Growing up mostly on the east coast, visiting Disney World was something I was able to do often. I went almost every year for 4-5 years in a row as a teenager. Fast forward 8 years and now I’m living on the west coast with two boys. My youngest in particular is a Disney fanatic, especially Mickey Mouse so we decided for Max’s 3rd birthday we would start planning a trip to Disneyland.
Planning a Trip to Disneyland
Max’s love for Mickey started not long before he turned one and has been going strong ever since. Though he has now embraced Monsters Inc, Toy Story, and Finding Nemo/Dory into his love of Disney, the Mickey Mouse Club gang still holds the number one spot.
Planning a Trip to Disneyland Checklist
- First and foremost we need to get tickets to Disneyland. I’ve checked out every option possible and the only deals I can find are maybe $5 off a ticket or if you’re military you can get tickets for $99. So this we had to suck it up and just purchase the tickets at regular price. Though you can bulk purchase a trip through somewhere like Costco, we don’t have $2k plus to drop on a trip to somewhere local.
- Lodging. Probably my most dreaded part of planning a trip. You can go somewhere and not pay a lot for an entry but then pay a fortune in lodging. We lucked out and stumbled upon Country Inns & Suites Anaheim. The hotel is newly renovated with modern interiors and stylish furnishings in all 174 rooms. The best part though and the reason we decided it was a great choice is that its within walking distance of Disneyland and there’s a great view of Disneyland’s fireworks!
- Meals and Dining. One of my favorite memories of Disney World was the food. Not the taste or anything like that but the fun Mickey Mouse shaped items. I remember eating Mickey Mouse rice crispy treats almost everyday. We could have made plans to eat outside of Disney World but the character dining would make my little’s days so purchasing a meal plan is totally worth it. Breakfast however we are totally going to take advantage of at the hotel since Country Inn offers complimentary hot breakfast and has a full bar for morning mimosas.
- Disneyland Gear. My youngest owns almost every Mickey Mouse item out there so the rest of us have to stock up on all of our Disney gear. I know there will be cute things in the gates that we won’t be able to help ourselves purchasing but any little purchase outside of the gates is helpful.
- Pack up and go! Now that we have dates, we are ready for our first ever trip to Disneyland as a family.
Now that we’ve started doing our research on the best options for our family. I think visiting Disneyland can work for any family’s budget you just have to check out all of the options.
Will you be planning a trip to Disneyland soon?
Favorite part of the hotel is proximity to Disney and so many attractions!
I have never been to Disney before. My favorite part of the hotel is the whirlpool and hot breakfast.
Feels like home
THE POOL.
That is a great list. We are east coasters, so we do Disney World as opposed to Disneyland. I will keep this list in mind next time we go 🙂
I have only had the privilege of going to Disney once in Florida. We had such a wonderful experience. Forget the kids as an adult I would go back just us in a minute. Given some great ways to enjoy Disney.
It’s always a happy time at Disney. You can plan your routine and get the best rate and also be able to maximize the facilities of Disney.
Favorite part of the hotel is the complimentary breakast. Have not been to Disney land yet.
What an amazing giveaway!! We love to go to Disney, the parks are always so magical no matter what time of year you go.
Going to Disneyland is so much fun for the kiddos. This would be an amazing trip. We are actually planning a trip to Disney within the next 4 months. We cannot wait.
I like the free breakfast at the hotel. I like the shows at Disneyland.
Last year I managed to visit Disney Paris, I am hoping this year or next to visit Orlando, I think it would be epic
Oh fun! You definitely have the right ideas! The hotel you’re looking at sounds like it will be perfect!
I stay at Country Inns & Suites great hotel love it. I love Disneyworld due there so many places to go there
I have never been to Disney World and would really love to go! These sound like great planning tips!
I like the outdoor pool. I have not been to Disney
It is great to see Disney Parks through the eyes of children!
I like the complimentary breakfast and at the parks I love the shows.
I like the walking distance to Disneyland description. My sons love everything Disney, so the best part of Disney is that it’s Disney. : )
Our family hasn’t been there, but we’ve always wanted to explore those magical lands!
It is every kid’s dream to go to Disney & I dunno anyone who doesn’t like Disney. I have always enjoyed the planning part which I always do with my cousins. I love the anticipation and all that. Plus each time we go to Disney, the experience is always wow. So, I’m pretty sure that someone is going to be super happy with your giveaway 🙂
I like that there is always something unique at the park.
I have been wanting to take a trip to Disneyland but am not sure if it will happen soon. The hotel looks like a perfect place to stay while on Disney trip.
My favorite part is the outdoor heated pool . I like visiting Disney Parks so I can see my favorite characters and take pictures.
My husband and I are planning a trip to Disney World sometime in the near future. We can’t wait to go back there. It was so much fun!
Love the pool setup!
We did Disneyland last year and it was a lot of fun, but we did not plan good enough. Next time we go I will be more prepared. Although I might be waiting a few years, and going in the off season. I think those combines will make it more fun for us!
My favorite part of the hotel is that it is close to Disney, and it is a Country Suites. Never been to Disney park.
I love the free wi-fi, and the indoor and outdoor pools for the kids to play in.
Favorite part of the hotel is the pool. Disney is always fun for the kids!
I have never been to Disney before. My favorite part of the hotel is the pool
The pool and I haven’t been.
My kids haven’t gotten to go that much and neither have I. However, we live in the south so it’s a longer drive.
Definitely breakfast!
We have never been! I bet the pools are awesome there! Thanks!
The hot breakfast is great for a family of 4. We are taking our first Disney World trip in February.
I would love to try the food at Disney! I would love the pool at country inn:)
I’m Going to Disney Land!
My favorite part is the pool. I have never been there before.
I love the cookies Country Inn serves. Usually they were warm and just a fantastic welcome to the hotel. We were fortunate to live close to Disney for a time. We loved finding hidden Mickeys
I am almost 40 and have yet to visit Disney but would love to. Sounds like such a wonderful place to go. I think I love Mickey Mouse too. So cute!
My favorite thing about the hotel is the free hot breakfast and free wifi
I like visiting Disneyland because I love Mickey Mouse!! LOL.
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The morning mimosas sound great!
My favorite part about the hotel is the proximity to the park.
My favorite part is the clean rooms and pool area.
The pool is gorgeous and my favorite part of Disneyland is ALL of it!
I like the free complimentary hot breakfast. It makes planning a trip to Disneyland easier.
This was a great resource, I’ve pinned it on Pinterest. My daughter keeps asking me for the Disney experience. I wanted her to be a little bit older but might plan a trip for next year as a surprise.
We haven’t been to Anaheim in… wow…. nearly 15 years. It’s such a fun place though! Love when a hotel includes a good breakfast, it’s a big help financially and mentally!
I love the rooms, the food and the outdoor pool! And what’s not LOVE about planning a trip to Disneyland? The rides are my absolute FAV 🙂
the complimentary breakfast! not having to worry about breakfast in the morning and my kids love the choices!
I’ve never been to a Disney park. 🙁 Not yet at least! Gosh, that pool is probably my favorite thing!
My favorite part of the hotel is the swimming pool. My favorite part of Disney is seeing all the characters.
My favorite part is the outdoor heated pool!! that is amazing!! The hotel looks GREAT! We have never been to Disney!! But after seeing & reading about it here it makes me want to take my kids even more now
Country Inn & Suites are always clean and have a great complimentary breakfast–we have stayed many times! I love Disney parks as it is just good family fun for everyone!
I love that it has free hot breakfast, wi-fi and it’s close to the Disney Land.What I love about disney land is all of the rides and not too mention that you can’t have a bad time at the happiest place on earth!
I would love the opportunity to go to Disney World or Land one day!! #GOALS Can’t wait to hear all about your trip!!
The best part for me is to see that nice clan comfy bed after a long day with the kids. I just want to sleep comfortably.
I love the proximity to Disneyland… And I love Splash Mountain and Dole Whip Floats the most at the park!
I love how close the hotel is to the park! Would love to stay there!
I love how close it is. My favorite thing about Disney is the rides!
My favorite part is the pool. And I can’t pick a favorite part of Disney, I just love it too much
I have never been to Disney! I would love to be able to take my family one day to experience the magic 🙂
I LOVE Disney World. it’s my happiest place on earth. I love that hotels just add to the vacation experience. For some reason It makes vacation feel more vacation & it makes me feel relaxed
Growing up Disneyland memories are some of my fav. I can’t wait to share this magical place with my family as an adult! Thank you for the tips!!
What a great looking hotel. There is so much to love about this place too. It is within walking distance of Disneyland, has a beautiful pool, and it has a hot breakfast.
We actually stayed at this hotel 4 years ago. We took my boys for the first time. It is a nice hotel. I like the breakfast. It is free and lots of choices. Free is good specially when you know you will be eating in the park the rest of the day. We love Grand California. Cars land is the best. Hope you enjoy it.
I love that the hotel is so close to everything. L Love that there is always so much to do, you never run out of fun activities!
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the complimentary breakfast.
My favorite part is the complimentary breakfast. What I lve about the park is that there’s something for everyone.
My favorite part is the fitness center. My favorite thing about Disneyland is the fireworks at night.
I love the fact the hotel has a 24/7 fitness center. I love how I feel like a child again when I go to Disney. The staff is always so happy and friendly!
Love the nice large pool area! Cars land is my favorite at Disney!
That it is within walking distance of disney.
Never been to Disneyland only Disneyworld which of course we love! We love Country Inn for the clean rooms!
I love that you can see the fireworks from the pool
I love that pool! Looks easily accessible from the hotel! My favorite thing is all the fun Disney characters you can meet and greet and take photos with, also the beautiful Cinderella castle, the parades throughout the day, the rides and yummy foods, and the fireworks show at night!
I love go down the next morning to grab some breakfast.
Diana C
I love everything about the Disney including Al fun activities, meet and greet all adorable Disney characters. My favorite part of the hotel is its pool, complementary breakfast and proximity to the Disney.
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I love how close it is–I’m definitely a walker. And I just love how WELCOME Disney makes you feel!
The Star Wars aditions
I have such good memories of visiting Disney, I’d love to go now and see how it’s all changed!
Love that this hotel is within walking distance to Disneyland. The complimentary breakfast is an awesome perk as well.
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I like the free wifi and complimentary breakfast.
I love that this hotel is so close to Disneyland. At Disneyland, I love how everything is so clean and pretty and the cast members are so friendly and helpful.
I love all the fun you can have at disney
complimentary breakfast and free shuttle are nice features.
The pool looks great! I love how family-friendly Disney parks are – every age has a blast!
I like the pool and the hot tub. I love the Disney Parks because I think that it’s fun!
I love Disney’s Port Orleans Resort so comfy and easy to use the bus to the park
I think that the pool is really cool! I like the parks because it is a nice place for the family to go.
I love how close it is to Disney. I love Disney for the atmosphere.
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