Disneyland Part I: City Hall, character breakfast, and crazy weather

I think I need a t-shirt that says, "I survived Disneyland!"

It's true. With a group of 15 people, including 3 toddlers, 2 tweens, 2 teenagers, 4 couples, 2 grandparents, and a partridge in a pear tree, it was truly the best of times and the worst of times...

Most of the "survival" aspect was merely due to two things: shuttling that many people around 2 parks, and the fact that we had brutal rain for 2 1/2 of the 4 days we were in Anaheim. Local forecasters stated that we got 75% of the water southern California was expected to get for the entire year - in that week! In fact, there was so much water that many of the attractions were shut down, flooded, or canceled. One of the afternoons we were there, Main Street flooded, and you could actually see ducks swimming in the roundabout (see picture below). Our shoes were wet, our kids were cold, but we stuck it out and ended up having a great time. Especially because we had no lines! But enough about our crazy weather! The good stuff is coming...

I have been asked by a lot of friends and family to post some of my secrets, tips, travel ideas, and Disneyland know-how on my blog for future park-goers. I must admit, I am merely a novice in the ways of Disneyland. There are many people who know a lot more about this stuff than I do (Amazon.com is full of books written by people who have made a living finding out all the secrets and stories of Disneyland)! In fact, I defer most of my knowledge to my good friends Nate and Marie who joined us on this particular trip. However, I'm happy to share what I know, and what has worked for our family. (Stay tuned for part II and III coming soon!)
One of the first things I tell people to do when arriving at Disneyland is to go to City Hall (located at the top of Main Street, USA). City Hall is full of valuable information about your tickets, attractions, as well as the place to get your Disney buttons. You may have noticed people walking around the park wearing buttons that say, "Happy Birthday [insert name here]!" or "I'm Celebrating" or "1st Time Visit". City Hall is where you can pick these items up for free...All you have to do is ask!

You may be wondering why bother with City Hall? It's simple. If you have a child who is visiting the park for the first time or celebrating a birthday, I strongly recommend getting them a button. Cast members (aka employees) are taught to look for these buttons and approach guests wearing them. For example, while we were at Disneyland, my niece Katie turned 12 and wore her birthday button. She was probably wished a "Happy Birthday" 50+ times by cast members, characters, ride operators, and various other park employees. Even performers in the parade wished her a happy birthday! Now tell me that's not cool.

(It is also important to note that buttons are not part of pin trading, which you can learn more about on my blog Cupcake Chowder.)

One of the other really fun things we did while at Disneyland was go to a character breakfast. There are several that are featured in or around the park: Minnie & Friends, Goofy's Kitchen, Lilo & Stitch Aloha, Chip 'n Dale Critters (see Cupcake Chowder), and Ariel's Grotto. There are also character lunches and dinners, but I like the breakfasts best because it does not interrupt your time at the park. Character breakfasts are a great way to meet your favorite Disney characters, make memories with your family, and enjoy fine dining. If any of you have done a character breakfast, please let me know which one you chose and why. I would love to know about your experiences at Disneyland and California Adventures. TTFN!

Disneyland mosaic (left to right)
1. Tigger on King Arthur's Carousel.
2. Ryan and Sofia cruising Toon Town.
3. PK in Toon Town jail.
4. Burt family with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.
5. Close-up of Tiana.
6. Meg & PK outside City Hall (center).
7. Peter greets the Princess and the Frog.
8. Amanda, Katie and Peter on the Disneyland Railroad.
9. Riding the train with Uncle "Gooey".
10. Whitehead family with Pooh Bear.
11. Tigger meets Tigger.
12. PK's favorite ride - Dumbo.
13. Sofia and Peter taking a break while the adults ride Splash Mountain.