Hello, I'm new here. We're planing a trip to Disneyland for my daughter's second birthday. We plan on going Wednesday, November 7th (I'm thinking it probably won't be too bad, but I'm not sure?). I've been on this forum reading and searching the last few days and have found a ton of information that will be very helpful!

I still have a few questions. I'm going to be about 6-7 months pregnant (Due in February) and I'm wondering if they will let me bring in a water bottle. I've got an insulated one that hold a fair amount of water and I'm willing to empty it out and refil it in the park if needed. I'd rather have that then stop to get water every half hour or so.

We're planning on staying at the Hojo, I already emailed them about the entertainment book rate and I'm waiting to hear back. We live in San Diego so we will be driving but don't want to drive back late at night. From what I've read, it looks like the park will close around 8? We plan on sleeping and maybe checking something else out the next day before heading home. Can anyone recommend anything in the area that's worth visiting so the next day doesn't feel "wasted" after spending the night there?

And advice, tips, etc... would be greatly appreciated. I'm excited to be going since i havn't been there since our Grad Nite in 2004. :D

As for the water bottles, the answer is yes, you can bring it in the park.

With the 2nd day, you could always do a halfday at DCA, you can really get through most of the exciting stuff and be on your way before the sun goes down. :)

I agree about the water bottle. We took fairly good sized bottles in just last week and they never looked twice.

I agree also about DCA. We went to Knott's Berry Farm and I do not recommend that. It was a poor imitation. But you could probably have a lovely half day at DCA and not feel you missed much. Particularly if you won't be riding the rides.

Being from San Diego, I am trying to think what the area has that you don't already have. You might want to just hit one of the local parks and have fun at a playground. Mike Square Park comes to mind, but there are several on the way back to San Diego.

Disneyland security is not like airport security. They allow liquids into the park. Their policy says "no outside food or drink" but they DO NOT enforce this!! Especially when you have little kids. They do look through your bag(s) at a checkpoint, but this is for firearms, etc. and not for food.

I recommend you bring a few bottles of water and any snacks that your daughter might need. When my family goes, we bring lunch too (But we're there for a few days and on a budget. You might be splurging on your one day in the park, so would not bother with this). The point is that Disney really doesn't care if you bring in food or drinks.

If you've never been to Disneyland with your daughter, I predict this is the first of many trips! I wish I were lucky enough to live so close! After one trip with my daughter, I'm officially "addicted" now! My only regret? That I didn't upgrade my park-hopper passes to annual passholders!! If you have a great time, you might consider doing this before leaving for the day. If you upgrade while your ticket is still valid, they apply the price of the ticket to the cost of your AP, making it quite affordable, especially since you can get the So. California AP (you lucky duck!!).

I HIGHLY recommend you use the time on your second day in Disneyland and/or California Adventure!!! There is no way I'd pass up an extra few hours there! And it would be a great "first use" of your new Annual Passes!

Can you tell I'm a Disneyland addict?!

Thoughts for your second half-day...
Hang out in Downtown Disney, have breakfast at a character breakfast in one of the resort hotels, do some shopping, and maybe watch the Koi fish feeding time at DL Hotel. The grounds there and at the Grand Californian Hotel are beautiful and I always enjoy just walking around and checking it all out.

You might want to check out the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana - also just off the 5, only about 5 minutes south of DL. Right now they have a Sesame Street exhibit that my 2 year old LOVES. They give a good AAA discount, and it is a good hour or so for a 2 year old. We have passes and have been there a dozen or so times and she never gets bored with it. It is pretty inexpensive and worth it for the Elmo exibit if your toddler likes Elmo.

Mission Viejo Mall is on your way home off the 5 Fwy about 20-30 minutes or so, and they have an AWESOME toddler play area, a nice family bathroom facility, and lots of really good food.