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Disneyland Tips
Hi all,
I just got back from Disneyland and thought I'd share a few tips. No one prepares you for your first trip to Disneyland as a parent. It's painful like other firsts: the first time you have sex or your first marriage.
I went with my three-year-old son, my mom (who was in a wheelchair because of her sciatica) and her boyfriend. My son was not my child. He must've been someone else's child because my child listens to me more than 10% of the time.
Disneyland is sensory overload for kids. I forgot that that would happen.
If I could do it again, I would go for longer (we went to the parks for three days) so that we'd have time to go back to the hotel and nap during the afternoons. Naps would've been good.
I'll never go in July again. The crowds were too much. People without kids are rude and unsympathetic. I had someone talk trash about me pushing my stroller. I didn't cut someone off because I'm rude. Whatever happened happened because there were too many people in too small of a space. I also had adults cut in front of me and my son to get the last two seats in the row at the Crush movie. Isn't that for kids?
I also would've brought someone who could've helped me more with my son. It was hard being a single mom at the parks. I hope that you all have husbands who are helpful. For the other divorced moms, bring someone who can help manage your stress.
I don't know when I'll recover from this trip, but I'm glad I was there to see my son fight Darth Vader! That alone was worth it.
I just got back from Disneyland and thought I'd share a few tips. No one prepares you for your first trip to Disneyland as a parent. It's painful like other firsts: the first time you have sex or your first marriage.
I went with my three-year-old son, my mom (who was in a wheelchair because of her sciatica) and her boyfriend. My son was not my child. He must've been someone else's child because my child listens to me more than 10% of the time.
Disneyland is sensory overload for kids. I forgot that that would happen.
If I could do it again, I would go for longer (we went to the parks for three days) so that we'd have time to go back to the hotel and nap during the afternoons. Naps would've been good.
I'll never go in July again. The crowds were too much. People without kids are rude and unsympathetic. I had someone talk trash about me pushing my stroller. I didn't cut someone off because I'm rude. Whatever happened happened because there were too many people in too small of a space. I also had adults cut in front of me and my son to get the last two seats in the row at the Crush movie. Isn't that for kids?
I also would've brought someone who could've helped me more with my son. It was hard being a single mom at the parks. I hope that you all have husbands who are helpful. For the other divorced moms, bring someone who can help manage your stress.
I don't know when I'll recover from this trip, but I'm glad I was there to see my son fight Darth Vader! That alone was worth it.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mickie Bateman on -
I've heard October is a good time or anytime in the off season (winter). You may be a bit cold and have rain, but you avoid all the rude, unsympathetic people. Haven't made the trip yet, so thanks for the heads-up on the lack of naps, extended stay, and helper. Wow, I was actually considering going with my sisters bunch. OHHH, I guess I'll rethink that:)
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Permalink Reply by meredith marine on -
what a bummer that it was such a hassle. we went in early march and it wasn't that crowded- more so on the weekend than during the week, but still not the insanity you get in the summer. we went for my son's 5th birthday and it was the perfect age. he does not take naps anymore so we didn't have to worry about that. and although he can be prone to sensory and sugar overload, it's not even close to being as bad as it is with a toddler. he had an amazing time- we all did. and he didn't need a stroller...although his 6 month old brother did. but it wasn't as much of a problem because it wasn't as crowded as it gets in the summer.i agree it is a good idea to stay longer so you don't have to feel bad cutting the days at the park short, or heading back to the hotel for a rest before heading back out. he also got to fight darth vader and he still explodes with ecstasy when he talks about it.
so i guess my tips are: stay at least 4 days, try to go mid-week, don't go in the summer. stay as close as you can to the park so you can easily go back and forth between the park and hotel. and any child under 4 is probably still a little young. invest in the special pass that gets you into the park an hour before general admission, and use that time to ride the crazy popular rides, like nemo. and for sure try to take someone who can help you. i don't know how single moms do it and give you th e utmost in props.
try it again in a couple of years- it will be a totally different experience.
as far as the jerky people- man, it's hard to believe it but they are everywhere, even the happiest place on earth. such a downer.
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Permalink Reply by Gena Finch on
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My Husband and I are Disney fanatics and have been season pass holders for several years. We have made so many trips I have lost count. Here are my suggestions for anyone taking a young child to Disneyland:
Go on the off season~ although a summer trip may be tempting, it's just not worth it. The best trips we have ever had were during January and February. The weather might not be great, but this is southern California we are talking about, it doesn't get that cold. And honestly, Disneyland in the rain is great. Most rides we were able to walk right on. Just dress for the weather.
EAT!~ kids need to eat on schedule and eat good foods. Disneyland has great choices such as the fruit stands and vege's with meals. I have found that my Daughter, she is 6 now and has been going to Disneyland since she was 2, always does better if I make sure she eats healthy foods at regular times. She still gets to have the cotton candy or an ice cream, but she has a good base of protein, vegetables and fruits.
Rest~ Disneyland is wonderful, but everyone needs a rest. We leave the park around 2pm and head to the hotel. Our kids don't take naps anymore but they rest in other ways. We usually go swimming for an hour or so, it's not restfull but it's a break from the sights and sounds of the parks. After swimming, everyone takes a shower or bath to freshen up and we watch a cartoon. We then head back to the park about 5pm. The kids and adults are rested, refreshed and ready for more fun.
Take advantage of everything Disneyland has to offer~ Disneyland is set up for families and they understand what kids need. On Main Street there is a Mother's area that is set up for nursing and feeding young children. One of the cafe's on Main Street has a kids meal that is a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich, but the restaurant gives the kids all the stuff to make the sandwich themselves. It's a great place to sit down and have a bite, and the sandwich making keeps the kids busy. During Christmas time, the BBQ area near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is decorated and there are several activities. You can purchase a giant sugar cookie to decorate, it comes with several colors of frosting and different types of sprinkles. The best idea I saw a Dad do... he purchased an order of french fries for each child, went to the Big Bear restaurant that is located next to the river, and he let the kids feed the ducks.
Good Luck!
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