017 Disneyland Travel Tips

Why is Disneyland better than Disney World? Find out that and some top Disneyland travel tips with pro Leslie Harvey from Trips with Tykes on this week's podcast. She gives the scoop on hotels, restaurants, rides and more. ON THE PODCAST :30 Summer kick off and travel plans 7:03 About Leslie Harvey with Trips with Tykes 11:16 Differences between Disneyland and Disney World 12:08 The two parks at Disneyland 14:20 Fast Pass at Disneyland vs. Disney World 15:45 Hotels at Disneyland 19:30 Perks for staying on property 21:30 How long to visit Disneyland 22:38 Best time to visit Disneyland 23:35 Leslie's favorite rides 25:20 Leslie's favorite restaurants 26:45 Top budget saving tips 29:30 Why you need to get there early 31:25 Where to take a family photo 33:43 Favorite travel gear 35:55 App of the week 37:30 Next week we are talking about Unplugged Vacations ABOUT LESLIE HARVEY Leslie Harvey publishes Trips With Tykes, a family travel blog that focuses on the joys and challenges of travel with babies, toddlers, and young kids. Her travel passions include all things Disney as well as air travel, even in spite of her constant battles with the TSA over her toddler's juice box. Leslie is a former attorney and mother of two children, ages 7 and 2. She's originally from Alabama but now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home. You can follow Leslie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+.   TOP DISNEYLAND TRAVEL TIPS Disneyland is much smaller than Disney World, making for a very different vacation experience and getting from park to park is much easier in Disneyland  There are two parks -- Disneyland Park and California Adventure Some rides are different -- such as Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland is better) and Splash Mountain (Disney World is better) Disneyland has the old Fast Pass system, not Fast Pass + currently at Disney World At Disneyland you can purchase them on the day of your visit at the machines at the park There are three hotels at Disneyland: Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand Californian, and none are true "value" resorts Paradise Pier will be the least expensive option but even in high season, the hotels usually top out at $400-500 per night The Grand Californian is the most upscale and has its own entrance into the park Leslie's favorite hotel is the original Disneyland Hotel because of its theming, history and Disney tours Kim really likes the Grand Californian but has also had a great stay at Paradise Pier Paradise Pier has the best character meal with the Surf's Up breakfast There are many options for staying off-site but are just across the street and easy to get to If you stay on-site, you get early entry, which is even more important at Disneyland than it is at Disney World because it gets so overcrowded There is a private entrance for hotel guests from the Grand Californian, but it can actually slow you down on very crowded weekends On holiday weekends you need to get there 30-40 minutes before rope drop Plan on spending three days in Disneyland The parks are always crowded but mid-September, early-December (between Thanksgiving and Christmas), January and February (outside of holiday weekends) are the best times to visit. However, some rides may be closed due to refurbishment during these times Leslie recommends the Blue Bayou for a special date night meal -- make a reservation in advance and request a table by the water To save money, book a budget hotel off-property and if you go on a whim, use Hotel Tonight to find good last-minute deals Leslie recommends buying tickets from Park Savers, who is a third-party reseller that offers discounts Buy Disney gift cards at a discount, such as buying them at Target with your RedCard and get 5% off and then use them at the parks Plan on leaving your hotel 45 minutes before opening to get through the bag check and past rope drops If you have young kids, use Rider Switch to get a pass that you can use anytime in the day and save them for when the rides are the longest or use them with your thrill rides multiple times BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO The classic spot would be in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle. Leslie also recommends going back to Critter Country near Splash Mountain for the meet and greet with Winnie-the-Pooh characters. She also likes the scenery in Carsland in California Adventure. Kim also recommends Mickey's House in Toontown. FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR Leslie really likes Skechers Go Walk sneakers and packs in layers as the weather is variable in Southern California. APP OF THE WEEK Kim recommends three options for Disneyland wait time apps: Mousewait with user generated content for wait times, Lines by Touring Plans which is helpful if you sign up for a touring plan, and the official Disneyland Park app with the most accurate wait times and information. MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST Differences between Disneyland & Walt Disney World: http://tripswithtykes.com/2015/03/16/10-differences-between-disney-world-and-disneyland-how-they-matter-for-your-vacation-planning/ Complete Guide to Every Disneyland Character Meal: http://tripswithtykes.com/2015/10/14/disneyland-character-meals/ Top 7 Money-Saving Tips for Disneyland: http://tripswithtykes.com/2015/09/02/top-7-money-saving-tips-for-disneyland/ Guide to Disneyland Rider Switch: http://tripswithtykes.com/2015/01/30/maximizing-rider-switch-and-fastpass-at-disneyland/ FOLLOW US AND SPREAD THE WORD! If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035#   You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!