My Adventures in Disneyland

August 15, 2012

Wednesdays With Walt : The Treasures Of The Walt Disney Archives

After my latest adventure in Disneyland last month, we made one very important stop on the drive home. In fact, it was one of the main reasons for our family trip from the Napa Valley to Southern California. Walt Disney is someone I respect deeply so, of course, I had to see the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum presented by D23. The exhibit is reasonably priced and definitely worth a visit. It runs through April 2013. Below are photographs of some of my personal favs from this substantial exhibit.

Photo Courtesy of My Adventures in Disneyland

My Adventures in Disneyland Travel Tip #3 : Packing Tips

A sure way to ruin any vacation is to not be prepared. When traveling, it is always important to bring the necessities for the local climate and occasion and a trip to Disneyland is no exception to that rule. Below is a packing list that you can use when packing for your next Disneyland adventure, be it with or without children.

The Essentials:
* Valid IDs
* Extra Cash (for tips and more)
* Credit or Debit Cards
* Health Insurance Cards
* Printouts of Hotel and Ticket Information
* Medications
* Toiletries
* Sunscreen
* Sunglasses
* Swimwear
* Hats
* Comfortable Shoes
* Extra Socks (for after water attractions and sweaty feet)
* Light Jacket (mostly for early mornings and later in the evening)
* Flip Flops (for the hotel, pool and even to change into for water attractions)
* Umbrella or Raincoat
* Small Bag or Backpack
* Phone (with charger)
* Camera
* Camera Supplies (battery, memory card, lenses, charger)
* Sandwich Bags (for keeping your phones and wallets dry on water attractions)
* Autograph Book with Thick Pen (thick pens are easier for some characters to use)
* Mailing Addresses (for gifts and postcards)
* Postage Stamps
* Cooler (for keeping beverages and food cold in your room)
* Band-Aids (for things like skinned knees and blisters)
* Fans and Misters (for summer)
* Laundry Bags
* Laundry Soap Sheets (for big messes)
* Bottled Water

* Snacks

Additional Suggestions For Traveling With Children:
* Stroller with Blanket (to cover your little one from the elements)
* Juice Boxes (perfect for the park, hotel and restaurants)
* Earplugs (especially for younger children)
* Extra Clothes
* Swim Diapers
* Beach Towel (for puddle park in a bug's land)
* Water Shoes
* Extra Wet Wipes
* Portable Changing Pad
* Baby Carrier

* Nightlight

* Books for Bedtime

* Favorite Blanket
* Favorite Stuffed Animal

* Coins (for pressing)

* Glowsticks

* Toys

So be prepared. Please don't pack like my son.

August 14, 2012

My Adventures in Disneyland Dooney & Burke Giveaway 2012

I am excited to announce that my first giveaway is finally here! To enter to win, simply be a fan of My Adventures in Disneyland on Facebook and use the Rafflecopter widget to enter on this page or on my Facebook page. I really love Dooney & Burke Disney accessories and Disney Baby clothes are all adorable but these two are my own favorites of the collection. Good luck Adventurers!

This giveaway is in no way sponsored by Facebook, Dooney & Burke, Disney or any other entity other than My Adventures in Disneyland. You can enter this giveaway starting on August 15, 2012 and the winners will be determined and announced on September 15, 2012. You must be 18 years old to enter. The photos provided below are examples and not the actual items that will be awarded.

* Grand Prize: Dooney & Bourke Disney Parks Buttons Mickey Mouse Wristlet

* Runner-up Prize: Two Adorable Pieces From The Popular Disney Baby Collection

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Me On Twitter And Facebook...

You can now follow My Adventures in Disneyland on Twitter. You can find me at www.twitter.com/adventuresindlr to stay connected. Also, don't forget to "like" my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AdventuresinDisneyland for jokes, fan art, updates and more! Just this week My Adventures in Disneyland hit 500 "likes" on Facebook and it is where you will find blog posts, daily updates and a community of great Disney fans. Join the fun today!

August 1, 2012

My Adventures in Disneyland Travel Tip #2 : Sun Safety

It doesn't really matter when you visit the Disneyland Resort, California is a sunny place and you will need to be prepared. Always use a waterproof sunscreen (with an SPF of 30+) and reapply every few hours throughout your day. If you are someone who burns easily, you should wear a baseball hat or even a sun hat for the most sun protection. While wearing a visor does feel cooler than wearing a baseball cap, your scalp is left vulnerable and you risk getting a sunburn. Sunscreen is not recommended for children below the age of six months so sun avoidance if really the best way to go when dealing with a young baby at Disneyland. Be smart with sun safety because a bad sunburn is no fun, especially when you are on vacation. Sun safety is surely a must for any Disney adventure.

Below are recent pictures of Princess Dot Puddle Park. This whimsical water play area can be found in a bug's land and is located in Disney California Adventure Park. It's the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. Be warned though... If the ground under your feet is wet then keep your eyes open for shooting water. I have seen countless parents blindsided because they thought they were in a safe zone. For your convenience, the puddle park is surrounded by benches (with some shaded areas) and there are drinking fountains and family bathrooms nearby for bathroom breaks and for changing into swimsuits or dry clothes. If you are still looking for other ways to cool off at the Parks, you can also take a wild ride on the popular Splash Mountain or raft along the picturesque Grizzly River Run. While hotel pools and slides are also a fun option, it's nice to not have to leave the action to cool off. So, have fun but please don't forget the waterproof sunscreen!

Photo Courtesy of My Adventures in Disneyland

July 25, 2012

My Adventures in Disneyland Travel Tip #1 : Stay Hydrated

The biggest travel tip that I can give anyone visiting the Disneyland Resort (or any Disney Park) is to stay hydrated. With all that walking and the warm California sun, it is very easy for both children and adults alike to become dehydrated. If you do happen to find yourself or a loved one in need, do not fear. A wide variety of cold and hot beverages can be purchased throughout the resort. However, if you are just looking for a cold cup of water there is no need to buy it if you do not wish to; Just stop by any counter service restaurant or food vendor and ask for a complimentary cup of iced water. While there are numerous drinking fountains throughout the resort, I really appreciate that, unlike many other tourist destinations, Disney Parks cares enough to offer free iced water to all guests.

Photo Courtesy of My Adventures in Disneyland

Wednesdays With Walt : The Classics From Opening Day To Today

Photo Courtesy of My Adventures in Disneyland