Disney's Little Secrets

...according to me. A lot of friends email me about tips and tricks regarding Disneyland, so I thought I would share some of the things we have learned in our last year or two of going. Some are well-known and some are just little Williams family delights.

* The best kettle corn known to man can be found in Downtown Disney by the Monorail stop.

* This year they have a new theme (hard not to know that) and with new theme comes new entertainment, but according to a cast member the new parade and fireworks show won't begin until mid-March. Which isn't too far away, but we were bummed we didn't get to see the new shows. So, if you are going in the next couple of weeks, the only parade is at California Adventure (Pixar's Play Parade).

* If you are going to have a character dining experience, we really like Breakfast with Minnie. We have done that one and then lunch with the Princesses and by far Breakfast with Minnie was the best. it is buffet (take milk and waffles and cereal with you for the rest of the day :-). You get to see a lot of characters and the price is a bit cheaper.

* It's a Small World has re-opened and it is great. The changes are subtle, but fun. They have added Disney characters amongst the "happy clan". So, keep an eye out for Cinderella, Jasmine and crew, Alice and the White Rabbit, Nemo and Dory, Ariel, the three Amigos, Lilo and Stitch, Mulan and Woody and Jesse to name a few. I love the new additions!

* If you can stay up late, catching the 10:30 show of Fantasmic will be well worth your time. The crowds are considerably less which makes for a better show.

* our favorite place to eat is at California Adventure at the Boudin Sourdough Shop. Their bread bowls are the best. I eat the whole thing everytime.

* Pin Trading really is a blast. If you can, buy "lots" on ebay for $1.50-$2.00 a piece (compared to $6-$10 a piece) and enjoy trading with cast members to your hearts content. It is something we all love to do .... our 4 year old, my husband and me.

* Getting a signature book is well worth it if you have a 4+ year old. Hannah loves running around the park getting signatures. And I don't mind it either. It is fun to see who you can find. But word to the wise...in our dozen times, we have yet to see Donald Duck.

* Character look out. There are usually the main characters at the front of Main Street. Mary Poppins can be found at the last store on the left on Main Street. Characters are more often around the castle (on the sides) and always in Toon Town.

* If there aren't crazy crowds, if you wait until the last 15 mins. to meet the princesses, you usually only stand in line for 30 mins. vs 2 hours. But we did this last weekend and with 15 mins to go they line was 2 hours long still and they closed the line early... so it doesn't always work. But that was the first time that had ever happened.

* I think the Aladdin show in California Adventure is usually overlooked by most people, but it is a must see. It is a mini-broadway show and out of this world. And the best part is you have 45 mins to sit down, relax, be comfortable and entertained. I promise you won't be disappointed.

* Lodging. We always stay within walkable distance to the entrance of the park... the HoJo is usually our stay of choice. But the two Best Westerns (Anaheim Inn and Park Place) are closer, but slightly more expensive (and usually sell out first). We figure we will spend a bit more and save on parking at the park. It is $20 to park at the park (we spend that $20 on our hotel) besides, it takes just as long (if not longer) to get/find your car as it does to walk to a nearby hotel.

* A Minute Maid Lemonade Slushie is the best treat in the afternoon. They are sooo refreshing. I want one right now!

* Do NOT, I repeat DO NOT eat at IHOP. It is disgusting, expensive and gross. It is right across the park entrance, so it grabs your attention, but do not do it. We usually eat breakfast at Mimi's Cafe for breakfast and that meal lasts us until dinner time (that is....with a lemonade slushie around 3:00 pm). Their food is affordable and good and you get a lot of it.

I think that is it. Hope some of this is helpful or at least fun to read :-)