First time to Disneyland in January - a few questions?

[popsicletrees]

Hi everyone! I haven't been on here in a few weeks. I was busy studying for the LSAT, so I can continue the next phase of my life. Anyways, Disneybird and I are taking our first trip to Disneyland from January 1-5. We are going with my sister, brother-in-law and my nephew. My nephew will turn two only a week before our trip. We have a few questions about our trip. Any and all help is appreciated.

1) What are the crowds like at this time of year?
2) How is the weather this time of year?
3) Will Christmas decorations still be up?
4) Do they have birthday pins?
5) Are there any convenience or grocery stores in the area?
6) We are flying in to John Wayne Airport and staying at Disneyland Resort for our first night. Is there good and reliable transportation from the airport to the resort? If so, roughly how much?
7) Any fun and special things to do with a two year old? (note: we are going to the Mickey's Birthday Party during our trip)

We will have free day during this trip. We have a few ideas on how to spend that day, but we still need some suggestions. We are considering possibly the Queen Mary ghost tour or Knott's Berry Farm. Good idea? Bad idea? Other suggestions?

Thanks! :wave:

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Yay!! You'll love Disneyland!

1. Schools will still be out in the area so it will be fairly crowded.

2. Dress in layers. The weather will be cool in the evenings, but when the sun is out during the day it will warm up considerably.

3. I think so! I can't remember exactly when they start taking them down.

4. Yes. Pins of all kinds of course.

5. There are several stores and gas stations on Harbor blvd. There's a Target down the street. Most would be a little too far to walk, but a very short drive.

6. There are shuttles like Supershuttles. Those run around $10 per person each way. A cab will be around $35 each way.

7. Mickey's birthday party is a great idea. Don't miss Bug's Land in California Adventure, it's full of rides targeted at the little crowd.

I haven't done the ghost tour but that might be fun. Knotts is fun but might be a little bit of a letdown after Disneyland. They do have a big kids area there though. Hollywood has become a fun destination with a movie at El Capitan, followed by ice cream at the Disney Soda Shop.

Have a wonderful time!!

 

[agent86]

I haven't done the ghost tour but that might be fun. Knotts is fun but might be a little bit of a letdown after Disneyland. They do have a big kids area there though. Hollywood has become a fun destination with a movie at El Capitan, followed by ice cream at the Disney Soda Shop.

A few comments here...

1. Between the ghost tour, Knott's, and seeing a movie at the El Capitan, I'd say there's no contest. Knott's would be, far and away, the most fun and enjoyable experience of the three. To even lump the three together would be like saying, "You could go to Magic Kingdom, or you could go to the Kissimmee Aligator Farm, or you could go see a movie." :lol:

2. While I agree that Knott's is not as great as Disneyland, I hardly think your average person would ever describe it as a "letdown". In fact, it's really the best theme park in California next to Disneyland. If you want to talk about a letdown, then California Adventure would fit that description much better. I'd say that park is a major letdown after visiting Knott's.

3. If you're staying near Disneyland, I personally would not recommend wasting a drive all the way up to Hollywood just to see a movie at El Capitan. If you lived in Southern CA, that might be a different story. But I wouldn't recommend it as a thing to do on vacation. If you're going to take the time and trouble to make that drive, go to Universal Studios, or go see a live taping of a television show. Those experiences are at least unique.

 

[popsicletrees]

Thanks for the information. We will definitely look into the Supershuttles. The decision about our free day is still up in the air. I know Disneybird is really interested in the ghost tour, but we will have to see how our time goes. If anyone else has any suggestions about our trip (because for once we are really winging this one), please feel free to offer them.