Before we had children, we enjoyed traveling to Disneyland for getaways and now that we are parents, Disneyland has become a fun family vacation. We currently live in LA and are season pass holders. I always loved Disneyland and thought I knew a lot about it, but the more I visit, the more I learn. And the surer I am that Disneyland is the best vacation for families. We can’t get enough of Disney! We have planned a trip to Disney World next year.
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Why Disneyland?
Disneyland offers unique experiences for kids of all ages. It isn’t just the rides that make Disneyland a great place to vacation. Disneyland offers character breakfasts, amazing performances with live actors, parades, water shows and a state of the art fireworks display.
Another great reason to visit Disneyland is for the RunDisney events. The RunDisney races are another great way for families to travel to Disneyland. There are kids races, a 5k, 10k and a half marathon. I have participated in several RunDisney events. I completed my first RunDisney Half Marathon race in September while 6 months pregnant and my second on Mother’s Day just a few weeks ago. Disneyland gives you a unique experience because you get to run through the park and through the streets of Anaheim. There are constantly people cheering for you as you run and is a very unique and fun experience because of the costumes and opportunities for fun photos.
You Grow With The Park
In the last two years, we have been able to go to Disneyland numerous times and I can’t believe that each time has been a new experience. Even going to see the same play or show provides a new experience. You would think that after visiting Disneyland so many times the magic would start to wear off, but in truth, it has only gotten better. As my son has gotten older new areas of the park have been available for us to explore. As a young toddler my son loved exploring Redwood Creek and Tom Sawyer’s Island and a number of the smaller rides with his favorite being the Golden Zepher. We anxiously awaited the day he was 32 inches so he could start riding some of the other small rides, like Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Cars Land and now he has hit 35 inches and can do Go Go Gadget Coaster in Mickey’s Toontown. The next milestone will be 36 inches for Bumper Cars in Bugs Land and the bigger (or taller) he gets, we will have more fun experiences. There are so many things to do at Disneyland and Disneyland’s California Adventure. Even though my husband and I have gotten to do a lot of the bigger coasters without children there are still a few things we have not done yet, like canoeing around Tom Sawyer’s Island and we haven’t timed it right to see the show at the saloon in Frontierland.
Did Someone Mention Food?
Last of all I guess I should mention the food. There are so many tasty treats all located in one place. My favorite spot to visit is getting ice cream at Ghirardelli in California Adventure. Right across the way from Ghirardelli is another San Francisco favorite of Boudin Bakery, where you can get clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. In Disneyland, I love to grab a Dole Whip, a special treat normally only found in Hawaii. And I have yet to be disappointed with any of the sit-down meals I have had while visiting the park. We often pack our lunch so that we can save money and then splurge on a special treat here and there.
I Vote For Disneyland Travel
You never know what your Disneyland Vacation will bring you. There are always different characters out ready to sign autographs and pose for pictures. There are live street shows your family may stumble upon. There are extra tours and experiences you can look into. No matter what your family decides to do, a day or week at Disneyland is a great vacation.
Amanda is a former Air Force member who has transitioned to being a stay at home mom and Air Force wife. She met her husband in college in during their military training program. Since then, they have lived in New Mexico and Ohio and now California. Their first son joined their family in the summer of 2013 and the second at the end of 2015. Now they are a happy family of 4 exploring life together.
Check our her blog at Airman2Mom with stories incorporating life experience from motherhood and daily life while occasionally throwing in past letters home from her Afghanistan deployment in 2010. Her goal is to inspire others on their life journey and hopeful you will find some encouragement along the way. She loves making new friends and would be honored if you like her Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram.
