Disneyland. Never been need help planning a little mini vacation there.
Jul 5th, 2012, 03:03 PM
#1
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Disneyland. Never been need help planning a little mini vacation there.
We have a 4.5 yr old and a 20 m old. We only want to go for few days. I am familiar with Disneyworld and the pros and cons there. You obviously want to stay on the property at DW bc of extended hours and such.
But, Disney Land.....do you get the same thing? Going late at night? Fireworks?
Which hotel? I'd prefer a suite so that our kids can sleep in peace and quiet. Naps will be important it seems.
We are thinking just one day at the park. Maybe one evening. SO the rest of the time stay on property and swim? Is that a good idea or not?
We are not looking for a huge vacation of touring around. I don't think our kids will be into that.
We just want to do a quick trip and have fun if possible.
But, Disney Land.....do you get the same thing? Going late at night? Fireworks?
Which hotel? I'd prefer a suite so that our kids can sleep in peace and quiet. Naps will be important it seems.
We are thinking just one day at the park. Maybe one evening. SO the rest of the time stay on property and swim? Is that a good idea or not?
We are not looking for a huge vacation of touring around. I don't think our kids will be into that.
We just want to do a quick trip and have fun if possible.
Jul 5th, 2012, 03:17 PM
#2
My advice is to be at the park right when it opens. You will be able to go on many rides before it gets crowded.Also grab fastpasses for later.
Stay until the kids get tired then relax by the hotel pool 'till evening.
Stay until the kids get tired then relax by the hotel pool 'till evening.
Jul 5th, 2012, 03:49 PM
#3
You can't really 'do' both parks in one day. Two days is enough though.
There are a LOT of decent non-Disney hotels and motels surrounding DL. The main issue is budget. If you can afford the Grand Californian for example, that would be the very best option. It is a wonderful hotel. But it is also very expensive and you can stay essentially across the street from the parks for 1/2 the cost.
There are a LOT of decent non-Disney hotels and motels surrounding DL. The main issue is budget. If you can afford the Grand Californian for example, that would be the very best option. It is a wonderful hotel. But it is also very expensive and you can stay essentially across the street from the parks for 1/2 the cost.
Jul 5th, 2012, 04:59 PM
#4
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I've stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel and felt that they were overpriced for what you got (an ordinary so-so room). I'd check Trip Adviser for recommendations of suites close to Disneyland. You can get packages that include one early morning entrance which is nice. Two places I know of are AAA or Get Away Today. Do plan on returning to the hotel for afternoon naps and a swim. Don't forget a stroller(s) or plan to rent one. When we took our daughter when she was 4, she gladly used it later on in the day.
Jul 5th, 2012, 07:16 PM
#5
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Okay so I am completely clueless then. What do you guys mean by "both" parks. Is Disneyland split up? I keep thinking it's like going to Magic Kingdom. Am I way off base?
If you are in a Disney property then I am guessing there are not any perks? Like being able to go later or earlier? Like you can at Disney World
Which hotels did you guys like then?
Wow it's amazing how fast you learn on these boards from others. THANK YOU. You've already helped me.
If you are in a Disney property then I am guessing there are not any perks? Like being able to go later or earlier? Like you can at Disney World
Which hotels did you guys like then?
Wow it's amazing how fast you learn on these boards from others. THANK YOU. You've already helped me.
Jul 5th, 2012, 10:39 PM
#8
"California Adventure not so much."
"I haven't been, but it's my understanding that California Adventure is better for older kids. I think you can stick to one day and make that a day at Magic Kingdom ("old Disneyland")."
California Adventure has very recently had major improvements/changes/additions.
It is not at all the same place it was.
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disn...nia-adventure/
"I haven't been, but it's my understanding that California Adventure is better for older kids. I think you can stick to one day and make that a day at Magic Kingdom ("old Disneyland")."
California Adventure has very recently had major improvements/changes/additions.
It is not at all the same place it was.
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disn...nia-adventure/
Jul 6th, 2012, 02:53 AM
#9
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We just took our 2 and 3 year old boys. We saw most of Disneyland in one day ,but a second day would have been helpful. Didn't visit DCA.
Stayed at the HoJo. Standard clean rooms with friendly staff. The best part is the pool area. And it's a simple walk to the park....about ten minutes.
Stayed at the HoJo. Standard clean rooms with friendly staff. The best part is the pool area. And it's a simple walk to the park....about ten minutes.
Jul 6th, 2012, 10:24 AM
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If you get a 3-day parkhopper online at the Disney website you get one free Magic Morning which lets you into the park an hour early. I'd go for more than one day with children that small since they will tire easily and need naps, and you can cover more rides that way. By buying online you can print out the tickets ahead of time and just go to the turnstiles instead of having to buy tickets at the entrance.
Although I have not stayed at this place, the Residence Inn Maingate gets good reviews, has a free hot breakfast and M-TH has free evening snacks. Walking distance or you can take the ART shuttle for a small fee if too tired to walk back. I have had good experiences with other Residence Inns in other cities.
Although I have not stayed at this place, the Residence Inn Maingate gets good reviews, has a free hot breakfast and M-TH has free evening snacks. Walking distance or you can take the ART shuttle for a small fee if too tired to walk back. I have had good experiences with other Residence Inns in other cities.
Jul 6th, 2012, 11:32 AM
#11
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By staying at one of the DL hotels, you DO get early admission. It's called "magic morning" and DisneyLand doesn't have magic hour every day so you'd have to plan for that. They alternate the magic mornings with the California Adventure side. Also be aware that in the summer, magic morning starts at 7am!
I don't know your kids, but I would focus my energy on the first part of the day. Our experience a couple weeks ago (on a Friday) was that it opens uncrowded, and gets progressively crowded as the day goes on. By fireworks at 9:30 it was absolutely packed.
We are REALLY glad we got there as they opened at 8am. We had the park to ourselves for a couple hours. Also, DisneyLand Hotel was recently renovated and has a nice 4 foot pool with a fun monorail slide. There's "Downtown Disney" which is another thing to do if you aren't in the park. I'd recommend reservations to Jungle Cafe.
With kids as young as yours, you might last till lunch time. Then you can leave and regroup, and go back in the evening for the fireworks.
I don't know your kids, but I would focus my energy on the first part of the day. Our experience a couple weeks ago (on a Friday) was that it opens uncrowded, and gets progressively crowded as the day goes on. By fireworks at 9:30 it was absolutely packed.
We are REALLY glad we got there as they opened at 8am. We had the park to ourselves for a couple hours. Also, DisneyLand Hotel was recently renovated and has a nice 4 foot pool with a fun monorail slide. There's "Downtown Disney" which is another thing to do if you aren't in the park. I'd recommend reservations to Jungle Cafe.
With kids as young as yours, you might last till lunch time. Then you can leave and regroup, and go back in the evening for the fireworks.
Jul 6th, 2012, 09:22 PM
#12
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I think a valid argument could be made for either one or two days at Disneyland for kids your age.
Our kids enjoyed parts of California Adventure but for your age group, it is not a must. If you do go, fun rides include Monsters Inc, Toy Story and the entire ants' world area. Some of the shows are very popular with young children. Finally, for you adults and the four year old, try Soaring over California (do the adult trade-off method) where the second adult waits at the end of the line to hand off the toddler and get on the ride and do the switch.
On the other hand, you could equally argue that a day at Disney is enough. Then I'd move down to San Diego area, go to Legoland for a day and the beach a separate day. Legoland was hands-down the favorite for my youngest when he was age 4, and maybe a tie for my middle child who was 5.5 at the time of the visit. They both wanted to go back for a day when they were older, they loved Legoland so much.
In Anaheim, we stayed at the Hojo for our two trips. When the kids were younger, we did go back to the hotel in the afternoon for a swim and relaxation, then returning to the park after an early dinner. If you can afford a Disney hotel, go for it. Proximity to the park and less walking are big advantages of these properties.
You could also go to the beach on a day you're not touring theme parks.
Our kids enjoyed parts of California Adventure but for your age group, it is not a must. If you do go, fun rides include Monsters Inc, Toy Story and the entire ants' world area. Some of the shows are very popular with young children. Finally, for you adults and the four year old, try Soaring over California (do the adult trade-off method) where the second adult waits at the end of the line to hand off the toddler and get on the ride and do the switch.
On the other hand, you could equally argue that a day at Disney is enough. Then I'd move down to San Diego area, go to Legoland for a day and the beach a separate day. Legoland was hands-down the favorite for my youngest when he was age 4, and maybe a tie for my middle child who was 5.5 at the time of the visit. They both wanted to go back for a day when they were older, they loved Legoland so much.
In Anaheim, we stayed at the Hojo for our two trips. When the kids were younger, we did go back to the hotel in the afternoon for a swim and relaxation, then returning to the park after an early dinner. If you can afford a Disney hotel, go for it. Proximity to the park and less walking are big advantages of these properties.
You could also go to the beach on a day you're not touring theme parks.
Jul 6th, 2012, 10:29 PM
#13
Anyone who has not been to California Adventure recently is giving really out of date advice.
W/ attractions/rides like the Little Mermaid/Ariel's Adventure and the brand new Radiator Springs, CA has a lot more for families and little kids
W/ attractions/rides like the Little Mermaid/Ariel's Adventure and the brand new Radiator Springs, CA has a lot more for families and little kids
Jul 7th, 2012, 07:21 PM
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My BIL & SIL just returned from a Disneyland vacation with their three children ages 8, 5 & 16 mos. They stayed at a Disneyland propert (Grand Californian, I think) and really appreciated it. They were able to easily return to their room in the afternoon for swimming, naps, etc. My BIL said that worked really well and both were glad they spent a little extra for the room.
I would recommend spending two days at the parks and taking your time. Remember that you will return in a few years when your youngest is older.
I would recommend spending two days at the parks and taking your time. Remember that you will return in a few years when your youngest is older.
Jul 7th, 2012, 08:29 PM
#17
"But one question, Janis, if the original poster only goes for one day, would you pick CA over Disneyland?"
In the OP, frenchtoile only mentioned they are 'thinking of one day' at Disneyland. And since she was unaware that there are two parks, I just felt it made sense to give her up to date info. Both parks are "worth" it, and it really takes 2 days.
frenchtoile: If you only have one day, then do Disneyland. But it sounds like you have the option of more than just the one day. If so, spend at least 2 days at Disney.
In the OP, frenchtoile only mentioned they are 'thinking of one day' at Disneyland. And since she was unaware that there are two parks, I just felt it made sense to give her up to date info. Both parks are "worth" it, and it really takes 2 days.
frenchtoile: If you only have one day, then do Disneyland. But it sounds like you have the option of more than just the one day. If so, spend at least 2 days at Disney.
Jul 8th, 2012, 11:52 PM
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Our kids are 2 and a 7. My parents live in southern California, so we add on a couple Disney days whenever we visit.
I have to say that my kids prefer CA Adventure over Disneyland... Whereas Disneyland is a lot of walking and waiting, everything in CA Adventure just seems closer and the lines seem shorter. (The new Cars Land may have increased wait times throughout CA Adventure, though!)
We've always stayed at the Grand Californian. It's a bit pricey, but the location and amenities can't be beat. It has a private entrance to California Adventure. It also has a direct entrance to Downtown Disney, which is full of good restaurants for dinner. It's less than 5 minutes walk to the entrance to Disneyland - walk through Downtown Disney past La Brea Bakery and you're there. The swimming pool is enormous and has two good slides and a not-too-hot hot tub that the kids enjoy. They also have lifeguards and life jackets for the kids, which are great. And, there are lots of good activities in the lobby area, like fireside storytelling, scavenger hunts, etc. I've used the Spa -- and it's quite nice, too. And, they have good restaurants right at the hotel.
This is our typical itinerary...
We spend a half-day at California Adventure, then go back and take a nap. When we wake up, we usually play/swim for an hour+ in the pool. Then, we might go back to catch a few more rides with dinner and (if the kids are still awake) the light show. We get kebobs for dinner from the new Mediterranean place in the food court.
The thing I love about CA Adventure is that my 2 and 7 are going on all the same rides. My kids like all the rides in Bugs Land, as the previous poster mentioned. Near the boardwalk, we go on Toy Story Mania, Jumpin Jellyfish (7 only), the ferris wheel and the Carousel. The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a must -- rope ladders and swinging bridges, zip lines and rock climbing! Many people pass it without even knowing it! We also visit the Sorcerer's Workshop to play with all the astounding interactive animation exhibits. And, we "chat" with Crush at Turtle Talk.
We're headed down next week to check out the new Cars Land, so I can't report on that yet, but I've heard it's phenomenal.
The next day, we spend the early morning at Disneyland -- some combo of fantasyland/autotopia/buzz astroblasters/tarzan's tree house/haunted mansion -- and repeat the process with nap/swim/dinner/fireworks.
We try to arrange our trip so that we catch the "Extra Magic Hour" for hotel guests one day.
Be sure to download Disney's app before you go. It will show you ride wait times, so you can make the most of your trip.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to help.
I have to say that my kids prefer CA Adventure over Disneyland... Whereas Disneyland is a lot of walking and waiting, everything in CA Adventure just seems closer and the lines seem shorter. (The new Cars Land may have increased wait times throughout CA Adventure, though!)
We've always stayed at the Grand Californian. It's a bit pricey, but the location and amenities can't be beat. It has a private entrance to California Adventure. It also has a direct entrance to Downtown Disney, which is full of good restaurants for dinner. It's less than 5 minutes walk to the entrance to Disneyland - walk through Downtown Disney past La Brea Bakery and you're there. The swimming pool is enormous and has two good slides and a not-too-hot hot tub that the kids enjoy. They also have lifeguards and life jackets for the kids, which are great. And, there are lots of good activities in the lobby area, like fireside storytelling, scavenger hunts, etc. I've used the Spa -- and it's quite nice, too. And, they have good restaurants right at the hotel.
This is our typical itinerary...
We spend a half-day at California Adventure, then go back and take a nap. When we wake up, we usually play/swim for an hour+ in the pool. Then, we might go back to catch a few more rides with dinner and (if the kids are still awake) the light show. We get kebobs for dinner from the new Mediterranean place in the food court.
The thing I love about CA Adventure is that my 2 and 7 are going on all the same rides. My kids like all the rides in Bugs Land, as the previous poster mentioned. Near the boardwalk, we go on Toy Story Mania, Jumpin Jellyfish (7 only), the ferris wheel and the Carousel. The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a must -- rope ladders and swinging bridges, zip lines and rock climbing! Many people pass it without even knowing it! We also visit the Sorcerer's Workshop to play with all the astounding interactive animation exhibits. And, we "chat" with Crush at Turtle Talk.
We're headed down next week to check out the new Cars Land, so I can't report on that yet, but I've heard it's phenomenal.
The next day, we spend the early morning at Disneyland -- some combo of fantasyland/autotopia/buzz astroblasters/tarzan's tree house/haunted mansion -- and repeat the process with nap/swim/dinner/fireworks.
We try to arrange our trip so that we catch the "Extra Magic Hour" for hotel guests one day.
Be sure to download Disney's app before you go. It will show you ride wait times, so you can make the most of your trip.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to help.
Jul 10th, 2012, 11:01 PM
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We just went last week. Families with older kids CAN do both parks in one day with parkhopper passes and planning, but these are young kids so way different.
Things my kids would love at that age in California Adventure:
Bugs Land - kiddy rides, playground etc. mine would have liked 2 hours here at that age
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - another playground made to look like a mountain park simple fun they would have loved
You can look up all of the other rides and even youtube videos to get an idea. Katemac's list sounds good
CARSLAND UPDATE
Yes the park is more crowded because of the new addition, Carsland and Buena Vista Street. I didn't notice if your 4yr old was a boy or not but to him Carsland would be cool to see. Forget about riding any of those 3 rides unless you want to waste hours in line. I couldn't figure out any good way to do it without throwing away a good chunk of our day.
It is really cool to walk through and shop in if your 4yr old liked the movie though. To me the lines weren't any quicker or better in Cali Adv. than Disneyland. One exception was Monsters Inc which was 5 min wait or less. My 16 yr old loved that movie! We had to go on it for nostalgia purposes. We agreed he would have been so excited to ride it 8 years ago.
That is one problem with those parks, their cartoons are out of date. They were popular when my teenagers were little: Little Mermaid, Bugs Life, Monsters Inc all 10 years ago movies.
If it isn't too expensive, why not just get the parkhopper and do one before naps and one after naps? Maybe print a copy of the map and go over it with your 4yr old and show him/her photos of the rides and see what they are most excited about.
Have fun!
Things my kids would love at that age in California Adventure:
Bugs Land - kiddy rides, playground etc. mine would have liked 2 hours here at that age
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - another playground made to look like a mountain park simple fun they would have loved
You can look up all of the other rides and even youtube videos to get an idea. Katemac's list sounds good
CARSLAND UPDATE
Yes the park is more crowded because of the new addition, Carsland and Buena Vista Street. I didn't notice if your 4yr old was a boy or not but to him Carsland would be cool to see. Forget about riding any of those 3 rides unless you want to waste hours in line. I couldn't figure out any good way to do it without throwing away a good chunk of our day.
It is really cool to walk through and shop in if your 4yr old liked the movie though. To me the lines weren't any quicker or better in Cali Adv. than Disneyland. One exception was Monsters Inc which was 5 min wait or less. My 16 yr old loved that movie! We had to go on it for nostalgia purposes. We agreed he would have been so excited to ride it 8 years ago.
That is one problem with those parks, their cartoons are out of date. They were popular when my teenagers were little: Little Mermaid, Bugs Life, Monsters Inc all 10 years ago movies.
If it isn't too expensive, why not just get the parkhopper and do one before naps and one after naps? Maybe print a copy of the map and go over it with your 4yr old and show him/her photos of the rides and see what they are most excited about.
Have fun!
