Disney California for 1.5 days. Help!

[lovelymama]

I’m really not a Disney person but since we’re in California I’ve said I will take the kids for a couple of days. Because of travel we won’t actually get to Disney until lunchtime of first day, which I know isn’t ideal.

I have a park pass and Genie + for one park a day and reservations sorted. My kids are 14 and 11….they don’t like really scary rides. Please help me work out what to do first and what not to miss. I’ve trawled Disney sites and forums but people talk like visiting Disney is a mission to be taken very seriously and it’s making me want to weep and escape to Napa for lots of wine

[JustALittleHelpPlease]

When you get to the parks walk the opposite way to the prevailing hordes. Beforehand look at a map to see what you think you'd like, only queue for those. Imo there is loads to enjoy without any rides at all. Enjoy the scenery, there is loads there

[Soffit]

Disney is too expensive if you don't like the rides. Why not go to Knotts Berry Farm instead?

[NeedleNoodle3]

I stayed at Hyatt Anaheim in a family suite and would recommend that hotel.

[Furbaby2842]

I am 29 and love the cars ride. Have been to Disney California many times and we have never planned to the extent that people going to Disney in florida do. California seems much more chilled. My one tip would be to take a water bottle to refill for free at the parks rather than buying water. We filled up in restaurants!

[MistyElla]

@lovelymama

My kids are a bit older (11 and 14) - would they still like the cars ride?

I am ashamed to admit that even I enjoyed the cars ride. There are some more babyish sections, but they have a racing bit at the end where you really pick up speed and feel like you’re racing through Utah.

[MistyElla]

Oh I also agree with packed lunches. You can hit the Walgreens at the corner for sandwiches and other bits before going inside. The food inside is mostly terrible anyway, and it saves so much money. We liked stopping for drinks and treats instead of meals when we needed a rest.

[lovelymama]

My kids are a bit older (11 and 14) - would they still like the cars ride?

[lovelymama]

We’re staying in a hotel about 10 mins walk away. I think we can cope with that! Thanks for the advice on rides - it’s really helpful.

[MistyElla]

We went this past summer. I hate Disney, but DH wanted to take the kids and we were already in California. My top tips:

• Bring your passport to prove your age or they will not serve you alcohol. I learned this the hard way, they would not accept a foreign driver’s license. 😭
  

• The new Star Wars ride Rise of the Resistance is hands down the one thing not to be missed. You have to get in a virtual queue on the day and then go when they notify you that your group is being called. It’s not part of the normal genie system that I’m aware of. The whole Star Wars area was cool actually. The millennium falcon ride was also good.
  

• The fireworks/street dance party thing at night is the best part of the whole day. Drag yourself out even if you’re exhausted. The kids will love it.
  

At California Adventure, my kids loved the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, the river rafting, and the Radiator Springs ride (which is the first one you should hit on the California Adventure day because the line gets loooong). Do not, I repeat, DO NOT stand for hours in line to do the new Spider-Man ride. It is rubbish. Basically a 3D arcade game, not actually a ride.

[Iwantthesummersun]

We adored the Cars ride. It was fab. Where are you staying? Unlike Florida there are lots of hotels in easy walking distance of the parks.

[lovelymama]

Thank you so much for your reply….it’s made me feel calmer. I think I felt like I should get planning but I really didn’t want to, especially as my kids aren’t that ride-focussed. I will use your suggestions to plan a bit but will embrace the chilling out x

[Playplayaway]

The Dibb is a great forum but it can make your head spin a bit.

Having a rough plan is good but don't feel you need to account for every minute. It's impossible to do everything and it's supposed to be fun! Have a look on the website and make a list of rides you definitely want to do. YouTube is good for ride videos of you're unsure. Look at the map and plan a route. Head to your top ride first.

Check the opening times for the day you are visiting and aim to get there at least an hour early so you are at the turnstiles well before opening time.

Take a packed lunch - it will save time as well as money. You can eat in the queues. Take bottles of water which you can refill.

Check times and location of shows, parades and fireworks. You generally need to 'get a spot' for the parade at least 45 minutes in advance. Well worth the wait to get a good view. More eating time.

But really, just enjoy it. The most memorable moments are often those you just stumble upon! Look around, take it all in and get those all important cheesy snaps at the castle.