DISNEYLAND WITH BABIES AND TODDLERS - Part Four

Welcome back to Disney School! 

Boy I have gotten a lot requests for this segment. I swear half the people I know are taking Disney trips right now and SO many are taking littles. Taking little ones to Disneyland (kids that need naps and diaper changes, aren't tall enough for all the rides, nursing etc.) is a WHOLE other ball game.
I used to do Disneyland before I was married and we just went HARD, ride to ride, food to food.

But it's so different now! In the best way! As long as you know how to navigate it.


In Part Four of Disney School, I am going over how you can ROCK Disneyland + California Adventure with your favorites peanuts. As always, I'm writing in segments so SKIP what you know and STUDY what you don't.

Should I bring my babies? 

What age is best for Disneyland/CA?

Disneyland Magic is a special thing. They truly have catered to ALL AGES.

I have been to Disneyland pregnant twice and I brought Stoic (with just Justin) when I he was only 3 months old. People thought I was crazy! 

But I missed the magic of Disney so bad so we planned a trip so we brought him along!

I have heard of people with babies 6 weeks old going, so don't let age stop you from going!

There is so much to enjoy.

+ they are FREEEEEEE .99 until they turn 3 so live it up!

I don't buy the "they don't remember it so why even go"...Should I cage him until he's four?! We're going!!!

Packing the Stroller & Carrier

Pro Tip: ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS bring a stroller. 

If I ever go to Disneyland without kids again, I will still bring a stroller. Lol

(See Arlo under there? Lol!)

Your stoller is your:

-nap station

-car for tired walkers

-most of all, your pantry!! 

We have a double stroller & we PACK the bottom with all things we need. 

This trip we packed the stroller with:

10 waters + 2 hydroflasks to refill at fountains (DO NOT SPEND $4.99 per bottled water!)

5 prefilled formula bottles for Arlo (just needed to add water)

Fruit Snacks 

Mac & Cheese Cups (I'll tell you where to heat these up)

Cuties (They are $4.99 for 3 little ones at the park lol) 

Goldfish 

Bubble Refill (For the Bubble Buzz we got him)

Diapers

Wipes

Use your stroller to store your things.
We also layered our coats on the top seat of the stroller when Stoic wanted to walk.

Arlo LOVED to be out and be carried and we used our FAVORITE EVER CARRIER.
Ditch the $200 carriers and get this one. $27 and you won't regret it.

Baby Centers

Baby Centers are ABSOLUTE GOLD. There is ONE in each park. 

In Disneyland, the Baby Center is located at the end of Main Street. 

Turn right, and it is across from the Corn Dog Cart.

In California Adventure, the Baby Center is next to The Ghirardelli Shop & the Bakery Tour.

Moms or Dads can go in and there are SO many ways to reset in there. 

They have: 

-couches for rest or nursing

-private stalls for nursing or pumping (I pumped here with Stoic)

-amazing cushy changing tables (such a delight)

-microwaves (for bottles OR for that MAC AND CHEESE:)
-Toddler size toilet 

-Vending machine with diapers, wipes, formula, ect

Take advantage of these. They are a great place to reset. 

Arlo had a blowout at Disney and we handled it with ease at the Baby Care Center. 

Rides for Babies 

A lot of rides have no height restriction which means you can literally bring your newborn on! 

I debated on just doing the list, but the pictures show how INCREDIBLE each ride is! 

Here's a list of no height requirement for Disneyland rides: 

Alice in Wonderland

Astro Orbitor

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster 

Casey Jr. Circus Train 

Dumbo

(our cute mamas)

(we all fit in our haha!)

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

It's A Small World 

Jungle Cruise 

Mad Tea Party

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Mr. Toads Wild Ride 

Peter Pan's Flight

Pinocchio's Daring Journey 

Pirates of the Caribbean

 

Rodger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin 

Haunted Mansion

Here is the list of no height requirement rides for California Adventure:

The Little Mermaid

Monsters Inc : Mike and Sulley to the Rescue

Pixar Pal A Round (Ferris Wheel)

Redrock Creek Challenge Trail 

Great Place for the Toddler to get out energy 

Toy Story Midway Mania

Golden Zephyr 

Inside Out 

Jesse Critter Carousel 

So ALL of those rides are TOTALLY good for all kiddos of any age. 

A lot of them, you can ride 3 people (or even four if one is a baby:) to a car! 

We rotated all six of us so everyone got to ride with Stoic. It was a blast. 

This trip he was 36" inches so it opened up more rides for him! Like Autopia and Cars Land Rides...not the big one though lol :) 

Measure your toddler then put the height into the filter on this link so you can see what they can ride!

OTHER THINGS TO DO. 

Rides are not the only thing at Disney! 

1. Check out what parade/fireworks show is happening while you're there.
2. Go see the Magical Map show at the amphitheatre next to Toon Town. STOIC LOVED THIS. 

So many characters. Great music. Great to rest. And 25 minutes long! 

3. In California Adventure they have a theatre to watch showings + a drawing studio across from Award Wieners. So fun!! 

4. My favorite thing with toddlers... CHARACTERS. 

Characters - How to Meet your FAVS

I had a baby and raised him for two years on Disney SPECIFICALLY to be able to introduce him to characters. Lol

You will see characters walking throughout the park, and you can line up to meet them and take a photo. When I was little, like 4/5 I remember EVERY TIME I went, my dad bought me a new autograph book & pen to meet all the characters and have them sign it :D

If you have a specific character you wanna meet, use the app. (We HAD to meet Woody & Buzz)

They will tell you where that character lines up, but beware. 

One character spot has multiple characters and the app wont tell you who is there, but cast members will. 

For example, in front of Toy Story Mania is where you can meet Bo Peep, Buzz and Woody. 

The app told me someone was there, but not WHO was there. 

It looks like this:

When we got there, it was Bo Peep. We asked a cast member (Disney employee) and they told us Buzz would be there in an hour, so we came back! 

Here are some pics to get you excited about character meet & greets!

(I was dying laughing because he was meeting Sadness and he was so sad Lol!)

Prepping for the big Day! 

Do yourself a big favor and set out EVERYTHING the night before. 

The boys clothes, jackets, diapers, shoes were all laid out. 

Justins and I outfits, fanny packs (PACKED), diaper bags and everything was laid out and packed. 

That way the morning is a breeze! Keep it easy for yourself. 

NAP SPOTS

Did you know that you don't need a room key to use the Disney California Adventure Hotel entrance?! 

Go see how beautiful it is and hang out in the lobby for a cool dim lit spot to hold those babies. 

We also just laid Stoic in the stroller and he was asleep in seconds. Either work lol. 

I know I will be adding to this endlessly, but here is Part Four of Disney School. 

Don't be afraid of Disney with littles. It's MADE for littles. 

Lou had the time of his life Haha! :)))

You got this!!! xo Kels 

Don't miss Part One of Disney School Tips & Tricks for Disneyland and California Adventure!
And Part Two of Disney School: How to get on the new Star Wars ride at Disneyland!
Plus Part Three of Disney School: Chef Approved Food Favorites from Disneyland and California Adventure! 

Follow along for more about Disney, motherhood, relationships, friendships and giveaways at @kelsieishappy!

Coming soon...  

What to wear to Disneyland / California Adventure 

Staying at the California Adventure Hotel 

Discounts at Disneyland / California Adventure 

CHEF APPROVED FOOD FAVORITES FROM DISNEYLAND AND CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE - Part Three

Welcome back to Disney School! 

Class is back in session. Did you catch Part One & Part Two? You can totally go out of order, but make sure you don't miss them!

Now it's time to go over DISNEY FOOD. Half of the reason I get SO excited to go to Disneyland is because of the food. For YEARS I just stuck to the Disneyland basics but OMG.
I was totally selling myself short! There are SO many options to choose from. I still have a list of things to try.

Here is a compiled list of EVERYTHING Justin & I have eaten at Disneyland / California Adventure.
Most are a YES but some are a skip. Read through and make a list of the ones you HAVE to hit next trip. If it has a *MB next to it, you're in luck!
You can mobile order on your phone and you don't need to wait in the standard line. SCORE!

CORN DOG

Price: $9.79 for a Corn Dog + a bag of Lays chips OR Apples

Location: Disneyland (Cart outside of Tomorrowland) & California Adventure (next to Goofy's Sky School on Pixar Pier)

Eat or Skip: EAT EAT EAT 

You have probably heard about the corn dogs at Disneyland. They are simply...delicious. 

The batter around the dog is so fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. 

When I was a amatur food eater, I ate a corndog every day, sometimes twice lol. 

I only have one a trip now, but I never miss it. 

PRO TIP: You can buy the dog a la carte. Save $2.50 by skipping the apples or chips. 

CHURRO

Price: $4.99

Location: Disneyland  & California Adventure - Carts everywhere

Eat or Skip: Eat 

Clearly I'm starting with the classics here. Churros are classics. I'm not a huge sweets person (I want salt and bread and cheese) but Justin and I always split one of these. 

Pro Tip: There are SO MANY different kinds of churros. I've only had plain. 

But check out this blog post on 10 specialty churros at DL & CA.

DOLE WHIP

Price: $5.99 for the Dole Whip or $6.79 for the float 

Location: Disneyland (In the Tiki room area at the beginning of Adventureland)

Eat or Skip: Eat...especially if its hot outside. 

MB*

The most refreshing treat at Disney. The float is the same thing, just with pineapple juice with it. 

I never miss out on these.

The Plaza Inn



Fried Chicken Meal (They have a few dinner options)

Price: $18.49

Location: Disneyland (Right past Main Street on the right)

Eat or Skip: Eat!

Walk up Buffett

I love this dinner meal. The fried chicken is incredible (and I know fried chicken). Its BIG portions, so depending on how hungry you are, you could split it! 

The Bengal Barbeque

Price: $16.99 for the Bengal Rice Plate 

Location: Disneyland (In Adventureland across from Jungle Cruise)

Eat or Skip: EAT! 

MB*

We had this at like 9am on our second day and we talked about it ALL DAY. It was so delicious. Skip the chicken and get the pork belly omg. Justin loved the spicy beef as well. 

The rice and slaw were the perfect addition. 

Price: $3.99 for the Tiger Tail

Location: Disneyland (In Adventureland across from Jungle Cruise)

Eat or Skip: Skip

MB*

Looks good...so dry. Disney cannot get cheesy bread right lol.

French Market 



Corn Chowder

Price: $11.49

Location: Disneyland (In between Pirates and Haunted Mansion, by the Railroad)

Eat or Skip: Skip sadly...go for the CLAM chowder

Cafeteria style restaurant where your order then seat yourself. 

I used to always get this and Justin would tease me because it's mostly just a lot of corn. Lol
Skip this and go for the clam chowder, mentioned below.



Shrimp Po Boy 

Price: $13.99

Location: Disneyland (In between Pirates and Haunted Mansion, by the Railroad)

Eat or Skip: Eat, yum.

Cafeteria style restaurant where your order then seat yourself. 

This hit the spot when I had lunch here. The shrimp is delicious and it's not too heavy. They give you way too many chips but can't complain about that.




French Dip Sandwich 

Price: $14.49

Location: Disneyland (In between Pirates and Haunted Mansion, by the Railroad)

Eat or Skip: Justin says eat.

Cafeteria style restaurant where your order then seat yourself. 

Anywhere we go, if there is a French Dip, Justin will get it. He tried this two trips ago and like it but didn't order it again this trip. Proceed with caution. Lol




Beef Stew 

Price: $11.49

Location: Disneyland (In between Pirates and Haunted Mansion, by the Railroad)

Eat or Skip: Skip

Cafeteria style restaurant where your order then seat yourself. 

It's not bad at all. It's just a basic beef stew. Go for something more exciting.



CLAM Chowder



CLAM Chowder

Price: $11.49

Location: Disneyland AND California Adventure (Royal Street Verdana in New Orleans Square, by Pirates OR on the Pacific Pier by Pixar Pier)

Eat or Skip: EATTTTTTTT

MB*

We got a total of 3 of these this last trip. Absolutely delicious.
And in a sourdough bowl? Bless.

Mint Julep Bar 



Mickey Beignets

Price: $3.99 for a 3/pack OR $8.49 for a 8/pack

Location: Disneyland (Attached to the French Market on the backside by the restrooms)

Eat or Skip: EATTTTTTTT

MB* (The line is always so long..MOBILE ORDER)

My moms favorite. She had like 3 lol. And wanted more. These are a classic I tried for the first time this trip and boy, they are now a must.

 

Mint Julep

Price: $4.49

Location: Disneyland (Attached to the French Market on the backside by the restrooms)

Eat or Skip: Try it

MB* (The line is always so long..MOBILE ORDER)

This is another Disney classic that I had never tried. It's really refreshing but I don't like drinking anything mint so I had two sips and had everyone else try it. Justin's mom really liked it! Definitely something to check off your Food Bucket List.


Docking Bay 7 Food And Cargo 




Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs 

Price: $16.99

Location: Disneyland (Star Wars Land )

Eat or Skip: EAT

MB* (The line is always so long..MOBILE ORDER)

Omg. I really need to eat before I keep writing this...Remembering this meal makes me HUNGRY. Justin and I split these while we were waiting to get on Star wars... The combination of the ribs, slaw and blueberry muffin are SO GOOD. This is a yes! I wish we would have had more time to explore food in Star Wars land. But this was a hit. I'm so hungry.


Pizza Planet



Mega Pepperoni - Slice 

Price: $8.49

Location: Disneyland (Tomorrowland- right next to Space Mountain)

Eat or Skip: Skip...unless your kids like pizza 

Walk up & Grab

I love pizza. Anywhere, anytime. But there are SO MANY Disney food options, I'd pick something else before this. But like I said. I love pizza so you can't go wrong.

Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill

Street Taco Plate  

Price: $12.99

Location: California Adventure (Food Court on the Pacific Wharf by Pixar Pier)

Eat or Skip: Skip

*MB

Not bad. Just a little bland. There is better food close by.


Cozy Cone Motel 



Pretzel Bites   

Price: $5.79

Location: California Adventure (Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land)

Eat or Skip: Skip

Just stick to Auntie Annes Lol!



Cheddar Garlic Bagel Twist   

Price: $5.29

Location: California Adventure (Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land)

Eat or Skip: Give it a second chance

I read this from a food blog and was PUMPED to try it. We got the very last one of the night. Maybe it was old but it was noooooo good! I was so sad. But I am gonna give it one more try next time I go ;)

Jack Jack Num Num Cookie 

Price: $6.00

Location: California Adventure (Right next to Incredicoaster, at the start of the line)

Eat or Skip: EATTT!!!!!

RUN. Don't walk. So so so so good.


Char Siu Pork Bau (Pork Buns) 

  

Price: $5.79

Location: California Adventure (In the cart in front of The Little Mermaid)

Eat or Skip: OUR FAVORITE...EAT!

*MB

We couldn't stop eating these. They are special for the Lunar New Year, so they won't last forever.
Don't skip these. If you have no clue what they are, make this be something NEW you try!


Turkey Pesto Club


  

Price: $9.99
Location: California Adventure (On the Pacific Wharf)

Eat or Skip: Skip skip skip 

*MB

The bread was so hard and it was so boring.

Popcorn

Price: $4.99 for the basic & price varies for the souvenir buckets (not refillable)

Location: Disneyland & California Adventure in carts everywhere

Eat or Skip: EAT

*MB

We have one popcorn a day, it is just so good and the perfect snack. So great to eat in line. 

Turkey Leg 

Price: $9.99

Location: All over Disneyland & California Adventure

Eat or Skip: Eat 

Cart

It's a tradition...come on.






WOW! That is a lot of food.
Food at Disney is truly half the fun.
Set aside a budget for food & pick your favorite you can't miss!

And tell me in the comments what I need to get next time ;)
See you next class! #disneyschool

xo Kels

Don't miss Part One of Disney School Tips & tricks for Disneyland and California Adventure!
And Part Two of Disney School: How to get on the new Star Wars ride at Disneyland!
Plus Part Four of Disney School: Disneyland with Babies and Toddlers! 

Follow along for more about Disney, motherhood, relationships, friendships and giveaways at @kelsieishappy!

Coming soon...  

Babies at Disneyland / California Adventure 

Toddlers at Disneyland / California Adventure

What to wear to Disneyland / California Adventure 

Staying at the California Adventure Hotel 

Discounts at Disneyland / California Adventure 

HOW TO GET ON STAR WARS RISE OF THE RESISTANCE - Part Two

WELCOME TO PART TWO OF DISNEY SCHOOL! 

My husband had one request this Disney trip. To get on the new Star Wars ride.
I have never felt so much pressure in my life.

I want to give you all the advice and all the knowledge, and hopefully peace of mind, because these are all the things I wish I would have known.
We got on the ride though! Honestly I think prayer had a lot to do with it.
If you're not the praying type, this might bring you to Jesus. Lol!

First off I read this. It's the Magical Kinda Mama overview and it's perfectly written.
I don't want to rewrite, I just want to add to it, so start there.


Here's the deal. There is ONE way to get on the ride, and that is to be in a boarding group.
You can join a boarding group from your phone as soon as the park officially opens and your ticket is checked into Disneyland. That means,
1. You cannot join early with Magic morning.
2. You cannot join from California Adventure.

I thought that if I was at Magic morning, I was in the park early and when the gates opened everyone would still need to scan their ticket to come in. WRONG.
Disney lets in guests to the park 10-15 minutes early then they line up on main street and are released to rides at 8am (or whenever it opens). So that means you and a million other people all have your tickets scanned in fighting for your boarding group slot.

Here is what to do. 
1. You have to be IN the park at opening. That means you have to come early.
Either go in with Magic morning OR be the first one in the gate at opening. Come at least an hour early, at LEAST. You got this.

2. Turn off Wifi and get on your phone and be ready (no rides, no nothing. just stare at your phone).
-All tickets linked to one phone.
-Signed into Disney app
-Looking at the app and the clock

3. RIGHT AT 8AM (or whenever) click join boarding group. It's a crap shoot from there.
If I could redo it, I would have closed the app before, watched the clock and opened the app at 8am then clicked join boarding group.


My phone didn't link right FOUR TIMES and I had to quit the app and restart and I got boarding group 120. I WAS SO ANNOYED. I felt like a toddler about to throw a tantrum, I was so sad LOL. I know how much Justin wanted to go on, and so did I!

This is where prayer and manifestation came into play hahhaha.

They guarantee up to boarding group 82 to ride the ride. But they keep going until midnight.
By the grace of GOD we were able to get on at 7:15pm. We were THRILLED! We were watching like a hawk to see when it would get there (it lets you know what group they are on).

But, as I type this, it's 7:15pm and they are only on boarding group 92. You never know.
But chances are group 120 will get to go on, just lateeeee tonight.


You can and will get on this ride. 

I am telling you NOTHING about it, except it is the greatest thing Disney has ever done.
It was incredible and out of this world...literally. (I'm around Justin too much, the dad jokes are seeping in lol)
You will be talking about it for a while.
Enjoy it.

May the force be with you. xo Kelsie




Don't forget to read Part One of Disney School! Tips & tricks for Disneyland and California Adventure!

Then check out Part Three of Disney School : Chef Approved Favorites from Disneyland and California Adventure!

Plus Part Four of Disney School: Disneyland with Babies and Toddlers! 

For more about Disney, motherhood, relationships, friendships and giveaways, follow along at @kelsieishappy!

Coming soon...  

Babies at Disneyland / California Adventure 

Toddlers at Disneyland / California Adventure

What to wear to Disneyland / California Adventure 

Staying at the California Adventure Hotel 

Discounts at Disneyland / California Adventure 

DISNEYLAND + CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE TIPS AND TRICKS - Part One

WELCOME TO DISNEY SCHOOL! 

We just got home from our Disneyland/California Adventure 2020 trip and boy it was an absolute DREAM. Every single time I go, I read up beforehand to learn about anything new so I can really make the most out of my time there. I study for Disney more than I ever did in college lol.

This trip, I found an Instagram/blog called Magical Kinda Mama & it is a total game changer.
This mama has a Southern California season pass and goes 2-3 times a week. She is invited to all the Disney openings, she does all the things, her life is my dream life LOL!

But it is not my life. And most people do not go 2-3 times a week...or even 2-3 times a year.
So I wanted to condense it down for all the people who maybe go once a year, or once a decade even!

These tips are for everyone. I will be doing a separate post for tips with traveling with babies and then a separate post for tips for traveling with toddlers. But this post is for everyone!
Easy fun tips to make your day at Disney EASIER and to help you get the MOST of it!

I always section things out so I dont bore you with things you don't care about or already know. Enjoy!

STARTING YOUR DAY 

If you are staying at the Disneyland Hotel, California Adventure Hotel or Paradise Pier, you get access to the park for "Early Morning" which you can use every day of your stay. If you have a 3 day pass or more, you get ONE Magic Morning. They are the same thing, it's an hour of park time (every other day it switches parks) extra in the morning. If the park opens at 8am, it's from 7am-8am.
If you have this option, DO IT DO IT DO IT. Do not skip it, it's too valuable.

A successful Disney day (if you only go once a year/ once a decade) is being one of the first ones there. That first hour or two is golden hour. You walk onto rides. Sometimes you even can ride them twice without getting off (this happen to us on Guardians this past early morning)! Get there early.

If it opens at 8am, get there at 7am. If you're doing Magic/Early morning, get there 30 minutes early.

Once you are in, immediately get on a ride that is going to get busy AND get a fast pass for another ride.
Example: Run to Peter Pan and get a fast pass for Space Mountain.
You are off to a great start!

THE DISNEY APP IS GOLD. Use it. 

The Disney app is a glorious thing. You can do so much on it.
It was save you TIME in your day.
It will save your legs so much walking and waiting.

1. The Disney app allows you to do Fast Passes right from your phone. 

Disney Max Pass is an added feature on the app $15/person/day. WORTH EVERY SINGLE PENNY.
Do not pinch pennies on this. Budget it in.

Before max pass you had to walk to each ride, get a fast pass for a return time, and then go about your day until that time slot and walk back to the ride when your time is up.

Now you can open up your phone, select a fast pass to a ride at EITHER PARK (if you have a park hopper) and then go when you're ready. Easy.
And you can get a another one as soon as your time allows you to (pay attention to the times).
You can add a fast pass by finding the ride and clicking on it, OR pressing the plus button in the bottom center. 

You CAN have more than one fast pass at once, depending on the times.

Pro Tip: ONE PERSON should link ALL tickets to their phone. That way you can get fast passes for everyone at once for the same time (or not). Obviously, anytime I go, I am running the fast pass show. It's what I do best lol.

ANOTHER PERK TO MAX PASS. I only took advantage of this for the first time this trip and it's wonderful. FREE PHOTOS.

Disney has people taking professional photos everywhere. With Max Pass you get these photos for free! They take the photos, scan your phone and they download to your phone immediately. What a load off.
PLUS you get all the photos that they take of you screaming your head off on a ride as well. So fun!!

2. Mobile Food Order  

I feel like a total stinker when I do this, but I also feel like a genius. Ha!
You can start a mobile food order by finding the restaurant and clicking on it, OR pressing the plus button in the bottom center.

Unless it is a sit down restaurant (half of which need a reservation) you can do a mobile food order!
Select a restaurant, selection pick up time (you can select now) and then place your order.
You card is linked and you pay for it right then on your phone. Select "I'm here" and within like two minutes they notify you your food is ready and you SKIP THE LINE!

Do not skip this feature. Feed yourself lol.

Pro Tip: Use this at the Dole whip station. The line you stand in, is in the front. For mobile orders, enter the tiki room section and pick up your order on the other side. Thank me later ;)

3. If you want to get on Star Wars Rise of the resistance with as little stress as possible, you need the app. 
I will get more into this later.


4. Information Galore. The app tells you: 

-How long the wait is on any ride & when a ride is down or closed
-Where the dining is & their menus
-Where the characters are
-What shows are playing and what times

Rides 

Unless a line is 15 minutes or less, waiting in a normal line shouldn't even be an option for you. 

I always walk past the people in the normal lines and cry for them everytime. How do they do it?!?!?!

1. Fast Passes 

USE YOUR FAST PASSES. Fast pass everything. Single rider. 

Here is my guestimate ORDER of fast pass popularity and how soon they sell out (some rides are so popular you need to get a fast pass asap). 

Disneyland 

Space Mountain 

Indiana Jones 

Matterhorn 

Big thunder Mountain Railroad 

Splash Mountain 

Star Tours 

Rodger Rabbit 

Haunted Mansion **

Buzz Light Year **

It's A Small World  **

California Adventure 

Cars (all fast passes gone in less than an hour)
Toy Story Mania
Guardians of the Galaxy (new Tower of Terror ride)
Incredicoaster
Soarin Around the World
Grizzly River Run

Pro Tip: ***These rides time slots are never too far out. For example, let's say it's noon. On a decent Disney day, Buzz Lightyear will have a fast pass ready for you at 12:20pm. That means you get a fast-pass, grab a churro and then go in the fast pass line and you're on!!!
AND once your fast pass time slot comes up, 12:20pm in this example, (or two hours pass) you can get a new one!

So you just got to ride a ride AND you can get ANOTHER FAST PASS. We have done Buzz like 5 times in a row with fast passes before while we were waiting for another fast pass time slot.


What to do when you are waiting for your fast pass time slot: 
-Get some food! Half the joy of Disney is the food. Check out my chef Justin approved favorites (coming soon).
-Getting more fast passes- don't let time pass! The second you can get a new one, do it!
-Go on a ride with a short wait.
-Go see a show, they are incredible. Mickeys Magical Map is my FAVORITE, it's located to the left of Toon Town.
-Go meet characters

2. Single Rider 
Do not underestimate single rider. A lot of times you'll end up in the same group as your person!

Cars- 6 person cars. My mom and I got in the same car!
Indiana Jones- 8 person cars (ask for a single rider pass)
Star Wars (not the new ride)- ONLY SINGLE RIDER THIS. They will put your group together. Best tip I got.
Goofy Sky School (ask for a single rider pass)

Random Advice 

Stay flexible. Can you believe a control freak like me is saying that? Lol! But you have to go with the flow of the park. Everything I said works on busy days and works on less busy days, but you never know what the crowd will bring. 

I don't plan out exactly where I go from place to place because who know what ride will have what wait?! But I do have a game plan for my first few rides and I go from there. 

Sometimes it's fun to slow down and enjoy a meal and a show.

Where to get buttons. Buttons are SO fun! They have anniversary ones,  first time at Disney, birthday, ect. GET THEM! I got my mom the first timer one and Stoic the birthday one.
If youre staying at a DL hotel, you can get them at the front desk.
If not, in Disneyland in the front left (if your walking in) is City Hall. You can wait in line and get one OR they a wooden box out front where you can get your own and write on it yourself (wayyyy better!).

Check the crowd calendar. These are NOT foolproof. They cannot predict down to a single day how busy something it will be. BUT certain times are busier than others, always. Halloween. Christmas. Summers. Holidays. You may miss the magic of these times, but you also miss the crowds. 

Check the weather. February is generally a long sleeve month but we got two random days of 80 degrees. thank goodness I checked or we'd all be in sweatshirts sweating. Lol Know your weather and pack a jacket because night are chilly always. It's not Vegas Ha!

BRING A CORDLESS PHONE CHARGER. SO much is done on the app. You will lose your battery FAST if you're messing around on your phone. So stick to only the app during Disney day, turn off wifi, turn ON low battery mode and bring a portable phone charger for when you get low. An bring the wall attachment for the few random outlets they have around the park. 

Dress up. COME ON DO IT. Go to Target, buy a Mickey shirt and have fun. 

Here is where I leave you. Comment with any questions, I'd love to help!!! xo Kelsie  

Don't miss Part Two of Disney School: How to get on the new Star Wars ride at Disneyland! 

Then check out Part Three of Disney School : Chef Approved Favorites from Disneyland and California Adventure!

Plus Part Four of Disney School: Disneyland with Babies and Toddlers! 

Follow along for more about Disney, motherhood, relationships, friendships and giveaways at @kelsieishappy!

Coming soon...  

Babies at Disneyland / California Adventure 

Toddlers at Disneyland / California Adventure

What to wear to Disneyland / California Adventure 

Staying at the California Adventure Hotel 

Discounts at Disneyland / California Adventure 

15 Months.

I need to start getting all my photos in one place, so I am back to blogging.
Getting all my thoughts down in writing has always been a positive thing for me.
The more I open up about my life, the more connection I have always found.
I have such a great little community.

Here is the update in Buhl world.
Life is relatively back to normal. As normal as we ever get I suppose.
Justin is healing and figuring out how to get back to feeling good again.
Work in progress but it's PROGRESS. We are grateful.
Justin is the saint in our home. Stoic and I are very lucky.

I am 7 months pregnant and feeling good! The first trimester was the same HORROR as before.
I swore up and down this was the last baby again. We will see. Don't expect another pregnancy announcement for years. We have a name but we are gonna hold it again until birth.
The response from the family went like this.
"I don't like it."
"I guess I will grow to like it like I grew to like the name Stoic."
"I knew a ****** back in my town growing up and he cheated on his wife with everything that moved." (My personal favorite...)

So far, so good. LOL But we LOVE the name obviously and he will be my sweet baby that I smooch all the days. Due date is August 20th, in the dead of summer. Pray for me.


Stoic is 15 months old!!!!! 
He is the most incredible child, I absolutely love him.

Some of my favorite things about him.
-He is eternally happy. He just has a happy disposition. Homeboy is just trying to have a good time.
-He is an excellent sleeper. 7pm-7am every night. Bless him and Heavenly Father for giving me him.
-He is so smart. He really gets things, he's a mimicker.
-He is already going potty on his baby toilet. Prodigy? At least in the world of bowl movements.
-He loves music, especially French rap. He gets DOWN.

He is also his mothers child which means he is doesn't take well to the word no (ignores it completely). He is fearless and when we tell him "Stop,  danger",  he looks, laughs and keeps going about his business.
We are hoping his listening skills develop over the next 18 years, right now we're off to a rough start. lol

He loves to sign and it has been so helpful. He know please, food, more, water, and bird. He should know way more but I am a slacker, but these 5 are SO HELPFUL.

He truly is the light of our lives. He is such a treat, we love bringing him out and about. He makes us laugh ALL DAY LONG. We feel so blessed he is ours.

Being a mother is so fulfilling. It is also tiring. Somedays I think, "How many more years do I have to entertain & be bossed by this child!?" and then I think of my relationship with my mom and I realize...it will never end. LOL

Parenthood is the closest to God I have ever felt.

I am hoping to blog more, so thanks for being here.
xo Kelsie