Disney Sundays

Disney Sunday- First Aid and Baby Care Center



On the third installment of Disney Sunday I wanted to write about two very important places in Disneyland that tend to be overlooked- The First Aid Center and The Baby Care Center. I’ve had two use both on my last visit and wanted to share what you can expect to find at both centers.

First and foremost is the Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Baby Care Center. This is a place that might be overlooked or unknown. Those of you visiting Disneyland or DCA with babies and/or small children should definitely take advantage of the baby care center. It is located down a sidewalk at the end of Main Street on the right hand side just past the photo store. Disney’s California Adventure baby care care center is located directly next to their first-aid station which is found by the Mission Tortilla Factory in the Pacific Wharf area. Inside, there are toddler sized toilets, changing tables and in my opinion best of all, glorious air conditioning. It is the perfect place to rest with the little ones on a hot summer day.

There is a cast member that makes sure only a few people come in at a time to ensure this peaceful and non-chaotic place remains that way. They sell about every baby necessity you may need. Everything from bottles, pacifiers, formula, diapers, diaper rash ointment, baby food and more. There are even bottle warmers if you need them. It is also the perfect place to nurse a baby. I have nursed both of my babies at the center. It provides a calm private setting where you can lull the little ones to sleep.

My son has sensory issues and he can be over stimulated easily and have horrendous meltdowns. The baby care center has provided an invaluable service to us. The place is a wonderful retreat when your baby or child has to calm down from a day of over-stimulation. I can’t tell you enough how many times I have used the baby care center. It has been a lifesaver!

If you go a bit past the baby care center, you will find the park first-aid center. I had to actually use the first aid center last week. I had met my family at the park and was using some pretty uncomfortable shoes that gave me a couple of painful blisters. I knew exactly what to do. I headed directly to the First Aid Center. They provided me a place to sit and just what I needed-band aids- without charging me a dime. It is also the perfect place to head when you have a headache. One of the registered nurses on staff will provide you with ibuprofen or Tylenol and a quiet place to lay down instead of having to leave the park. The first aid center can also provide you a place to store your medications that need to be refrigerated. The best part is that Disney will provide all of this free of charge!

If the unexpected happens when you are at either park rest assured that you will be able to find everything from formula at the baby care center to a pack of ice at the first aid center.

Have a great Sunday!!

Dinsey Sunday- Freebies at Disneyland/Disney’s California Adventure

Hope you are all having a fun and relaxing Sunday. On the second weekly installment of Disney Sunday I wanted to list a couple of fun and FREE things you can pick up while visiting Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. Make sure to try or pick up one of the freebies next time you are at the park. Enjoy!!

1. Free entrance to either park on your birthday. Just register online and show up with your birth certificate or ID. If you already have an annual pass- head to the ticket booth to pickup your $69 gift card for merchandise or a family pack of 6 fast passes to every attraction at the park of you choice. Another tip- turn your free admission at the end of the day into an annual pass. All you will have to do is either pay the difference or sign up for the installment plan. It’s a great deal!!
2. Pick up a free pin from City Hall in Disneyland, DCA guest services or the information booth. You can get a Happy Birthday pin, Happy Anniversary,Just Married,Family Reunion,1st Visit,Happily Ever After and the I’m Celebrating button which could be used anytime!
3. Pick up a fresh, warm and delicious tortilla from the Mission Tortilla Factory tour in Disney’s California Adventure. If it’s your birthday make sure to pick up your free dozen.
4. Try a taste of Sourdough bread from The Boudin Bakery tour in DCA. It’s located right across from the Mission Tortilla Factory Tour.
5. Animation Academy- Head over to DCA’s Hollywood Backlot and try your drawing skills at The Disney Animation building. You are provided with drawing pencils and pads and taught by Disney animators a series of simple steps that enable you to create your own character drawings. You can take your drawings home or better yet- ask nicely and usually the Disney Animator will be more than willing to give you their fresh character sketch.
6. Head over to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and ride Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters. While you ride you will have your photo taken and at the end of the ride you can e-mail your Astro Blaster score and photo home. It’s a fun and free souvenir!
7. Free stickers – make sure to head over to Toontown and meet Mickey and Minnie. You will receive a free sticker when you meet them.
8. Free beads at New Orleans Square- Head on over to New Orleans Square when the bands are playing. The beads are usually thrown out by cast members and are a fun treat. Best of all they are Free!!
9. Last but not least- My daughter’s Favorite- Head over to Autopia and pick up a Free License. This is sometimes hit and miss. However, I’ve received one every time I have ridden Autopia.

Disney Sunday- What to pack for a day at Disneyland/California Adventure

I look forward to sharing with you my Disney tips . I decided to move them up by one day to Sundays because it has a nice ring to it. Here is my third installment in the weekly series. What to pack when heading to the Disney Resort.

I try to head over to one of the parks at least twice a week during the summer. Through much trial and error I have learned what to pack with me to be able to enjoy a day at the park and not shell out much money. Here is my essential list-

What do I bring with me??
1.Make sure to pack a couple of snacks. Some good ideas are – cut up fruit, individual baggies of cookies/chips, grapes(a big favorite of ours)goldfish and fruit snacks. I try to avoid buying snacks at the park at all costs. It can get pretty expensive!! You will also need a good backpack – I’m usually prepared with a great backpack- I never leave home without one .
2. Bring a stroller if you have small children. If you can, make sure to bring a light or umbrella stroller. They are easier to fold up and store. Make sure to have some kind of labeling on you stroller to help yours stand out in the sea of strollers. If you really don’t want to hassle with bringing one (although I strongly recommend it)- rent one at the front of the park. I usually avoid this at costs but if you can’t bring a stroller and want one this is a good alternative and trust me a stroller is indispensable if you have kids under 5.
3. Make sure to pack a jacket /sweater/blanket. – The nights cool off and I’ve had to leave once or twice because I had a cold kiddo- I’ve also had to drop $50 on sweatshirts because mommy didn’t prepare efficiently. Learn from my mistakes and pack a sweatshirt or two.
4.Bring a bottle or two of water per person- I usually freeze mine the night before and throw them in a Ziploc bag- I pack them in at the bottom of my bag and they have been a lifesaver!! You can also bring your own insulated water bottles and refill them at the park.
5. Bring your own soda– I usually bring a can for each of us and then head to one of the local restaurants and ask for cups of ice. This has saved us so much money!!
6. Bring baby wipes. I always carry them even if I don’t have my youngest with me. They are great for sticky hands and clean ups. I think they are a necessity !!
7. Bring some sandwiches-If you are planning on staying for more than a couple of hours- they are a must. Cheap and easy to transport!!
8. Bring a dollar or two to the park. My kids are used to one tradition when we head over to the park. On the way out we always stop by at the last souvenir kiosk and buy a 50 cent Minnie Mouse heart sucker. I only spend $1.00 and the kids absolutely are happy as clams on the way out. A little sticky but happy- and that’s what it’s all about!!