Make the most of your Disneyland Trip

“How To” series – #1

With Disneyland being a short 600 miles away, a lot of families are planning a trip there for the holidays. From now until January 8th, Disneyland will be decorated for Christmas, so it’s a great time to go. Here are a few suggestions to make your trip easier and maximize the fun!

Do pack your own lunches into the park. Some websites say that Disneyland doesn’t allow food in the park, but if you pack a light lunch in a backpack they’ll let it through. Prices for food in the park are insanely expensive, and it takes away precious ride time to stand in line for food. You can even eat your packed lunch while you wait in line for a ride.

Don’t stand in the regular line for rides with FastPasses. FastPasses are tickets you can get for popular rides and use about an hour later. They allow you to go to the FastPass line, which is like going to the front of the regular line. Some rides that have FastPasses are Splash Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, The Matterhorn, etc.

Do buy souvenirs on the last day of your Disneyland trip. That way, you can see everything from every souvenir shop and decide exactly what you want. It’s also a good idea if you’re driving to Disneyland because the new toys will help entertain the kids on the way back.

Don’t buy clothes from the park that you can get somewhere else. One good idea is to buy shirts with your kids’ favorite Disney characters on them from Wal-Mart before you go and give them to the kids each morning you’re at Disneyland to wear.

Do see the “World of Color” show in California Adventure while you’re there. Although you have to wait in line and stand up the entire time, the breathtaking show of water, light, and fire is well worth it.

Don’t try to ride every single ride. Instead, make a list of the ones you and your kids want to ride for sure before you go. You can get a maps of the park’s rides online. Disneyland Resort Maps

Do visit the ticket office if you’re taking a child for their birthday or other celebration, or if it’s anyone’s first time to Disneyland. They’ll give you a big button to wear and the workers on the rides and the characters you meet will acknowledge you for whatever button you’re wearing.

Don’t cut your trip too short. Three days-one in Disneyland, one in California Adventure, and one in both parks for favorite rides-is ideal for most families.

Do share some of your favorite Disneyland experiences or vacation tips in the comment section below!