[Question] First visit -- what to see in which order?

[WALL-E]

Okay, all you rats (er, I mean MICE), I need you to scout for me. Here's the situation:

I haven't been to the park since Christmas 1996.

My EVE is 32, from the Philipplines, and has never been to any Disney place.

Her New Life Form is a boy, 2-1/2 years of age, and he is a big "Cars" fan.

We will be visiting in the second or third week in January. We will probably have ONE DAY (I'm going to try to make it two, but schedules are an issue). If we go one day, it will ONLY be DL, if two days, we MAY go to DCA.

Given all of the above, I would like to see you folks' suggestions for what to see, in which order, and why, for both a 1-day and 2-day visit. Where to eat (and NOT eat). What time we should get there in the morning, and where to park.

Given the NLF's age, no Bobsleds or Splash Mountain, but I don't want just Storybook Land stuff. Which attractions are age-restricted, so that I can write them off from the start? What do you think about HM, for instance?

The objective is to make this the best experience for THEM. I will take EVE back, just the two of us, some other time so that she can get the thrill stuff.

Thanks!

[agent 86]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

Especially given your limited amount of time (as well as the age of the child), don't even factor DCA into the trip. Based on what you've shared about the child, I would avoid the coasters and Splash, as well as possibly Indiana Jones. That still leaves a tremendous lot of attractions for all of you to get to enjoy together. Have a great trip!

[DisneyDiana]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

Assuming you arrive when the park 1st opens (I highly recommend you do that! Be an early bird)

Peter Pan! First thing
Then try for Dumbo, Tea Cups, Alice and then the Matterhorn.

These rides will become PACKED later on! And in my opinion, Peter Pan is definitely worth seeing.

(My last trip to DLR, a nice couple recommended these rides, in that exact order, while waiting in line at Peter Pan) We hardly had any wait.

[WALL-E]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

Assuming you arrive when the park 1st opens (I highly recommend you do that! Be an early bird)

That's the plan. what time do you suggest arriving?

Peter Pan! First thing
Then try for Dumbo, Tea Cups, Alice and then the Matterhorn.

The Matterhorn? With a 2 year old? I think that might be a bit much, don't you?

And yes, Peter Pan is already on the list. You say start there?

[Mr. Potato Head]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

Let's not forget things like Fantasmic!, Fireworks, The Aladdin Show, whichever parade they plan on showing, etc.

Those are, in my opinion, better than the rides. Especially with a 2 year old.

[Mr. Potato Head]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

I take back Fantasmic! They'll be doing maintenance in January

[WALL-E]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

I take back Fantasmic! They'll be doing maintenance in January

Hmm . . .sounds like THEY took back Fantasmic!

Yes, we will catch the parades.

[DisneyDiana]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

Oh, I'm sorry. Didn't read the 2 year old part. :blush:

And yes, start at Peter Pan. That was the best advice I read from Mice Chat before my trip. (That line really does get pretty massive as the day goes on)

Snow White (which can be scary for little ones) and Pinocchio usually have pretty quick lines, so you can save those for later.

I got in line a half hour before the park opened. Although the line was huge in front of the park, once you got in everyone went in separate directions and most rides were walk on's.

(My Trip before that I decided to sleep in and arrive around 10am, after arriving so early, I realized how much more fun it is and how much more you get to see)

If your son enjoys cars, he might like Mr. Toads Wild Ride or Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin)

After Fantasyland you may want to shoot for Toontown. That area gets packed as well.

Whinnie the Pooh in Critter Country (ride next to Splash) is another good option for a 2 year old. I've never experienced a line that was too bad there, no matter what time of day I came.

Hope this helps!

[Jachywalcott]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

He may be a little frightened by Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, but I recommend you give them a shot anyway, they're two of the best rides Disney has to offer. I don't know very much about two-year olds but he ought to be able to handle anything that doesn't have a height limit just fine. Is he particularly brave?

[Gino USMC]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

Star Tours first!

[Casey Jr]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

Pirates is probably fine for him, most kids would go on Pirates before Haunted Mansion. The matterhorn fantasyland side would probably be ok.

[Bob Weaver]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

After Peter Pan, I would recommend Alice in Wonderland. It's great and the only one in the world (I'm not counting the walk-through labyrinth in Disneyland Paris as an actual ride). Then whatever interests him in Fantasyland; he might like Casey Jr. Circus Train. then see what he likes in Mickey's Toontown. In a couple of years there's going to be a "CarsLand" in Disney's California Adventure so maybe you could return then.

[Coheteboy]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

Oh hands down Main Street first!

[WALL-E]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

Oh hands down Main Street first!

Main Street will be a middle-of-the-day thing, after hitting a few of the rides and getting hungry enough to make it worth getting away from the excitement.

[simmer]

Re: First visit -- what to see in which order?

Oh hands down Main Street first!

Do they even have a choice?

Main Street will be a middle-of-the-day thing, after hitting a few of the rides and getting hungry enough to make it worth getting away from the excitement.

I would actually recommend having lunch at New Orleans Square instead of Main Street. It's much more scenic. Speaking of which, there are attractions on Main Street...Okay maybe just one 'true' attraction.

Anyways, I also recommend taking the 'Grand Circle Tour' on the Disneyland Railroad.