How to Get the Most Out of Your Family Trip to Disneyland

A trip to Disneyland with the entire family can be a fantastic bonding opportunity for the parents and an adventure for the kids. However, given the size of the parks and the number of people there, it's essential to do some planning before leaving the house. 

True, it's not very adventurous (for the adults), but the kids won't know the difference. Plus, your budget may not be on the generous side, so why not ensure you already have everything you need?

Here are a few tips most parents recommend for a successful family trip to Disneyland:

Book Your Rides Ahead

This is the number one rule in the book, and you shouldn't ignore it if you want to avoid the craziness at the ticket office and make sure all the rides you wish to are available. Even Disney recommends this and offers a series of tickets and passes that can be booked months in advance.

Since you have several options, you can compare and find the best fit for your budget. For instance, you are eligible for discounted tickets if you are a California resident. Also, the longer you stay and play, your tickets will get lower in price (the best deal is for a five-day vacation). 

As an add-on, check out these great budgeting tips to help you remain financially stable after a trip to Disneyland with the entire family. 

To save money, look over how many points you have in your Vacation Club. You can also research buying DVC resale vs direct purchase. Buying through resale is going to be cheaper so take a look and do your due diligence.

Think About Accommodation

It's best to avoid going to Disneyland on a few days' trips without any solid accommodation plans. The hotels and resorts (both on-site and off-site) are usually busy, and you may have difficulty finding accommodation on the spot.

Also, if the kids are small and can't walk long distances, it's best to book one of the three Disney hotels - the Grand Californian, the Disneyland hotel (great for younger kids), and the Paradise Pier. 

Each of these three options is easy to reach by foot from the two parks, and you can even ask the park staff to ship your shopping to the hotel directly. This way, you don't have to carry everything around all day.

Think Ahead About Where You're Going to Eat

Besides park tickets and accommodation, you also have to think about what and where you will eat. Restaurants, terraces, and similar facilities tend to get very busy during peak season (and a bit before and after), so it'll be a miracle to find a free table without reservations. 

Luckily, there are lots of options here as well. Plus, you can check the best places to eat at Disneyland and choose the ones that fit the budget and your kids' palette. Of course, you shouldn't forget to treat yourselves to something nice. 

Look for Shortcuts

If you are traveling with young kids or are not used to walking long distances in a day, it's best to use all the shortcuts you can find. Disneyland may not be as big as Disney World, but it's still a lot of walking around, sitting in queues, and moving (especially if you got a Park Hopper ticket and want to cover both parks). 

For instance, you can use the Disney Genie app that lets you purchase Lighting Lane entry for the rides that usually have long lines (the app will tell you if you booked any such rides). This way, you'll save time and avoid the kids getting bored while waiting for the ride. 

Don't Forget to Have Fun!

Disneyland is a magical location for kids and parents, but it can also be tiring (especially when it's crowded). So, take things slow, stay hydrated, and enjoy the atmosphere!

Here are some other articles related to your search:

• Tips to Spending the Holidays at Disneyland

• 7 Fun Kid Friendly Vacation Spots in California

• The Viv Hotel is Elevating Anaheim from Disney Dreams to Adult Escapades