We're sharing our Do's & Don'ts at Disney (and pics from our trip last month), so that you can conquer the Magic Kingdom like a pro!
DO get the Disneyland app - and get familiar with it well before your visit. Gone are the days of grabbing a map at the gate (although they still have them) and watching your mom turn it five times before screaming over the crowd, “I THINK THE DUMBO RIDE IS THIS WAY!” It’s 2019, folks. There’s an app for that. Get it. And get familiar with it - the layout of the park, where the bathrooms are, ride height restrictions, times of shows, parades, etc. You do NOT want to be a deer in the headlights at Disney. I promise. And if you’ve got a kid that isn’t going to make the height cut on a particular ride, you can prep them beforehand so there are no surprises at the park.
DO have a plan - Again, it’s 2019 and the info is at your fingertips. Plan ahead of time what you want to ride, what you want to see, and what pictures you want to take. The days at Disney fly by, lines get long, characters go on lunch break, and rides can temporarily shut down and even close for the day for various reasons. If something is important to you (or your kid) get it done first so you aren’t disappointed if you somehow miss it.
DO take a double stroller and/or push wagon - We went back and forth on this one, and we ultimately decided to take our three umbrella strollers (for our three toddlers). We were wrong!! Three strollers meant three sets of hands. And even though we had more adults than children, we found that many times the kids wanted to walk and sometimes A (the 2 y/o) wanted to be carried. So we ran out of hands pretty quickly. Plus, trying to get food was sometimes a nightmare with the three strollers. If you're taking multiple children, do yourself a favor and take a push wagon (they don't allow the pull kind). Keenz Wagons were all over that park, and rightly so. It holds your kids AND all the cra... I mean, treasures you'll find yourself buying at Disneyland. [Please NOTE, since publishing this post, Disneyland has changed its rules on push wagons. Please check the Disneyland website for the updated stroller/wagon rules and regulations.]
DO pay for photos up front - Ok, so for those of you who haven't been to Disneyland ever or in a while, they have professional photographers peppered throughout the park and assigned to the characters and certain backdrops. These photographers are great - especially if getting a full family photo is important to you. It can be a total pain to stop some random stranger and ask them to take your family pic. Just don't do it. Instead, use the professionals. But here's the catch. If you have the app, the photographer will scan your phone after every photo session (with a character, in front of the castle, etc) and those photos will immediately upload to the app (with giant watermarks). If you wait to purchase these photos after your visit, each photo download is going to cost you $15 a pop! However, if you purchase the MaxPass for the day (you may already be doing so for the FastPass - that's a whole other post), then you'll pay $15 for the day and get all the photos included! You guys, that's nuts. We had over 100 photos taken by the Disney photogs (and don't forget those epic on-ride photos) over the course of our three days at the park. If you intend to buy even one, then it's worth the MaxPass. Pay the $15 up front. You'll be kicking yourself later if you don't.
DO take snacks (lots of snacks) and reusable water bottles - There was a time... I think in the 90's where you could NOT bring outside food into the park (or perhaps it was strongly discouraged). Regardless, I remember those days, because I specifically remember my dad saying something like, "there goes your college fund" after buying a "magical" hotdog. Sorry for the shade, dad. Well anyway, those days are gone. Now, I'm not suggesting you go buy a yeti and fill it with three full course meals (there are restrictions), but I do suggest loading your bags/stroller/wagon with as many snacks and water as you can fit. This is not a "chill" day. Kids are going to be exerting a ton of energy. Protein bars, trail mix, gummy snacks - whatever it takes to minimize hunger meltdowns (especially while waiting in line for those tuition-depleting hotdogs), which we bought way too many of... did I mention you were totally right, dad?
DO use the "Single Rider," "Buddy Pass" and "Rider Switch" passes for much needed adult thrills - Ok, let's break it down. Many of the attractions (mostly the rollercoasters) have a "Single Rider" pass. It's not super obvious. You'll need to go to the entrance of the ride, and ask the cast member if there is a single rider pass. If so, the cast member will hand you the pass and tell you where to go. This is going to take you straight to the front of the line, and you will fill a remaining seat that isn't occupied. This is a great option for a spouse who is dying to ride Space Mountain or Indiana Jones, but you've got littles who can't. If you're set on riding with someone, this is NOT the way to go. You are most always split up. But, if you don't mind sitting next to a complete stranger while screaming your head off (me, on the Incredi-Coaster), then this is your chance! Take a churro break with the kiddos and let the other adult go for a quick ride. Usually, the "single rider" is in and out within 10 minutes. Sometimes less. Our record was 2 minutes (and the line was an 80 minute wait). It's awesome. The "Buddy Pass" is a similar - it's for small groups 2-3 that can fit in one row. Again, ask a cast member for a buddy pass and you'll be sent to a special line where you will fill a row that isn't being utilized. Finally, the "Rider Switch" is for parties that have kids that don't meet the boarding requirements or simply don't want to ride the attraction. With Rider Switch, one adult can wait with the non-rider, while the rest of the party enjoys the ride. Then, the riders switch to allow the person sitting out to experience the attraction without waiting in line. Please note, these passes are only available at specific attractions, and you are not guaranteed to beat the line.
DON’T miss out on the free buttons - They're available at the gate or in the stores throughout the park for 1st time visitors (like the one A's wearing below), Birthday, Anniversary celebrations, etc. They're FREE! Get one. The buttons set you apart and can even get you special treatment (i.e. pulled up on stage, stickers, birthday song performances, etc.)
DON’T be afraid to ask cast members (that’s the fancy name given to the workers at Disneyland) questions - You’d be surprised how much information you can get out of them (i.e., best time to ride a particular ride, info on character sightings, where to buy... whatever, best viewing spots for the parades or shows). They’re a resource. Use them.
DON’T fight your kid when they ask for the $15 light up balloon - Buy it. you’ll find your stroller a whole lot easier (especially when the sun goes down). And if you’re not going to buy a balloon, take something to distinguish your stroller from the others (battery operated string lights, glow sticks, anything)!
DON’T miss the parades (and shows) - The app will tell you what time and where various shows and parades are scheduled to take place across the park. Don’t skip them! Especially if you have littles. Not only are they perfectly executed and entertaining, they’re also a great opportunity to have a little rest time (for kids and parents). Eat a snack, drink some water, and gear up for the next thing! Have we mentioned how non-stop a Disney day is?? You've got to take the breaks when you can get them!
DON’T forget the candid photos - Look, it’s Disneyland. I get it. We all want that perfect shot. But if you’re asking your kid to pose and smile at every turn, they’re going to inevitably lose it (see below). And there’s nothing worse than a meltdown at the happiest place on earth. (Side note: if it does happen, don’t worry you’re in good company - meltdowns happen all over that place)! So decide what’s important to you, and get those shots done right away. Then spend the rest of the time taking candid photos and enjoying the moment. I promise, those candid ones are always the best in the end ...(see below)!
