It's Getting Close!

[twins4me]

We leave for California in less than a month! Yay!!! The kids have been sick for 10 days now between them and I am READY for a break!

Any advice on doing the parks with two almost 5 year olds...walking vs. strollers, carrying in snacks, what to pack (extra clothes, wearing swim suits, etc.) I am trying to gather up the things we need, since we are in WI, we won't be needing them here! We have sunscreen, each of us has our own SPF lipbalm, the kids have rain ponchos, what little things are we missing?

Thoughts on tackeling the parks? We have a 3 day park hopper, staying at the PPH. The first morning we are there we have early entry to Toon Town. Is this worth it? We will not be arriving in LA until 10:35 p.m. (which is 12:35 a.m. WI time), with the 1 hour drive, checking in, etc., I'm guessing we're not going to be settling into our room until 1 a.m. or after. The second morning we are scheduled for the Princess Breakfast at the Plaza Inn. The kids are bummed because the Disney Playhouse is closed. I thought maybe CA would use up one day, but I am questioning how much time we'd spend there. Please give your thoughts...I'm taking any advice now! :D

I do have to share my excitement...my mom has booked a limo to pick us up at home and drive us to the airport, a 2 hour drive! The kids are so excited! Also, we were credited $375 from Disney Vacations due to the new promotion of kids flying free on United Airlines! That was such a huge bonus for me! Can't wait for the day...here's hoping the weather continues on the warm side!

Trish
Leaving in 26 days for DL and CA!

[Bookwood]

Trish,

I don't know anything specific about DL but with 2 5yr olds I'm guessing you will need some handiwipes type of thing and I would take swim suits too- unless other here that know the CAlifornia parks better than I say not to! (Kids form Wisconsin in a warm place in the winter should be able to play in whatever warm water there is!!)

Please let us know how the trip goes!!

[BetsyAnn]

Hey Trish!

Your almost 5 year old will love Disneyland and there are some fun things in CA too for there age.

I am unsure what else is open at EE besides Toon town. But if Fantasyland is open then I would suggest yes to EE. You can get those time eating lines out of the way. Dumbo, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Casey's Train, Snow White if scary is ok with them, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride if loud does not bother them, Storybook Canal if it is operating - a very slow boat ride looking a the mintures of characters. In Toontown, there is Roger Rabbit ride, the small roller coaster - be warned a pretty wild ride for adults, and of course the character houses. Tom Sawyers Island may be right up the kid's boat - running, crossing, caves - very fun! The pooh ride is over near Splash Mtn. I am unsure how tall the children are so height on E ticket attractions may be an issue. The Haunted Mansion is slightly different in that the elevator is actually a working elevator and it is located by Splash Mtn also. And of course Pirates, and the Swiss Family Tree house might be big hits too. The Autotopia, those little cars are also a big hit with all kids and that is near Tomorrowland.

After consultation with the mom, we vote for a stroller - numerous reasons - among them place for the little ones to rest when gettting tired, it should not be too crowded when you are there so should not be an issue with the crowds, you may have an "automatic" place for the kids to sit down and watch a parade -- HINT - one of my favorite places to watch the parades are by Small World - usually less croweded there!

Disneyland is much smaller than MK - so things are not so spread out from attraction to attraction -- it is easier to keep walking when you can see the next big thing. The train ride around DL is just plain relaxing - I think the stop in tomorrowland is currently under reb but still a relaxing ride!

Now CA - I warn you not my favorite - has a great carousel, the animation house has some nice interactive places, and if Flick's Fair is open there are some nice small rides there. Also the challenge course can be fun if it is not too hot, and they like those things - lots of things to climb on and over.

Now what to take into the parks - you got the basics with suncreen, lip balm, water I think is a must, maybe some snacks - swimsuits unsure about - maybe some else will know about that -- like the wet wipes, hats and maybe a light jacket, the children might like a disposable camera and an autograph book.

You are going to have a great time!!!!!!! Go, enjoy and have lots of magic!

Hope that helps a bit!