Originally Posted By liveforvacations Welcome neverbeen! First of all, you will have a wonderful time no matter what because it is your first time to Disneyland and the first time is so magical. When to go? If I were you, I would go in May. Spring Break is over, thhe weather is nice and spring is beautiful in Disneyland and I don't think anyone is out of school yet. Correct anyone? The shorter hours are perfect for people like us with small children as they cannot do the late hours anyways. I would just make sure to avoid the weekend of May 26th as this is Memorial day and therefore a long weekend in the US. We were there once and it was busy on the Thursday through Monday. Weekdays are always less busy than weekends and the hours are shorter, usually 9:00 to 8:00 Monday to Thursday. Friday to Sunday the hours are 8:00 to 12:00 or 11:00pm. The reason to go on weekends, other than the later hours is the fireworks which are at 9:25 and Fantasmic, which is usually at 9:00 and 10:30, if playing. This site has all past schedules and is a good indication. If you are flying out of Canada, you will most likely to fly into LAX. I live in Vancouver and we cannot fly into any other airport unless we fly to an american airport first. The Disneyland Airport Express is the perfect choice for you as you do not require car seats as it is a big greyhound style bus. California laws would require you to have a car seat and a booster seat and that would just be a big pain. However, I wouldn't have my children ride in the shuttles, which are just large vans, without car seats while speeding down those freeways. It is at least a 45 minute drive without traffic. The Disneyland Airport Express has disney characters on it and big windows and usually plays a short movie about Disneyland attractions and picks up just outside the airport doors. Just make sure that you ask exactly where to catch it before you go! When booking your flight, I would definitely consider the time you arrive if you are able as arriving during rush hour can make the trip from LAX to Anaheim much longer. I would also caution that although some people like the early morning flights so that they can go to Disneyland the day they arrive, my family finds that we are too exhausted after travelling and we prefer to arrive in the late afternoon, check into our hotel, have dinner and swim and go to Disneyland all refreshed in the morning. Just a personal preference! Strollers! Definitely take one for the 2 year old. Check on the airline websites as they usually give the information there or call them. I know Air Canada allows you to take a stroller that collapses right up to the door of the airplane and then has it ready for you as soon as you get off the plane. I wouldn't consider not taking the stroller with you as it really helps in the airport when you are trying to do everything to have your child strapped in and safe. I don't believe that it is limited to just umbrella strollers as I took my stroller which was a little bigger but had the capability to lie back so my little guy was able to sleep while in Disneyland which was a big help. It is also good for the trip from the front gate to the hotel and for Downtown Disney. What type of stroller do you have now? Where to stay? I think you have to consider how many people you have in the room, if you need to be right across the street from the main entrance for easy access, a short walk away, want breakfast included, want a full sized kitchen, willing to take the a shuttle (the ART), how important the pool is and the price before we can all give suggestions. The Howard Johnson is a favorite here on Laughing Place but it does have it's good and bad points, depending on your needs. A good map showing most of the hotels that are favorites on this site and their relation to Disneyland can be found at www.ineedavation.com.
Originally Posted By liveforvacations I forgot to add that tripadvisor.com is a great place to research hotels.
Originally Posted By ssturgeo Another plus with the DL Express Bus...it has a bathroom...always a plus with little ones!! Sharon Next trip: March 1-9 then Nov. 16-21
Originally Posted By oredisneyfan We did the Princess lunch last year and we also had a 2 year old. She loved the princesses and they each spent a lot of time at our table. We saw Ariel, Snow White, Cinderella, Bell, and Mulan. We were also the honorary Family of the hour so we got to announce Ariel and all the Princesses came to our table first. The food was so so but it was well worth the $$ to see the princesses all at one place. our 2yr old daughter was dressed like snow white and that was a big hit with all the princesses. We would definately do it again but maybe try the breakfast I've heard the food is better.
Originally Posted By andyll <<Do I need to get a seat on the plane for my 2 year old? Do I need a car seat for that seat if I do get one? >> In general (but check with your airline) children over 2 must have their own seat and do not need a carseat. Children under 2 do not need there own seat (but it is a pain unless they are an infant) and if they are under 2 and do have their own seat they must be in a FDA approved car seat. In theory a 2 year old would need a car seat in a taxie or van. The driver will not insist on it. Going from John Wayne we've never worried about it... just used a lapbelt for our 5 year old. If you take DL Bus you don't have to worry about it.
Originally Posted By iamsally It is late and I should be in bed but who can resists a newbie thread. Not me! ! ! ! ! Welcome. Can't really add a lot to the great advice already given. I am just so happy that you are getting the chance to do this for your children. It will be the experience of a lifetime I am sure. (Makes me realize how lucky my grandchildren are to be able to go as often as they do.) May is definately one of my favorite times to visit. Not too hot yet and fairly light crowds. I do not know if anyone has mentioned FastPasses yet but learn how to get them and use them. It is explained in the map you get when you go in. And most anyone will help you. While you are there take advantage of the Cast Members. Most of them will go out of their way to answer questions and give helpful hints. Thumbs up on Character meals. We generally do Minnie and Friends but I cannot believe the Princess ones are not just as nice. I hope you have a wonderful time. Unfortunately our plans are for March and then July or I would insist on a meet. But I bet you will get some folks here who would meet you for a meal or even to help show you around. We love to show off our park. Good luck and have a wonderful vacation.
Originally Posted By grammy954 Welcom Neverbeen - aside from the carseats and airports - there are some things at DL which you want to make sure you do not miss. Aladdin at CA Acventure is a wonderful show. Also the Aladdin and Jasmine story telling at DL is great for the little ones. Make use of the Fast Pass - it saves tons of time. Although it says to come back within a certain hour, they always let you in as long as the start time has expired. I have even had them let me in with a FP from the day before that I didn't have a chance to use. Get tickets that have an early entry and take advantage of it (we get ours from AAA). You can get tons of rides done in that hour. A good site to look at hotels is also <a href="http://getawaytoday.com" target="_blank">http://getawaytoday.com</a> . You do not have to buy your tickets there, although that is the default. They have a good selection of hotels, and many have a free night if you stay a certain length of time. One time, I got a room that was stay 3 get one night free, and booked 2 back to back packages that way. So I actually got 8 nights for the price of 6. It is pre-paid, which is my favorite way to go. My kids/grandkids were scared of the Bug's Life 3D show when they were that young. Don't know if that is normal or not. A week is plenty of time to do everything you want, so don't try and rush it.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd >>>My kids/grandkids were scared of the Bug's Life 3D show when they were that young. Don't know if that is normal or not.<<< It was the only thing that terrified my son at WDW when he was a little guy. His favorite ride was Pirates of the Caribbean.
Originally Posted By mater4 My kids love the Bugs Life show. My son is scared of Honey I shrunk the audience though.
Originally Posted By neverbeen Hello again, sorry it's been so long...Had a family health scare but we're all good now. 'Cause of our "scare" our trip is now July 16 for six days...Now the Grandfolks are coming. Anyone know if you can rent motorized wheelchairs or carts or something like that?
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove Here ya go! Lifted directly from the Disneyland official website: Wheelchairs may be rented at Disneyland® Park or Disney's California Adventure® Park to the right just as you enter the Main Entrance. Remember to save your ticket. If your rented wheelchair goes missing while you are at the park, bring your ticket to Wheelchair Rentals and we will be happy to provide you with a new wheelchair. Guests with Mobility Disabilities Many Disneyland® Resort attractions offer access for Guests with wheelchairs or mobility disabilities. Depending on the attraction, the following types of mobility access are available: Ambulatory Requirements: A few attractions require Guests to walk by themselves or be assisted by members of their party. Wheelchair Accessible: Many attractions allow Guests to remain in their wheelchair during the experience. Wheelchair Transfer Required: Some attractions require Guests to transfer from their wheelchair to a ride vehicle by themselves or be assisted by members of their party. ECV Transfer to Wheelchair: A few attractions require Guests to transfer from their Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) to an available wheelchair at the attraction and transfer from their wheelchair to the ride vehicle by themselves or be assisted by members of their party. Please review the lists below to learn specific mobility accessibility by attractions within each Theme Park. Additional accessibility information can be found in the individual attraction pages. Disneyland® Park Ambulatory Requirements Wheelchair Accessible Wheelchair Transfer Required ECV Transfer to Wheelchair Disney's California Adventure® Park Ambulatory Requirements Wheelchair Accessible Wheelchair Transfer Required ECV Transfer to Wheelchair Disneyland® Park Ambulatory Requirements Chip 'n Dale Treehouse Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes Disneyland® Railroad - Main Street, U.S.A. Donald's Boat Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Sailing Ship Columbia Tarzan's Treehouse™ Back to Top Wheelchair Accessible Disneyland® Monorail Disneyland® Railroad - New Orleans Square Disneyland® Railroad - Tomorrowland Disneyland® Railroad - Mickey's Toontown Disneyland®: The First 50 Magical Years Fantasmic! Frontierland Shootin' Exposition The Golden Horseshoe "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience," presented by Kodak Innoventions King Arthur Carrousel Main Street Cinema Mark Twain Riverboat Mickey's House and Meet Mickey Minnie's House Starcade Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island Back to Top Wheelchair Transfer Required Alice in Wonderland Astro Orbitor Autopia, presented by Chevron Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Casey Jr. Circus Train Dumbo the Flying Elephant Fire Engine, presented by National Car Rental Gadget's Go Coaster, presented by Sparkle® Haunted Mansion Horse-Drawn Streetcars, presented by National Car Rental Horseless Carriage, presented by National Car Rental Indiana Jones™ Adventure King Arthur Carrousel Mad Tea Party Matterhorn Bobsleds Mr. Toad's Wild Ride Omnibus, presented by National Car Rental Peter Pan's Flight Pinocchio's Daring Journey Pirates of the Caribbean Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin Snow White's Scary Adventures Space Mountain Splash Mountain Star Tours Storybook Land Canal Boats Back to Top ECV Transfer to Wheelchair Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Enchanted Tiki Room, presented by Dole® "it's a small world" Jungle Cruise The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Back to Top Disney's California Adventure® Park Ambulatory Requirements Redwood Creek Challenge Trail Featuring "The Magic of Brother Bear" show Back to Top Wheelchair Accessible The Bakery Tour, hosted by Boudin® Bakery Bountiful Valley Farm Disney Animation Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular Golden Dreams It's Tough to Be a Bug! Mission Tortilla Factory, hosted by Mission® Foods Muppet*Vision 3D "Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!" Princess Dot Puddle Park Redwood Creek Challenge Trail Featuring "The Magic of Brother Bear" show S.S. rustworthy, presented by McDonald's® Back to Top Wheelchair Transfer Required California Screamin' Flik's Flyers Francis' Ladybug Boogie Golden Zephyr Grizzly River Run Heimlich's Chew Chew Train Jumpin' Jellyfish Maliboomer Mulholland Madness, presented by Alamo Orange Stinger Princess Dot Puddle Park Soarin' Over California Tuck and Roll's Drive'Em Buggies The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ Back to Top ECV Transfer to Wheelchair King Triton's Carousel Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! Sun Wheel Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities Download a printable version (PDF) of the Disneyland® Resort Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Disney has some scooters for rental, but the cost is $35.00/day, and you can only use them between the two parks. You might be be better off renting from an outside company.
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove (Hmmm...never been on the ride called "Back to Top"...I'll have to check that one out next time.)
