Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
has attention-deficit disorder, remember that especially loud sounds can drive him or
her right up the wall. Unfortunately, some Disney theater attractions are almost un-
bearably loud.
SUNSCREEN
Overheating and sunburn are among the most common problems of
younger children at Disneyland. Carry and use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Be sure
to put some on kids in strollers, even if the stroller has a canopy. Some of the worst
cases of sunburn we've seen were on the exposed foreheads and feet of toddlers and
infants in strollers. Protect skin from overexposure. To avoid overheating, rest regu-
larly in the shade or in an air-conditioned restaurant or show.
WATER BOTTLES
Don't count on keeping young children hydrated with soft drinks
and water fountains. Long lines may impede buying refreshments, and fountains may
not be handy. Furthermore, excited children may not realize or tell you that they're
thirsty or hot. We recommend renting a stroller for children age 6 and younger and
carrying bottles of water and sports drinks. Bottled water runs about $3 in all major
parks, or bring your own water bottle and strap from home.
COOLERS AND MINI-FRIDGES
If you drive to Disneyland, bring two coolers: a small
one for drinks in the car and a large one for the hotel room. If you fly and rent a car,
stop and purchase a large Styrofoam cooler, which can be discarded at the end of the
trip. If you will be without a car, book a hotel with mini-fridges in each room. All
on-site Disneyland hotels provide free mini-fridges and coffeemakers. If mini-fridges
aren't provided, rent one from the hotel.
Coolers and mini-fridges allow you to have breakfast in your hotel room, store
snacks and lunch supplies to take to the theme parks, and supplant expensive vending
machines for snacks and beverages at the hotel. To keep the contents of your cooler
cold, freeze a 2-gallon milk jug full of water before you head out. In a good cooler,
it will take the jug five or more days to thaw. If you buy a Styrofoam cooler, you
can use bagged ice and ice from the ice machine at your hotel. Even if you have to
rent a mini-fridge, you will save a bundle of cash as well as significant time by re-
ducing dependence on restaurant meals and expensive snacks and drinks purchased
from vendors.
FOOD-PREP KIT
If you plan to make sandwiches, bring along condiments and season-
ings from home. A typical travel kit will include mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, salt
and pepper, and packets of sugar or artificial sweetener. Also throw in some plastic
knives and spoons, napkins, plastic cups, and zip-top plastic bags. For breakfast you
will need some plastic bowls for cereal. Of course, you can buy this stuff in Anaheim,
