Oh Look, Los Angeles!: Surviving... Disneyland

Even though it has been around two and a half months since we went to Disneyland the thought of that day still makes me shudder! I know that Disneyland is described as the happiest place on Earth, but that day was not all sunshine and happiness. It was more like sweat, claustrophobia, and dehydration. Oh and let me not forget budget busting! Now do not get me wrong I did enjoy myself and I will definitely go again and I am even thinking about doing California Adventure Land in March, but you need to have a game plan.

How to survive Disneyland:

1. If you can visit Disneyland over a few days then DO IT! Trying to squash it into one day was a nightmare and utterly exhausting.

2. Before you arrive, check to see what rides you can get a Fastpass (it means not waiting an hour in line) for and send someone to go get them while you wait in another line. Multi-task people!

3. Get in as early as you can, as the lines for rides seem to get longer as the day goes on.

4. If you want to watch the parade, find a spot at least an hour before. Maybe get someone who is tired to hold a few spots. The gutter along the roads is the best spot in my opinion as you are right near the action and sometimes the characters interact with the kids.

5. Wear sensible shoes and pack for all kinds of weather!

6. Later in the day, some of the places get a little dark so keep an eye on the younger members of the group. It is surprising how easy it is to get lost.

7. Whatever you budgeted for Disneyland put aside extra. Food is crazy expensive and you will need a lot of water to stay hydrated throughout the day especially if it is hot. Add on to this that I could not help myself in one of the shops and picked up red sparkly Minnie mouse ears and an oh-so cool Storm Trooper T-shirt. I really wanted the Chewbacca backpack, which would have set me back $60, but I was able to see through the shopping high lol.

8. Did I say sensible shoes?

9. A good idea is for the group is to match in some way, so it is easy to identify them amongst the crowd. There were many people wearing the same colour shirts.

10. Mentally prepare yourself for a long day, a lot of people (I cannot empathise this enough) and a lot of fun!