Any Advice From Disneyland Veterans

[Swipe79]

We decided to take out two kiddos to Disneyland for a few days and I was wondering if anyone has any tips/tricks I should know about.

We're doing three days total and will do both parks at least one day each - with the third day being the kid's choice for what they want to do again.

[Blake711]

Don't do it!

[dherm360]

Originally Posted by Swipe79

We decided to take out two kiddos to Disneyland for a few days and I was wondering if anyone has any tips/tricks I should know about.

We're doing three days total and will do both parks at least one day each - with the third day being the kid's choice for what they want to do again.

I have only been to Disney world---If I recall there might be a long and informational thread done a couple years ago.

[roro17]

Download the app that updates the waiting times for rides. This way you don't walk 10 minutes to get to a ride and realize its a 45 minute wait. It cuts down waiting time and maximizes the fun.

[Swipe79]

I've seen it - the two parks have a fair amount of differences and I wanted to see if anyone had up to date advice.

Originally Posted by dherm360

I have only been to Disney world---If I recall there might be a long and informational thread done a couple years ago.

[Swipe79]

Any valid reason?

Originally Posted by Blake711

Don't do it!

[r0yals2012]

California Adventureland-Cars Land is awesome! If you do that make sure you go directly when they open (send fastest person) and go get fast passes to Radiator Springs Racers by It's Tough to Be a Bug. We got our fast passes right when they opened and got a 2:30-3:00 time so it runs out fast. You have to be 40 inches to ride that one. That ride is awesome. My group went 2 summers ago and we all agreed Cars Land was our favorite part. Radiator Springs lights up as the sun starts to set. Toy Story Midway Mania is another favorite and they have this awesome light show at night time. And yes download the wait time app. I think the Disneyland app has the feature on it.

[jdandns]

"FastPass" is your friend. It's included in the ticket price, and used properly, you should be able to go on the rides you want without waiting in lines all day.

[Swipe79]

Thanks - already have it on the phone. We're going on what are usually not busy days but it looks like you can use the MaxPass on the app to get FastPass without even going to the ride as well...I think it's $10 per person.

Originally Posted by roro17

Download the app that updates the waiting times for rides. This way you don't walk 10 minutes to get to a ride and realize its a 45 minute wait. It cuts down waiting time and maximizes the fun.

[speedyjg13]

1) Get there early, as soon as parks open.

2) download the disney app, you can see wait times and schedules this way

3) get the Max pass... I believe its $10 per ticket. You can reserve your fastpass times this way, with your phone, instead of going to the ride and coming back later. This will save you a lot of walking.

Theres so much information to share that I need more information from you to properly answer this. I'm an annual passholder and am there once a week

PM sent

[coltsnsox07]

I heard it's the happiest place on Earth(actually Norway is but whatever)
http://ksdf235[1] by tod wacko, on Flickr

[Swipe79]

You make a cute couple.

Originally Posted by coltsnsox07

I heard it's the happiest place on Earth(actually Norway is but whatever)
http://ksdf235[1] by tod wacko, on Flickr

[Dbacksbaseball]

Couple Pointers,

Please note I have only ever been to Disney World so I cannot guarantee accuracy on some of the more detailed.

1. As soon as you plan a trip, research what rides will be new, and download the app instantly and book your times for the new rides. Generally the lines on new rides range from 4-6 hours, if you plan to partake in a disney trip yearly, maybe not a big deal. But once every 2-3-4 years...you might want to hit that new 'hit' ride while you are there. These generally book out 3 months on the app.

2. Call the park- Just calling and doing a general inquiry about your upcoming trip has gotten me a few things, food vouchers, an extra fast pass on my days there (4 to use right away instead of 3)

3. Dining in the park and want your kids to experience the better places instead of the walk through stands? Gotta book ahead on the App (see #1)

4. Book out of the spring/summer season. We rotate between October and November. Go in October, experience the pretty cool after-hours halloween party. Nov 1st all the Christmas decorations go up and the holiday parade happens. Pretty cool to be in the park for those.

5. Park Hopper is a must. You might save $30 a person if you don't do it, but honestly its needed in my opinion.

6. You will be walking more then you expect. Last time (2017) we did 5 days, and are fairly in shape, we averaged 18 miles per day walking. By the end of the trip, I needed rest (was pretty sore) and a vacation from my vacation. Be prepared for that.

If I think of anymore Ill post them up.

Have fun, its always a good experience.

[teosdesserts]

The big thing is to decide if you want to work the park back to front or front to back and make your lunch reservation as such in the right area. You absolutely want a reservation somewhere if you don’t want to eat garbage.

[coltsnsox07]

http://1_1ZpJdEFBJZoHEm9ywlGLtg[1] by tod wacko, on Flickr

[NickM]

How old are your kids? Also, boys or girls? This will significantly affect ride recommendations.

[snajuice]

Fast Pass, Fast Pass and Fast Pass, as soon as you can!!!!

[ilovethelakings]

Originally Posted by Blake711

Don't do it!

I second this. Disneyland is quite meh. It used to be a great place, but nowadays it kind of sucks donkey intimate parts. And this is coming from an ex-annual pass holder.

[bradjames12]

I've been multiple times as my dad is originally from the area and family are still in the Fullerton/Anaheim area.

Few things have already been mentioned, FastPass, the app to see wait times, reservations will be needed for decent food. Blue Bayou is the best IMO.

isitpacked.com will give you a decent idea on the best time to go.

Downtown Disney has a bunch of shops and restaurants.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by ilovethelakings

I second this. Disneyland is quite meh. It used to be a great place, but nowadays it kind of sucks donkey intimate parts. And this is coming from an ex-annual pass holder.

Like most of the west coast?

[Swipe79]

One of each - my son is twelve and my daughter is six.

Originally Posted by NickM

How old are your kids? Also, boys or girls? This will significantly affect ride recommendations.

Not really going for me - I have a feeling my kids will still enjoy it.

Originally Posted by ilovethelakings

I second this. Disneyland is quite meh. It used to be a great place, but nowadays it kind of sucks donkey intimate parts. And this is coming from an ex-annual pass holder.

[motu79]

My family just booked a trip to Disneyland for Thanksgiving this year! Girls will be 5 and 9 so they should have a good time. I haven't been since 1998 when WSU made the Rose Bowl and I was 18. I think it's still gonna be great as an adult now! Can't wait!

We're throwing in a day of Universal Studios too as my 8 year old is in love with Harry Potter now. ha

[Swipe79]

Awesome! Odd coincidence, my last time down there was 1998 as well but it was a family trip after I graduated from high school.

Originally Posted by motu79

My family just booked a trip to Disneyland for Thanksgiving this year! Girls will be 5 and 9 so they should have a good time. I haven't been since 1998 when WSU made the Rose Bowl and I was 18. I think it's still gonna be great as an adult now! Can't wait!

We're throwing in a day of Universal Studios too as my 8 year old is in love with Harry Potter now. ha

[motu79]

Originally Posted by Swipe79

Awesome! Odd coincidence, my last time down there was 1998 as well but it was a family trip after I graduated from high school.

Weird, and I just noticed you're just across the border from me! ha

[Swipe79]

Not for long - looks like we're moving to your neck of the woods in late spring/early summer.

Originally Posted by motu79

Weird, and I just noticed you're just across the border from me! ha