MagicalMomAZ
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2006
Doing DL in 1 day IS possible in January! Last time I went was 5 yrs ago, in August.
We were there Jan 10-12. Our 1st day there was Early Entry & we went on the rides we wanted & got everything done in time to go to Indiana Jones. DD & I went on that alone, DH wasnt interested & poor DS went through some seperation anxiety while I was gone for 25 minutes total. DH took him to Tarzans Treehouse during. I have to say Indy is no longer a favorite ride, DD was scared but took it on like a trooper.
Day 1 we planned on doing it the way I grew up & how we did it w/ DD, go to the park until after lunch, then go back to the room for a shower & nap. Go back after dinner. Well, bc Day 1 was Early Entry we got everything done SOOO quickly we decided to conquer the few stragglers & Disney California Adventure on Day 2 ..needless to say the 3yo was beyond tired bc we did this. Id like to say Ill never do it that way again but by the time we go back hell probably be old enough to do it!
We walked onto every ride & never used a FastPass. Typically the wait was posted as 5 minutes, we had a few 15-20 minute waits but our longest was Nemo at around 7pm & we waited 25 minutes not too bad. After this experience I will NEVER go to Disneyland in the summer months again. DH was pleased he could see several feet in front of him, LOL Unlike summer when were packed like sardines.
We did get both parks done in 2 days but we skipped Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Alice & Teacups (they were being rehabbed), Haunted Mansion was closed & so was Sully & Mike ..so we didnt do EVERYTHING but we were ok w/ that, especially w/ a 3 yo. I missed going back for 3 rd day only bc we didnt get to go on the rides a 2nd or 3rd time but it was a Saturday & we hate crowds so much we were willing to forgo it.
We showed for our 11:50 Blue Bayou reservation at 11:40 right after finishing Pirates. They opened at 11:30 & all water side tables were taken by then. DD & I shared a Monte Cristo plate & everyone is right, its worth trying once & the powdered sugar & berry dip was a nice addition. DH is Mr. Steak Connesieur (sp) & he was very impressed w/ his prime rib cut. DS had PB&J & actually ate it all, it was a toasted uncrustable basically. Our waiter was on target & knew his stuff.
Our other reservations were for Rain Forest Café (MSG possible bc DH had a horrible headache after his chicken sandwich), Jazz Kitchen (food was surprisingly fast but I warn you against the kids chicken strips they are 1 breast cut in ½, a portion too big for some kids) & Goofys Kitchen (the food was mediocre but youre not there for that, youre paying for the character time). All in all I wish there was more themed dining like BB bc they actually did have above average food, but I wanted to eat at different places. Going to DTD everytime for meals was a pain & Ill not make reservations like that again. Oh!!! And Naples! Ewwwww!!! I have NO idea what kind of cheese is on their pizzas but its like an American cheese food NOT mozzarella! It was not good & left a horrible taste in your mouth. DH & I bought chocolate mint patties from Marcelines to get the wretched taste from our mouths. DH had the sausage as far as Im concerned its the ONLY choice in that restaurant. Ugh.
As a tip I advise parents of young kids to rent a locker & put extra clothes in. We were uncomfortable in 65 degree weather being wet after Splash & Grizzly (remember were from AZ, 65 is COLD) . I bought ponchos but FORGOT them! Ugh! So I was wet most of Day 2. Thats another thing, being from such a dry climate you expect to dry out but you dont. CA has much more moisture than you think. Also DS (3 yo) decided to hold his BM's for 3 days .one drink of apple juice later .BOOM! We had a VERY messy problem. So we didnt miss the Electrical Light Parade we went & bought him an outfit..& new socks. I was in the restroom at World of Disney for 20 minutes trying to clean him up. I couldnt sit him in the stroller & he couldnt walk all the way to the motel like that so we were out of an unexpected $56. So DEFINITELY come prepared w/ extra clothing. Its cheaper to rent a locker for $7/$10 than buying something new.
The whole purpose of finishing in 2 days was to drive to the coast & relax for a day, our feet loved us for it. We played in the ocean, ate GOOD clam chowder & rented a bike - Newport Beach was like the mint after a good meal. Disneyland was a blast, but the beach finished it off nicely.
If Disney vacations are a bit too crowded & fast paced for you - I recommend a leisurely beach trip to top it off.
We were there Jan 10-12. Our 1st day there was Early Entry & we went on the rides we wanted & got everything done in time to go to Indiana Jones. DD & I went on that alone, DH wasnt interested & poor DS went through some seperation anxiety while I was gone for 25 minutes total. DH took him to Tarzans Treehouse during. I have to say Indy is no longer a favorite ride, DD was scared but took it on like a trooper.
Day 1 we planned on doing it the way I grew up & how we did it w/ DD, go to the park until after lunch, then go back to the room for a shower & nap. Go back after dinner. Well, bc Day 1 was Early Entry we got everything done SOOO quickly we decided to conquer the few stragglers & Disney California Adventure on Day 2 ..needless to say the 3yo was beyond tired bc we did this. Id like to say Ill never do it that way again but by the time we go back hell probably be old enough to do it!
We walked onto every ride & never used a FastPass. Typically the wait was posted as 5 minutes, we had a few 15-20 minute waits but our longest was Nemo at around 7pm & we waited 25 minutes not too bad. After this experience I will NEVER go to Disneyland in the summer months again. DH was pleased he could see several feet in front of him, LOL Unlike summer when were packed like sardines.
We did get both parks done in 2 days but we skipped Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Alice & Teacups (they were being rehabbed), Haunted Mansion was closed & so was Sully & Mike ..so we didnt do EVERYTHING but we were ok w/ that, especially w/ a 3 yo. I missed going back for 3 rd day only bc we didnt get to go on the rides a 2nd or 3rd time but it was a Saturday & we hate crowds so much we were willing to forgo it.
We showed for our 11:50 Blue Bayou reservation at 11:40 right after finishing Pirates. They opened at 11:30 & all water side tables were taken by then. DD & I shared a Monte Cristo plate & everyone is right, its worth trying once & the powdered sugar & berry dip was a nice addition. DH is Mr. Steak Connesieur (sp) & he was very impressed w/ his prime rib cut. DS had PB&J & actually ate it all, it was a toasted uncrustable basically. Our waiter was on target & knew his stuff.
Our other reservations were for Rain Forest Café (MSG possible bc DH had a horrible headache after his chicken sandwich), Jazz Kitchen (food was surprisingly fast but I warn you against the kids chicken strips they are 1 breast cut in ½, a portion too big for some kids) & Goofys Kitchen (the food was mediocre but youre not there for that, youre paying for the character time). All in all I wish there was more themed dining like BB bc they actually did have above average food, but I wanted to eat at different places. Going to DTD everytime for meals was a pain & Ill not make reservations like that again. Oh!!! And Naples! Ewwwww!!! I have NO idea what kind of cheese is on their pizzas but its like an American cheese food NOT mozzarella! It was not good & left a horrible taste in your mouth. DH & I bought chocolate mint patties from Marcelines to get the wretched taste from our mouths. DH had the sausage as far as Im concerned its the ONLY choice in that restaurant. Ugh.
As a tip I advise parents of young kids to rent a locker & put extra clothes in. We were uncomfortable in 65 degree weather being wet after Splash & Grizzly (remember were from AZ, 65 is COLD) . I bought ponchos but FORGOT them! Ugh! So I was wet most of Day 2. Thats another thing, being from such a dry climate you expect to dry out but you dont. CA has much more moisture than you think. Also DS (3 yo) decided to hold his BM's for 3 days .one drink of apple juice later .BOOM! We had a VERY messy problem. So we didnt miss the Electrical Light Parade we went & bought him an outfit..& new socks. I was in the restroom at World of Disney for 20 minutes trying to clean him up. I couldnt sit him in the stroller & he couldnt walk all the way to the motel like that so we were out of an unexpected $56. So DEFINITELY come prepared w/ extra clothing. Its cheaper to rent a locker for $7/$10 than buying something new.
The whole purpose of finishing in 2 days was to drive to the coast & relax for a day, our feet loved us for it. We played in the ocean, ate GOOD clam chowder & rented a bike - Newport Beach was like the mint after a good meal. Disneyland was a blast, but the beach finished it off nicely.
If Disney vacations are a bit too crowded & fast paced for you - I recommend a leisurely beach trip to top it off.
In 5 days he has going down pat - its #2 we're having struggles with. At least I know next time he can make it to a restroom!!!
