I have stayed at the Disneyland Hotel several times before and I must admit – it really is magical. For vintage charm and a fully immersive Disney experience, I can’t think of a better option as far as on-property Disneyland hotels go. However, just like everything lately, the cost has gone up and my most recent visit had me looking at the Disneyland Hotel through the lens of – Is it worth it? Keep reading for a fully honest review of our experience…
Disneyland
We are just days away from nighttime spectaculars returning to the Disneyland Resort, and today we have a first official glimpse of the Main Street Electrical Parade 50th Anniversary! Take a look at the finale float, inspired by “it’s a small world” and the art of Mary Blair.
©Disney
Starting this Friday April 22, the Main Street Electrical Parade will run twice per night (8:45P and 10:30P, times subject to change) in Disneyland.
Over in California Adventure, World of Color will make its triumphant return this Friday. These shows are sure to bring new energy to the parks (and likely bigger crowds than we’re used to seeing lately).
What nighttime show are you most excited to see? Let me know in the comments!
Disneyland truly has something for everyone these days – from toddlers just discovering Mickey Mouse to adults who are deep into Star Wars fandom – there is something for everyone to enjoy. However, to get the most appreciation out of your next visit, I suggest that you and your family watch the following movies to fully realize the magic.
You may be surprised by how much you can do with a baby at Disneyland. And children two years and under are free, so that’s even more reason to bring your little ones to the Happiest Place on Earth! I happen to believe that babies at Disneyland really add to the magic. Seeing their little eyes focus and lock in on all there is to see really is a truly special experience.
Seeing characters, watching parades and live shows are all fun for babies. And finding a spot away from the crowds and letting your little one toddle around can be a great way to spend the day.
It’s not all just wandering around with a baby and watching from the sidelines, though. There are so many attractions that don’t have a height requirement that the entire family can enjoy, big and small! For the most part, rides that allow for all heights can also accommodate baby wearing (which is great if you have a wee one who falls asleep in their carrier, that way you don’t have to risk waking them up when you transfer them out). However, I have experienced Cast Members requesting that the baby face a certain direction or be removed entirely from the carrier – so make sure to check with the Cast Member operating the attraction and follow their guidance for the safest practice at that time.
An important part of a successful theme park visit is making sure you and those you are traveling with (in my case, my husband and 2 kids) are comfortable. Otherwise you’re going to be hearing a lot of complaining about being too cold/hot/wet/whatever and that can really ruin a good time!
Overall, the weather in Anaheim is really mild and pleasant. The mornings and evenings are pretty brisk all year long and the afternoons are sunny and warm. That being said, weather can be unpredictable so you want to make sure you check the forecast ahead of time so you know what to expect. In general, the monthly averages look like this:
Sometimes there’s just no avoiding the crowds at Disneyland. Especially during summer vacation, spring break, fall break, long weekends… basically any time kids are out of school, you’re going to see a big influx of people at the parks. But there are some tips to avoid the crowds and still enjoy what the park has to offer. Explore it all!
You’re going to Disneyland! How exciting!
Planning for a Disney trip can seem overwhelming. If this is your first time visiting, it’s helpful to have a primary understanding of what makes up the Disneyland Resort. There are two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three on-property hotels (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier) and a shopping/dining/entertainment district (Downtown Disney).
Let’s dig a little deeper into each category.