REASONS TO VISIT DISNEYLAND AT CHRISTMAS

1 THIS PARADE IS AMAZING

 
 


2  THE JINGLE CRUISE GETS EVEN MORE WILD

3  IT'S A SMALL WORLD AT NIGHT

4  IT'S A SMALL WORLD ANYTIME OF DAY

5  EVEN ROZ IS FEELING FESTIVE

6  PEPPERMINT CUPCAKES...AND OTHER AMAZING TREATS

7  THEY DECK THEIR HALLS LIKE NO ONE ELSE

What would i eat if i were ...

ON MAINSTREET USA

     -in the morning…a churro or cinnamon roll from one of 
      the carts surrounding the partners statue
     
     -afternoon or evening?… the Jolly Holliday Cafe…grilled cheese 
      and any one of the delicious desserts…and if you time it right… 
      you can sit at the Jolly Holliday seating and see the parade from there


IN TOMORROWLAND 

     -NOT PIZZA PORT…i realize it's the easiest to see and 
       it looks relaxing up in there, but it is NOT good pizza
    
     -watermelon or pineapple from the cart across from captain EO..so yum
     
     -Tomorrowland Terrace…decent breakfast burrito or french toast…just no 
       scrambled     eggs..anywhere in Disneyland.. and for lunch or dinner there,
       I would probably get the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger 'cause sometimes I can 
       be a carnivore, but ask for the fruit instead of the fries…who really eats the 
       fries anywhere anyway? unless you live in utah and go to taco amigo…the
       chicken sandwich there is..well…meh..


IN TOONTOWN
     
      -avoid eating here, unless you are just feeding a small child…grownups 
      will NOT be happy with paying a crazy price for a mediocre hot dog, which 
      is the only option, besides just that yummy fruit


IN FANTASY LAND

   - a little hungry? churro it up, yo! the cart is by the matterhorn..
   
   - actually hungry? Village Haus Restaurant has a BLT flatbread Pizza that 
     is yum and decently priced at 8.79 and if it's just the two of you, grab the 
     apple & cheddar salad and split them both…that's one of the things i learned 
     from going to Disney a ton…split the meal…then you'll feel less bad about the 
     treat you're going to buy in an hour

    -SUPER DUPER HUNGRY? if you just keep walking past Village House toward 
    the back   side of big thunder mountain and you will find Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue    
    All you can eat barbecue chicken and ribs and corn on the cob 
    and cornbread and coleslaw and beans…the price is set so you can't split the 
    meal or whatever and lunch is cheaper than dinner, so i'd recommend making this 
    the only place you plan on eating that day and having a late lunch there to maximize
    your dollar to stomach fullness ratio..and if anyone eats the desserts there, please 
    report back to me as i have never had them


IN FRONTIER LAND

     -Rancho De Zucalo if possible…totally split-able taco salad…my husband loves 
      the cheese enchiladas…my daughter loves the fruit plate..win win win…also  the 
      atmosphere is so calm, it's a nice crowd/heat break

    -less hungry? don't like mex? a corn dog from the stage door cafe..pretty darn
     delicious..once again fries, though…who eats the fries? ok..if you are going to eat 
     the fries, at least make fry sauce…the ratio is two ketchup packets to one 
     mayonnaise packet, stir well with your strongest fry and enjoy..you're welcome


IN NEW ORLEANS SQUARE

    -if you go to Disneyland and do not try the Monte Cristo Sandwhich at the
    Cafe Orleans…you are not really at Disneyland…so the best thing to do is 
    order the Monte Cristo, either one is super yummy and an order of the 
    pomme frites and the salade de maison and share it all..you can also get 
    the mickey beignets here..

     -just want a snack? around the back by the train you can just get the mickey
      beignets(get the seasonal ones if you're there in the Halloween time or 
      Christmas celebrations) and a Mint Julep if it's hot and a Hot Chocolate if it's cold


IN CRITTER COUNTRY

    -At the Hungry Bear Restaurant they have SWEET onion rings (they might 
    substitute for the fries)…make the fry sauce again..just do it ..and a fried green 
    tomato sandwich or the crispy chicken

    -inside that winnie the pooh store is one of the nicest places to get a treat…like i said…
     my new habit is to buy one thing, split it, and get another treat or snack later instead of
     getting us all each a snack at the same time..try it, it works..


IN ADVENTURE LAND

   -snacktime?  need protein?  bengal barbecue

   -people LOVE the dole whip,  if you need one, get one;)

   -dinnertime? go back to Rancho De Zucalo or Cafe Orleans

ULTIMATE DISNEYLAND PACKING LIST

Mickey or Minnie ears;)

Tickets

Your ID

Your Insurance Card

(which we've needed more than once)

Cash & Debit & Credit Cards

Reservation Information

Princess or Pirate Dressups

2 Pairs of Comfy Worn In Shoes

(do NOT let your child wear flip flops...it's the worst)

Backpack, Fanny Pack or Stroller Bag

Camera & Charger & Extra Memory Cards

Cell Phone & Charger

Ipad, Ipod, or Laptop for Traveling

Light Zip Up Jacket

Heavy Jacket If It's December to March

Sunglasses

Hat

Water Bottles

Small Packable Snacks

(crackers, granola bars, fruit leather, string cheese)

Moleskin

Chapstick

Sunscreen

Childrens Tylenol & Motrin

Dayquil, Niquil, Upset Stomach Medicine & a Sleep Aid

Earplugs

Bathing Suit & Towel

Beach Blanket if You're Planning on Going to the Beach

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Brush, Comb & Rubber Bands

Your Own Blow Dryer

Shampoo & Conditioner

Body Wash & Face Wash

Baby Wipes

Deodorant

Razor & Shave Gel

Makeup

Hair Gel & Hair Spray

Small Bottle of Hand Sanitizer

Clothes Packed as Outfits & Plan 1 or 2 Extra Just In Case

Socks

IF THERE'S A BABY OR TODDLER ALONG

Binkies

Diapers & Wipes

(always bring more than you think you'll need into the park)

Stroller & Carrier

A Lightweight Nursing Cover

(if you like using one)

Little Snacks

Extra Water

Single Serving Formula

Bubbles for Toddlers

Stroller Blanket

Baby Sunscreen

Sun Hat

More Outfits Than Normal

Your Patience & Go With the Flow-ness

(my husband has been peed on by a sleeping toddler twice at D.Land)

What's your favorite Disneyland Treat?

k..this was even hard for me to pin down..because i have like 5 favorites 

depending on what mood i'm in..but...i think..as of this moment..i would choose...

drumroll

THE CHOCOLATY CHOCOLATE LAYERY CAKE THAT YOU 

FIND INSIDE RANCHO DE ZUCCALO

ta da!

Racers Start Your Engines!

THIS is knowledge you need to have before going to Disney California Adventure...
Radiator Springs Racers has such a perfect blend of  Disney magic, character fun, and butterfly tummy ride excitement,
so it's crazy popular ride(for good reason) and people are willing to wait for it.

TIP: remember to check height restriction to make sure your little one will be able to get on 

before you wait in any long lines for it.

So..to get on this ride(twice if you want) follow these instructions.

Try and do your Cars Land on a weekday if possible...the closer to the 

middle of the week, the less people there will be headed for the ride. 

Be in line at the park at least 30 minutes in advance.

They will open the park about that early and let people in the park.

They start the fastpass line for R.S.R. when they let people in the park.

If you want to get in this line, it's on the left & there will be cast members directing you there.

You'll need ALL your party's passes to get fast passes for all of them, so they ALL need to be in the park by park opening
time so they can give you their passes. While you're waiting for the fast pass, the rest of your party can wait with the crowD
(who are almost all waiting to go to Cars Land like you;)

After you get your fast passes, you may be able to join the rest of your party in line for cars...or they might get on without you.
(but you'll have the fastpasses for later)

 Or if you want to skip the fast pass line and just get on the ride with everyone first thing, then early arrival is the key.

Later the line is about 2 hours long or longer...that's a long time to hope your kiddies don't need to use the bathroom.

Going on this ride early like this saves time later, but you will feel like cattle as you get corralled into the line in a huge crowd.
That being said....we LOVE the ride and never skip it for anything;)

Dead men tell no tales....

Seriously, though....I LOVE the Pirates of the Caribbean ride..

it never gets old...never...and my girls

love it, too, now that they're a little older.

The line for pirates is usually pretty good and it moves 

quickly even when it's backed up.

The only time I've been disappointed on this ride 

is when some teenage girls talk and giggle the whole ride

or some skallywag tries to take photos with their flash on;)

(don't even try...they won't come out good anyway)

 So to combat this lack of "magical ride etiquette" 

I have taken some pics, with my quiet, dark discreet camera for you to enjoy...enjoy!

Make the most of your day at Disneyland

This is pic was taken at the time of park opening one morning...don't want to get stuck in lines all day?
Here's a schedule you can save to your phone...

I wrote it out for a friend of mine who was headed to Disneyland.
It's how our family normally

makes the most of our time there.

Waiting in Line

When I talk to some Disneyland skeptics, they often say they can't stand tourist traps, crowds and lines...I completely agree:) So most of my Dland strategies are to avoid
all that as much as possible. The best feeling at Disneyland is when you feel like you have it all to yourself. In the morning is when this is usually possible.
But at some point, you will see lines...usually around 1 oclock is when they get unacceptably long. If you don't want to go insane being stuck in a line, here is the basic

plan to avoid the torture

1. if it says it's over 30 minutes...skip it (exceptions include star tours & radiator springs racers)

2. When lines get long, head to a show like Mickey & the Magical Map or Aladdin

We also like to go to see the goats by Big Thunder Ranch and there's usually some entertainment there

3. Attractions that almost never have a long wait (so save them for times when it's busy)

The Enchanted Tiki Room

Captain EO

Small World

Pirate Island

Winnie The Pooh

The Little Mermaid

The Muppets 3D

4. Somehow find yourself stuck in a line anyway? (this usually happens at Toy Story Mania, because it always says 25 minutes, but always turns into an hour)

cheer up...if you have little ones, this is a good time to do snacks, bubbles, and point out all the magic around them. We do a lot of  "I spy" or ask them what their favorite parts so far have been. 

5. Packed Park? Just grab a treat, sit on Mainstreet or by the Rivers of America and relax. I hate crowds , but i love people and people watching is also part of the magic;)

kid tip #1

The first time we went to DLand, I learned a lesson...

my kids saw the merchandise and wanted it all! 

To cure this disease, I started at home. I packed up every Disney toy or dress up

or movie that we own and took it with us. They play with it in the hotel

or take it with them into the park and it reminds them that they

already have so much and they ask for hardly anything.

And I like buying souvenirs that are useful. One of my favorites was

a princess Tiana cookbook for my 7 year old. That way it doesn't just 

become clutter when you get it home.

My top 3 Tried and True places to eat at Dland

1.  Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante

It's quiet and out of the way right by big thunder mountain.

AND If you have little one's, there's a bathroom right near by.

Everyone i take there has loved it.

The food is yummy and portions are big enough to share,

but we mostly go there for the ambiance.

2.  Pacific Wharf Cafe

This one's in Cal Adventure and my family has made a meal of  a loaf of

their sourdough bread. My husband braves the long line

every time we go, just to have the clam chowder. It's worth it!

3.  Cafe Orleans

Monte Cristo

RIDICULOUS GOOD

enough said

Balloon Warranty!

Let's say that the balloon that you just spent $9 on pops.....take the balloon

back to theballooneer and he'll hook you up with a replacement...even if you 

got the balloonon another day at the park...so cool of them!

Coffee, anyone?

If you buy coffee in the morning at the bakery on main street, they will give you free refills all day...true story;)

Need to see a princess?

We always do...so you'll have a few choices of how to meet one:

1 Reserve a meal at Ariels Grotto

Where you are guaranteed to meet ariel, and at least 3 other princesses.

pros: guaranteed, no wait, cute dancing lesson for the little princesses

cons: price, my husband hates the menu, you are a little rushed through the meeting ariel part

2 Princess Fantasy Faire now located next to the castle on the left hand side. They now post which princesses are inside, so you don't have to hope for your child's favorite to be inside. Long lines are usually the problem here. I usually just use it as snack/rest time and I wait in line while my husband takes turns taking the girls on rides. 

3 In front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Sometimes random, sometimes scheduled, one or more princess will stand out in front of the castle, on the little paths on either side. Usually next to Snow White's wishing well. If you spot the princess your kids want to see, then hop in line and you'll be glad  you did!

4 This pic of Merida was snapped just outside of It's A Small World

Unlocking the MAGIC in your Magic Morning

Bonus ticket with magic morning!! say what?!

At Disneyland, this means that one of the days on your ticket, you'll be able to get into the park

an hour earlier than the other guests. How can you make the most of this? I'll will tell you...First check the daily schedule to see which days magic mornings will be available. My number one favorite day to MagicMorning is Sunday. Normally Saturday's & Sunday's are pretty busy, so it helps to get a jump on things. The entire park is not available for this. Usually just Tomorrow Land and Fantasy Land. SO...we always save Peter Pan & Dumbo for MagicMorning, then run over quick to do Star Tours, Space Mountain and Nemo. And if we still have more magic morning to burn, we do the rest of Fantasy Land. This puts you WAY ahead of the crowd and leaves you free to get a ton of rides in. Sometimes we even do our MagicMorning and run over to California Adventure in time for it to open and beat the crowds over there.....like MAGIC!

And Secondly...get that FASTPASS

While you're at those rides which are sure to be EXTREMELY BUSY later in the 

day...why don't you just grab a fast pass for that ride to use later in the day. Now you can 

be sure you'll get to  ride your favorite rides at least TWICE!

First AND MOST IMPORTANT!!!

BE THERE WHEN THE PARK OPENS!

You will save HOURS of waiting in lines later in the day. Get in the park and check off three
of your favorite popular rides first. The rides that get busy later include:

Star Tours
Space Mountain

Finding Nemo

Peter Pan

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Indiana Jones

Splash Mountain

Radiator Springs Racers

Soaring over California 

California Screamin'

Toy Story Mania