We recently took a trip down to Disneyland with the kids. Here was our Ironman schedule:
Thu 14:45 - depart Palo Alto
Thu 21:00 - pick up physical tickets at Disney, then check into the hotel
Fri 09:00 to 24:00 - Day 1 at Disneyland then DCA
Sat 08:15 to 24:00 - Day 2 at DCA then Disneyland
Sun 09:30 to 13:00 - hang at Downtown Disney for brunch and shopping
Sun 13:00 to Argh - drive home via the 5 and spend 2+h on 152 :(
This is actually pretty brutal and we're in reasonable shape; however, the kids loved it. My 4 year old was fine the first day but took a 1h "stroller nap" on Saturday. My 7 year old was fine. Both fell asleep before their heads hit the pillows those nights.
Cars Land was nowhere near as crazy this year. Last year, you had to get your FastPass ticket for the Radiator Springs within an hour of DCA opening...this year, you had a few hours before they were gone. Unfortunately, Big Thunder Mountain was down for rehab. On the flip side, Indiana Jones was open; also, me and the boy were able to ride California Screamin' (like six times!). Good fun.
Overall, a whirlwind trip but fun. We met up with another family there, which was also great for the kids.
Fave rides: California Screamin', Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise
Not So Much: Small World, Matterhorn (do not ride if you have any back/neck issues)
Also check out touringplans.com if you're interested in knowing the crowd levels before you get there.
