First Time to Disneyland

This is our first trip to Disneyland. We have two girls ages 12 and 6.

Any suggestions of what to absolutely do and what we may want to stay away from?

Also, We have read here that the food in the park is hugely overpriced and meager. Are there grocery stores within walking distance of the park where you can put together some snacks (sandwiches, granola bars, etc . . )?

Thank-you

Jennifer

First Time to Disneyland

The nearest Grocery Store is about one mile west of Disneyland on Katella Avenue, some would walk, others would pick to take the local bus (Route 50 goes up and down Katella Avenue). On the corner of Katella and Harbor is a 7-11 if you just want a few things.

I will let others answer the first part for now, and chime in later.

First Time to Disneyland

we went to Disney Anaheim last year and I am sure that your girls will love both of the Disney parks. There is also Knott Berry Farm in Buena Park which my kids enjoyed. As for the food it was ok and not to overpriced, the food at Knott Berry was better with more variety. The 7/ll down the road has great snacks and drinks much cheaper but I agree with the first post you need to take the bus to the nearest supermarket.

The food is overpriced...but not meager...we ate great meals, right there next to Pirates of the Caribbean...French Market I think.

You will have a fabulous time at Disney! Just take advantage of the fast pass system to go on the high traffic rides.

There is also a small grocery story on Harbour Blvd. just outside the entrance to the park (5 minutes walk from the actual entrance). It is right beside one of the hotels (can%26#39;t remember the name of the hotel). Once you cross the street at the crosswalk it is at the first hotel up the street (left of the crosswalk when facing the hotels). It%26#39;s a really handy store if you are staying at one of the hotels that is right outside of DL. It%26#39;s not as far away as 7-11, but of course it doesn%26#39;t have the choice. But it is great for snacks, milk, etc. They even have fruit and veggies.

Jenny, the food in the park is rather expensive, but when we visited it it was good and plentiful. We ate one meal in the park and two in our room or at restaurants. We had the advantage of bringing our car and had a cooler stocked with groceries.

Unfortunately, the ultimate experience in Disney dining, the Blue Bayou, is slated to close in March due to the refurbishiment of Pirates of the Caribbean.

As for what not to miss, most of the rides are fantastic. Take in all of the headliners that you can. There are some in Fantasyland that you can skip... Pinocchio and Alice In Wonderland come to mind. Snow White and Mr. Toad are somewhat better. Peter Pan is worth the wait in line! My young son absolutely LOVED the Sleeping Beauty castle with the dioramas... it%26#39;s not a ride, you walk through the castle and just look at the displays, but he wanted to go back again and again. What strikes kids%26#39; fancy, go figure!!

A funny story... were in the castle and another family%26#39;s mom was telling them the story of Sleeping Beauty. But instead of ';spinning wheels'; she told them that the king burned all the ';treadmills!';

Best regards, have fun!

Idaho Pug

There is a 7-11 and ABC right beside the Candy Cane Inn where we stayed last September. (Turn right onto Sth Harbour Blvd and just a few minutes walk along, on the cnr of West Katella). We found all the snacks and drinks we needed there. There%26#39;s also a Subway across the road.

Rides!!!

They will love It%26#39;s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Teacups, Peter Pan *Wear white, you%26#39;ll glow in the dark!*, Autopia, and Buzz Lightyear. Also make sure they get to meet the princesses. They are always near the castle. They can get autograph books for all the characters to sign.

If you want to get more information, there are two great Disney websites.

www.mouseplanet.com

www.disneymouselinks.com

Hello JennyRN.

We just got back from Disneyland today after 4 beautiful days. You and your girls should have a wonderful time. Hopefully you are taking advantage of the parkhopper passes so you can enjoy both parks.

Unfortunately food/beverages are overpriced and the parks have a monopoly. You can find healty options throughout both parks but you will still pay above norm. There are no close (walking distance) grocery stores, plenty of mini-marts but same price issue. There are several grocery stores along Katella (west) approximately 10-15 minutes by car (Food for Less, etc.).

Have a great trip!

Hi We did Disney last December with 3 children. Target on Harbour and Chapman has a great food section. I took a case of food with me. Juice boxes, muesli bars, biscuits just in case a store wasn%26#39;t close by. We packed lunch every day and didn%26#39;t have a problem with bag checks and then booked and early dinner in the park restaurants around 5pm to recharge our batteries. This worked well.

What to do and see at Disneyland...

While I will touch on a few things, I strongly suggest you go buy (or check out of the library) the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland by Bob Sehlinger.

Things not to miss.

The special fireworks show that was designed to celebrate Disneyland%26#39;s 50th Anniversary.

It is offered on most nights (it is not offered on some off-season weekdays (Mon-Thur). Also, if there are high winds, the show will be cancelled.

The best place to watch the fireworks is from the hub/central plaza area in front of the castle. Usually you need to show up about an hour early to get a good place to see the show (you want to be able to see both the Castle, and the Matterhorn).

The other big entertainment event is Fantasmic!, offered again on most nights, with the off-season weekdays being dark. This is performed at the Rivers of America area, and once again, getting there about an hour early is needed to get a good seat (actually a piece of concrete).

Everybody has likes and dislikes in rides, so I am not going to talk about them.

If your girls are into princesses, they might like the Character Dining experience at DCA. Ariel%26#39;s Grotto has a meal in which 4 or 5 princesses come to your table, say Hi, pose for photos and sign autographs.

ittwit