Who doesn't enjoy a family trip to Disneyland? It really is a magical place of its own that can make you forget everything! It being my first time, it lifted my pessimism and reminded me of that old fantasy thinking I used to have when I was young. It was also the first family vacation we’ve had in over five years, bringing us together. This trip wasn’t just a vacation but also a chance for us to see my niece perform with her group Ballet Folklorico of El Paso; a representation of our Mexican culture through dance. It was fun to see her perform on the stages of Disney and California Adventures while enjoying the parks but doing this wouldn’t have been possible without our helpful tools.
â–º QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
Park Hoppers, for starters, are a big help. Our three-day park hoppers allowed us to "hop" between both amusement parks at any time and as many times as we wanted. We also received park passes that allowed us to enter the park an hour early one day and to enter Toontown earlier the next. Arriving at the park an hour before they opened, before the lines get too long, gave us the chance to get in line at all the major rides such as the Radiator Springs Racers, letting us enjoy this amazing and fun new attraction in less than forty-five minutes (in Disneyland world that's excellent timing). California Adventures closes at eleven, our Hoppers allowed us to spend the last hour in Disneyland (which closes at midnight).
There are also several shows that go on every night at both theme parks such as the World of Colors water show in California Adventures. Buying early tickets gave us a closer spot to this magnificent and awe-inspiring spectacle of choreographed water and color ballet but the show can witnessed by other passerby’s. The fireworks display and the laser spectacular show of Fantasmic in Disneyland are also given every night. Even if you're not interested or have already seen these shows, use the time to hit the major rides while a large fraction of the crowd is off enjoying the shows, you'll be amazed how much the lines are reduced during these things. Always carry snacks and water (everything in Disney is expensive!) take extra cash to enjoy a dinner at the park or delicious snacks like churros or cotton candy as well as for souvenirs. Hoppers also allow you to get Fast Passes (real time savers!) although you’re limited to only two fast passes at a time you can use them to your advantage. If there’s a ride with a long line a fast pass will tell you at what time to return, giving you time to enjoy other rides, before you enter the ride through a faster line.
If I learned anything on this trip is to never spare a moment! Time is literally of the essence in Disneyland, so use every chance you get, whether it’s getting in line for rides, spending the time you can’t enter the parks at Downtown Disney which is just as fun, or staying at a hotel that is a walking distance from the parks. You are in a different world when you go to Disneyland and though you don’t get enough sleep, your legs ache, and you hardly eat, you will have the time of your lives! I know I did.
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