I'll be in Disneyland Aug 8th-10th. I'm thinking DCA on the 8th and Disneyland the 9th and 10th, but subject to change if we decide we want more time at DCA. The ride we are all looking forward to the most is Radiator Springs Racers. Any advice in riding this with minimal wait times? I'm staying at HoJo's so I can't get in early. If I get in at regular park opening time and head straight to fast pass, how long will the wait for fast pass be, will they be out yet from resort guests, is the best bet to skip fast pass and just go get in line and hope that everyone else is in the fast pass line. What about the wait time at the two other new Carsland attractions? What's the wait like for lunch at the V8?
First time to Disneyland with 3 and 6 year old boys, any other advice?
I'm a Disneyland vet so I think I can help you. RSR fastpasses go VERY quickly. You have to get there EXTREMELY early to get fastpasses but if you're willing then it shouldn't be a problem. Luigi's tends to pull hour waits and Mater's pulls in the lowest times, usually 10-30 minute waits. I haven't heard about large crowds for Flo's so you should be good for that too. The Cozy Cones tend to draw in some crowds so be careful.
A bugs land is great for kids, especially kids with the same ages as yours. Don't miss out on that. Monster's Inc is also a great dark ride and you'll love it. It's hidden in the back of Hollywood Land and a lot of people tend to not see it so make sure you find it! The Aladdin show is absolutely amazing so you can't miss that either! The Little Mermaid is also a good dark ride and Paradise Pier is a good spot for kids. Jumpin' Jellyfish, Goofy's Sky School, and Silly Symphony Swings are fun rides. The Zephyr is a lot of fun too!
Across the way at Disneyland, Fantasyland and Toontown are the best lands for kids. Combined, there are a total of 20 or more attractions. Just between those two lands alone, at least 20 attractions so that gives you an idea of how many attractions are in Disneyland Park. Fantasyland has five classic dark rides and they are all great fun. Snow White, Pinocchio and Toad can be a bit scary for children so take caution. The Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybook Land Canals are Disneyland classics so you should experience them! Great for kids too. There is a great walk-through of Sleeping Beauty in Sleeping Beauty's Castle but that can be a bit scary too, for kids.
Toontown is awesome and it is probably the best themed land in all of Disneyland (New Orleans Square a close second). It's filled with gags and humor and so many things to push and play with! We've got a Roger Rabbit dark ride and it's amazing. You should definitely get fastpasses for that one, as the line can get pretty long and the queue is so gnarly. Gadget's Go-Coaster is a lot like Barnstormer I believe; great fun. Mickey and the gang live in Toontown, as you probably already know, and their homes are interactive.
On to Tomorrowland, Autopia is so much fun for kids! Rumors are they may be getting rid of it so don't miss out! Astro Blasters, aka Buzz is always a must. You can actually pick the guns up the and targets light up so that's a plus. We also have the Finding Nemo Submarines which is great fun. I don't think I have to speak for Star Tours and Space. The Astro Orbiters are fun but boy do they go high!
On to Frontierland, really the only ride there is Thunder Mountain. There are gun shooting ranges and a lot of people, including kids love those. Disneyland has a new hoedown type attraction with Mickey and the gang and I've heard it is a TON of fun! Don't miss Billy Hill and the Hillbillies in Frontierland either!
Adventureland. One of my favorite lands. Jungle Cruise is always fun, although it might be closed when you're there, I'm not sure. Tarzan's Treehouse is fun and it never has a crowd. Indiana Jones is a MUST for any fan but since you've got the little ones with you, might not be such a good idea. Indy is the best attraction at Disneyland, though.
New Orleans Square is one of my favorite lands at Disneyland. Great atmosphere and great themeing. Pirates of the Carribean is a must, must, MUST. It's twice as long as MK's version, with two drops and more scenes. Haunted Mansion speaks for itself.
Critter Country includes Splash Mountain and Winnie the Pooh, both awesome.
Entertainment: We just got a new parade last summer called Mickey's Soundsational Parade. You can't miss it; it's the best Disney parade ever and it's so much fun! The floats, costumes, characters and choreography are all awesome. I HIGHLY recommend seeing Fantasmic!. It's different from Florida's version and it takes place not in a stadium but on the Rivers of America. Amazing. The locals don't play around when it comes to Fantasmic! and people begin to grab spots hours before the show starts, so it's good to go early. Shouldn't be a problem. Alice and the Mad Hatter host musical chairs for kids on Main Street at 2:30 and it's hilarious to watch them! The Jedi Academy in Tomorrowland is always interesting and you don't have to sign your kids up for it here at Disneyland. They still get picked. World of Color is a must, as usual, along with Disneyland's fireworks.
The Fastpasses system at Disneyland is different. You can come back anytime after the return time without a problem.
Dining at Disneyland is a lot different from WDW. No need for reservations and we have a lot of amazing quick service options. I'd honestly recommend all of them, I've yet to have a bad experience. Hungry Bear in Critter Country and the Plaza Inn on Main Street are my favorites.
Speaking of Main Street, there are some great attractions on Main Street too. The Main Street Cinema plays classic Disney cartoons and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is a classic.the Disneyland Railroad is entertaining too! Don't forget to look up at Walt's apartment window!
The characters at both Disneyland and California Adventure do not have character handlers. They roam the parks on their own and the guests form their own lines. It's pretty easy to meet your favorite characters at Disneyland.
Downtown Disney is great for food, I'd recommend any restaurant there. There's the AMC theater and great night entertainment too, including live bands.
I think I've covered everything. If I think of more things I will add them. I hope this information helps you out and I hope you have a great time with your kids!
