Conference koolit::disney

    Please note that this topic is about Disneyland in California.  While
    there are many similarities between Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom in
    Walt Disney World in Florida, the original question is specific to the
    California park.

    I have moved the replies to this note that referred to WDW to note 22,
    which deals with Small Kids at WDW.

    Thank you for your cooperation.

    Len, in moderator mode.

Hasn't anyone here ever gone to DisneyLAND????

I appreciate the suggestions about WDW, but would really like some info
on DisneyLAND, at least about how crowded certain areas are or about
the rides that a toddler might actually enjoy.  Please help!

        Carol

    Well, I don't have kids but let's see if I can give you some help...
    
    I was in Disneyland about two and a half years ago and at the time, I
    thought it would be great for those with smaller children, much better
    than the Magic Kingdom in WDW for a couple of reasons.  The main reason
    is that the park is smaller so there's less real estate to cover.  In
    WDW, because the Magic Kingdom is so big, I imagine younger kids tire
    out quicker, not to mention tiring out their parents.  Another bennie
    to the smaller size of Disneyland is that there's a lot more activity
    when you look out across the "skyline" of the park, giving it more of a
    carnival atmosphere, which is a lot of fun.
    
    Onto some specifics.  Others may disagree but I feel Disneyland's
    Fantasyland offers more for younger children.  There's a Casey Jr.
    train ride and a boat ride around the same small section of Fantasyland
    and these rides are not in WDW.  I'd stay away from Snow White's Scary
    Adventure (because it'd be too intense for young kids) and maybe the
    Pinocchio ride (it's not as bad as Snow White, but it has its moments).
    I don't know what the Alice in Wonderland ride is like.  But I would
    think rides like Peter Pan's Flight (if there's one is Disneyland; I'm
    not sure), Dumbo, It's a Small World, and the train and boat rides
    mentioned above are all pretty safe.
    
    Outside of Fantasyland, there are rides like the submarines in
    Tomorrowland and the Enchanted Tiki Room and (maybe) the Jungle Cruise
    in Adventureland.  It'd probably be smart to stay away from the Haunted
    Mansion and the Pirates of the Caribbean (just a hunch).  And there's
    always the train ride arouind the park and the monorail.  And if no
    one's afraid of heights, there's the "ski lift" ride that passes right
    through the Matterhorn and gives a great view of the whole park.
    
    As to where you can let your son run loose a bit whie you relax, that's
    where my memory starts to fade but Tomorrowland does have a couple of
    large cafeterias that are generally 50% empty most of the time.  I seem
    to remember one near the entrance to Tomorrowland and one near the
    entrance to the Captain Eo film.  
    
    Well, that's a start...  Maybe some of those who were recently at DECUS
    and visited the park could add to or correct some of what I've said
    here.
    
    - Skip

    Carol,
    
    If I remeber right, I think there is also a petting zoo behind the
    Big Thunder Mountain rollercoaster ride. Also Evan Might enjoy the
    raft ride over to Tom Saywer Island where the adults can rest, and
    the kids can work off some extra energy by running around!
    
    I second the Casey Jr Train Ride, that always looked like it might
    be fun, and the little boat ride around the Casey Jr ride through
    the mouth of Monstro the whale.
    
    Fantasyland at DisneyLand seems to be aimed for the younger folks,
    and if Evan doesn't scare too easily he should enjoy most of the
    rides there! Country Bear Jamboree might be set up with the "holiday"
    program ;-) not absolutly sure...it's been a while since I've been
    to DisneyLand. 
    
    Thanksgiving may not be too crowded, but be warned! Any sort of
    holiday tends to bring out the people...I remember some friends
    visiting over Memorial Day and boy what the park crowded!
    
    Enjoy!
    
    Todd///

    Hi,
    
    I've never been to either place, more's the pity.  However, your child
    is at a stage where it can be quite difficult to predict how (s)he'll
    respond to it all.
    
    Be aware that often they're frightened by people in those costumes with
    large heads.  Also, their hearing is generally more sensitive than
    adult ears, so things like hissing steam engines and fireworks can be a
    problem.  
    
    I'm sure you'll all have a great time.
    
    Carl

Thank you all!  These suggestions, plus the one I got by phone, are
very helpful!  I'm looking forward to a great time!

If anyone else wants to add suggestions, I will still be looking here
for more!

      Carol

    We are planning a trip to Cal. this summer and will get to D-land
    there. We will have our 14 month old son with us.  If I read one of the
    earlier notes correctly it seemed to say that you can't have the
    strollers while waiting in line. Is this true?  How about back-packs? I
    figure that we will bring a back-pack and rent a stroller. 
    
    Thanks,
    Brian\
    

    re: .59
    I haven't been to Disneyland.  If it's anything like Walt Disney World
    you won't be able to take a stroller in line.  At WDW most (if not all)
    attractions have a stroller/wheelchair parking area outside of the
    waiting area.  The lines are sort of maze like and are hard to
    negotiate with just an umbrella style stroller.  Back and front packs
    are ok.  For most rides at WDW my sister was allowed to wear her
    back pack even while boarding the ride which made it convenient to
    remove.  Hers had a "kickstand" so she could stand it up in the
    seat for most rides - just hold on tight when doing this.
    
    Note: remove your back pack on Spaceship Earth and the Haunted Mansion.
    You will be riding downward, pretty much on your backs for parts of
    these rides.  This may apply to the ride in Norway too.  I can't 
    remember if this applies to any other rides.

Ruth nailed down just right.  It is the same here in Disneyland as in
Walt Disney World.  The backpack on the ride I can't answer.  You could
always inquire when entering the park.