Celebrate Birthdays At Disneyland If you want to celebrate your birthday, or the birthday of a child at Disneyland, you can easily do this – and it doesn’t even have to be done on the exact date of birth! Start celebrating by going to City Hall, which is located in Town Square, upon your arrival to Disneyland. Here, you will receive a Birthday Sticker or button. This sticker tells everyone on at Disneyland that you are to receive special treatment. On your birthday celebration day, make sure that you eat in one of the full service restaurants, and that you order the Birthday Bucket. It will be full of Disney treats, and it includes a cake. This costs around twenty dollars. Eat breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen and you can get a Birthday Bag for five dollars. There are many ways to enjoy your birthday at Disneyland. You will receive special treatment from all of the Disney Characters in the park. This can be a memorable birthday celebration for you or your child – so make sure you take lots of pictures, and don’t be shy about telling people who work at the park that it is your birthday – if they don’t notice your sticker! (word count 198)

Christmas at Disneyland Christmas is one of the happiest times of the year for a child. Spending the happiest time of the year, at the happiest place on earth, could be a dream that comes true for many children and adults. Christmas at Disneyland is an experience that will never be forgotten, and can never be matched. Disneyland works to make Christmas very special. Santa’s Reindeer Roundup is especially fun, allowing children to decorate Christmas cookies with Mrs. Clause, play Reindeer Games, and make holiday souvenirs. Between seeing all of the characters dressed up in their holiday costumes and enjoying the ‘snow’ after the Fireworks, Christmas at Disneyland cannot be topped! Make sure that you visit the Christmas Shoppe and buy a special holiday ornament. Also, take part in all of the special holiday rides. Visiting Disneyland at Christmas time is unlike any other Disneyland vacation you will ever take. Make sure you get a picture of the Christmas tree! Even though Christmas is considered to be ‘off-season’ you should be prepared for crowds. Christmas is a very popular time to visit Disneyland. Make reservations well in advance. (word count 185)

Disney Dollars and Disneyland Merchandise Cards When it comes to kids and money, we all know what happens. The money either gets spent the wrong way, or it gets lost. With Disney Dollars and Disneyland Merchandise cards, you may be able to cut down on some of this. Disney Dollars work just like cash at Disneyland. They can be used anywhere in the park, and at certain hotels. They can even be used at local Disney stores in your area. The Disneyland Merchandise Card works more like a credit card. The amount of money you load on the card is how much is available. All of this fits quite nicely into the FreePass holder, so there will be less chance of losing the dollars or the card. You can also purchase a Disneyland Resort Gift Card. This card can only be used at the Disney Resorts, as well as stores that accept credit cards at Disneyland. These cards also make great gift items for anyone who loves Disneyland, or for anyone who is planning a trip to Disneyland. This is a great way to budget money for souvenirs as well as snack items while at Disneyland. (word count 190)

Disneyland and Disabilities Even if you are confined to a wheelchair or on crutches, you can still enjoy Disneyland. If you are on crutches, you should consider renting a Disneyland Scooter to get around the park. The rental fee is $35 per day, with a $20 deposit. A valid driver’s license is required, and you must be eighteen years old or older. You can also choose to rent a wheelchair, which is not electronic. The rental fee for a wheelchair is $8 per day, with a $20 deposit. You do not have to rent your wheelchair or Scooter from Disneyland. You can choose to rent the apparatus from a private company, and have the wheelchair or scooter delivered to your hotel room. You may find that it is cheaper to rent from a private company, as opposed to renting from Disneyland. All of the restaurants and shops are wheelchair accessible, as are the entertainment areas. When it comes to wheelchairs, your problem will be accessing some of the rides. Some rides are not appropriate for people who are in wheelchairs, while others are perfectly suitable. For instance, you will not be able to enjoy Donald’s Boat, Sailing Ship, or Tarzan’s Tree house. However, there are many attractions that you can enjoy, such as The Disney Gallery, Disneyland Monorail, the Disneyland Railroad, the Tiki Room, The Golden Horseshoe, It’s A Small World, Mark Twain Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island. Some attractions will require you to be transferred from your wheelchair, such as Alice in Wonderland, Indiana Jones, and the King Arthur Carrousel. Cast members and service personnel will be happy to help with Guest wheelchair transfers, and if you should lose a wheelchair or scooter that you’ve rented from Disneyland, simply show the ticket for the wheelchair or scooter, and Disneyland will happily supply you with another one. However, if you lose a wheelchair or scooter that was rented from an outside company, Disneyland will not be able to help you replace it, and you may have to pay the rental company the full value of the chair. This is something to consider when you are trying to decide whether to rent from Disneyland or a private company. Whether you can enjoy a ride in your wheelchair, or you must be transferred from your wheelchair to the ride, you can actually enjoy most of the rides at Disneyland. Do not allow the fact that you can’t walk around the park keep you from planning a Disneyland Vacation. Again, Disneyland was designed with everyone in mind! (word count 421)

Disneyland Baby Centers Disneyland is a place for everyone, and at Disneyland, they have thought of everything – including the babies. The Disneyland Baby Center is located on Main Street, behind the Plaza Inn. This is not a babysitting service. Instead, it is a place where you can attend to your babies needs. There are several characters present in this area, and their purpose there is not only to amuse your baby, but also to help you attend to your baby’s needs. This area has rockers, where you can rock and breast feed your baby. No men are allowed in this room, but they are allowed in other rooms within the Baby Center. You can warm a bottle or a jar of food, and clean bottles as necessary. Baby changing tables are available, and the entire center is very clean and comfortable. There are even smaller toilets for children who are being potty trained. You can also purchase emergency baby supplies at the Baby Center. Diapers cost about a dollar each, and several different types of formula and baby food are kept in supply, although the selections are l imited. This is Disneyland’s way of making sure that the needs of every guest – no matter how small they may be – are attended to. (word count 208)

Disneyland Magic Music Days Disneyland has always contributed to the education of young people in one way or another. This tradition is continued with the Disneyland Magic Music Days program, which is an educational program for students of music, vocal arts, or dance. Your group has the opportunity to showcase your talent and to improve even more in a setting that promotes learning – and you can have fun doing it! The program is available all year, and is open to schools, studios, and other organizations worldwide. Auditions for the program are required. There are many workshops held to help improve the specific talents of each member of your group. These workshops are taught by professional actors, choreographers, comedians, dancers, composers, singers, arrangers, musicians, and conductors. Where else will your group have access to professionals in these fields – all in one place? To sweeten the pot, many of these professionals are famous in their fields, performing in both Hollywood and New York, among other famous places in the world. Instrumental groups can audition to perform on one of the Disneyland stages. Marching bands can audition for the famous Disneyland parades. Along with performing in the happiest place on earth, which is an experience you will remember and talk about your entire life, you will also receive the benefits of world-class workshops, conducted by world-class professionals. Vocal groups and dancers audition to perform on one of the Disneyland stages, and are also offered the world-class workshops designed for vocalists and vocalist groups or dancers. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your group. The performance alone will be unforgettable, but the information that these young performers will learn in the workshops is invaluable. Instrumental groups and marching bands will benefit from the soundtrack/instrumental workshop, the soundtrack jazz workshop, the tune in seminar, and the percussion workshop. Vocalists are offered the industry show choir workshop, academy show choir workshop, the academy vocal workshop, the industry vocal workshop, and the express yourself workshop. Dancers can take advantage of the industry dance workshop, academy dance workshop, and the express yourself workshop. There is something for all performers as Disneyland Magic Music Days! Each member of each group will receive an 8 x 10 glossy picture of their entire group, dressed in performance attire, in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Although you won’t need any help remembering your time at Disneyland Magic Music Days, you can share this photo with your friends and loved ones when you return home from the most unforgettable performance you will ever have! (word count 418)

Disneyland Purchases – Package Express One of the nice guest service features at Disneyland is the Package Express service. This will allow you to make purchases, and not have to carry them around with you all day! Can you imagine trying to hold all of your packages, your kids, and ride the rides? Instead, have your purchases sent to the Newsstand, which is located near the exit. This Package Express purchase allows you to pick your packages up as you are leaving the park. If you stay till closing, note that the pickup line will be very long. You should plan to leave at least an hour earlier than you had originally planned if you have packages to pick up. You can also have your purchases sent directly to your hotel if you are staying at one of the Resort Hotels. This offers even more convenience, because you won’t have to leave the park earlier, or stand in the package pickup line. Another option is to rent a locker, and put all of your purchases in it until you are ready to leave. However, this means that you will have to walk back to the locker after each of your Disneyland purchases. (word count 197)

Disneyland Surprises For Yourself and Loved Ones If you would like to surprise someone who will be traveling with you to Disneyland, you can easily do this by using the Disneyland Vacation Planning Service. This service has many different services that can be performed for you, but one of the best ones is the Surprise service. Simply contact the Vacation Planning department, and tell them who the surprises will be for, which Resort hotel you will be staying at and what your budget is for the surprises. You will also need to tell them when you would like the surprise deliveries to be made, and what type of gifts you are interested in. They will also want to know who the favorite Disney character is of the person that you want to surprise. After providing all of this information, your credit card information will be required. You can be sure that the amount charged to your credit card will not exceed your surprise budget that you have set. This is a great way to add more value to your Disney experience, and to constantly experience great anticipation of the next surprise to come! (word count 186)

Disneyland Ticket Security You must have your Disneyland ticket in order to enter the park. You must also have the ticket to get FastPass tickets. Because this ticket is so important, it needs to be kept in a safe place. Along with the Disneyland ticket, you also need a safe place to keep money or the Disneyland Merchandise Card. A wallet or purse is not very practical at Disneyland. Instead, you should purchase a FastPass holder – even if you don’t get any FastPasses. This is a small plastic pouch that hangs from a cord, which is worn around the neck. These can be purchased at Disneyland, and they are very inexpensive. If you think you might not want to spend a little bit of money on the FastPass holder, you should consider what a new Disneyland ticket will cost. If you lose your Disneyland ticket, you will not be allowed to enter the park the next day without purchasing a new ticket. When you look at the small cost of the Disneyland FastPass holder, you will see that it is well worth it. (word count 180)

Disneyland Vacations for Toddlers Disneyland was designed for kids of all ages – and toddlers are no exception! There are many things that you can enjoy with your toddler – so many things in fact, that unless you will be staying for several days, you won’t have time to do them all. Start with Toon Town. Here is where you will find your toddler’s favorite Disney Characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse. All of the Characters have homes in Toon Town, full of things that will amaze your toddler, and make them laugh. Your toddler will definitely enjoy the Disneyland Railroad. This is a great way to get around the park, because there are stations in New Orleans Square, Toon Town, Tomorrowland, and on Main Street. This will amuse your toddler, and give you a chance to see some sights and rest a bit. Its A Small World is very appropriate for toddlers. Music and colors will keep your child mesmerized while you enjoy a relaxing ride across the water. The Storybook Land Canal Boats is another good choice, as it will take you through the miniature villages that your child will be quite familiar with from their story books. Rides that you and your toddler must not miss include all of the rides in Fantasyland, King Arthur’s Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Circus Train, and the Mad Tea Party. Rides that are appropriate for youngsters, but that may cause a little fear are the rides that are dark. These include Peter Pan’s Flight, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Alice in Wonderland, and Snow White’s Scary Adventure. Buzz Lightyear is a popular ride for all toddlers. There are other areas of the park that have attractions and rides that are appropriate for toddlers. Remember that Disneyland is a place for kids of all ages. Pay attention to the height and age requirements for each attraction, and avoid taking your toddler to rides that they will not be able to enjoy. This will only cause your child disappointment. Stick to the areas where the toddler appropriate attractions are located as much as possible. As an adult, you realize that some rides are simply not safe for small people – but your small person will not comprehend this! Your Disneyland vacation should be enjoyable for everyone, and Disneyland has made sure that there is something for everyone at the park. It is up to you to keep your child happy, and to keep them interested in the rides and attractions that they are meant to enjoy. (word count 416)

Disneyland Weddings Your wedding day is the happiest day of your life. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have the happiest day of your life at the happiest place on earth? Of course it would – and Disneyland has made that possible with Disneyland Weddings. Women start dreaming of their weddings from the time that they are little girl’s. Now, you can really have a fairy tale wedding that is truly unique, romantic, and enchanting – and you can have your very own ‘happily ever after’ wedding day at Disneyland. Disneyland weddings include a magical ceremony and a creative reception that you can’t find any place else on earth. You won’t have to stress over the details. Like Cinderella, you can have your very own God Mother to take care of the details – although in this case, it will actually be a fairy God Planner. Disneyland weddings are not last minute events. The planning stage starts one year before the date of the wedding with a meeting with the Disney wedding planner, a site tour, and a selection of the possible locations for the wedding. Eleven months before the big day, the letter of agreement must be signed and returned with a deposit. At ten months, announcements are mailed out to the guests who are to be invited. Eight months before the big day, the planning steps up. Planning sessions are held by phone or in person with the wedding planner, and ceremony and reception event orders are prepared. Everything starts falling into place, and the planning continues until one month before the big day. Final payments are due thirty days before the wedding date, and the final guest count is due four days before the wedding is to take place. Everything is planned with your input, and all of the details are handled without any stress being placed on the happy couple. Flowers, invitations, and catering are all included. After a ceremony that will l ive in your memory forever, you and your new spouse will enjoy the reception of your dreams. The reception will be handled by a white gloved staff, complete with elegant resort table settings, a head table, floor length linens, and place cards. Your wedding cake will be like nothing you could imagine in your wildest dreams, selected by you from a variety of choices. There are also honeymoon packages available at all of the Disneyland Resorts. From start to finish, your Disneyland wedding will have all of your dreams coming true, so you and your spouse can start your road to happily ever after. (word count 424)

Entertainment at Disneyland There is always something to see or do at Disneyland, but Disneyland adds to this with nightly entertainment during the peak season, and weekend entertainment during the off-season. There is also special entertainment during special occasions, such as the Fourth of July and Christmas. Fantasmic is held twice each night during the peak season, and on weekends during the off-season. The show takes place on Tom Sawyer’s Island, and features many characters, music, and fireworks. For the best seating possible, purchase tickets for Fantasmic in advance, but note that free seating is also available, and is included in your Disneyland park admission price. The Parade of Dreams features large colorful floats accompanied by many Characters. This parade takes place twice each day. During the parade, the entire parade will stop three times to do a choreographed show, and most of the Disney Characters are portrayed in the Parade of Dreams. In the Fantasyland Theater, you can see a musical of Snow White. This show is held several times throughout the day. This show should not be missed – especially if you love Snow White. Since the show is held several times each day, reservations are not necessary. These are just a few of the shows that are available at Disneyland. Again, entertainment is an ongoing thing at the park, with each day bringing something new. One thing that you can definitely count on, of course, is the fireworks! The fireworks show is held late each night – before the park closes for the day. Even if you can’t stay for the fireworks, you can probably see them out of your hotel window! Try to get a view of the Fireworks from in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle for the greatest effect. The fireworks on the Fourth of July are out of this world. To find out if there are any special shows or events during the time that you will be at Disneyland, visit the website, call the park, or ask your travel agent to find this information out for you. You may also want to inquire about special events during specific months, so that you can plan your stay at Disneyland for those days. Most entertainment is provided free of charge, and is part of your admission price. However, special seating, or priority seating usually requires a fee, as well as a reservation. Some events require an admission price that is separate from your park admission. Again, check the website, call the park, or discuss events and fees with your travel agent when planning your Disneyland vacation. (word count 426)

Family Reunions at Disneyland Everyone looks forward to family reunions – and who doesn’t love Disneyland? You can bring the two together by having your family reunion at the happiest place on earth. It is really easier than you might think to arrange this! Start by calling the Disneyland Vacation Planning Services Department. Let them help you book rooms at the Resort hotels, and admission tickets to the park. You should be able to get discounts on the tickets by purchasing them in bulk. The specific service that you need to accommodate all of your family members is the ‘Happiest Place on Earth Picnic.’ This service is offered year round, and includes admission to the park for your entire party. You also get a choice of fully catered meals for the event. For 100 – 300 people, your event can be held at Big Thunder Ranch. For 300 – 1000 people, the event will be held at the Festival Arena. If there are less than 100 people in your party, you may not be eligible for the catering services. This is at the sole discretion of Disneyland, and you will need to discuss this with Guest Services or the Planning Services Departments. If catering is not available, reservations in the many restaurants can be made instead. You may be able to get a discount on your family member’s rooms at the Resorts as well, if you book well in advance, hold your event during the off-season, and book a block of rooms. Airline tickets for those who will need to fly to Disneyland should also be purchased well in advance, and in bulk for additional discounts. Again, allow Disneyland Vacation Planning Services to help you with the arrangements, and use a travel agent to handle any arrangements that planning services doesn’t cover. For best results, choose one family member to work with the planning services and the travel agent, and relay information back and forth between the services and the family members. Having one person collecting and sharing information will cut down on a great deal of confusion and misinformation when you are trying to make travel arrangements for a large number of people. It may take work and planning, but in the end, this will be one family reunion that will never be forgotten. Talk with the Vacation Planning Services Department to find out what other services are available to make this an even more special experience for you and your family members. The Surprise services would be a nice touch! (word count 415)

Get More Out of Your Disneyland Vacation With FastPass You don’t want to spend your entire Disneyland Vacation standing in long lines. This can be avoided by using Disneyland FastPass. FastPass can be obtained from machines located near the rides that accept FastPass. This doesn’t mean that you get to immediately move to the front of the line. It is more like scheduling an appointment for the ride later in the day – at which time you actually will move to the front of the line. In the meantime, you are free to go enjoy other sites and rides around the park. When you obtain a FastPass ticket, you will be given a one hour time in which to enjoy the ride. For instance, your FastPass ticket may say 11am to 12pm. This means that you can show up and move to the front of the line between the hours of 11am and 12pm. You must have your Disneyland ticket in order to obtain a FastPass ticket. At Disneyland, FastPasses are available for Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin, Autopia, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear. (word count 181)

Getting Around Disneyland with Your Toddler or Baby As a parent, you already know that you don’t want to have to carry your child around in your arms all day. You couldn’t possibly make it through the day! You also can’t expect your child to walk all day long. The obvious choice is to have a way to transport your child – without wearing you or the child completely out. Strollers are not only welcome at Disneyland, they are highly recommended. In fact, Disneyland rents strollers for a reasonable fee. Strollers can be rented for less than $10 for the day, and you can get a huge discount on a second stroller if it is needed. The strollers are clean and well-maintained, but they do all look alike. Tie something on the stroller, such as a brightly colored ribbon, to help identify it from all of the other strollers in the park. Never leave your child unattended in the stroller, and never leave any material items of any value in the stroller either. Even if you bring your own stroller, you should have some easy way to identify it – there will be other strollers that look just like it at Disneyland. (word count 192)