Expectations for Disneyland

It is high time indeed that there was a post on here about Disney!  Hopefully there will be a few coming up, but I thought I would start with this one which was already prepared as a note on my phone.

We planned and have now been on our Great California Road Trip with Mum and Lizzie in honour of Mamma's 60th Birthday.  As it wasn't just John and I, it meant that we were definitely going to Disneyland and John just had to decide if he wanted to be part of it. He has never been much of a Disney fan so wasn't especially keen and rather daunted by the whole experience.  In an effort to prepare John and give everyone a great experience, I started writing this list.  I wrote it while reading the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, and as I read things that sparked an idea, I made a note.  So let's get on with it...

(with thanks to S. H. for the idea of preparing ones loved ones for a much loved experience!)

-It is normal to arrive an hour before park opens and have a rest in the afternoon then hit the park again later. 

-It is fun to visit the Disney hotels and look at theming around the lobby. 

-Skipping down Main Street is compulsory at least on one occasion.  

-Stopping for a photo with a character is highly advised! Everyone should smile in at least one photo with a character - no hogging the photographer role!

-Criss-crossing across the park may be necessary and should be considered fun. Don't stress about or get distracted when walking past something interesting; there will be time to come back to it later and enjoy it. 

-Dawdling, especially in the mornings, is a no go. 

-Vacation uniforms are not compulsory. 

-Bumbags are actively encouraged and not to be laughed at in a mean way (a jokey way is ok, as long as you recognise the great benefits)

-(this one mainly for Catherine) Prepare yourself that some rides may be closed for planned or unplanned engineering work. It makes Disney better in the long run. Planned closures when we are there: railroad, all river boats, jungle cruise, autopia, soaring over California, grizzly river run and fantasmic (boohoo 😰)

-Disney characters are real and should not be referred to as men dressed up in costumes. Except when discussing Jennie Kirk as Donald as that's just funny!

-Food may be fast in terms of time spent eating not time spent queuing for it. 

-Queues are inevitable and you must work to enjoy them! They can twist and turn so you don't know how close you are to riding. There is usually lots of theming to be seen around queueing area, and looking at other guests can be interesting, as well as playing games such as 'guess who I'm thinking of' or 'who would you take to the Yule Ball'. Sticking to unofficial touring plan should keep queues under 20 mins. 

-Singing, humming or whistling Disney songs is encouraged. Particular favourites may include Zip-a-de-do-dah and it's a small world. 

-Fireworks etc may be cancelled at the last moment if winds or weather is inclement. 

-Fastpass lines will still involve a bit of a wait - up to 15 minutes. 

-You do not need to know anything about the film a ride is based on to go on it and enjoy. No dismissing a ride because you don't like the film. 

-Anyone is welcome to follow the 'Disneyland no rides, no queues, no stress anti-touring plan', after going on at least one headliner attraction. 

-Anyone is welcome to leave Disneyland after spending at least half a day there, but should be happy with others staying longer. 

-Expect some time to be spent in Disney souvenir shops and to buy a Disney edible treat. 

Interesting points from unofficial guide

- make sure you line up for security in esplanade. 

- 'Queue' is not a word Americans are familiar with - they use 'lines'!!

- Touringplans.com and Lines app

- Lost adult meeting point? Partners statue?

- Family meetings - teehee!

- Breakfast in the mini fridge in hotel room. 

- Fruits and crackers good snacks to bring with you for around the park. 

- Get cast members to take photos of the four of us. 

- Is it worth bringing my autograph book from my other bedroom 

- Check open and close times

- What's the hype around dole whips?

- After dark: Jungle cruise, thunder mountain, carousel , story land boats, cars land, radiator springs. 

- Mental preparation for Catherine: the big rides aren't the first ones on touring plans. They will be done later in day using fast passes. 

- Consider whether we'd be interested in single rider lines. 

- Is it worth a meal for world of colour? Catherine really (that would be italicised if I knew how to!) wants to see it as can't see fantasmic. 

Here is the original for comparison and entertainment. I feel I could have had the first four on my list too!