I learned a lot on my first trip to Disneyland with kids. To my fellow Disney mamas I think I speak for all of us when I say that taking our kids to Disneyland for the first time is one of the things we look forward to the most. With anything involving kids there is a learning curve. Here are four things I learned on my first trip to Disneyland with kids.
1. Preparation is Key
Going anywhere with kids requires some level of preparation but on your first trip to Disneyland with kids it is especially important.
Being Disneyland prepared means
Snacks Snacks Snacks
Suckers, fruit snacks, pretzels, and anything that isn’t heavy! Suckers were a life saver on our first trip with our then two year old. Avoid major line meltdowns by always having snacks on hand.
Also don’t feel bad for using bribery …. you gotta do what you gotta do.
Your Must do List
Go into your trip with a short list of everything that is most important to you. If there is a character your kids would love to meet, prioritize that on the list. Know that everything can’t be done in one day and make the most out of your time by skipping things that aren’t important to you.
A Change of Clothes
Accidents are bound to happen whether that’s a messy lunch, potty training mishap, or the aftermath of Splash Mountain. Always pack one change of clothes for each kid in a ziplock so the dirty clothes have a place to go.
2. Lower Your Expectations
You can only plan so much when it comes to kids so lower your expectations. It’s hard to imagine anything but perfection (especially after paying so much) but trust me if you go into your day with a more go with the flow attitude your trip will be so much better.
3. Breaks Are Important
For kids and parents. What works for us is to get to the park before they open and take a mid-day nap break at the hotel. If you’re a hardcore Disneyland fan this might seem like the last thing you would ever do, but after hours of chasing kids around a theme park you will need a nap; or at least a break from walking.
Taking time to re-charge will help ensure everyone makes it to the end of the night fireworks.
4. Kids Are Expensive
Obviously LOL but Disneyland expensive is on a whole other level.
Tickets
Ticket prices alone are enough to have families with more than one kid selling a kidney. You would think once you buy the tickets you’re all set, but not even close.
Souvenirs
You might be thinking okay just don’t buy anything? Disneyland souvenirs are impossible to avoid. They are everywhere and your kids will see them. Set a strict souvenir budget and then double it. Seriously.
Almost thirty dollars for a bubble wand that will be broken before you get home … no thanks (jk we bought one and the pain is real).
Food
Feeding kids is hard enough at home am I right? For a family of four you should budget about $250 a day for food (and churros). Keep that budget in mind knowing that you most likely won’t be getting your money’s worth.
While there is no such thing as a bad day at Disneyland, I really wish I knew these things on my first trip as a mom. Follow thee tips and you’re guaranteed to enjoy your first trip to Disneyland with kids just as much as all of those childless millennials.
The things we do for our kids right?