Tips for celebrating the holidays at Disneyland Resort

The holiday season truly is magical at the Disneyland Resort, bustling with special events, entertainment, and decorations. It’s also bustling with holiday crowds, which can certainly impact your experience. Here’s how to enjoy all the holiday magic while navigating the masses. Tip 1: Know when to go The holiday season at Disneyland and California Adventure officially launches in early November … [Read more...]

Disney’s Grand Floridian review: what guests can expect for the deluxe resort price

Before our stay for the purpose of a Disney's Grand Floridian review, I admit to harboring high expectations. I imagine this is typical; after all, the Grand Floridian is Walt Disney World's flagship resort. The moment we stepped off the Disney Magical Express bus into the generously appointed porte-cochère and were greeted by no fewer than three cast members, however, I knew … [Read more...]

When to upgrade to Park Hopper tickets at Disney theme parks (and when not to)

When buying Disney theme park tickets, families have the ability to upgrade to Park Hopper tickets. What does this mean? Instead of gaining admittance to one park per day, you have access to all four (plus water parks, if desired). Do you 'need' Park Hoppers? Most families believe the answer is yes, but in fact, it depends on your family's plans in the theme parks, style of touring, and … [Read more...]

How you can get Disney Vacation Club points for less

What family hasn't dreamed of a magical Disney vacation? The characters, the rides, the enchantment...and oh yeah, the cost! Planning a family getaway to Disney is not only expensive, but it can also be stressful and difficult. These days, there's just so many different ways to "do" Disney that it can be nearly impossible to find the best deal. But I think I have discovered the best way to indulge … [Read more...]

Disney World monorail resort restaurants: where to go and when

We love the Disney World monorail: it’s iconic, fun, fast, and easy. Strollers slide on and off with ease, lines are always at a minimum, and for kids, it’s a ride in itself. We try to take the monorail as often as possible during a Disney trip, in order to keep stress at a minimum. Our top Disney monorail tip: use this transportation to travel from the Magic Kingdom to Disney World monorail … [Read more...]

Disneyland California Adventure MaxPass and how to use it

Have you heard of the new Disneyland and California Adventure MaxPass yet? Here’s what you need to know about Maxpass, in order to maximize your time in the parks. First, the facts of Disneyland California Adventure MaxPass: Disney’s optional MaxPass designed to do two basic things: 1. take FASTPASS paperless in the parks, and 2. streamline your PhotoPass experience. Here’s how: With MaxPass, … [Read more...]

Disneyland hotel pick: Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

The following guest post is written by Pit Stops for Kids contributor Elizabeth Bickford. Need a Disneyland hotel pick? The Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance has one of the best locations and properties combined in the Disneyland resort area! We had a great stay with our two daughters ages five and seven. The property is within walking distance and is surrounded by several … [Read more...]

Why you should get the Disney Dining Plan

Most self-respecting Disney budget blogs will tell you the Disney Dining Plan is not a savings. If you plan to stay in a condo with a kitchen and cook meals in-house, pack peanut butter sandwiches for the parks, and eat at quick-service restaurants only, they're right. But while the plan may not give you a lower bottom line while enjoying the parks, we believe it does add to your overall value, … [Read more...]

How to plan your Disney Vacation with FastPass+

We have written extensively about enjoying Disney parks using FastPass. Is all this advice out the window now that Disney has introduced FastPass+ and Disney Magic Bands? The short answer: maybe. The game certainly has changed. How to plan your Disney vacation using FastPass+ and why it will make touring Disney parks easier than ever for those who dislike planning (but harder for those who … [Read more...]

Tips on how to make the most of a family holiday to Walt Disney World

The following post is brought to you by one of Pit Stops for Kids' sponsors. Sponsored posts contribute to the site's operational costs, so our editorial team can keep bringing great pit stops to vacationing families. A Walt Disney World holiday in Florida is a fantastic experience that all family members will enjoy, both parents and children alike. It’s fun, colorful and exciting, but with so … [Read more...]