Doing Disneyland... Without Losing Your Mind

As a 10-year annual pass holder and former cast member, I always feel the need to share some tips on how to make your family's trip to Disneyland a little less hectic. I've seen too many families that are stressed out (and too many young children crying) when they should be having fun at “The Happiest Place on Earth”.

Do Yourself a Favor...

Don't try to do it all in ONE day! There's too many things to try to shove every attraction in the entire park into the 16 hours that you may have.

As soon as you enter the park, grab a map and chart your course. You don't have to map out your entire day, but at least have a plan. Make sure that everyone in the family gets to pick their “must ride” attraction.

Grab a pen and mark the bathrooms! You don't want to pull out the map and search every single time the kids need to go (which usually turns into an emergency).

Insider Tip: If you're on main street, the least busy restroom is in between the bakery and the jewelry/watch shop.

If you have small children, let them go back to the hotel and take a nap. Unless you want to remember your vacation as dragging a grumpy five year old down main street, give the kids a break. The walking and overall excitement can be exhausting for little ones.

If you have teenagers, bring along some walkie-talkies. Let them go out on their own. Use the walkie-talkies to locate each other when it's time for meals or anything else that you have planned to do together.

If you plan to partake of all the Toontown has to offer, do it early. They close the gates early for fireworks.

How about some refreshment?

Want a sit down dining experience? Early in the day, head over to New Orleans Square and make a reservation at The Blue Bayou. You can even call (714) 781-3463 to make your reservation in advance. It's away from the crowds, inside Pirates of the Caribbean. I recommend the Monte Cristo sandwich and the clam chowder. It is a little on the expensive side (What isn't at Disneyland?), but it's worth it.

Quick meal on the run? Across from the Indiana Jones Adventure, is the Bengal Barbeque. They've got chicken, beef and veggie skewers, great for a bite when you're on the move to your next destination.

Insider Tip: Instead of paying $3.00 for a bottle of water, you can walk up to any quick eatery and ask for a glass of ice water. It's FREE!

In the mood for ice cream, but don't want to stand in line at the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor? Head across Main Street to the Main Street Cone Shop. Located in the courtyard between Market House and Clothiers, the Cone Shop offers a smaller selection of ice cream with plenty of outside seating.

Navigating Attractions:

If you plan on taking advantage of short lines during the parade, fireworks or Fantasmic... you should also plan on taking the train. Working your way through the crowds to make it across the park can be a nightmare while people are saving spots for these Disneyland favorites. Taking the train around the park will save you time and a headache.

Don't plan on going anywhere near Splash Mountain or The Haunted Mansion during Fantasmic. You can't get to them. If you see Fantasmic on the schedule for the day, work your New Orleans Square and Critter Country visit around the show times.

Sure, you can see the fireworks from anywhere in the park (anywhere in Anaheim, for that matter), but you really need to see it from in front of the castle to see the entire performance. If you can't make it there, try somewhere else along the parade route to take full advantage of the music and story.

Trying to make it from Frontierland to Fantasyland during the parade or fireworks? Take a shortcut. You can steer clear of the castle and crowds by taking the back road behind Big Thunder. It will let you out by Village Haus and give you full access to Fantasyland.