Hit me with your best travel tips and Disneyland suggestions

[ohiomom1121]

We are flying to California next month for my nephew's baptism. My kids have never flown before and I'm kind of dreading it! The older two (6 and 7) should be fine but the youngest is a pistol so it could be painful. Any travel tips? Also we are going to go to Disneyland for 1 day...I've read we should definitely do Goofy's kitchen. My brother thinks that will be wasting 2 hours that we could be in the park. But since we are just going for a day I thought that would be a good way to make sure they get to see and interact with some characters. Thoughts? And anything else you would say is a must see while there? TIA!

[dhano923]

Character meals fill up fast so I don't know if you'd even be able to get a reservation at this point. I agree with your brother that if you are only spending one day, a long meal is cutting into your park time. One day is a pretty short visit since its such a big park. You're already missing California Adventure.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Do you think that meeting characters outweighs the rides and general park experience? I'm with your brother- I'd rather be in the park and so would my kids. The character thing never seemed that important to me. Maybe it's something fun to do on a longer trip but I'd skip it. If you stumble upon someone in the park, perfect. :).

Are you getting the park hopper? We had one when we did Disneyland. It was nice because DL got crazy busy from dinner time on (lots of locals home from work and school). CA park was far less busy so we rode lots over there and had dinner. I can't remember if Cars World opened yet so it could be a lot busier there now. Still, they have some fun rides over there so worth considering.

[smiles33]

We haven't ever taken our girls on a plane, so I can't help with travel tips, but I love Disneyland and did a trip last September that I had planned for months to do (I'm very Type A and was living over at the DISBoards).

I would DEFINITELY skip California Adventure if you only have 1 day, especially since Carsland opens in just 1 week and it will be MOBBED. Maybe it will make Disneyland itself less crowded as a consequence?

Given your kid's ages, I'm guessing Fantasyland may still be interesting to them but those are slow loader rides. I'd wake up super early (since you'll be on an earlier time zone anyway) and be at the security gates at least 30 min before they open. If you're one of the first 25 families into Disneyland, you should be able to hit a bunch of the Fantasyland slow loader rides by just walking on (Peter Pan first--otherwise it's at least 40 min later in the day!). Then you can grab Fast Passes for the popular rides and use them throughout the day (DLR isn't enforcing fast pass return times like WDW, at least not as of today though there is speculation that they may start enforcement when Carsland opens).

What day of the week are you going? Weekends are ALWAYS more crowded because so much of DLR's prime target are SoCal locals, not tourists like at WDW. If you have a free dinner the night before, I'd do the Goofy's Kitchen then so you don't waste precious park time. It can help set the mood and get your kids excited about the next morning.

I would skip the meet and greets (that could be 1 hour-90 min in line and possibly more during the summer). Ask the two older kids what 1-2 rides they really want to hit and prioritize those. Anything else should be what you can Fast Pass or what just has short lines as you walk by.

If you have a smartphone, get the free Mousewait app. It'll help you plan while you're in the park as other users enter wait times so you don't have to trek all the way to Frontierland if the rides there all have 90-120 min wait times.

Have fun!

[sariana]

You didn't ask about this, but if you've never been to California, you may not be aware that our weather is goofy--and I don't mean the kitchen! Even in July the mornings and evenings can be cool--or it could be sweltering midnight to midnight. So be prepared with layers.

I agree with the PPs about dining vs. playing in the park, and Carsland definitely is going to have an impact on crowds at California Adventure.

There is an excellent chance your DC will see some characters just by being in the park. There also are dedicated spots where characters come out throughout the day. You can get a schedule when you enter (same place you get a map). I'm not sure how far ahead the character spots are scheduled, but you could check online a few days before you go.

We live about 40 from DL, and I don't even know what/where Goofy's Kitchen is.:dizzy::rotflmao:

[AnnieW625]

The airline won't be that bad as the kids will be so excited about their first trip. Do you have a direct flight? If so I might be worried a bit, but honestly I think a small layover is great with kids as they will be able to get off the plane and walk around and use a real bathroom. Coloring books and simple chapter books are easy to bring along as well. If you have electronic items make sure each one has their own. Also bring plenty of dry snacks just in case your kids don't like the airplane snacks. We take Z Bars, cheese sticks, and fruit snacks or fruit strips. If you can still make your seat reservations put one child and one adult in one row back to back. You can switch adults mid flight or during a stop over.

Now for Disneyland I might skip Goofy's Kitchen as well, but I have heard it is nice and most kids we know who have been have a good time. It might also be a nice time to relax ESP. if it is hot and or crowded. I would call Disney now and at least make a reservation for late afternoon to avoid the dinner rush. However characters don't make DL for me or really my kids so we usually just avoid them and go on rides. If you do end up eating then plan on skipping the parades and go on big ticket rides like Space Mountain or Splash Mountain during this time. I never saw a parade as a kid and I never felt like I was missing anything. The park will most likely be open till midnight when you are there and open at 8 am. I would do my best to get there at 8:00 am especially since this is a first trip. If you can't be there at 8 definitely get there no later than 10 am. Fireworks are at 9:30 sharp every night; another prime time to go on rides especially in Frontierland.

Carsland opens this coming Friday. It looks really awesome, but I would probably save CA Adventure for your next trip. There is plenty to keep you busy in DL. Also I highly recommend bringing in Subway type sandwiches for lunch, it is super easy, much cheaper than park lunch food, and convenient.

Have a great time!

[new_mommy25]

Can you go really early and do Minnie's breakfast? It's in the park and we loved it. There were tons of characters so make sure you have your autograph album before you go.

[ohiomom1121]

Thanks everyone...I'm thinking twice about Goofy's Kitchen. I think the characters would be a huge hit with my oldest two but not so sure about the youngest. I do think it would be a nice break for my mom though since she has a bad knee. I was also thinking that the boys aren't ones to spend the entire day at the park so I may try and send them home with my parents when they tire out and stay later with DH and DD and go on some bigger rides. I doubt we will try to go to California Adventures. DD would love going to Ariel but DS1 is definitely over CARS and I think 2 parks in one day is too much. I will definitely check out the apps for Disneyland rides...that sounds like a big help. Last time I went to DW was 17 years ago and I've never been to DL so I'm feeling kind of clueless!!! Any other must see attractions/rides would be helpful. Thanks for the info so far everyone.

[Swish]

Definitely check out the disboards.com site mentioned above. My family live 20 minutes away so we're there every year, always during the summer. The crowds in the past have been manageable, especially with getting there at opening and using fastpass. Weekdays are obviously better, so are days that are blocked out of the lower cost So. Cal. annual passes.

Good luck with planning.

[jenstring95]

Parades are an excellent way to see the characters. I wouldn't camp out for a great seat because that will eat into your day too, but I do think it's worth catching at least part of a parade. They are very energizing - lots of clapping, dancing and singing. My kids love the characters and we have done Goofy's kitchen, but I would skip it with only one day at DL.

[waver]

For the flight:

Pack lots of snacks. My kids especially like the individually wrapped snacks (like goldfish crackers, pretzels, granola bar, dried fruit, squeezable fruit...what else?). They do not usually have these kinds of snacks, but they are less messy, easy to pack/grab, and a treat for a long flight.

For Disneyland, one day:
If you can, arrive early. I mean, even before 8am. Even if the park is open at 8am, it takes quite a bit of time to get to the parking lot and from the lot to the main gate. There's a bit of walking and riding a parking lot shuttle, etc.

We've never successfully arrived that early, but we are there pretty early, by 9ish. For us, we have never been able to stay a the park longer than 5ish, b/c of skipped naps.

In July...the lines will likely be VERY long. Maybe an hour, if not more. I don't know if my 2yr old could wait that long. 30 minutes seemed long with my then 2 and 3yo, and she is normally quite patient. Just having to stand there in the heat is tough. Some other kids were really great though. We bring snacks while waiting in line.

If you only have one day, one crazy idea would be to eat lunch while waiting in a long line. I think that we have done that at DL, but I thought of it b/c my kid and I often do that if we are skiing for one day only. We'll eat our sandwiches on the lifts to avoid having to go into the lodge, a process that takes an inordinate amount of time for us.

My kids don't mind wearing a hat in addition to sunscreen, while waiting in the sun. The waiting areas seemed to be more covered then before, when I remember so many people would get sun burned.

Have fun!

[Tondi G]

Thanks everyone...I'm thinking twice about Goofy's Kitchen. I think the characters would be a huge hit with my oldest two but not so sure about the youngest. I do think it would be a nice break for my mom though since she has a bad knee. I was also thinking that the boys aren't ones to spend the entire day at the park so I may try and send them home with my parents when they tire out and stay later with DH and DD and go on some bigger rides. I doubt we will try to go to California Adventures. DD would love going to Ariel but DS1 is definitely over CARS and I think 2 parks in one day is too much. I will definitely check out the apps for Disneyland rides...that sounds like a big help. Last time I went to DW was 17 years ago and I've never been to DL so I'm feeling kind of clueless!!! Any other must see attractions/rides would be helpful. Thanks for the info so far everyone.

If your Mom has a bad knee you can go to City Hall and get a Special Assistance Pass. This will enable her and 6 others to go to the handicapped entrance (or up the exit) of rides. Makes your wait times MUCH shorter and will make it so your Mom doesn't have to spend as much time standing around in lines.

[zag95]

We were just at DL over Memorial weekend.

I'd definitely just do DL and skip CA for another trip. We had park hopper passes, but spent most of our time in DL as that was where most of the rides for DD (age nearly 4.5) and her pregnant mama (me! at 30 weeks) could ride. My parents and DH rode a few things we didn't- you could get fast passes for those as well- like Splash Mtn, etc. Also have a strategy of top rides that people want to go on- we did Fantasyland first, as that usually got super busy.

If you want to do a character meal, I'd suggest the night before.... or maybe the night after, depending on how long you are in town. We did it the night we arrived to CA- and then spent the next 3 days in DL/CA- it was a fun way to kick off our trip!

Agree with PPs that Carsland will make things a little insane. I looked up a lot of menu options on the Disboards and our group had a strategy of where we wanted to dine in the park (we didn't have a way to keep our food cooled)- so I'd check that out. We ate at the Riverbelle Terrace- DH and I shared a pork sandwich and it was pretty decent! DD had a little PB & J meal, which she loved!

Agree with other posters to get there right when DL opens, which means getting in line earlier.... like 7:30ish..... if you have drinks, snacks, I'd bring those!

Have fun!

[TwinFoxes]

Can you got to Goofy's Kitchen the next morning for breakfast? I agree with PPs, that's a big chunk of a short visit otherwise.

My advice is get there at rope drop, don't try to do everything, and have fun! Oh, and get your tickets before you show up at the park.

[AnnieW625]

......and get your tickets before you show up at the park.

If you are an AAA member I believe that you can get free parking if you buy your park tickets through AAA. Parking will set you back $14 or $15, and there is no difference in price if you park at the regular lots off of Harbor and Katella or you park at the larger parking garage at the north end of the park.

[viba424]

The best thing we did hands down was to pay for a towncar to pick us up at the airport each way. Were escorted and helped with our bags in the terminal, got out of the airport lighting quick in a special quiet area for those cars, the car seat ready to go (eliminating the need to drag one on our trip), help with our bags, and a nice air conditioned, classy car. Priceless. I think we paid $75 each way.

My thought is travel is often the worst part of the trip and I am willing to do what I can to make it as stress free as possible.

My best park tip is to back extra shorts, extra snacks (you wont easily find them) and dont underestimate Epcot. We had a million times more fun there then at Magic Kingdom because it was more calm. We also ate our meals at our hotel by the pool. WAY more fun and relaxing.

Also for Magic Kingdom, we discovered that going LATER actually was better. The ferries were dead and most of the crowds that we experienced the day before had already been in an out in the early morning crush and the general vibe was more laid back.

[SnuggleBuggles]

The best thing we did hands down was to pay for a towncar to pick us up at the airport each way. Were escorted and helped with our bags in the terminal, got out of the airport lighting quick in a special for those cars, the car seat ready to go (eliminating the need to drag one on our trip), help with our bags, and a nice air conditioned, classy car. Priceless. I think we paid $75 each way.

My thought is travel is often the worst part of the trip and I am willing to do what I can to make it as stress free as possible.

My best park tip is to back extra shorts, extra snacks (you wont easily find them) and dont underestimate Epcot. We had a million times more fun there then at Magic Kingdom because it was more calm.

Also for Magic Kingdom, we discovered that going LATER actually was better. The ferries were dead and most of the crowds that we experienced the day before had already been in an out in the early morning crush.


Did they have car seats for you? Did you feel comfortable using them, if so? It's been engrained in me to avoid renting car seats so curious how that worked.

[viba424]

Did they have car seats for you? Did you feel comfortable using them, if so? It's been engrained in me to avoid renting car seats so curious how that worked.

The car seat was in the car, it didnt cost extra, and it was all secured in place ready to go. They were clean simple seats and we loved the convenience of it. We actually liked their seat better than our own bulky monstrocity. Plus those cars are mellow and go slow, and we found no need to bother with a rental car and drive ourselves...the price would have been more. I should clarify, this was a towncar service with a driver...not a rental where we drive.

[lalasmama]

The best thing we did hands down was to pay for a towncar to pick us up at the airport each way. Were escorted and helped with our bags in the terminal, got out of the airport lighting quick in a special quiet area for those cars, the car seat ready to go (eliminating the need to drag one on our trip), help with our bags, and a nice air conditioned, classy car. Priceless. I think we paid $75 each way.

My thought is travel is often the worst part of the trip and I am willing to do what I can to make it as stress free as possible.

My best park tip is to back extra shorts, extra snacks (you wont easily find them) and dont underestimate Epcot. We had a million times more fun there then at Magic Kingdom because it was more calm. We also ate our meals at our hotel by the pool. WAY more fun and relaxing.

Also for Magic Kingdom, we discovered that going LATER actually was better. The ferries were dead and most of the crowds that we experienced the day before had already been in an out in the early morning crush and the general vibe was more laid back.


Did they have car seats for you? Did you feel comfortable using them, if so? It's been engrained in me to avoid renting car seats so curious how that worked.

Just wanted to make sure that it's noticed that the OP is heading to DisneyLAND, not Disney World. Whole 'other ballgame with what to expect as far as transportation options.