Tips for Disneyland
Tips for a magical stay at Disneyland. By Dolly Seidell, revised by Judy Brackin
Best time to go – Obliviously the parks are the most crowded in the summer, on week-ends and holidays when kids are out of school. Your best bet is to go during the school year and during the weekday. You need at least 3 days in the parks to fully enjoy them.
Favorite times for our moms to go – first week in December because it is not crowded, not hot, the cool Christmas parade and it is very magical with all the holiday decorations and lights. Also, mom’s like October for the weather and small crowds and after Easter for same reasons.
Note that Disney totally changes the music and some of the rides during the Christmas season so if you want the traditional songs and such this is not the time to go.
Where to stay – Stay on Disney property to save time or across the street from Disneyland on Harbor Blvd. to save money and “some” time. You will save a lot of money if you stay across the street and it’s an easy walking distance to the park gates. You can save even more money and can get bigger rooms if you stay farther away from the park. However you will have to drive to the park and pay for parking, or you will have to wait for a shuttle to bring you back and forth. Having to wait for a shuttle bus with young kids at the end of a long day at the parks what was already filled with lots of waiting isn’t very fun. Being on a crowded shuttle bus isn’t fun either. Time is money, especially with Disney.
Hotels recommended by our moms – Disneyland Hotel (on site), Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel (on site), Candy Cane Inn (next door to DK), Embassy Suites (must drive or shuttle, but nice suites and separate area for the kids), Best Western Park Place Inn (directly across the street from DL).
Where to eat - Character Meals are a great way for your children to meet the characters without having to wait in line for that anticipated photo shot or that special autograph. They can be pricey but the attention your children get from the characters makes it totally worth it. To get the most character attention, make your reservations for the last time slot as the restaurants aren’t as full then. Make reservations at Disney Dining (714) 781-3463.
Character meals recommended by moms at Disneyland –
Goofy’s kitchen – an absolute must! Located in the Disneyland Hotel, they offer breakfast, lunch or dinner. Characters we have seen there have been Minnie (Mickey is never there and you must visit him at his house in Toontown), Pluto, Chip and Dale, Donald, Belle, Jasmine, Alice in Wonderland, Briar Rabbit, Baloo, Max and his dad Goofy of course. Your kids will love the Mickey shaped waffles and Mickey nuggets. Kids can strut their stuff with the characters when they bring on the hip music. You can also plan birthday parties here and they offer goody bags too. Reservations are a must for this popular character meal.
Ariel’s Grotto at California Adventure. They serve lunch or dinner. Characters include Ariel, Chip and Dale and Pluto. You can walk up for reservations but may have a wait. One parent can take the kids on a ride while the other parent makes a reservation but calling ahead is your best bet.
Storytellers Breakfast at the Grand Californian features breakfast with Chip and Dale.
Plaza Inn Breakfast inside the Disneyland Park offers breakfast with Pluto, and Chip and Dale. Winnie the Pooh and friends have also been seen there.
Where to go once in the park – As the saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm”, or “You snooze, you lose (lot’s of valuable time),” especially at Disney. Arrive at the parks early, 30 minutes before the park opens. This will give you a nice head start. Since we all have young kids Fantasyland gets the most crowded especially in the afternoon so head there first to cover as many rides as you can. The Dumbo line can get very long so you may want to head there first. After Fantasyland, head over to Toontown to see Mickey and Minnie in their homes. After Toontown, grab a snack and catch a show at Fantasyland Theater. If you started your day early (and if it’s a weekday), it should be lunch time around now. You can head back to your hotel for your child’s nap or spend the rest of the day exploring the rest of the park.
Saving Money with Disney –
Have your children save for their vacation. My kids each have a Disney bank and whenever they get money for their birthday, doing chores, or a holiday they put it in their Disney banks. By the time of your trip it should help buy their souvenirs, the Mickey creamsicles each day, and popcorn. All the little things at Disney add up quickly and this really helps. This also teaches delayed gratification, and kids learn how to budget their money for the important things.
Avoid vacation packages deals – most often you will save a lot of money if you book everything separately. Package deals may come with added little extras that you will not need or use.
Don’t forget to use your AAA card for various discounts
Do your research on the internet and compare prices.
Souvenirs – Save money on souvenirs by buying some before your trip. Go to the Disney Store, Target, Toys R Us which all carry Disney merchandise at much lower prices. Buy small items that you can back and bring with you to the park. Give these while you are getting ready in the morning or while waiting in line for a ride or show to keep the kids occupied.
Snacks – Bring one bag of luggage filled with snacks. Cereal, granola bars, dried fruit, individual juices, and bottled water. You will save lots of money and time by bringing your own snacks. This bag will be empty at the end of your trip and you can pack your souvenirs in it.
Bring a lot of film and extra batteries for your cameras – these are very expensive at Disney if you run out.
Saving time at Disney –
Try to have some sort of itinerary of the rides and shows you would like to see according to location and according to show times.
If you don’t each have a cell phone, bring two way radios. This way you can split up at times to do things that your spouse, friends or children may not want to do. Someone can go on rides with kids while the other one shops or sits with napping children. It makes it easier to get a hold of one another when you’re ready to meet up again. However, everyone else will probably have these too so reception isn’t always great but it’s better than losing each other for hours on end.
Souvenirs - When you find something you love, buy it. If you change your mind you can always return it with receipt anywhere at the parks or at any Disney Store when you return home. Also, if you stay on property you can have your souvenirs delivered to your room. If you forgot to get something at the parks go to the World of Disney Store. They have almost everything that the park carries. You can also save your shopping for the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney so all your time at the parks is spent on the rides or attractions.
Packing – put your children’s outfits in big ziplock bags and squeeze out the air before closing. This really saves space plus it saves time in the morning. You or your child can just whip out a bag complete with their outfit, socks, matching hair accessory….
Fantasmic at DL – Arrive around 6 pm to get a good spot to see the show. Bring a couple of towels from your hotel to stake out your spot. Take turns with your spouse or friends saving your spot while the other takes the kids on rides nearby or grabs dinner.
Waiting – use the time while you are waiting for a parade or show as snack time, rest time and re-group time.
Strollers – bring your own compact umbrella stroller. One per child when possible so you can separate if you’d like. Renting a stroller ad the parks costs more, plus it’s another thing you have to wait in line for. Tie a bright colored ribbon on the handles so you can easily spot it. Also, there is a lot of walking involved on a Disney vacation. My son at 5 did not use the stroller the first day at DL and my hu*****and thought he could do without it. The 2nd day and thereafter, he used it after being so tired from being on his feet the day before. It’s great at the end of the day when the kids are too tired to walk and great for them to have as a seat when waiting for a parade. Also, it’s easier to get to one location when the kids are in the stroller.
Autographs and pictures – Bring an album already laid out for your pictures and autographs from your trip. I saw a lady who brought a pre-done Creative Memories album – one side was for the photo she took of her children with that character. She had the pages all decorated with paper and will go back to add specific stickers after the photo’s are in. Also bring thick pens that are easier for the characters to hold in their hands – big sharpies work well. Have the pens ready to go because it’s hard for those characters to open them with those hefty costumes on. They will also sign your Disney hat or t-shirt if you wish.
Postcards – Buy postcard stamps before your vacation. Also, before your trip, put the addresses of those you wish to send a postcard to on blank address labels. This way, you can avoid having to search for addresses…just peel and stick, write and send!
The internet is a blessing especially for Disney vacationers. Search the web to get lots on information on how to save time at the parks, what’s a must with kids, what to avoid. There are many websites as I will list below that will help you plan your Disney vacation.
Park Hop – When a park gets too crowded for you, hop on over to another park that is less crowded.
Biggest Time Saver – Use Fast Pass, Use Fast Pass!!! Why wait in line when you can get a fast pass for a ride. Go on rides near the ride that you have a fast pass for, and then when your fast pass time is near, get in the way shorter fast pass line and enjoy not waiting.
Attention –
If you want your children to get extra attention from Cast Members, dress them as a Disney character. My son wore Woody, Buzz and Mickey shirts while my daughter dressed as Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, and Minnie Mouse. I bought the costumes at the Disney store on clearance after Halloween. They got a lot of attention from the characters at the character meals, parades, and throughout the parks from CM’s. They loved it plus the pictures are so darn cute. A few years from now they won’t dare be caught in a costume. Show your Disney spirit and wear your Mickey ears, your Goofy hat and you too will get a lot of attention from CM’s.
If it’s your birthday or close to it, pick up a “It’s my Birthday” pin at City Hall before Main St. When CM’s see you, they may ask to take part in a parade or a show or may draw some exciting attention to you.
Preparing your children for your Disney Adventure –
Videos – Have your children watch Disney sing-a-long video’s that feature the characters. This may help with younger children so they are more familiar and less afraid of the characters. There is one sing-a-long that is called “Disneyland Fun” which shows all the characters singing through various Disneyland attractions. You can find it at Target for under $10.00. Disney also gives away free planning videos for Disneyland and Disneyworld. Just go to their website for more info. They parks also sell DVD’s and video’s that capture most of the magic the parks have to offer. I realized that I didn’t have to spend my whole vacation with the camcorder in my hand because Disney does it for you.
Books – read your children’s favorite Disney books and buy them on read along CD. These are great for older children to listen and read to in the car or plane.
Music – Start playing Disney music to get everyone in the mood. You can find CD’s with various Disney songs at Target in the children’s music area. Also, when I go to the parks I buy the most current Disney Park CD. These CD’s will feature the songs from the various parades, shows, fireworks show and rides at the time you visited. These make great souvenirs (small and easy to pack) and wonderful to listen to when you get home.
Start a countdown by making a paper chain with your children. You can decorate this with Disney stickers.
Let the magic begin –
Plan as much as you can, but once you are there, let the magic begin… For me the greatest thing about Disney is that you get to feel like a kid again, and to watch your kids experience the magic through their eyes is even grander.
Thank you to Dolly Seidell for writing this a few years ago. Thank you to Walt Disney for sharing your amazing dream with us. Life is about making our dreams come true, isn’t it?
Magical Resources –
www.disneyland.com – This site even has a planning your day guide where you can click on rides that you want to go on for that day and print out.
www.disneyworld.com – Check out all the hotels Disneyworld has to offer, there are approximately 21 hotels on site.
www.mousesavers.com – Site to help you save money on travel, hotel stay, and tickets.
www.mouseplant.com – Site for Disney trip planning.
www.magicalley.com – Wonderful site where you can join chat rooms to get the latest info on Disneyworld and Disneyland. One great Disney angel sent me maps of all four parks before our trip, this totally helped us plan.
Books –
Passporter – a travel guide, planner, organizer, journal. It features pockets where you write down your itinerary for the day and you can put items into from you day. It is very detailed and very up to date. I noticed that many travel books on Disney rehash the same information, year after year. This book has everything well organized for you and has the child of the author’s rate all the rides and shows for kids too. There is one for Disneyland and Disneyworld. Go to www.passporter.com or to www.Amazon.com.
The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland – tips on saving time, ride ratings…
Rita Aero’s Walt Disney World – The Essential Guide to Amazing Vacations – this book has great attention to detail. The best thing is that you will be able to use Rita’s own website for free to help you plan your Disneyworld vacation. Post a question, or join a chat. Her colleagues provide the latest information on the parks and will help you plan a dream Disneyworld vacation at the lowest prices. Excellent resource!
Tips for a magical stay at Disneyland. By Dolly Seidell, revised by Judy Brackin
Best time to go – Obliviously the parks are the most crowded in the summer, on week-ends and holidays when kids are out of school. Your best bet is to go during the school year and during the weekday. You need at least 3 days in the parks to fully enjoy them.
Favorite times for our moms to go – first week in December because it is not crowded, not hot, the cool Christmas parade and it is very magical with all the holiday decorations and lights. Also, mom’s like October for the weather and small crowds and after Easter for same reasons.
Note that Disney totally changes the music and some of the rides during the Christmas season so if you want the traditional songs and such this is not the time to go.
Where to stay – Stay on Disney property to save time or across the street from Disneyland on Harbor Blvd. to save money and “some” time. You will save a lot of money if you stay across the street and it’s an easy walking distance to the park gates. You can save even more money and can get bigger rooms if you stay farther away from the park. However you will have to drive to the park and pay for parking, or you will have to wait for a shuttle to bring you back and forth. Having to wait for a shuttle bus with young kids at the end of a long day at the parks what was already filled with lots of waiting isn’t very fun. Being on a crowded shuttle bus isn’t fun either. Time is money, especially with Disney.
Hotels recommended by our moms – Disneyland Hotel (on site), Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel (on site), Candy Cane Inn (next door to DK), Embassy Suites (must drive or shuttle, but nice suites and separate area for the kids), Best Western Park Place Inn (directly across the street from DL).
Where to eat - Character Meals are a great way for your children to meet the characters without having to wait in line for that anticipated photo shot or that special autograph. They can be pricey but the attention your children get from the characters makes it totally worth it. To get the most character attention, make your reservations for the last time slot as the restaurants aren’t as full then. Make reservations at Disney Dining (714) 781-3463.
Character meals recommended by moms at Disneyland –
Goofy’s kitchen – an absolute must! Located in the Disneyland Hotel, they offer breakfast, lunch or dinner. Characters we have seen there have been Minnie (Mickey is never there and you must visit him at his house in Toontown), Pluto, Chip and Dale, Donald, Belle, Jasmine, Alice in Wonderland, Briar Rabbit, Baloo, Max and his dad Goofy of course. Your kids will love the Mickey shaped waffles and Mickey nuggets. Kids can strut their stuff with the characters when they bring on the hip music. You can also plan birthday parties here and they offer goody bags too. Reservations are a must for this popular character meal.
Ariel’s Grotto at California Adventure. They serve lunch or dinner. Characters include Ariel, Chip and Dale and Pluto. You can walk up for reservations but may have a wait. One parent can take the kids on a ride while the other parent makes a reservation but calling ahead is your best bet.
Storytellers Breakfast at the Grand Californian features breakfast with Chip and Dale.
Plaza Inn Breakfast inside the Disneyland Park offers breakfast with Pluto, and Chip and Dale. Winnie the Pooh and friends have also been seen there.
Where to go once in the park – As the saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm”, or “You snooze, you lose (lot’s of valuable time),” especially at Disney. Arrive at the parks early, 30 minutes before the park opens. This will give you a nice head start. Since we all have young kids Fantasyland gets the most crowded especially in the afternoon so head there first to cover as many rides as you can. The Dumbo line can get very long so you may want to head there first. After Fantasyland, head over to Toontown to see Mickey and Minnie in their homes. After Toontown, grab a snack and catch a show at Fantasyland Theater. If you started your day early (and if it’s a weekday), it should be lunch time around now. You can head back to your hotel for your child’s nap or spend the rest of the day exploring the rest of the park.
Saving Money with Disney –
Have your children save for their vacation. My kids each have a Disney bank and whenever they get money for their birthday, doing chores, or a holiday they put it in their Disney banks. By the time of your trip it should help buy their souvenirs, the Mickey creamsicles each day, and popcorn. All the little things at Disney add up quickly and this really helps. This also teaches delayed gratification, and kids learn how to budget their money for the important things.
Avoid vacation packages deals – most often you will save a lot of money if you book everything separately. Package deals may come with added little extras that you will not need or use.
Don’t forget to use your AAA card for various discounts
Do your research on the internet and compare prices.
Souvenirs – Save money on souvenirs by buying some before your trip. Go to the Disney Store, Target, Toys R Us which all carry Disney merchandise at much lower prices. Buy small items that you can back and bring with you to the park. Give these while you are getting ready in the morning or while waiting in line for a ride or show to keep the kids occupied.
Snacks – Bring one bag of luggage filled with snacks. Cereal, granola bars, dried fruit, individual juices, and bottled water. You will save lots of money and time by bringing your own snacks. This bag will be empty at the end of your trip and you can pack your souvenirs in it.
Bring a lot of film and extra batteries for your cameras – these are very expensive at Disney if you run out.
Saving time at Disney –
Try to have some sort of itinerary of the rides and shows you would like to see according to location and according to show times.
If you don’t each have a cell phone, bring two way radios. This way you can split up at times to do things that your spouse, friends or children may not want to do. Someone can go on rides with kids while the other one shops or sits with napping children. It makes it easier to get a hold of one another when you’re ready to meet up again. However, everyone else will probably have these too so reception isn’t always great but it’s better than losing each other for hours on end.
Souvenirs - When you find something you love, buy it. If you change your mind you can always return it with receipt anywhere at the parks or at any Disney Store when you return home. Also, if you stay on property you can have your souvenirs delivered to your room. If you forgot to get something at the parks go to the World of Disney Store. They have almost everything that the park carries. You can also save your shopping for the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney so all your time at the parks is spent on the rides or attractions.
Packing – put your children’s outfits in big ziplock bags and squeeze out the air before closing. This really saves space plus it saves time in the morning. You or your child can just whip out a bag complete with their outfit, socks, matching hair accessory….
Fantasmic at DL – Arrive around 6 pm to get a good spot to see the show. Bring a couple of towels from your hotel to stake out your spot. Take turns with your spouse or friends saving your spot while the other takes the kids on rides nearby or grabs dinner.
Waiting – use the time while you are waiting for a parade or show as snack time, rest time and re-group time.
Strollers – bring your own compact umbrella stroller. One per child when possible so you can separate if you’d like. Renting a stroller ad the parks costs more, plus it’s another thing you have to wait in line for. Tie a bright colored ribbon on the handles so you can easily spot it. Also, there is a lot of walking involved on a Disney vacation. My son at 5 did not use the stroller the first day at DL and my hu*****and thought he could do without it. The 2nd day and thereafter, he used it after being so tired from being on his feet the day before. It’s great at the end of the day when the kids are too tired to walk and great for them to have as a seat when waiting for a parade. Also, it’s easier to get to one location when the kids are in the stroller.
Autographs and pictures – Bring an album already laid out for your pictures and autographs from your trip. I saw a lady who brought a pre-done Creative Memories album – one side was for the photo she took of her children with that character. She had the pages all decorated with paper and will go back to add specific stickers after the photo’s are in. Also bring thick pens that are easier for the characters to hold in their hands – big sharpies work well. Have the pens ready to go because it’s hard for those characters to open them with those hefty costumes on. They will also sign your Disney hat or t-shirt if you wish.
Postcards – Buy postcard stamps before your vacation. Also, before your trip, put the addresses of those you wish to send a postcard to on blank address labels. This way, you can avoid having to search for addresses…just peel and stick, write and send!
The internet is a blessing especially for Disney vacationers. Search the web to get lots on information on how to save time at the parks, what’s a must with kids, what to avoid. There are many websites as I will list below that will help you plan your Disney vacation.
Park Hop – When a park gets too crowded for you, hop on over to another park that is less crowded.
Biggest Time Saver – Use Fast Pass, Use Fast Pass!!! Why wait in line when you can get a fast pass for a ride. Go on rides near the ride that you have a fast pass for, and then when your fast pass time is near, get in the way shorter fast pass line and enjoy not waiting.
Attention –
If you want your children to get extra attention from Cast Members, dress them as a Disney character. My son wore Woody, Buzz and Mickey shirts while my daughter dressed as Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, and Minnie Mouse. I bought the costumes at the Disney store on clearance after Halloween. They got a lot of attention from the characters at the character meals, parades, and throughout the parks from CM’s. They loved it plus the pictures are so darn cute. A few years from now they won’t dare be caught in a costume. Show your Disney spirit and wear your Mickey ears, your Goofy hat and you too will get a lot of attention from CM’s.
If it’s your birthday or close to it, pick up a “It’s my Birthday” pin at City Hall before Main St. When CM’s see you, they may ask to take part in a parade or a show or may draw some exciting attention to you.
Preparing your children for your Disney Adventure –
Videos – Have your children watch Disney sing-a-long video’s that feature the characters. This may help with younger children so they are more familiar and less afraid of the characters. There is one sing-a-long that is called “Disneyland Fun” which shows all the characters singing through various Disneyland attractions. You can find it at Target for under $10.00. Disney also gives away free planning videos for Disneyland and Disneyworld. Just go to their website for more info. They parks also sell DVD’s and video’s that capture most of the magic the parks have to offer. I realized that I didn’t have to spend my whole vacation with the camcorder in my hand because Disney does it for you.
Books – read your children’s favorite Disney books and buy them on read along CD. These are great for older children to listen and read to in the car or plane.
Music – Start playing Disney music to get everyone in the mood. You can find CD’s with various Disney songs at Target in the children’s music area. Also, when I go to the parks I buy the most current Disney Park CD. These CD’s will feature the songs from the various parades, shows, fireworks show and rides at the time you visited. These make great souvenirs (small and easy to pack) and wonderful to listen to when you get home.
Start a countdown by making a paper chain with your children. You can decorate this with Disney stickers.
Let the magic begin –
Plan as much as you can, but once you are there, let the magic begin… For me the greatest thing about Disney is that you get to feel like a kid again, and to watch your kids experience the magic through their eyes is even grander.
Thank you to Dolly Seidell for writing this a few years ago. Thank you to Walt Disney for sharing your amazing dream with us. Life is about making our dreams come true, isn’t it?
Magical Resources –
www.disneyland.com – This site even has a planning your day guide where you can click on rides that you want to go on for that day and print out.
www.disneyworld.com – Check out all the hotels Disneyworld has to offer, there are approximately 21 hotels on site.
www.mousesavers.com – Site to help you save money on travel, hotel stay, and tickets.
www.mouseplant.com – Site for Disney trip planning.
www.magicalley.com – Wonderful site where you can join chat rooms to get the latest info on Disneyworld and Disneyland. One great Disney angel sent me maps of all four parks before our trip, this totally helped us plan.
Books –
Passporter – a travel guide, planner, organizer, journal. It features pockets where you write down your itinerary for the day and you can put items into from you day. It is very detailed and very up to date. I noticed that many travel books on Disney rehash the same information, year after year. This book has everything well organized for you and has the child of the author’s rate all the rides and shows for kids too. There is one for Disneyland and Disneyworld. Go to www.passporter.com or to www.Amazon.com.
The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland – tips on saving time, ride ratings…
Rita Aero’s Walt Disney World – The Essential Guide to Amazing Vacations – this book has great attention to detail. The best thing is that you will be able to use Rita’s own website for free to help you plan your Disneyworld vacation. Post a question, or join a chat. Her colleagues provide the latest information on the parks and will help you plan a dream Disneyworld vacation at the lowest prices. Excellent resource!
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