Need tips fo dl trip w baby and 2 1/2 year old

[happydisney]

My husband and I are going to Disneyland and DCA with our baby ( 3 months) and our 2 1/2yr old boy. (tons of questions for you!) I have been to WDW but not DL . Our son has been saving up money to see Daisy so this trip is more for him than ourselves. How are the lines in fantasyland? Should we go there first and then where... Which rides 1st , what is a good vs long wait time for the rides and how do you do the parks... And same for what to do at DCA.
We are arriving into LAX at 10:30am on the Friday, staying at the Tropicana suites nearby, is the pool nice enough to enjoy that day or is it worth it to hit the parks immediately?
I have a character breakfast booked for Sat 8 am, Surf's up, hoping we can get the Daisy visit in then, and then go to Disneyland, then Sunday do DCA, then we fly back on Monday.
Our trip is the may 17th week-end, Victoria day in Canada. Is it busy then?
Should we plan on going to one of the parks on the Friday or maybe try to switch my character breakfast to that day to make for more time at the parks? Can I get all the kid stuff done there in a day? What would YOU plan?
Also has anyone brought a double stroller with them to parks? Handy to have or annoying?
I love researching and planning trips so any info or tips you have will be REALLY appreciated.

[tinkwest]

I'll start with your Fantasyland questions.

IMO, the earlier the better when it comes to Fantasyland. Start with Peter Pan, Dumbo, Storybook Land Canal Boats, and Alice in Wonderland attractions. They tend to have the longest lines. Then go for the Tea Cups, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and the Carrousel. The Snow White and Pinocchio lines are never very long. Don't forget about the walk-through in the Castle.

If you want to meet Princesses you should visit the new Fantasy Faire area to the left of the Castle (as you enter from Main Street). They also have a few cute stage shows in this area. Check the program for times and be aware that a wait line will form prior to actual show time.

it's a small world is the farthest removed Fantasyland attraction. The lines move rather quickly throughout the day so I never feel pressure to rush to this one. They seem to be the longest immediately following a parade.

[tinkwest]

I think the weekend you are going will be a typical weekend. I would like your idea of switching your visit to Surf's Up at the Paradise Pier Hotel to Friday IF your plane was arriving a lot earlier in the day. Traveling from the airport to Anaheim could take a bit of time. Then, after checking in, you would have to get from the Tropicana to the PPH before the character breakfast service ends. Don't stress yourself out trying to rush to a reservation with a limited window of opportunity. Keep it for Saturday if the timing doesn't work easily.

I stayed at the Tropicana several years ago and although I didn't use the pool myself I remember kids enjoying it thoroughly. There was a lot of laughing and splashing going on. So using your travel day to enjoy the pool sounds like fun.

You could also use that day to visit Downtown Disney. There is the World of Disney store, RideMakerz, Build-A-Bear, and the Lego Store - all places a young boy might think were fun.

If you decide to keep your Saturday breakfast reservations and if you decide to use "1 Park Per Day" tickets rather than "Park Hopper" tickets, you may want to consider visiting DCA on Saturday after breakfast and use Sunday to get to Disneyland bright and early.