Archive through January 12, 2003
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TV ClubHouse: Archives: 2003 March: Looking for Disneyland Information: Archive through January 12, 2003

Hereiam

Saturday, January 11, 2003 - 10:44 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Hello All!

I am looking into a disneyland vacation in April (I know very busy, but that is the time available) and would love any information you have. I have never been to any disney property before.

This is not a high budget operation so we will not be staying at one of the resort hotels but something off site -- any recomendations? I will be traveling with DH and two kids.

I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks!

Nancy

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 05:26 am EditMoveDeleteIP
hi here--you might look into this book

Birnbaum's Disneyland Resort 2003: Expert Advice from the Inside Source (Birnbaum's Disneyland, 2003)


or this one--the unofficial guide to disneyworld--

that one is all about disney world (best times to see certain things) but i'm sure it translates to disneyland as well its a good one..

Karuuna

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 07:54 am EditMoveDeleteIP
If you are staying "off the resort", you'll want to make sure that your hotel is on the shuttle route. The shuttles are convenient, free, run about every 15 minutes, and keep you from dealing with the parking hassle. Some of the hotels have little kitchenettes, so you can grocery shop and eat some meals in - also saving you money.

I'll look up where we stayed. They also offered a free dinner in their lounge every night. Nothing major, for example one night it was ravioli and salad. But it was a good deal, you didn't need to go out, and you didn't have to cook!

Draheid

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 08:01 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I'm still trying to discern whether everyone is talking about Disneyland or Disneyworld? The title suggests Disneyland which is in southern California.

Hereiam, are you looking for information on California or Florida?

I'd be happy to find some online resources for you if you can clarify which you're interested in. :)

Hereiam

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 08:59 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks everyone. Yes, I am looking for "land" -- California. I would love any information or suggestions. I knew if I asked here I would get some good information from some great people!

P.S. Karuuna the place you mentioned sounds interesting.... I like the dinner part

Karuuna

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 10:11 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Hereiam, how old are your kids? It does make a difference in how you approach the whole thing. My son was 4 when we went to Disneyworld, and 6 when we went to Disneyland.

Also will you be renting a car? There are other attractions in that area (Universal Studios, Legoland, etc), but you either have to book an all-day bus tour or be able to drive to them, since they average about an hour in travel time.

I'll find the hotel name for you later today or tomorrow. They offered a great package deal, I believe it was 4 nights, and 3 day-passes that you could use at either Disneyland or California Adventure and airfare. Note: California Adventure was pretty boring for my 6-year-old. He was too short for most of the rides; and the more educational stuff was dullsville.

Hereiam

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 10:32 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I have two boys that will be 4 and 8 when we go. We will have our own car but are mostly planning on doing disney for this trip. We were thinking of some of the other places but will probably save those for a different trip.

I would love to hear others' experiences. I am just starting to plan this and am becoming overwhelmed. There seems to be a lot of options and things to think about -- kind of like mounting an invastion. It is a bit daunting. Thanks everyone for any input.

Webkitty

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 10:52 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Hereiam, are you planning to go the week of Easter?

Hereiam

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 10:58 am EditMoveDeleteIP
The week before. I know it is really, REALLY busy then but we don't have a lot of choice. So, any ideas about dealing with large crowds would also be appreciated.

Goddessatlaw

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 11:01 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Heriam, I only have one piece of advice regarding Disneyland - do NOT eat pancakes on the Palace veranda and then immediately proceed to ride the Teacups. Unfortunately, I speak from personal experience. I may have qualified as my former fiancee's worst date that day (I certainly would nominate myself for that honorarium over that particular debacle).

Wargod

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 11:21 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Here, if it works out that you find a hotel close to Disneyland but off the property, think about leaving for a bit to eat lunch there. We drive down, and take a lunch in the ice chest, then we go out to the parking lot to eat lunch. It's much cheaper than eating in the park, but more important to me with a 4 and 6 year old..it gives the kids a chance to kind of relax and come down off the "there's so much to see, do, think overload" high.

You should also check the Disney website. Let me see if I can find it. Ok found it.
Disneyland

This page I'm linking is a schedule type page. You put in what days your going, and what park, and it will give you the schedule for the day, park hours, and what rides,if any, are closed.

What else? I've heard that attendance is down, but not really sure about that.

I'd take a stroller for the little one...they may not use it, but if they get tired its nice to have. Also, with little ones, you can get away with taking baggies of snacks (chips, cereal, that kind of stuff) and usually bottles of water in your bag. They will search, but I have yet to see them say anything about it.

You can get a locker for jackets (I'd take them, gets a little chilly at night,) extra clothes for the little ones, and whatever you don't need to drag with you.

Oh! If you're little ones are interested in collecting the characters autographs, you can buy the autograph book right as you walk in. They have a litte souvenir shop right inside. Our one rule has always been buy the souvenirs last, but that doesn't work with the autograh books.

I know, I know, I'm a bit obssessive, LOL. We go once a year, and by the time I'm done planning and packing the car, it looks like we're going to be gone a week! It makes the day easier and more enjoyable on me though to plan ahead! And the fact that I LOVE Disneyland gets me a bit excited for it, LOL.

Are you planning on being there more than just one day?

Webkitty

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 11:30 am EditMoveDeleteIP
My advice would be not to go at that time, its peak and it will be packed. But, since you are, just be prepared to wait in loooong lines.

Wear comfortable shoes, have fun and good luck!

Karuuna

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 11:38 am EditMoveDeleteIP
War's idea about carrying extra clothes is very good. There are quite a few rides where you get wet, and if you are there after dark, or the day turns chilly, it's no fun being in wet clothes.

If you do one of the package deals, and buy a 3-day pass, the park has "early admission days", where you get to go in the park an hour before regular opening time. Take advantage of that, it works really well. There is a train at the entrance, that will take you all around the park. The platform at the entrance is usually pretty crowded first thing, so if you get yourself to one of the other platforms, you might have better luck getting on.

We ate breakfast in the room, went off to the park, heading for the part of the park *farthest* from the entrance first. People tend to work their way thru the park from entrance to back; so you can miss some of the crowd by starting in the back. About an hour after opening, doesn't matter where you go, it's all crowded.

We would also take a break about mid-afternoon thru an early dinner and swim in the hotel pool. Gave us a chance to decompress from the crowds. You can go back again later, with warmer clothes for the evening.

The most important thing I learned, is that it's important NOT to have too much of an agenda. The kids get absolutely overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds and excitement. So when they start getting ugly on ya, take a break.

Karuuna

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 11:39 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh, and the package deals will give you one express ticket - that means you get to skip the line for one ride. :)

Llkoolaid

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 11:41 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Hereiam, I took the very vacation you are talking about few years ago. We were in Arizona visiting my brother and took a side trip to Disneyland. We also took kids in the same age group.

My advice is :
try to avoid the weekend.
early mornings and late evenings are the best
for lineups.
hit the big attractions early because the lineups can be 2 hours long through the day.
We stayed at a hotel with a kitchenette which was a real good price and on the shuttle run and it had a free continental breakfast that was served early. There are lots of them, they aren't fancey but are clean and safe. I can't remember the name but will try and find it for you. There was a nice family restaurant just around the corner that was decent in price.

Bring your own bottled water if you can, I am not sure if you are allowed but I took it in anyway.
We took the shuttle back to our hotel each day for a rest in the mid afternoon. The food is extremely expensive there and that helped with the cost. The kids were tired so we took them back for a meal and a little rest and them just took the shuttle back for the evening.

Another tip if you are trying to save some money is with souvenirs. A lot of the exact same things that you buy in Disneyland can be bought for a lot less in the area. We got the kids a lot of little stuff in the restaurant giftshop that was next to our hotel.

Try not to take too much stuff with you to the park because it get tiring carrying it around but I advice maybe one of you bring a backpack to hold some bottled water and sweatshirts for the kids in the evening when the temp goes down.

Oh and you can get a video, my daughter has it somewhere, that is all about the park and rides. You can really get familar about the place with it.

You will have a great time and your kids will never forget it. The parade is great but check out the time for it and find a nice comfy spot in the shade a little early to watch it, it can get really crowded.

I can't think of anything else right now but if I do I will let you know.

Llkoolaid

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 11:45 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh one more thing, don't wear your best clothes, go for comfort. Your kids will get wet and probably sticky with the treats there. Comfy shoes are a must, you are going to spend a lot of time standing in line-ups so you might as well be comfortable.

Pamy

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 11:56 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I think you can get a pass that is good for 4 days, well worth it! My boss works part time at California Adventure, let me know if you want more info on the pass. I also think the pass is good for both parks(Disneyland and Ca Adventure)
If you will be staying longer than 4 days I suggest you get an annual pass (105.00 per person)it is good for both parks and since admission for 1 day to 1 park is about 50,even if you use it only 3 times you are saving.
Do you or hubby having problems standing or walking for long periods????If so rent a wheelchair(you dont need a doctors note). I have a bad back and standing for long periods makes it go on fire, so we usually get one. The also have strollers for rent for your 4 yr old. Plan on lots of standing and walking and cranky kids after about 6 hrs! Since you will be close by I would suggest go first thing in the morning(lines not as bad) leave at lunchtime(go outside park for lunch, food in there is expensive) then go to hotel for naps, come back to park about 6pm(after your dinner)and enjoy the park at nite, see the parades and fireworks, I think they will be open til 10 or 12 during April.

Webkitty

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 12:05 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh, I forgot about the express lines they have now.
The last time I went to DisneyWORLD they had just implemented that. It was off season so we didn't need to use, but I've heard a lot of good things about it.
I don't think you need to stay at a Disney owned property to take advantage of this new express feature, I think its open to everyone, but I could be wrong.
I'm not exactly sure how it works, but I got the idea there is some planning of your day at the park involved. Worth it if its busy, imo.

I agree with suggestions above, wear backpacks, and pack some lightweight dry clothing, bottled water and snacks there. Trying to lug a purse around is just the pitts. Also, fanny packs are good.
Think about getting some brightly colored tee shirts, all the same color for your family. When you are coming out of the ladiesroom, it will be easier to spot your hubby in the crowd.
Rent a stroller for the little one if you can, your back will thank you!
Most of all, have fun!

Wargod

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 12:12 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Well shoot....I just lost a big post, LOL.

I'll cut it down though. I always suggest to people going to buy all their film, sunscreen, chapstick, tylenol (always comes in handy!!) before you get there...it saves money.

For the rides, Disneyland now does a quick pass? for their big rides. You go and get a ticket, get an appointment, and go do something else for an hour, then go back and get to skip the big lines. From what I've heard it saves alot of time and you don't have to stand in those hour long lines. We've never used it because we go in December and the quick pass (I think thats what they are called) line are about the same as the regular ones.

We also borrow moms polaroid camera the morning we go. Both kids get their pictures taken, and we write, age, height, weight, hair color, birthmarks, and eye color on them. That way, if we become seperated we have all their up to date info with us. We also stress throughout the day what to do if they can't find us. Of course, we keep them right with us (Kota usually rides in the stroller, and if not, both of them have to walk with one hand on the stroller) but it does help to be prepared.

If you're going to do parades and shows....get there early. Those are big events and fill up fast...and not everyone is as polite as you are.

I do agree with Kar about having an agenda. Especially with little ones, its much easier on you to be flexible and have fun.

Pamy

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 12:51 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Note about annual pass, the cheapest one(105.00)is not good for April 4-26, you have to buy one of the more expensive passes for those days, and I think they are between 150-225 each. Also since those are block out days that means Disney ecpects those to be busiest!! The days not blocked out in April are 1-3 6-10 and 27-30.
The FASTPASS is a good idea but keep in mind you can only get it for ONE ride at a time, so pick the ride you really want to go on and get a fastpass for that one first, usually you get it and come back a hr later and only have to wait 10 min to get on, then after you use it you can go get one for another ride.
They also have a parent-pass of, which allows adults with small kids(4yr old will not be able to get on some rides)that pass allows you all to wait in line, mom stays back with kid, dad and 8 yrold ride the ride, when they are off, mom gets to go on right away.
Also all of the kid rides are most crowded first thing in the morning and there are no fast pass for them, so do those at night
I also think AAA has some special price packages, do you have that? I just got something in the mail about it, let me know if you want that info

Nancy

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 12:54 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
i think with the quick pass if you use it once you may not use it again for llike 2 hours--they do that to prevent people from using it constantly--or at least it was that way at disneyworld for me last year so disneyland would prob be similar.. and if you miss your return time your out-of-luck..

Crossfire

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 01:41 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
The last time I went to a large amusement park, and from now on, I used two way radio's. That way, even if separated, communication is still possible. My group tends to split up so everyone can do what they need, but when it comes time to eat or get together for whatever reason, communicating was still easy. They are also good for camping and beach trips as well.

Teatime

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 02:26 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I've never been to Disneyland, but want to ditto what Webkitty said about the t-shirts. When our gang is headed out to crowded areas, we all wear matching, bright colored t-shirts also. Makes it so much easier to spot each other.

Lots of good information here!

Bob2112

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 02:57 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Pamy has got it right with the FastPass. You enter your park ticket into the machine and get a ticket that is good for a 1 hour window. The actual times will be displayed, so make sure you can make it during that time. You will not be able to get another FastPass util that time period has passed.

If you have a favorite ride that offers a FastPass, you may want to get one and still stand in line. Just about the time you finish your first ride, your fast pass should be good and you can get a repeat ride very quickly.

Pamy

Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 02:59 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Agree about the bright shirt thing, I always put my cel# and sons name on a post-it and put it in his pocket. I also write down exactly what he is wearing when we leave(lately I have taken a digital pic of him at front of park). It is so easy with all those people for little ones to get lost.