We’ve all been there, the idea that Disneyland would be the ultimate family vacation. Perhaps we’re driven by the grandiose idea that our children may one day need material to write about for that Mother of the Year nomination. Maybe it’s a need to relive our own happy childhood memories, (or heal up on them )
Is it not called “The Happiest Place On Earth”? If you’re not careful, a trip to Disneyland can end up more like National Lampoon’s “Vacation” on a trip to Wally World, with a gun in your hand forcing everyone to “HAVE FUN, DAMMIT!”
I’ve not only been there myself, but have witnessed first hand exhausted, exasperated parents standing in that long, slow-moving line to “It’s a small world”, dragging along a screaming toddler in the middle of a meltdown. Add 100 degree heat, and they’ll soon wonder why they even bothered, then spend the rest of the day trying to get that annoying tune out of their head…
Having been to Disneyland a few times with my five children, I have come to learn some helpful tips that may save you a migraine or two so you, as a parent, can plan a trip there and actually enjoy yourself.
1) First of all, WAIT until your youngest is at least 7 years of age–No kidding.
C’mon, face it, they honestly won’t remember, much less appreciate the experience until then. Most likely, if they’re any younger, you’ll spend most of your time riding “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”, or “Storybook Land” which is not cute after the first couple of times. My 7 year old was also tall enough, and mature enough to handle the rides that the other kids (me, included) wanted to go on. Traveling there by car was also less stressful when I didn’t have to endure miles of someone kicking the back of my seat, or the smell of a poopy diaper.
2) Go when it’s less crowded.
If you’re willing to take your kids out of school and miss a few days during the week, it may be well worth it so you miss the summer crowds. One of Disneyland’s nicknames is “DisneyLINE.” Our favorite time to go is toward the end of October. The weather is still warm, and you pretty much walk onto every ride. There is a significant difference in between the crowds on weekends and weekdays.
Be careful with scheduling of UEA (Utah Education Association) jokingly referred to as “Utahns Entering Anaheim” which occurs around mid October. All Utah schools get 2-3 days off of school for teacher training, which can make for large crowds. The busiest time is definitely beginning with Memorial Day and continuing through the summer until the last week of August. It’s fairly slow until the 2nd week of November until after New Years. January and February are great , though cooler. March and April bring spring breakers in, but May is nice (Mother’s Day is supposedly the slowest day of the year) right up until Memorial Day. Be aware that when you give up the crowds, you also risk giving up the special shows, parades and fireworks as well. Some rides are closed during slower periods (check with their website www.disneyland.com even up to the last minute for schedules.)
3) Book a hotel right across the street from the main gate.
Location is more important than luxury. As little as you’ll be in the hotel, just having a place close enough to run back to if you’ve forgotten something, (about a 5 minute walk) or to be able to leave the park for a mid-afternoon rest, is worth giving up extras like bathrobes or a mint on your pillow. Another perk is if you check in on a night they are having fireworks in the park, you can sit and watch them from the front lawn of your hotel.
4) Go with other adult relatives or friends.
Having another aunt or uncle that doesn’t mind riding the “Hollywood Tower of Terror” over and over with your teenagers may save you from having to endure those torturous rides. You have the freedom of splitting into groups (they can go earlier while you snooze.) You can spend time shopping or riding more mild rides with your group and then arrange to meet at certain times somewhere or keep connected by cell phones. Staying in the same hotel together also makes for some fun slumber parties.
5) Have a special meeting place in case someone gets lost.
We always choose Cinderella’s Castle as it is in the center of the park, and easily seen from most anywhere.
6) Get the 3-day Flex-Pass.
There is nothing less fun, (or tiring) than trying to cram every ride, show, and activity into one day. Spacing everything out over 3 days allows you more freedom to catch something if you miss it the day before. You can download schedules from the website to plan as some shows may not be on certain days.
7) Reserve your tickets in advance.
Pre-purchasing your tickets off the website (with a credit card) allows you to avoid long entrance lines (pick up at will-call) and it saved me $120 off what I would’ve paid at the gate.
8) Get a hotel with a refrigerator and a microwave.
Meals can get expensive in the parks. (One dinner of 6 kid meal chicken strips cost me $75!) There may be times when you’re waiting for a show and don’t have time to run back to the hotel, or you just can’t resist the aroma of gumbo wafting through the air in New Orleans Square. Having easy to prepare meals (instant soups and sandwiches) on hand cuts down on costs, and then splurging occasionally in an eatery in the park doesn’t feel so extravagant. Don’t waste money on the pretty plastic wrapped Rice Krispie treats or cookies sold in the parks, as they’re usually stale, however, you cannot beat the freshly made churros. They are worth every bit of the $3.00 a piece you pay if you crave a treat.
9) Bring a small, lightweight backpack with a few plastic Ziploc baggies to hold money, tickets, etc. that could get wet on some rides. (Include a small tube of sunscreen.)
Having something light will keep you from straining your back, and allows you to keep hands free to hold onto little hands, or a wild ride without worrying about valuables, and to, well… eat a churro.
10) Oh– just let go and have FUN!
Even though I’m 43, riding “Pirates of the Caribbean” for the tenth time with my kids, and discovering something new we’d missed the other previous nine times makes me feel like I’m seven again.
With a little preparation and knowledge, you’ll find yourself smiling and feeling like you’re truly at the “Happiest Place on Earth.”
