Among my family vacation destinations to recommend I have to put Disneyland in California in the top five. It’s family friendly, fun and truly magical. We always told ourselves, “Disney…one day” and finally decided we had to make it happen. Here I share some of my Disney Parks tips and memories from that trip.
Yes, walking up to Cinderella’s castle was awesome. But before we even arrived at Disneyland I went online and researched deals, tips and even park maps (I like to know where I’m going).
Tip: The First Visit badge
This is a great (and completely FREE) souvenir for your first Disney visit. You can request a First Visit badge pin at Customer Service within the Disney park. My kids loved wearing and showing off this Disney pin at school.
Check your Disneyland ShowSchedule (available online and in print at the park) so you can get a great viewing spot for the
many live shows. You will never forget the top-notch performances! We snagged a great spot in the New Orleans Square area of Disneyland to see a live musicalperformance of Disney’s The Princess and The Frog.
My most magical Disney memory is remembering how despite the heavy traffic of thousands upon thousands of families (sigh – we went on a long weekend) the park’s organization is astounding. Just look at the stroller parking picture I took in front of a ride; doesn’t it give you a family welcome feeling?
Tips to share:
- Take advantage of the FASTPASS service. You’ll get a ticket to save your place in line for one ride while you continue to enjoy the theme park.
- Using the RIDER SWITCH service meant dear husband and I could take turns (one waiting with baby and the other with the big kids) on a ride and then switch without making the kids stand in line for the same ride twice. That way both parents can enjoy a ride with the kids.
Disney has set up the parks so that you can enjoy time with your family rather than fight the crowds.
A trip highlight was the parade down Main Street, U.S.A. (the historic looking entrance to the Disneyland Park). My photo doesn’t do the lights and excitement justice. TIP: Take a blanket or towel, to lay on the sidewalk, so you can watch the parade in comfort. The evening parade was a spectacle that my kids (and us grown-ups) just adored.
Going to Disneyland wasn’t just a routine family vacation. It was a milestone.
Visit Disneyparks.ca for more information and start planning your magical vacation today.
Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Disney Parks via Glam Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Disney Parks.
This is great…We are heading to the happiest place on earth in 2 weeks…Luv the 1st timer tip…Can’t wait!
Awesome! I can’t wait to take my kids! 🙂
Fun! Look forward to taking my kids to Disney in Florida soon!
Have a lovely family vacation then! I went to Disney in Florida when I was 5 and still have great memories from that trip.
Lucky you! It truly is the happiest place on earth – everyone who worked on the Disney Parks grounds were truly glee-ful.
It’s an amazing family destination – from baby to grandparent and everyone in between.
I love the stroller parking photo! ; ) Great capture.
Guzzled the Kool Aid – LOVE Disney!
I’ve never been to Disneyland. Looks much cooler than the Disney World I remember as a child.
The Disney Park I visited in California was HUGE (actually 2 parks really).
🙂
Isn’t it amazing how orderly the stroller parking is?! Not even a sign or staff telling people where to park. Organic organization.
Oh we have been to Disney World, but never that magical Disney Land!! Love love the tips you included here! I’ve never thought ahead to bring a blanket for those parades! Thanks for the tips and sharing your pictures 🙂
“Going to Disneyland wasn’t just a routine family vacation. It was a milestone.” LOVE that. Totally true!
Great post! We are planning on taking a family trip there soon…cant wait!
Thanks for the tips, we go to Disney in May!!!
I didn’t know that there was a First Visit badge pin, a very nice idea. I’ve been to Disney World but never to Disneyland, I wonder if they are pretty much the same?