We took the kids to Disneyland a couple of years ago when the princess was four and the boy had just turned three. We bought six day passes and Dude thought I was insane. He often forgets that with kids we’re operating at a slower pace. I also wanted the flexibility of napping back at the hotel and no tantrum episodes at the parks. In the end, Dude was so glad we took the six days and the kids had a magical time. But we also went in the winter when the weather is cooler and there are shorter wait times for the rides.
This time we spent two days, it was summer, it was hot and the line ups were long. The kids are older and the boy, now almost six, pointed out how everything was not real. Amazing what a couple of years does to their imagination. But it was still a blast and we saw a lot that we didn’t see previously because of their height and the new rides that have been added.
One of the new rides we were most looking forward to was Radiator Springs Racers in the new Carsland at California Adventure. Pictured above is a replica of the Grand Canyon in Carsland. So real, right? When we got there that morning, it was closed due to technical problems and were not sure if it would reopen. So we didn’t think to get a Fast Pass. Later in the afternoon it finally opened but the wait was 75 minutes and all the Fast Passes were distributed for the day! We thought, “We’re not waiting that long for a ride!” We continued to enjoy the rest of the day.
The princess is my coaster buddy since the boy nor Dude can stomach them. She was so brave to ride California Screamin’ and the Tower of Terror with me and enjoyed every second!
We checked the wait time for Racers again and found it had gone up to 150 minutes! I thought surely this was a mistake as you don’t see people in the queue so I asked the attendant and she confirmed that yes, the wait was indeed two and a half hours! Incredible how they weaved the line beyond our sight!
We finished seeing the rest of the park by early evening. Checked Racers one last time and the time had gone down to 90 minutes and after talking to several people, we decided to take the plunge and wait and we had to say it was definitely worth it! It turned out to be the boy and Dude’s favourite ride despite the long wait.
But next time, we’ll make sure to get a Fast Pass! And that’s my Disneyland tip this time around.
And here is a photo of my restaurant! What are some of your Disneyland tips?
Great post, Flo.
We have been taking the kids to Disneyland every year for the past 3 years to the point where it almost seems excessive. But my better half had the foresight back then that they would wake up one day, and the “magic” will be gone as they see through it all =) Well, when we were there this year, the older one still asked if certain things were real – so I guess we’ll probably keep going until it becomes just a place where you go for rides …
The magic just disappears. Definitely glad we took them when they were younger. Thanks for reading, T!