Last week was the first time we have taken our kids to Disneyland. My daughter is two and my son is over 3 1/2 but will be 4 in a couple months. It was a blast! We all had fun and even meet up with some friends at Disneyland.
Everyone enters Disneyland through Main Street, USA. Afterwards you are free to venture to Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, FrontierLand, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, or Mickey’s Toontown. With our toddlers, we spent a majority of the time in Mickey’s Toontown and Fantasyland. I knew the It’s a Small World ride is being renovated so I was not disappointed when we arrived to see that attraction closed.
We spent a large part of the morning in Mickey’s Toontown. We were able to explore Mickey’s and Minnie’s House. The kids climbed around in the Chip n Dale Treehouse. My two year old daughter road the Gadget’s Go Coaster about four times. My son did not go on that coaster until his friend came, whom we were meeting at the park, and then he road the coaster once. We even road the Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin ride. The great thing about Mickey’s Toontown was, we meet and took pictures with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy. i can’t believe how much the kids like Goofy. Mickey’s Toontown was great!
We spent most of our afternoon at Fantasyland. We rode the Storybook Land Canal Boats and then went on the Mad Party Teacups. This was the only ride my wife did not go one. We eventually came back to Fantasyland after we had an overprice Disneyland lunch. We took the kids on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Alice in Wonderland, and the King Arthur Carousel. The kids had a blast on all the rides.
We did have an opportunity to explore other parts of the park. We took the kids on Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It was a great opportunity to sit back and relax. I forgot how long that ride was but it was a great opportunity to sit down for a little bit. We also went on the Jungle Cruise. It is still the same silly ride with the tour operator cracking silly jokes. The jokes are Disney rated jokes we have become accustom to from their movies. I finally had the opportunity to see the Enchanted Tiki Room. It had been over a decade since the last time I had been in the Tiki Tiki Room. It’s were the birds all sings and the flower bloom. While waiting for the doors to the Tiki Room to open, it is a perfect time to enjoy some Pineapple Whip. It taste like Pineapple Frozen Yogurt. The vendor for this delicious dessert is right in front of the Enchanted Tiki Room. The also have a Pineapple Whip Float, made with the Pineapple Whip and pineapple juice.
The evening parade at Disneyland is the Disneyland Parade of Dreams. We had a front row seat near the castle. it was a great spot. We did not have anyone in front of us, this was a first for me. This is an advantage when you go to the park on a weekday. Please note the park also closed at 9pm to prepare for the arrival of high school graduates for Gradnight. The parade is alright, it was not fabulous like the old Main Street Electrical Light Parade. If you miss the parade, the you did not miss much.
The only thing I miss is the parking lot. It use to be that the parking lot was right in front of Disneyland. Well that was replaced with the creation of California Adventure. Disneyland not only added that separate amusement park but also Downtown Disney, a bunch of shops and restaurants. There is a parking structure with tram service to and from the parking structure to the Disney theme parks and Downtown Disney. As the crowds exit the parking structure, everyone waits in line for the the tram. It is just as fun to get on the tram after a long day at the park. By the way, it does take a little time to get into the parking structure. Not only do you get to wait in line to get on the rides at Disneyland but also to park your car in the parking structure and to take the tram.
Overall Disneyland was a fun experience for both kids and adults alike. Going to Disneyland on a weekday was a great time to visit the park. The lines were short and the park was not too crowded. Food is definitely overpriced but what’s new. I am also excited because my kids got there first Mouse Ears Hats. Don’t be upset if you miss the parade, it is not that great. Great place to take toddlers. It may be a bit expensive for a tickets but it is definitely worth the experience for the kids.
Life's Journey 