While the new year may be a great time to set resolutions and start a new diet, my family and I are most excited for a new year full of trips to the Disneyland Resort.
As annual passholders, it's easy to fall into the same routine taking the same routes and timeout the same Fast Passes time and time again. With a little planning and creativity, though, moms and dads alike can spice up the average trip with some fun add-ons, experiences, themes, and cool activities for you and your younger traveler.
Change up the schedule
Schedules are the backbone for a successful trip, but with most little ones (and some big ones, too) the occasional change-up can add some unexpected fun and new experiences.
While I truly appreciate the value of arriving at rope drop, planning a “late day” allows everyone to sleep in, enjoy the hote,l and head into the park later so everyone can fully enjoy the nighttime activities that little ones may typically sleep or whine through. Make sure you experience some of your family's favorite rides at night as well, such as Mad Tea Party, Mickey's Fun Wheel, or Radiator Springs Racers.
“You choose” day
Better for kids on the older side or those that really know the ins and outs of the parks, a “you-choose day” gives the honor of choosing the rides, food, and everything else to one child for the entire day. Make sure to set up ground rules for the entire family—a veto option is a good provision to add so you avoid riding Ariel's Undersea Adventure 16 times in a row. Alternatively, test it out with a selected time period if you need a little more control
Character dining experiences
This recommendation is pretty straightforward and a great way to meet characters in a more relaxed environment.
Based on our experience traveling with two little ones, we prefer the breakfast at Disneyland's Plaza Inn, as our kids are more receptive to characters and photos in the morning. The price is less per person than the equally fun Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel, and the central location is a great place to start the day.
We go for the earliest reservation possible and grab an extra chocolate milk for the kids on the way out into the park. Make sure to take advantage of the bathrooms on the back side of the restaurant in the entrance to Tomorrowland, as someone will inevitably need a pit stop post-breakfast and pre-Space Mountain.
Snack your way through the parks
Everyone in my family has a favorite snack, ranging from Dole Whip to beignets to Mickey bars. Plan a day filled with snacks as opposed to larger meals, and take the time to make sure everyone in your family gets a taste of their favorite treat. It may not be the most nutritional day, unless pineapple spears and apple slices are on your family's favorite list, but it will sure be tasty.
You can also flip this around and snack on new things all day to give yourself the excuse to try snacks you never experienced, while avoiding the guilt of ruining your dinner. This is how we discovered the chicken skewers at Bengal Barbeque, Peanut Butter Heaven at the Candy Palace at Disneyland, and Jolly Trolley in California Adventure.
Snack your way through the parks and have a churro! Photo by Jenna Kahl.
“Never have I ever” lists
Even the most avid Disneyland Resort traveler has something, no matter how obscure, that they have not experienced at the parks. I will admit that I first rode Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin on our last trip in December 2015 and I have yet to experience Davy Crocket's Explorer Canoes. Spend a day fulfilling your family's “never have I ever” lists, even if you have done them personally, it's great to check things off the Disneyland to-do list.
Mommy/Daddy and me
If you are lucky enough to have the time and means to plan a special trip for yourself and one of your children, I highly recommend traveling one-on-one and experiencing the parks together. My husband and I both had the opportunity to do so with our 5-year-old, and the experience for everyone is entirely different. This is a great opportunity to implement the “you choose day” and avoid any hurt feelings with other siblings.
Show day
I don't know about you but some trips my family and I pile in the car on the way home and realize we had not gone to any shows our entire trip as we were too focused on Fast Passes, parades and everything else amazing. Spice things up and spend a day focused on the shows, from the Royal Theater and Mickey's Magical Map to the new to come Frozen Musical at California Adventure. You will be amazed how relaxing, fun and different a day at the park will feel.
Make it a competition
A little healthy competition never hurt anyone, and a little competition at Disneyland is even better. Depending on how old your little (or not-so-little) ones are, you can vary the difficulty, even my 2-year-old can play “find as many Mickeys as you can.” Ramp things up with pedometers, or a smartphone in your pocket, and see who takes the most steps and award a prize at the end of the day.
Special events
If you typically avoid the parks during holidays or attend over the same holidays every year, plan ahead for something new—you won't regret it! Every holiday is magical at the Disneyland Resort, so try the Easter Egg-Stravaganza, Mickey's Halloween Party, or the Disney Family Thanksgiving Feast.
Outside the parks
The Disneyland Resort will definitely keep you busy, but find some time to explore Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Resort hotels, even if you are not a guest. The lobby at the Grand Californian Resort and Spa is spectacular and offers a great resting spot for the little ones. Check out the Disneyland Hotel for a vintage Disneyland collectibles display and pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs at WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney (they have great finds for a unique Disney-themed kid's bedroom).
A trip to the Disneyland Resort is never boring, but I hope these ideas give you and your family some new things to try to make your next trip and all the trips you take this 2016 as magical as ever.
