For Sammamish-area Families, Disneyland Makes for Great Vacation - California Here we Come!

A Bellevue mom, a friend of mine, is planning a wonderful surprise for her two children over spring break. Her kids think they are flying to visit Walla Walla over spring break, when in fact they are going to Disneyland and California Adventure. 

For many Sammamish families, a trip to Disneyland and California Adventure is the highlight of spring break or summer vacation. My family enjoyed our trip there last summer. We splurged to stay on site at the Disneyland Resort and stayed on a budget for meals and souvenirs. Whether you are going for the "big splurge" with a stay on site at one of the three Disney resorts or need to stay on a budget, here are some tips that may help make your visit more affordable, enjoyable and memorable.

Locate the Baby Centers In Both Parks on the Park Maps

The baby centers offer clean changing areas, quiet, private areas to nurse and baby supplies, including diapers, at reasonable prices. Parents of older kids should also locate the baby centers as well at the beginning of a park visit, as these serve as the "lost child" area and there are First Aid supplies at both locations.

Bring Your Own Water Bottles and Healthy Snacks

You may bring plastic water bottles and snacks into the park. Your bags will be searched upon entry. Avoid bringing in anything that is glass. We packed in a backpack everyday on our park visits with healthy snacks and a water bottle for each of our of us. We refilled the bottles throughout the day at the park's many water fountains, saving tons of money on beverages. 

Mickey's Toontown and Fantasyland Are the Hot Spots for Tots

Hang out in these two parts of Disneyland and you are bound to run into a princess or Mickey. And there are many rides perfect for little kids here including the iconic Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride. Take note that some of the Fantasyland rides, including Snow White's Scary Adventure and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, may be too fast or scary for some toddlers, so check them out first.

Stay on Site at One of the Three Disneyland Resort Hotels If You Can Afford It

If you are traveling with kids younger than 12, or grandparents, being able to walk the short hike back to the hotels in the middle of the day for a nap or a swim will be worth the expense. Of the three hotels, Paradise Pier is usually the least expensive and the Grand California the most expensive. You can compare rates online at the Disneyland Resort site.

If you are planning to stay on site, note that the Disneyland resort hotel is remodeling its famous Peter Pan themed swimming pool so you may be navigating around equipment and subject to more noise depending on which tower you are in, as was the case when we stayed there last summer. The remodel is scheduled to be complete by the summer of 2012.

Or Save Money By Staying Off Site

If you have teens or tweens who can handle the long walk back to the hotel (or take the shuttle), staying across the street from the parks at one of the many "good neighbor hotels" may save you a ton of money. The Mouse Planet site offers a list of these nearby hotels and resorts, along with tips about how to make the most of your stay. ThemePark Insider offers visitor reviews. You can also compare rates on Expedia and Kayak based on the dates you wish to visit the parks.

Save More Money By Stopping At the Anaheim Walmart On the Way

On the way to check in, stop at the Anaheim Walmart at 440 North Euclid, less than 3 miles from the parks. Here you will find lots of healthy snack options, bottles of water and Disney-brand souvenirs for a fraction of what you'll pay inside the park.

Splurge on a Character Meal and Autograph Books

Yes, those character meals are pricey, but your child will get to spend time extra time with the characters. For little girls, a meal at Ariel's Grotto in California Adventure is a must as many of her favorite Disney princesses will stop by during the meal. The character meals are very popular and get booked up so make a reservation before you go by calling Disney Dining at 714-781-3463.

Buy an autograph book at the beginning of your visit. Asking for an autograph makes it easier for shy kids to approach the characters and the books make treasured souvenirs. 

Pack Sunblock, Hats and an Extra Outfit and Shoes for Your "Princess"

Little girls love to wear their princess costumes and "fancy shoes" into the park but by the afternoon they want out of those outfits so pack an extra set of clothes and comfortable walking shoes.

Make Healthy Food Choices and Take Frequent Breaks Out of the Sun and Heat

It is really easy for a child to have a meltdown toward the end of the day at the park if he or she is tired or has been consuming sugar and fried foods all day.  You can find healthy snack and meal options throughout both parks including grilled chicken on a stick at the Bengal Barbeque near Tarzan's Treehouse in Disneyland, "fresh fruit stands" in California Adventure and a reasonably-priced grilled chicken sandwich with fruit at the White Water café at the Grand Californian. 

Avoid keeping a "punch list" of rides and attractions that "must be done."  Instead let the day unfold and when you or your child gets tired, take a break. Use the park's train, monorail and horse drawn carriages to get around the park.  Rent a jogging stroller at the beginning of the day if you didn't bring one so your toddler can take frequent naps. When you feel overheated, look for an attraction that is indoors and offers air conditioning such as the Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln at the Hall of Presidents exhibit off Main Street in Disneyland or the Muppets Show in 3D or the fabulous Aladdin Musical show at California Adventure.  

Get Tickets for World of Color or Pick A Spot Early for Fantasmic!

The World Of Color show opened last summer in California Adventure. You'll need tickets for the popular evening show by heading to Grizzly Bear Run in California Adventure when the park first opens and getting tickets from the special FASTRACK ticket machines just for the show. Bring all your family's park passes as you'll need one for each ticket. The park also offers a pre-order "picnic and a ticket" deal you can purchase online for a box meal and a reserved spot for the show. 

"Fantasmic!" is one of Disneyland’s most popular shows. It features a giant fire breathing dragon and takes place evenings at the Rivers of America. Great spots for viewing are available in New Orleans Square near the Haunted Mansion.  Note if there are multiple shows a night you don't need to camp out for hours for a spot, just pick a spot during the fireworks show and stay put as the less popular second show begins.

Watch the Fireworks in PJs from a Disney Resort or Stake Out a Great Spot in the Park

If you are staying at one of the park's three resorts, ask when you check in where a great spot is at the resort to watch the fireworks with your child already in PJs.  If you want to watch the fireworks inside the park, I recommend staking out a spot at the back of "Main Street station" about 30 minutes before the show starts. Stand with your back to the park entrance, facing the castle. While a portion of the viewing area is reserved for VIPs every night, there are always open spaces to stand. You'll have a great view of the fireworks and Tinkerbell's magic flight and you'll be able to make a quick getaway, ahead of the crowds, back to your hotel when the show ends.