Disney Flashback Friday

A new Disney annual tradition started for our family in 2009 with our first Mickey's Trick or Treat party! We dressed up as characters from Alice in Wonderland!

This particular year the party was held at Disney California Adventure. The kids scored gobs of treats (Disney is very generous with a combination of chocolate, assorted candies and healthy choices such as apple slices, baby carrots and craisins). The decorations were creepy fun -- a lot of projections of pumpkins, ghosts, spiders and webs on buildings. Costumed characters were out in full force, and a spooktacular dance party was happening in Sunshine Plaza!

If you haven't experience Mickey's Trick or Treat Party (now called Mickey's Halloween Party) we fully recommend it! It's good, wholesome, family fun for all ages! Tickets are still available online or for purchase at the park. For more information on Mickey's Halloween Party and other Halloween Time activities visit the Disneyland website.

Summer Tips: Stay Cool & Hydrated

Hooray... it's summer! Many people visit Disneyland Resort this time of year. But don't forget the happiest place on earth can also be the hottest! Here are a few tips you'll want to remember:

• Stay Hydrated! Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink. When you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrated. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol. The best fluids are water or sports drinks. We have never had a problem toting in a small cooler on/in our stroller with frozen waters and sports drinks.

• Protect Yourself From The Sun! Sunscreen, protective head gear and sun glasses are good ideas! If you forget your sunscreen some of the gift shops carry it.

• Stay Cool! When the sun is at its peak look for cool zones. Check out indoor attractions like Innoventions at Disneyland or the Disney Animation building at Disney's California Adventure. Air conditioned stores are also a good places to cool down!

Other ways to beat the heat: mini battery operated fans, misters, ice cream, dole whip, ride a water attraction, watch an indoor show like Aladdin at Disney California Adventure.

Disneyland Resort's Baby Care Centers

When enjoying the Disneyland Resort parks with little ones, the Baby Care Centers can be an invaluable resource. Both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure have a Baby Care Center. Disneyland's is located at the northeast end of Main Street, U.S.A., and Disney's California Adventure's is located in Golden State next to the Bakery Tour in the Pacific Warf.

Tip: First aid is located next door to each Baby Care Center.

Baby Care Centers provide nursing moms with a private place to breast feed complete with rocking chairs and low lighting (Disneyland's is a shared space with one private room and DCA has two private rooms), feeding areas with high chairs, a microwave (for baby food only), filtered water, changing room and a small training toilet for toddlers. Sundries such as diapers, wipes, formula and baby food can also be purchased here.

Tip: It's always a good idea to carry extra diapers, wipes and a change of clothes for the little ones. You never know what might happen!

If you are far from a Baby Care Center and don't feel like walking... all bathrooms, including men's and family rest rooms, have baby-changing stations. Some also have changing kit vending machines available (you'll need $1 in quarters).

Fun fact: The baby whose photo is on the wall in Disneyland's Baby Care Center is Walt Disney himself!

Disney California Adventure Attractions

Updated 6/21/2011

How to get the most out of your day at Disney California Adventure:

On your way into Disney California Adventure grab a Guide to the Magic park map and current Entertainment Times Guide for show times. The Guest Relations Lobby is located directly to your left as you enter the park.

Take a few mintues to look at the park map, attractions and show times. Do you want to squeeze in as much as possible or do you want to hit a few favorites and call it a day? Plan out what attractions and shows you would like to see. Make a route that will save time and eliminate excess walking.

Here is a list of some attractions and entertainment that you and your little ones may find especially enjoyable!

Hollywood Pictures Backlot

Disney Junior - Live on Stage

Turtle Talk with Crush

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

CHARACTER GREETINGS: Disney Stars

"a bug's land"

Flik's Flyers

Francis' Ladybug Boogie

Heimlich's Chew Chew Train

Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies (height requirement 36" / 91 cm or taller)

Princess Dot Puddle Park

Bountiful Valley Farm

CHARACTER GREETINGS: Flik & Atta

Paradise Pier

Games of the Boardwalk

King Triton's Carousel

Golden Zephyr

Jumpin' Jellyfish (height requirement 40" / 102 cm or taller)

Mickey's Fun Wheel

Golden State

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (height requirement 42" / 106 cm or taller)

If you want to experience an attraction, but your little one is just too little... use Disney's Rider Switch program! One adult rides while the other waits with the child, then you can switch places without having to wait in line all over again! The pass is good for two people so you don't have to ride alone. Ask any Cast Member for details.

Some of the information above can be found in the Magical Beginnings guide. Download your own Magical Beginnings guide HERE! This guide can also be picked-up in person from the Guest Relations Lobby (located directly to the left as you enter the park) or any Disneyland Resort Information or Baby Care Center.