Going to Disneyland - Any Tips?

[Merriweather]

It's official, going Dec. 9 thru 12, which shouldn't be too crowded from what I've heard. I just booked a 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite at the Desert Inn. I think I got a good rate, I know it's close, and will give more privacy and space than one room, and less anxiety than booking "non-guaranteed" connecting rooms somewhere and hoping we get them, LOL. Party consists of me, DH, DD, DD's DH, and 3 year old granddaughter. First trip for GD. None us us has been in about 3 years. SO, any tips/hints etc. appreciated. Comments on hotel (hopefully good :-), what's there for the 50th, what's there for Xmas, what's good for a toddler, etc. I love hearing ideas from you guys, in the past I have gotten great ideas I'd never have thought of from these boards.

[ocnative1964]

you have picked possibly the best week of the season to go... we went at that time 2 years ago and except a short time on saturday the crowds were very small.

and with fast pass we never waited more that 15 minutes for anything...

have lots of fun and take lots of PIX...

[Merriweather]

you have picked possibly the best week of the season to go... we went at that time 2 years ago and except a short time on saturday the crowds were very small.

and with fast pass we never waited more that 15 minutes for anything...

have lots of fun and take lots of PIX...

Just hoping it won't be more crowded than it usually is, because of the 50th celebration. I can't wait to see both the 50th decorations, and the Christmas decorations.

[ocnative1964]

we were going to go this year as well, but have too much going on at work... too sad.

but the cruise next year will make up for it...

[Bob38dizfan]

are you doing the WDW Big Red Boat trip?

[Goin2Disneyland]

Merriweather, don't miss Block Party Bash at DCA. It's so much fun and kids eat it up. If you all are Stitch fans, be sure to head into Innoventions in Tomorrowland and Talk to Stitch, a very low-key but nonetheless amazing experience. The Christmas Fantasy Parade is classic, and all the 50th additions are great. The First 50 Years film with Steve Martin is not to be missed. Since you have a toddler you'll probably be spending some time in Toontown, which has some of the park's best and most elaborate Christmas decorations. a bug's land at DCA will also be decorated this year, and is DCA's kiddie area. The new Monsters, Inc ride may be soft opening while you're there. Be sure to check at the ride itself to see if they are allowing guests to "test" the ride.

[Merriweather]

Merriweather, don't miss Block Party Bash at DCA. It's so much fun and kids eat it up. If you all are Stitch fans, be sure to head into Innoventions in Tomorrowland and Talk to Stitch, a very low-key but nonetheless amazing experience. The Christmas Fantasy Parade is classic, and all the 50th additions are great. The First 50 Years film with Steve Martin is not to be missed. Since you have a toddler you'll probably be spending some time in Toontown, which has some of the park's best and most elaborate Christmas decorations. a bug's land at DCA will also be decorated this year, and is DCA's kiddie area. The new Monsters, Inc ride may be soft opening while you're there. Be sure to check at the ride itself to see if they are allowing guests to "test" the ride.

Thanks for all the advice. I hadn't even heard about the Talk to Stitch, and wasn't aware that ToonTown decorated really big. We'll keep our fingers crossed about Monsters Inc.

[ocnative1964]

are you doing the WDW Big Red Boat trip?

yeah we are doing the land and sea package, 3 land 4 sea... cant wait.

[ocnative1964]

Thanks for all the advice. I hadn't even heard about the Talk to Stitch, and wasn't aware that ToonTown decorated really big. We'll keep our fingers crossed about Monsters Inc.

you can also get your photos with goofy santa in toon town.

quite cool.

[Alpha]

Thanks for all the advice. I hadn't even heard about the Talk to Stitch, We'll keep our fingers crossed about Monsters Inc.

Since talk to Stitch was mentioned......let me recommend "Turtle Talk" in the Animation building in DCA. The little ones can sit on the floor up front and talk to Crush from the Nemo movies. You can sit on the floor with them or in a chair.

Also there is a beautiful Merry-go-round in the pier section of DCA, with sea animals to ride.

A little warning on character meet and greets. Some little ones can have their whole day ruined by being forced to pose with a character that "we" adults like and she does not recognize. A good thing to do before the visit is to have "storytime" with as many age appropriate Disney books as possible. Then these strange and large characters are more familiar to the little ones.

Take time to feed the ducks, look at the stray kitties and the pretty flowers etc. Just remember not to take things as fast as you would like to with a little one! This will help their first memories of Disneyland to be plesent not tearful.

Off the Mommy Box..............enjoy your trip!