Travel Tips: Disneyland

Walt Disney once said, "Disneyland is going to be a place where you can't get lost or tired unless you want to." While Walt may have been a little optimistic, here are some tips that may help you come as close to his ideal as you can.

No matter which park you're going to, take very good care of your tickets. Disneyland does not replace lost tickets, even if you have a copy of them. If you buy in advance, pack them in your carry-on luggage, and keep them safely tucked into a secure pocket or use a lanyard while you're in the park. A luggage tag that opens easily is also a good place to stow tickets and fast passes.

Dress for less stress. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring warmer clothing for evening. Even in summer, it can get chilly after dark.

Don't carry too much. You have to drag every ounce around all day. Go through your bag several times and remove all non-essentials. Put everything in your pockets if you can. You'll find rental lockers both outside and inside the park gates. Stow dry clothing, jackets, snacks, and so forth here so you don't have to carry them around all day. Rentals are for the day only, so be sure to remember to pick up your belongings as you leave. If you make purchase most shops will hold the purchase until the end of the day or if you stay at one of the Disney resort hotels you can have them delivered to your room.

Don't suffer Got a headache? Blister? Upset tummy? The First Aid Center can help.

In case it rains in Southern California. Umbrellas are hard to manage. Bring hooded rain gear and enjoy the park anyway. Lines will be shorter. However, a few rides may be closed.

Most shops, restaurants and even the food carts take credit and debit cards, so you may not need much cash. You can get currency exchange services, credit card advances and wire transfers at the Thomas Cook office in Downtown Disney. ATMs are inside each park (Chase Bank).

 The parking lots take credit cards, if you want to pay that way. WRITE DOWN your parking space number or use your cellphone or digital camera to take a picture of the place you parked. If you forget, ask Security and they'll help you find your vehicle.

Measure your child's height before you visit, and check the Disneyland and California Adventure ride descriptions so you'll know which rides they can go on. It could save a temper tantrum. The Cast Members know all the tricks, so don't even try to fool them and please don't ask for exceptions. The height limits are there to keep your kids safe.  Some couples with children too small or too young forego these attractions, while others take turns riding. Missing some of Disneyland's best rides is an unnecessary sacrifice, and waiting in line twice for the same ride is a tremendous waste of time. Instead, take advantage of the "switching off" option, also called the Rider Swap, Baby Swap or Child Swap. To switch off, there must be at least two adults. Adults and children wait in line together. When you approach the queue, tell the first ride attendant you see that you want to switch off. The worker will allow everyone, including young children, to enter the attraction. When you reach the loading area, one adult rides while the other stays with the kids. Attractions at some parks offer waiting areas for this purpose. Then the riding adult disembarks and takes charge of the children while the other adult rides. A third adult (or child who meets the minimum height or age requirement) in the party can ride twice, once with each switching-off adult, so that the switching-off adults don't have to ride alone. There is no cost to use the "switching off" option.

Disneyland is a great place for kids to learn how to navigate with a map. Let them find the way to the next attraction for you.

During the busiest, hottest time of day, go back to your hotel for a swim or a nap, being sure to get your hand stamped on the way out and keeping your paper ticket. Return later when it's cooler and you're rested.

There is a boarding kennel near the main entrance. Cost is $20(cash only) per pet per day. The kennel is for day boarding only.

If you need help in a language other than English, look for cast members wearing a small flag pin with your country's flag on it. They will speak your language.

A Disneyland rule: the early bird catches Indiana Jones. If you want to avoid lines, be at the entrance gates the minute the park opens: 8 A.M. in summer (10 A.M. for California Adventure). Disneyland is least crowded from opening until about 11:30 A.M. or so. Use that time to hit the popular rides like Jones and the Star Tours. The Magic Morning package offered to guests of the three Disneyland Resort hotels lets you into portions of Disneyland (usually two of the “lands”) an hour before the official 8 A.M. opening. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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