Ages 5-8 Maximizing Your Disney Vacation by the age of your children

Maximizing Your Disney Vacation

by the age of your children

Part 3 - Ages 5-8

We all have certain family vacations from our childhood that we still hold dear today. I bet for a lot of us one of the most magical vacations we think about from our childhood is one from Disneyland. The rides, the characters we loved so much, the junk food mom and dad made exceptions for and the laughter. I think a Disney vacation will always be something that is somewhat of an heirloom, being handed down generation to generation. It's one that we save for, spend time planning out every last detail and one we want our children to remember for the rest of their lives. In this 5 part series, I'm going to help you not only maximize the magic and warm memories to be made but also help you make the best use of your time by planning your trip based on the age of your children. I've spent several hours going through Disney maps, researching online what most people regretted about their Disneyland vacation (which rides they missed, which ones they didn't know about and which ones they simply ran out of time for) and spending a few days in the park with my family to figure out the best use of your limited time there without losing the magic of Disney in the planning. Disney was kind enough to provide my family and I tickets so I would be able to categorize rides by different age groups, these are solely my opinions to help create a guide for you. The rides are in no particular order but I have organized them by which "themed land" they are located in. I hope you find this guide helpful.

Adentureland:

The Enchanted Tiki Room - Kids will take pleasure in this audio-animatronics show that displays exotic birds, tikis and flowers that sing songs and teach you about the Pacific Islands.

Jungle Cruise - Hop on a boat and enjoy a relaxing ride that will take you into the depths of the wild to see animals, plants and settings native to South Asia, Africa and South America.

Tarzan's Treehouse - The treehouse that Tarzan's parents built from their shipwreck debris comes to life at this playful display. Kids can climb the tree, explore the house and even play music at the Base Camp located at the bottom of the tree. 

Indiana Jones Adventure - Will you survive the Temple of the Forbidden Eye? This thrilling ride will take you through unbelievable circumstances as you hunt for the famous Indiana Jones who has gone missing! This ride is filled with intense scenes that may scare some kids but overall most will enjoy the heart pounding fun that awaits.

New Orleans Square:

Pirates of the Caribbean - This slow boat ride has catchy songs and captivating displays for kids to take in. With a never ending show of visual effects the Pirates of the Caribbean is the perfect smooth ride for the entire family to relax and enjoy together.

Disney Railroad -  Get on board for this grand train tour! The train offers an 18 minute long ride and is an easy and fun way to get around the park. It has 4 different stops (New Orleans Square, Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland and Mickey's Toontown) for you to choose from and with the trains departing every 5-10 minutes you'll never have to wait too long to hop on.

Haunted Mansion - A frightening and fun ride through an old abandoned mansion will leave you at the edge of your seat. This ride can be intense for some young riders as you venture through 15 rooms each with their own super natural occurrences. Although this ride is scary it is equally as fun and mystifying.

Critter Country

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh -  Jump in an oversized beehive and set off on an amazing adventure! With vibrant colors and playful songs you will see your favorite characters and some of the most beloved stories as you make your way to Hundred Acre Wood!

Splash Mountain - Float along the bayou in a log and take in the colors and sounds of a variety of critters but this ride isn't boring by any means. You will plunge down a 5 story waterfall and get soaked along the way. Pick your seat wisely, those towards the front of the log will get the most wet.

Frontierland

Mark Twain Riverboat - This escapade is enjoyable for the big and small! Kids will love floating down the water in this half mile journey and will have a fun and educational experience as the riverboat takes you back in time to the old American frontier. You will see old cabins, charming Native American villages, wild animals and more! This 15 minute ride also offers up a great break for everyone to relax and enjoy their tour of the spectacular sights as you listen to Mark Twain tell you about a time long ago when new discoveries and exploration made up the American Frontier.

Sailing Ship Columbia - A full-scale replica of the original Columbia Rediviva (the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe in 1790) this fully-rigged ship will take you along the Frontierland River in the same manner as they Mark Twain Riverboat but offers a little something special. You will still float past the old cabins and charming Native American villages so you can enjoy some relaxation but underneath the deck is a wonderful surprise! Go ahead a journey below to find displays of the living conditions for 18th-century sailors. This museum will help kids explore some of their wildest dreams of what it means to be a sailor at sea long ago.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Board a high speeding train as it carries you through the remains of an old mining shaft. Be prepared for big turns, sudden drops and try to out run the unforeseen circumstances you will encounter at this eerie quarry.

Fantasyland

Pinocchio's Daring Journey - A classic film brought to life. As you embark on this voyage you will see vibrant and colorful displays that recreate scenes from the original movie. Kids will enjoy being part of the quest of Pinocchio's pursuit to become a real boy.

King Arthur's Carrousel - This handcrafted carousel was built in 1922 and has a little bit of Mr. Walt Disney himself still alive in it. It's a classic ride almost like any other but with a special touch. When the carousel was originally purchased by Disney it had various animals on it from giraffes to deer but Walt wanted to make sure that every little boy and girl had a galloping horse to ride in Fantasyland and that's just what he did. Additional antique horses were located and the ride was custom made into the amazing display that it is today.

Casey Jr. Circus Train - Casey Jr. comes straight out of the animated feature Dumbo to take you on a tour of numerous scenes from classic Disney movies. This mild ride is packed with entertainment, adventure and childhood memories of your favorite classics.

Mad Tea Party - This fun attraction reflects the kookiness and vibrancy of the famous Alice in Wonderland. As you step onto the platform you are transported to a world of color and eccentric decor. The great thing about this ride is you can control the spinning with a wheel located in the center of each cup.

It's a Small World - A 15 minute slow boat ride will engage your child and fill them with joy as you travel the world to see it's really not that big at all. The bright and glowing colors throughout It's a Small World are as mesmerizing as the idea of the ride. Children will hear music, see traditional dress and culture from all 7 continents as you glide from one exhibit to the next .

Dumbo the Flying Elephant - Let your toddler become captain of his own elephant on this exciting ride. Based on the classic Disney movie Dumbo this ride will fill your little one with joy as they take flight to Circus themed music and direct Dumbo where to go.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - Jump in a 2 person open-air vehicle and let the journey begin! This little buggy will take you on an untamed adventure through the English Countryside with suspense and thrill around every corner.

Peter Pan's Flight - A must go for any little one who loves the magic of Peter Pan. This magical journey begins in quaint London and takes you to vibrant Never Land where you will experience scenes from the 1953 classic movie Peter Pan. The drama, excitement and moments of anticipation all leading up to a victorious celebration will captivate children's imaginations.

Alice in Wonderland - The movie becomes the experience in this exhilarating ride. Full of lively colors and unique characters you become Alice as you follow the story line from the animated film.

Storybook Land Canal Boats - This slow boat ride is a great mash up of some of the most popular Disney movies. While floating down river you will see miniature hand-crafted scenes from Frozen, Peter Pan and more.  

Snow White's Scary Adventures - Hop in a mine cart and be carried away to the peaceful little cottage the 7 dwarves live in before heading into the deep hallows of the evil queen. Just when you think there's no hope you're little dwarf heroes will come to save the day. This ride can be very scary for some young children in particular who are afraid of the dark. 

Matterhorn Bobsleds - Race down a replica of one of the most famous mountains in the world, the Matterhorn. Hang onto your sled tightly as you speed through icy scenery and cross unsteady bridges all while trying to avoid the much feared Abominable Snowman. 

Mickey's ToonTown

Toontown is where all of our favorite characters live and they've been nice enough to have open houses so we can come see, explore and discover. There are plenty of areas for parents to sit and relax under the shade while their kids play in all the residences of their most beloved characters.

Goofy's Playhouse - Kids will love exploring the unconventional house that Goofy has built. From bell peppers that really ring like bells to a piano that makes Goofy's noises instead of notes kids will love this fun filled playhouse.

Donald's Boat - Climb to the top of the boat for great views or go below deck to check out Donald's living area. A fun and interactive boat that will inspire any young child's imagination right in the middle of Toontown.   

Chip 'N Dale Treehouse - Peek inside this treehouse to see how these quirky little guys live! The Chip 'N Dale Treehouse has plenty to look at but is really more of an attraction than an interactive and playful house. Children will still get a kick out of being in a huge treehouse and walking up the winding spiral staircase but there is little to do to keep them busy enough to burn off some of that endless energy they always seem to have.

Mickey's House - This colorful, fun and playful house will bring excitement to kids of all ages. Step into Mickey's home to find little surprises in ever room (for a list of all the surprises click here https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disneyland/mickeys-house/). You will discover things about this legendary mouse you never knew before.

Minnie's House - Pink, adorable and classic just like Minnie herself this house is not one for any little girl to miss. With interactive features throughout and the chance to meet Minnie this is a must go attraction.

Gadget's Go Coaster - Have you ever ridden on an acorn train before? I didn't think so but there is a first time for everything! This specially design acorn was created by the lovely Gadget Hackwrench (of the Rescue Rangers) for you to enjoy a mouse sized adventure. Hop on and for a good time and to get some spectacular views of ToonTown.

Tomorrowland

Disneyland Monorail - This monorail is a great opportunity for everyone to rest and get some spectacular views of the entire park. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and even goes all the way to Disneyland's California Adventure Park for even more to see.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - Board a space cruiser and help save toys everywhere as you defeat the evil Emperor Zurg! Take your laser gun and aim at all the targets you possibly can in short bursts of time. With vibrant colors and engaging story lines you will feel transported into the Toy Story world. At the end of the ride everyone can check their Star Command Rank based on their total score.    

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage - This expedition takes you under water to enjoy and experience the story of Nemo. You will see underwater volcanoes, scuba divers and Nemo himself. Go on this exciting ride to participate in some of the most adored scenes from the movie Finding Nemo.

Astro Orbitor -  Take to the sky in your own personal rocket! Kids will command their own ship and tell it how high or how low to fly while spinning around a galaxy of planets on this out of this world adventure. 

Autopia - Every child dreams about the day they get to drive. Autopia lets the kids take the wheel and become a racecar driver. With a real working gas pedal and steering wheel this will be one of the highlights of Disneyland for any kid.

Space Mountain - One of the most beloved rides at Disneyland. Experience a rush of energy and excitement as you board a spaceship and blast off into space for an unforgettable adventure.

Star Tours - Star Wars comes to life in this exploration of the most outer depths of space. Encounter famous movie characters and alien worlds as you accomplish your mission.

Ages 2-4 Maximizing Your Disneyland Vacation

Maximizing Your Disney Vacation

by the age of your children

Part 2 - Ages 2-4

We all have certain family vacations from our childhood that we still hold dear today. I bet for a lot of us one of the most magical vacations we think about from our childhood is one from Disneyland. The rides, the characters we loved so much, the junk food mom and dad made exceptions for and the laughter. I think a Disney vacation will always be something that is somewhat of an heirloom, being handed down generation to generation. It's one that we save for, spend time planning out every last detail and one we want our children to remember for the rest of their lives. In this 5 part series, I'm going to help you not only maximize the magic and warm memories to be made but also help you make the best use of your time by planning your trip based on the age of your children. I've spent several hours going through Disney maps, researching online what most people regretted about their Disneyland vacation (which rides they missed, which ones they didn't know about and which ones they simply ran out of time for) and spending a few days in the park with my family to figure out the best use of your limited time there without losing the magic of Disney in the planning. Disney was kind enough to provide my family and I tickets so I would be able to categorize rides by different age groups, these are solely my opinions to help create a guide for you. The rides are in no particular order but I have organized them by which "themed land" they are located in. I hope you find this guide helpful.

Adentureland:

The Enchanted Tiki Room - Toddlers will be engaged with both sight and sound with this audio-animatronics show that displays exotic birds, tikis and flowers that sing songs for you to enjoy as you learn about the Pacific Islands.

Jungle Cruise - This slow boat ride will take you into the depths of the wild to see animals, plants and settings native to South Asia, Africa and South America.

Tarzan's Treehouse - The treehouse that Tarzan's parents built from their shipwreck debris comes to life at this playful display. Kids can climb the tree, explore the house and even play music at the Base Camp located at the bottom of the tree. 

New Orleans Square:

Pirates of the Caribbean - This slow boat ride has catchy songs and captivating displays for children. With a never ending show of visual effects the Pirates of the Caribbean is the perfect smooth ride for the entire family to relax and enjoy together.

Disney Railroad -  Get on board for this grand train tour! The train offers an 18 minute long ride and is an easy and fun way to get around the park. It has 4 different stops (New Orleans Square, Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland and Mickey's Toontown) for you to choose from and with the trains departing every 5-10 minutes you'll never have to wait too long to hop on.

Critter Country

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh -  Jump in an oversized beehive and set off on an amazing adventure! With vibrant colors and playful songs you will see your favorite characters and some of the most beloved stories as you make your way to Hundred Acre Wood!

Frontierland

Mark Twain Riverboat - This escapade is enjoyable for the big and small! The 2-4 age group will love floating down the water in this half mile journey and the bigger kids will have a fun and educational experience as the riverboat takes you back in time to the old American frontier. You will see old cabins, charming Native American villages, wild animals and more! This 15 minute ride also offers up a great break for everyone to relax and enjoy their tour of the spectacular sights as you listen to Mark Twain tell you about a time long ago when new discoveries and exploration made up the American Frontier.

Sailing Ship Columbia - A full-scale replica of the original Columbia Rediviva (the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe in 1790) this fully-rigged ship will take you along the Frontierland River in the same manner as they Mark Twain Riverboat but offers a little something special. You will still float past the old cabins and charming Native American villages so you can enjoy some relaxation but underneath the deck is a wonderful surprise! Go ahead a journey below to find displays of the living conditions for 18th-century sailors. This museum will help kids explore some of their wildest dreams of what it means to be a sailor at sea long ago.   

Fantasyland

Pinocchio's Daring Journey - A classic film brought to life. As you embark on this voyage your little ones will see vibrant and colorful displays that recreate scenes from the original movie. Kids will love this slow ride quest of Pinocchio's pursuit to become a real boy.

King Arthur's Carrousel - This handcrafted carousel was built in 1922 and has a little bit of Mr. Walt Disney himself still alive in it. It's a classic ride almost like any other but with a special touch. When the carousel was originally purchased by Disney it had various animals on it from giraffes to deer but Walt wanted to make sure that every little boy and girl had a galloping horse to ride in Fantasyland and that's just what he did. Additional antique horses were located and the ride was custom made into the amazing display that it is today.

Casey Jr. Circus Train - Casey Jr. comes straight out of the animated feature Dumbo to take you on a tour of numerous scenes from classic Disney movies. This mild ride is packed with entertainment, adventure and childhood memories of your favorite classics.

Mad Tea Party - This fun attraction reflects the kookiness and vibrancy of the famous Alice in Wonderland. As you step onto the platform you are transported to a world of color and eccentric decor. The great thing about this ride is you can control the spinning with a wheel located in the center of each cup.

It's a Small World - A 15 minute slow boat ride will engage your child and fill them with joy as you travel the world to see it's really not that big at all. The bright and glowing colors throughout It's a Small World are as mesmerizing as the idea of the ride. Children will hear music, see traditional dress and culture from all 7 continents as you glide from one exhibit to the next .

Dumbo the Flying Elephant - Let your toddler become captain of his own elephant on this exciting ride. Based on the classic Disney movie Dumbo this ride will fill your little one with joy as they take flight to Circus themed music and direct Dumbo where to go.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - Jump in a 2 person open-air vehicle and let the journey begin! This little buggy will take you on an untamed adventure through the English Countryside with suspense and thrill around every corner.

Peter Pan's Flight - A must go for any little one who loves the magic of Peter Pan. This magical journey begins in quaint London and takes you to vibrant Never Land where you will experience scenes from the 1953 classic movie Peter Pan. The drama, excitement and moments of anticipation all leading up to a victorious celebration will captivate your toddler.

Alice in Wonderland - The movie becomes the experience in this exhilarating ride. Full of lively colors and unique characters you become Alice as you follow the story line from the animated film.

Storybook Land Canal Boats - This slow boat ride is a great mash up of some of the most popular Disney movies. While floating down river you will see miniature hand-crafted scenes from Frozen, Peter Pan and more.   

Mickey's ToonTown

Toontown is where all of our favorite characters live and they've been nice enough to have open houses so we can come see, explore and discover. There are plenty of areas for parents to sit and relax under the shade while their little ones play in all the residences of their most beloved characters.

Goofy's Playhouse - The young ones will giggle as they explore the unconventional house that Goofy has built. From bell peppers that really ring like bells to a piano that makes Goofy's noises instead of notes kids will love this fun filled playhouse.

Donald's Boat - Climb to the top of the boat for great views or go below deck to check out Donald's living quarters. A fun and interactive boat that will inspire any young child's imagination right in the middle of Toontown.   

Chip 'N Dale Treehouse - Peek inside this treehouse to see how these quirky little guys live! The Chip 'N Dale Treehouse has plenty to look at but is really more of an attraction than an interactive and playful house. The little one's will still get a kick out of being in a huge treehouse and walking up the winding spiral staircase but there is little to do to keep them busy enough to burn off some of that endless energy they always seem to have.

Mickey's House - This colorful, fun and playful house will bring excitement to kids of all ages. Step into Mickey's home to find little surprises in ever room (for a list of all the surprises click here https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disneyland/mickeys-house/). You will discover things about this legendary mouse you never knew before.

Minnie's House - Pink, adorable and classic just like Minnie herself this house is not one for any little girl to miss. With interactive features through out and the chance to meet Minnie this is a must go attraction.

Tomorrowland

Disneyland Monorail - This monorail is a great opportunity for everyone to rest and get some spectacular views of the entire park. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and even goes all the way to Disneyland's California Adventure Park for even more to see.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - Board a space cruiser and help save toys everywhere as you defeat the evil Emperor Zurg! This slow ride is a little cart on a track that comes with a laser gun for you to blast targets away. It was a slow enough ride for me to hold my daughter in my lap and still participate in all the excitement. There are vibrant colors and engaging things for the younger ones to look at. At the end of the ride everyone can check their Star Command Rank based on their total score.    

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage - This expedition takes you under water to enjoy and experience the story of Nemo. You will see underwater volcanoes, scuba divers and Nemo himself. Go on this exciting ride to participate in some of the most adored scenes from the movie Finding Nemo.

Astro Orbitor -  Take to the sky in your own personal rocket! Little ones will command their own ship and tell it how high or how low to fly while spinning around a galaxy of planets on this out of this world adventure. 

Ages 0-2 Maximizing Your Disneyland Vacation

Maximizing Your Disneyland Vacation

by the age of your children

Ages 0-2

We all have certain family vacations from our childhood that we still hold dear today. I bet for a lot of us one of the most magical vacations we think about from our childhood is one from Disneyland. The rides, the characters we loved so much, the junk food mom and dad made exceptions for and the laughter. I think a Disney vacation will always be something that is somewhat of an heirloom, being handed down generation to generation. It's one that we save for, spend time planning out every last detail and one we want our children to remember for the rest of their lives. In this 5 part series, I'm going to help you not only maximize the magic and warm memories to be made but also help you make the best use of your time by planning your trip based on the age of your children. I've spent several hours going through Disney maps, researching online what most people regretted about their Disneyland vacation (which rides they missed, which ones they didn't know about and which ones they simply ran out of time for) and spending a few days in the park with my family to figure out the best use of your limited time there without losing the magic of Disney in the planning. Disney was kind enough to provide my family and I tickets so I would be able to categorize rides by different age groups, these are solely my opinions to help create a guide for you. The rides are in no particular order but I have organized them by which "themed land" they are located in. I hope you find this guide helpful.

Maximizing Your Disneyland Vacation by Age (0-2):

We generally don't think of Disney as a place where babies can enjoy some rides too but as a mother of a (at the time) 10 month old baby, I found Disneyland very baby friendly. Here's a list of what your little ones can enjoy with the family:

Adventureland:

The Enchanted Tiki Room - Young ones will be engaged with both sight and sound with this audio-animatronics show that displays exotic birds, tikis and flowers that sing songs for you to enjoy as you learn about the Pacific Islands.

Jungle Cruise - This slow boat ride will take you into the depths of the wild to see animals, plants and settings native to South Asia, Africa and South America.

Tarzan's Treehouse - The treehouse that Tarzan's parents built from their shipwreck debris comes to life at this playful display. Kids can climb the tree, explore the house and even play music at the Base Camp located at the bottom of the tree. 

New Orleans Square:

Pirates of the Caribbean - This slow boat ride has catchy songs and captivating displays for the little ones. With a never ending show of visual effects the Pirates of the Caribbean is the perfect smooth ride for the entire family to relax and enjoy together.

Disney Railroad -  Get on board for this grand train tour! The train offers an 18 minute long ride and is an easy and fun way to get around the park. It has 4 different stops (New Orleans Square, Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland and Mickey's Toontown) for you to choose from and with the trains departing every 5-10 minutes you'll never have to wait too long to hop on.

Critter Country

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh -  Jump in an oversized beehive and set off on an amazing adventure! With vibrant colors and playful songs you will see your favorite characters and some of the most beloved stories as you make your way to Hundred Acre Wood!

Frontierland

Mark Twain Riverboat - This escapade is enjoyable for the big and small! The 0-2 age will love floating down the water in this half mile journey and the bigger kids will have a fun and educational experience as the riverboat takes you back in time to the old American frontier. You will see old cabins, charming Native American villages, wild animals and more! This 15 minute ride also offers up a great break for everyone to relax and enjoy their tour of the spectacular sights as you listen to Mark Twain tell you about a time long ago when new discoveries and exploration made up the American Frontier.

Sailing Ship Columbia - A full-scale replica of the original Columbia Rediviva (the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe in 1790) this fully-rigged ship will take you along the Frontierland River in the same manner as they Mark Twain Riverboat but offers a little something special. You will still float past the old cabins and charming Native American villages so you can enjoy some relaxation but underneath the deck is a wonderful surprise! Go ahead a journey below to find displays of the living conditions for 18th-century sailors. This museum will help kids explore some of their wildest dreams of what it means to be a sailor at sea long ago.   

Fantasyland

Pinocchio's Daring Journey - A classic film brought to life. As you embark on this voyage your little ones will see vibrant and colorful displays that recreate scenes from the original movie. Kids will love this slow ride quest of Pinocchio's pursuit to become a real boy.

King Arthur's Carrousel - This handcrafted carousel was built in 1922 and has a little bit of Mr. Walt Disney himself still alive in it. It's a classic ride almost like any other but with a special touch. When the carousel was originally purchased by Disney it had various animals on it from giraffes to deer but Walt wanted to make sure that every little boy and girl had a galloping horse to ride in Fantasyland and that's just what he did. Additional antique horses were located and the ride was custom made into the amazing display that it is today.

Casey Jr. Circus Train - Casey Jr. comes straight out of the animated feature Dumbo to take you on a tour of numerous scenes from classic Disney movies. This mild ride is packed with entertainment, adventure and childhood memories of your favorite classics.

Mad Tea Party - My 10 month old daughter particularly loved this ride. She was giggling with each spin of the tea cup. This fun attraction reflects the kookiness and vibrancy of the famous Alice in Wonderland. As you step onto the platform you are transported to a world of color and eccentric decor. The great thing about this ride is you can control the spinning with a wheel located in the center of each cup.

It's a Small World - A 15 minute slow boat ride will engage your child and fill them with joy as you travel the world to see it's really not that big at all. The bright and glowing colors throughout It's a Small World are as mesmerizing as the idea of the ride. Children will hear music, see traditional dress and culture from all 7 continents as you glide from one exhibit to the next . I have this listed in the 0-2 bracket because it is a slow ride with engaging visuals and music but it really is enlightening and fun for all. 

Mickey's ToonTown

Toontown is where all of our favorite characters live and they've been nice enough to have open houses so we can come see, explore and discover. There are plenty of areas for parents to sit and relax under the shade while their little ones play in all the residences of their most beloved characters.

Goofy's Playhouse - The young ones will giggle as they explore the unconventional house that Goofy has built. From bell peppers that really ring like bells to a piano that makes Goofy's noises instead of notes kids will love this fun filled playhouse.

Donald's Boat - Climb to the top of the boat for great views or go below deck to check out Donald's living quarters. A fun and interactive boat that will inspire any young child's imagination right in the middle of Toontown.    

Chip 'N Dale Treehouse - Peek inside this treehouse to see how these quirky little guys live! The Chip 'N Dale Treehouse has plenty to look at but is really more of an attraction than an interactive and playful house. The little one's will still get a kick out of being in a huge treehouse and walking up the winding spiral staircase but there is little to do to keep them busy enough to burn off some of that endless energy they always seem to have.

Mickey's House - This colorful, fun and playful house will bring excitement to kids of all ages. Step into Mickey's home to find little surprises in ever room (for a list of all the surprises click here https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disneyland/mickeys-house/). You will discover things about this legendary mouse you never knew before.

Minnie's House - Pink, adorable and classic just like Minnie herself this house is not one for any little girl to miss. With interactive features through out and the chance to meet Minnie this is a must go attraction.

TomorrowLand

Disneyland Monorail - This monorail is a great opportunity for everyone to rest and get some spectacular views of the entire park. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and even goes all the way to Disneyland's California Adventure Park for even more to see. 

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - Board a space cruiser and help save toys everywhere as you defeat the evil Emperor Zurg! This slow ride is a little cart on a track that comes with a laser gun for you to blast targets away. It was a slow enough ride for me to hold my daughter in my lap and still participate in all the excitement. There are vibrant colors and engaging things for the younger ones to look at. At the end of the ride everyone can check their Star Command Rank based on their total score.    

The Chop Shop Denver

The Chop Shop

Denver's Casual Urban Eatery

It's no secret that one of my favorite inventions ever is the Yelp website. I love that I can find anything I want and see the highest rated businesses in that category. We recently went on our first trip to Denver and since we've never been there prior and didn't know anyone there I turned to my best friend Yelp for some top rated foodie spots. A restaurant by the name of Chop Shop caught my eye with a nearly perfect rating and hundreds of reviews. It's rare to come across a find like that. So straight off the airplane and into the rental truck we went and set off to the Chop Shop. My family ordered a few Chop Shop Burgers served with house made chips and I ordered the Grilled Marinated Bistro Filet (talk about affordable luxury, this filet is marinated for 8 hours in a garlic Kimchi sauce served with roasted fingerlings, broccoli, onions, grape tomatoes and blistered corn demi all topped with one of the best Chimichurris I've ever had - did you get all of that?). The burgers were tender, moist and well seasoned and that says a lot as everyone in my family, with the exception of myself, ordered their meat well done and rarely does well done beef come out so delicious. The Bistro Filet was well balanced, clean and perfectly cooked to medium. The vegetables were fresh and bright and the Chimichurri came in to tie everything together to create a beautifully synchronized plate. It's a 5 star meal at a 3 star price. Even after coming back home, I still couldn't get their food out of my head (not to mention the cravings!) so I made a phone call to one of the owners about doing an interview when I came back into town and he graciously accepted. So here's what I learned:

The concept of an urban eatery that provides well crafted, high quality food in a fast casual setting was born when Chef & owner Clint Wangsnes was looking for a good family restaurant with high food standards, a comfortable atmosphere and affordability. He couldn't find one that fit the mold he was searching for so he did the unimaginable and opened one! He took his 20+ years of experience as a Chef (who by the way has worked in food trendy hotspots from South Beach Miami all the way to Hawaii) and created his own menu. His method is to cook from the heart with fresh ingredients and to use ground-breaking techniques, such as Sous-vide (a process of cooking in which food is sealed in airtight plastic bags, then placed in a water bath for several hours at lower than normal temperatures. This helps to keep in juices and aroma that would otherwise be lost in the process of ordinary cooking). Something I found that really displays the fervor all the employees have at the Chop Shop was when owner, Christian, told me the ribs are cooked with the Sous-vide process and it takes 48 hours. He further blew my mind when he told me the onions are cooked the same way and they take 72 hours! To put that much thought into the onions, it's hard to deny that love and passion are not a part of this team or this menu.

Christian & Clint team up to locally source as much as they can for their menu, such as the chicken that comes from Boulder, Colorado. They use smaller distributors when possible and make sure all the beer and some of the wine are local as well. Some of the menu changes seasonally to incorporate produce currently available and some of the menu items are staples you will see every time, like the ribs I told you about earlier...yeah, that's right, the ones that take 48 hours to cook. Some dishes will probably never come off the menu as they've been there since the opening of the restaurant and hold a special place in it's history.  

I have a tendency to judge the character of a restaurant by one thing: where's the kitchen? If it is open and available for me to see I am inclined to think that the establishment has nothing to hide, I tend to believe that they are transparent with what they serve and their standards of safety and food handling. I love that the Chop Shop has an open concept kitchen. When I asked Christian about this he said exactly what I needed to hear, "We wanted to provide an open and transparent environment, somewhere where the customer can talk directly with the Chef and can inform them of any allergy or dietary restrictions. Somewhere where the customer can see how their food is prepared." While I was hanging out near the kitchen and watching I noticed all the employees in the kitchen seemed happy to be there, they worked well together and stayed focused on the task at hand while still having a good time. When I asked Christian about the atmosphere of the kitchen and told him how impressed I was with the staff he informed me that most of the staff has been there since opening day and that the Chop Shop wants to invest in, grow and further their employee's careers. They support their staff and tell them they can go as far as they'd like to go in their profession.  A good program and supportive bosses is the perfect recipe for happy and dedicated chefs.

When asked about the future of the Chop Shop Christian simply responded they want to be able to expand when the time is right. Judging by the Yelp reviews I see today, standing at 548 reviews with an almost perfect 5 out of 5 stars, my guess would be it isn't too far away.

I love this little roll up door where you can sit and watch the cars go by

The open concept kitchen clearly has nothing to hide

Simple and beautiful

Chop Shop

4990 East Colfax

Denver, CO 80220

Phone: (720) 550-7665

http://www.coloradochopshop.com/home

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Scenic Side of Vegas

When someone says Vegas I'm sure you automatically think glitz, glam and gambling but an outside world awaits. Las Vegas easily caters to outdoor enthusiasts and to those who just want to discover and enjoy scenic desert landscape. Here are just a few things it offers:

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

For those of you who love to hike, rock climb and experience the desert nature Red Rock Conservation Area is the place for you. This state park is located about 15 miles off the Las Vegas Strip and will leave you breathless with its 3,000 foot high red rock formations (The highest point being La Madre Mountain, standing at 8,154 feet). The vibrant, unique red color comes naturally from the iron oxide in the rock. Within the park is a 13 mile scenic loop that is popular for biking, slow drives in the car and Harley riding. There are plenty of stopping points along the way for selfies and unforgettable family pictures. The Red Rock Area offers something for everyone whether you want to hike, go horse back riding, rock climbing, biking, motorcycle riding or camping during the designated season. The Visitor’s Center is well worth a look as they have different exhibits that will teach you the history of the area and offer maps that show the various hiking trails. You will have the chance to see an assortment of wildlife (as the park is home to more than 200 species!) including burros, rabbits, eagles, mountain lions and coyotes. If you are a culture buff like me make sure to check out the Willow Springs area which contains authentic and original Indian handprints and petroglyphs through out. During the summer season be sure to carry plenty of water as the temperature can exceed 105 degrees most days. Always be on the look out for rattlesnakes and flash flooding that can occur in the off trail areas without warning. Above all, have fun and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the one and only Red Rock.

Red Rock Conservation Area

Mount Charleston

Moving up to the Northwest area of the city is where the locals go to escape the summer heat or hit the snow for some winter sports. Mount Charleston is the beautiful green (or in winter, white) escape from the desert. About 45 minutes off The Strip it will offer you activities for all seasons. During the summer you will find plenty of outstanding camp grounds to pitch a tent and go explore but if glamping is more your style you’re in luck! There is a resort on the mountain where you can stay for a couple nights and enjoy a comfy bed and a hot meal in the restaurant. You will also find a bar and lounge area where you can have your favorite cocktail. They offer different packages ranging from a romance package to a ski and snow one. There are several hiking trails to be enjoyed during good weather that lead to rich scenic areas, such as Mary Jane Falls. In the winter you can head up to Lee Canyon to go tubing, snowboarding or skiing. It could be a day trip but I would really recommend you stay at least one night to really enjoy it and be able to relax.

Mount Charleston in the Winter

Mount Charleston in the Spring

Valley of Fire and Lake Mead Recreational Area 

Moving along to the North East part of the valley if you go about an hour off The Strip you will find the absolutely stunning Valley of Fire. This area gets it's unique name from the way the rock formations seem to be on fire as they reflect the sun's rays. This is our favorite place to hop on a motorcycle and spend the day riding. The rock formations and array of colors make for some wonderful snapshots. I promise you, the scenery is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. There is a Visitor’s Center that has facilities for you to use, maps of camp grounds and RV parking areas, trails and other areas such as the petrified wood yard and places to see Indian petroglyphs that date back up to 3,000 years. There is also a range of wildlife including foxes, roadrunners and black tailed jack rabbits. There are endless places to set up camp, stop for a picnic, go hiking and take pictures! As you exit the park you will have the opportunity to take the Lake Mead scenic route and find yourself driving along the entire stretch of Lake Mead and end up in the adorable town of Boulder City. The Lake Mead region is perfect for the water junkie - jet skiing, boating, fishing, camping on the beach and water tubing and all of it right behind the famous Hoover Dam! There are places nearby where you can rent any equipment you might need to make for a memorable weekend. Remember to bring a tub of sunscreen and plenty of water. 

Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire

Lake Mead

You see, Vegas does have a crazy and lively reputation but it also has a laid back and outdoor adventurous side too. Some come, relax and enjoy nature.

A Kids Dream in Denver, Elitch Gardens

Elitch Gardens

A Kids Dream in Denver  

When in Denver the list of family activities is plentiful but there is a fun and historic place to go that the kids will be begging to go back to. Elitch Gardens is located near the Broncos Stadium in downtown Denver and offers fun for all ages. It first opened in 1890 as a botanical garden and zoo and has slowly evolved into the modern day amusement park locals enjoy today. 

What You Need to Know:

-        It’s $15 to park per day.

-        Your ticket purchase covers both the amusement and water park.

-        No outside food or drink is allowed (with the exception of baby food). They will confiscate it at the entrance.

-        They have metal detectors upon entering so make sure to leave pocket knives or anything similar at the hotel.

-        Check the online calendar as there are places in the park where concerts, movies and other performances and festivals are held for your family to enjoy.

-        They sometimes run a Groupon, so double check before you go for some extra savings.

-        You can add a Rapid Ride Pass to each ticket purchased so you can skip the long lines for some of the rides. From what I've read, most people don't think this is a good deal though.

-        There are a couple of different VIP experiences that may be well worth your dollar. Some including credits for the carnival games and other park perks.

Overall, we had a good experience at Elitch Gardens. The most challenging part was the beginning where there are two lines to wait in, one to buy your tickets and one to actually get in the park, both of which can be quite long. We waited about 45 minutes in total so be prepared with little ones. After going through the metal detectors at the entrance, we walked into an adorable little scene of shops. They looked like something straight out of a 1930s movie scene, some of the shops selling funnel cake, some selling souvenirs and some selling hot lunch items. Once we exited that area we came to the fork in the road, if you will, go straight and you go to the water park, take a left and you go to the amusement park. I can only speak to the amusement side as we did not go to the water park…so off we go! I love that the walk to the amusement park area is done up like an old Americana Main Street. There are charming little store fronts - places to eat, grab coffee and shop. The atmosphere is nice as there is music playing to get you hyped and in the mood for some rides! To the left of the centerpiece Ferris wheel is the Kiddie Land, an entire area dedicated to the kids. This was a surprisingly large area for a local amusement park and it was filled with unique rides that I’ve never seen before for children. Our son’s favorite was the motorcycle merry-go-round. With each spin the motorcycles you sit on pop up and do some wheelies. They even have a few thrill rides for the little ones as well as plays on a stage that are fun and educational. We spent a good 2 hours just enjoying the rides in Kiddie Land. After we let our little one enjoy himself it was time for us to go out and feel like kids again! The adult rides are equally fun, although I will say you won’t see anything too different from any other theme parks. The lines for most rides were between 10-40 minutes and while we were there, there were more than a couple of rides down. A couple of which we already waited 20 minutes or so for before they were closed. At one point, all the roller coasters were shut down due to some lightening moving in but it was quickly lifted and we were able to hop on and scream until our hearts were content. I have to say my favorite attraction (although not necessarily a thrill ride) was the Ghost Blasters ride. A journey that takes you through a spooky ghost house with a gun attached to your cart and lets you shoot at little targets pinned onto ghosts and ghouls. Since I love shooting guns in real life I was overly competitive and totally didn’t notice my poor son scared out of his mind…thank God daddy was there to comfort the little man (on the upside, I did score a 1200 which made me an EXPERT ghost hunter…yay me!!). There are carnival games throughout that are an extra cost ($3-$5 per game), face painting, Henna tattoos and photo booths. In my opinion, the food is overpriced and poor in quality (we paid $13 for 3 drinks, YIKES!) and I was disappointed that where we stopped to grab some snacks had no high chairs for my baby. As we were eating, I noticed several security guards and armed Denver police officers walking around and I realized how safe I felt the entire time. After looking into it, the Elitch Gardens website makes a point to say they have worked with Homeland Security and the Denver Police Department to come up with their firearms policy and create a safe and secure environment. I also love that they have a dress code within the amusement park that certain bathing suits are not allowed and cover ups must be worn on the amusement park side. I felt confident that my son wouldn’t be exposed to something inappropriate while enjoying himself.

I love this little town set up

The centerpiece Ferris wheel is a must go for everyone

A world all to themselves

This was my favorite ride in Kiddie Land!

Mike's Bikes - where ever kid can feel like a bada** for a few minutes

Free plays for everyone to enjoy

I thought I was going to pass out on this ride, talk about a thriller!

So many cute carnival games set up through out the adult side of the park

Taken as a whole, we had a fun and memorable day and at $36/adult and $32/child (these are ONLINE prices so make sure you buy in advance) for a day of enjoyment is kind of hard to beat. Our son is already begging to go back and the next time we are in Denver we just might treat him to a magical day of fun. 

Happy Travels!