what to do with one day?

[mollyw]

We have only 1 day at Disneyland and it isn't even a long day. My kids are 4 and 6 so we won't be taking time to shop or eat at a sit-down restaurant. We want to hit the highlights so what shouldn't we miss? What will be best for that young age?

 

[almostGoofy]

Depends: Does your 6 year old like fast rides and if so, are you willing to do a baby switch with another adult, leaving out the 4 year old? Or would you rather do rides that everyone can ride on?

I have a 5 year old and a 2 1/2 year old. Although my daughter likes the fast roller coaster rides, we can't do them when I take both children by myself. On those days, we get to the park at opening and immediately head to Fantasyland. There are quite a number of rides in a compact area that would be suitable for both of your children. Dumbo is a huge favorite of young children. Because it has a limited capacity and loads slowly, the line becomes longer and longer as the day wears on. Go there first right after opening. Peter Pan is another popular ride but also suffers from some of the same problems as Dumbo although to a lesser degree. If the line isn't too long, go there next. Both my children really enjoy It's a Small World as well however at the present time, it's closed for refurbishment. Check to see if it has reopened during your visit.

In Toontown, there is Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin. Both my children enjoy this one however some of their friends do not because of the loud noises. You can obtain a Fastpass for this ride if the line seems too long. There's a roller coaster (forget the name) there that would be a good starter coaster for your children if they've never been on one.

If you think your children can handle a couple of fast but short drops, I would suggest The Pirates of the Carribean. Both of my children enjoy this ride. You can also obtain a fastpass for this ride. If you feel the 4 year old is up to it, you might even try the Matterhorn (a roller coaster). It has a low height restriction, I believe 35" or 36". (No, my 2 1/2 year old hasn't been on this one. I still feel he's too young for this ride.)

If you want to go on some of the more popular rides that that your 4 year old might not be able to go on such as Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain or Space Mountain; then you'll want to approach your day differently.

Some things you might want to know to make the most of your day: You can enter Disneyland 1/2 hour before offical opening time although only Main Street is open. You could grab a muffin and juice or coffee while waiting for the rest of the park to open. If you are driving, it will take you an additional 20 -30 mins. to travel from the parking garage to the front gates. Factor that into your total travel time.

 

[daannzzz]

I don't know what time you are getting there but I suggest arriving before the park opens and being some of the first people in the park. Go directly to Fantasyland and do Dumbo, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Mr Toad, Pinnchio and Snow White in that order. Snow White is the scariest so leave it for last or you might not get them onto any of the other dark rides. If Toontown is open then go there and do Roger Rabbit and Gadget's Go Coaster and some fo the small play areas. The go to do Pirates and the Haunted Mansion and the Jungle Cruise. You should be able to fit that all in before lunch if you get there at opening and hustle a little.

 

[WDW2002]

With one day and young kids I would recommend hitting Fanastyland and Toontown first. Then you can do Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room. There is also a Buzz Lightyear show in tomorrowland & Mickey Detective show at the Fantasy land Theatre.

And I think the best advice anyone can give is let the kids set the pace. It will be no fun for anyone if you are dragging the kids around the park.