A Disneyland Adventure: Tips for a Happy Trip

No Family Friendly California trip would be complete without a visit to the Disneyland resort! Depending upon the amount of time you have available for your trip, tickets are available for one park or both parks (called the Park Hopper) and for a variety of durations. The longer you stay, the better deal you get on tickets. Check the website for current ticket rates and specials (while we were there in March 2008 they were offering 5 days for the price of 3).

Disneyland is about as kid friendly as can be! There is truly something for everyone. From youngest to oldest all of the children were thrilled with every aspect of this magical place....and so were my husband and I (though spending $30 for Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream sandwiches caused a bit of trauma).

Want to make the most of your trip to Disneyland?

If you have only one day to spend at a park, a Disneyland-only ticket is probably your best bet. We found California Adventures to be geared more toward the older children and adults, though there are definitely areas appropriate for younger children as well. Add California Adventures to your schedule if you have the time to spend multiple days at the resort.

USE THE FASTPASS! The biggest drawback to either park is the length of the lines. They will be your biggest challenge, especially on a one day visit. Leave it to Disneyland to come up with a solution to that problem, and that solution is called FastPass! The FastPass essentially holds your place in line so you can see other areas of the park instead of standing in line. In the Disneyland park the FastPass is only available on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, Autopia, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, and Space Mountain. In California Adventures, use FastPass for California Screamin', Grizzly River Run, Mulholland Madness, Soarin Over California and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. FastPass is not available at all times; it is based upon how busy the ride is.