What to do first??

[rosie2283]

Here's the scenario...we arrive in Anaheim about lunchtime on Friday, September 30. We will make our way to the parks. I believe the park closes that day about 6 or 7. So we will just have the afternoon. I know we won't see everything (good thing we have 7 more days to see it all!) but what would you recommend we do first? Which park should we spend the afternoon at? And what should we definitely do for the first time with our kids ages 12, 8, and 5, who by the way, will not know we are going there until we get to the airport that morning!

 

[skiingfast]

Will 5yo be scared of rides?

Maybe Pirates, or Buzz, both should have small lines. Though if they are more patient, take the Circle Tour on the Disneyland Railroad.

 

[azmommyto3]

That's what I was trying to figure out too! lol We are arriving around 11am on Friday and I'm not sure if we should hit DCA the first day, or just go on into DL. We've never arrived mid-day before..

 

[rosie2283]

No I think all my kids will be fine with the rides. I was wondering about some sort of tour to get our feet wet. I think the kids will all be a little overwhelmed anyway at the time being that its an early morning and they are being surprised with a trip to Disney. Maybe the tour is a good way to get started. What dies it all entail?

 

[HydroGuy]

Here's the scenario...we arrive in Anaheim about lunchtime on Friday, September 30. We will make our way to the parks. I believe the park closes that day about 6 or 7. So we will just have the afternoon. I know we won't see everything (good thing we have 7 more days to see it all!) but what would you recommend we do first? Which park should we spend the afternoon at? And what should we definitely do for the first time with our kids ages 12, 8, and 5, who by the way, will not know we are going there until we get to the airport that morning!

You only have one day? If so that changes things.

 

[Porturican]

I think the full circle tour around the park on the train is an excellent idea! you will get to see the lands plus the extra special things you can see only on the train. You even can see inside splash mountain from the train and wave at the people on the ride. We took my niece (3 ys old) and she loved it so much we went around again for a 2nd time back to back.

Is this their 1st trip?

 

[Porturican]

You only have one day? If so that changes things.

I think she said in her post that they have 7 more days there...

 

[HydroGuy]

I think she said in her post that they have 7 more days there...

Sure enough! :: I looked twice for that and did not see it!

So, IMO late arrivals are great days for shows and parades. Why? Because you are not behind the curve like you are with rides. How about Aladdin? World of Color? Soundsational Parade? Or some second tier shows like Billy Hill and the Hillbillies?

Then there are the rides that usually have short lines. Pirates Lair at DL. Tiki Room at DL. Captain Eo at DL. Turtle Talk at DCA and the whole Disney Animation attraction.

 

[Porturican]

Sure enough! :: I looked twice for that and did not see it!

So, IMO late arrivals are great days for shows and parades. Why? Because you are not behind the curve like you are with rides. How about Aladdin? World of Color? Soundsational Parade? Or some second tier shows like Billy Hill and the Hillbillies?

Then there are the rides that usually have short lines. Pirates Lair at DL. Tiki Room at DL. Captain Eo at DL. Turtle Talk at DCA and the whole Disney Animation attraction.

LOL ... those are some god ideas you have too! Aladdin show and Turtle Talk are must do's!

 

[rosie2283]

Thanks so much for all your info! I am a planning machine...trying to let go of that a bit though!! This is our family's first trip. DH and myself were there a long, long time ago before the kidlets blessed us with the presence, so we are super excited to go. DH says its a good thing the kids don't know, because I am driving him crazy already! Only 2 months and 2 weeks to go!!

 

[groovygirl927]

I would go to Disneyland first if this is your childrens first trip. I have gone to Disneyland countless number of times and I love the feeling I get when I walk thru the gates and down main street (don't get those same feelings at California Adventure-even though we do have fun over there too)

Since you will be there for a week you can just take your time and soak it all in on that first day. I know the kids will want to go on rides. The train is a good idea. The kids can look at the park maps as you are riding the train and see the different rides near every stop. Maybe you can take it around once and then stay on until you get to the area that has a ride they want to see.

Being there for a week in September you will have time to do everything you want. So have fun and enjoy your trip.

 

[BC Disney Lover]

Since it is your first trip I would recommend not planning anything. Even now when we first get to the park we just let the kids explore main street and go as we please. You have 6 more days to plan where to be at what time. Our first ride is usually Jungle Cruise or Pirates. The circle tour on the train is also a good idea. We have had good luck getting on rides in Fantasyland on some of the evenings we go in later.

 

[rentayenta]

I would visit Disneyland first. I like the idea of watching the parade too. I am guessing lunchtime is noon? I would take the train around the park, get off in ToonTown and head to IASW first. After IASW I'd suck it up and do the Matterhorn. Both are so Disney! I am guessing there is a 3:30 parade and if so you'll need to be on the curb by 2ish for a prime spot. Eat lunch before you arrive and grab a treat while you wait for the parade. After the parade head over to Jungle Cruise and POTC, 2 hours should be enough time for both. You might be able to run in line for HM too before closing. Main St stays open an hour after the park closes so stroll and window shop, take in the sights and smells.

Enjoy.

 

[rosie2283]

Thanks so much! Disneyland it is. I think letting the kids explore and take the train is a good way to start. I was thinking about the comment about lunch though. I think maybe I'll give the kids a snack to hold them off til about 2 and do the train and explore etc. Then I think we'll grab some food and settle in and wait for the parade. OR...as previously suggested, don't plan anything. But sheesh that is hard! I'm a planner and I am working at letting that go!