Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Which brings us to the “nothing to excess” part. At the Disneyland parks, espe-
cially if you're touring with children, less is definitely more. Trust us: It's tough to go
full tilt from dawn to dusk in the theme parks. First you'll get tired, then you'll get
cranky, and then you'll adopt a production mentality (“we've got three more rides and
then we can go back to the hotel”). Finally, you'll hit the wall because you just can't
maintain the pace.
This mom had a great vacation, but not exactly the vacation she had been expect-
ing:
Unfortunately, Iwasunpreparedfortraveling witha2-year-old.Alltheindoorrides
were deemed too dark and scary, and all she wanted to do was see the characters
(whichIthoughtshe'dbepetrifiedof!).WehadagreattriponceIthrewallmymaps
and plans out the window and just went with the flow! … We all would have appre-
ciated more pool time. I would definitely warn people to think twice before bringing
a 2-year-old. It is one exhausting trip!
Plan on seeing the Disneyland parks in bite-size chunks with plenty of swim-
ming, napping, and relaxing in between. Most Disneyland vacations are short. Even
if you have to stay an extra day to build in some relaxation, you'll be happier while
you're there and more rested when you get home. Ask yourself over and over in both
the planning stage and while you are at Disneyland: What will contribute the greatest
contentedness, satisfaction, and harmony? Trust your instincts. If stopping for ice
cream or returning to the hotel for a dip feels like more fun than seeing another attrac-
tion, do it—even if it means wasting the remaining hours of an expensive admissions
pass.
The
AGE THING
THERE'S A LOT OF SERIOUS COGITATION
among parents and grandparents in regard to
how old a child should be before embarking on a trip to Disneyland. The answer, not
always obvious, stems from the personalities and maturity of the children, and the
personalities and parenting style of the adults.
Disneyland for Infants and Toddlers
We believe that traveling with infants and toddlers is a great idea. Developmentally,
travel is a stimulating learning experience for even the youngest of children. Infants,
of course, won't know Mickey Mouse from a draft horse but will respond to sun and
shade, music, bright colors, and the extra attention they receive from you. From first
steps to full mobility, toddlers respond to the excitement and spectacle of the Disney-
land parks, though of course in a much different way than you do. Your toddler will
