I don’t know who’s more excited, me or them!?!? My boys will get their first trip to Disneyland this week and I can’t hardly wait. I’ve done a lot of thinking, talking and (crash) planning to try and plan, prepare and execute a successful trip…and now the bags are getting packed and I think we’re just about ready to go!
As this trip approaches, I really want to attempt to be laid back and flexible in this very first Disneyland family outing. Growing up in California, Disneyland was one of the trips I always looked forward to and just thinking about going back there – the last time I went was in the 90’s, and now taking my offspring, is super exciting!! We live about a 6 hour drive north on I-5, but we’re going to fly (2 toddlers + 6 hours in a car = no bueno), and first stop will be visiting with friends in SoCal, before eventually landing in Anaheim.
I’ve gotten some great tips from friends and family on simple ways to save money and/or the don’t miss opportunities for our visit! First off, my cousin told me to make reservations for a character breakfast. I’m so glad she reminded me of this, because it’ll be great to get my boys the one on one meet and greet with a few characters, that way we won’t have to hunt them down in the park!
Along those same lines, she suggested I purchase and personalize an autograph book, so the boys can get those coveted signatures form all the Disney characters they encounter. I found this fun, hardcover Mickey and Friends journals at Dollar Tree, and I personalized them with stickers too.
Also on my trip to the dollar store and dollar aisle in Target, I found all kinds of light sticks, bracelets and perfect glow in the dark “souvenirs,” that will conveniently pop up when the sun goes down and we wait for the electrical parade! I’m SURE this is going to save me more than a few dollars.
I also found some Mickey-themed tissue and Star Wars bracelets, plus I dug up Minnie and Mickey ears we took home from a Mickey Mouse party a while back! I purchased them Mickey Mouse shirts to wear for our outing (I got one each for me and their Daddy too), and I borrowed a City Mini double stroller because I’m sure at some point their little limbs will be tired.
All in all, I think we are good to. Other helpful tips I’ve been given include checking out the Anaheim Target store because they have an entire “Disney” section, as well as keeping lots of sanitizer, baby wipes and bringing in our own snacks and water bottles. I’ll be sure to write a follow up on this post with any other Disneyland tips, tricks and advice of what worked (or didn’t), for us!