Question answer!

I figured I would answer the question I got in the comments, with a new post. Watch out, I am on a roll. ;)

"Hi Heather! My family is planning our first trip to Disneyland! We'll be spending 2 days in Disneyland and 1 day at California Adventure. We are going the week/end before Thanksgiving. Have you ever gone in November? Any tips???? We have 4 kiddos (18mo, 6, 8, 10)."


Well, first of all, YAY for first trips to Disneyland!! Make sure you stop by City Hall (under the bridge on the left hand side of Main Street) to get a "My first visit" pin. Wearing it lets everyone know its your first time... and while its not guaranteed, people wearing them have been known to get some special treatment. :) Besides, when you go home, you have a fun and free souvenir!

Now, to answer your question... I have been there in November and with the exception of the week of Thanksgiving, it is very pleasant. Most of the holiday decorations are up, the weather is nice and the lines are short. The down side? Shorter hours and some refurbishments... but really, I would take that over hot summer crowds any day! 

Lets see, some first timer tips... Don't hop around. When you get there and are so excited, you want to run to all the rides that you heard about, or that look cool on the map... but go in order. They won't go anywhere and you will get more done if you aren't running all over the place. In two days you can do everything at Disneyland, so don't feel like you have to rush! I would make a plan before you go... like where you want to start, what times you will be eating, etc. You don't have to stick to it exactly, but its nice to have a general idea of what happening. 


Also, don't expect your kids to act better because you are on a cool vacation... you see that a lot a the parks... and the fact is, they probably won't be. I have lost count of how many stressed out moms and fighting couples I have seen because they had some unreal expectation. Take things in stride, take the breaks you need... Kids aren't use to non stop walking for 8 hours, so why would they do it at Disney with no complaint? Just simple things that can be forgotten when you are wanting everyone to have fun. :) 


If you (or anyone else) have anymore questions, feel free to ask. I will do my best to answer them. 

Is it hot?

Take a break! No one said Disney needs to be a non stop marathon! There are many fun and entertaining things you can do while getting out of the heat.

How about a show? There are many shows in Disneyland and DCA most of which have short waits and air conditioned buildings! In Disneyland there is the Tiki Room, Captain Eo and Great Moments with Mr Lincoln. At DCA there is Its Tough to be a Bug, Muppet Vision 3D and the Animation Studio.

What about a ride? There are a couple rides that are 10-15 minutes in length and have fast moving lines. Pirates of the Caribbean, Its a Small World and Soarin' Over California.

What? You want to ride a water ride? Well, there are a few of those too... but you can almost guarantee that when its warm outside, you are not the only one who is thinking water ride. Also, there are only two water rides, one at each park and they both have a height requirement. Splash Mountain's is 40 inches and Grizzly River Run is 42 inches. I suggest getting a fast pass if you want to ride either of these in the summer. :)