We took our kids to Disneyland for the first time (and only our second time ever) in November and here is what we learned: Disneyland is not the same as DisneyWorld.
The magic is still here, but it’s different. So you have to go in with a different mindset and a different set of expectations. Here’s my biggest takeaways, tips, and what we would do differently if we went back again!
Don’t stay at a Disneyland Resort.
You heard me right. Don’t. The complete opposite of what I would say to someone going to Disney World. Disneyland is different. There are only 3 hotels owned by Disney, and the prices start HIGH and only go higher. But there are TONS of “good neighbor” hotels directly across the street from Disney, (within walking distance) which are much better priced and just as nice. I highly recommend the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel. It has a fun water park, it’s an easy walk to Disney, and the prices can’t be beat. I also do have a discount code for yall! Click here and use code: 1000022077 to save 15%. (If you are a Magic Key holder you can save 20% off with code 1000025935)
Get the Park Hopper Pass
We went for 3 days and did 1 park each day but I wish we had gotten the Park Hopper Pass. Its so easy to go back and forth from Disneyland to California Adventure since they are right across from each other. And on some days, my kids would want to go certain rides that were at the other park. So I wish I had gotten the Park Hopper rather then 1 park per day. If we were going for a longer time, then maybe it would have been different. (Plus I have to admit, there’s less to do at California Adventure, especially for younger kids.)
Beware of Certain Rides being too scary for little ones.
There are a few rides labeled as “All Ages” meaning even an infant can ride. But some were dark and scary in an unexpected way so I wouldn’t recommend them for kids who scare easily. The top 3 that come to mind are: Pinocchio (the ride is mostly about when they are at the carnival and the boys get turned into donkeys), Mr Toad’s Wild Ride (the ride is all about going through the streets of London and then ending up in Hell with a room sized Demon head), and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin (lots of loud noises and flashing lights, for no apparent reason). On the flip side, I would say the Haunted Mansion overlay of Jack Skellington (Haunted Mansion Holiday) is LESS scary then the original Haunted Mansion ride. So during October-December, that is a great time to let your kids experience it and not be so scared.
Avengers Campus is Worth It
Avengers Campus is worth everything. If you have a superhero obsessed child, you have to take them. They not only get to ride some incredible rides, they also get to met and talk to some of their idols. Braxton got to stand face-to-face with Spiderman, Black Panther and Iron Man. They even all had conversations with him. Avengers Campus also has amazing shows that are on going throughout the day. This area by itself was worth the whole trip.
Food & Snacks
It’s super easy to mobile order meals and food and there is tons of spots inside and outside to sit and eat without having to reserve a “sit down” meal. Highly recommend Pym’s Test Kitchen over in California Adventure. The food is incredible. We also loved the mac & cheese cones in Cars Land. I’ve heard really good things about Jolly Holiday in Disneyland too! We always just order a little bit of everything instead of one meal per person so we could all try everything and just share. Sharing meals not only saves money but it leaves more room for snacks!
Try to go during “Less Busy Times”
We planned to go beginning of November on purpose. It’s one of the less busy seasons (after Halloween but before the Christmas Season begins), so ride wait times are way less, and the weather was amazing. A little chilly in the morning and nighttime, but perfect during the day. If you are able to, also go during the week instead of weekends. You’ll get to experience so much more when you aren’t waiting in lines all day!
What to Bring
Yes your child will need a stroller. Yes you can bring in your own drinks and snacks. The more you bring yourself, the less you will have to buy there. (I always recommend ordering groceries to be delivered to your hotel to save on water and the basics! Super easy to do with Amazon or Door Dash.) Also bring a blanket! It gets chilly in the evenings especially when you are waiting for the fireworks to start! Lastly, don’t forget comfy shoes.
And Lastly…
Keep your expectations low! Try to go with the flow and remember to enjoy all the little moments. Even if it’s just watching your kids dance while waiting in lines, or catching bubbles while waiting for the fireworks. The magic is in the moments.
