Help needed!!

[thatguy]

Okay, so, the woman I love & I are going to be spending her birthday in Disneyland! Here's the thing... I've never been, ever. I don't know anything about Disneyland, never even went as a kid, I've never been to a real amusement park before (a place called Joyland in Wichita when I was a kid, more county-fair type of stuff than an amusement park from what I gather).

However, I'd still like to do as much as I can to make the day special for her (we'll be there for more than just her b-day, which is a part of why I'd like to give it the extra effort to make it as special as can be), hence me being here, humbly asking for advice, opinions, suggestions, etc. Any & everything is better than where I am currently, so please, don't be shy!

Thanks in advance for your efforts, believe me, it is greatly appreciated.

[DisneySquirt]

How exciting!! I bet it'll be a magical time no matter what! I'd say a great place to start is on this website in the "Info Guides". {on the tabs above} I know I picked up a lot of tips and tricks there when I first came to this website. The Disneyland Resort is quite massive so it's hard for me to think of a few tips but I'm sure there are people on the boards who know a lot more than me and can give you some great advice. There is also the official Disneyland website which will give you lots of info as well. Hope that helps as a start!!

PS. I'm I reading between the lines or when you say you'll be there for more than her birthday there might be another surprise featuring something shiny like a ring? If so, I have an idea! If it just means that you're staying for more than one day then please forget I said anything :P

[Bob38dizfan]

One thing you can do is stop at City Hall and get her a Birthday pin and of course your "first time at Disneyland" pin. Getting a water side table in Blue Bayou Restaurant is very romantic. You will need to make reservations well in advance. Doing one of the tours would be good, as you can get head of the line for some rides and get a feel for the park.

[lcordo]

You are going to have an amazing time! You didn't mention if your special lady is also a Disneyland novice. I'll assume that she is fairly new to the Park also. As mentioned, the info guides on this site has some good tips to get started. Another tip is to become familiar with the fastpass process. Certain rides in both Disneyland and California Adventure have a fastpass option where you can get a ticket with a return time that will pretty much move you to the front of the line. On the ticket is printed a one hour window for your return. HOWEVER, at Disneyland and California Adventure you can return anytime after the start time! So if your ticket says return between 1:00 - 2:00PM you can return anytime after 1:00PM to enjoy the ride. You're only allowed to have one fastpass at a time until the start time on the fastpass ticket OR 2 hours after you received your current fastpass. The best way to know when you can get another fastpass is to read the small print at the bottom of the fastpass ticket. Printed will be the time when another fastpass will be available for the two of you. When we go we usually spend the early part of the day collecting fastpasses, enjoying the shows, riding the non-fastpass rides and generally having a relaxing time at the Park!

Take the time to explore the small details of the Park. You will be amazed at the level of detail and refinement you will find throughout Disneyland. Have a great time and post a trip report when you get back!

[TeamMickey]

To save some time, try to avoid eating during peak times. During peak times it can be hard to find places to sit, they may run out of certain menu items, and lines are very long. For example try to eat dinner at 5 pm or after 8 pm. If you get hungry in between because you're eating at odd times there are plenty of yummy snacks you can get in the mean time. I recommend the churros and the Dole Whip is pretty popular (I've tried the Dole Whip, but I had way too much at one time and got sick, but it was delicious up until then).

[dlfreak]

Tip on Dole Whip, line outside is always much longer than line inside. Go into the queue, get your Dole Whip and then you can leave the queue.

My advice I always give is GET TO THE PARK AT OPENING. You do yourself the biggest favor in doing this as you can maximize your Fastpass potential and knock out 2 or 3 of the biggest rides in the park within about 1 to 2 hours. You'll do more between 8am and 10am than you will from 10am - 2pm.