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Disneyland Planning (or Talking!) with Making Magic with Mom

Updated: Mar 15

Planning a Disneyland trip can feel overwhelming—whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth! That’s where we come in. With over 50 trips under our belts, a deep love for Disney magic, and years of firsthand experience navigating the parks with kids, large groups, and even just the two of us, we’re here to make your trip smoother, more magical, and more affordable.


We’ve done it all: from staying at every Disneyland Resort hotel (and knowing exactly when it's worth it and when off-property is the way to go) to testing almost every restaurant in the parks and Downtown Disney. We’ve experienced Disneyland through every season, navigated the constant changes in park policies, and figured out the best ways to save money on food, souvenirs, and ticketing strategies.


Whether you're a first-time visitor, a returning guest who wants to maximize your experience, or a seasoned Disney fan looking for insider tips, we can help you plan smarter, save money, and enjoy more magic with customized advice tailored to your trip.


Why Talk to Us? Here are just some of the Disneyland experiences we can help with:

🏨 Where to Stay

  • On-site hotels: We’ve stayed at all three Disneyland Resort hotels and can break down which one is best for your group (spoiler: it’s not the same for everyone!).

  • Off-property options: Sometimes staying off-site is the better choice—we’ll help you pick the best spot for your budget and priorities.

  • Pros & cons of early entry benefits and if they’re worth the hotel price tag.



🍽️ Where to Eat

  • We’ve eaten at almost every restaurant in Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney.

  • Strong opinions on Tomorrowland Terrace dining (you’ll want to hear this!).

  • Oga’s Cantina

  • Best spots for character dining, quick bites, and hidden gems.


🎃 Holidays & Special Events

  • We’ve experienced every holiday season at Disneyland—Halloween, Christmas, and everything in between.

  • What’s actually worth the extra cost? We’ll tell you which events and add-ons are worth splurging on and which ones you can skip.

  • Oogie Boogie Bash 


🚶 Park Navigation & Touring Strategies

  • We’ve visited with kids ages 4-12 and groups ranging from just two people to 11+—so we know how to plan for every kind of visit.

  • Genie+, Lightning Lanes & Virtual Queues: If you want to skip the stress and the long lines, we’ll help you build a strategy that fits your group’s needs.

  • How to make Rope Drop work for you and avoid unnecessary early morning stress.

  • How to do Disneyland on a budget—without missing out on the magic.


💪 Disney Fitness & Wellness Experiences

  • RunDisney & park fitness challenges – We've done:

    • Two half marathons at Disneyland.

    • The Pixar Pier Adventure Challenge.

    • Early Morning Power Walk – What to expect, how to sign up, and if it’s worth waking up for!

    • Yoga in the Park at Space Mountain!– Our experience with this unique, peaceful way to start the day.


💰 Saving Money & Maximizing Value

  • How to save on food without feeling like you’re missing out.

  • The best ways to stretch your souvenir budget (and what’s actually worth bringing home).

  • Where to find free or low-cost Disney experiences in and around the parks.

  • Parking vs. walking vs. tramming—what makes the most sense for your visit.


🎟️ Exclusive & Limited-Time Experiences

  • We were there on the last day before the pandemic closure and in the days immediately after reopening—we know how Disney changes and adapts.

  • Special event tickets: Which ones are worth the price and which ones aren’t.

  • How to get the most out of a Magic Key pass (if it’s even the right choice for you).


🏰 Just Want to Talk Disneyland? We’re In!

Not planning a trip right now but just love talking Disneyland? Whether you want to:

  • Reminisce about past trips

  • Chat about your favorite Disneyland rides, snacks, or hidden gems

  • Get our thoughts on upcoming Disney changes and new attractions

  • Debate the best way to experience the parks

  • Or just geek out over all things Disney...

We’re here for it! Sometimes, you just need fellow Disney fans who get it. Let’s talk about the magic, the nostalgia, and why we keep going back year after year.


Ready to Make Your Trip More Magical?

Every Disneyland trip is different, and we love helping families, couples, and groups tailor their experience for their unique needs. Whether you're looking for a full trip-planning session or just need quick answers to specific questions, we’re happy to help!


📅 Book a consultation with us today and let’s start planning!

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Join us, a dynamic duo passionate about Disneyland and vintage treasures. Our eBay shop, The Knick Knack Attack, funds our magical adventures.

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