Top Disneyland Travel Tips

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Why is Disneyland better than Disney World? Find out that and some top Disneyland travel tips with pro Leslie Harvey from Trips with Tykes on this week’s podcast. She gives the scoop on hotels, restaurants, rides and more.

ON THE PODCAST

:30 Summer kick off and travel plans

7:03 About Leslie Harvey with Trips with Tykes

11:16 Differences between Disneyland and Disney World

12:08 The two parks at Disneyland

14:20 Fast Pass at Disneyland vs. Disney World

15:45 Hotels at Disneyland

19:30 Perks for staying on property

21:30 How long to visit Disneyland

22:38 Best time to visit Disneyland

23:35 Leslie’s favorite rides

25:20 Leslie’s favorite restaurants

26:45 Top budget saving tips

29:30 Why you need to get there early

31:25 Where to take a family photo

33:43 Favorite travel gear

35:55 App of the week

37:30 Next week we are talking about Unplugged Vacations

ABOUT LESLIE HARVEY

Leslie Harvey publishes Trips With Tykes, a family travel blog that focuses on the joys and challenges of travel with babies, toddlers, and young kids. Her travel passions include all things Disney as well as air travel, even in spite of her constant battles with the TSA over her toddler’s juice box. Leslie is a former attorney and mother of two children, ages 7 and 2. She’s originally from Alabama but now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home. You can follow Leslie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+.

TOP DISNEYLAND TRAVEL TIPS

Disneyland is much smaller than Disney World, making for a very different vacation experience and getting from park to park is much easier in Disneyland
There are two parks — Disneyland Park and California Adventure
Some rides are different — such as Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland is better) and Splash Mountain (Disney World is better)
Disneyland has the old Fast Pass system, not Fast Pass + currently at Disney World
At Disneyland you can purchase them on the day of your visit at the machines at the park
There are three hotels at Disneyland: Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand Californian, and none are true “value” resorts
Paradise Pier will be the least expensive option but even in high season, the hotels usually top out at $400-500 per night
The Grand Californian is the most upscale and has its own entrance into the park
Leslie’s favorite hotel is the original Disneyland Hotel because of its theming, history and Disney tours
Kim really likes the Grand Californian but has also had a great stay at Paradise Pier
Paradise Pier has the best character meal with the Surf’s Up breakfast
There are many options for staying off-site but are just across the street and easy to get to
If you stay on-site, you get early entry, which is even more important at Disneyland than it is at Disney World because it gets so overcrowded
There is a private entrance for hotel guests from the Grand Californian, but it can actually slow you down on very crowded weekends
On holiday weekends you need to get there 30-40 minutes before rope drop
Plan on spending three days in Disneyland
The parks are always crowded but mid-September, early-December (between Thanksgiving and Christmas), January and February (outside of holiday weekends) are the best times to visit. However, some rides may be closed due to refurbishment during these times
Leslie recommends the Blue Bayou for a special date night meal — make a reservation in advance and request a table by the water
To save money, book a budget hotel off-property and if you go on a whim, use Hotel Tonight to find good last-minute deals
Leslie recommends buying tickets from Park Savers, who is a third-party reseller that offers discounts
Buy Disney gift cards at a discount, such as buying them at Target with your RedCard and get 5% off and then use them at the parks
Plan on leaving your hotel 45 minutes before opening to get through the bag check and past rope drops
If you have young kids, use Rider Switch to get a pass that you can use anytime in the day and save them for when the rides are the longest or use them with your thrill rides multiple times

BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO

The classic spot would be in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Leslie also recommends going back to Critter Country near Splash Mountain for the meet and greet with Winnie-the-Pooh characters. She also likes the scenery in Carsland in California Adventure. Kim also recommends Mickey’s House in Toontown.

FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR

Leslie really likes Skechers Go Walk sneakers and packs in layers as the weather is variable in Southern California.

APP OF THE WEEK

Kim recommends three options for Disneyland wait time apps: Mousewait with user generated content for wait times, Lines by Touring Plans which is helpful if you sign up for a touring plan, and the official Disneyland Park app with the most accurate wait times and information.

MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST

Differences between Disneyland & Walt Disney World: http://tripswithtykes.com/2015/03/16/10-differences-between-disney-world-and-disneyland-how-they-matter-for-your-vacation-planning/
Complete Guide to Every Disneyland Character Meal: http://tripswithtykes.com/2015/10/14/disneyland-character-meals/
Top 7 Money-Saving Tips for Disneyland: http://tripswithtykes.com/2015/09/02/top-7-money-saving-tips-for-disneyland/
Guide to Disneyland Rider Switch: http://tripswithtykes.com/2015/01/30/maximizing-rider-switch-and-fastpass-at-disneyland/

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