I’m Going to Disneyland!!!

Well, not right now, but soon. Real soon.

Since I was born and raised in Southern California Disneyland was a regular part of my childhood. We took family trips at least once a year, 2 or 3 times if I worked some Disney magic on my parents.

When I became an adult and had children of my own we got annual passes and went at least once a month. In the off season we would go as often as once a week!!

Well, then we moved to Texas. Do you know how far away from Houston Disneyland is? ? I’ll tell you. Too far!! Logistic wise it was quicker and easier to go to Disney World so it became our new Disney vacation of choice.

Now that we are in California again I wanted to make it a priority to take the kids to Disneyland before we head back to Houston. I also wanted to get as much out of the trip as we could and it just so happens that Chyenne’s 11th birthday is December 3rd so I figured it would be the perfect time to visit the most magical place on earth!! Not only will it be all decked up for the holidays, and have cooler temps, but it will also have lower crowds since it is before most schools get out for winter break! ! That’s a big +1 for homeschooling!!  

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For those of you who have never visited Disneyland before, it is quite a bit different then Disney World. When visiting Disney World there are great benefits to staying on property, which includes park transportation, but since Disneyland has so many wonderful Good Neighbor hotels that are all within walking distance of the parks transportation is a non-issue. Don’t get me wrong, there are still wonderful perks that come with staying on property like early entry to the parks on select days, and package delivery. With so many choices available both on and off property, there is something for every budget.

Since we are a family of 6 one of our favorite hotels is the Portofino Inn, where we can stay 2 nights in one of their kid’s suites for the same price as one night in a standard room at the Grand Californian!! (which wouldn’t even fit my family) No disrespect meant toward the Grand Californian as I would LOVE to stay there one day, but for this trip it’s just not in our budget.

With our room booked, and park tickets ordered what is left to plan? Well, for a foodie like me that would be our dining reservations, of course! ! The dining reservation system for Disneyland is very different then that of Disney World.

At Disney World you can, and really should, make advanced dining reservations (ADRs) 180 days out! Disneyland on the other hand only offers “priority seating” 60 days out. Part of my likes the shorter time frame, since honestly how do I know what I am going to want to eat on which day 6 months from now?? But, the planner in me likes to have things set a bit earlier.

New this month Disneyland dining reservations can now be made ONLINE!! I love, love, love this!!! I have been making my Disney World ADRs online for the last couple of trips and it is SO MUCH easier this way. First of all I don’t really like to talk on the phone so not having to do so is a huge plus for me, and secondly I hate the whole back and forth process of trying to make reservation over the phone.

The new online system is so easy to use. You simply click on “make dining reservation” choose your party size, the time you want to eat and it brings up a list of every restaurant that takes reservations and has openings around the time you want to eat. Just like this!! 

Doesn’t that look much easier??

I still haven’t locked down where we are going to eat yet, but when I do you better believe I will be doing it online! ! 

What is your favorite (kid friendly) celebratory meal at Disneyland?