Disneyland with three 3 year olds?
Jul 22nd, 2000 | 06:11 AM
#1
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Disneyland with three 3 year olds?
Would it be a waste of time and money to take my 3 1/2 year old triplets to Disneyland while visiting relatives who live north of LA?? Is there enough to keep them thrilled and which areas do you recommend?? Thanks!
Jul 22nd, 2000 | 10:28 AM
#3
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I've never been to Disneyland, but I have visited Wald Disney World many times, and while the triplets would enjoy small parts of the park, there are lots of other places in LA that they would like just as much, considering their age.
Cost may be the key. If little kids cost a lot, and you are on a budget, skip it. If little kids get in cheaply, you'll enjoy it so much, and the kids will be happy enough, that you should go.
BAK
Cost may be the key. If little kids cost a lot, and you are on a budget, skip it. If little kids get in cheaply, you'll enjoy it so much, and the kids will be happy enough, that you should go.
BAK
Jul 22nd, 2000 | 10:34 AM
#4
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We just returned from Disney World; it's been a long time since I was at Disneyland but I'm assuming Fantasyland and Toontown are pretty much the same. Those are the only parts I think would have much appeal to 3 year-olds, and I'd think twice about it. We saw a lot of miserable whiny kids (and parents). I took my daughter for the first time when she was 7 and again this year at 11.
Of course, if you won't be there again in the forseeable future and if you are willing to go at the kids' pace, go for it! Little kids do love the Dumbo ride and the Carousel.
Linda
Of course, if you won't be there again in the forseeable future and if you are willing to go at the kids' pace, go for it! Little kids do love the Dumbo ride and the Carousel.
Linda
Jul 22nd, 2000 | 11:25 AM
#5
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I feel very strongly that Disney was created for KIDS and part of being a parent is making them happy in spite of crabbiness.
I first took my kids at 2-1/2 and 3 and no trip since has been as special as the first time. As soon as they are old enough to know there is a person in the costume, they are too old to enjoy the magic, and the wonder. You will never again see the same "awe", and lets face it in Kindergarten is when they first start hearing there is no Santa.
Take them enjoy it, and even if they are a little hot and crabby, they and you will never forget it. Your pictures with their faces all lit up will prove my point.
I first took my kids at 2-1/2 and 3 and no trip since has been as special as the first time. As soon as they are old enough to know there is a person in the costume, they are too old to enjoy the magic, and the wonder. You will never again see the same "awe", and lets face it in Kindergarten is when they first start hearing there is no Santa.
Take them enjoy it, and even if they are a little hot and crabby, they and you will never forget it. Your pictures with their faces all lit up will prove my point.
Jul 24th, 2000 | 10:35 AM
#6
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Emily,
I'm more acquainted with Disney World. I personally think the Disney experience can be overstimulating and tiring for preschoolers--it seems we often see young ones crying and frustrated. Since you'll be in the area anyway, though, it might be worth it, if you keep your expectations low and are vigilant for overtiredness and overstimulation. Plan on lots of rest for the kids. I took my daughter for the first time when she was 6, and we needed to sit on benches a lot. She also enjoyed seeing the characters the most; she wasn't very interested in rides. If you're aware of what's there and adjust your expectations accordingly, you'll probably be fine. Will you have another adult with you, so you can split up and do different things if necessary? Even at my kids' older ages, we still find that a great way to keep everyone happy.
I'm more acquainted with Disney World. I personally think the Disney experience can be overstimulating and tiring for preschoolers--it seems we often see young ones crying and frustrated. Since you'll be in the area anyway, though, it might be worth it, if you keep your expectations low and are vigilant for overtiredness and overstimulation. Plan on lots of rest for the kids. I took my daughter for the first time when she was 6, and we needed to sit on benches a lot. She also enjoyed seeing the characters the most; she wasn't very interested in rides. If you're aware of what's there and adjust your expectations accordingly, you'll probably be fine. Will you have another adult with you, so you can split up and do different things if necessary? Even at my kids' older ages, we still find that a great way to keep everyone happy.
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Jul 24th, 2000 | 01:58 PM
#8
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Emily,
I have only been to D-land, and I think it would be fine for 3 yr olds. D-land is not as big as D-world, so you have less ground to cover and don't really have to spend that much time there to see everything that would interest them. I agree that Toontown and FantasyLand would be the big areas of concentration, though I wouldn't rule out Sleeping Beauty's Castle and Main Street - that's where you are most likely to find the "characters" walking around.
I would also keep in mind the date and time of day you wish to go. Weekends are a MESS! If possible, go during the week - a Wednesday or Tuesday. There will still be crowds, but hopefully not like on a Sat or Sun. Also, the temperature inside the park during the late morning/afternoon can reach as high as the 90s or more if we are having a heatwave. Although the park does have shade, it's never enough, and that can make little ones even more cranky! You may want to go early in the morning for the parking, then exit the park when the temps become unbearable, and return in the late afternoon. (there are a couple of places within the D-land Hotel where you may be able to take the little ones for a nap in the shade, while you get a bit of rest people-watching) D-land has a great fireworks show, that, unfortunately doesn't begin until 8:30-9:00pm. I've seen some little ones who were lucky enough to catch some "zzz's" staying up for the parade and fireworks, however. (Although, the fireworks usually ended their stay - most parents with very young children bug out after the fireworks)
Just remember to keep it slow, there's not as much to cover at D-land as there is at D-world, and try to avoid the mid-day high temps if possible. I also believe that very young children (toddlers) get in very cheaply, BTW. But bring LOTS of water and/or juice! EVERYTHING inside of D-land is way, way, WAY expensive - even a simple apple will cost you more than a $1.00.
Have a great time!
I have only been to D-land, and I think it would be fine for 3 yr olds. D-land is not as big as D-world, so you have less ground to cover and don't really have to spend that much time there to see everything that would interest them. I agree that Toontown and FantasyLand would be the big areas of concentration, though I wouldn't rule out Sleeping Beauty's Castle and Main Street - that's where you are most likely to find the "characters" walking around.
I would also keep in mind the date and time of day you wish to go. Weekends are a MESS! If possible, go during the week - a Wednesday or Tuesday. There will still be crowds, but hopefully not like on a Sat or Sun. Also, the temperature inside the park during the late morning/afternoon can reach as high as the 90s or more if we are having a heatwave. Although the park does have shade, it's never enough, and that can make little ones even more cranky! You may want to go early in the morning for the parking, then exit the park when the temps become unbearable, and return in the late afternoon. (there are a couple of places within the D-land Hotel where you may be able to take the little ones for a nap in the shade, while you get a bit of rest people-watching) D-land has a great fireworks show, that, unfortunately doesn't begin until 8:30-9:00pm. I've seen some little ones who were lucky enough to catch some "zzz's" staying up for the parade and fireworks, however. (Although, the fireworks usually ended their stay - most parents with very young children bug out after the fireworks)
Just remember to keep it slow, there's not as much to cover at D-land as there is at D-world, and try to avoid the mid-day high temps if possible. I also believe that very young children (toddlers) get in very cheaply, BTW. But bring LOTS of water and/or juice! EVERYTHING inside of D-land is way, way, WAY expensive - even a simple apple will cost you more than a $1.00.
Have a great time!
Jul 27th, 2000 | 01:01 PM
#9
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Absolutely your 3.5 yo can enjoy themselves! We took our 2 yo to WDW this year and she had a great time. I'm sure as a mom of 3 that going to the grocery store is an adventure, so you've definitely already experienced heat, tired, hungry, kids and know when to call it a day.....you're going to be there already, so why not?
A few suggestions--go to the library or buy a few Disney books if they're not already acquainted with the characters--that way they won't spook when they see them....we told our daughter, "We might see Mickey or Jasmine" and she was so excited when she actually saw them.
I didn't do this, but a friend mentioned she did--she purchased items at Wal-Mart or KMart before they left (t-shirts, pencils, etc.) and dolled them out while they were there, just like she'd bought them at DL. I guess those things are much cheaper at home.
Our daughter loved the parades and shows--they make good "rest stops" between rides, etc. Try the Bear Country show......Futureland has few little kids things except Autopia. Fantasyland will be your best bet along with Toontown as mentioned above.
Have a wonderful time!!!
Michele
A few suggestions--go to the library or buy a few Disney books if they're not already acquainted with the characters--that way they won't spook when they see them....we told our daughter, "We might see Mickey or Jasmine" and she was so excited when she actually saw them.
I didn't do this, but a friend mentioned she did--she purchased items at Wal-Mart or KMart before they left (t-shirts, pencils, etc.) and dolled them out while they were there, just like she'd bought them at DL. I guess those things are much cheaper at home.
Our daughter loved the parades and shows--they make good "rest stops" between rides, etc. Try the Bear Country show......Futureland has few little kids things except Autopia. Fantasyland will be your best bet along with Toontown as mentioned above.
Have a wonderful time!!!
Michele
