the show at the Ranch, which was great. My girls both got pulled into the pumpkin parade they were doing (was at halloween).

When we had finished we decided we would just take it slowly and get on whichever rides took our fancy and didn't have long lines. So we ended up doing about 4 or so rides in Fantasyland and we didn't wait long at all as we chose the short lines.

It was actually a really nice afternoon/evening. I just didn't want to have any "must do's" for that day and it worked really well. We got to go on a few great rides, have an amazing meal and watch a really fun show.

xxx

 

[Monkey Monkey]

That sounds fun! If I was spending a day there without rides, I'd want to meet every character I could. It does mean standing in line, but there are so many characters to get pictures with that it's pretty exciting! I bet your DD would love to spend some time in ToonTown as well.

 

[Mugglemama]

i've never actually done a day at disneyland without rides, but i suppose if i was going to, i would probably consider a really leisurely meal, and then possibly some shows.

are you going before the Aladdin show gets pulled? if so, that might be something to fit in. personally, i enjoy walking around california adventure more than walking around disneyland, if rides are not involved. i like the music and generally less crowded atmosphere (although with current construction and walls, etc., i don't know how much less crowded it feels at the moment). might be a good time to get your shopping done, and check out things you might normally pass up...like the Abe Lincoln attraction.

 

[jenniferrose]

That sounds like a good plan, my only advice is to be flexible. Chances are, your DD will see the rides and want to go on them. Our last trip, my "plan" was to walk through the castle first and do the carousel and Dumbo first. (my kids were 2 and 5). My kids saw the rocket ships right after we had Character Breakfast and that is what they rode first. I wasn't about to tell them no and risk a meltdown just because in my head I had the day going differently.

I think as long as you know that your plans will probably change, you will have a great time no matter what you spend your first day doing!

 

[Disneylvrforever]

There are always musicians & singers on Main Street to see, Celebrate! a Street Party parade, the Tiki Room & there is also a Mardi Gras show w/ Princess Tiana in New Orleans that you can check out too. Even though you're not planning on going on rides, Winnie the Pooh always has a short line. Toontown can also be fun walking through the character's homes and taking pictures w/ the lil' one. There is also a small booth across from Matterhorn that does face painting if she likes that too. I know you both will have a great time!

 

[sway_559]

PERFECT! suggestions and advice! Just what I was looking for. We'll def. go on rides if she points one out, or finds something she really seems interested in. Booking a leisurely dinner is a must on that day as well.

We'll be there before Aladdin gets pulled, but we're doing DCA on our last day (figure it'd be a nice wind down), but we'll def. be seeing the show for sure! I know about Alice and the Mad Hatter's tea party @ 10:30, baking cookies, & now I know about a couple of the street parades and shows

Anything else anyone can think of that's just a cool little activity or something off the beaten path?

 

[lulukate]

Where is the tea party? I haven't heard of that one before.

 

[sway_559]

I read it in one of the threads, I'll poke around and see if I can find it again, I can't remember where it is now either, just that it's @ 10:30 am daily?

 

[disheadz]

One Dis writer calls that "Disneylanding", just soaking in the atmosphere. Sounds great! Tarzan's treehouse is only sort of a ride and has a great vantage point. I have boys 2 and 5 and they love the Innoventions area, go figure!

 

[sway_559]

Lulukate, I didn't find the EXACT thread I saw it on but this one says the same thing http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2398161&highlight=alice+hatter+musical+chairs
It's actually @ 2:30 pm (I got the :30 right ) at the Coke Corner, and they play musical chairs HTH!

Disheadz, I forgot I read about Tarzans! I'm pretty sure she'd be all over that one! Her nickname isn't Monkey for nothin'! "Disneylanding" is very fitting and I think I'm looking forward to that part more than any other part!