Disneyland, the iconic theme park located in Anaheim, California, is a place where dreams come true. For many Disney enthusiasts, visiting the park on their birthday would be a dream come true as well.

The idea of receiving a special birthday gift in the form of free admission to Disneyland is indeed enticing.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of this tradition, any current offerings, and alternative ways to make your birthday at Disneyland a magical experience.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Does Disneyland really offer free entry on your birthday?

Unfortunately for all us Disney lovers- No, Disneyland does NOT give free tickets on your birthday.

The History of Disneyland Birthday Freebies

For years, Disneyland did have a tradition of allowing visitors free entry on their birthdays. This policy was part of the “What Will You Celebrate?” campaign, which ran from 2009 to 2010. During this time, guests could receive a free, single-day admission to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park on their actual birthdate.

However, this generous promotion came to an end when the campaign concluded.

It’s essential to check the latest updates on Disneyland’s official website or contact Disney directly to confirm if any new promotions or changes have occurred since then.

Alternative Ways to Celebrate Your Birthday at Disneyland

While free birthday admission may not be available as of my last knowledge update, there are still various ways to make your birthday at Disneyland extra special:

Birthday Buttons

Visit City Hall at Disneyland or the Chamber of Commerce at Disney California Adventure Park to pick up a complimentary “Happy Birthday” button. Wearing this button can lead to cast members and fellow guests wishing you well throughout the day, adding a sprinkle of Disney magic to your celebration.

Character Dining

Consider booking a character dining experience at one of the park’s restaurants. It’s a memorable way to enjoy a special meal while meeting beloved Disney characters and receiving personalized attention on your special day.

Birthday Treats

Disneyland has a reputation for creating delightful treats. On your birthday, indulge in a special dessert or snack from one of the park’s many food stalls, bakeries, or ice cream shops.

Photo Opportunities

Make use of Disneyland’s numerous picturesque settings to capture memories of your special day. Don’t forget to ask photographers for a birthday-themed photo!

While the tradition of free admission to Disneyland on your birthday has ended, the park still offers a plethora of ways to celebrate your special day in true Disney style.

With a “Happy Birthday” button, character interactions, delicious treats, and special packages, you can create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember to check Disneyland’s official website or contact Disney directly for the most up-to-date information on birthday promotions and offerings.

Ultimately, whether or not you receive free entry, Disneyland remains a magical place to celebrate your birthday.

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• The Best Rain Ponchos for Disney + Rainy Day Tips (2021)
• Where to Stay: Hotels Around Disneyland
• Disneyland Transportation: Getting Around In AND Outside the Park

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Choosing the best days of the week to visit Disneyland can greatly impact your overall experience at the park. While the popularity of Disneyland means that it can be crowded throughout the year, certain days tend to be more manageable in terms of crowds, wait times, and overall enjoyment.

Planning your visit on the right days can make a significant difference in your ability to explore attractions, enjoy shows, and have a magical time.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the considerations for selecting the optimal days to visit Disneyland and help you make the most of your trip.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

What are the best days of the week to visit Disneyland?

The best days to visit Disneyland can vary depending on factors like crowd levels, park hours, and special events.

However, some general guidelines can help you choose the optimal days for your visit:

Midweek Days (Tuesday to Thursday)

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are often the least crowded days at Disneyland. Most people visit during weekends or extend their trips to include Mondays and Fridays, leaving the middle of the week relatively quieter. This means shorter wait times for popular rides and a more enjoyable overall experience.

Off-Peak Seasons

Aim for times when schools are in session to avoid the large crowds associated with school vacations and holidays. The months of January, February (except Presidents’ Day weekend), September, and early December usually see lower attendance.

Avoid Holidays and Special Events

Major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July tend to attract large crowds. Additionally, during certain events like Halloween and Christmas celebrations, the parks can be busier due to their unique offerings.

Check Crowd Calendars

Many online resources provide crowd calendars that predict attendance levels at Disneyland on specific days. These calendars take into account historical data and trends to help you plan your visit during quieter times.

Consider Weather

Southern California generally enjoys mild weather, but rain can sometimes deter crowds. If rain is forecasted, you might experience shorter wait times for attractions.

Rope Drop and Park Hopping

Arriving at park opening (rope drop) allows you to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times before the crowds arrive. Additionally, with the Park Hopper ticket option, you can start your day in one park and then switch to the other once it gets busier.

Use Disney Genie Plus

Use Disney Genie Plus to reserve access to select attractions, minimizing your time spent waiting in line.

Remember that even on the best days, Disneyland can still have some level of crowd activity.

Planning ahead, arriving early, and use resources like Disney Genie Plus can help you make the most of your visit, no matter when you decide to go.

More Posts You May Enjoy:

• Disneyland Balloons: Everything You Need to Know
• The Best Places to Buy Disney Clothes for Your Disney Vacation
• Where Can You Buy Rain Ponchos at Disney World? Your Complete Guide

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A visit to Disney World is an exciting adventure for the whole family, and dining is no exception.

With a wide array of restaurants and food options, Disney World offers a culinary journey that will satisfy the taste buds of both kids and adults.

When dining with kids, it’s essential to choose restaurants that not only serve delicious meals but also cater to the needs and preferences of young palates.

Let’s explore some of the best family-friendly dining destinations at Disney World, ensuring that your dining experiences are enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Disney World Family Friendly Restaurants

Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom)

Step into the enchanted world of Beauty and the Beast at the Be Our Guest Restaurant. This immersive dining experience takes place in the Beast’s castle and offers a menu that caters to both adult and children’s tastes. Little ones can indulge in kid-friendly favorites like macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese, while adults can savor French-inspired dishes. Don’t forget to try the “Grey Stuff” for a delightful dessert.

‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)

Located at the Polynesian Village Resort, ‘Ohana offers a family-style dining experience with a Polynesian flair. The all-you-care-to-enjoy feast includes grilled meats, tasty sides, and a delicious bread pudding dessert. Kids will love the interactive atmosphere, character appearances, and the chance to participate in coconut races and hula hoop contests.

Tusker House Restaurant (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

Embark on a flavorful journey at Tusker House Restaurant, located in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This buffet-style dining experience features an extensive selection of African and American dishes. Kids will enjoy meeting favorite Disney characters while savoring kid-friendly options like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and fruit skewers.

We did a character breakfast at the Tusker House. It was a lot of fun! Great service and absolutely delicious food. Character dining is expensive, but it’s one of our

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Step back in time and enjoy a unique dining experience at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. Sit in classic cars and watch retro sci-fi clips on the big screen while dining on American comfort food. Kids will love the immersive setting and menu options like burgers, chicken tenders, and milkshakes.

Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)

Join Mickey and his friends for a lively buffet at Chef Mickey’s. Located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this character dining experience allows kids to meet beloved Disney characters while enjoying a delicious meal. The buffet offers a variety of options, including kid-friendly favorites like Mickey-shaped waffles, pancakes, and chicken nuggets.

Garden Grill Restaurant (Epcot)

For a unique dining experience that combines delicious food with a rotating view, head to the Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot’s Future World. This family-style restaurant revolves slowly, providing views of the Living with the Land attraction. Kids can enjoy dishes like turkey, mac and cheese, and harvest-inspired desserts, all while meeting Chip ‘n’ Dale and other Disney characters.

Fast Food Restaurants Near Disney World

When it comes to fast food options near Disney World, there are several chain restaurants and quick-service dining options available.

Here are some popular fast-food restaurants located in close proximity to the Disney World resort:

McDonald’s

Located on World Center Drive, there is a McDonald’s restaurant that offers familiar fast food favorites such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. It is a convenient option for a quick and affordable meal.

Chick-fil-A

Just outside the Disney World property, on Palm Parkway, you can find a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Known for its chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries, Chick-fil-A provides a tasty and family-friendly fast food experience.

Five Guys

Situated on State Road 535, Five Guys is a popular fast-casual burger chain known for its customizable burgers, hot dogs, and fresh-cut fries. This restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious fast food options for families.

Panda Express

Located on International Drive, Panda Express serves fast and flavorful Chinese-American cuisine. Their menu includes dishes like orange chicken, Beijing beef, and fried rice, providing a quick and satisfying meal option.

Panera Bread

On Daryl Carter Parkway, you can find a Panera Bread restaurant, known for its fresh and wholesome menu. From soups and salads to sandwiches and bakery items, Panera Bread offers a variety of fast-casual options for a quick bite.

Subway

There are multiple Subway locations near Disney World, including one on Vineland Avenue. Subway specializes in made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, and salads, allowing guests to customize their meals to their preferences.

These fast-food restaurants offer convenient and familiar options for a quick meal when visiting Disney World.

All in all, Disney World offers a fantastic array of dining options that cater to the needs and preferences of families with kids.

From immersive themed experiences to character dining and diverse cuisines, there is something for everyone.

These family-friendly restaurants, including Be Our Guest Restaurant, ‘Ohana, Tusker House Restaurant, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, Chef Mickey’s, and Garden Grill Restaurant, ensure that your dining experiences are not only delicious but also filled with magical moments.

So, embark on a culinary adventure with your family, create lasting memories, and let the joy of good food and Disney magic fill your time at Disney World.

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• Can You Bring Food Into Disneyland? + Best Places to Eat
• Festival of Holidays at California Adventure: A Non-Foodie’s Perspective
• Disneyland Dining on a Budget for Families

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A trip to Disneyland isn’t complete without indulging in the iconic and refreshing treat known as Dole Whip.

If you’re wondering where to find this tropical delight within the magical confines of Disneyland, look no further. I

n this article, we’ll guide you to the best spots where you can get your hands on a delicious Dole Whip, ensuring you don’t miss out on this delightful experience.

What is a Dole Whip?

This delectable soft-serve pineapple dessert has become a must-have for visitors of all ages.

A Dole Whip is a popular frozen dessert that originated at Disneyland in the 1980s. It is a soft-serve treat known for its creamy texture and refreshing, tropical flavor. The classic Dole Whip flavor is pineapple, made from a pineapple-flavored powder mix and water, creating a smooth and creamy pineapple-infused soft-serve.

Why are Dole Whips so popular?

Dole Whips have become an iconic treat at Disney parks and have gained a dedicated fan base. They are often enjoyed on their own, served in a cup or cone, or as a float, where the soft-serve is combined with pineapple juice or another beverage.

The combination of the sweet pineapple flavor and the creamy texture makes Dole Whips a favorite among visitors, especially on hot days.

Over the years, the popularity of Dole Whips has grown, leading to variations of the dessert, including different fruit flavors like orange, raspberry, and mango. However, the classic pineapple Dole Whip remains the most widely recognized and sought-after option.

Dole Whips can now be found not only at Disney parks but also at various other locations and events, often served in places with a tropical or Hawaiian theme.

The delightful taste and unique experience of enjoying a Dole Whip have made it a beloved treat for Disney enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike.

Where can you find a Dole Whip at Disneyland?

Aloha Isle (Adventureland)

Located in Adventureland, Aloha Isle is a popular destination for Dole Whip enthusiasts. This charming tropical-themed spot offers classic pineapple-flavored Dole Whip, served in a cup or as a float. Indulge in this delightful treat as you explore the nearby attractions and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Adventureland.

Tiki Juice Bar (Adventureland):

Adjacent to the enchanting Enchanted Tiki Room, the Tiki Juice Bar is another fantastic location to satisfy your Dole Whip cravings. T

his outdoor kiosk offers both pineapple and pineapple-orange swirl Dole Whip, allowing you to experience a delightful combination of flavors. Take your Dole Whip to-go or enjoy it at the nearby seating area while immersing yourself in the tropical vibes.

Tropical Hideaway (Adventureland)

For a unique twist on the classic Dole Whip experience, head to the Tropical Hideaway.

Nestled within Adventureland, this charming eatery offers an array of delectable treats, including the beloved Dole Whip.

Besides the traditional pineapple flavor, you can also find seasonal variations, such as raspberry or mango, adding a burst of fruity goodness to your Disneyland adventure.

Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (Disneyland Hotel)

If you’re staying at the Disneyland Hotel or simply want to explore outside the park, Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill is the perfect destination.

This Polynesian-inspired restaurant serves up a variety of mouthwatering dishes and, of course, Dole Whip. Enjoy your Dole Whip by the poolside or relax in the cozy seating area while savoring the tropical flavors.

Disneyland Mobile Ordering

To save time and skip the lines, take advantage of Disneyland’s mobile ordering feature.

Through the official Disneyland app, you can browse menus and order Dole Whip from select locations, including Aloha Isle and Tiki Juice Bar.

Simply place your order, choose a convenient pickup time, and enjoy your Dole Whip without the wait.

Don’t forget to snap a photo of your Dole Whip creation and savor every spoonful of this iconic dessert.

Embrace the magic and enjoy the perfect blend of pineapple goodness as you create memories that will last a lifetime at Disneyland.

More Posts You May Enjoy:

• Disneyland Balloons: Everything You Need to Know
• The Best Places to Buy Disney Clothes for Your Disney Vacation
• Where Can You Buy Rain Ponchos at Disney World? Your Complete Guide

The post Where To Get a Dole Whip At disneyland appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Are you planning a family vacation to the happiest place on Earth? Disneyland should be your go-to destination!

From parades and character meet-and-greets to thrilling rides, there’s something for everybody.

But if you have an infant in tow, it can be tricky navigating which attractions are best suited for that age group. Luckily, we’ve got you covered –From Dumbo The Flying Elephant to King Triton’s Carousel, your infant will be enchanted by all the larger-than-life Disney characters and exciting attractions on offer.

Here is a list of some of the absolutely perfect Disney rides for babies and toddlers!

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

The Best Rides at Disneyland For Infants

Disneyland is such a magical place for young children – even for babies! While they may not understand all the characters and rides they are seeing, it’s a very stimulating experience that they often are mesmerized by.

Many wonder if it’s even worth taking an infant to Disneyland – and we believe with the right planning and expectations, the answer is YES!

While all of the rides at Disneyland are great, there are some that are better suited for infants than others. You should always use your best judgment when it comes to taking your baby on any ride.

But to help you make the decision the following rides do not have height limits and should be fine to ride with infants or toddlers. We have noted some of the louder rides so you can make proper arrangements for those. Always use your best judgment though- you know your child best and what they can handle!

Disneyland Rides for Infants

• Tiki Room
• Winnie the Pooh
• Mad Tea Party (can be loud)
• Tarzan’s Treehouse (walk through only)
• Sleeping Beauty Castle (walk through only)
• Tiki Room
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (can be loud)
• it’s a small world
• Mark Twain Riverboat
• Tom Sawyer Island
• King Arthur Carrousel
• Peter Pan’s Flight (can be loud)
• Pirates of the Caribbean (can be loud and has a drop)
• Haunted Mansion
• Alice in Wonderland
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• Dumbo
• Pinocchio (can be loud)
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish (can be loud)
• Storybook Land Canal Boats
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (can be loud – you will want a baby carrier for this one
• Disneyland Monorail
• Finding Nemo Submarine

Rides for infants at California Adventure

• Monsters Inc.
• Sorcerer’s Workshop
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Toy Story Mania (we have taken our infant on this, but be aware that you are jerked around a bit. Can be loud)
• Jessie’s Critter Carousel
• Pixar Pal-a-Round (we would opt for a non-moving cart)
• Golden Zephyr
• The Little Mermaid
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
• Web Slingers

Our Favorite Ride for Infants

it’s a small world is perfect for infants because it is slow-moving and has gentle music. We absolutely LOVE this one for all ages, including infants. Our older infants are always so mesmerized Another great ride for infants is Dumbo the Flying Elephant because it goes up high enough to give them a birds eye view of the park without going too fast or too high.

Other tips:

Noise Cancelling Ear Muffs

You may want to consider packing noise-cancellation ear muffs for your baby to wear on some of the rides that may be loud. These can also be really helpful for the fireworks shows. You can find several options on Amazon here.

Baby Carrier

Also, strollers are great but using a baby carrier makes it a lot easier to get around and on and off rides. Some rides require you to take your baby out, but most of the time, you can just let them hang out in the carrier! Check out some of the best baby carriers for Disneyland for our favorite options!

Take breaks

Babies can get worn out easily, even if they aren’t participating as much in the rides and activities. It’s important to stop and rest and also to let them wiggle around and get some energy out.

Stay close by

I’m a big believer in taking a midday break/nap at the hotel, which can be inconvenient if you are staying really far away. I highly recommend staying in a hotel that’s super close to the park. Here is a great article that discusses the best hotels that are ACTUALLY within a reasonable walking distance of the parks. You won’t regret staying at one!

Take Advantage of Rider Switch

Rider switch is an amazing option where you can get a pass (which is now digitally loaded) for rides that aren’t suitable for infants. It allows you (or another member of your party) to wait outside the ride and then go straight to the front of the line after the rest of your party gets off. Usually, they will allow you to take 1-4 others with you!

Keep baby hydrated

Whether you are breast or bottle feeding, or your baby is older and can drink milk – keep them hydrated, especially during the warmer months of the year. It’s very easy to get dehydrated at Disneyland, especially for a small little body. Pack a few bottles of water, formula or milk, and make sure your baby is drinking throughout the day.

Monitor temperature

You also want to make sure your baby doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Dressing them in layers is a great way to go, as you never know when there might be a sudden drop or increase in temperature. Babies can overheat quickly!

Be careful about germs

Disneyland is a pretty germy place. While your baby might not be touching surfaces, you will be, so be careful to practice good hand hygiene. There are so many bad viruses out there, and you don’t want your baby to bring one home!

Do you have any other suggestions for great Disneyland rides for infants? Let us know in the comments below!

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• 6+ BEST Toddler Shoes for Disney World and Disneyland Vacations
• The Best Disneyland Rides For Pregnant Women + Tips for Success
• The Best Legoland Rides for Toddlers in Florida and California
• 20+ Airplane Snacks for Toddlers + Expert Tips for Success
• The Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World + Disneyland

The post The Best Disneyland Rides For Infants appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

I grew up in a family with six children- but that didn’t stop my parents from taking us on family vacations. Whether we were driving in our van or flying on an airplane- some of my favorite childhood memories stem from those memorable family trips.

circa 1996

Now that I am a mom to two little girls- I am often amazed at my parents for packing up and traveling with six kids! Road trips with children can be hard and exhausting but in my experience it is always, always worth it.

My oldest daughter took her first flight at three months old and now at the age of six she has been to several states and taken just as  many flights and driven hundreds of hours in the car. There is definitely a learning curve when it comes to traveling with kids. Now that our daughters are out of the baby stage our traveling essentials have changed slightly. We no longer need to pack diapers, boppy pillows or strollers- but there are several items we just won’t leave the house without!

Today I’d like to share the items we always remember to take on trips.

 Dramamine® for Kids

This product has been a lifesaver for us- and unfortunately we had to learn the hard way how important this is to have on the road. We recently took an 11 hour road trip to Lewiston, Idaho. We had never taken the windy and twisty roads before and soon my four and six year old were complaining about feeling nauseous and queasy. Up until then they had never experienced motion sickness before so I wasn’t quite sure what to do.

Thankfully, my sister who we were traveling with, happened to have Dramamine® for Kids in her travel bag and was gracious enough to share with my kids.

Soon our girls were feeling so much better and we were able to avoid any vomiting from them. It was easy for them to take because of the chewable tablet and the child friendly grape flavor it came in.

We learned our lesson- and since then we have gone on two more trips and Dramamine® for Kids was one of the first things I put in my purse. Because it comes in an adorable travel case it fits conveniently in my purse pocket and doesn’t take up a lot of room.  I never know when the motion sickness in my children might hit them- but I feel better knowing I am prepared for when it does.

Sunglasses

I always have sunglasses in my bag and I never forget to pack sunglasses for my children when we travel either. Often times when we are on long road trips we will be traveling right at sunrise or during the brightest part of the afternoon. Because of where they  sit in their car seats they are usually in the direct sunlight. We all know how miserable it is to have the sun glaring in our faces, right? When this happens my kids know they can put on their sunglasses and it helps them become more comfortable almost immediately.  We haven’t had window shades in our car since the girls were babies- and if you have older children you might have taken yours down, too – which is why sunglasses are a must when traveling with older children.

 Fun Bags

I used to pack  coloring books, crayons, toys, and books in one large tote when we traveled by car- which I kept in the front seat by me. I would hand items back to the kids to avoid spills or to avoid them dumping everything out at once. Now that my children are older they are more capable of having their own travel bag that they can get into easily. We have small backpacks that we use for every trip- even on the airplane!

In their “fun bags” we put only what they will really use. It’s tempting for me to pack their bags to the brim with anything I can get my hands on but I’ve learned that they will only use the things they really love.  I know that my girls like to color in notebooks so I skip coloring books and put in one spiral notebook each with a case of crayons. My oldest daughter likes to read Dr. Seuss books so she gets a few of those books, while my younger daughter likes the “See and Find” books. Instead of loading them up with stuff I “think” they’ll use I stick with what I know will keep them occupied. They each get a pack of gum and a few surprises like stickers, glow sticks, or a few new small toys- usually picked up from the dollar section at my local store.

 Wipes

No, we don’t have babies anymore but that won’t stop me from traveling with a pack of baby wipes! They come in handy for sticky hands or spills that are bound to occur while traveling. We keep them in our car’s middle console at all times and they usually last us a while since they are only used sporadically when needed. I can’t tell you how many times I have been grateful for wipes while not even having a child in diapers!

 Trash Bags

This might sound like a no-brainer but to be honest it took several road trips with kids to realize how helpful they can be- for several reasons.  When you travel you are going to have garbage. Plain and simple. Especially with kids! With kids you are bound to have candy wrappers, tissues, crumpled papers, take out bags and other items that need to be thrown away. When you are without a sack to put it in most likely it will end up on the ground until you get to a gas station.

Throwing a trash bag (or two) into the back of our car has saved my sanity on long trips. It helps keep all the trash consolidated in one spot and we’ve trained our kids to throw their garbage into the trash bag now, too. Trash bags are also great for putting your dirty clothes in while traveling. Even if you are traveling by airplane- a trash bag is still useful!

OF course there are other more obvious items you don’t want to forget when traveling- such as: snacks, water,  music, pillows, and stuffed animals. All those items combined with my top 5 essentials will definitely help you as you travel with children!

What would you add to the list?

The post Top 5 Children Travel Essentials appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

It’s been awhile since I’ve written a post about traveling with children – my post on road tripping with a baby always seems to garner a lot of attention. Jack is three, so he’s kind of in that range of toddler/preschooler. Since we’ve taken plenty of road trips with him as a toddler, and now a couple as he’s entered that preschool age, I figure that I might as well write a post that focuses on road tripping with young children!

I’ll put this out there up front – Jack is very good in the car. He rarely, if ever, complains or cries, and he loves sleeping in his car seat. So, I’ll admit, my advice isn’t going to have a lot of experience with children who hate being in the car. However, I think that most of this is pretty generic, and I hope you can apply it to your situation!

We recently went on a super long road trip to Northern Idaho. It was over 2,000 miles round-trip, and let me tell ya – it was a doozy! Road trips are normally one of my least favorite things to do, but I think they are even worse during pregnancy. Let’s not even talk about how swollen my feet got.

Fortunately, we actually drove in the same car as my parents and little brother, which made the trip a little bit more fun. Jack loved being in the car with them.

1) Fun Bag

Growing up, the best part of road trips was the “fun bag” my mom would put together for each of my siblings and me. I remember that my bag was yellow, and there was always so much anticipation to getting to the car and seeing what was inside. In hindsight, there wasn’t anything too fancy – just some candy, maybe a small toy or book, but it was so fun to have this to look forward to.

I’ve continued this little tradition with Jack, and he absolutely loves it. I mentioned it to him a few days before this last road trip, and he couldn’t stop talking about it. I just stocked up on a few things from the dollar section at Target, and he was overjoyed when I let him open the bag on our trip. Here are a few ideas:

• New crayons/coloring book
• Small snacks like graham crackers, goldfish, or fruit snacks
• A new book
• A sticker book (or a package of stickers with a blank notebook)
• mini etch-a-sketch or magnadoodle
• Quiet Books
• Window markers
• Homemade Gak
• Car Color Bingo 
• Finger Puppets

You can easily find a little bag at the Dollar Tree or Target. However, I like having something that’s a little more durable and that we can use on multiple trips. We were sent a PaddlePak from Trunki.com, a company that specializes in travel gear for little ones, and it was perfect for putting Jack’s fun bag together. It had tons of room for everything we got him, and it was nice that it was water resistant, in case something spilled inside. Jack picked Ribbit the Frog, and it is so cute and very well-made.

2) Snacks in little containers

I bought several different snacks for Jack to have throughout the trip, but I wanted to make sure he didn’t just eat them all in the first hour we were driving. I got some cute little cups with lids from the Target dollar section (if you can’t tell, I love this section). I used about four different cups and put different snacks in each one. I kept larger bags of the snacks in my bag, so I could replenish the snacks when I needed to. I feel like it kept things more organized and less messy.

3) Make sure they are comfortable

No one wants to be uncomfortable in a vehicle, but I think adults can handle it a bit easier. If your child is uncomfortable, they will definitely let you know! Long road trips are bound to get uncomfortable, but there are a few things you can do to ease that discomfort.

• Regulate the temperature: Depending on the kind of vehicle you have, the backseat may get rather warm, even with air conditioning on. My friend came up with this interesting way to keep your child cool in the car. If you don’t feel like making something like that, I think buying a car seat fan attachment is a great idea, as well as rolling down the windows when you can.
• Bring familiar blankets and other sleep items: This will help your child fall asleep easier in the car!
• Bringing along a pillow probably isn’t the best idea, especially when your child is in a car seat. We were also sent a Trunki.comTrunki.com, and it really is the perfect solution for children in car seats. It helps to keep their neck from getting too stiff or tired, and the fact that they are animals is even more fun. Jack LOVES his, and he uses it even when we aren’t in the car! He has Leeroy the Lion.

4) Be willing to stop frequently

Jack was potty trained right about when he turned three (you can read all about our secret to potty training.) This is something we were very happy about, especially since I really didn’t want to have two kids in diapers once this new baby arrives. However, it does mean that you have to stop a lot more frequently. Jack doesn’t seem to quite understand the concept of “holding it” for awhile, so the moment he needed to go potty, he didn’t let us forget it. This meant that we stopped quite a few times (often on the side of the road – which he thought was soooo cool), and it was something we factored in.

If your child has just recently been potty trained, and you aren’t sure if there are good places to stop at a moment’s notice, you may want to consider having your child wear pull-ups in the car. Jack didn’t want to do this, so I wasn’t going to force him to, but if you’re at that in-between stage, it might be a good idea so you don’t have to worry about it if they have an accident.

It’s also good to stop and let your kids stretch their legs and run around for a little bit. No one likes being cramped in the car for hours on end!

5) Healthy snacks

From all of our road trips, I’ve learned this – junk food may be tempting to buy, but it’s far better to buy healthy snacks. Whenever we just load up on salty snacks and junk food, we always end up feeling horrible by the time we stop. Forrest and I started making sure we had a good supply of snacks that would keep us satisfied, but that weren’t complete junk. While we may have a package of cookies as well, we typically bring a lot of fruit (bananas, cutie clementines, and apples are our favorites), Annie’s snack crackers, granola bars, and, of course, lots of water! We recently started buying Motts Medley’s Fruits snacks from Costco, and they are a great treat to bring along as well.

One kind of candy I do recommend bringing is licorice. Traveling often results in constipation. TMI maybe, but it’s true. This goes for children as well! My mom swears that if you eat licorice while traveling, it helps a lot with travel bloat and constipation. I think there’s definitely some merit in this!

6) Don’t give them all their “surprises” at once

If you are going on a long road trip and have bought different surprises (whether it be a game, a book, or maybe a new movie), don’t give it to your child all at the beginning! Chances are, they will go through everything really quickly, and then they will start to get antsy and act board. Spread out the surprises to be available at the times when they seem like they are having the hardest time. I mean, with Jack, he was content about 95% of the time, but during that other 5%, it was nice to have something to distract him. Some people may not agree with doing this, but with as boring/frustrating/mind-numbing as a car ride can be, I honestly don’t care! If my child is content in the car, that’s pretty much all that matters to me when we are driving.

One surprise that might be fun to give your child when they get to their destination is a new suitcase! We also were asked to review Trunki’s signature product – the Trunki suitcase. It’s a ride on suitcase, available in a variety of different styles, and it’s a lot of fun for kids. When you arrive at your destination, it might be a fun treat for your child to see a brand new suitcase – just for them – that they can ride to their hotel room (or wherever you are staying!) Plus, these are guaranteed for five years – so you know they are built to last (also – random side note – I think this would be amazing in an airport!)

7) Make sure they are in the proper car seat

I couldn’t go through this post without putting a shout-out for car seat safety. I wrote a post awhile back that touched on car seat safety and proper car seats. When you are on a road trip, you are driving for long periods of time, and I think there’s probably an increased risk of getting in an accident. You want to make sure your child is as safe as possible, just in case something bad does happen!

8) Mess-free activities

The last thing you want to do is arrive at your destination (or home) and have a huge mess in the back seat. While your child may love painting or playdough, a road trip is not the best time for this! I recommend finding a variety of mess-free activities for them to enjoy throughout the trip. Here is an awesome list of mess-free road trip activities for preschoolers! We also love finding travel editions of little games, crayons (not markers – unless it’s Color Wonder!) and a new coloring book, or car bingo!

Going on a road trip to Southern California? Be sure to check out Get Away Today before you book your next trip – they have a best rate guarantee, and from my experience, they are the best company to work with. Get $10 off your package when you book using the code CLARKS2015!

The post 8 Tips for Road Trips with Young Children appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Top 10 Tips for Vacationing with a Baby

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1) Baby Equipment Rental

We always bring everything with us — pack-and-play, stroller, car seat, etc. However, I have heard that there are companies that rent out baby equipment for a minimal fee. You’ll have to do some Googling beforehand, and I would definitely set up the rental before you get there…but if you are trying to minimize the amount of luggage you bring, this is a great idea.  Here are a few sites that have locations across the United States:

Baby-Equipment-Rental
Baby’s Away

And  if you are staying at a hotel, call ahead and see if they have pack-and-plays or cribs that are available for renting. They are usually in limited supply, so definitely try and reserve one beforehand. Babies and young children may have issues re-adjusting to a new place, so bring along their favorite blankets and stuffed animals to help ease the process.

2) Be mindful of the weather

Before you go out on a nice, long walk, or plan to stay the whole day outside…check the weather. Babies are a very heat-sensitive, and they shouldn’t be in direct sunlight and heat for long periods of time. They can easily dehydrate and overheat.

Don’t try and push the limits — it is not worth it one bit. Make sure to bring sunscreen that is specifically made for babies (we LOVE the Babyganics brand), sun protection hats, and even sunglasses. We found the cutest sunglasses at Target that came with an elastic band. Along with the sunhat, Jack was protected from the blazing sun in South Carolina.

The same thing goes for cold weather — don’t take your baby out in it unprepared. Be sure to bring along coats and hats and extra blankets. Just like babies can overheat easily, they also can get very cold easily as well.

Make sure you lather that sunscreen on liberally and often. We missed a spot on Oliver’s arm, and it was a horrible burn. I felt so bad.

3) Pack light

If you are flying, this is especially important. Those bag limits show no mercy. One thing that we’ve found to be particularly helpful is to just buy diapers when we get to our destination. Diapers can take a surprising amount of space, and we have recently started just buying diapers there, rather than lugging around our big supply. Obviously, bring enough for the car or plane trip, but otherwise — wait until you get there!

And just bring the necessities. It might be tempting to bring all of your baby’s cutest outfits (because, you definitely want everyone to think they are super adorable, right?) but simplicity is easiest, especially if you will be on the go a lot.

I think Petunia Pickle Bottom backpacks are awesome for traveling! I also highly recommend getting the Peke*Buo diaper bag/changing pad. It. Is. Life. Changing.

4) Appropriate clothing

Although weather can change quickly, before you leave, try and check the projected forecast, and pack accordingly. It would really be unfortunate to show up somewhere that is typically warm, only to find out they were having a very late winter, and all you have are shorts and flip flops!

Or you could be visiting a place that is having an unseasonably warm winter, and you’ll be burning up the whole time. If it’s one of those place that the weather can change at the flip of a switch, bring outfits that can easily be layered up or down — such as onesies and a couple of jackets.

Make sure you check the weather on your phone regularly – it can change pretty quickly, so even if you checked the forecast a week before, it may not be the same.

5) Don’t Over-schedule

Before you had a baby, you might have been able to jump from one place to another on vacation and not blink an eye. It’s not so easy with a child on board, so just plan a few activities a day that are moderately spaced apart.

You can always have some ideas in the back of your head, just in case you do end up having extra time, but I think it is better to under-schedule and get to add a few fun activities, rather than be disappointed when you don’t get to do everything you planned.

Babies may need to take a nap, or you might just get more exhausted than you used to! Vacations are a time to relax. Take advantage of the chance to just go with the flow of things.

We took our Ergo Baby carrier to Disneyland with us, and Oliver slept so well in it. He hates sleeping in his stroller or car seat, and we were able to avoid messing up his naps!

6) Be Flexible

This goes hand-in-hand with not over-scheduling. You want to be flexible, and willing to change plans at the last moment. If you are traveling with others who may not have babies or small children, let them know ahead of time that you may not be able to participate in every single activity. If possible, bring along extra transportation so if you do have to leave, others don’t get frustrated or upset because everyone has to.

At the same time, don’t expect everyone to plan every second around you. Try and think ahead about your baby’s schedule – don’t say you’ll go do something right before the baby needs a nap. Bring diapers and wipes with you. Make or buy a nursing cover!

7) Choose appropriate activities

Think about what you can feasibly do before you go on a vacation. We took Oliver with us to Disneyland, and while it was awesome, it did make it a little more difficult! Fortunately, we had a lot of people with us which made it easier. But if it’s just you, your spouse, and baby, Disney might not be the best option..

Keep this in mind as you plan all your activities. You don’t want to have to sit on a bench while everyone else has lots of fun! Some fun ideas are visiting local zoos, aquariums, or children’s museums. I see Groupons all the time for these places.

8) Transportation

If you are going to have your own car, that would be ideal. However, if you will be without a car, be sure to figure out what options there are for transportation, and what the public transit is like. If you will be relying on public transportation, find out what forms of payment are taken. Some take cards, others don’t. Or they may have to be one of those cards that can just be “waved” over the machine. It’s always a good idea to have some spare cash though.

And try and figure out the best way to transport your baby places. If the baby is old enough, bringing an umbrella stroller will lighten your load a little bit, though I always like having the extra basket space our travel system allows, just to hold our bags, blankets, water bottles,  and jackets. I also really liked “wearing” Jack when we went on vacation last summer. So if you have a good baby carrier, consider bringing that, especially if you are planning to go on a hike.

9) Keep the schedule (and plan around naps)

Even though you are on vacation, unless you want your baby to be on a crazy schedule when you get home, try your best to keep them on their regular schedule. If you are going to a different time zone, try and keep them on their regular home time, if possible. I’m a nap and schedule nazi, and I know that it can probably be frustrating if you are vacationing with others…but remember, you’re the one that will have to deal with a baby on a messed up schedule otherwise, so do what is best for you.

10) Be familiar with the area

If you are going somewhere that you aren’t totally familiar with, be sure to look at maps and websites about the place before you go. It’s just nice to be able to have some kind of idea of where restaurants, bathrooms, and bus stops are at. Forrest and I both have phones with GPS systems, that will tell you the best routes for walking, riding buses, biking, or driving, and I’m sure most smart phones do. But if you don’t have something like that, maps don’t usually let people down.

We have a lot of experience traveling with babies (now that we have our second son, especially!) Be sure to check out these other guides to traveling with infants that might be helpful for your specific situation!

tips for flying with a baby

Road tripping with a baby (and don’t comment on his car seat buckle – the door was open, and it hadn’t been adjusted yet 😉

The post 10 Tips For Vacationing With a Baby appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.