What to do on first day??

[msr709]

We (party of 4, 2 adults, DDand me, 1 teenager DNc, 1 5yo Autistic child DGS) coming in from the east coast on a flight that lands at LAX at 12noon on July 6. I'm planning on catching an Uber to DLH. Hoping we will be ready to go to parks at least by 3pm. We have 5 day PH, I would not go to parks if it were just adults but there is no keeping my DGS away from the parks on day 1. Being we will be in at this time, what would be the best way to go? Should we try to go to DL or DCA at that hour? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ChrisParker]

Following along as we are on a similar schedule 2 days after you!

 

[Baptist]

My thought is that you hit Disneyland first. At 3pm on July 6th, Carsland will be packed and Radiator Springs fast passes sold out. So, start at DL, then hit DCA first thing the following morning.

 

[Nevada Jen]

Are you staying on site? If so, I would probably enter through the GC entrance and grab a Soarin fastpass and depending on the time, then walk through to DL or hang around DCA, avoiding Carsland. Stopping along the way in DCA if something strikes your fancy. Basically, make sure you get in one ride and let your grandson get the lay of the land so he knows what he wants to do the other days.

 

[cmph]

If you're planning to do a dining package (WOC dessert party or PtN) - I would do it that night. Then you have a guaranteed activity planned with a reserved area, even if ride wait times are insane and fastpasses are gone for almost everything. I wouldn't want to get to the parks, have only crazy waits, and then be stuck camping out for night time entertainment on my first day. We were in the parks by noon our first day, but this was generally my line of thought. We did PtN dining b/c I wanted to aim for fireworks the first night since they get canceled so frequently.

 

[agamble]

Install the Disneyland App on your phone. Then when you're ready to head to the parks you can look at the App and see what wait times are like. Wednesdays are considered the least busy day, but that's also prime vacation time so it won't make much difference. I would consider grabbing a FP for something as soon as you enter the park, perhaps Big Thunder if your grandson is brave enough. Some rides your grandson may enjoy with lower waits include Buzz Lightyear, Winnie the Pooh, the Carousel, Snow White, and Pinocchio. I would also look at the entertainment guide as it gets closer and consider catching a show or two. At DCA there is Turtle Talk with Crush and Mickey's Clubhouse, both appropriate for a 5-yearold. At Disneyland the Mickey and the Magical Map show is fantastic.