First of all, let me say that this was one of the most enjoyable stress free trips to disneyland ever and I realised why.

1. We stayed in a hotel close to the park. We are not able to afford the DLH, but we could afford the Candy Cane inn, and we were very happy with just about everything. We felt safe walking back and forth from the park and the shuttle was great. I had always lived about one hour away from DL and we would rush down early in the morning, fighting traffic, and be exausted in the middle of the day with no where to rest, and then drive home late at night tired, achey and cranky. I would rather spend the next two -three years saving up to stay down there for a few days than go back to what I did before.

2. We went to the parks on weekdays. What a difference!!!!!!! Even in the busy summer the parks were hardly crowded at all! I have been to DL on an off-season saturday and could barely walk it was so crowded! We will do it this way from now on as well.

3. We went three days in a row. With our two year old this was so nice because we could take it slow and really enjoy all the special moments, and also just take time to watch the birdies or pick up little pebbles on the pirate island, or throw food to the ducks...very nice...

4. I saved money ahead of time to pay for souveniers and food. This doesn't seem like a big point but I didn't have to worry about our credit card bill being astronimical when we got home.

I came home from the park so rested and happy. Our little one loved it and she is still talking about it. We have so many sweet moments to remember and a lot of firsts for her
her first hotel stay - she started crying a little when we left the hotel "no bye bye mommy"
her first swim in a pool - the Candy Cane has a heated wading pool just her size. This was such a sweet bonding time for the 3 of us.
Her first silloette. Sorry about the spelling.
Her first time on many of the rides - her fave? Jungle Cruise and Tarzan's Treehouse!
Her first parade - she saw the Electrical Parade and loved it! I hadn't seen it since I was about 12. My husband, who grew up in another country, had never seen it either. So I guess it was his first parade too!

What a happy time...I can't wait to get all of the video and pictures put together.
Sorry the trip report is so jumbled.

Wow it sounds like a magical trip. My dd and 2 grandsons are going this weekend ( yep I said weekend this is soo against my better judgement but sometimes you have to sieze the opp and run with it) The best part is that we go at least once a year if not more, my dd has been an ap holder and so have I so in my 50 plus years of enjoying DL I dont feel like the tourist that must run amuck and see it all. We are staying at the Candycane Inn for the first time, just not enough funds or time for an on property hotel. But with 2 small one , three and one we need the close proximity and the shuttle. I am really looking forward to staying there and all the reviews are excellent.
The boys have both been to the park although the youngest was only 5 days old he has no clue but this will be great for him since he is in that waving , and laughing stage when riding local trains and merry go rounds. The older one is obsessed with Disneyland comercials ...look the castle mommy,,,mickey mouse.. he got his character phone call this afternoon part of our package deal he listened to Mickey and Goofy and smiled and grinned.

It sounds like you had such a wonderful time! Makes all the difference in the world when you can go there and actually ENJOY yourself (also knowing that you can go back to experience more is always wonderful)!

Disneyjunkie - Good luck and just try to relax and enjoy the experience as much as possible.

How did your daughter do for the silhouette? My daughter will be three in November and we are taking her in December. I would love to get one done of her, but I don't understand how kids sit still long enough for those?!

Also, we are planning on the Candy Cane Inn? How does the shuttle work? Is it free? How often does it run?

The shuttle at the Candy Cane inn is free and runs every half hour during the day and I think more frequently at night, but make sure and ask about the night schedule. It was wonderful! We didn't usually take it in the morning, but in the middle of the day when it was hot and we were done with naptime it was nice to reserve energy for the park and not walk. It is a short walk though, so if you miss the shuttle you will get there in 10-15 min.
The wading pool there is great by the way, our little one enjoyed it.

My daughter did very well sitting for the silloette, but while we were waiting our turn we saw a 3 year old throwing a royal fit while getting hers done. I think it depends on the time of day. I think the 3 year old was very tired and overwhelmed, because it was later in the afternoon and I don't think the family had stopped that day for a break. Our 2 1/2 year old had just had a good nap and a snack. She was as happy as a clam. They are very quick and friendly. Make sure you ask about having it done with a silloette of a character with the child if you want. In ours we have a silloette of Minnie Mouse and then my daughters just below, they have them pre-made. They have other characters as well, and as they are doing it there is a frame with a whole bunch of pictures of disney characters. This kept our little one busy and happy while they were taking her profile because we kept asking her to find the different characters.
I hope it goes well! Let us know!

by the way, our little one's b-day is november too! She was born the day after thanksgiving!

Thank you for the information! My daughter will be three on November 12th. I think we will try the silhouette. I've always thought they were such a unique keepsake. And, we are planning on staying at the CCI so, thanks again for the info! :)

have a wonderful time!!!