Hello, Lena! Welcome to
planDisney. Sounds like you’re planning an amazing trip to the
Happiest Place on Earth! I’m happy to point you in the right direction, but first I have to say thank you to you and your family for their service! You should be very proud of your late husband and your son, and I understand the strength and sacrifice required of the family members at home while our brave soldiers protect our nation. Thank you!
8 and 11 are great ages to experience the Disneyland Resort. It’s great to experience the parks with kids this age - it will take you back! I’d suggest staying at a
Disneyland Resort Hotel and taking advantage of all they have to offer. Arrive at 3:00 pm, check into your room, and head straight to the pool. The
Monorail Waterslides at the
Disneyland Hotel cannot be beat, and the 4,800-square-foot E-Ticket Pool will keep them cool for that hot September afternoon.
If you’re visiting the parks for the following two days, you’ll want to maximize your time by purchasing
Lightning Lane MultiPass. This will ensure that you get through all the rides on your must-do list. Some guests prefer to stay in one park and complete as much as possible, while others prefer the
Park Hopper Pass to complete their favorite attractions in both parks on the first day, and then finish off the list as best they can on the second day, all up to you. Either way, try to get through some attractions early in the day, so you can slow your pace down in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Since you have an 8-year-old, you may want to search for rides that suit their size and preferences before you visit. Download the
Disneyland Mobile App and filter the attractions to your specific needs. Press the map icon at the bottom of the screen and then the filters icon toward the top-left. From here, you can select the thrill factor, age, height, interests, and other considerations to show which rides will be best for your party.
My last recommendation is to visit the
Disneyland website’s Hours & Events Calendar to see if the ever-impressive Disneyland Band is performing the Flag Retreat Ceremony on one of the days that you’re visiting. This special performance takes place around 4:15 in Town Square at the front of the park. The performance includes special patriotic tunes, including a medley of the armed forces branch anthems. Guests who served in our military are recognized while their song is played. It is a moving display of patriotism and a great way to honor your family members who served.
Lena, I hope this trip is packed full of magical memories! I love going to my favorite place with my favorite people, and I know you’ll love it too! If you have any other questions, bring them to me at
planDisney! I’m happy to help!
I hope you have a magical day!
Corey