Disney Sunday – Part 2- Parking at the Happiest Place on Earth

I spent the entire day at both parks yesterday(and a few evenings last week) and it inspired a couple of posts. I hope you don’t mind two Disney posts in one week.

I love going to Disneyland and DCA, as you have probably figured out. The one thing that I do not like is having to deal with parking. I usually don’t mind parking in the Mickey and Friends parking lot(the big structure) unless it is a busy day. On busy days parking and then riding the tram to the entrance of the resort can feel like a bad nightmare. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen people almost scuffle over their place in the “stroller line”.

The stroller line is found on the very first car of the tram and the very last car. It allows you to ride without having to fold your stroller. It is very popular and the wait for a spot in the first or last car is usually long. In fact the wait on a busy days for a tram can take a long long time. It is definitely not what you want to be doing when you have tired and cranky kids and have to be around other cranky people. It’s just not a good combination.

Here are a couple of alternatives to parking in the Mickey and Friends parking lot and taking the tram.

My favorite option for parking on nights when I know that I will be spending less than 3 hours is to park in Downtown Disney. If I’m heading over for the evening- I will usually park in the Downtown Disney lot. Parking is free for the first 3 hours. When I park in the DD parking lot I either take the monorail to Disneyland or walk through the Grand Californian Hotel to the DCA hotel entrance. It’s easy, painless and only a short walk.

My second option would be to park in the Mickey and Friends parking structure. Take the tram in but on the way out, only have the driver in your party head on the tram(they will usually be able to squeeze right on to a tram). The rest of the party will head over to the 15 minute parking on Harbor blvd(just follow the walkway to Harbor Blvd- it’s the parking lot on the right hand side) and be picked up from there. This is what we usually do on a busy day.

The last option is to park in the Mickey and Friends parking structure. Take the tram on your way in and at the end of the night, walk the path back to the structure. It’s a nice walk and on a busy night you will get to your car faster walking, then waiting and loading for the tram.

Disney Sunday’s Guest Post- Disney Dollars

This week’s installment of Disney Sunday comes to us from Lisa, founder of the wonderful blog and website Babes in Disneyland. Lisa is a former Disneyland tour guide, teacher and mother of two little ones. Her website is a must read if you love Disneyland or are heading to the park for the first time with the tiny tots. It’s a wonderful resource and filled with fun facts about the park. Lisa writes …

Disney Dollars save the day

Disney Dollars can easily save the day when visiting the Disneyland Resort. You don’t have to get stuck paying ATM when you need cash for items like popcorn, churros, and balloons from the outdoor vendors. Instead, stop by City Hall (located on the west side of Main Street) or the Guests Services lobby (located right inside California Adventure to the east) and purchase Disney Dollars with your credit card, check, or Visa/Mastercard ATM card. Disney Dollars are bills that come in ones, fives, and tens and can be used as cash (the same dollar for dollar exchange) at the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Disney Stores, or on Disney cruise ships. At the end of your visit, you can cash in any unused dollars for regular cash or save a few for souvenirs.

I have found that Disney Dollars can save the day in one more fun way that I call the “Disney Dollar Budget.” Purchase an inexpensive Disney-themed wallet before your next trip and fill it with Disney Dollars. (Such wallets can often be found at dollar discount stores.) Kids who want to spend, spend, spend at Disneyland will (hopefully) think twice before parting with their Disney bucks and once they are gone from their wallet, they are gone. Disneyland does sell gift cards, but as an elementary school teacher, I feel that Disney Dollars offer a far more teachable moment for you and your child to discuss budgeting and having to make correct change when purchasing items from store cashiers.

Disney Sunday- My favorite places to eat at Disneyland/Disney’s California Adventure

It’s almost 11pm- I figure I still can blog about Disney Sunday just in the nick of time. Today I wanted to write about my favorite places to eat inside the park. I’ve pretty much tried every restaurant or stand in the park and I wanted to share with you my favorite places at both parks.

Top picks for Disneyland

1. Tastiest and filling treat- This is a seasonal item- The yummy turkey legs!
You can find the delish turkey legs in Frontierland. The cart is usually located directly across from the Mark Twain Landing and next to Rancho Del Zocalo Mexican restaurant. They sell for $7 and the carts only take cash. You can also find them by the Matterhorn entrance. They are very filling and make a great lunch!
2. Favorite dessert- Funnel Cakes! – The Hungry Bear Restaurant
Disneyland’s fruit topped funnel cakes are out of this world! You will love them. I also love pretty much anything that The Hungry Bear serves. It’s a great place to relax and catch a bite to eat in a beautiful setting(you can watch the ducks and boats go by- it’s lovely in the evening- perfect for date night! ). The Hungry Bear Restaurant is located in Critter Country – you can’t miss it!
3. Favorite restaurant- Rancho Del Zocalo- Pretty good Mexican Food!
I love Rancho Del Zocalo. As a girl that grew up on fresh homemade Mexican food – I have to say that I find the food at Rancho Del Zocalo to be quite tasty. My favorite is their enchilada plate. It’s really good. A little on the pricey side-(around $9-13) but the food is great, excellent seating and one of my favorite places to hang out on a cold night-wonderful heating lamps! My born in Mexico parents love the carne asada plate.
4. Favorite drink-Mint Juleps(non-alcoholic)- Mint Julep Bar
I love love the Mint Juleps that are found at the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square. They go for around 2.50 and they are a yummie and refreshing treat. The Mint Julep Bar is located across from the New Orleans Square train station.
5. Tastiest and least expensive way to feed a family- Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in Tomorrowland.
You can buy a whole pizza for $31.99- not bad for a theme park. It’s a good way to feed the family and the pizza is actually really good! The Hawaiian is one of my fav’s!
6. Soup to die for!- Clam chowder sourdough bowl- Royal Street Veranda
The soup at the Royal Street Veranda is amazing. A little pricey($9) but so worth it. The Royal Street Veranda is located in New Orleans Square. It’s that little place across from the parasol cart and visible while you wait in line for Pirate’s of the Carribean.
7. Last but not least- my absolute favorite treat- Dole Pineapple Whip
I love love DPW. It is a must in the summer. Yummie. You can buy one at the entrance to Adventureland, right next to the Enchanted Tiki Room
Top picks for Disney’s California Adventure

1. So good but so bad for you treat- Full Throttle Fries- Taste Pilot’s Grill
These frieds are amazing. Perfect for sharing and incredible. The fries are loaded with cheese, chilli, onions, tomatoes and sour cream. The downer- probably not good for the waistline or your heart!
2. Best Hot Dogs- Award Wieners
I love the hot dogs at Award Wieners. The hotdogs come with chips and the combo’s are under $6. A tasty and reasonable treats. Award Wieners is located directly across from Playhouse Disney in the Hollywood Back Lot
3. A refreshing treat- Schmoozie’s Smoothies!
I’m all about fun drinks and Schmoozie’s Smoothies are made to order and absolutely delish! You can find Schmoozie’s Smoothies in the Hollywood Back lot- Directly across from the animation building
4. Favorite Ice Cream- Burr-Bank Ice Cream-
My family loves the ice cream at DCA. It’s less crowded than it’s Disneyland counterpart and just as tasty! You have to try their sundaes- Delish! Burr-Bank Ice Cream is located near the entrance of Disney’s California Adventure