I'm excited to share this guest post by Danielle Reeves from Busy Moms Helper. She has written The Unofficial Disneyland Activity and Autograph Book and I can't wait for you all to pick up a copy. This book is full of things to keep the kids happy in line and makes for a great keepsake after the trip.
Here are her tips for visiting Disneyland with the family!
Undeniably, Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. However, traveling with kids can be confusing, challenging, and a nightmare if you are not adequately prepared. Here are some incredible tips to ensure your trip to Disneyland with kids remains as enchanting and interesting as you have ever dreamed:
Tip #1: Stay on-site at the Disneyland Resort
Compared to hotels situated right across from the park entrance, staying at Disneyland resort is expensive. However, for most parents, being able to take a monorail back to their hotel for a swim or midday nap makes the expense worth it. Are you planning to stay in the park all day? Then bring a fold-up stroller with you. Alternatively, you can rent one by the entrance.
Tip #2: Bring extra water and snacks
You should never underestimate the magical power of water and snacks. Expect the security guards at the gate to inspect your bags before entering the park. You can always bring water and snacks into the park. All you need to do is avoid any glass item.
Tip #3: Utilize the FASTPASS system
Are you staying at a Disneyland resort? If yes, then you can enter the park before the other guests during the ‘Early Magic Hour' days. All guests can use the FASTPASS system in order to save places in line for the popular rides. You can find the FASTPASS box at the ride entrance. After finding it, insert your ticket where you will obtain a ‘pass' marked with a period that you can always return to the ride without having to line up. Abracadabra!
Tip #4: Use Disneyland's baby center
Behind the Plaza Inn restaurant on the Main Street is a baby center. At this baby center, you can buy baby supplies such as baby food and diapers. The prices here are reasonable. At this baby center, you can also privately hire a nurse. The baby center is also Disneyland's ‘lost child' waiting area.
Tip #5: Save on Disneyland souvenirs and goodies
On your way to Disneyland, you can stop at Anaheim Walmart. It is three miles or less from the park, at 440 North Euclid. In addition to buying anything you forgot, you can purchase Disney-brand souvenirs and attire for a fraction of the price that you could have paid inside the park. You can also purchase a princess dress at a local Disney store when it is on sale to save costs.
Bonus Tip #6: Keep the Kids Happy in Lines
With our new ‘Unofficial’ Disneyland Activity & Autograph Book, your kids will be happily occupied during the long lines, waiting at the hotel and travelling! 66 pages of games, trivia, mazes and creatively designed autograph pages – no more boring blank autograph books! Get it now as a PDF download you can print yourself, or printed with a nice shiny cover. It’s sized to 6×9, so easy to carry with you at the parks! Nab yours for your next Disneyland vacation!
Pick up your copy today on Amazon!
Enter for a chance to win a copy of the Unofficial Disneyland Activity and Autograph Book!
Giveaway is open to US residents only. I was provided with a free copy of the book. All opinions belong to Danielle or myself.
Stephanie Manley
What a great guide for those with young children! And a great way to save a little money while having fun! Thanks for sharing!
Christina Berry
Great tips for enjoying a day at Disneyland! I especially love 1 and 3 – both have worked out great for my family in the past. Thanks for sharing!
Monica
Navigating Disneyland is not for the faint of heart, is it? It’s so much fun but if you don’t know the ropes it’s exhausting. You have great tips that can really enhance the experience.
Emily, Our house now a home
We went there last summer and this would have been so helpful!
Censie
I just bought our Disneyland tickets for October!! I cannot wait to take the kids!!
LauraFunk
I really want to win that autograph book! We leave for Disney in 10 months and will need something to pass the time in lines
Jennifer B
These are great tips for visiting Disney! I was not aware that I could bring water and snacks into the park with me!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
Anyone who goes and does’t use the fastpasses is nuts. They are a HUGE time saver.
Athena
Great tips – and I know with my kids snacks and drinks are like gold. Last year we went to Disney for the first time ever and this year I have been secretly saving my blogging money and am planning a surprise trip in April…. YAYYY
Alicia Taylor
I used to life in Davenport – just minutes from Disney. My favorite memory was meeting all the characters.
Rebecca Bryant
We want to make a return trip to Disneyland. We have friends who have annual passes adn we want to go visit them and let the kids explore together.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
Those are great tips. Many years ago we visited Disney when our kids were younger. We had so much fun and the loved it so much.
Kathy
Great tips! The baby center really saved us one day at Disney World.
Carol Bryant
Confession: I have never been to Disney but know folks who go yearly. I will share this with them.