Disneyland Suggestions

dear Magaret,
i have atteneded a birthday party for a five year old at disneyland as well. the family had breakfast with the princesses and got autographs. you should call to schedule a time for breakfast
sincerely, H.

I agree about Ariel's Grotto for a meal. It may be too late to book, but call and see if you can still get in. (They book up quickly). We did that last year and my daughter was 3 and a half. She wore her princess dress and had a wonderful time. You really get to visit with the princesses because they stop by each table to chat with the kids and it didn't feel rushed. We also did a breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen at the D-Land hotel. It was great!

I would suggest dressing her up as her favorite princess and getting her an autograph book so she can get all of their autographs.

I'm assuming you've never been to Disneyland before. I apologize if you know some of this. :)

First: don't try to see and do it all! You can't! Relax and have fun. Have only two or three things on your "must do" list per day. Prepare for standing in line, frustration and moments of bad temper. It won't always be like a commercial. It might help to take a mid-day break and head back to your hotel to swim. Midday is the most crowded time in the parks. If you want to stay in the parks all day, mid day head to Tom Sawyer's Island (Disneyland) or Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (California Adventure.) Redwood Creek even has a wading area. Both places let kids climb, run and cool off, without big lines.

When you walk in, you'll get a map. It has a schedule on it for times to meet characters. All the princesses will be available near the castle at some point during the day. They try very hard to make a special moment for each child to chat and get a photo taken. You can use your own camera, or buy the Disney photographers take. (When you first get a photo, anywhere in the park, they'll hand you a plastic card. The card will get scanned after every photo. You can buy a CD of all the images for $100 or so, or you can buy just one or two photos, either at the park or online at home.)

Ariel's Grotto (California Adventure)offers character meals. Breakfast and dinner fill up pretty fast, but lunch is just as fun, and less crowded. Sometimes you can even walk in without a reservation, but I reccomend making one. Disney calls it "Priority Seating." She'll meet several characters, not just Ariel.

The Aladdin stage show (California Adventure) is WONDERFUL! I highly reccomend seeing it if it's playing while you're there (during some times, it's weekends only.)

Disney discourages bringing your own food, but you can usually carry Princess fruit snacks in your purse to hand out when she gets grumpy.

If she wants to wear a Princess costume or Disney clothes, I'd buy them someplace like Target before you leave - they're cheaper, and it's more fun to wear it there than get it there and bring it home.

HAVE FUN!

Hi Margaret!

We took our daughter last year right before her 3rd birthday and she had a blast. You'll want to get the park hopper tickets so you can get to both parks, there is tons to see on both sides and you can go back and forth.

Call ahead and reserve the character breakfast with Minnie and her friends. It's maybe $20 per person (give or take a few $) but sooooo worth it! They told us over the phone that Minnie and about 10 other characters come out and greet you during breakfast but there were way more than that when we went. They ALL came by our table and visited with our daughter, let us take pictures, danced with her, etc. It was TONS of fun and I would do the breakfast again in a heartbeat!

We also made a reservation for the lunch with princesses at Ariel's Grotto. This was over $30 per person and a waste of money, in my opinion. The food was terrible. It was dark inside the restaurant (bad for photos) and when the princesses came around, it was almost as if they were rushed to get around to all the tables. There is an area in one of the parks where they have the Princess Faire. You can go and watch the show with the princesses, the kids get to dance on stage with them, Cinderella came out and read a story, and they do a meet and greet after their show. This is free and had I known better, I would have skipped the princess lunch and saved money, the Princess Faire is great!

We stayed at the Days Inn down the road. Not the fanciest of hotels but you're only there to sleep. It was real inexpensive, had a little breakfast in the morning, and a shuttle to and from the park. The hotel was nice enough for that and it was clean. I'd stay there again.

Have fun when you go!

-Char

I think this is the PERFECT year for her to enjoy the princesses at Disneyland. That's what we did, too - and the memories from that day are still vivid for both of us (she's 9 now). Her biggest thrill was, well we got there when the park oepned (on a weekday!), and we were one of the first in line for "Aerial-in-person". We waited with anticipation until, there she was...on a clamshell which dramatically turned towards us. I'll never forget my daughter's expression - it was like the queen herself had arrived! Then of course, the photo opp's with Aerial were so adorable. So go find all of the princesses and let them know it's her birthday. Also, we capped off the day by going into the Disney music store and purchased a CD of Aerial. She really treasured that and it made that memory stick. Another cool thing is, go to one of their restaurants and let them know too, and they will give her a special badge to wear. From there on out, every employee of the park who passes you will stop and tell you "happy birthday". It's so cool and you feel so special. I just did that myself!
Enjoy every minute.
M.

See if you can make a reservation for breakfast with the characters... my daughter is an early riser, so we made reservations for 7am and were able to get INTO the park prior to it's actually opening... avoiding standing in loong lines for entry. You are confined to just the restaurant and main street, but that's fine. She got to see all of the characters and had such a good time, great way to start the day :-)

Once you enter the park, go to Guest Relations (guest services?) It is located to your left when you enter the park. Once you're there, let them know that it is your daughter's birthday. They will give her a free birthday button with her name and age. We did this last year and my son got extra "hi's", characters greeted him happy birthday, and the monorail conductor let our whole family ride in the front of the monorail. He remembered all these little extra perks.
If you're into scrapbooking, you can save the button for a page.

Margaret, if you can afford it, the princess breakfast is fantastic I've heard, although pricey...you can check it out on Disneyland's website...

Make her reservations to Ariels Grotto in Ca Adventure. You can eat with all the princesses and spend time with each of them. Every little princess LOVES it there. You'll get a lot of great pictures. Also, try to go behind the Matterhorn where there is fairy land, all the faires are there but the line can be long sometimes.

Enjoy your experience!

weather permitting of course, let her go dressed as her favorite princess. my daughter has gone dressed as several of the girls, although Belle is her favorite. it just adds a little something extra to an already exciting trip. if she doesn't have an outfit for dress up already, take her to pick one out at wal-mart or target, they are generally around $20. i just bring an extra set of clothes in case she gets tired or uncomfortable, and make sure she wears sneakers instead of the dress up shoes. the people who dress up as the princesses are really great about autographs and taking pictures, too, so get a little book or journal for her autographs and take a picture with each princess. when you get home, develope the pictures and put them with the correspong autograph and then she can relive the day whenever she wants. my daughter looks at hers all the time, and has pictures from a bunch of trips (my niece works @ disneyland so we get in free, makes for inexpensive vacation). hope her birthday is great!

My suggestion would be to go to the website ridemax.com. It costs $20 to download this program but their job is to constantly survey the park and know when rides are less busy. You enter in all the rides you want to ride, the time you will get there and the times you will break for meals. Then it gives you a schedule. Sometimes it has you walk right past a ride only to return to it later, but trust me it works! We use this all the time and never wait in a long ride. Also, if money allows, dining w/ the princesses is cool. Ariel's Grotto (in CA Adventure Park) had gross food when we ate there a few years ago but in Disneyland they have a breakfast w/ the princesses I think on Main St. Good luck and have a great time. It's my fave place!!!

Our 5 yr. old is "into" all things princess. We took her for her 6th birthday. Just be prepared to wait in line for the princesses, you can get a schedule of where they'll be. They are very good about letting you take pictures with them and really do take time to talk to each child. We got one of the autograph books that has a slot for the picture you take of them together. once you have decided that the day will be spent in line for the princesses, it makes it alot less stressful. Do go see the Aladdin show if you can. They get to see Jasmine & Aladdin at the end. It's a cute story and good wind down time too.

You will have a great time. We just had my daughter's 3rd birthday there and it was great. Everyone we saw ... not just employees, but other people at the park wished my daughter happy birthday because she wore her birthday pin they gave her. Also --- love the dress up idea - Abrielle wore her Aurora dress all day - but I did make her wear sneakers with it. If you have a season pass or a park hopper - you can go to Ariel's Grotto - not cheap, but as someone else mentioned - the look on your daughter's face is priceless. We have pictures with 5 princesses and each one made a big deal out of our daughter as they came to the tables. It was great. Have fun and Happy Birthday to your daughter!

I've read through a few of your responds...
First let me say goggle a coupon for disney photos. I prepurchased the cd for all the pictures and I saves about 50 dollars.
For your little one I would say buy an outfit for her area of time not at the park. they aren't as nice as the ones in the store and the cost alot more. I spends over 150 for my daughters outfit and it tore the second tiem she wore it.
Ariel grotto, the food wasn't the greatest but my kids had a great time. the princesses come around so you can get photos with them. we got some awesome photos there.
We went in summertime so it was pretty busy but we still had a great time! My daughter who is now 4 talks about it as if it was yesterday.

have a great time! I can't wait to take my kids again.

I agree! Get to Disneyland right when the park opens and proceed DIRECTLY to The Princess Faire; otherwise the line is insane for what amounts to five minutes inside. She'll get her picture taken with all her favorite princesses. We went in the middle of the day and waited in line for two and a half hours just for five minutes. The line didn't look that long either, but looks can be deceiving. If there is a wait, you could have another adult take your daughter up above the line and get her face painted with a princess crown. My girls loved that. There's also storytelling with the princesses. Hope it works out and she has a blast!

Do this first, Otherwise the line gets ridiculous. The Princess Faire. It’s back toward ToonTown. It’s the best place to meet the princesses. You wait in a line, typically 30 – 45 minutes and meet 3 princesses. And you can go into the amphitheater area for storytime and the royal coronation (It's directly beside the Princess Faire)– check the schedule for specific times.

Character greetings – early in the day, Main Street near the entrance is best. See Pooh and friends in Critter Country. Meet Mickey and Minnie at their houses in ToonTown.

Dining – make reservations now for breakfast with Minnie and friends at the Plaza Inn. The buffet is good and the characters come to your table. Check Disney.com for the phone number to call ahead for dining reservations.

Birthday celebration – you can celebrate with Mickey and Minnie at the Disneyland Birthday party event, various times in the afternoon. You must make a reservation in advance, it’s $15 per person and everyone gets their own mini-cake to decorate. It’s a great photo opportunity and one of the only ways to meet Mickey and Minnie together.

Hi there. You and your daughter are going to have so much fun. Over by small world, there is a Princess show and where she can take pictures with 4 different Princesses. You can also pay to have her hair/make-up done to look like a princess in that area. She will love it. Just a suggestion if you take her on her exact bday, she gets in for free..

Good luck and have fun.

W.

plan to arrive a bit before the park opens. You will park in a structure and take a tram into the park. It can take a half hour. When you pay for parking check to see if they have a park map so you can plan your route to the princess fantasy faire on the tram. The line for the faire gets really long so if you are one of the first there it will be quick. If your daughter has a princess dress have her wear it. the kids wear them year round. (you can aslo buy them in the park if you want to. Disneyoutlet.com might still have some on clearance too) They have just added some of the princesses to its a small world. It is really cute. Take advantage of the fast pass so you can do lots of attractions with less waiting. Pack snacks and water (and lunch if you want!) they check your bags when you go in but really they are looking for weapons or things that will hurt people. They ask you not to bring in food but they WILL NOT SAY ANYTHING if they see you bring it in. (i've walked in with bags of fast food.) Go to city hall and get your daughter a birthday button. Everyone will be wishing her happy birthday all day. she may even get free dessert at some restaurants. (even if its not her actual bday you can do this) If you are going on her birthday make sure you register on disneyparks.com for free admission (if you haven't yet) If you do this get there even earlier because that line gets long too! In california adventure there is a water fountain to run around in. Bring a swimsuit and towel (there are bathrooms right there) so she doesn't ruin her clothes. Redwood creek challenge trail (CA Adventure) and tom saywers island (disneyland park) are fun no line physical activity places with mazes and slides and bridges that help break up the day. Some of the things we love to do. You can check out maps and park info on disnyland.com to plan your day a little bit to. It will help if you know the layout a little bit ahead of time. And definately have FUN!!!!

Do breakfast with the characters! I have never done it but I hear it is wonderful for the littler ones! I'm sure you can look into it online. And if you haven't already, register her on the website to get the free ticket for her on her birthday! Have fun!

Disney has this whole princess landy area now. in the back of fantasy land-across from small world. they do hair and have all the clothes, and princess meet and greet. My daughter is only 2-so we have been able to escape the experience. Check Disneyland.com. They will have more info. they also have a new fairy area. the wait has been and hour everytime we go, but, it look fantastic. And, i bet Disney also has a princess meal somewhere. Definitly check on line, or call. because you will need reservations. HAVE FUN!

Have a wonderful day. Purchase a Disney Autograph book and take her to see the Princesses when they are out and about...this schedule is printed daily. Please do not make or let your child wear a princess dress to D-land. They are hot, cumbersome and just not fun after the first hour or so. Go for comfort and wear a Princess T-shirt etc. Go early before the crowd arrives. Take in the sit down shows...they are fun and allow for rest. Drink lots of fluids and minimize the candy. Not sure if she has ever been before, but don't force her on the "scary" rides. Let her pick. Tell her Disneyland's birthday is on July 17 so they almost match. Have fun!!!!

You have gotten a lot of really good suggestions. I would like to add one more though. My 4 year old is really into princesses too. We bought a princess poster and took it to the Princess Faire and had the Princesses autograph it next to their picture. When we got home, we framed the poster, and put it on my daughter's wall. They personalized their autographs, so each of them say "To Brooklyn" then what ever little caption they wanted to write.

Someone suggested Ariel in a clam shell. Unfortunately, Ariel isn't in the clam shell anymore. Now in that area it's call Pixie Hollow, where Tinker Belle and her fairy friends are now. I haven't gone through it yet, but I hear it is really cute. Tinker Belle used to be the hardest character to get an autograph from.

If your daughter wants to wear a princess dress to the park, I recommend taking a change of clothes for her. My daughter likes to wear her princess dress, but after about 2 hours she is tired of dealing with it.

Most of all, have fun and take your time there at your daughter's pace. Let her dictate the rides you go on and so on. Disneyland at any age is amazing, but seeing it through the innocence of a child's eyes is simply magical!!!!

L.

Get her silouhette cut out on Main Street in Disneyland. It is only $9 for 2 copies. You can pay extra for a frame or disney characters in the background. It is a great keepsake. Also get her an autograph book that holds photos to capture all the princess.
Decide what is important to see. It's hard to do it all in one day. Sleeping Beauty's castle just reopened for walking through. The Aladin Spectacular at DCA is a good show.
You can bring in your own food-lunch, snacks, etc to save money. Wear comfy shoes and dress inlayers. they have lockers but they are pricey.

Go to their website and sign up. its free entry this year on your birthday, but you have to go on their birthday

We did Ariel's Grotto and though the food was terrible for the adults I would pay again to see my daughters faces light up when the princesses came to our table! You are guaranteed 5 princesses and I don't know if we just got lucky but we saw, talked to and had pictures with Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Cinderella! You can see them through out the park but have to wait in line and you aren't guaranteed they won't go on a break before you get to see them (we waited in line for over 45 minutes just to have Ariel and Minnie go!) You do need to make reservations to guarantee a seating but its worth it!

Hi
Definately do the breakfast with the princesses
Good luck

Hi Margaret,

It looks like you received great suggestions. I didn't read through them all so I apologize if I'm repetitive.

Get her an autograph book before she meets her first character. We had an annual pass and got our autograph book filled up. My daughter who is now 16 reflects back every so often - it's just a neat momento. Of course a picture of her and each character is saved with the autograph book. Have fun!!!

Breakfast at Googy's kitchen was fun, but someone mentioned breakfast with the princess. You can put her in a princess dress and they have the tiara's at Disneyland that you can buy or maybe you can find one in a Disney store. Call ahead of time and get the character's map sent to you so you know where to be at the right time. And of course a loaded camera! I would call ahead of time and see what they have fit for a Princess. <wink> my little girl wears a Princess dress every night and believes she is a princess.

Hi Margaret,
At Disney's California Adventure they have a restaurant called Ariels Grotto, most of the princesses will come out to your table and talk with your little princess.I believe you can make reservations so you dont have to wait too long.Also, in Disneyland there is an area now that is called The Princess Faire if I remember correctly its near the It's a Small World attraction.The princess Faire is really Cool, the line is long but you can see about 5 or 6 princesses there and take pictures. They also do a little show with the kids, arts and crafts and dance.My little girl is your daughters same age and she loves this!! Have fun and Happy Birthday to your your Princess!

Hi Margaret,

We took our four year-old for the first time a few months ago--it was great--you're sure to have a great time, too, since your daughter's birthday is on a Tuesday.

The best thing we did was to do the Minnie Mouse and Friends Character Breakfast at the Plaza Hotel. The characters actually come to your table and sit with you and you can take pictures while you eat Mickey Mouse pancakes. Too cute! It was a bit pricey but worth the money--it was so much fun--especially since Disneyland is a very special treat and not something that we'll do too often. I think there is a Princess Character Breakfast in Downtown Disney--info for the character breakfasts is online. You have to call ahead for a reservation. Another cool thing we did was to eat at the Blue Bayou for dinner--that's the restaurant inside of Pirates of the Caribbean. Very cool, and they make a big deal for birthdays.

Have fun!!!
:-) D.

I have a 5 year old, as well and she loves Disneyland. If you get a chance, email me at ____@____.com to discuss your daughter's big day.
Thanks!
A.

I would call ###-###-#### and ask for disney dining. I woud make reservations at Ariel's Gratto in Disney's California Adventure as they usually get booked up fast. I think they serve all three meals. 4 princesses come up to the table during the meal, make sure to tell them it is for a birthday. Also I would make reservations at the birthday party celebration at the Carnation Cafe which is located in Disneyland, it is when Mickey and Minnie take pic and you get to decorate a cake and it is only 10 per person. Also in Disney I would take her to the Fantasy Faire which is located in Disneyland. It has princesses telling stories throughout the day and they also have a princess coronation, which is when they teach the little ones how to dance like a princess, they also have face painting and hair up do's that you can pay for in the same area. Also they have the princesess that you can wait in line to take a picture for free. Also I know they have a new tinkerbell area which sounds cute in Disneyland but I have never went yet. Happy Birthday!!

I don't know if you know, if you've done it, or if it's too late but she'll get in free on her birthday if you go to Disneyland.com and register her... When you go for the free ticket you'll get a button for her saying it's her birthday and for everyone else in your party that says you're celebrating... Throughout the day everyone in the park will see the button and make a big deal about it being her birthday. This along with all of the other suggestions should make her day awesome.