So I just went to Disneyland a couple of weeks ago and I've been thinking. Going to Disneyland is like an art. You have to learn how to do it right. My Disneyland buddy, Molly Mouse, is one of these artists. She knows how to navigate Disneyland expertly and has taught me her ways. It has taken her a few years to learn this art as she has worked there for a couple of years and had a pass so basically went like at least once a week. So this summer and last summer, she was kind enough to take me there and show me how it's done. Now, I'd like to share it with you because doing it this way is SO much better! Okay, let's get started.
Pre-Park
Hey parents! Do you hate Disneyland? Do you hate it because it's hot and the kids get cranky and everything is overpriced and the lines are long and the kids hardly got to meet any characters? Have no fear for I am here! :)
1. Look around for deals on the internet or at your local grocery store. They sometimes have some good ones, especially if you are from Southern California. For example, last year I was able to get a 3 day park hopper for only $99, which is an AMAZING deal. Also, this year, there was an promotion called "Give a day, get a Disney day" going on. It was all about volunteering so the deal was if you do volunteer work with someone registered with the Give a day, get a Disney day thing, you get a free park ticket. So, I did it and I got one. For my second day, Molly Mouse's friend let me use one of her tickets that she gets for working there. So in the end, I got two days at Disneyland and California Adventure (my second day was a park hopper) for FREE! (It also helps to have connections.) So look out for deals, especially since Disney just jacked up their prices. Deals are out there. Not always, but they do exist.
2. Plan for more than one day. Two or three days is good. Beyond three is just too tiring. Park Hoppers save money if you want to do that or 2fers although I prefer Park Hoppers because the only good thing at DCA is Crush, Aladdin, World of Color, Midway Mania, and the Animation Pavilion. They're working on it though. It's up to you but I would definately suggest more than one day so you can do more of what you want to do.
3. Pack snacks and water! Some people think that outside water and snacks aren't allowed in Dland. They DO do a bag check for for dangerous stuff when you enter but I've never had a problem and I always bring snacks. It's totally fine to bring snacks and water into Dland. And we all know that Dland is EXPENSIVE. They get you with the water because they know you need it cuz it's like a zillion degrees outside in the summer. So pack snacks like granola bars, crackers, chips, and fruit snacks. Make sure you save some for your second day! Also have plenty of water. Bring it and refill it with the drinking fountains. It's not as good but it's cold. As the talking trash can in Tommorrowland taught me, STAY HYDRATED!
4. Okay, this one is more of an opinion than a tip but I do think it can make your Dland experience better. Don't bring a stroller. If your child is small enough to still need a stroller, like under 5 years old I wouldn't even bring them to Dland because they won't remember it when they're older and then you've wasted your money. :( I went to Dland when I was like 3 and I don't remember anything. So it's just a suggestion. It just makes more sense to me to wait until the kids are at least 4 or 5 to bring them to Dland. Also, there are many downsides to strollers. First, you have to load it on and off the tram. The stroller has to be folded on the tram, which I assume is a pain in the butt. Then, you have to navigate crowds with the stroller and believe me, guests without strollers, who are tripping over your stroller trying to get where they want to go, pretty much want to take your stroller and throw it into the Rivers of America and then laugh maniacally at you as you watch it sink slowly into the disgusting green water. And THEN there is the fact that strollers can't go on rides, which means either one parent has to stay with the stroller, missing out on quality time with the kids OR you have to leave it in a stroller parking area and hope against hope that someone doesn't steal it or the snacks and water and sunscreen you have in it. So, DON'T BRING A STROLLER.
5. "But where am I gonna put my stuff?" Bring a backpack or purse. Have mom and dad have the snacks and water in their bags. Have stuff for you and the kids. Purses and backpacks are much easier than strollers AND you can take them on rides with you! I had a purse the past two times and had no problems. Even on Space Mountain when my bag wouldn't fit in the little net I put it between my feet and it was fine. Twice. Girls, I like the purse better than the backpack. I like it because it doesn't get your back all sweaty and in crowds, I can swing it to my front and hold it so no one bumps it and can pick pocket anything. You may think Dland is perfect but bad guys are still out there lurking. Guys, sorry. Unless you wanna to with the manbag. Haha. But I do think the best thing for dad or the older boys would be one of those athletic bags with the drawstring closure because it's less bulky and you can swing it around to your front easier to get stuff and to prevent pick pocketing in crowds.
6. Other stuff to pack: Sunscreen. Even in the winter, CA is sunny. Don't forget it and reapply! Camera. Because pictures are AWESOME and you'll want to remember this! Plus, your pictures will most likely be better than the photopass people. (FYI, the photopass people are photographers that work at the park and take your picture at certain meet and greet spots. Then, they give you a card with a code on it. You take the card home and go to the website and type in the code and if you like your pictures, you buy them. It's another money suck. ALTHOUGH if you do really like one of the photopass pictures, there's always the printscreen button!) Batteries. You DON'T want to run out of camera batteries. You know they're gonna cost a fortune in the park. Chapstick. Because your lips need protection too. Tylenol. Dland is fun, but also tiring. You'll wanna help out your feet and your head so you can enjoy the rest of your stay. Also, bring any other meds that you think you might need or that is specific to you. For example, my stomach sometimes hates me so I like to have maalox and immodium just in case my stomach starts bothering me. Just make sure you pack anything that will make you comfortable. Just don't overdo it. Remember you have to carry that stuff. NO STROLLERS. Oh, and Hand Sanitizer is good too. There are lots of germs at Dland.
