Disneyland Trip w/ First Timers!!

[maharet97]

DH, our girls and myself have been to DL several times in the 4 years that we've been stationed in California, but for our last trip this fall before moving back east, we're taking friends whose kids have never been to ANY Disney park. What are some suggestions for must do activities for first timers to make this trip as special as possible for them. Hubby and I have done most every attraction, but are not as familiar with the hidden gems of DL as we are with WDW. We'll be going in the fall most likely (in Oct after the new celebration starts). Thanks so much everyone.

[lovesdisney]

How old are they, and what do they like to do?

Some fun things that get overlooked a lot are the Tiki Room, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (I just went on that for the first time two days ago!), the stuff in Toontown, and a lot of the stuff in DCA. (Are you park hopping or just sticking to Disney? The Aladdin show in DCA is excellent.) There's also the film in the Main Street Opera House, the First 50 Magical Years, which is really neat. They also have a to-scale version of Disneyland as it was when it opened in 1955, as well as a scale model of Space Mountain with the lights on. :)

If you're going in October, keep in mind that:
a) Haunted Mansion will be closed for refurbs
b) as will Matterhorn
c) I think CA Screamin' at DCA might be closed for refurbs but I'm not positive

I think also, first timers should go meet Mickey, because that's really what Disneyland is all about. :) They should also get to ride the rides that make Disneyland famous. (I'm taking a first timer in August and we're already planning it out! :D) I think it's ultimately up to them and what they want to see the most, though.

[caggie428]

Mickey's House is a must for every first-timer.... For Kids, the other stuff in Toontown is great. Splash mountain is awesome if they are old enough to handle the drops. Buzz Lightyear is fun as well. Hidden Gems??? See if you can get them to pilot the Mark Twain Steamboat, see the Aladdin show (it really is great!!), Soarin over California, and Mike and Sully' to the rescue. There is just so much fun stuff there!!!!

[maharet97]

We'll be going after the holiday install is completed on the HM (it'll be completed Sept 29 according to the schedule). The Aladdin show is definitely a must and is actually the main reason I decided to make it a 2 day trip. Thanks to everyone so far :).

[lovesdisney]

Oh, as an edit to my post: I don't know if the film will still be showing or if it will go back to being Mr. Lincoln. Either way, Mr. Lincoln is still pretty cool. :)

[maharet97]

We've never done the Lincoln show. Is it entertaining enough for the kids? We're taking 6 kids, ages 10 and under. Or is it quick enough not to really bore them? I ask because they will out number us Another question....how do people feel about the character dining at DLR? Which do you recommend?

[aggies215]

as far as i know, they're keeping the 50th show until 2007, so not mr lincoln. I read it in a guidebook today haha.

[adrianne]

Originally Posted by maharet97

Another question....how do people feel about the character dining at DLR? Which do you recommend?

I had the character breakfast at the Storytellers Cafe in the Grand Californian, and it was nice...the characters circulated among the guests, and all the kids got to visit with them. They signed autographs, and posed for pictures, too.

PS the food was really good, too - Yum!!