So January of this year, we took a big family vacation to Los Angeles and Anaheim for a week! We went with our family of 4 that included a baby under one, my mom, my step-dad, my teenage brother and his service dog. Plus, we met my sister and her husband there too!
Travelling with a big family crew is much different than just our little family! We love going to Disneyland - it's a pretty typical family vacation destination for us! I have been to Disneyland as a kid, with family, friends, and just my husband without kids, so I've experienced Disney in every possible way! But, I waited with Damian until he was 8, so it was my first time going with a baby and with this big of a group!
Travelling in general with a baby isn't always the easiest thing; but, there is a few things you can do to make your life easier! Things that work for us were flying direct - we actually flew in and out of L.A. and just made the hour drive to Anaheim instead of worrying about layovers, that can add a couple of hours to travel. We also chose to rent a car and rent a car seat as well to avoid too much stuff at the airport. Also, we made sure our accommodations had a playpen or a crib, so we didn't have to pack our own! So the only baby equipment we travelled with is our stroller - make sure it's one that is sturdy! Plus, we travelled in January so the weather wasn't too hot for our little guy!
As a small family before, we always stay at the closest, most affordable hotel - there is a ton right across the street and they are well priced. But, because there was 9 of us and a dog, we chose to rent a house. The houses are a little father of a walk, but we were in a close, family community and had about a 20 minute walk that took us through Downtown Disney and it was perfect. Also, we walked home for baby nap time and it was a great idea! With kids and a dog, it was really nice to have a back yard and a private pool too!
Now, we really did have so much fun with the whole family in Disneyland! Disneyland is so family and baby friendly, so the whole day with the baby was really easy! Almost all of the rides are baby friendly - there is only a few big rides or the 3D ones that not everyone can go on! We did take Elliott on lots of little rides and he was in awe of them. But, we really enjoyed watching the baby meet all of the characters! He wasn't shy at all and loved seeing them all - we actually spent a fair bit of time going to meet the characters because Elliott liked it!
We had such a big group, so we made sure to split up a little so everyone could get in what you wanted! There is no way we could all keep together and get much done! But, it's also the way to get rides in! We would leave the baby with the grandparents for a little bit, get in the favorite rides and then give them some time for themselves as well!
Some of my must-do's at Disneyland are: Indiana Jones, The Haunted Mansion, Star Tours, Space Mountain, Peter Pan, have a churro, eat a Dole Whip, and Buzz Lightyear! There is plenty of others; but, those were the best of this current trip! Also, the shows and parades are amazing to watch!
I should note, I didn't go California Adventure Park as I wanted to go shopping and get prepared for Damian's birthday night instead); but, if we had more time, I would suggest a full day for each park; but, get a park hopper pass as C.A.P. closes earlier than Disneyland. We did a day and a half at Disneyland as that's where the family preferred to spend the time!
We kept it pretty easy in the souvenir department; because, the trip itself should be the most memorable part - but we let Damian build his own light saber and Elliott got 2 mini stuffed animals.
We also did celebrate Damian's 13th birthday while we were there - I had a custom WWE cake made from Cinderella Cakes, and we ordered individual pizza's from The Pizza Press (which had lots of vegan options for some in our party) and they were both amazing!
This turned out to be less of a Disneyland recap and more tips for baby travel and family travel; but, it was a much slower trip around the park! I can tell you when it was Mitch, Damian and I a couple of years ago, we could run around and do every single ride in the park and have time to go back and do our favorites - we could race through the park. With a baby and big group, we had a much more leisurely pace around the park and we split up lots so everyone could get something in. We also didn't push Elliott to spend the whole day in his stroller at the park, so we spent lots of time in our backyard and pool, which was just fine by us!
I honestly already want to go back to Disneyland! Elliott would have so much fun - I have to convince myself that we have to wait until he is 4!
0 Yorumlar