Disneyland or Bust!

Having just returned from spending 3 days in Disneyland (and 1 day at Knott’s Berry Farm) I feel like I am a bit of an expert.  Well, maybe not an expert, but at least no longer a novice.  The truth is, I have been to Disneyland before, actually multiple times; however, it has been about 15 years and so it is like a whole new experience.  Especially considering the last time I was there California Adventure was still under construction.  Anyway, having just returned, I decided that I would throw together a list to help others on their Disney path.

1. Hydrate – even if it is only 75 degrees, keep up on your water.
2.  Diet Coke does not count.  But it is worth the $3.75 per bottle they charge, especially because it is near ice crystal cold.  I might have drank my weight in Diet Coke and I don’t even slightly regret it.
3. Sunscreen!  As soon as you enter the park, put on sunscreen and re-apply multiple times throughout the day.  I am not a big fan of sunscreen and I hardly ever re-apply, but I did and trust me, it saved me from being lobster red on the first day.
4. Benches are real estate!  If you find a bench open, take a minute and rest.  If you are lucky enough to find one open about 30-45 minutes before a parade, sit down and plant your flag.  You are not going anywhere until the parade is over.  Trust me; you will thank me for this one.
5. Fast Pass!  Fast Pass!  Fast Pass!  When I first heard of this concept, I thought it was cheating.  Yes, yes it is.  But take advantage of this beautiful program.  It allows you opportunities to avoid the hour plus waits on the popular rides.
6. Stroller Passes!  Like the fast pass, they might be cheating, but if you have strollers these are worth it.
7. Kids make Disney worth it!  Remember, you are there to have fun with the kids at Disneyland, be certain to see what they want to see.
8.  If you see any of the Disney characters and the kids want their autograph get it NOW, not after you ride one more ride.  They move quickly and are gone.  Unless you want to spend the entire day chasing down Captain Hook, get that autograph now.
9. Disneyland is fun and yes there will be crowds.  Just count on it.  Don’t be miserable.  I have to point out my family was awesome on this trip.  We had a blast and so much fun, but I could hear other people complaining loudly and to me, it just seemed like they were not enjoying their time and it made it awkward for those people around them.
10. Take a spare pair of shoes for water rides.  Probably a pair of flips flops would work best.  I think all of the water rides now say:  “You will get wet, you may get drenched”.  I read it as:  “You will walk out of here wetter than you did the shower this morning” and that would be correct.  Multiple times I was drenched head to toe.  HEAD TO TOE PEOPLE!  But at least the extra shoes would have allowed a little foot relief!
11.  Hold onto your hats.  First day, first ride lost my hat.  Never to be seen again!  You will want the extra cover a hat provides, so either hold on or make your $25 donation to Disney for a Mickey Hat to get you through the rest of your trip.
12. Foil packets will set off the metal detector as you walk into the park.  I had two of them in my pocket.  (With the moist towels, to keep my glasses clean) and apparently the machines are sensitive enough that they will set off the detector.  But the old guy told me I can keep my watch on next time.
13. If there is a band marching down Main Street USA, stand there watch them and clap!  I have done that march and it is hot so show them some love.
14. PICTURES, take lots and lots of pictures.  Document those memories.  Trust me, you will want them, if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a regular happening, you will still want the pictures.
15. Before you leave, be certain to ask your Disney loving friends for their suggestions.  You know you have a Super-Disney Friend.  Ask them for all their secrets.  (Their knowledge is far more expansive than my little list.)
16. I have an admission, the first time I went to Disneyland, I didn’t love it.  As a matter of fact, I had a horrible time.  I complained and was just miserable despite the best efforts of my friends.  Since then, every time I have been there I have had a wonderful time.  So, I have to admit, if you go to Disneyland and you don’t have a good time, it is your own fault.  No one else’s but yours.  
17. Lastly, family makes it better.  Enjoy the down time with your family and love it!
18. One more item that I feel I need to mention.  I was a little worried about being able to fit into the rides.  As we can see from the above picture, I am a bit of a fluffy guy.  Or as Disney calls us Pooh (Like Winnie the Pooh) sized people.  They are very accomodating and trust me, I had no problem riding any of the rides in Disneyland or California adventure.  So, if this has ever been a worry for you, do not worry about it at all.  You will be good.

Originally, I was going to write this as a tongue-in-cheek article.  But as I started writing, I decided there might actually be a nugget of wisdom.  Hope you enjoy!