Countdown: 2 more days until we leave for our Disney vacation!
I have the kid’s suitcase packed and am working on my husband’s and my own (ok I lie, I’m leaving him to pack his own!) and then have to start on all the bath/body items as well as the baby’s food bag and the kid’s activity backpacks for the flights (yes plural!)
We are spending 2 full days at Disneyland in Anaheim before boarding the Disney Wonder and going on a 7 day Mexican Riviera cruise. I am all set for the cruise because they plan tons of events for you on the ship, and I’ve booked our port adventures when we dock at Puerto Vallarta and Cabo!
With only 2 days at Disneyland, I don’t want to spend them wandering (though sightseeing will surely take up a part of our day). I’ve done some reading and research and picked a few rides and attractions that are must-see ones, but I want your advice and tips.
Please share, if you’ve gone to Disneyland what do we have to absolutely see? What ride is a must for a 7 or 4 year old?
We love love love Disneyland here! And since you are visiting the park I actually have been to I might actually have some good tips to share (we live 4 hours away or so.)
For the kids: Make sure you go on all the classics like the haunted mansion, tea cups dumbo, alice in wonderland, peter pan, and the carousel. These may be short but the memories are awesome. Then take them to toon town which has rides like rodger rabbit and monsters inc. All super fun kids ride. And every kid enjoys a ride around the park on the train (especially when they are tired!)
For you: Get fast passes to Space Mountain (at LEAST three times) and go when you catch a minute. It is a really fun ride, and the best one for adults if your kids do not like roller coasters. But we took a 4 and 3 year old on it last time we went and they had a great time. But for these rides, fast passes are EVERYTHING!
Ride indiana jones for some adventure along with pirates of the caribbean because they are right around the corner from each other. Visit the castle and HAVE FUN!!
Take lots of pics! I’m so excited for you. We’ve been dying to get back to disney
Delaney thought the Haunted House would be fun (at age 7) and she was VERY scared. I held her the whole time while her face was burried into my neck. Elijah might like it but I doubt Nevaeh will!
I’m a huge fan of the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. I wouldn’t want to miss those (although your little ones may be better off not doing Space Mountain). Also, consider packing some snacks in a backpack. There’s nothing worse than starving kids in a long line. Fruit snacks, fruit roll ups, and granola bars are perfect to have with you…plus they’ll save you an arm and a leg.
I’ve never been to Disneyland before but would love to go. Enjoy your vacation and have lots of fun!!
Splash Mountain was Delaneys favourite although we did wait in like for like 2 hours! The Mickey Mouse gondola ride in California Adventure was fun!
I love the parades it is a nice break to stop get a snack and a good spot for the parade. It so much fun and they have such wonderful themes for them too. The night shows are also amazing! Have a great trip.
Always have their bathing suit and a towel with you. There are lots of fun water games to cool down. Have fun!!!!
Are you going to California Adventure at all? Be sure to check out Toy Story Mania. It is too much fun!
Have a great time! I have never been but am hoping we will make the trip in about 2 years time when the baby is a bit older. I hear though that this is the best time of year to go. The Christmas decorations are supposed to be beautiful!
For the whole family, the best ride is Toy Story Mania at California Adventure!!
I’ve been to Disney 3 times… and loved it each time… that said, I was 14 the first time I went. A friend of mine went with his three and five year olds last spring. His advice “Don’t go until the kids can get around on their own steam.” It’s a LOT of walking. He felt like a mule… constantly pushing, pulling or carrying someone. The upside “I ate like crap and didn’t gain a pound.” A Disney Cruise might be a better idea with small kids… everything is on the ship, and the staff waits on you hand and foot to make sure you’re enjoying yourself.