1. Bring the kid's food! I bring the Smuckers frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, crackers, juice boxes, cheese sticks, etc. Disney won't let you bring a cooler in, but I've never had any food taken away from us--we just don't take anything that has to be kept cold. We still get our meals, but my kids don't care (yet) if they are eating something different. Another food tip is to bring food for a quick breakfast in your hotel room. Most of the hotels have mini fridges. When we arrive in Anaheim we go to the store (usually Target) and buy some milk. I bring cereal and plastic bowls and spoons or buy them too. Sometimes I bring protein bars for Kevin and I or I have bought muffins or some other quick breakfast food. Either way, it's much cheaper than going out to breakfast so I can save our food money for another meal.
2. Don't stand in lines longer than 20 minutes!!! A positive thing about going to Disneyland so many times is that we don't feel like we have to rush around and see everything. We get fast passes to our favorite rides then go on another ride in the mean time. If you have little ones that can't go on an adult ride, you can get to the front of the line and take turns riding without losing your spot.
3. Bring the previous trip's toys back to the park with you. My kids want a toy just because it is there. When Austin went through a pirate phase, we brought his pirate hat, sword, gun and whatever else he would need to feel like a true pirate without making us buy everything again. This is also true for the night parade or fireworks. The park sells all kinds of toys that light up in the dark. I bring them from home and whip them out when the sun goes down and ta da!-- instant entertainment without spending more money. (hint--many of the disney toys can be found at walmart or target for a third of the price--just buy them before you go and you will save lots of money and the kids won't know the difference--I suppose this would only work on very small kids!)
4. Bring a jacket for everyone--no matter how warm it is in the day, when the sun goes down and you are standing around in the night air, if you don't have a jacket, I guarantee you will be spending lots of money on a new one.
5. Bring the biggest stroller you have. If your kids are small enough to need a stroller then I recommend bringing the one with the most cargo space to shove all of the junk that you need and all of the stuff you will buy--so nobody has to carry their stuff around all day. Note--I'm sure it happens, but we've never had anything stolen from our stroller, though I still take my camera and real valuables with us on the rides.
6. The best times to go---OFF SEASON!! Avoid any time that Utah or California schools are out--when Utah has UEA, Spring break, Christmas break, etc--guaranteed it will be busy. Our favorite time is the week AFTER Thanksgiving. The closer you get to Christmas, the busier it is. January is a great time, not crowded and not hot (plus the park closes early so you don't feel obligated to be there all night).
7. Ok, here's our best secret: The Best Spot for the Parade in Disneyland--next to the bathrooms between Fantasyland and Tommorowland across from the Matterhorn. There are benches and shade and you don't usually have to get there too early. You can sit on the bench and the kids can sit up closer on the ground if they want.
8. Did you know there are "hidden Mickey's" all over the park? The shape of Mickey's head has been hidden everywhere. You can find them on the rides, in the decor, in the shows, even in the fireworks! You can buy a book in the park that tells you where they all are and has a scavenger hunt with clues to find them. Last time we went with Kevin's family, we gave the clues to the older kids and gave a prize to the ones that found the most. It's fun to see where they have been hidden and puts a different spin on the park if you have been many times.
9. Our favorite restaurants in Disneyland---
The Blue Bayou--in New Orleans Square--you need reservations and it's expensive but the atmosphere and excellent food are worth it. I wouldn't recommend it for little kids since they get impatient and won't eat the food (mine anyway).
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurant--in Frontierland by Thunder Mountain. Great open area with lots of tables. We love the taco salads and the cinnamon chips. This would be a time to bring the kids food because even the kids meals are quite spicy and there is no American food. This is the only restaurant in the park that still allows free soda refills. We keep our cups and refill them every time we pass by--even if it's just ice water.
French Market--in New Orleans Square--the place for Mint Julips and Fritters--yum!! The food is ok but we like to get a snack and listen to the live band that is usually playing.
Cafe Orleans--in New Orleans Square across from the Blue Bayou--it has most of the same food as the Blue Bayou including the yummy "Monti Cristo" sandwich but is cheaper and easier to get into. You still need reservations but can usually get in if you stop by a few hours before you want to eat.
Hungry Bear--in Frontierland by Splash Mountain--burgers and chicken sandwiches that are pretty good. I like the seating area. We sit next to the river in the shade and the kids can watch the ducks and boats go by while we eat. Bonus--the bathroom is right there too.
9. Tips for tired parents--
--ride the train! It goes all around the park--you can just stay on until you're tired of it or use it to avoid walking across the park between rides.
--for an air conditioned place to sit while the kids run around, try the Innovations attraction in Tomorrowland. It's got all kinds of cool games for kids (and adults) to play. It's a big circle so you can sit in the middle and relax while the kids play as long as you like. Did I mention it is air conditioned?
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