Originally Posted By A2Mommy My family will be at DLR for the first time 12/1-12/8. My daughters will be 1 and 3 for the trip. If anyone can help with some questions I would really appreciate it. I think we'll be there for the candlelight processional. Will crowds be bad? Would the girls be interested? How do you get seats for it? My 3 year old has a peanut allergy. Does anyone have experience with a food allergy in the park? Would they enjoy it if I got seats for Fantasmic or would it be scary? Would we bother other people that got seats? I don't want to take little kids if it's an adult thing. Thanks!
Originally Posted By ImTinkerbellsfan The crowds won't be bad at that time. As far as the candlelight procession, the girls might be bored with it. Fantasmic might be scary for them but it all depends on how they can handle it. You know your girls the best. I have seen young children at Fantasmic and they seem to handle it pretty well. I personally haven't experienced food allergies, but I seriously doubt that would be a problem. Just ask about the peanut stuff. I doubt you will bother people that are sitting there.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 The Processional will most likely as it has traditionally be going on the Saturday and Sunday that you are there. It will get crowded on Main Street as there is an elaborate stage and seating area on and around the Railroad station and Town Square. You will also have people standing around holding their standing only spots behind the seating. The rest of the park is very managable in my experience during that weekend. Just plan your day around being out of that area in the late afternoon/evening. Tickets for seating to the Candlelight Processional have been handled a bunch of different ways the last several years it's been a first come, first serve sign up on their website for AP holders in which you have to purchase a dinner at appointed restaurants to gain your ticket. I'd say that a 3 and 1 year old would not be able to stand for the length of the show or be that interested. I would just ask for the ingredients of anything you might question at the dining facility you are eating at. Fantasmic is not an adult thing only, it's family entertainment. I believe right now there is only Riverside Dessert seating option available other than the first come, first serve seating and standing along the River. Fantastic - 714-781-4400 Disney Dining - 714-781-3463
Originally Posted By disneyfan4ever54 I just thought I'd mention that DL will most likely close early (6 p.m.) on Monday, and Tuesday (I believe) of the first week of December due to the CM Christmas parties. They are usually held then, although this hasn't been announced yet.
Originally Posted By liveforvacations We went once at this time and although we found the crowds in Disneyland quite managable and the lines for rides fine-getting food was more difficult. My recollection was that the Candelight Processional tickets were sold as part of a dinner package so most of the resort hotel restaurants were booked solid and Downtown Disney restaurants were very busy and all the restaurants in the park seemed especially busy those nights. With regard to the days of the Cast Member Christmas parties, the crowds were light until everyone was made to exit at 6:00 pm. Everyone leaving at the same time made for quite a crowd and then they all funnelled into Downtown Disney and every restaurant was packed. The stores were so packed that you could not look at anything. We had Priority Seating reservations at Storyteller's and we went there right away and although we only waited about 15 minutes-people without reservations were being told that the wait was between an hour and a half to two hours. So my suggestion if you go on the day of the Castmember parties is to make a reservation and give yourself time to get through Downtown Disney or leave a little bit earlier or try to eat out of the general area-maybe in Garden Grove or order pizza.
Originally Posted By A2Mommy Thanks everyone. Maybe we'll do dinner out of the park for the days of the candlelight processional. Or would DCA be a good choice those evenings? An early close for Monday and Tuesday won't bother us. Thanks for the tip! I'll make some earlier dinner reservations and we can have some time at the hotel pool or just relax. It will be good to have some early nights. My kids get cranky when they're tired.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 I may be wrong but I believe that Fantasmic will only be showing on weekend nights while you are there. Just thought I'd throw that in for your consideration. Our grandson was 2 and 3 months last year. We chose not to do PS for Fantasmic because our DD wasn't sure if he would be interested or afraid. We ended up finding a spot near the Haunted Mansion close to showtime. He was moderately interested, not afraid and thrilled when the fireworks went off shortly after. You might judge by how your kids react to fireworks. Fantasmic is LOUD and there are some startling times but your kids may be young enough to not have that fear of dragons and witches etc. ingrained in them yet. IMHO I'd skip both this time. Go with the flow of your kids stamina and make some PS at some fun restaurants for the nights that may be busy You may happen upon Fantasmic or Candlelight and have a few moments to catch the magic without the stress. Feel free to ask anymore questions, we love to talk about Disneyland Resort here
Originally Posted By dlkozy In regards to the peanut allergy-how serious is it? I know someone that cannot have any of their food anywhere NEAR peanuts or they will have a reaction. If that is the case with your child, I would not let my child eat anything that I could not control such as the Fantasmic dessert buffet.
Originally Posted By A2Mommy It's a severe allergy. If her food would touch peanut/peanut oil she would have a reaction. I wouldn't let her eat the desserts if we got seats to Fantasmic. I would look into packing her a safe cupcake or something. We went to WDW when she was 2 and all the restaurants were very aware and helpful with food allergies. One restaurant even cleaned their fryer and got new oil so she could have some french fries. I'm hoping that we have the same experience at DLR.
Originally Posted By KCCHIEF My 7 year old son also has a peanut allergy..I found at WDW--at the more nicer restaurants..they would ask us about allergies and the chef even came to our table...we have never had a problem...but my son also is very aware of his allergy...I always ask..and if the person does not know...I ask them to find out..
