When You Wish Upon a Star...

Disneyland is one of my favorite places in the world.  I love how you can feel like you are in another realm and almost forget that there is an outside world with all the stress and chaos. Well...when you see a screaming kid or a tramp stamp while waiting in line for Splash Mountain, the haven-like atmosphere is sort of ruined, but nonetheless, I love the place and look forward to all my visits and every last churro.

My friend David and I just got back from our annual Disney trip this past weekend. I really love experiencing Disneyland David Marshall style because he is very good at paying attention to detail and pointing out new things I never noticed before.  In addition, we both find humor in the most unlikely of places which adds another bonus to these trips.

Here we are (a few years ago) about to embark on the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction.

Needless to say, we are quite experienced when it comes to the Land that is Disney. So if you are looking to go to Disneyland, here are some tips from some very seasoned Disney goers that are helpful to any Disney novice.

1) Utilize the "Fast Pass" for big attractions (they are not rides at Disneyland...they are so much more than that...they are attractions!).  Fast passes allow you to skip the long lines by assigning you a time to return to the ride.  It is hands down the best way to go.  Be sure to snag a pass first thing upon entry to the park.  We usually get a Fast Pass to Space Mountain or Indiana Jones Adventure, then go on other rides with shorter lines. 
2) Get to the park early, but replenish by going on the Disney Railway as many times as needed (they never kick you off), going on "It's a Small World," or people watch while eating a treat and hydrating.
3) Wear sunscreen, hydrate, and wear comfortable shoes.  This is not a place to break in a new pair of shoes...one blister and your day is ruined!
4) Don't eat the chimichangas...they are gross!  Especially when you come from the Southwest and you know what a chimichanga should taste like.  Such a let down.  Otherwise, everything else I have had has been good to great.  If you can, make a reservation at "The Blue Bayou."  This restaurant is inside "The Pirates of the Caribbean" ride.  It's a pricey meal, but well worth the money...plus all the riders going by are so jealous of you and wish they were in your shoes.  I have been on both sides. :)
5)  You must pay homage to the late Michael Jackson by watching the 3D attraction "Captain EO."
If you feel super awesome afterward...by a shirt...I did.
6) Be a kid and enjoy the attractions in Fantasy Land...all the kids are doing it.
7)  Make time for shows.  If you can, I would highly recommend purchasing at least a 2-day Park Hopper pass that allows you to get in to both Disneyland and California Adventures.  Disneyland has an awesome Fireworks spectacular show you don't want to miss, but even more...California Adventures has a water show called "The World of Color" that will bring you to tears...or maybe just me and David. (You do need to get a ticket/Fast Pass to see "The World of Color," so go get that ticket/Fast Pass early in the day to get a good viewing spot.)  These shows are at night and a great way to close out the day.
8) Get a locker to store your things.  It's only $7 and your back will thank you.  You don't want your sciatica to do a sneak attack on you at the happiest place on earth.
9) To learn more about how Disneyland came into fruition, consider a tour.  We just went on a tour for the first time called "Walking Through Walt's Footsteps."  It provided great insight, history, a collectors pin, and lunch.  All in all it gave me a greater sense of appreciation for all the hard work that went in to building/creating Disneyland.
10) Go with the right mix of people (no negative Nancy's, no tight-wads, and no fraidy cats) and really try and embrace this wise mantra "Hakuna Matata."

Most of all...Have Fun!