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Universal Orlando at Christmas: Everything You Need to Know 2018

Minion float

Updated 11/13/18. The holidays at Universal Orlando offers plenty to see and do in terms of entertainment, activities, and seasonal decor. Experience an Universal Orlando Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, meet the Grinch during the celebration in Whoville, and enjoy the Universal Holiday parade.

Save on your stay! Discount Universal Orlando Tickets + Hotel! Start preparing now for your Florida vacation and book your hotel with the best prices! Get special Universal Orlando discount tickets when you book a tickets hotel combo. Make sure you are getting the best deal for your vacation! Book now >

Universal Orlando focuses their Christmas time festivities in two main themes: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas. Along with these two main themes, you can also see holiday decor throughout the park from the festive decorations to characters wearing Santa hats! Seasonal food is also in abundance, especially in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And don’t forget, the Universal Holiday parade featuring Macy’s.

Need a refresher on everything Universal Orlando has to offer? Make sure to check out our full guide with tips on how to get discount tickets, what rides are offered, and a complete touring strategy.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Family of four walks through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter during snowfall

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes place for Universal Orlando Christmas from November 17th- January 6th. These areas are decked out to its full holiday best and definitely should make the top of your list!

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade

Hogwarst Castle show

This show debuted in 2017 and it’s back for the 2018 holiday season at Hosmeade in Universal’s lslands of Adventure!

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle includes lights, music, and projections on the castle of Hogwarts which makes for a stunning display.

Check the entertainment schedule on the Universal Orlando app for daily times or ask the nearest park employee. Typically, the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle show will begin in the evening and run every 30 minutes until park close. But on nights that the park closes early, there may only be one show. Make sure you find out the time in advance so you don’t miss it for your Universal Orlando Christmas!

Holiday Frog Choir in Hogsmeade

Universal Studios christmas: holiday frog choir

Listen to some holiday songs from the choir of Hogwarts students and their croaking frogs at Hosmeade in Universal’s lslands of Adventure!

Check the entertainment schedule on the Universal Orlando app for daily times or ask the nearest park employee.

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees

Celestina Warbeck

King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios Florida features performances from Molly Weasley’s favorite singer- Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. The show features favorites you may reognize right from the pages of Harry Potter including  ‘A Cauldron Full Of Hot, Strong Love’, ‘You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart’, and ‘You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me’.

Check the entertainment schedule on the Universal Orlando app for daily times or ask the nearest park employee.

Universal Orlando Christmas Seasonal Food

Close up of holiday feast food at Universal Studios Hollywood

In the Harry Potter books, Harry and his friends enjoy a grand holiday feast at Hogwarts with all the fixings,

“Harry had never in all his life had such a Christmas dinner. A hundred fat, roast turkeys; mountains of roast and boiled potatoes; platters of chipolatas; tureens of buttered peas, silver boats of thick, rich gravy and cranberry sauce — and stacks of wizard crackers every few feet along the table…“

The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure offers a full holiday feast as a nod towards the Christmas dinner feast held at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. The 2017 Holiday Feast included a few courses such as butternut squash soup, beef wellington, oven roast turkey, sweet potato, dried cherries, and winter vegetables. We expect the 2018 offering of a traditional English dinner to be just as delicious!

You can also find a variety of holiday sweets and seasonal drinks, such as warm butterbeer, around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Christmas time.

Holiday Shopping at Universal Orlando Christmas

Harry Potter holiday ornament

Picture via Los Angeles Daily News

Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley offer a variety of amazing shops straight out of the pages of the Harry Potter series. You can expect these stores to put out all the stops when it comes to serving your holiday shopping needs.

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure also holds a celebration of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Seuss Landing with popular characters from the movie ready to share their Wholiday with your family for your Universal Orlando Christmas.

The Who-tacular festivities with The Grinch, Max and all of Who-ville takes place November 17th – January 6th.

Meet the Grinch in Seuss Landing

Grinch with his hands reaching out

Meet Grinch and Max in Seuss Landing and snap a picture with this dynamic duo.

Check the entertainment schedule on the Universal Orlando app for daily times or ask the nearest park employee.

Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular during Universal Orlando Christmas

Seuss landing holiday decor

Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular at Islands of Adventure is the main show for entertainment during Grinchmas. The show stars the Grinch in the telling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The show also features the spirited cast of Who-ville citizens and music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. Make sure to get there early so you can get good seats- seats are first come, first serve. And no, you can’t use your Express Pass here to get seats!

Check the entertainment schedule on the Universal Orlando app for daily times or ask the nearest park employee.

The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast

Grinch eating breakfast with a family

You can also enjoy a mischievous breakfast with the Grinch himself during your Universal Orlando Christmas experience! As you eat, the Grinch will come around stealing bacon (sassy Grinch) and posing for photos.

This breakfast requires advance reservations and tends to sell out quickly. Make your reservation here. 

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida

Minion float during the holiday parade

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is a must see for your Universal Orlando Christmas. The parade features favorites such as the Minions, Santa Clause, characters from Madagascar and Shrek.

Check the entertainment schedule on the Universal Orlando app for daily times or ask the nearest park employee.

Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando Christmas: Mannheim Steamroller

Mannheim Steamroller, the best-selling holiday artist of all time, visits Universal Studios Florida for live performances.

Check the entertainment schedule on the Universal Orlando app for daily times or ask the nearest park employee.

Christmas Time at Universal Orlando

Minions holiday decor

Between Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Universal Holiday Parade, and Grinchmas, there will be plenty of holiday entertainment to keep you busy.

Throughout the parks you will notice seasonal holiday decor, characters such as the beloved Minions in Christmas hats and festive outfits, and a variety of Christmas treats and souvenirs.

Since this time of year tends to be crowded, we have some additional tips and tricks to keep in mind for this holiday season as you enjoy your Universal Orlando Christmas:

  1. Arrive early- at least 30 minutes before the park opens. Not as many people do this at Universal Orlando as they do at Walt Disney World, you will be one of the first ones in if you come early!
  2. If you have the extra funds and want to cut ahead the crowds, consider purchasing an Express Pass so you can get to the front of the lines quicker.
  3. Plan ahead– know the park hours, entertainment schedule, and want you want to do first.
  4. If meeting the Grinch is at the top of your list, go there in the morning before the lines get long in the afternoon.
  5. When there are more than one Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle show, see the later timed one for lower crowd levels.
  6. Stay until the park closes– especially if you only have one day to spend.
  7. Consider staying at an Universal hotel to get early entry.
  8. Get spots early for the Universal Holiday Parade and the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
  9. Dress in layers– it can get chilly once the sun goes down!
  10. And don’t miss out on trying some warm holiday Butterbeer!

Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation Today!

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You can discover more about planning your trip from these links:

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Christmas Time: Disneyland Touring Strategy to Maximize Time and Experience the Magic

Updated 11/8/18. Christmas Time at the Disneyland Resort is one of the most magical times of year to visit the park. The holiday decor at Disneyland and California Adventure is breathtaking. The holidays at Disneyland tend to be crowded so we recommend using our Christmas time Disneyland strategy to get you through the day.

As always, we at Mickey Visit recommend planning your day in advance to avoid feeling overwhelmed (especially for Disneyland first timers!) at the parks.

There are a few basics that are essential to becoming familiar with in order to best use your time at the Disneyland Resort. This is especially important when you’re visiting during a seasonal celebration and the crowds may be higher than usual.

Save on your stay! Disneyland COMBO Hotel + Ticket Discounts Save big when you book your Disneyland tickets and hotel through our recommended travel sponsor (they have worked with Disney for 28 years). Make sure you are getting the best deal for your summer vacation! Book now >

Disneyland App To Jumpstart Your Day

Morning strategy for Disneyland: Cast member holding plate of food

Disneyland has an app that you can download for either Android or iPhone that will give you the most accurate wait times for rides. This app is a must have for anyone visiting Disneyland. You can link your park tickets to it, make dining reservations, use the mobile food ordering feature, link your PhotoPass tickets, and book FastPasses with MaxPass!

Pro tip: download this app PRIOR to your trip and become familiar with it. This way when you show up to the gates you are already a pro at using the app. Take a look at the layout of each park on the app so you have a rough idea of where you are going once you enter!

Christmas Time Disneyland Strategy FastPass

We have written an ultimate guide to using FastPass at the Disneyland Resort. This is definitely a must read for first time guests. Check out our guide here. FastPasses give you a return window to come ride the attraction later to help avoid guests waiting for hours in the standby line. Be sure to be familiar with FastPass because they are essential for having a smooth start at either park! Some FastPasses go quicker than others due to the popularity of the ride so that is why it is so important to grab them in the morning. Fastpasses are essential to this Halloween Time Disneyland strategy!

Pro tip: check out the list of attractions that offer FastPass and see which ones are your group’s top must sees. Make those your priority in the morning!

Disneyland MaxPass Strategy

Image of cellphone with maxpass option: Morning Strategy at Disneyland

Disney released a mobile version of the FastPass system called MaxPass in Summer 2017. MaxPass, unlike FastPass, isn’t a free feature and costs $10 per person per day. Depending on the size of your group, this feasibly may not be an option. But it is a great feature that makes touring the parks a breeze.

MaxPass allows you to book FastPasses from your mobile device so it saves you a walk across the park. This not only helps you grab FastPasses efficiently but it also helps save energy! MaxPass also comes with unlimited PhotoPass downloads for the day which is a great additional feature. If you only have one day in the parks, MaxPass is highly recommended for your group.

Doing Disneyland Rope Drop Right

Thirty minutes before park opening, cast members will begin letting guests into the parks. This helps control the flow of crowds and it can be a huge advantage for morning park visitors! There will be ropes (guarded by cast members) that block off access points of the lands until the official park opening time. Being one of the first groups positioned at those ropes can be a huge advantage for your morning strategy for Disneyland! You can also begin booking MaxPass once you enter the gates so this is also a great plus for groups that plan on purchasing MaxPass. To be there at Rope Drop plan to arrive at least one hour prior to the park opening.

Pro tip: Grab breakfast to go and eat while you’re waiting to be let in through the turnstiles. This will help keep adults happy and kids occupied during that early morning wait time. We always recommend either eating here or at your Disneyland hotel.

Popular Holiday Seasonal Attractions in Our Christmas Time Disneyland strategy

its a small world christmas

There are four rides at the Disneyland Resort that get the Christmas Time seasonal treatment which are definitely worth centering your day around. These attractions become even more popular than usual during these holiday overlays so our Christmas Time Disneyland strategy prioritizes these attractions so you don’t miss out!

  • Haunted Mansion Holiday
    • The Haunted Mansion gets a makeover inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Be prepared to experience decor courtesy of Jack Skellington such as jack o’ lanterns and wreaths, terrifying toys, and a spooky scented gingerbread house! Sally and Oogie Boogie are also on hand to wish you “Season’s Screamings!”
  • “it’s a small world” Holiday
    • Enjoy it’s a small world with a holiday makeover including regional decorations and holiday songs!
    • Check the schedule to watch the “it’s a small world” holiday lighting and projection show that takes place every evening usually at 5:15PM.
  • Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl
    • Luigi and Guido celebrate Christmas with seasonal tunes and festive holiday decor.
  • Mater’s Jingle Jamboree
    • Don’t miss Mater’s Christmas celebration in his lit up holiday junkyard!

The Best Christmas Time Disneyland Strategy Christmas Time Disneyland Strategy: Haunted Mansion Holiday

Now let’s take a look at our Christmas Time Disneyland strategy to help you experience all the Christmas magic at Disneyland! We prioritized the Christmas themed entertainment and attractions combined with popular rides to get the most of out of your day.

  • Grab Haunted Mansion Holiday FastPass with MaxPass when you enter the park.
  • If you plan on getting one of the coveted Candy Canes and you’re there on one of the selected dates- then you should go straight to Candy Palace to line up for your candy cane. If you’re not interested, then skip this step.
  • Get your picture in front of the Christmas Tree on Main Street (We recommend doing this in the morning for a few reasons: you’re fresh and looking your best, the line will be short, and it’s right on your way as you make it down Main Street)
  • Line up by the rope drop facing Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. 
  • Ride Peter Pan. (This ride is one of the most popular attractions in Fantasyland. The downside of that is the ride is slow loading and the lines for this ride move slowly as a result. If you are present at Rope Drop, line up facing Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The entrance to Peter Pan will be on the right once you walk through the castle. Walk as quickly (no running, Disney rules!) as you can to snag a place in line. If you are not present at Rope Drop, save this ride for the evening rather than spend precious morning hours waiting in this line.)
  • Ride Haunted Mansion Holiday with FastPass.
  • Grab Star Tours FastPass with MaxPass.
  • Ride Pirates of the Caribbean. 
  • Ride Indiana Jones Adventure. (Skip this and come back later with a FastPass if the wait time is longer than 20 minutes)
  • Ride “it’s a small world” Holiday. 
  • Ride Star Tours-The Adventure Continues with FastPass.
  • Grab Space Mountain FastPass with MaxPass.
  • Ride Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
  • Ride Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
  • Ride Autopia.
  • Ride Space Mountain with FastPass.
  • Grab Big Thunder Mountain Railroad FastPass with MaxPass
  • Ride Astro Orbiter. (Skip if the wait is over 20 minutes and come back in the evening)
  • Ride Jungle Cruise. 
  • Ride Splash Mountain (The earlier you ride- the shorter the standby line will be. If you’re worried about getting wet, wear ponchos! You can get them at the Dollar Store for a buck! If the line is over 20 minutes, skip and come back later with a FastPass.)
  • Ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. 
  • Ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with FastPass.
  • Break for lunch.
  • Make a plan to see the The Christmas Fantasy Parade at either 3:30PM or 6PM in Disneyland.
  • If meeting Santa is on your list, you can see him in Critter Country in Disneyland or at Redwood Creek Challenge in California Adventure.
  • It’s up to you how you plan on spending the rest of the afternoon, you could stay in Disneyland and tackle low wait time rides in ToonTown and Fantasyland or you can cruise over to California Adventure right away.
  • At California Adventure, make sure to take the time to go to Cars Land and see the Christmas decorations and themed attractions such as Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. While in California Adventure, take the time to visit the Festival of Holidays.
  • Regardless of your afternoon plan, make sure you continue grabbing those FastPasses throughout the day and make a plan to see the Believe…In Holiday Magic Fireworks at Disneyland at 9:30PM.

If a ride on this list offers FastPass and has a standby time of over 20 minutes, I recommend skipping it and moving to the next one in the Christmas Time Disneyland strategy. You can always catch it later with a FastPass- don’t waste precious morning time standing in long standby lines.

Adjust the Christmas Time Disneyland strategy as needed if there’s attractions you want to skip or others you want to prioritize. The biggest thing is to get there early and tackle those high wait rides early in the day before the crowds come.

Pro tip: You can cancel FastPasses after you’ve booked them with MaxPass using the Disneyland app. This way, if you have a current FastPass and notice you need to abandon that one and grab one for a favorite ride that’s at risk for running out- you can cancel the existing one so you’re free to grab you a different FastPass.

More Disneyland Planning Tips

There is always a lot of information to consider before planning an Disneyland vacation. Make sure to spend time planning your days in the theme parks and become familiar with everything Disneyland has to offer. Don’t forget to subscribe to our FREE Deals Newsletter to stay on top of the current planning tips, strategies, and deals.

You can discover more about planning your trip to Disneyland from these links:

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Your Guide to Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World for a Fantastic Holiday

Updated 11/4/18. If you plan on experiencing Thanksgiving at Disney World, you have many options at your fingertips. One important thing to figure out, as far in advance as possible, is where you plan to eat that day.

Thanksgiving crowds, like most holidays, tend to be large and arriving with a solid strategy is the best way to prepare for these crowds.

If you are looking for an elaborate Thanksgiving experience like only Disney could provide, there are multiple Disney World restaurants offering Thanksgiving day meals.

Or you can just simply make a dining reservation at any of the table service restaurants inside the parks.

Regardless of your choice, our guide to Thanksgiving at Disney World is here to help you plan your day so you can enjoy this holiday at one of the greatest American traditions around.

Disney World Thanksgiving Meals

Image result for site:https://disneyparks.disney.go.com thanksgiving

There are a variety of restaurants in Disney World that offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal for you to choose from. These Thanksgiving feasts are available at these Disney dining locations:

Book your reservation ASAP so you don’t miss out on these popular Thanksgiving choices!

Top Five Tips to Enjoying Thanksgiving at Disney World

Mickey in a pilgrim outfit posing next to turkeys

Showing up at the parks prepared and knowing what to expect is the best way to ensure a successful Thanksgiving at Disney World. Here are our top five tips to make sure you have the most magical Thanksgiving at Disney World ever.

1. Make Dining Reservations

Image result for site:https://disneyparks.disney.go.com disney world dining

If you plan on doing a Disney World Thanksgiving feast, then book your reservation as soon as possible. If you plan on going another route, it’s still crucial that you book a dining reservation in advance to ensure a low stress meal without having to worry about long waits for a table.

You can make your reservation up to 180 days in advance. If you decide you need to cancel, all you have to do is cancel within 24 hours to avoid being charged the $10 per person penalty fee. You can book dining reservations from the Disney Dining website or call (714) 781-DINE.

2. Show Up Early

Disney World castle with sun rising over it

We cannot stress this enough when you’re visiting the parks on a busy time of the year. Thanksgiving, like any other holiday, is a day you an expect large crowds. Who doesn’t want to spend a holiday at Disney World?

The best way to maximize your time is to arrive early. Make a plan to get up early, eat breakfast before you come, and arrive at the park gates an hour prior to official park opening.

Typically, they will begin letting people in the parks 15-30 minutes to the official opening which puts you in a great position to line up for Rope Drop. Before the official opening, the entrances to the lands are guarded with ropes and cast members. Being there early enough to make Rope Drop is a great way to be able to walk right on some of your favorite attractions. Don’t miss it!

3. Use A Touring Strategy/Plan Your Day

Barnstormer ride at Disney World

Using a touring strategy is the best way to maximize your time. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of what’s going on that you have a hard time deciding which ride to choose next. Those few moments of indecision and group discussion tend to take up valuable morning time when the lines are short.

If doing a touring plan isn’t your thing, at least make sure you have a general idea of which rides are your top priority so you can go to those first thing in the morning.

4. Book FastPass+ and Download the Disney World App

iPhones and Android phones show attraction wait times on park maps and the app main menu

 

Through the use of FastPass+ you can minimize the amount of time you wait in line and maximize the amount of Walt Disney World rides, characters, and entertainment you experience. A FastPass+ is like getting a reservation for a particular time for Walt Disney World’s most popular attractions.

Using FastPass+ is even more crucial on holidays, check our extensive guide here to everything you need to know about FastPass+ at Disney World.

We suggest downloading the Disney app prior to your visit and becoming familiar with the app. Everything you need to know including ride wait times, character interactions, entertainment times, and more is on this app. 

5. Be Patient and Thankful

Minnie and little girl holding hands: Thanksgiving at Disney World

And most of all, remember that it is Thanksgiving! Practice gratitude and patience in your day and you’ll be bound to have a pleasant experience.

Be thankful for your family, friends, or whoever else you are spending this wonderful experience of Thanksgiving at Disney World with. Be thankful that you are spending this day of gratitude and thanks at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

A crowded day at Disney World only becomes stressful when you let it- don’t let any crowds ruin your magical day. Take our advice, show up prepared, and be ready to give thanks.

Plan Your Thanksgiving at Disney World Today!

Let us help you plan your Disney World vacation! To get started, subscribe to our FREE deals newsletter for access to exclusive content and deals you won’t find anywhere else. Check it out HERE! Don’t forget to check out some of our other helpful planning guides:

  1. Disney World FastPass+ Guide
  2. Guide to Disney World Christmas
  3. Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
  4. Disney World Dining Plans: Everything You Need to Know
  5. Disney World Character Dining
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Universal Studios Hollywood at Christmas: Everything You Need to Know 2018

Christmas Lights at Hogwarts castle

Updated 11/6/18. This holiday season, spend a day enjoying a Harry Potter or Grinch filled Universal Studios Christmas. The holidays at Universal Studios offers plenty to see and do in terms of entertainment, activities, and seasonal decor.

DON’T MISS THIS! Universal + Disney Combo Tickets There is no better deal than a combo Universal and Disneyland ticket. Save $40 per ticket when you book a combo ticket with one day at Universal and multiple days at Disneyland. Book now >

Universal Studios Hollywood focuses their Christmas time festivities in two main themes: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas. Along with these two main themes, you can also see holiday decor throughout the park from the festive decorations to characters wearing Santa hats! Seasonal food is also in abundance, especially in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Need a refresher on everything Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer? Make sure to check out our full guide with tips on how to get discount tickets, what rides are offered, and a complete touring strategy.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Family of four walks through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter during snowfall

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes place for Universal Studios Christmas from November 17th- January 6th. This area is decked out to its full holiday best and definitely should make the top of your list!

Universal Studios Christmas: Nightly Snowfall

This year you can now experience nightly snowfall in Hogsmeade for the first time! You can check the website for Universal Studios Christmas to check the times or you can ask the nearest park employee to ensure you don’t miss this new seasonal display.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

Hogwarst Castle show

This show debuted in 2017 and it’s back for the 2018 holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood! The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle includes lights, music, and projections on the castle of Hogwarts which makes for a stunning display.

Check the entertainment schedule on the Universal Studios app for daily times or ask the nearest park employee. Typically, the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle show will begin in the evening and run every 30 minutes until park close. But on nights that the park closes early, there may only be one show. Make sure you find out the time in advance so you don’t miss it!

Holiday Frog Choir

Universal Studios christmas: holiday frog choir

Listen to some holiday songs from the choir of Hogwarts students and their croaking frogs! Check the entertainment schedule on the Universal Studios app for daily times or ask the nearest park employee.

Universal Studios Christmas Seasonal Food

Close up of holiday feast food at Universal Studios Hollywood

In the Harry Potter books, Harry and his friends enjoy a grand holiday feast at Hogwarts with all the fixings,

“Harry had never in all his life had such a Christmas dinner. A hundred fat, roast turkeys; mountains of roast and boiled potatoes; platters of chipolatas; tureens of buttered peas, silver boats of thick, rich gravy and cranberry sauce — and stacks of wizard crackers every few feet along the table…“

The Three Broomsticks offers a full holiday feast as a nod towards the Christmas dinner feast held at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. The 2017 Holiday Feast included a few courses such as butternut squash soup, beef wellington, oven roast turkey, sweet potato, dried cherries, and winter vegetables. We expect the 2018 offering of a traditional English dinner to be just as delicious!

You can also find a variety of holiday sweets and seasonal drinks, such as warm butterbeer, around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Christmas time.

Holiday Shopping at Universal Studios Christmas

Harry Potter holiday ornament

Picture via Los Angeles Daily News

Hogsmeade offers a variety of amazing shops straight out of the pages of the Harry Potter series. You can expect these stores to put out all the stops when it comes to serving your holiday shopping needs.

Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood

The Grinch and Max in front of the Christmas tree

Universal Studios also holds a celebration of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas with popular characters from the movie ready to share their Wholiday with your family. The Who-tacular festivities with The Grinch, Max and all of Who-ville takes place December 1, 2, 8, 9 and 14 – 30.

Meet the Grinch

Grinch with his hands reaching out

Meet Grinch and Max in front of the Whoville Christmas tree and snap a picture with this dynamic duo. There are also ornaments and cookies to decorate while you wait to meet the Grinch! You can also enjoy a daily lighting of the 60 feet Seussian tree along with further photo opportunities.

Send the Grinch a Post Card

A boy handing the Grinch a post card

One of the most heartwarming parts of Grinchmas at Universal Studios is the Send a Grinch a Post Card. If you send the Grinch a postcard promising three good deeds, a book will be donated to a child in need courtesy of the Seuss family. Now that’s showing some real Whoville spirit!

Whoville Entertainment during Universal Studios Christmas

Martha May performing with the Who-dolls

See a festive performance from Martha May Who-vier and the Who-dolls throughout the day which is sure to get you into the holiday Whoville spirit.

You can also listen to Cindy Lou Who read the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas and meet her afterwards during this Universal Studios Christmas celebration.

And wandering around the Whoville tree you can find other Whoville citizens singing, dancing, and greeting guests.

Check the Universal Studios app to see the current entertainment times for the day during your visit.

Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood

Minions holiday decor

Between Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas, there will be plenty of holiday entertainment to keep you busy.

Throughout the park you will notice seasonal holiday decor, characters such as the beloved Minions in Christmas hats and festive outfits, and a variety of Christmas treats and souvenirs.

When it comes to tips for navigating Universal Studios Hollywood during this busy time of year, we don’t vary too much from our usual strategy.

But we do have some additional tips and tricks to keep in mind for this busy holiday season:

  1. Arrive early- at least 30 minutes before the park opens. Not as many people do this at Universal Studios as they do at Disneyland, you will be one of the first ones in if you come early!
  2. If you have the extra funds and want to cut ahead the crowds, consider purchasing a Front of the Line pass so you can get to the front of the lines quicker.
  3. Plan ahead– know the park hours, entertainment schedule, and want you want to do first.
  4. If meeting the Grinch is at the top of your list, go there in the morning before the lines get long in the afternoon.
  5. When there are more than one Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle show, see the later timed one for lower crowd levels.
  6. Stay until the park closes– especially if you only have one day to spend.
  7. If Santa is on your list, save him for after the park closes or another day since he’s only found in City Walk.
  8. Consider staying at an Universal hotel to get early entry into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
  9. Dress in layers– it can get chilly once the sun goes down!
  10. And don’t miss out on trying some warm holiday Butterbeer!

Plan your Universal Studios Hollywood trip now!

Now that you know how to make your Universal Studios Hollywood trip a memorable one, it’s the perfect time to book your tickets. Don’t forget to sign up for our Universal Studios discount newsletter so you have access to deals from our travel partners offered exclusively to our subscribers!

Dive deeper into our other Southern California travel articles:

  1. Find Discount Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
  2. Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood 2018
  3. When to Visit Disneyland 2018
  4. Top 10 Disneyland Rookie Mistakes
  5. Disneyland Halloween 2018 Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
  6. 7 Best Hotels Near Disneyland + Discounts
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Downtown Disney: Shopping, Dining, and Experiences to Make Your Day Magical

Updated 11/1/2018. The Downtown Disney District is a sight to behold! This impressive promenade is beautifully landscaped and contains unique shops, upscale restaurants, and exciting experiences.  This picturesque area is located in the heart of the action where Disney guests can take a break from the parks. Here is all of the information you’ll need for shopping, eating, and playing in this beautiful Anaheim area.

Save on your stay! Disneyland COMBO Hotel + Ticket Discounts Get the best price on your hotel and Disneyland tickets this summer by checking out our travel partner. Save money better spent shopping and dining in Downtown Disney! Book now >

Downtown Disney Shops

Fanciful entrance sign for World of Disney features Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

The World of Disney

The World of Disney is now fully remodeled and boasts the largest selection of toys, apparel, souvenirs and collectibles on the West Coast. This store is truly amazing and has something for everyone. Disney fans can purchase trading pins, plush animals, clothing, home decorations, and accessories.  The World of Disney store is a must-see for any Disney fan.

The outside of Curl Surf

Curl Surf

For the surf fan, Curl Surf has a great collection of men’s and women’s beach clothing, shoes and accessories. Curl Surf has a fun, coastal atmosphere and features brands such as Hurley®, Roxy®, Billabong®, Duvin® and Quiksilver® and shoes by TOMS®, Reef® and Vans®.

A store filled with clothing, purses, gloves, bags and items containing images of Minnie Mouse

The Disney Dress Shop

The Disney Dress Shop is a newer store and has a wide selection of vintage-inspired Disney dresses, skirts, handbags, and accessories.  This adorable shop sells well-known brands, such as ALEX AND ANI®, CHRISLU®, Dooney & Bourke™, Kate Spade and Disney Boutique.

Disney Home, offering seasonally curated home décor, gadgets and other goodies—at the Downtown Disney District!

Disney Home

Disney Home is another, newer store with Disney home décor, gadgets and other goodies. Disney fans can purchase kitchenware, linens, mugs, ornaments, and photo albums and frames.

Disney art, Vinylmation figures and merchandise inside WonderGround Gallery

The WonderGround Gallery

The WonderGround Gallery is a Disney art fan’s dream come true.  This contemporary gallery showcases original art, deluxe prints, t-shirts, journals and coffee mugs. Guests can often watch an artist at work while they browse.

Bracelets and rings from Pandora jewlery

PANDORA Jewelry

PANDORA® Jewelry sells customizable bracelets as well as necklaces, earrings, and rings.  The jewelry here is nice quality and guests can choose from a variety of Disney-themed charms to add to their bracelets.

A storefront with a sign that reads Sephora

Sephora

Sephora® is your one-stop beauty store that carries cosmetics, fragrances, skincare and more.  Here guests can find products from well-known brands, such as Origins, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and Benefit. Guests can also set up a consultation with a Sephora representative.

The Sunglass Icon counter sits beneath disco balls

Sunglasses Icon

Need a new pair of shades? Sunglass Icon® carries many well-known sunglass brands, including Tiffany, Coach, Burberry, Ray-Ban, Oakley and Maui Jim.  Sunglass Icon® also sells cords, cases, cleaning products and even replacement lenses.

The green Sanuk logo

Sanuk

Disney guests can purchase a comfortable pair of shoes at Sanuk®. Sanuk® means “fun” in Thai and their shoes live up to their name. Guests can buy the winning Yoga Mat flip-flop for a comfortable fit, and the Sidewalk Surfer, which combines a sandal sole with the comfort and protection of a shoe upper.

Two little kids lick oversize lollipops from Marceline's Confectionery

Marceline’s Confectionery

Marceline’s Confectionery is a must-stop for those with a sweet tooth. This old-fashioned candy shop is named after the small Missouri town where Walt lived as a boy. You can watch employees make candy apples, milk chocolate-covered marshmallows, and chocolate-dipped pretzels through the giant picture window.  Inside the confectionery guests can purchase prepackaged and fresh baked goods as well as cookies, candy, and popcorn.

A giant LEGO dragon sits above The LEGO Store door and breathes fire at a knight on horseback

Lego Store

Kids of all ages will enjoy the country’s second largest LEGO® Store.  This interactive store includes impressive displays, interactive play areas, and a huge selection of LEGO products. Be sure to check out the larger-than-life fire-breathing Maleficent to Belle and the Beast, which are made from LEGOs.

Downtown Disney Restaurants

One dozen cupcakes with a variety of decorations and toppings in an open cardboard box

Quick-Service Options

Downtown Disney boasts some popular quick-service food options, such as Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and a Wetzel’s Pretzels cart.  Looking for dessert? Look no further than the famous Sprinkles cupcakes. Guest can choose from several delicious flavors of hand-crafted gourmet cupcakes and decadent cookie creations.

Entrance sign for La Brea Bakery in Downtown Disney District

La Brea Bakery Café

La Brea Bakery Café offers artisanal sandwiches and fresh California cuisine, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Guests can enjoy granola with yogurt and seasonal berries, artisan pizzas, fresh salads, and delicious sandwiches as well as espresso drinks.  Guests can enjoy table service or visit La Brea Bakery Express and enjoy their food in their expansive patio.

The outside of Catal Restaurant at night

Catal Restaurant

For a more upscale atmosphere, guests can enjoy Catal Restaurant. Guests can dine upstairs inside or outside, and feast on grilled seafood, choice meats, burgers and salads. Reservations are recommended.  Uva Bar and Café is downstairs from Catal Restaurant and offers inside seating as well as a circular open-air bar. Disney fans can enjoy gourmet salads, sides, burgers and house-made desserts in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Sign for Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria features a whimsical harlequin holding a pizza

Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria

For an Italian flair, guests can dine inside or outside at the recently remodeled Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria.  This restaurant serves wood-fired pizza, house-made pastas, appetizers, and fresh salads. Their outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy a great meal and rest your feet.  Naples has a quick-service option called Napolini where guests can buy pizza by the slice, sandwiches, and prepackaged salads.  Disney fans can eat the food on site or take it to go.

Entrance sign for Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney District

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

Guests will feel like they are in Louisiana when they visit Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen®. This two-story French Quarter replica serves Creole and Cajun specialties, such as Gumbo Ya-Ya, Pasta Jambalaya, and Southern fried chicken.  Their quick-service option, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen® Express, sells popcorn shrimp, red beans and rice, and sandwiches.  They are known for their fresh beignets!

Salt and Straw inside

Salt & Straw

This Portland based ice cream is said to be created as a one-of-a-kind experience, with diverse ice cream options. Salt & Straw ice cream offerings are handmade in small batches using local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Guests can enjoy scoops on handmade waffle cones, with fudge and rainbow sprinkles, as well as pick up pints and cones to-go.

Entrance and sign for Tortilla Jo's Mexican Cantina at Downtown Disney District

Tortilla Jo’s

Tortilla Jo’s serves some of the best Mexican food you will try in a festive indoor and outdoor setting. The décor includes Spanish tiles, ceramic pottery and rustic wooden furniture. Their menu includes traditional Mexican food such as tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and burritos.  Their nachos are delicious and big enough to share.  There is also a quick-service option called Taqueria at Tortilla Jo’s, where guests can customize tacos, nachos and burritos to enjoy on their patio.

Reservations are recommended for the fine and signature dining restaurants.  Reservations can be made online at Disney’s dining website.

Downtown Disney Experiences

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ – Dining opened up recently and offers 40,000 square feet of bowling with a cool vintage vibe.  This two-story rock-and-rollin’ restaurant offers twenty bowling lanes, two state-of-the-art kitchens, four indoor/outdoor seating areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows.  This family-friendly atmosphere serves pizzas, gourmet burgers, sushi and filet sliders.

Two Guests wearing 3D virtual reality headsets

The VOID

Star Wars™: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID opened up earlier this year and is a must see! Star Wars fans can be transported to a galaxy far, far away in this cutting-edge, virtual reality experience.  Guests move around freely in teams of four while virtually interacting with popular Star Wars characters and each other.  This multi-sensory environment features groundbreaking technology where Star Wars fans can recover Imperial intelligence vital to the Rebellion’s survival.

Guests must be 48” (122 cm) or taller and age 10 or older to visit The VOID. Guests will be required to sign a liability waiver before entering, and anyone under age 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature.

The Downtown Disney District is a great place to visit when taking a break from the parks.  Disney fans can visit a variety of shops, eat at some great restaurants and experience unique entertainment, such as Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ and THE VOID.

Plan Your Disneyland Vacation

Guests can save a lot of money on their Disneyland vacation by subscribing to our Disneyland Mickey Visit discounts newsletter and through the information in other Disneyland planning articles throughout the website. Be sure to check out these other informative articles:

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Discount SeaWorld Ticket Deals 2018: Get Cheap Tickets Here!

Updated 10/30/18. SeaWorld San Diego is a popular destination for many families visiting Southern California and there is no reason to pay full price on SeaWorld tickets. We broke down all the available SeaWorld San Diego discount tickets you can find so you can get the best deal for your vacation.

Save on your stay! Discount Tickets + Hotel! Start preparing now for your Southern California Vacation and book your hotel with the best prices! Get special SeaWorld discount tickets when you book a tickets hotel combo. Make sure you are getting the best deal for your summer vacation! Book now >

Directly from SeaWorld San Diego: Gate Admission Prices and Advance Tickets

Sea World logo

At the gate you can expect to pay $89.99 per person for ages three and up.

Make sure to check their website for their most up to date promotion. Like with most theme parks, you will save money if you buy ahead of time instead of at the gate.

That’s why we recommend buying your tickets through Get Away Today so you are getting the best and most consistent prices for your SeaWorld San Diego discount tickets.

Single Day Ticket-Weekdays

When you book directly through SeaWorld’s website, single day weekday tickets (to be used Monday-Friday) start at $55 per ticket. Children two and under are free.

Single Day Ticket-Any Day

When you book directly through SeaWorld’s website, single day any day tickets (to be used any day) start at $70 per ticket. Children two and under are free.

2-Day Ticket

When you book directly through SeaWorld’s website, two day tickets (valid for two any day visits) start at $80 per ticket. Children two and under are free.

Single Day Ticket + Dining

Eat FREE all day when you visit SeaWorld San Diego. Get admission plus All-Day Dining for one price at participating restaurant locations. Ages three and up are $89.99 each.

Single Day Ticket + All Inclusive Experience

Get a single day admission plus all day dining, front of the line ride access, premier show seating, and souvenir photo. Ages three and up are $109.99 each.

How We Get Such Low Prices For SeaWorld San Diego Discount Tickets

discount disney ticketsWe have found a Disney-approved ticket reseller that has partnered with us to offer exclusive discounts just for MickeyVisit.com readers.

The best discounts available for SeaWorld San Diego tickets are from the authorized ticket reseller, Get Away Today. Not only do they have better discounts than the other resellers, but the customer service and easy support is absolutely fantastic. They have an entire department dedicated to making sure every order has a 10/10 experience. When a customer shared that having tickets in advance would improve their experience, Get Away Today committed to physically sending the tickets to their guests so they can avoid the lines at the ticket booths.

To offer these discounts, Get Away Today purchases huge blocks of tickets and breaks them up to sell to guests.

Through our exclusive partnership, we are able to offer the lowest priced tickets. Check out the Get Away Today website for information on all ticket discounts. These discounts are exclusively available to Mickey Visit readers. You have to click through our private links to unlock exclusive access to these lower prices (if you just go directly to the Get Away Today website you will just see their normal prices).

After purchasing your tickets, you will either be emailed a receipt which you can take to any of the ticket booths to pick up your tickets or if you booked far enough out in advance, Get Away Today will send you your physical tickets so you can avoid a line picking up the tickets. The email with the voucher comes sometime in the 24 hours after you purchase your tickets. Book your tickets at least two days before your arrival to ensure that they are processed in time for the first day of your vacation and about a week before if you want your tickets to be sent to you without and overnight shipping cost.

SeaWorld Annual Pass

SeaWorld San Diego Discount Tickets: Picture of annual pass card next to roller coaster

SeaWorld offers a variety of annual passes to choose from. If you live in Southern California or if you know you will be visiting SeaWorld more than five days a year- it’s a good decision to buy one of these passes.

SeaWorld 1-Year Annual Pass

  • $119.88 per pass or $9.99 per month for 12 months
  • Unlimited admission to SeaWorld with no block out dates.
  • Free general parking
  • Discounted tickets
  • Exclusive offers and events
  • In-park discounts on food, tours, shopping, and more.

SeaWorld + Aquatica 1-Year Annual Pass

  • $167.88 per pass or $13.99 per month for 12 months
  • Unlimited admission to SeaWorld including Aquatica with no block out dates
  • Free general parking
  • Discounted tickets
  • Exclusive offers and events
  • In-park discounts on food, tours, shopping, and more.

1 Year Platinum Pass

  • $203.88 per pass or $16.99 per month for 12 months
  • Unlimited admission to SeaWorld San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Williamsburg; Aquatica San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio; Adventure Island; Water Country USA; and Sesame Place. No block out dates.
  • Free up close parking
  • One free guest ticket
  • Free reserved seating
  • Discounted tickets
  • Exclusive offers and events
  • In-park discounts on food, tours, shopping, and more.

SeaWorld San Diego Discount Tickets

Whales jumping out of the water

There a variety of options to take advantage of for SeaWorld San Diego discount tickets. Here are all the SeaWorld San Diego discount tickets we could find to help you save money on your California vacation!

Go San Diego Cards

Go San Diego Cards are passes to explore theme parks, zoos, and other sites around Southern California. Costco online offers the most popular 2-day and 4-day passes.

The 2-Day card includes an all-inclusive visitor’s pass with admission to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Knott’s Berry Farm, LEGOLAND, and smaller tours, museums and more. Prices are $110.99 for adults and $94.99 for kids ages 3-12.

The 4-Day pass includes the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Knott’s Berry Farm, LEGOLAND and again, some smaller venues. Adults are $209.99, and children are $182.99.

SeaWorld’s website offers the 3-Day pass starting at $209.99 for adults and $189.00 for children. The pass includes include SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Belmont Park, Birch Aquarium, Harbor Cruises, all Balboa Park museums and many more.

SOCAL City Pass

If you plan on hitting the Southern California theme parks BIG TIME, look into this pass which includes Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks 3-day hopper passes, one-day passes at SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND, and either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Prices tally in at $411 for adults and children (3-9) at $381.

You can get the SeaWorld San Diego Discount Ticketss via the CityPass by purchasing through our recommended discount travel provider. Buy NOW > 

San Diego 3-For-1 Ticket

These passes include admission to SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park for one price. Valid for 1 visit to each participating park. All visits must take place within 7 days of first park visit. Prices for adults start at $149 and children for $139. Buy them on SeaWorld’s website here. 

Military SeaWorld San Diego Discount Tickets

Active duty military personnel and Veterans can enjoy complimentary admission through SeaWorld’s Waves of Honor program.

AAA SeaWorld San Diego Discount Tickets

Often AAA will offer discount tickets to SeaWorld throughout the year.

Costco SeaWorld San Diego Discount Tickets

Costco often offers Southern California vacation packages and discount ticket options. Check Costco’s Travel website and search for “SeaWorld” to see if there are any current deals. Costco’s deals change often so it’s always good to keep checking back!

Teacher Fun Card

SeaWorld San Diego offers a complimentary Teacher Fun Card plus (2) free Single-Day Tickets to all active and certified K-12 California and Arizona credentialed school teachers.

Kids Free October Discount Tickets

Each year, San Diego attractions offer a KIDS FREE everything for the month of October. For SeaWorld San Diego, you will receive one free child ticket with the purchase of a full-price adult  ticket.

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VACATION!

The discounts extend not only to just to SeaWorld San Diego, but to many other Southern California theme parks and tourist attractions.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our FREE Deals Newsletter to stay on top of the current planning tips, strategies, and deals.

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Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground: Review and Guide

The exterior lobby of the hotel

Updated 10/25/18. During one of our recent trips to Disneyland, we stayed at one of Disneyland’s good neighbor hotels: the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground. Read on to find out more about the hotel and my honest thoughts in this Howard Johnson Anaheim review and guide after staying there on our vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Save on your stay! Disneyland COMBO Hotel + Ticket Discounts Get the best price on your hotel and Disneyland tickets  by checking out our travel partner. Save money better spent at the parks by saving money from the beginning on your tickets and hotel! Book now >

Overview of the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground

Fountain by lobby

The Howard Johnson’s website lists their main facilities as including:

  • Mimi’s Cafe Restaurant
  • Complimentary iMac internet stations with printing
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access in all rooms and public areas
  • Complimentary parking surrounding the entire property
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Games room, featuring electronic games as well as some classics like Foosball & Air Hockey!
  • Two coin-operated Laundromats
  • Water & soft drink vending machines throughout the property
  • Convenient shuttle stop & waiting area for all airport, tour and resort trolley busses
  • The Garden Pool – A secluded swimming pool surrounded by gardens and mature trees.
  • Castaway Cove– a water playground with slides, pirate ship with water cannons, and toddler play area.
  • On-site convenient store.

Their standard room amenities include:

  • HBO, Disney Channel, Nick Jr, ESPN & Golf Channel
  • Keurig coffee/tea maker
  • Free Wi-Fi internet
  • Free laptop safe
  • Hair dryer
  • Disney theming
  • Mini-fridge & microwave
  • Iron & board
  • Netflix, Hulu & Pandora
  • Double pillow-top mattress

The benefit of booking with Get Away Today, like we did for this stay, was that Get Away Today guests can receive a free night with multiple nights at certain hotels. When we stayed at the Howard Johnson, we got our third night free.

So seriously, if you plan on visiting Disneyland, I can’t stress enough how much money Get Away Today can save you. We are typically a family that travels on a budget and anywhere we can save money is always appreciated.

Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground Review

Here is the full run down of my personal and honest experience with our stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground.

Check-In and Check-Out Process

The walkway from the lobby to the Castaway Cove playground (behind where I’m standing in this picture)

When we arrived at our hotel we were two hours early for our check-in time of 4PM. That was no problem at all and the friendly staff at the desk were able to check us in right away and give us our hotel key. This was a pleasant surprise as I was wondering if we’d have to store our luggage and kill time before check-in. Of course, early check-in is not guaranteed but it was a nice surprise.

I had requested a room with a pool side view through Get Away Today’s site and we were indeed in a room facing the Castaway Cove water playground. My son was ecstatic- I was not so ecstatic once I realized how loud that made our room due to the noise by the pool. If I were to stay again, I’d prefer not to be by the pool. But my son was happy so that’s half the point, right?

Check-out was an easy process even though it was quite busy when were checking out and had to wait in line. They desk staff got people out pretty quickly and we had no issues.

Our Hotel Room

When we stayed at the Howard Johnson it was prior to their room renovations that recently took place. Now many of their rooms are Disney themed and they’ve undergone a big face lift. We’ll be sure to update this review when we see these renovated rooms!

Rennovated rooms with Mickey picture on the wall

One of their recently renovated rooms.

Our room was fairly in good shape when we stayed but I can see how a renovation was in order. You could notice some slight wear and tear in the rooms such as small stains in the carpet and outdated bathrooms.

Our balcony facing the Castaway Cove playground.

The rooms were bright and cheery with neat retro decor that just made me feel happy to be in them. The most important thing? They were clean and the beds were comfortable. That’s always my two major necessities when I stay at any hotel for a Disney vacation.

Even though the website doesn’t state a microwave in their list of room amenities, we had one in our room. So maybe it’s not guaranteed for every room which is why it wasn’t on the list. It was a pleasant surprise since I wasn’t expecting one.

Overall, I enjoyed our hotel room and we found it to be inviting and comfortable.

Castaway Cove

Castaway Cove

This was definitely everyone’s favorite part of our stay: the Castaway Cove water playground. My son absolutely loved this area- almost a bit too much! I could barely tear him away from it to go to the parks and that’s saying something.

There’s a big pirate ship that periodically dumps a bucket of water on the children that gather underneath which all the kids loved. You can climb up on top of the pirate ship and there are two water slides that come off of it. There are also water cannons surrounding the ship and water sprinklers to stand under.

The toddler area is large with a small wading pool and animal statues to climb on. Toddlers will have plenty to do here while parents relax.

The Castaway Cove also includes a hot tub which was heaven for me to rest my legs in after a long day of walking at Disney. The entire landscape of the Howard Johnson is lush and beautiful- the pool areas are no exception. We enjoyed this area- it was one of our favorite parts of our vacation.

Other Hotel Amenities

The Garden Pool

We didn’t use the other amenities quite as often as we did the Castaway Cove but we did visit some of them.

Garden Pool

We only swam in the Garden Pool once during our stay but I can see why adults may prefer it over the Castaway Cove. This pool is in a much more secluded area of the hotel, away from the hustle and bustle of the lobby. It was quiet and calming. The pool has a shallow and deep end which allowed for more enjoyment for older kids and adults since the Castaway cove does NOT have a pool outside of the toddler wading pool.

Overall, we liked this pool for a nice break to relax in the afternoon from the parks. While Castaway Cove is great, it’s also a bit chaotic and loud due to just the noise from the water playground and the laughter of the kiddos. The Garden Pool is an area for relaxing and it succeeded at that.

Market Store

We spent more money than I intended on originally in the Market Store. This well stocked gift shop/convenience store has everything you might need during your stay from food, alcohol, souvenirs, medicine, etc. Expect high prices for anything you buy in this store- everything was marked up heavily. That’s not necessary a con of the Howard Johnson though, it’s typical with most hotels especially in the Disney area.

I recommend finding a cheap store when you arrive to stock up on hotel snacks and drinks to avoid spending money in the market store.

Arcade

We didn’t spend too much time in the arcade but I was impressed by the time we did spend in it. All of the games were new and in working condition (which is not always the case with hotel arcades!) and there were also classics like foosball and air hockey.

The arcade is found across from the market adjacent to the lobby. What I liked about the arcade, as a parent, that it wasn’t totally in plain view so I could sneak my kiddo around it if we were in a rush to get to the parks!

Jokes aside, it was a nice and clean arcade. We saw many families enjoying it and having fun.

Final Thoughts

Beautiful landscaping everywhere at this hotel.

Here are my general pros/cons of the Howard Johnson:

Pros

  • The Castaway Cove is a blast if you have kids. I could see some older kids, perhaps 12 and up being bored. But then again, we saw people of all ages playing not just small children.
  • The hot tub in the Castaway Cove was perfect for parents to enjoy while the kids played.
  • You can see the fireworks from the Castaway Cove playground area.
  • The landscaping at this hotel is amazing. Everywhere you look are beautiful palm trees, flowers, and more.
  • The hotel is within walking distance to the Disneyland front gates- about ten minutes or less.
  • There is an ART stop right out front if you want to rest your legs and take the buses to the parks.
  • The market had long hours which was helpful if we needed anything early or late in the day.
  • The rooms were clean and the beds were comfortable.
  • Our room had a small balcony which was great for hanging wet swimsuits, towels, etc
  • Price is reasonable for what you get with the Castaway Cove playground, very affordable for families.
  • Safety: we felt safe here and surrounded by families which is always a plus since I am a single mom traveling as the only adult with my child.

Cons

  • No on-site breakfast. Mimi’s Cafe, their restaurant, is across the street and not too conveniently located to the rooms. We never ate there because of that and usually ate snacks on the way to the parks. Plenty of restaurants are located nearby.
  • We noticed that people often left the doors to the buildings open or propped up which worried me a bit in terms of safety. So if someone leaves the door open, anyone without a hotel key can get in the buildings.
  • The bathroom and room during our stay was a bit outdated. But now with their recent renovation this likely has been addressed.
  • Very popular- these rooms sell quickly through Get Away Today. Don’t wait if you have your heart set on staying here!
  • If your room faces the Castaway Cove, it’s very loud all day and night. The pool area stays open until 10PM so this was a bit inconvenient if we wanted to be asleep early to get up for the parks or if you have napping kids.

Giant chairs for photo ops.

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground. My favorite part about this hotel was the lush and beautiful landscaping all around the buildings. It really made you realize you were in on vacation in California! It was just stunning. My son’s favorite part (you guessed it!) was the Castaway Cove. He was seven during our visit but he was still highly entertained by the water playground. I saw children as old as ten enjoying it so I don’t think it’s necessary just for small children. I was even chasing him around the pirate ship- it was a really enjoyable perk.

I would definitely stay here again- this hotel’s beauty and fun atmosphere made this vacation extra memorable in our minds.

Plan Your Disneyland Trip Today!

Let us help you plan your Disneyland vacation! To get started, subscribe to our FREE deals newsletter for access to exclusive content and deals you won’t find anywhere else. Check it out HERE! Don’t forget to check out some of our other helpful planning guides:

  1. Best Times to Visit Disneyland 2018
  2. Best Disneyland Souvenirs 2018
  3. Disneyland Restaurant Reviews and Tips
  4. Disneyland FastPass Guide
  5. Booking Disneyland Packages

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Universal Orlando: Everything You Need to Know About Attractions, Dining, and Entertainment

Universal globe

Updated 10/23/18. Universal Orlando is a top favorite family destination to visit in Orlando. Universal Orlando offers two full size theme parks and a water park to chose from during your visit.

Universal Orlando is also home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which is large enough that it includes two full size lands with the Hogwarts Express running between them.

Save on your stay! Discount Universal Orlando Tickets + Hotel! Start preparing now for your Florida vacation and book your hotel with the best prices! Get special Universal Orlando discount tickets when you book a tickets hotel combo. Make sure you are getting the best deal for your vacation! Book now >

Universal Orlando is a popular destination and there is no reason to pay full price on Universal Orlando tickets. We broke down all the available Universal Orlando discount tickets you can find so you can get the best deal for your vacation. Check out our guide to discount Universal Orlando tickets here. 

Once you have your tickets, the next step is planning your itinerary! Universal’s two theme parks include Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Their water park, Volcano Bay, is home to many great water slides and attractions.

City Walk, similar to the idea of Disney Springs, is also located by the parks and offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment that does not require admission.

We have broken down the main must sees from each park to help you decide how to plan your day.

 Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is home to many iconic attractions that folks associate with Universal Studios.

This is also where you can find one of the two Harry Potter themed lands- Diagon Alley. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not to be missed in either park! These immersive experiences are heaven for any Potterhead and breathtaking even for those that aren’t big fans. Don’t miss it.

Attractions

Mummies surrounded by fire

Here are the main attractions for Universal Studios Florida- listed in order of the most popular so you know which to prioritize in the morning when lines are short:

  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
  • Revenge of the Mummy
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
  • Transformers The Ride 3D
  • Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket
  • The Simpsons Ride
  • E.T. Adventure
  • Men In Black Alien Attack
  • Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
  • Woody Woodpecker Nuthouse Coaster
  • Hogwarts Express (If you have park to park tickets)

Universal’s website offers a pretty clear explanation of each attraction including height requirement and thrill levels. You can also download the app and plan your day using the app in advance which can be pretty handy!

Entertainment and Shows

Ollivanders store front

There are plenty of Harry Potter themed entertainment options in Universal Studios Florida among other iconic options. Make sure to allow time for entertainment in your day- Universal does a great job with its entertainment options. If you have your heart set on Ollivanders, we recommend going there first thing in the morning as lines get quite long.

Here are your options for entertainment aside from rides:

  • Ollivanders
  • Knight Bus
  • Gringotts Money Exchange
  • Simpsons Games
  • Palace Theater Arcade

And it wouldn’t be Universal without a great selection of shows to take in! Here are a list of the shows you can find at Universal Studios Florida:

  • The Blues Brothers Show
  • Fear Factor Live
  • Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration
  • A Day in the Park with Barney
  • Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show
  • Studio Brass Band
  • Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees (Harry Potter themed)
  • The Tales of Beetle Bard (Harry Potter themed)
  • Animal Actors on Location
  • Universal’s Superstar Parade
  • Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macys (only during the holiday season)

There’s so much to see and do, it’s a bit overwhelming at first! This is why we recommend planning ahead and picking your priority stops in advance so you don’t miss out on anything you really want to see.

Dining and Shopping

Duff beer

When it comes to dining and shopping options, there are plenty go around that will leave your wallet feeling a little lighter. You can find Harry Potter themed dining and shopping in Diagon Alley. You can find Simpsons themed options near the Simpsons attraction.

Regular dining options, featuring a variety of American options, can also be found in Universal Studios Florida.

We recommend scoping out the website or the app prior to your visit to see what your strikes your fancy. Potterheads will likely head to Diagon Alley to get their Chocolate Frogs while Simpsons fans may head right to the Duff Beer Brewery!

Universal’s Island of Adventure

Aeriel view of Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is home to many thrilling attractions and is a popular theme park with many guests. So popular in fact, that it won TripAdvisor’s #1 Amusement Park In The World Choice Award the past three years in a row.

This is also where you can find one of the two Harry Potter themed lands- Hogsmeade along with the Hogwarts Castle! If you’re a Harry Potter fan, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not to be missed in either park! These immersive experiences are heaven for any Potterhead and breathtaking even for those that aren’t big fans. Don’t miss it.

Attractions

Marvel characters on the Hulk coaster

Here are the main attractions for Universal’s Islands of Adventure- listed in order of the most popular so you know which to prioritize in the morning when lines are short:

  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • The Incredible Hulk Coaster
  • Jurassic Park River Adventure
  • Skull Island: Reign of Kong
  • The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
  • Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
  • Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
  • Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
  • Poseidon’s Fury
  • Storm Force Accelatron
  • Flight of the Hippogriff
  • The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
  • The Cat in the Hat
  • One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
  • Pteranodon Flyers
  • Caro-Seuss-el
  • Hogwarts Express (If you have park to park tickets)

One thing to note about this theme park is the abundance of small kiddo friendly attractions compared with Universal Studios Florida. Universal’s website offers a pretty clear explanation of each attraction including height requirement and thrill levels. You can also download the app and plan your day using the app in advance which can be pretty handy!

Entertainment and Shows

Hogwarts Lights

There are plenty of Harry Potter themed entertainment options in Universal’s Islands of Adventure among other iconic options. Make sure to allow time for entertainment in your day- Universal does a great job with its entertainment options. If you have your heart set on Ollivanders, we recommend going there first thing in the morning as lines get quite long.

Here are your options for entertainment aside from rides:

  • Ollivanders
  • The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
  • Raptor Encounter
  • The Mystic Fountain
  • Star Souls
  • Toon Lagoon Games
  • Jurassic Park Games
  • Kingpin’s Arcade

And it wouldn’t be Universal without a great selection of shows to take in! Here are a list of the shows you can find at Universal’s Islands of Adventure:

  • The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
  • Frog Choir (Harry Potter themed)
  • Triwizard Spirit Rally (Harry Potter themed)
  • The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad
  • Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear!
  • Poseidon’s Fury

There’s so much to see and do, it’s a bit overwhelming at first! This is why we recommend planning ahead and picking your priority stops in advance so you don’t miss out on anything you really want to see. We recommend making The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle a priority, they’re spectacular.

Dining and Shopping

Marvel character dining

When it comes to dining and shopping options, there are plenty go around that will leave your wallet feeling a little lighter. You can find Harry Potter themed dining and shopping in Hogsmeade. You can find Marvel themed options, along with Captain America character dining, in the park too. And don’t forget all of the fun Dr. Seuss themed dining options!

Regular dining options, featuring a variety of options such as grills, Starbucks, bars, and bakeries, can also be found in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

We recommend scoping out the website or the app prior to your visit to see what your strikes your fancy. Potterheads will likely head to Hogsmeade to get their Butterbeer while the Marvel fans will be dashing to see the Marvel themed dining options.

Character Meet and Greets in Both Parks

Two kids with transformers

There are a variety of characters waiting to take that awesome picture with you at both Universal Studios Orlando and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Some fan favorites are the Minions, Dr. Seuss characters, Marvel characters, the Simpsons, the Men in Black, and the Grinch even comes out to greet guests during the holidays.

Check out the app or ask the nearest Universal Studios employees to find out which characters are available.

Volcano Bay

Universal Orlando - Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay is one impressive water park with a large variety of water attractions, beaches, and lazy rivers to chose from. If you’re going to pick one water park during your Orlando vacation, this should be it.

There aren’t much in the way of entertainment, shows, or dining options at Volcano Bay but there are plenty of water attractions to keep you busy!

There are over 19 attractions to chose from, you can view them all in detail on Universal Orlando’s website here. 

Our top five favorite recommendations are:

  • Honu of the Honu ika Moana
  • Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
  • Krakatau Aqua Coaster
  • Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
  • Raki of Taniwha Tubes

There are also options for a lazy float down a lazy river or some sunbathing in beach resort settings if you’re just looking for relaxation as opposed to thrill rides.

You can also find great options for toddlers and smaller children at Volcano Bay- not just thrill slides and water attractions.

Families also have the option of renting their own cabanas for the day to ensure some more relaxation with your own personal spot along with poolside service.

As for dining, there are a few options for drinks and dining in Volcano Bay but don’t expect as many as you would find in the other Universal Orlando parks.

City Walk

Universal Orlando City Walk at night

City Walk is a great place to spend an evening enjoying the Orlando night life and entertainment it has to offer.

You can see the Blue Man Group here along with other famous DJs as you dance the night away.

There are also plenty of family entertainment, dining, and shopping options as well. It’s a great stop to make when you first arrive to help get you geared up for an exciting vacation.

To get the full run down of all the current entertainment options (they will vary depending on the time of year) check out Universal Orlando’s website here. 

Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation Today!

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Kids at Disneyland: Realistic Tips and Tricks for a Magical Vacation

Little girl smiling at Elena the Princess

Updated 10/18/18. When it comes to traveling with kids, things can easily turn into a National Lampoon Family Vacation sideshow. But with some advance preparation, things don’t always have to look like a Chevy Chase movie. Unless that’s what you want then full steam ahead, Griswolds.

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It terms of traveling with babies and small toddlers, our extensive guide for visiting Disneyland with Babies will have you covered. But when it comes to school aged or younger kids, there’s another level of preparation that goes into your visit.

With that in mind, here are our top tips and tricks for avoiding catastrophe and having a magical vacation when taking your kids to the Disneyland Resort.

Prepare for Traveling

Outside view of Sleeping Beauty's castle during the day

If this is the first time your kids will be on an airplane have them watch the TSA security clearance video at home and make sure to get the FREE Disney provided planning videos (these are a fantastic overview for visiting Disneyland). This can help prepare them for the hectic security lines at the airports and avoid meltdowns. TSA agents have a bad publicity rap but in my personal experience (and we fly often!) they are always kind to kids. Kids typically get to keep their shoes on which helps with the hassle. Also, make sure to check out our full guide to transportation to Disneyland to help you travel with less stress.

Be prepared with a backpack full of activities, gum, and snacks for your kids on the airplane. I usually purchase these items at the Dollar Store before we head to the airport to avoid those high airport prices. If I’m really worried about my son behaving on the plane I might buy him a new book or coloring activity and then hide it until our trip. This way when they open it on the airplane it’s brand new and will keep them occupied for longer.

Seating kids by the window seat is the best option so you don’t have to worry about them bothering the passengers directly next to them. If you have an electronic device, load a movie onto it in advance (make sure it works without WIFI!) and let them watch movies. To be honest, I let my kid have all the screen time and candy he wants when we’re traveling. If he’s happy, everyone around him is happy, and then I’m happy. Vacation is not the time to lay down the law. Especially on an airplane!

If you’re driving to the resort, I salute your bravery. Most of these tips work just as well in the car as they do on the plane. I would recommend doubling the amount of activities and movies you bring in the car. Be prepared to make plenty of stops and account for that in your estimated driving time.

Check Height Requirements

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coming around the corner

This is an important one! Take the time to measure the height of your kids at home, with their shoes on, and see which rides they can ride. If your kids are older and tall, you will probably be all set! But it’s always good to double check.

Disneyland is strict about height requirements– if you’re not tall enough you won’t ride! Even if you just waited an hour in line. There’s no bigger match to cause a fire than having a kiddo endure the long wait in line just to get to the front and find out they can’t ride. Avoid that mess by planning in advance!

And you didn’t hear this from me but I’ve heard of guests using taller/platform shoes for the parks if their kids are just a hair shy of the required minimum.

Make a Souvenir Plan

Little girl smiles while holding pink and white lollipop

The Happiest Place on Earth can easily become the most expensive place on Earth when visiting with kids. The shopping at Disneyland is amazing: there is so much to see and so much to buy. This can be overwhelming for adults so now imagine what it is like for kids! If you head into those shops without a game plan you’re going to have a horrible case of the ‘gimmies!’ going on before you can even make it past Main Street U.S.A.

There’s a good two step process to help avoid those store meltdowns. Make a chore list, or add additional chores to the current one you have, at home. Tell your kids they will earn a certain amount of money (whatever works for your family) by doing those chores for your Disneyland vacation. Then buy a Disney gift card and load the amount onto the card.

When you’re in the parks, give them (within reason- perhaps just let them hold it when they are shopping!) the gift card and remind them what amount of money is on it. Make sure the kids understand that when the money is gone, it’s gone! This can really help kids from going crazy on wanting souvenirs and get them to slow down to think carefully about purchase decisions. And we all know, kids are more frugal with their own money.

And speaking of avoiding meltdowns, remember that you know your kids best! If you think they can’t handle the stores at the end of the day, gift card or not, then don’t go in them! Have one parent take the kids to do other things while the other parent shops. I think we all know that shopping with tired kids is miserable regardless of where you are. That is going to be no different at Disneyland. Avoid it at all costs! Take them for their souvenir shopping early in the day while they’re fresh and calm.

Check out our full guide on timeless Disneyland souvenirs here to help you plan your shopping list in advance.

Prepare for Scary Attractions for Kids

Inside of Haunted Mansion attraction

Some rides are Disneyland can be scary even for school aged kids! Being prepared in advance for what rides might spook your kids can help you plan for alternatives. Again, you know your child best! Check out our full guide for scary attractions at Disneyland for a breakdown on rides that might be a bit spooky outside of the usual thrill factor.

And just because your kid is tall enough to go on some of the thrill rides doesn’t always mean they are ready. If you’re worried about a certain ride being too much for your kiddo, watch a Youtube video of that ride in advance with them to gauge their reaction. Especially if this is their first major theme park visit!

Kids can surprise you with what they find scary. My son didn’t bat an eye on any of the major thrill rides his first visit. From Space Mountain to Splash Mountain he barely even uttered a peep and just sat there in calm serenity. It was wild how much the thrill rides didn’t even phase him! But when it came to Haunted Mansion, that was another story. He was absolutely terrified of that ride which was a real bummer for mom since that is one of my favorites! The lesson here? It’s good to be aware of the rides that are spooky in case that’s the fear factor for your kids.

Be Realistic About Your Expectations

Little girl rubs noses with Minnie Mouse

This is one of the hardest Disneyland tips to stomach for parents. Just because this is the Happiest Place on Earth doesn’t mean that all the normal struggles of having children just vanish. Even for school aged children, a long day at Disneyland is a long day indeed. Be realistic about what your kids can handle and how a lack of sleep can seriously impact a park day.

I learned this the hard way on my son’s first trip to Disneyland. We stayed extra late one park night so we could watch the Main Street Electrical parade’s second viewing because there was hardly anyone waiting for the parade. I couldn’t resist! I needed to see it twice! My son, seven years old at the time, was extremely tired but I figured we could rally the next day and be fine. By the time we got back to the hotel it was after 11PM and way past a seven year old’s bedtime.

The next day, I still got him up early so we could make it for rope drop at California Adventure and away we went. He was okay at first and we made it to the parks on ‘schedule.’ The meltdown, the most epic meltdown he’s had in years, came when we were waiting at the Visa Meet and Greet hoping to see Stitch. Stitch, his absolute favorite character in the universe, unfortunately wasn’t there to greet him when we passed the rope. It was Minnie Mouse, the character he is always the least excited to see. Cue the meltdown, folks! We had to get out of that park so quick my head was spinning and I was ready to have a meltdown of my own. We promptly returned to our hotel, had a two hour nap, and we were able to return after lunch with a fresh start. The takeaway from this story: let them rest when they’re tired and run as fast as you can when those meltdowns happen.

It’s funny now but at the time I was so stressed and disappointed. I had put so much effort into our park plans I forgot, for a moment there, that my kiddo was just plain exhausted. There was no way he could handle disappointment after a night with lack of sleep. Going to the parks now, I am more realistic about my expectations. I know my kid turns into a grizzly bear when he’s tired so I make sure he gets his sleep no matter what. He’s happier, I’m happier, and it’s a realistic plan.

This is the key to being realistic at Disneyland, understanding that you may have to slow down. You may have to take breaks when you don’t want to. You may need to leave earlier so your kids can get some rest to be fresh for the next day. I hate to say it but disappointment happens at Disneyland too. Rides could break down, characters might not be available, or fireworks get canceled. Having a rested kid helps them cope with these things.

Of course, this is all more applicable if you have more than one day planned at the parks. If you only have one day planned then it makes sense to rally and show up with a solid strategy! Spend the afternoons cooling off in one of the indoor AC attractions or head out to Tom Sawyer’s Island to get a break from the crowds.

If you have park hoppers and are staying for a few days, use the afternoons to go back to your hotel and swim. Take a break from the heat and the crowds. You will come back more refreshed and everyone will be happier. Afternoon time can easily become meltdown time at Disneyland, get out of there and come back later.

Have a Strategy But Enjoy the Moment

Kids meeting Daisy Duck

I’ll be the first to recommend having a touring strategy in place for Disneyland from day one. Using a touring strategy is the best way to ensure that your family experiences all the top attractions with minimal wait times. If you follow a good strategy, you can have most of the major high wait time attractions finished by lunch. Planning out your day before arriving at the parks is also helpful for preventing arguments about which ride to go on first or other similar sibling squabbles. Go over the plan at the hotel so everyone has an idea of what to expect.

Just don’t forget to enjoy the moment with your kids! It can be easy, easier than you might think, to get caught up in touring plans and dining reservations and characters times that you end up missing those small moments. Take a breath and find the time throughout the day to just stop. Take in the beauty of Disneyland and your child’s happiness. These are the moments you will remember the most. Don’t plan too much that they pass you by.

More Disneyland Planning Tips

There is always a lot of information to consider before planning an Disneyland vacation. Make sure to spend time planning your days in the theme parks and become familiar with everything Disneyland has to offer. Don’t forget to subscribe to our FREE Deals Newsletter to stay on top of the current planning tips, strategies, and deals.

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Bringing Babies to Disneyland: Everything You Want to Know

Babies at Disneyland: Baby and family in the ocean

Updated 10/16/18. Taking a family vacation with a baby can be daunting.  Not only do you need to pack endless supplies but it’s a constant job of caring for your little one all day long.  Disneyland Resort is actually a very family-friendly location if a theme park is your vacation destination.  A friend of mine recently told me- “I found Disneyland surprisingly unlimited with a baby” and I couldn’t agree more.  This guide will help you navigate with babies at Disneyland Resort.

Close up of Dumbo ride in the air

PLANNING WITH BABIES AT DISNEYLAND RESORT

Planning is an essential key for any outing with a child. The more pre-planning, the easier the management for everyone involved. Planning ahead to bring your baby to Disneyland will help you navigate the parks with ease and make your vacation much more magical.

Plan Ahead for Your Disneyland Trip

Plan first for your Disney trip.  Once you have your dates verified including attraction availability (some may be down for maintenance then), purchase your tickets in advance. We recommend booking your tickets through our recommended travel sponsor so you can get the best deals.

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This will save you a step of having to stand in an extra line with your infant.  Next, plan to get to the parks early for rope drop.  The crowds are manageable earlier in the day so you’ll have an easier time maneuvering your group.  If your ticket package comes with Magic Morning, take advantage of that extra hour which can be a blessing for you and your child.

Don’t Forget the Disneyland Necessities

Don’t forget the extras with babies at Disneyland Resort.  You’ll need the necessities including clothing, formula, diapers/wipes, and sunscreen to name a few.  If you’re expecting to visit during the warmer weather months, hats and blankets for stroller shade come in handy. Make sure you have everything you need to travel with your baby. 

Two moms pushing strollers with their children on Main Street

Strollers for Babies at Disneyland Resort

To rent or not rent.  Disneyland Resort strollers are $15 per day for one stroller and $25 per day for two.  They are available on the east side of Disneyland Park entrance near the kennels.  Strollers can be utilized between the two parks but not into Downtown Disney District.  If you are bringing your own stroller, then you have the luxury of wheeling a sleeping child back to your hotel if you’re staying nearby.

Whether you rent of bring your own, a word of caution to visibly mark your stroller with your name.  Also, do not leave anything of value on your stroller.  For added security, leave your stroller in your own designated hideaway from the stroller parking areas to avoid crowds.

Babies at Disneyland: Baby Care Center Sign

Baby Care Centers at Disneyland

There are resources on property to help families navigate with babies at Disneyland Resort.  The Baby Care Centers are located, respectively, in Disneyland Park on the east side of Main Street near Plaza Inn, and in Disney California Adventure Park next to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in the Pacific Wharf area. Both locations offer private nursing rooms with chairs, changing rooms, kid-sized toilets for those littles toilet-raining, and feeding areas.

Although Disneyland Resort does not rent breast pumps, moms can store their own at the locations.  A kitchen area provides a microwave and sink for preparing formula and food.  And, if you’ve forgotten a necessity, the Resort has you covered.  The Baby Care Centers readily provide vending machines (credit card only) with formula, food, juices, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, and pacifiers for any emergency.

Outside of Main Street Cinema

Feeding/Nursing Babies at Disneyland

If you find yourself unavailable to stop in at one of the Baby Care Centers, you can easily find quiet places to feed/nurse your child.  If you’re in Disneyland Park, Main Street Cinemas offer the quiet, some A/C, and low-lighting for both mom and baby to relax.  The eating area of Hungry bear Café in Critter Country also has plenty of space and privacy if you go to the very back of the location.

In Disney California Adventure Park, Hollywood Land Backlot is a calm area to take a break in between shows and character sightings sometimes occurring in that location.  Also, several dark attractions are great areas for privacy to nurse baby (see list below).

ATTRACTIONS

Of course the attractions are one of the main attractions at Disneyland Resort and having your infant with you should not hinder your fun.  Both parks have ample opportunities to enjoy baby-friendly attractions for the entire family.  Safety is also a key component for Disneyland Resort so expect the cast member to ensure you and your little one are always safe.

Close up of Disneyland train on Main Street

BABY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS AT DISNEYLAND PARK

  •  Main Street Vehicles
  • Disneyland Railroad (relaxing for nursing mom)
  • Enchanted Tiki Room (dark attraction for nursing mom)
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Casey Jr. Circus Train
  • King Arthur’s Carousel
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Storybook Land Canal Boats
  • Peter Pan’s Flight (but get there early because lines can get long quickly)
  • “it’s a small world” (great visuals for baby)
  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Parades/Fireworks

Red Car Trolley at California Adventure

BABY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK

  •  Red Car Trolley
  • Monsters, Inc.
  • Animation Building (visuals for baby)
  • Hyperion Theater Shows (relaxing for nursing mom)
  • Heimlich’s Chew-Chew (through end of summer 2018)
  • Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
  • Pixar Pal-A-Round (stationary buckets)
  • Parades/World-of-Color

Rider Switch Service

No need to miss any of the attractions you and your group love if baby is with you.  Disneyland Resort’s Rider Switch allows one adult (or supervising guest age 14 and up) to stay with the non-riding guest (usually the infant) while the rest of the group enjoys the attraction.  Then, the adult or supervising guest simply switch roles so he/she may experience the attraction without waiting in line.

Splash Mountain during the daytime

DISNEYLAND PARK RIDER SWITCH LOCATIONS

  •  Indiana Jones Adventure
  • Gadget’s Go Coaster
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds
  • Autopia
  • Splash Mountain
  • Star Tours- The Adventure Continues
  • Space Mountain

the Incrediables posing with couple on Pixar Pier

DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK RIDER SWITCH LOCATIONS

  • Incredicoaster
  • Goofy’s Sky School
  • Jumpin’ Jellyfish
  • Silly Symphony Swings
  • Grizzly River Run
  • Soarin’ Around the World
  • Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
  • Radiator Springs Racers
  • Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
  • Tuck and Roll Drive ‘Em Buggies (through end of summer 2018)

Main Street USA in Disneyland

Forgotten Essentials

Disneyland Resort has the essentials for any situation including forgotten items.  As mentioned earlier, the Baby Care Centers have all the necessities for babies at Disneyland Resort.  For any extra clothing needed (or as a souvenir), many retail locations within the Resort are a rescue away.

In Disneyland Park, Main Street’s Emporium, and Clothiers are the prime locations for children’s clothing.  Disney California Adventure houses Elias and Company on Buena Vista Street, and Downtown Disney District is home to World of Disney for most of your apparel needs.  If you are staying at one of the nearby hotels, each one has a retail location to help with your needs as well.

Don’t stress about having an infant with you on your vacation.  Just enjoy the moment and focus on creating magical memories. For more tips, subscribe to our Disneyland Deals Newsletter.

PLANNING YOUR DISNEYLAND RESORT TRIP