I'm not GONE!!

I'm still writing awesome articles.  I've just switched to adventuresmadeeasy.com.  Go!  Check me out.  Keep making your adventures easy. 

Disneyland Height Requirements

When you have a little, all you want to do is ride all the rides you can with them.  I love taking our pint size mouseketeer to my happy place.  The only problem is I don't know what rides he can and can't ride.  Plus he's getting bigger so every time we go he seems to qualifies for a new ride.  I have several friends and family members who have had the same question too....what can my kid ride???  And....they ask me!!!  On the Disneyland website , and even the app(which I love) you need to click on each ride to see the height requirements.  I like all of that information without having to click on a zillion different things.  So, I went to Pinterest to see if anyone had taken all of the clicking work out for me.......and, guess what?  I found these awesome PDF's that I turned into JPG's.  I found them over at busymomshelper.com.  While I was there I saw so many good things.  Danielle(the busymomshelper) has written about so many helpful things.  She's got Disney things, crafts, recipes, and other great things worth checking out.  These lists are so helpful.  On our last trip my brother had asked me what rides we could take the littles on, and it was so easy to be able to circle the sections we could ride.  We then made a checklist to get to as many as possible.  We didn't get to all of them in one day, so I guess it's time for a follow up trip.  Plus, it will be fun to see if they qualify for anything new.  Thanks busymomhelper for doing all the work.  I love them, and know other parents will too.

 

San Diego Sunshine & Learning

I got out of the Utah smog and snow for a few days with my mom in sunny San Diego.  It was a necessary recharge, and a huge lesson in parenting.  I feel it my duty to share the top 8 things I learned about traveling with a 2 year old, and my mom.

8) Airlines that offer in seat entertainment are superior to any other airline. Thank you Delta for letting my kid watch Cars 3 coming and going!!!  In seat entertainment prevents me from having to bring ONE MORE THING.  

7) Let the Nana be the Nana.  The 2 of them loved walking hand in hand, reading books, and sharing treats together.  I never want my mom to feel like she has to be the secondary parent.  

6) Simple experiences bring the most joy.  My son spent 20 min. on the airplane playing with the seat belt, and window shade.  Later on he enjoyed drinking his chocolate milk the "fancy" way out of a stawless glass.

5) Let the littles help when you can.  Yes, it takes WAY more time but the experience is priceless.  It took us 30 min. to get from our car to the hotel room.  My Buddy was a walking superstar, and even pushed is own luggage most of the time.  

4) Just because I like the SeaWorld shows, doesn't mean my kid will.  He loved the dolphins, but was not interested in the whales, sea lions, seals, or even the puppies(even though I thought he would). 

3) My mom loves being a Nana.  She packed small toys in lunch sacks.  If he got fussy, she was there to  be the hero.  I will always pack some sort of new toy(s) for my kid while we travel.  The cheaper, the better.  Those things will get lost.  

2) Let them be little.  My little Buddy played in a fountain, chased waves, and tiptoed into situations that parents would normally stop.  But because I relaxed, I let him get wet and dirty knowing that I packed extra clothes.  

1) Parents that travel alone with children are ROCKSTARS.  One kid, and 2 adults..........I was exhausted!

It was really nice to soak up that vitamin d. It was also really cool to see how big my kid is getting.  He loves to travel, and I hope he never loses that love.  He's an awesome adventure buddy.  I highly recommend having children, just so you can travel with them and see the world through their eyes.  

Breakfast with your favorite Disneyland Pals

So many people are asking, "Where's the best character dining?"  So, I'm here to give you facts.  Then you decide...........

I'm only talking breakfast.  Why?  Most of the Disneyland character dining is only available at breakfast.  Cost is also comparable.  There are currently 4 options.  Due to Paradise Pier being remodeled into Pixar Pier we lost Ariel's Grotto.  Here's the necessary info.  Get a reservation before arriving.  No matter which option you choose.......it's popular.  Set this up as far in advance as you can.  60 days before you plan on dining is the BEST option.  You can always edit your reservation, but you want to make it ASAP.  

1) Plaza Inn: Mainstreet USA; Disneyland:  This is the only option available INSIDE a park.  

When; Character dining only available during breakfast buffet.

Cost: $32 adult $18 kids 

Typical Characters: Minnie Mouse, Tigger, Eeyore, Rafikki, Chip, Dale

2) Storytellers Cafe: Grand Californian: This place offers a dinner buffet, but without the characters.

When: Character dining only available during breakfast buffet.

Cost: $35 adult $15 kids

Typical Characters: Chip, Dale, Koda, Meeko

3) Goofy's Kitchen: Disneyland Hotel: This one is the most popular, so make your reservations ASAP.

When: Character dining is "the thing" here.  They offer breakfast and dinner.  At dinner you'll get Mickey too.  

Cost: $35 adult $18 kids

Typical Characters: Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, Chip, Dale

4) Surf's Up: Paradise Pier Hotel: This is the only breakfast where you can see Mickey.

When: Character dining only available at breakfast.  Dinner is a buffet, but not a character buffet.

Cost: $35 adult $15 kids

Typical Characters; Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, Daisy, Pluto

So.....what's my recommendation?  I've only experienced Plaza Inn and Surf's Up.  I also did Ariel's Grotto, but that's unfortunately not an option any more.  I chose Surf's Up because I wanted my kid to meet Mickey without spending half my day in a line.  It was great.  With all of this being said.......you go (and pay) for the characters at these locations.  It's not about the food.  Sure, each location has something that someone would consider "the best", but really there is nothing special about any of the food at these locations.  I loved the music at Surf's Up as well.  It was a P-A-R-T-Y!!! Id love to check out Goofy's Kitchen for dinner, just to see what they've got going on.  Who's coming with me?   

Through TSA in less than 5 min. (w/a kid)?!?!

The airport is one of my favorite places.  It's means that adventure is abounding.  Adventures for all the people I'm watching, adventures for family that I'm dropping off, and best of all...adventure for me!!  Interesting fact: we can't take my son to the airport anymore to drop people off.  He gets so sad that he's not going.  It's in his genes!!!  I love everything about being at the airport.  I love dropping off my bag, finding my terminal, and even going through security.  That's right!  TSA is not a problem for us, and all because of TSA Pre-Check.  Want to make your adventure just as easy, and enjoyable?

1.  What is TSA Pre-Check? Pre(check) allows travelers access to a separate security line at the airport.  Travelers in Pre are allowed to leave all of their items (liquids, technology) in their bags, and allowed to keep light jackets, belts, and SHOES on.  That's right.  No need to pull multiple things out of your bag, or remove your shoes(this is especially enjoyable if you are wearing sandals).  The line is always shorter, and TSA agents always get to you more quickly.

tsa.gov

2.  What does it entail? Pre is a service done prior to traveling deeming you "safe"before ever setting foot in the security line.  You go online, fill out an application, and set up an "interview". There are several locations, some are even in the airport.  We went to an off site location.  They conduct a quick interview and background check/fingerprinting.  After your visit(we actually got ours there) you are given a Known Traveler Number (KTN).  You can add this KTN to your airline information prior to travel, or at the ticket counter at the airport.  Your KTN is what allows you access to the Pre Check line.  Once you get to security, you simply show your ticket and breeze through security.  We've been in situations where you go through a simple metal detector.  Other opportunities had us going through the body scanner.  Either way, it's always super fast. 

3.  How long is it good for? You apply every 5 years.  

4. How much will it cost? $85 for the 5 year "membership".  There are credit card companies that will pay for this service as well.  American Express offers a service that includes Global Entry(international) & TSA Pre(domestic).   

I'm telling you, this thing has been a real life saver.  I'm not the best time manager, and this has saved us so many times.  I know that other services exist, but this one has been the best, most consist option of all.  Maybe it's right for you.  You can thank me later.  ENJOY your adventure through TSA.  

Running CAN have Disney Magic!

Alright!  Let's get serious.  Serious about 2 of my loves............Disney & Running.  Disney has been a hobby for my entire life.  Running on the other hand was a hobby from 2011-2013.  I am rekindling my love of running in the new year, and only because my doctor thinks it "might be a good idea".  So, here I am forcing my love on you and suggesting that you let a little love in your heart for what is called RunDisney.  No, I did not make this up.  RunDisney is a real life thing, and if you need something (like I do) to motivate you to run, it's going to be Disney.

Back in 2011 my Cousin taught me that my happy place could help make me healthy!  I'm not talking "healthy" because of all the calories you burn while walking from ride to ride.  I'm talking about a real life way to get healthy, stay healthy, and visit the Happiest Place on Earth.  Disneyland, Disney World, and Disneyland Paris all offer Run Disney events.  At the end of 2017 Disneyland announced that they were taking a hiatus from the RunDisney circuit because of the new hotel and Downtown Disney remodel that will take place over the next 2 years(I will be blogging about this is the future).  But, I am hopeful that it will return.  

RunDisney has been around for over 25 years.  How do I know?  Well, they just celebrated their 25th Anniversary in Florida during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.  But let's get down to it....
Why take up RunDisney running?

1.  You get access to Disney parks without having to pay for admission.  Sure you are in the park before it opens usually, and rides are closed, but, there are tons of other perks.  The park is empty(except the runners).  There is seriously nothing more magical than running through the castle from Fantasyland to Main Street.  Looking out and seeing main street is simply magical.  Disney World also allows you to ride Expedition Everest WHILE you race.  Sometimes you DO get to run during business hours.  The Disney World marathon usually lasts into the opening hours of the park.  All of the other guests weave around you, but they are always so encouraging.  As crazy at it may be, racing for cheers from strangers is very motivating(especially in those last 6 miles).  

2.  You get to see "backstage".  Hello, true Disney fans love being able to go behind the scenes of any Disney property.  My favorite has been running under the bridge from Disneyland to California Adventure.  It's magical to know you've crossed over in the non-traditional way.  They also pull out parade floats, and characters backstage.  To be honest though, my favorite are the maintenance, and backstage employees that stand outside cheering you on.  They wear their giant Mickey Mouse hands and clap for every single racer, smiling the whole time.  I always tear up at them "living the dream" working for Disney while I "live the dream" of running through Disney.  I admire them so much.  

3.  Photo-Ops!  You get exclusive access to characters, and performers along the race route.  This is one of the coolest perks of a RunDisney race.  As long as you can maintain the 16 minute mile you can stop for photos with some of your favorite characters.  There is usually AT LEAST one character per 2 miles.  Plus MOST of the photos are available with any Disney PhotoPass package you've already purchased for the park(this has only happened in the last year).  There is at least one entertainment option per mile, so it really helps keep you motivated.  As the miles get more challenging it seems that they up the entertainment just to keep you motivated.     \

4.  Dance Party all race long.  RunDisney races require a 16 min. mile average, which means you can practically dance the entire duration of the race.  They also have amazing music playing all race long.  It's usally at the half mile marks, so its always motivating when you hear that bass every half mile"ish".  They also supply the punch for the dance party.  All along the race route are Powerade and Water stations.  The volunteers at those stations are the best and such great motivators.

5.  THE BEST finisher medals in the world.  These things are so blingy, and heavy, and truly the best things ever.  It's even better when you complete an additional "challenge" and earn extra medals.  Disneyland offered dual medals for finishing a 10k & half marathon.  Disney World & Disneyland Paris also have these medals in addition to several more.  Paris offers a special medal if you complete the Paris half, and then another half in Florida or California(Castle to Chateau).  Disney World offers the most medals by far.  In addition to the 10k and half medal, they also have a medal for completing the half & full marathon(Goofy Challenge).  I completed my Goofy Challenge in 2013, and have no desire to do it again.  The most coveted Disney World medal by far is the Dopey Challenge medal.  You get this gem by completing the Goofy Challenge(half & full marathons), as well as the 5k and 10k.  Seriously!!!  It's 48.6 miles over four days.  My husband was a beast and completed his Dopey Challenge in 2016.  It was amazing!  The final medal  you can earn is actually not currently available since Disneyland is on hiatus.  It is called the Coast to Coast Challenge.  You get this medal by completing at least a half martahon in both Disneyland and Disney World within the same calendar year.  I've earned  this gem twice.  You feel so special(and slightly crazy) for earning this one.

There are a few cons to RunDisney but I have NEVER let those get in the way, so I won't waste too much space here.  The cons are cost, the amount of people, and the sad reality that your registration does not include park tickets.  BUT.....

RunDisney is an amazing experience.  It's such a motivator for being healthy at home.  I think about how much I want to do well at a RunDisney race and I work harder.  I've done several other races and nothing keeps me motivated or happier than a RunDisney race.  It's worth every bit of sweat and money to complete a RunDisney race.  I fully recommend it.

"Fancy" dining with a toddler

Our family loves to eat out.  We love trying new places, especially while on vacation and feeling like "foodies".  We love to go to casual places, quick service places, and even fine dining.  We recently wanted to try out a new Italian restaurant.  It wasn't "casual" dining, but it also wasn't what I would consider "fine" dining either.  It's a NICE restaurant.  We also have a 2 and a half year old.  Why do I tell you this?  Well, we like to take our toddler with us when we go out to eat.  Sure, if it's a special occasion or we just need a date, we won't take him, but we enjoy exposing him to all different kinds of food, and environments.

I understand that many people don't like taking their kids out to eat, let alone to a "nice" place.  I respect and understand why you do it, but we enjoy taking our kid.  We find that he is quick to assimilate to the atmosphere, and he also enjoys the adventure of dining out.  We know that not every kid can do this, so we do consider ourselves lucky.  (Let it be known that our kid still has a hard time some times and we are not afraid to leave and pick up Chik-fil-a instead).  We love giving him these experiences.  He's also a charmer with many of the servers.  He is learning that you can't just color at every restaurant, and how to be a "good boy" at a variety of locations.  I see many benefits to exposing him to our "foodie" world.

On the other hand, I'm not completely sure that restaurants are ready for us when they see us walk in with our RESERVED party of 3.  I understand that many places have policies with not allowing kids in, and I respect that.  We save those places for date nights.  I always research the place before we head in, so I know what to expect.  There are 4 things I research before taking our kid somewhere new.  These 4 things usually give me a sense of whether or not they will "survive" us coming in with a kid.

1.  Menu.  Does the menu have an additional kids menu?  Easy.  If you are listing kid options anywhere on your menu, I'm bringing him in.

2. Timing of my Visit.   I always consider WHEN we will be heading to that restaurant.  If I come to a "nice" place at 5:00 on a weekday I'm not usually concerned.  I'm of the mindset that if I bring my kid in with me to an establishment during a slow time they are probably just happy we are there waiting to give them money.  Pompous?  Maybe, but I do know enough about the restaurant business to say they don't want to turn you away during a slow time. 

3.  High Chairs.  If you've got them, you expect them to be utilized.   

4.  Reviews. If we are heading to an established restaurant I always check YELP to see what reviews say about kids.  YELP also has a feature called "good for kids" "good for families".  If they say YES, easy answer.  If they are still really new and I'm unable to find any information on their website, I will call or email.  

If you're on the fence of whether or not to take your child to a certain place, I say do it.  Take them.  It will be good for them.  I think it is a great learning experience for your kid.  At that "nice" Italian restaurant I could tell they were nervous when we walked in.  I reminded them that I requested a highchair in my reservation, and our son was well behaved.  By the end of the meal our server was ready to take him home.  He thanked her politely, and even kissed her hand.  He truly is a charmer. They were no longer concerned that we had a toddler with us.  We enjoyed our meal, and the restaurant enjoyed our son.  It was a great experience.