Visiting Disney with your kids can be fun or stressful, but either way memorable.😉 We have been to Disneyland numerous times as a family and we get the plan figured out a little better each time. You want to get the most out of your trip considering how long you may have to save in order to go. Do your research and plan your trip, taking into consideration how long you’ll be there and what your family wants to do and see. This is a basic list of tips to start with.
- Travel in off season (no summer, spring break or holidays) This is your best bet to avoid LONG wait times in lines.
- Wait until kids are old enough to actually remember the trip and enjoy characters and rides.
- Don’t try to fit more than one park in a day. It is just too much.
- If you are only there for a day make sure to prioritize things you want to ride or see. (We usually only go for a day so it takes some planning in advance.)
- Get a map of park and decide on a couple things each that each of you want to do. Then plan your route to get to those within first couple hours of opening. After you make it to priorities then you can slow down and go to other rides.
- Use single rider lines. You may not be sitting with family members but you will all get to ride a lot more.
- Use fast passes in order to save standing in lines for more popular rides.
- Fanny packs are unfortunately your friend on this trip. You can put phones, money, etc. in these and it is easier than a backpack when on rides. One of us always brings a small backpack for other items though.
- Bring a few small snacks. You save money and time. Water is expensive in park. This is where the backpack comes in.
- Staying in park can be convenient if you get a good deal. Most local hotels in the area that generally cost a lot less have shuttles to park though and might be a better option.
- Make sure phones are charged.
- Set up meeting place in case anyone gets seperated.
- Show kids who staff are in case they get seperated and have phone # written on their hand or a card in their pocket that they can give staff in case they need help locating you.
- Take a picture of your kid before you head in park so that you know exactly what they are wearing and you have a photo to share if you need help locating your child.
- Be prepared for all of the souvenir shops which are strategically located at the end of many rides.
- Know if you plan to watch any shows that people start saving spots a couple hours ahead of time. If you show up at scheduled time you likely won’t be close enough to see anything.
- Have fun but have a basic plan so you don’t miss out on the things you really want to do.
If your able to stay a few days then you obviously have the option to just wing it a bit. If you’re on limited time, make a plan in order to see and do as much as possible. Have a great trip!