Well, Family Trip To Disneyland Next Week...Tips, Pointers?

[monkeyswrench]

This coming Tuesday we are going to D-Land. The last time we went was 8 or 9 years ago. My youngest was just 2 or so, and doesn't even really remember.

So, looking for input...Family of 5, two boys, ages 11 and 13, and a girl who will turn 16 the day before. Tickets and lodging are handled. Really looking for the "Must Do" things or maybe the order in which to do it. They are "parker hopper" tickets, if that makes a difference.

@Music to my Ears , if you have any input it would be greatly appreciated. You probably know more about the park than anyone.

Any others' input is also appreciated. I don't know what has changed, and want it to be really good for the family.

Watch out California, I'm coming back(for a very limited time) I'd better go find my passport!

 

[BHC Vic]

Make sure you hit guardians of the galaxy that’s all I got. I haven’t been there since completing the project

 

[TPC]

You're hitting it as Rise of the Resistance opens. Could be packed, could be a ghost town. It'll be one extreme or the other. Just got the text the app is taking reservations for the ride.

Only decent food in the park is the Carnation Cafe' and Blue Bayou. Make a reservation through the Disney app. Blue Bayou still had some reservations left for that week as of Friday. That may have filled. It's really brutally expensive now. Good food but maybe not kids fare, especially at those murderous prices.

The Max Pass add-on on the tickets is worthwhile. If you handle it right you'll have no lines to wait in. Figure it out and the visit will be 100 times better. You can usually do the Maxpass upgrade on the app. Read that: Usually. If not visit the ticket booths at the entrance. Those girls are really savvy and can give you good tips on how to use it.

Have the 16 year old enter everyone's ticket/Max pass ID on her phone's Disneyland App and she can plan the rides out for everyone and you can skip the lines. At least that's how I'd do it and still do.

Forget the McDonalds across Harbor bl. It's way more money than the average McDonalds, they don't honor chain wide specials and it's priced right in there with Disneyland food prices and just as mediocre.

If you want non-sit down service I suggest Bengal BBQ and you can pre order through the app, or the Corn Dog Truck or Corn Dog Palace. Bengal BBQ portions have shrunk once again and the price has gone up as well.

If you're standing in a Dole Whip line you're doing it wrong. Use the pre-order app or head to the Tropical Hideaway.

Downtown Disney shops and restaurants are outside concessionaires trying hard to look like they are run by Disney.

 

[rightytighty]

Prepare yourself for sticker shock and sad savings account on drive home. The feeling is remarkably similar to kicking a rod on your racing engine.

But what the hell! The kids are only young once, and screw Dave Ramsey.

 

[Riverryder]

Don’t pay extra for fast passes. Wait in line one time. And say that someone is at the entrance with a baby( rider swap passes)

When you use
The ride swap
Pass ask for
More.


Last time I went I was waiting at the front of the line handing them out because I had so many.


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[4Waters]

Hit up Radiator Springs Racers in California Adventure

 

[jetur]

I'm here right now. Place wasn't that crowded today. Had a Ribeye at Blue Bayou about an hour ago. It was good food. Download the Ap it will show you wait times and the map. We walked about 10 mi today because the kids wanted to see characters. If you don't chase characters and plan your day logistically you can walk about half of that. The fast pass is the way to go, I think our longest wait was 20 min in line. If you're planning meals in the park make reservations at the nicer places. It's not that much more and you won't be eating cafeteria food. Because the mediocore food is expensive as well.

 

[Carlson-jet]

I call it disneyline. Accept it for what it is.
Have fun and don't get pissed when losers cut in line.
Keep a smile on your face.

 

[saucedaddy]

Mama Cozzas for good italian (Ball Rd)
Thai massage (Anywhere on Harbor)

 

[Sherpa]

we went last spring, and it kinda coinsided with the fact my wife was having trouble walking. so we rented a mobility scooter...... and at the original disney rides you get to the front of the lines. backwards, but to the front. at california adventure more lines are ADA compliant so no quicky trip to the front.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Do the single rider line for the cars ride.

The mellinial falcon ride is really cool and worth the wait.

The bar at Cathy circle has tasty cocktails and is really posh. The outdoor bar across from the incredicoaster launch is more low key but equally good. The beer garden is over by Goody's sky school and the Gordon biersch truck is at the back of the Pacific wharf area. The bar at the Disney Land hotel called trader Sam's reacts to the cocktails that are ordered and is pretty cool but small. Haven't gone into the bar in Star wars Land yet.

When your wife kids or people in general get on your nerves skip a ride and head to the bar!

 

[DrunkenSailor]

If you leave the property i second momma cozas about 5 minutes down ball for Italian. Also cortinas about 7 minutes away for pizza and sandwiches.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Well, I didn't know there were bars. That would help with me dealing with people, but probably not a fiscally wise method.
We probably will not leave the park(s) until closing. Only have one day, so have to fit in what we can. It will be really weird for me just driving there. For a few years I commuted down the 57. I don't think I have been south of the 60 for at least 7 years.
My wife started looking into the various pass options, and the app thing. In reality, I am just along for the ride(s). I am actually a little nervous. I am not a big crowd kind of person, and I really want things to go good for the kids. It's a grip of money to get in, and 400 miles to get there. I don't know what the kids are expecting, last time they went they were just little monkeys, and couldn't even go on some rides.

Having kids...always an adventure

 

[TPC]

I usually drink at the Carthay Circle Bar but the restaurant and bar are closed for refurbishment until the end of the month.
Typical prices are 1 Baileys and Coffee and 1 IPA $36.

 

[DaveC]

Bring booze or preheat before you get there

Happiest place my ass

 

[monkeyswrench]

Do they have metal detectors? Going to suck to have to pull of my boots. That, and I'll have to remember to leave my knife in the car...I think I have a plastic flask though

Bring booze or preheat before you get there

Happiest place my ass

Thinking both, preheat and "maintain".

I usually drink at the Carthay Circle Bar but the restaurant and bar are closed for refurbishment until the end of the month.
Typical prices are 1 Baileys and Coffee and 1 IPA $36.

Well, not much more than Starbucks I guess

 

[Flying_Lavey]

My tip and the philosophy my dad and I employ for Disneyland........ DON'T GO!! Give your ticket to someone your wife would like to go with like her mom or sister or whoever and let them deal with that shit.

Flame on as much as you all would like, but I truly hate that place and the adult Disney nerds that center their lives around it (not employees, just the patrons).

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[monkeyswrench]

My tip and the philosophy my dad and I employ for Disneyland........ DON'T GO!! Give your ticket to someone your wife would like to go with like her mom or sister or whoever and let them deal with that shit.

Flame on as much as you all would like, but I truly hate that place and the adult Disney nerds that center their lives around it (not employees, just the patrons).

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I understand completely. I'm not a fan of anything like this. But...this keeps me in good graces with my wife, maybe a pass for something later, and my kids are excited. Hell, I usually spend less than 12 hours at a time in Cali.

 

[DaveC]

I so agree.

I always joke that the only reason I even set foot in that place is I don’t wanna be that dad that never brought his kids to Disneyland.

lol

luckily my kids have almost outgrown it. I got a few more years and I am out for good

My tip and the philosophy my dad and I employ for Disneyland........ DON'T GO!! Give your ticket to someone your wife would like to go with like her mom or sister or whoever and let them deal with that shit.

Flame on as much as you all would like, but I truly hate that place and the adult Disney nerds that center their lives around it (not employees, just the patrons).

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[Runs2rch]

The corndogs are always good!

 

[TPC]

Do they have metal detectors? Going to suck to have to pull of my boots. That, and I'll have to remember to leave my knife in the car...I think I have a plastic flask though


Thinking both, preheat and "maintain".


Well, not much more than Starbucks I guess

Explosive detecting dogs walking the tram entrance sniffing everyone, bag check and metal detectors.
Also face recognition cameras and occasionally Anaheim PD and thugs get into a throw.

 

[Riverfamlee]

My wife loves Disneyland and has always had passes. I've tried but cant deal with the crowds. She wont even ask me to go anymore. Funny thing (for me anyways) is i really do like Disney World. Totally different with everything spread out. And WAY WAY more booze is available-hmmm, maybe that's why I like it

 

[Music to my Ears]

Sorry, I’ve been out on a short tour so just seeing this thread. Looks like everybody has given great advice. It will be busy as the new attraction Rise of the Resistance officially opens today. Plus NAMM is wrapping up this Sunday. We seem to have a fair amount of people that stay in town after that show wraps up.

Send me a message if you want to say hey. I’ll be there on Tuesday.


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[TPC]

My tip and the philosophy my dad and I employ for Disneyland........ DON'T GO!! Give your ticket to someone your wife would like to go with like her mom or sister or whoever and let them deal with that shit.

Flame on as much as you all would like, but I truly hate that place and the adult Disney nerds that center their lives around it (not employees, just the patrons).

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Yes, it's not for everyone but for many it's a special place:

I have neighbors that say the same about our trips to the river. The heat, the long drive, the fuel cost, the boat cost, dealing with the drunks on the water,,,.
Driving all the way to Vegas towing a horse trailer to watch our niece barrel race? Oh brother,,, why?

Same about our Glamis trips. Neighbors Rzr is wadded up on a trailer in front of his house. Oh the comments.
Why do we go there for that?

Dog walkers pass the house and it's never a positive comment about that big trailer I have the "burden of towing."
Someone will surely post the Toontown family brawl like it's a regular occurance.
Nowhere anything like that and the cops run the thugs out early.

The best people you will ever meet are those that put their kids first.
Drinking at the Disney bars I'm in that element. The most fantastic people one will ever meet.
Expensive but it's premium booze at a double pour in a big glass. You get what you pay for.

Never fails their is a gang issue at MM when we visit.

 

[Mr. C]

Just saw this, not sure if it is any help or not ( didn't read it)
https://abc7.com/entertainment/rise...sneyland-heres-what-you-need-to-know/5858212/

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I so agree.

I always joke that the only reason I even set foot in that place is I don’t wanna be that dad that never brought his kids to Disneyland.

lol

luckily my kids have almost outgrown it. I got a few more years and I am out for good

Yeah, I've got one more trip I'll need to do in a few years when the youngest is old enough to enjoy it and then I'll be able to say that and I'll be out!

Id SOO much rather go ride real ride like in 6 flags.

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[ka0tyk]

With kids and it being a one time shot (not annual passes) def get the max pass. Make sure someone has the app already on their phone, and once you get your tickets put them into the app. Get there at gate open and step foot inside the park. Open up the disneyland app and reserve your first big ride. Cars ride, Space Mountain, Star Wars, Coaster, Guardians, etc... 30 minutes later you can reserve your second ride. After you get on your first reservation, wait a couple minutes and slap another one on there. Its basically the ONLY way you're gonna get onto the big rides. Cars wait times can reach upwards of 2.5 hours on a normal day and you dont want to spend your whole day waiting in line. Its an additional cost but its worth it. Even if you have to bounce back and forth between parks. Dont be like "oh lets do everything on this side and then go over to this other park!" You go where the lines arent... theres rides I refer to as "people movers"... ie pirates of the carribean, haunted mansion, little mermaid, small world. Those ride times are pretty static. Park in the toy story lot on harbor blvd and take the bus over to the park. Its your call if you want to see the parades, I try to avoid them as everyone will be watching the parades and ride wait times should be pretty empty.

More than anything, have a good time.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Sorry, I’ve been out on a short tour so just seeing this thread. Looks like everybody has given great advice. It will be busy as the new attraction Rise of the Resistance officially opens today. Plus NAMM is wrapping up this Sunday. We seem to have a fair amount of people that stay in town after that show wraps up.

Send me a message if you want to say hey. I’ll be there on Tuesday.


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What's "NAMM"?
Had no idea the Star Wars thing was opening this weekend. Looks like a must do, if we're there we should. I'll send you a message, would be cool to meed another inmate.

Just saw this, not sure if it is any help or not ( didn't read it)
https://abc7.com/entertainment/rise...sneyland-heres-what-you-need-to-know/5858212/

Wow, sounds pretty interesting...actors, animitronics and simulation...I'm old school, Big Thunder and Space mountain

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Naam is the national association of music merchants. It is an annual trade show in Anaheim and one of the coolest conferences I have ever been to outside of sema and ces when the porn convention was the same weekend.

Tons of musicians shredding on demos. Really cool deal but it turns the city into a zoo. Keep your eyes peeled for musicians at the park.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Naam is the national association of music merchants. It is an annual trade show in Anaheim and one of the coolest conferences I have ever been to outside of sema and ces when the porn convention was the same weekend.

Tons of musicians shredding on demos. Really cool deal but it turns the city into a zoo. Keep your eyes peeled for musicians at the park.

That actually sounds cool. I never knew such a conference existed.

 

[Music to my Ears]

It’s basically a large candy store for musicians. It’s absolutely huge and you’ll cross paths with great musicians from all genres. Pretty cool show but not open to the general public.


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[HOOTER SLED-]

With kids and it being a one time shot (not annual passes) def get the max pass. Make sure someone has the app already on their phone, and once you get your tickets put them into the app. Get there at gate open and step foot inside the park. Open up the disneyland app and reserve your first big ride. Cars ride, Space Mountain, Star Wars, Coaster, Guardians, etc... 30 minutes later you can reserve your second ride. After you get on your first reservation, wait a couple minutes and slap another one on there. Its basically the ONLY way you're gonna get onto the big rides. Cars wait times can reach upwards of 2.5 hours on a normal day and you dont want to spend your whole day waiting in line. Its an additional cost but its worth it. Even if you have to bounce back and forth between parks. Dont be like "oh lets do everything on this side and then go over to this other park!" You go where the lines arent... theres rides I refer to as "people movers"... ie pirates of the carribean, haunted mansion, little mermaid, small world. Those ride times are pretty static. Park in the toy story lot on harbor blvd and take the bus over to the park. Its your call if you want to see the parades, I try to avoid them as everyone will be watching the parades and ride wait times should be pretty empty.

More than anything, have a good time.

Not sure what Max Pass u got......but you can't get that shit for like an hour and a half after you get one.....NOT 30 min.

 

[nowski]

Club 33

 

[jetur]

Leave the knife in the rig. I feel naked all day without it but they make you empty your pockets before the metal detector. FYI my cans of chew and buckle made it through, so the detectors must be turned down.
There are two rides in star wars. The millennium falcon ride that takes an hour in line (no fast passes) for this ride. Rise of the resistance , you have to get a boarding pass for it. The boarding passes were all gone 3 min after the park opened today. We just walked through the star wars area this morning and it was neat to see but we weren't waiting on the rides.

 

[rivermobster]

My tip and the philosophy my dad and I employ for Disneyland........ DON'T GO!! Give your ticket to someone your wife would like to go with like her mom or sister or whoever and let them deal with that shit.

Flame on as much as you all would like, but I truly hate that place and the adult Disney nerds that center their lives around it (not employees, just the patrons).

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X1000

 

[DrunkenSailor]

One other thing. No smoking once your in the security perimeter. Plan a smoke break when the kids are in a long line it's a hike if ya smoke.

 

[ka0tyk]

Not sure what Max Pass u got......but you can't get that shit for like an hour and a half after you get one.....NOT 30 min.

it all comes down to the "return time".

When you make a FASTPASS reservation for a ride (not a show), there is a waiting period before you are eligible to make the next reservation. That period can vary depending on how far off your return window is from when you booked it. That is why having a strategy can help you make the most of this system.

If a ride’s return window is less than 30 minutes away, then the waiting period is 30 minutes (unless you activate the FASTPASS within that 30 minutes — once you scan it at a ride, it erases the waiting period and you are then free to make another reservation). Let's say at 9 a.m. you book a FASTPASS that is from 9:05 a.m. to 10:05 a.m. and you scan in at FASTPASS Return Immediately; then, you can book a new ride right away, because that waiting period is lifted. But if you wait until 9:40 a.m. to ride, then you have to wait until 9:30 a.m. (when the 30-minute waiting period is over) to select the next FASTPASS.

If the return window begins between 30 to 90 minutes from when you booked it, then the waiting period ends as soon as the return window begins; so if at 2 p.m. you reserve a ride that has a return window of 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., you can make your next reservation as early as 3:15 p.m. when the return window opens.

 

[riverroyal]

I suggest refinancing the house asap

 

[River Runnin]

Face masks, Hand Sanitizer, and concealed .45 plus extra Mag!

 

[Carlson-jet]

Sorry, I’ve been out on a short tour so just seeing this thread. Looks like everybody has given great advice. It will be busy as the new attraction Rise of the Resistance officially opens today. Plus NAMM is wrapping up this Sunday. We seem to have a fair amount of people that stay in town after that show wraps up.

Send me a message if you want to say hey. I’ll be there on Tuesday.


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Did you go to NAMM?

 

[monkeyswrench]

I suggest refinancing the house asap

Well, luckily the ticket expense was brought down quite a bit by my wife getting a 5 pack at a local charity auction. As far as spendy stuff, like souvenirs and such, my kids aren't really that type...thank God!

Face masks, Hand Sanitizer, and concealed .45 plus extra Mag!

Wife's a teacher...we have hand bleach by the gallon I plan on staying away from most the homeless camps, so shouldn't need masks. As for the CC...they'd probably send me to prison...concealed-strike one, mag in well- strike two, normal capacity mag- strike three...so, being a US citizen, I end up being Bubba's bunky

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Go to knotts berry farm rides are better and lines are shorter! get the all day food pass for one person $35 and you get a meal at most of the food places every hour and a half! feeds the whole family and they have some great food choices.

 

[Music to my Ears]

Did you go to NAMM?

Not this year. I like going every 3 years or so.

 

[TPC]

Go to knotts berry farm rides are better and lines are shorter! get the all day food pass for one person $35 and you get a meal at most of the food places every hour and a half! feeds the whole family and they have some great food choices.

Knotts believe it or not has an annual pass that is reasonable priced and includes meals. You have to ask about it, not listed on their price chart.
It was better when the Family ran it.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Walk across the street to Tony Romas. Decent food....not crazy expensive. The food in the park is dumb overpriced.....and nothing is super good in my opinion...especially for the price. If I had to pick.....Plaza Inn or Carnation Cafe for dinner food. I refuse to pay for a ridiculously priced plate at some of the joints in the park....especially when the food isn't that great. Shit, even the restaurants at Downtown Disney.....meh. Most of the time we eat before we go. If you want a beer.....peep some the places that you can order food from the app. Order it, walk right up and get it. Save yourself some time in Cal Adventure waiting in those lines at the beer stand. Same goes for Dole Whip or ice cream, snacks, etc. It trips me out how many wait in those long ass lines when you can use the app and get some shit quick. Lol

 

[monkeyswrench]

Go to knotts berry farm rides are better and lines are shorter! get the all day food pass for one person $35 and you get a meal at most of the food places every hour and a half! feeds the whole family and they have some great food choices.

Already have D-land tickets in hand. It's also because it has been over 10 years aince we went. The kids and wife have been to Knott's within the last year or so. Maybe just my opinion, but I think D-Land has them beat on the "Magic of Presentation".

 

[TPC]

Already have D-land tickets in hand. It's also because it has been over 10 years aince we went. The kids and wife have been to Knott's within the last year or so. Maybe just my opinion, but I think D-Land has them beat on the "Magic of Presentation".

Yes, by light years.
Diz really shines with legit kids with special needs.
Ya really see the pixie dust magic in their interaction with them.
I like all amusement parks but DIz sets the benchmark.

 

[WATERDOG]

Mama Cozzas for good italian (Ball Rd)
Thai massage (Anywhere on Harbor)

Mama Cozzas for great Italian

 

[boatdoc55]

The problem with Walt's place is, it's 250 miles from AZ!!!

 

[monkeyswrench]

The problem with Walt's place is, it's 250 miles from AZ!!!

Only a problem in transit...I'd much rather keep big stuff like that far away from me What sucks about living out here is also what makes it great out here...being far away from stuff.