Disneyland

For our California girls, we opted for a SoCal Spring Break vacation. They were both turning five and seven, making it a great time for princesses and Star Wars.

My first stop was my local library to see what resources they had for our journey to the House of Mouse. I had previously visited Disney World as a child, but I knew times had changed.

At our local library, I found the handy Unofficial Disneyland Guide from the previous year and the park official Birnbaum's guide. Both are essential, in my opinion. I sprung for both books for the current season as soon as they were available for the most updated information.

The Unofficial Guide has plenty of online resources including wait time estimates and tips on crowds. See more here.

We knew we’d go for two days at Disneyland Resort. Due to the age and interests of our family, we opted to keep to Disneyland Resort only and not to include Disney California Adventure Park (DCA).

• One day aiming for an intergalactic adventure in Galaxy’s Edge
• the next for all the nostalgic rides and princesses we could find in Fantasyland

What we didn’t plan for was the hail and getting the opportunity to see more princesses than we bargained!

For accommodations, I had earned enough points on an online travel booking site from a previous trip to get a decent discount for our nights near the park. Opting for non-Disney hotels, I looked to the guides for which hotel would work best. For price, location, accommodations and availability to utilize my discount, I booked us three nights in a Double Queen Room at Camelot Inn & Suites. It's within walking distance from the S. Harbor entrance, which is extremely pedestrian friendly.

Both the pedestrian bridge from Mickey & Friends and the Pixar Pals parking plus the Toy Story Parking Structure are located along S. Harbor Blvd with easy access to the Esplanade. More on Disneyland parking here.

I would have been open to staying further down the road and driving to park. Yet, this would add almost an additional two hours to our day to both drive to arrive prior to “rope drop.” Add in the additional walking to and from the parking structures, to and from trams or security, and it made the proximity win out in the end. You’ll have to decide what is best for your group, budget, and legs.

Camelot was great in that each room had a medieval theme painted on the wall, and there was ample storage space with open shelving. We were able to spread out snacks and store the kids travel entertainment and a few stuffed animals conveniently for anyone to access.

The Unofficial Guide offers many options for walking tours or plans for you or your group. Each unique map is located at the back of the book where you may detach for your own use. This guide offers ideas for both Disneyland and DCA. First, start with their tips on the different types of rides.

I opted to combine a few touring plans for our two day visit to Disneyland Resort:

• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Complete Plan
• Two-Day Plan for Families with Small Children: Day One & Two
• Dumbo-or-Die-in-a-Day Plan

Check the Unofficial site and most recent guide to suit your travel needs.

Our children love our visits to Children’s Fairyland of Oakland, a nostalgic storybook park which opened a few years prior to Disneyland. So, I started my walking tour of amusements with what they were drawn to at this beloved park.

Every kid loves a good flying elephant ride, so Dumbo the Flying Elephant was first on our list. Our children hadn’t yet ridden one so Disneyland’s would be their first! Read more about kids and "scare factor" of Disneyland rides.

Being youngsters, they hadn’t viewed the classic films Peter Pan and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad , the inspiration of Toad’s Wild Ride. Due to their ages, I opted for Peter Pan's Flight. We both watched the film, and I showed them an example video of the ride to show their feet would be dangling and we’d get to fly above London! We were very excited for this particular ride since Tinkerbell may be spotted. If you want to get in a line after the "rope drop", these rides are the ones to seek out first.

What’s “rope drop” ? This phrase refers to the opening hours when there are literally ropes set up at the entrance to each of the park’s “land”. Guests can go as far as Main Street USA for up to 30 minutes prior to opening. Some resorts have early access , this may include entering the park prior to rope drop. For those of us with general admission, the ropes will be removed at the opening each morning. For Fantasyland, it’s important to be there for rope drop if you wish to maximize your riding time. Understand more about the rides at Disneyland in order to safe yourself time here.

As you'll see in our recap below, we enjoyed the ease of PhotoPass. We did not opt for Lightning Lane or any other extras. However, you may benefit from this time saver. See what rides qualify for Lightning Lane prior to your visit as it could save you time!

After you secure your tickets for your Disneyland adventure, check into any Dining or Character Breakfasts and reserve up to 60 days prior to your visit.

For the first day, we missed “rope drop.” since it was heavily raining upon our approach. We each wore a poncho and the kids had their rain boots on. Then, off we went to Disneyland!

Being such heavy rain, our experience with security was a breeze just prior to opening hours. Read more about transportation to Disneyland here.

Our first day, we opted to start by heading toward Galaxy’s Edge. Prior to our visit, we’d purchased the Traveler’s Guide to Batuu. This immersive story is a guide to this remote region in space prone to smugglers. Even the kids enjoyed this guide to a Star Wars outpost far, far away.

The highly recommended Oga’s Cantina is located here. Since we opted for a Character Breakfast, we missed this unique, intergalactic dining experience. Probe their menu here.

It was raining so heavily during our visit that day as we were looking for the pathway that we completely missed it. Disney Cast Members were present to point us in the correct direction. Once in line for our first ride, Smuggler’s Run, we were pleased to note the line for the ride runs mostly indoors. We had to remove our ponchos for any inside rides during the day while it rained, but they’re thin and can easily be tucked away for your experience.

Everyone enjoyed this first attraction! With easily the best wait line in the park, the line moves fairly quickly through the shuttle bay where you feel you’re in the middle of the Rebellion itself. Then, you’re given your team and mission and board the ship! Once on the Millenium Falcon , you blast off for your adventure!

I anticipated we would need a snack soon. So, I used the Disneyland App to order our breakfast from Jolly Holiday Bakery in Main Street USA while I was in line for Smuggler's Run. One tip is that when you order your item, it is fulfilled by a cast member and set aside. You can choose when you pick up the order making coordinating a breeze.

You could always grab some blue milk from the Milk Stand to quench your thirst!

Since it was one of our kids birthdays, we opted for one of the raspberry macaron as a treat, croissants, coffees, and juice for a quick start. They have basic breakfast options and light lunch options later in the day.

If you’re unable to try the raspberry macaron, check out what seasonally featured macaron is on the menu today!

One of the best kept secrets of Disneyland is the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. It is indeed a little cramped and a narrow stairwell. However, very few people pass through this attraction. For a rainy day, it was perfect to pass the time before our character breakfast reservation. The description from the Unofficial Guide reads as:

“The entrance is on the Fantasyland side of the castle near the passageway to Fantasy Faire and Frontierland.”

Step into a pathway showcasing dioramas of the iconic film, Sleeping Beauty. Based on the Bavarian castle, Neuschwanstein , the iconic masterpiece gives you a peek inside the world during the decade of development for the feature film. Opening in 1957, the castle pathway debuted a few years before the film, offering park visitors a sneak peek.

I was surprised more visitors weren’t taking advantage of not only the cover from the rain, but also the experience itself! Yet it’s so hidden, you may not notice it.

Prior to our vacation, I had made a Character breakfast reservation at the Plaza Inn. Disneyland Resort offers multiple options of character breakfast meetups in either Disneyland or DCA.

Our Plaza Inn reservation turned out to be one of the best ideas of the entire vacation! First, it was still raining and had hailed on us as we made our way to the restaurant in Main St USA.

First, you’re greeted by Minnie for a group photo op. This is a prime example of why the Photo Pass was necessary during our trip. At many other parks, yes, I’d suggest using your own camera phone or selfie-stick. However, for the beauty and ease of use, the Photo Pass makes sense for those groups looking to attend meetups and character photo ops during your visit! They simply handed us a card and we scanned it with our phones later utilizing the Disneyland App. All digital images are available in the App for you to export or share at your convenience.

Then, you’re shown to your table where you’re then free to grab breakfast from the many buffet options. The characters roam around the entire restaurant and come to each table. So, my partner ran to get plates for each of us while I sat with the kiddos and we were greeted by the helpful mouse Suzy from Cinderella, Daisy, Chip and Dale, who were hilarious. Pooh Bear also stopped by for big bear hugs. Tigger bounced our way along with Wendy from Peter Pan and Alice herself! Good boy, Pluto, stopped by for a pat on the head.

The kids were not only well fed, they were eagerly pleased by all the characters seeking them out as they noshed on scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit and whatever else they could want on the menu.

Once we’d gotten our fill and met everyone possible (it seemed), we made our way on down the Main Street toward Tomorrowland.

We were on a separate mission to locate the remaining penny pressers machines in the park. So, we stopped by Star Trader and grabbed a sweater and extra shirt for the kiddos. The rain wasn’t dampening spirits, but it was dampening clothes. We found their penny presser with various Star War characters.

A lesser path is to the right of the Sleeping Beauty Castle when facing it. This leads to Snow White’s Grotto and Wishing Well where you can hear her voice softly singing and sometimes spot different characters hanging about such as Aurora or The Evil Queen. We love this area since it’s quieter and a less busy pathway between lands.

Next, we made our way to Fantasy Faire at the Royal Hall for the princess meet and greet. Double-check their hours before you go and again the day you arrive at the park. When we visited, there were two different times for meet and greets. I’d suggest hopping in line 10-15 minutes before the start.

If your children are fans of Bluey like ours are, you’ll see that life sometimes imitates art. We deployed what Bandit, Bluey’s younger sister refers to as the “tactical wee” and visited the restroom before we hopped in line. Restrooms are just around the corner in various locations around the park.

If you’re not familiar with Bluey, here is the scene in reference below.

PBS's Daniel Tiger is also a great resource for inspirational tunes for your littles. We love "Go Potty, Go!" seen here via YouTube.

More about restrooms here. We also recommend downloading the Disneyland Mobile App to use their map feature while at the Park.

They open the doors prompt at the start time and begin to move groups through the experience at a reasonable pace. In this area, you may use your own camera phone to capture the special moments with your child’s favorite princess. We ended up going both days we visited the park! On the first day, we were pleased to meet Elena of Avalor, Ariel, and Aurora!

Check the schedule at the Royal Theatre next door for the next showtime that catches your interest! See who’s on stage today.

While we were meeting princesses, I ordered an afternoon meal from Red Rose Tavern in Fantasyland. This fast-casual restaurant's menu offers American-style foods with a French flare. I loved that you could get a salad, burger, sandwich or a simple snack power pack for the kiddos. We all fueled up and headed on our way down the lane for some late afternoon adventures before calling it a day.

There are restrooms around the corner from Jolly Holiday Bakery, just inside Adventureland are very convenient. Just steps away from Main Street USA and New Orleans Square, camouflaged by the dense brush of the tropical Adventureland making for an ideal pitstop in my opinion.

Make your way to the Tropical Hideaway for a Dole Whip. We got to see what the fuss was all about by trying both pineapple and strawberry. See what's on the menu this season. Crunchy, fresh lumpias made for a great accompaniment with this cool treat. The back deck of the eatery overlooks part of the Jungle Cruise Ride as the boats sail along the river.

Next door is the Enchanted Tiki Room full of birds in a Polynesian atmosphere. You can grab an OG Dole Whip at a counter outside. Nearby is the Adventureland Bazaar, home to souvenirs from a distant land and another penny presser. This machine features characters such as Indiana Jones and Moana.

We stopped by Frontierland to see the Petrified Tree. Read more on this piece of history here.

This is a great place to catch either the Colombia or Mark Twain’s Riverboat. Both use the same path, so hop on either line that’s shorter. With all we did get to do, we opted to watch these two iconic beauties as they sailed on their way near the Pioneer Mercantile sidewalk which had another penny presser. This one featured characters from the film, Coco.

Near New Orleans Square, you may spot Tiana! Hop into the Port Royal Curios & Curiosities for a Nightmare before Christmas themed penny presser and other trinkets.

If your littles need to let more steam out, make your way to Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island. One of the original attractions of the park, this is the only one to be designed by Walt Disney himself. We were unable to enjoy this attraction due to the heavy rains during our visit. Hopefully you have more success than us and can visit this iconic piece of history by catching a raft off New Orleans Square.

Down in Bayou Country is The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh. A great younger crowd ride, follow Pooh and his friends on a gentle dark ride for the littles bobbing along in honey pots.

After our Pooh adventure, we would made our way back over to Galaxy’s Edge to look for the Loth cat at the Creature Stall and peruse Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. Keep an eye out for easter eggs!

Now that the sun was shining we went back to Fantasyland! We opted for a ride on King Arthur’s Carrousel and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. We split up between our two kids and each rode accompanying our kiddo flying high above Fantasyland.

Next, we hopped on the iconic Storybook Canal Boats for a leisurely view of the miniature storybook sets. Walt Disney was obsessed with miniatures and originally wanted to create a park solely for miniature items. See more about this history here.

The Canal Boats take the same route as Casey Jr's Circus Train which is also in Fantasyland.

After trying the seasonal churro, we rounded the bend on our way toward Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and the exit.

We checked the time and decided to duck into Pixie Hollow to meet a fairy! We were very lucky that we found the entryway during a dry spell in the afternoon. We were just in time for the last admission of a tour of Tinkerbell’s neighborhood. Ushered under the grove, we grew smaller and smaller until who did we see? It was Tinkerbell herself!!

A photographer from the Disneyland PhotoPass was on hand to capture the special moment as the green Fairy and children discussed the latest technological advances this tinkerer had around her home. Note: Pixie Hollow is currently closed for refurbishment (2025)

We counted ourselves lucky for our first day at Disneyland and headed back to Camelot to rest up like royalty for our second day at the park.

For day two, we made it through security and were standing at the rope 30 minutes prior to opening. About as smooth as we could get. We passed the time dancing and playing “I Spy.”

Once the rope dropped, we made our way to Peter Pan’s Flight. The Unofficial Guide talked about the types of rides. The older rides get longer throughout the busier times of the day. These rides are in constant motion and once the lines back up, they don’t get any shorter. Learn more about the types of rides here.

While in line, I ordered breakfast for 45 minutes or so in the future. We were able to ride Snow White Enchanted Wish, a dark ride the kids enjoyed. We flew on Dumbo again.

Next, we followed Alice in Wonderland, and the Carrousel before heading over to pick up our mobile order from Jolly Holiday Bakery. For more restaurant ideas, check out their options here.

After eating al fresco on the landing at Jolly Holiday, we prepared to get in line at the Royal Hall at Fantasy Faire to meet the princesses …again. We were lucky to meet Mulan, Ariel, and Snow White!

Toontown had just reopened the week we visited. So, we headed here next! We had heard Minnie may be at her House. So, we toured her darling abode and out back was the lady herself! We had a great photo op in her lovely backyard.

Next door, we checked out Mickey’s House. As we were about to head out, they opened the back doorway which led down a hall to wait for the Man himself, Mickey! You have to wait in a studio-like room playing classic cartoons of Mickey and his pals. Next, the door opens and small groups are taken to meet Mickey for another great photo op!

After this, we let the kids run loose at Goofy’s Playhouse where we checked out Donald's boat, Miss Daisy. A small little nook nearby made for a great spot to have a snack before making your way to another area of the park.

On our way back to Fantasyland, we stopped by "it’s a small world." We loved hearing the song in all the different languages as you pass through the worlds within the cool breeze. This ride is great on a hot afternoon!

Since it was such a hit and convenient, we submitted a mobile order from Red Rose Tavern. The children’s power snack boxes were popular with our kids. I loved that we could eat at a table outside with views of Fantasyland!

Since it had rained earlier in the day, the Mad Tea Party hadn't been in operation on our first day. Later on our second day, we noticed that the Teacups were spinning, so we hopped on!

After spinning ourselves dizzy, we caught a show at the Royal Theatre. See what’s on the Storytelling schedule today.

"Beauty and The Beast" was playing during our afternoon. I did not expect to laugh so much! This high caliber performance is a must-see for fans of the Disney classics.

We hopped the Disneyland Railroad from ToonTown station and roamed through the Matterhorn to Tomorrowland! Speeding through the Matterhorn, witness dioramas of the Grand Canyon and the Land of Dinosaurs! This classic allows for a wonderful perspective as you zoom through the park to your next destination.

Once we reached Tomorrowland, our crew descended into the depths of Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. The old school under the sea ride previously based on the Jules Verne classic and Disney film "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" kept us dry during an afternoon rainstorm. Although this ride had been updated with characters from the animated hit “Finding Nemo”, we found it a little cramped and dark. It did not rate very highly with the kids.

The next ride was a big hit! Or should we say blast? Make sure to board Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters! Ready, aim, and fire your blaster to save your toys from the Evil Emperor Zurg. Even our five year old was enjoying bobbing along in the carts and blasting whatever monsters came in sight.

Working up an appetite, we grabbed a slice from Pizza Planet. Don’t miss their macarooooons!

Making our way to the Emporium and other souvenir stores in Main Street USA, we first stopped at the Mad Hatter. Here, the kids chose their own iconic set of ears to take home. They even embroider, if you choose to make your ears even more unique! Find a second location in Fantasyland.

Next, we sought out a Cast Member in City Hall for our complimentary birthday button! They directed us to the Emporium where we inquired about the complimentary birthday button. We lucked out and we each received a 1st visit commemorative button as well as birthday buttons.

Each picked out treasures for the return home, and we left triumphant in our adventure of California’s own Disneyland Resort.

Obviously, we were not able to enjoy every amusement. Also, what worked for us, may not be of interest to others. After such disclaimers, we do highly recommend Disneyland as its fun for the entire family!