A trip to Disneyland is one of the most magical, memorable vacations you can give your family. With so much to see and do at the Disneyland parks, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your Disneyland vacation.
{Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure Park}
1. Plan to spend multiple days there. Between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, there is easily enough to keep you busy and having fun for several days.
2. Stay in a Disneyland Resort. If possible stay in a Disneyland resort, for a one of a kind Disney experience. There are some great perks when you stay at a Disneyland resort like early admission to the parks and quick access to Disneyland Park, Downtown Disney, and Disney California Adventure Park. I recently stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and enjoyed all the comforts of home, as well as the chance to experience even more Disney magic.
{My Beautiful and Comfy Bed at the Disneyland Hotel}
3. Purchase advance tickets. Avoid the lines at ticket windows by purchasing your tickets online, from the Disney web site. If you plan to stay multiple days, multi-day and Park Hopper tickets are the best deal. Special online discounts and offers are sometimes available on the Disney site, that aren’t available at the ticket window.
4. Make dining reservations. If you are interested in the character dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel or fine dining at the Carthay Circle Restaurant, reservations are recommended. On my recent trip to Disney California Adventure Park, I didn’t have a reservation but was still able to enjoy a cocktail and delectable appetizers in the Lounge at Carthay Circle Restaurant. Also, eating your meals early or later than normal, will help to avoid a wait.
5. Go to any new or popular rides first. New and popular rides will have the longest lines, so visit them first thing in the morning. Utilize the fast pass service and single rider lines to get on the attractions quicker.
{Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree: One of many new rides in Cars Land}
6. Take plenty of breaks. Be sure to take plenty of breaks, so you don’t get over-heated or over-tired. Stop in at Clarabelle’s for some delicious hand scooped ice cream. Take some down time and enjoy the Pixar Play Parade. Watching this parade was one of the highlights of my trip to Disneyland.
{Pixar Play Parade}
7. Disneyland after dark. Don’t leave the park to early or you’ll miss out on the spectacular World of Color, water and lights show. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. You can even purchase mouse ears that light up and sync up with the light show! It’s pretty amazing, really. If you’re looking for a fun adult experience at Disneyland, be sure to get your rave on at the Mad T Party. It’s a nighttime dance party inspired by Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, located in Disney California Adventure Park.
{World of Color – image credit: Better In Bulk}
There are so many fantastic things to see and do at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, that it’s impossible to do it all in one day. If a day is all you have, a bit of advanced preparation will help you to get the most out of your Disneyland vacation.
Disney/Pixar provided travel and accommodations for my visit. However, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
5 Days Left 
5 Days Left
Twitter: inkscrblr
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Oh these are gReat tips. I love Disney properties. Nothing like them .
Paula Schuck recently posted..MAM Anti-colic baby bottle kit- #giveaway
Twitter: prettynameless
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I have heard from others that staying in the park is a must if you really want the full experience. These are great tips! Hopefully I make it back there one day in the not too distant future.
Nikki recently posted..Paper Culture: Exceptional Quality for All Your Paper Needs
We love going there. In fact, we are going back next summer! Definitely staying in the parks is key!
melissa recently posted..Totsy review and $50 Totsy Giveaway (hottest fashions for moms/kids)
We’ve been to Disney Land multiple times and absolutly LOVE it! Just looking at your pictures is making me want to go back!!
Twitter: untraindhairmom
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Thanks for the tips, this is definitely a trip we are going to make with the kids, I will keep all this in mind
Brooke recently posted..Oasap.com Fashion Studded Top
Twitter: thefrugalette
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One more tip, if you have family stay with them..lool, Ive been at my mom’s house all summer, she lives 5 minutes from Disney..talk about Disney overload! Great post!
Isra recently posted..25 Banana Recipes That Don’t Include Bread
Twitter: mommye
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Thanks for the great tips. I took my daughters to Disneyland a couple years ago and have been wanting to go back so we could stay at least two days instead of one.
Stefani recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Fun At The Park
I have always wanted to go. Thanks for the tips!
Melissa Lawler recently posted..Around the Blogosphere 7/18/12
Twitter: tarasview
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these are great tips! Thanks so much
Tarasview recently posted..Wordless Wednesday- Camping LINKY
Twitter: meganr
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It’s kind of funny – I go to WDW all the time, but it has been many years since I’ve been out west to Disneyland, and the big tip for people used to WDW is to adjust our expectations because Disneyland is so tiny and quaint in comparison! So while I know everything you’re saying is true from an objective viewpoint, I’m just more used to looking at it differently.
Twitter: walkwithme
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World of Color looks awesome! I live close to WDW but haven’t been back in years!
Saph recently posted..Laugh It Up Thursday
Wow …what a great trip!! Definily Disney is magic. Thanks for sharing
Oriana from Mommyhoodsdiary recently posted..One Click One Dream ~ Neutrogena® Wave for Change®
I can’t wait to take my daughter for the first time, thank you for these great tips!
Twitter: MommyTalkShow
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I agree with you on frequent breaks.
Joyce recently posted..Fitness Friday: Counseling can Uncover “Are you an Emotional Eater?”
Twitter: cylina
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Lots of great info, we love Disneyland!
Twitter: boymomblog.com
says:
Great tips! Seeing the pics is just building the excitement!!
Andrea recently posted..Popular Children’s Lunch Contains Hidden Danger
Twitter: BillElliott2006
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Thank you for the great tips, if God is willing to let my health keep me hear a little while longer my dream has been to take all my Grandchildren here. I will use your tips if my hopes come true, Thank you very much
Twitter: smc_dreams
says:
I will definitely be using these tips the next time we go back to Disney to get the most out of our trip.