[Nathan]

My family and I are planning a trip to Disneyland. What tips or suggestions do you have for us? I have heard that:
(1) Staying in the Disney hotels creates a much better experience
(2) The kids really like Goofy's Kitchen
(3) Wait in line for Mickey's house. It's worth it.
(4) Go on a weekday when school is in session.

[lewis4498]

When we went to Disneyland we stayed at a nearby hotel & had the hotel shuttle take us so when the afternoon came around we could go back to the hotel for the kids to nap & than took the shuttle back for the evening shows. It saves on parking funds.

[Jesiwc21]

Nathan-
If it's any help...we always use the 3-day park hopper tickets. This just makes a world of difference for the kids. We really take our time in each area, and never feel rushed or harried. Also, knowing we have enough time to see everything, we usually go back to our hotel room somewhat early (no later than . Then, we order chocolate milk shakes from room service as a treat, and let the kids watch the fireworks from our hotel room (making sure we have a room with a view). I've heard families sing praises of staying at one of the Disney hotels, because of the convenience, but that does certainly make for a very expensive trip. We always pick an affordable hotel just outside the entrance and we never seem to have problems...there's always a shuttle to bring us back and forth, or we walk because we are so close. Having 2 girls, I know we spend 60% of our time in Fantasyland, where the princesses are! So, have an idea of what your children might like, and take it easy, spending a little more time in those areas.

[bluetree]

When my family went we also did 3 days at Disneyland and California Adventure, the girls were able to spend quality time in their favorite areas. We also reccommend the character meals. Goofy's Kitchen and Princess breakfasts were a great way for the girls to get to meet all the characters and have a nice sit down meal. You are going to pay a lot for food anywhere in Disneyland so it's worth a bit more to get better service, site down and meet the characters. Nathan's tip about going mid-week is great..we like to also avoid Summer and Christmas as those are the busiest times of year.

[Praying2Adopt]

We are seasoned at this as we live in Southern California! Disneyland is best in off peak times....holidays, summer etc. is the worst. Going on a weekday is fine as long as it is not summer. Summer is very busy!
The best places to stay our the Disneyland Hotel and the other hotels very close to the park as they offer a shuttle
Here are some good links to read:
http://homepages.which.net/~ian/vitalinfo.html

http://www.intercotwest.com/resortGuide/fastpassGuestArticle.asp

Have fun!
Nicole
Official Disney-Aholic

[momof3]

Since having children, everytime we have gone to Disneyland we have gone with another family that has children similar ages to our kids. It works out really well so that the parents can go on rides together that their children are too small for while the other couple takes a turn with the kids. The kids also have a great time sharing a fun Disneyland experience with their friends.