Not only have I been to the parks several times, but I have now taken my kids and consider myself a pro (just kidding) but really.
So I've decided to compile a list of my favorite go-to's and all my tips & tricks. I hope you find this helpful & magical.
HOTELS:
The first thing everyone asks, is if it's worth it to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier, or The Grand Californian.
And I say- Sure, if you don't really have a budget and just feel like throwing all your dollars at the big man. Now, don't get me wrong- I'm all for Disney taking all my monies; However, I don't think it's worth it UNLESS I HAD ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD which I don't so.....
Here's my take on it- The Disneyland Hotel IS neat because they have a Mickey headboard that has Mickey fireworks that light up & they play "When You Wish Upon A Star" and the hotel IS right downtown & next to Goofy's Kitchen, but that's it.
You DO have the option of walking into the parks from downtown (and just leaving your car parked at the hotel), or taking the monorail; However, the monorail still requires you to collapse your stroller, making you take everything and everyone out of your stroller. So just keep that in mind, the next time you have a sleeping babe you don't want to wake, or all those packages from shopping for all them cute souvenirs you'll have to unload. And heaven forbid one be a surprise for someone you don't want to see.
Personally, I don't think it's worth it w/little kids but that's just me. Maybe when my kids are older and they'll appreciate it more? Maybe?
FOOD:
To me, the food is part of the experience. For instance, when you go to Italy, you want good, authentic pasta. When you go to Texas, you want some tasty BBQ food right? Am I right?!?! So, when one goes to Disneyland, be prepared to empty out your pocketbooks. Here is a list of food & restaurants I've compiled:
Disneyland-
- Dole Whips from the hut just outside the tiki room are a Disneyland classic. But I was informed today that there's now a larger area by Aladdin's Oasis, called The Tropical Hideaway and it has a seating area w/more whip flavors than just the pineapple. So if you're not a fan of the tropical, then check out their other treats. (This new hang out can be found between The Enchanted Tiki Room and The Jungle Cruise.) ***If you don't want to go to The Tropical Hideaway, then you can order just a classic dole whip/float on the other side of the hut going into The Enchanted Tiki Room. But please- Whatever you do, do NOT wait in the long line outside of the hut. Just go through the turn stiles where you don't have to wait as long for your treat(s) and then enjoy an air conditioned space inside The Tiki Room, where the birds can sing & the flowers bloom.
- Red Rose Tavern, in the back of Fantasy Land, has good sized portions and the grey stuff for dessert. Try the grey stuff! It's delicious! Don't believe me? Ask the dishes!
- Maurice's Treats has awsome awsome cheddar garlic bagel twists. It's a food truck/stand and can also be found in Fantasy Land.
- The churros at the park are to die for: You can get one at any of the following carts: Hollywood Land (DCA), Small World Promenade, Big Thunder, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Goofy's Sky School (DCA), Haunted Mansion, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (DCA), Sleeping Beauty Castle, Splash Mountain, Towne Square, Señor Buzz Churros, and Willie's Churros at Buena Vista Street (DCA). You can ALSO find more flavorful (and expensive) churros at California Churro. This churro stand can only be found at Downtown Disney though and I would highly recommend NOT doing the ice cream sandwich. It's just too messy.
- Frozen Bananas are not usually my thing. Or just bananas in general; However, the cart just outside The Haunted Mansion has delicious frozen bananas and I swear I never eat them outside of the park. You will only ever find me eating (and devouring) frozen bananas from Disneyland.
- New Orleans Cafe has Mickey beignets, which make for GREAT pictures if you're into #foodagram or #foodporn, but I personally prefer the ones at Downtown Disney (and so do many others, so I know it's not just me). The ones downtown can be found at The Jazz Kitchen- But don't go to the sit-down restaurant. Just order from the side door. It'll be much faster- Trust me. Shake the bag when you get it, to mix up all the powdered sugar. And you can thank me later.
- And since we're already talking about DTD ya'll need to try Salt 'N Straw. It's new to the Downtown Disney District, but it's a crowd favorite.
- Pizza Port has (obviously) good pizza. It's over by Space Mountain and I usually get pizza at night, wait in line for Space Mountain, and eat while I'm waiting. 'Cuz let's face it- Everyone's in line for Space Mountain at night. So hi- Kill two birds with one stone.
DCA-
- Pacific Wharf is known for their bread bowls, but be prepared to split it with someone. It's really heavy and will have you full in no time.
- Flo's Diner by Cars Land has an amazing breakfast tamale, from what I've been told, though I've never tried it. This is from a very reliable source though so go with it :)
- The plaza by the spinning swings, has buffet-help-yourself kinda style and it's pizza, pasta and mexican food. Really decent sized portions and delicious too.
- I have it on good authority that Carthay Circle Restaurant is amazing, but pricey.
- If you're just looking for your basic hamburger, hotdog, etc. then check out the joint by Soarin' California. It's called Smokejumpers Grill and is real industrial looking. You're also able to pick your own produce and it's amazing!
Tips & Tricks:
- If you're traveling to the park with littles, which- Duh. Walt made the park for children (insert eye roll here). You'll want to head to Fantasy Land fist. Not only does it get pretty crowded pretty quick, but Peter Pan's Flight always has the longest line, along with Dumbo, and you'll want your kids to be nice and happy for Fantasy Land. So head there first, get your good obligatory castle picture, and see some princesses. The best way to see 3 princesses at once, is to go to Royal Hall. It can be a long wait sometimes, but it's totally worth it because like I said- You get to see 3 princesses at a time!!!! (Insert shocked face here). You move from room to room and get some one-on-one time with each princess, and OF COURSE a picture with each one from a Cast Member. OH and it's under a shaded area while you wait. So.... added bonus.
- I always always have hanging hand sanitizer on the back of my stroller, so I don't have to spread ucky germs and touch everything else while trying to find it. I make my kids sanitize before eating/drinking and will often just squirt their hands throughout our day in the park(s).
- Carrying shout wipes and travel sized wipes is also a good idea, to help clean up spills and sticky messes. You can find these in the Target or Walmart travel section, as well as many other helpful things.
- Before we park our stroller, I grab my debit/credit card, phone, and some snacks for the wait of a ride. You never know how long it'll actually take you to wait (even though they have estimated wait times at the end of each line). BTW I wear a fanny pack into the parks (go ahead- judge me all you want). But it comes in handy! I swear it! My phone is usually right there so I can pull it out for those perfect photo opps, and my debit/credit card is easily accessible as well. And, like I said, when we park our stroller for rides, you can stuff some snacks in there for your littles. They need distractions :)
- Speaking of strollers, you may park your stroller in one place, to enjoy an attraction/ride with your group BUT JUST KNOW it may not be in that exact same place when you return. Hence why I bring my debit/credit card in my fanny pack while waiting. You may have to walk to a SLIGHTLY different location to get your stroller, and you may see a snack/drink cart that sounds yummy. Cast Members often move strollers to better control crowds and just better control traffic.
- And since we're on the topic of strollers (now that I'm thinking about this, I should've put this at the top of my list for things to do when you FIRST enter the park, but hey it's in here so that's all that matters right?!?!).... Um strollers! You'll want to purchase a balloon in the park when you first enter! I know that may sound silly, but trust me- It'll make your life easier. Try to get one that's not too popular and that you don't see around too much. Baymax is a pretty Unpopular one and good to use for this. It'll help make your stroller stand out, so you can help find it when it's park (and possibly moved), and when others are looking to meet up with you, it'll be easier for them to better locate you.
- Also, did you know the seashells on the ground, while waiting in line for The Little Mermaid (at DCA) are real?!?!
Commonly Asked Questions:
Q: Is it easier to park/walk or take public transportation to the parks? And what's your best estimated guess from parking in the Mickey & Friends parking structure, to actually entering the park?
A: On a light day, it can take about 10-15 minutes to walk from your car (in Mickey & Friends parking structure), to the escalators, down through security check, on the tram and to Downtown Disney. And yes, you heard me right- There is now security prior to entering the tram. Even to get into DTD so there's no way around it guys- Just be prepared to wait in lines. ***If you have kids and a stroller, add about an additional 10 minutes to the 10-15 above. You'll need to wait for the elevator and that line gets long.
On a moderate day, this process can easily take 20 minutes (without kids).
On a heavy day, sometimes it can take an hour to get through security check. YIKES!
And if the crowds at Mickey & Friends are heavy, you can just bypass the tram and walk to Downtown Disney. The walk can take up to 10 minutes though, depending on your speed, so just take that into consideration.
Q:How does the new Fast Pass system work and how many am I able to get in one day?
A: There's no limit, from what I've seen/heard but there are restrictions; Like only holding one Fast Pass at a time. You can get a new Fast Pass when it is the arrival time for your current Fast Pass. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS if your arrival time is later than two hours after you get your Fast Pass.
Q: Best underrated thing to do at the park?
A: Riding Storybook Land Canal Boats at night.
Q: Best tips for first timers?
A: Download the Disneyland App. It's completely free and you can use it for EVERYTHING! ie-making dining reservations, check wait time, upload pictures from Cast Members, etc.
Pixar Pier is the most recent update at DCA so definitely check it out!
Matterhorn is a fun bobsled type ride with a new, and improved queue. Gotta love technology!
And remember- There is SO much to do there. Or here. Whichever way you want to look at it :) You may not get everything done your first time, and that's okay. Disney gladly welcomes guests back, and you can always upgrade your ticket, prior to leaving, to an Annual Pass. So just relax, enjoy the moments, and let the Cast Members document the rest for you.
