First Trip To Disneyland Resort Since 2006!!

[PiratesMansion]

If I'm not mistaken, it looks like you spent more time at DCA than Disneyland Park on this trip

It is interesting to see how different people enjoy the parks. It's probably because I live in California and go to the parks 1 to 2 times a year, so I couldn't imagine spending 5 days there or feeling like I could stretch that out without a lot of serious down time which to me would feel like I'm not getting the most for my money, but I guess 5 days does only cost $83/day

I will say as another out-of-towner that I enjoy 5 days less because I *need* five days and more because I can relax a bit more, knowing that I have plenty of time to see and do everything that I want to.

It allows me to take some time out of the park days for sitdown meals without feeling like I'm taking away from rides or attractions.

It was also very necessary this time around, as my ankle would need to rest and I'd inevitably hit the point where I'd need to head back and rest for a few hours. Five days allowed me to still feel like it was easy to get everything in while still allowing for necessary resting time.

I usually lean DL heavily over DCA, but I found myself more at DCA this time than I had during trips in the past for a few reasons:
1) I find that other people tend to like DCA much more than I do, and inevitably if I travel with someone else (in this case, my mother), I will spend more time at DCA than if I was left to my own devices.
2) I'd give DCA the win on food over DL. It's not a landslide victory, but it's nonetheless a noticeable difference for me.
3) DCA is a less stressful place to be with more room to breathe, and sometimes that's all you really need. DL can get so congested for so much of the day, and it's not helped at all by the fact that people absolutely do not think about other people around them before they stop suddenly, clog the midway, etc. and it's difficult to get around/away from them. DCA has many problems, but this is *not* one of them.

I guess that's another benefit of the five day ticket-less angsting on my part that I should be spending more of the limited time I have at Disneyland!

 

[ZapperZ]

So I have a couple questions recapping the weeklong journey you took us all on.

1. Did you have park hoppers or just did one park per day tickets? It didn't look like you ever went to two parks in one day, at least from the pictures and commentary.

2. If I'm not mistaken, it looks like you spent more time at DCA than Disneyland Park on this trip, and on top of that, the days you were at DL Park (Looks like Monday and Wednesday) were the days you got your hotel room (Monday) and chilled there for the evening, and on Wednesday spent the 4 hours in line for the mug. Was that because you actually like DCA more than DL, or was it because you'd been to DL enough times in your life that you wanted to soak in a different park?

It is interesting to see how different people enjoy the parks. It's probably because I live in California and go to the parks 1 to 2 times a year, so I couldn't imagine spending 5 days there or feeling like I could stretch that out without a lot of serious down time which to me would feel like I'm not getting the most for my money, but I guess 5 days does only cost $83/day. Staying on property (or across the street) also helps where you can go chill at your hotel without walking far or taking shuttles/buses. Also on all my trips, whether 2 or 3 days, I always seem to gravitate toward a 70/30% split on the parks favoring DL.

Glad you had a good trip and hopefully you won't have to wait as long for the next one!

Since I have a bit of time here at the terminal, I'll address this now.

1. We did not get the park hopper, so it is one park per day.

2. We had a 5-day ticket. Originally, I made park reservations with 3 days at DL and 2 days at DCA. However, after visiting DL on Monday, and seeing how crowded it got, and the visiting DCA on Tuesday and how much more "chilled" it was, I changed the last day ticket to DCA. DL felt a bit claustrophobic when it was busy, and it was a chore getting around because of the narrow walkways. In fact, I discovered that, unlike MK, during the parade at DL, you can get stuck and not be able to walk to where you want to go. At MK, on the other hand, they will always keep a path open and prevent guests from standing and stopping there to allow for traffic flow.

I usually spend a whole week when we go to WDW, so that is a typical length of stay. Having a bit more time allows for a less hectic trip and I don't feel rushed to do everything I want to do in a single day. It helped that we also got Genie+ for this trip where we often could check off the top 3 or 4 attractions that we want to do well before lunch time. I consider sitting around, watching the world go by while I enjoy a Dole Whip float as an attraction in itself.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Plane is here, we are about to board. See you back in Chicago!

 

[ZapperZ]

We are back, tired, but exhilarated by the trip.

I have a lot of unpacking to do, a lot of setting aside stuff we bought for our friends, etc. I'll have a few more pictures to post here, especially on the Disneyland Hotel room that was themed to the hilt. I just hope that the rooms at the DVC tower will also be of the same caliber or it will be a disappointment.

But before I put these away, here are a couple of photos. The first one is what we got as part of the premium viewing package for Rogers the Musical. In addition to the popcorn bucket (and popcorn) and the lanyard, we also got soft drinks and photopass pictures.

This is the sketch I made of Tigger during the Animation Academy drawing class.

That's all I have for now. I need to go shop for groceries since the fridge is practically empty!

Zz.

 

[Phroobar]

You should come back soon and do all the non-Disney things southern California has to offer for a week.

 

[Alanzo]

You should come back soon and do all the non-Disney things southern California has to offer for a week.

Please suggest a couple of things, seriously! Going to socal for a week and want a couple more things to do besides Disney with my two small kids.

 

[Phroobar]

Please suggest a couple of things, seriously! Going to socal for a week and want a couple more things to do besides Disney with my two small kids.

Here is a whole thread covering other things in socal.

The Official "Explore Southern California!" Thread

Since I'm wide awake and it's the middle of the night, I decided to actually do one of those things that we've always talked about doing in the Disneyland forum... make a thread just for the tons of cool non-Disneyland stuff, and I need your help! That's right, I said YOU! Here's my vision...

forums.wdwmagic.com

There is also Knotts Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Sea World, Santa Monica pier, lots of museums, the beach, the mountains, Holllywood, Griffith Park, Balboa park, train museum, hundreds top rated places to eat, With so much other stuff, there really isn't a need to go to Disneyland.

 

[Alanzo]

Here is a whole thread covering other things in socal.

The Official "Explore Southern California!" Thread

Since I'm wide awake and it's the middle of the night, I decided to actually do one of those things that we've always talked about doing in the Disneyland forum... make a thread just for the tons of cool non-Disneyland stuff, and I need your help! That's right, I said YOU! Here's my vision...

forums.wdwmagic.com

There is also Knotts Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Sea World, Santa Monica pier, lots of museums, the beach, the mountains, Holllywood, Griffith Park, Balboa park, train museum, hundreds top rated places to eat, With so much other stuff, there really isn't a need to go to Disneyland.

Thanks for the tips! But it's a little strange that you are on a Disneyland subforum on an everything-Disney message board saying that "there really isn't a need to go to Disneyland' with my two small kids. Disneyland seems pretty ideal for my situation.

Do you maybe not like Disney?

 

[Californian Elitist]

Thanks for the tips! But it's a little strange that you are on a Disneyland subforum on an everything-Disney message board saying that "there really isn't a need to go to Disneyland' with my two small kids. Disneyland seems pretty ideal for my situation.

Do you maybe not like Disney?

If you have questions about a potential trip to Disneyland, don’t hesitate to ask some of the other sub-forum frequenters, such as myself and a lot of others. I’m sure we’d be happy to help.

 

[Phroobar]

Thanks for the tips! But it's a little strange that you are on a Disneyland subforum on an everything-Disney message board saying that "there really isn't a need to go to Disneyland' with my two small kids. Disneyland seems pretty ideal for my situation.

Do you maybe not like Disney?

I've gone to Disneyland hundreds of times in my life. IMHO, it has really taken a downturn in the past twenty years with the crowds and the penny pinching. I know there are better things out there. Knotts with Camp Snoopy is great for small kids. Adventure City is perfect for little kids. Both of these parks are less than ten miles for Disneyland. Legoland is also great for kids. I've lived in southern California all my life. I've been to many of its attractions and found really special places I like to visit that are free and much more fulfilling. When you look at it as whole, Disneyland is just a small part of what we have to offer. California has a lot more than most states combined.

 

[Alanzo]

Thanks all. We were looking at (with our 2 and 4 year old):

Adventure City like you mentioned. Pretend City kids museum. And maybe we'll look at Knott's too. My wife also added Anaheim Gardenwalk to the agenda but it seems like a big mall? BTW...I didn't mean to be hostile, I am just very aware of the limits of what can be done with small kids.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Thanks all. We were looking at (with our 2 and 4 year old):

Adventure City like you mentioned. Pretend City kids museum. And maybe we'll look at Knott's too. My wife also added Anaheim Gardenwalk to the agenda but it seems like a big mall? BTW...I didn't mean to be hostile, I am just very aware of the limits of what can be done with small kids.

Gardenwalk is just a mall, yes. I wouldn’t prioritize that, but it’s up to your family.

 

[Consumer]

Thanks for the tips! But it's a little strange that you are on a Disneyland subforum on an everything-Disney message board saying that "there really isn't a need to go to Disneyland' with my two small kids. Disneyland seems pretty ideal for my situation.

Do you maybe not like Disney?

I would still say go to Disneyland. Has it taken a downturn? Yes, absolutely, but if you're not a regular park goer it's worth visiting.

Thanks all. We were looking at (with our 2 and 4 year old):

Adventure City like you mentioned. Pretend City kids museum. And maybe we'll look at Knott's too. My wife also added Anaheim Gardenwalk to the agenda but it seems like a big mall? BTW...I didn't mean to be hostile, I am just very aware of the limits of what can be done with small kids.

If you want to visit a mall, the Americana in Glendale is rather nice, as is the Grove in LA. Rodeo Drive is also a fun place to walk around and window shop. Might all be a little boring for a kid, though.

If you want to go further south in CA, I'd suggest La Jolla Beach in San Diego to see some sea lions. Also down there is Balboa Park which is a beautiful park full of lush gardens, intricate architecture, grand museums, and the world famous San Diego Zoo. I went there a lot as a child and have good memories of the Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Thanks all. We were looking at (with our 2 and 4 year old):

Adventure City like you mentioned. Pretend City kids museum. And maybe we'll look at Knott's too. My wife also added Anaheim Gardenwalk to the agenda but it seems like a big mall? BTW...I didn't mean to be hostile, I am just very aware of the limits of what can be done with small kids.

You might consider Legoland too. It's a bit south of DL in Carlsbad, but your kids will love it.

Or venture into San Diego for the Zoo, SeaWorld, etc.

 

[Phroobar]

Thanks all. We were looking at (with our 2 and 4 year old):

Adventure City like you mentioned. Pretend City kids museum. And maybe we'll look at Knott's too. My wife also added Anaheim Gardenwalk to the agenda but it seems like a big mall? BTW...I didn't mean to be hostile, I am just very aware of the limits of what can be done with small kids.

No problem. Knott's is the first theme park in the country. They just celebrated their 100 anniversary. Adventure City is good for ten and under. Gardenwalk is kind of dead mall. It is kind of depressing and creepy. Don't go there. Ontario Mills is one of the bigger malls in southern california and much more fun. Legoland is a must for 12 and under. I love the San Diego Zoo but also like the little Santa Ana zoo. The LA zoo okay but much hill climbing. I'd also recommend the Will Rogers state park in LA. His house is historic and starts lots of hiking trails.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Worth noting that the San Diego Zoo is ALSO very hilly.

 

[Alanzo]

This is what I'm thinking -- we are flying in next Saturday and renting a car. Staying at DLH. My wife and I have been to both Disneys a several times and have no real pressure to do everything. We have a four day ticket and are planning on going at a modest pace Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We fly back Saturday afternoon. The theme of this trip is TRY TO HAVE FUN AND CHILL.

Arrive Saturday, get stuff from target or Walmart, check in to DLH, use the pool and try to keep my kids up as late as possible.

SUNDAY/MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY: Some combination of Disneyland, DCA, the pool and TBD*

TUESDAY -- I think Adventure City (seems good for two kids under 5) and probably just try to relax afterwards. This will be our first real chance to take it easy after arriving.

THURSDAY -- Thinking Pretend City but would love to get out in the area afterwards, TBD*.

The TBD* is the only thing left to fill--basically it'd be nice to get out and around town. Unfortunately we aren't in a great position to go dine out with little kids but we're much more active (and cheaper) with our "time filling" activities at home -- we go to a TON of playgrounds, go for walks around our neighborhood, etc. I saw recommendations for state parks and zoos but I was hoping for something more contained or smaller scale--she is 24 weeks pregnant with our third (and final!). I think that's why my wife put that GardenWalk on our list without realizing it was a dead mall, lol. We have no shame checking out Ontario Mills for example if it means it'd be "fun" for our kids.

Thank you so much for the tips, I'm feeling a lot better about keeping the ball moving with our kids on this trip.

 

[Phroobar]

Worth noting that the San Diego Zoo is ALSO very hilly.

There is a sky bucket ride at San Diego Zoo and the bus tour.

 

[Phroobar]

This is what I'm thinking -- we are flying in next Saturday and renting a car. Staying at DLH. My wife and I have been to both Disneys a several times and have no real pressure to do everything. We have a four day ticket and are planning on going at a modest pace Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We fly back Saturday afternoon. The theme of this trip is TRY TO HAVE FUN AND CHILL.

Arrive Saturday, get stuff from target or Walmart, check in to DLH, use the pool and try to keep my kids up as late as possible.

SUNDAY/MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY: Some combination of Disneyland, DCA, the pool and TBD*

TUESDAY -- I think Adventure City (seems good for two kids under 5) and probably just try to relax afterwards. This will be our first real chance to take it easy after arriving.

THURSDAY -- Thinking Pretend City but would love to get out in the area afterwards, TBD*.

The TBD* is the only thing left to fill--basically it'd be nice to get out and around town. Unfortunately we aren't in a great position to go dine out with little kids but we're much more active (and cheaper) with our "time filling" activities at home -- we go to a TON of playgrounds, go for walks around our neighborhood, etc. I saw recommendations for state parks and zoos but I was hoping for something more contained or smaller scale--she is 24 weeks pregnant with our third (and final!). I think that's why my wife put that GardenWalk on our list without realizing it was a dead mall, lol. We have no shame checking out Ontario Mills for example if it means it'd be "fun" for our kids.

Thank you so much for the tips, I'm feeling a lot better about keeping the ball moving with our kids on this trip.

How about the Discovery Science Center. That is close by to Disneyland. It's all interactive science exhibits for little kids. They have a cool dinosaur dig area.

Discovery Cube Home - Discovery Cube

Two science centers with exciting interactive science-based exhibits, activities, and special events. Find tickets and come visit!

www.discoverycube.org

There is also the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. It is right next to the Queen Mary.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.

www.aquariumofpacific.org

 

[PiratesMansion]

There is a sky bucket ride at San Diego Zoo and the bus tour.

True, but there's still no way to totally avoid going up or down hills if you really want to see everything.