How to Take Your Kids to Disneyland and Actually Have Fun

We've all been there, the idea that Disneyland would be the ultimate family vacation. Perhaps we're driven by the grandiose idea that our children may one day need material to write about for that Mother of the Year nomination. Maybe it's a need to relive our own happy childhood memories, (or heal up on them )

Is it not called "The Happiest Place On Earth"? If you're not careful, a trip to Disneyland can end up more like National Lampoon's "Vacation" on a trip to Wally World, with a gun in your hand forcing everyone to "HAVE FUN, DAMMIT!"

I've not only been there myself, but have witnessed first hand exhausted, exasperated parents standing in that long, slow-moving line to "It's a small world", dragging along a screaming toddler in the middle of a meltdown. Add 100 degree heat, and they'll soon wonder why they even bothered, then spend the rest of the day trying to get that annoying tune out of their head...

Having been to Disneyland a few times with my five children, I have come to learn some helpful tips that may save you a migraine or two so you, as a parent, can plan a trip there and actually enjoy yourself.

1) First of all, WAIT until your youngest is at least 7 years of age--No kidding.
C'mon, face it, they honestly won't remember, much less appreciate the experience until then. Most likely, if they're any younger, you'll spend most of your time riding "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh", or "Storybook Land" which is not cute after the first couple of times. My 7 year old was also tall enough, and mature enough to handle the rides that the other kids (me, included) wanted to go on. Traveling there by car was also less stressful when I didn't have to endure miles of someone kicking the back of my seat, or the smell of a poopy diaper.