Tips for Taking Your Kids to Disneyland

Plan ahead.

• How are you going to get to the park? Are you driving? Flying and then renting a car? Going with a charter tour? The options are many, and you can consider them online with a vacation travel site.

• You'll need lodging for a multi-day visit. Book a hotel or motel room in advance, just to be sure you'll have a place to stay. This, too, can be handled online.

• You can buy Disneyland tickets at the gate, but you may be able to find them cheaper online, especially group and multi-day packages. Airfare,car rentals and lodging can often be bundled with tickets online.

• Even if you're going for just a day, you'll want to pack up a few things the night before to bring along. This might include light jackets (because most of the year southern California can be a bit chilly early in the day and in the evenings). Consider bringing food, too, if you expect to bypass Disneyland's many wonderful eating spots. If you will have young children with you, water bottles might be a good idea.

• Don't forget to check the Disneyland website for information on seasonal hours, promotional ticket sales and special events.

Bring extra snacks and water

Don't under-estimate the magical power of snacks and water. Expect that your bags will be inspected before you enter the park: You can bring plastic water bottles and snacks into the park; just avoid packing anything that is glass.

Eat before entering.

Treat yourself to breakfast before entering the park, because many eateries in Disneyland don't open until lunchtime.

Be safe.

While Disneyland is a safe place for the whole family, a few common-sense precautions are in order. When you first enter the park, choose a meeting spot for your whole party to re-assemble in the event of separation. Make sure any children in your group know how to find that meeting place.

Bring sunblock, good walking shoes and extra clothes

Pack sunscreen, hats, water and good walking shoes.

Stay for the evening.

After the first Fantastic Fireworks show, which ends at nine PM, most guests will be leaving (the tidal wave of people mentioned earlier). Instead of joining them in the slow walk (and drive) away from the park, stick around. Disneyland at night is really fun, mainly because the lines are shorter! This is your chance to go on the rides you missed or want to ride again.

Watch the Fantasmic show!

This may be the best part of the whole day! The hour-long show takes place at the Great Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and is designed so that you can sit anywhere and still have a great view. The show usually starts at 8 PM and ends at 9.

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