[glew]

I would like to know your recommendations for rides and shows approperate for a three year old boy. We will be visiting Disneyland in Anaheim on May 22, 2002. We have a total of two days and two nights stay at the Grand CA hotel.

Any tips, hints, or strategies on making the visit a fun one would be appreciated.

We would like to hit the major attractions first to avoid the long lines. Again the attractions for three years or younger. The adults will not be attending any of the attractions as they are needed to supervise the three year old.

Where are the best spots to view the fireworks show and the mainstreet parade?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Regards,

Gil (glew)

[goofy]

Some rides for a three year old at DL would be Dumbo, Alice in Wonderland,Peter Pan's Flight, It's a small world, and Mr Toad's Wild ride to name a few. For all DL info check it out here, if you want to.


Hope this helps.:p ;) :D

[mickey]

Let's see. We have a three year old, but her wishes are sometimes overshadowed by those of the older siblings. Obviously, Fantasyland in Disneyland should be your first destination. There is also a great Toontown area that most of the rides are aimed at younger children, it is next to the huge It's a Small World ride. My daughter also loves Haunted Mansion and Pirates, both of wich are dark and a little scary, but they are worth a try. Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room and the train that goes around Disneyland are great. There are a couple of others, but you can check everything out when you get there. In California Adventure, the Muppet 3-D Adventure would be good, as would It's Tough to be a Bug (dark and a little scary again). There is a great Merry Go Round right next to California Screamin', and a couple of other little kids rides in the general area. Also, there is a great play area right next to the Grand Californian. The thing not to miss would be Blast! It is a large stage show, but you have to line up early. My little kids loved it, and it is the thing they remember most. By the way, the big rides have child swap areas, where one adult can go on the ride and the other waits with the child, then when they are done, the other adult can almost immediately get on the ride. Great deal for parents with little kids. Make sure you ride the Matterhorn, California Screamin', Indiana Jones and Soarin' Over California. They are not to be missed.

I would guess that anything that doesn't have a height restriction would be great for a three year old. There is usually a sign that says if it is dark or scary before you go in, so if that is a concern, you will know before hand.

As far as fireworks and parades, that changes daily, depending upon crowds. I have found that the train station at the beginning of Main Street, on the second level is the best place for parades in Disneyland. We saw the Electric Light Parade in CA and there was no one there, so pick your spot.

[craziebabie1]

I have a 3 year old as well. I live in the area so we go a lot. Fantasyland and Toon town are always a good place to start. My Daughter loves peter pans flight as well as the Dumbo ride. The train around the park is always fun for the younger children as well.
Chele

[MickeysGirl]

:) Most 3 yr. olds are delighted with Mickey's Toontown! It is very interactive with lots of things to see, touch & hear! Mickey's House & Meet Mickey, Minnie's House, Goofy's Bounce House, Donald's Boat & Chip 'n Dale Treehouse are great for small ones! Mickey's Toontown is also a stop for the Disneyland Railroad. Fantasyland is also great for small children. Mostly it will depend on how adventurous your child is. First experiences can be scary for anyone. As you have seen in previous posts there is lots to do. Did I mention Tarzan's Treehouse? Most children are also fascinated by the parades. Hope this info is useful to you. :)

[mickey]

MickeysGirl, thanks for the information and welcome to disneycentral. Gawsh, I hope Minnie doesn't find out!

[glew]

Thanks to all who reply to my original post.

My trip report ...

My son was the boss during our entire three days stay. Although we went to Disneyland with our other friends and their families, my son pretty much ruled the entire trip as to what and when we did things. With that said... the rides that he enjoyed the most were located in Fantasyland. We rode all the rides at least three times each of the three days we were there. He particularly enjoyed "mister toads" and "peter pan" . He also enjoyed Toon Town. The only other ride he liked and was probably his number one was autotopia.

Hint: I recommend going to Toontown after 8:00 p.m. when most families have gone home or most are watching the parade. We were able to ride the rides in Toontown without much of a line.

In the end we had a blast though we did not spend much time with our friends who when to the trip with us. :-(