Disneyland Planning Tips for the Ultimate Family Vacation
A vacation to Disneyland is an unforgettable experience that your family will always remember, but planning your trip can be a little bit stressful if you don't know the ins-and-outs of the parks. Don't worry – we've got you covered with smart Disneyland planning tips that will help you to get the most out of every minute of your family getaway here in Anaheim. Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime!
Tip #1: Have a plan of attack at the parks. Don't wait until you arrive in the park to start looking at the map and deciding which attractions are can't-miss. By having a general idea of the park's layout and where you want to go, you can avoid long lines and the whining that often comes with them. Disneyland wait time apps can help you decide where to go and when. The FastPass at Disney is free to use, or you can spring for the $15 per day MaxPass and check in to rides online (instead of at the FastPass kiosks). It's always best to arrive at the parks as early as possible when the crowds are at their smallest.
Tip #2: Don't forget to do nothing, too! Free time for play and relaxation is essential not just for kids, but for parents too. Don't plan to spend every single day of your vacation at the parks the entire time; take at least one whole day for lazing at the pool, ordering room service, or shopping nearby. In the parks, Toontown at Disneyland is a great place to give your children space to play freely – it's a smart destination when kids slow down between walking from ride to ride. If possible, plan for a mid-afternoon break – a quick swim and a nap at your nearby hotel. Instead of staying at the park all day until everyone is dead tired, a break will let you recharge during the hottest part of the day and be ready for a whole evening of fun. Maybe you can all stay up a little past your bedtime!
Tip #3: Pack the park essentials. Forgetting to bring sunblock or snacks or a stroller isn't the end of the world; you can find all of those things inside the parks. But you'll pay a premium for them. Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn, and walking around in the sunshine all day can turn anyone into a lobster. Pack plenty of high-SPF sunscreen and remember to reapply frequently. Sunhats are a good idea too, if you can get your kids to wear them. Stroller rentals are available at the parks for families with toddlers, but you can't take them out of the parks. It's much more convenient to have your own and be able to pack it up in your hotel room before you set out for the day. Refillable water bottles and healthy, protein-rich snacks will keep everyone fueled up for the fun. Other essentials for families with children include comfortable (and broken-in) walking shoes, sunglasses, baby wipes/diapers, and waterproof bags for cell phones for all those great water rides!
Tip #4: Book a character meal. Meeting characters like the Disney Princesses or Mickey and Minnie is on the top of the list for many families. But in the park, you'll have to stand in line to meet them, often for a long time. A better option is to book a character breakfast. Breakfasts and dinners take place in five locations around Disneyland and are only slightly more expensive than other dining options in the parks. They require reservations in advance but are well worth it. Not only do your kids get to meet their favorite Disney characters in a more authentic setting, but you'll also get a semi-peaceful, sit-down meal that is a fantastic break from the hubbub in the parks.
Tip #5: Stay at a hotel within walking distance. Vacation time is precious, and you don't want to waste it waiting on shuttles, looking for parking, or stuck in traffic. But staying nearby is even more important when you're traveling with kids. When you can walk back to your hotel, that means that you can come and go as you please. This becomes essential when little ones get overtired and need a nap pronto – or when you're racing to get to the park early to beat the lines. Shuttles can be unreliable or full, and knowing that you can stroll back to your hotel anytime makes all the difference in the world.
Walk to Disneyland from Our Kid-Friendly Hotel Oasis
Discover how easy it can be to plan the ultimate Disney vacation when you stay at Desert Palms Hotel & Suites, located less than a block away from Disneyland. We're here to help you make your vacation dreams come true, whether it's your first time to the parks or your fiftieth! Kids love our amazing oasis of family fun, from the big outdoor pool to the free breakfast buffet to the arts and crafts activities. Stroll to the parks in minutes and stay in an oversized room or suite that feels like home – complete with free Wi-Fi, kitchen amenities, and flat-screen TVs. Take advantage of our awesome package deals and Disneyland planning tips to create the ultimate vacation – and give your family memories that will last a lifetime.
