[Question] What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

[Santoanderson]

We're 43 days and counting to our trip (ah crap, I'm counting the days... what's wrong with me?). Airfare and tickets are purchased, and now it's just a waiting game. One member of our trip will be my 4, going on 5 year old nephew who has never been to Disneyland. What do you think is a good "first experience" for a kid, of that age, at Disneyland? Hop on the Disneyland Railroad? Go to City Hall for a pin? Do you tell the kid about Disneyland in advance of the trip, or do you keep it a secret?

We don't necessarily want to go straight to Radiator Springs Racers or Toy Story Mania. We want him to almost experience how it was going to Disneyland on day one, at least for the first ride, after which we'll let him do all the Buzz Lightyear and Lightning McQueen stuff...

[rytheguy]

Re: What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

On my first trip to Disneyland I was 8. I vividly remember how I envisioned it being in my head, as no one in my family had ever been before, so there was no one to tell me about it. That first moment walking in was incredible, it wasn't anything like I had pictured, IT WAS SO MUCH BETTER! I say let it be a surprise
Definitely go get him a first time visitor pin, and possibly one of those "honorary citizen" name tags too, so cast members can call him by name. All the welcomes, and greetings from cast members are wonderful!

[girlonawire]

Re: What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

Have them wear a pin or mouse ears with their name on them..all the cast members will call them by name and it makes it pretty magical and personal.

[sbk1234]

Re: What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

Autograph books for characters, and/or a character meal could be memorable.

[Steve DeGaetano]

Re: What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

Don't do too much--he won't remember it anyway.

[girlonawire]

Re: What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

Don't do too much--he won't remember it anyway.

I would have to disagree, Steve. My son was three when Mickey magically wrote his name (my son's name) in his autograph book...even though Mickey most likely heard us call my son by his name or read it in the front of his little book....and he remembers it well. I started going to Disneyland as a mere babe and I still recall being four and having Alice give me a bunch of balloons from the 3:00 parade....so it's not impossible to have a young one remember fun things, especially things as magical as a first trip to Disneyland.

[Santoanderson]

Re: What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

Yeah, but we will remember. Besides, his parents think Disneyland is a waste of money (unless someone else is paying for it), and he probably won't be back for a while.

I do like the idea of personalized pins. I'd be afraid to get the kid an autograph book. I took my niece for a similar trip a few years back, and that was the first souvenir she asked for right as we walked into the park. Long story short, we went from the gift shop directly to Pirates, and at some point during the ride the autograph book went overboard. Maybe I can get characters to autograph a white t-shirt that the kid is wearing instead? Is that even allowed?

[chloealpert]

Re: What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

I would consider going to Goofy's Kitchen for Breakfast the morning of. That way you can have characters be the first thing you do (even before getting to the park) and once you're in the park, you can focus on well...everything else. It makes it extra special for the kids because they get one-on-one attention with the characters for a longer time than they might in the park.

[ohmyjustin]

Re: What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

Don't do too much--he won't remember it anyway.

According to my very extensive studying in my high school AP Psychology class, which is, obviously, equivalent to much more than a usual high school course, kids begin to be able to retain memories around age 3 to 3.5. The kid'll definitely have a shot at remembering this.

[bayouguy]

Re: What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

My brother took his first born son to Disneyland when he was two and a half years. It was a large entarage that accompanied his first visit. And his favorite attraction? The fountain in ToonTown. So that's where we spent a good amount of time, took lots of pictures and had a great time.
So the magic is being with your nephew. Have fun.

[sailor310]

Re: What extra-magical stuff do you do for a kid's first trip?

Try asking to ride up in the tender at the Mainstreet station and ask to ride up in the wheelhouse on the Mark Twain.