Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard about Disneyland. It’s the happiest place on earth! It’s also only a short eight hour drive from Vail. If you’re looking for a family friendly vacation, this is a must-try!

Right now, Disneyland is gearing up to welcome a new Star Wars area. Much of the park is closed during renovations, so it’s important your and your kids have the right expectations while construction is happening.

Although the park has more limited access than usual, there are still lots of ways to enjoy Disneyland. Here are my family’s best tips.

Pick the Right Time of Year

In Spring, the weather is cool but probably not too cold. The fall is a nice time of year to visit too. However, many families choose to spend summer vacation in Disneyland. This can be a mistake if you’re not a fan of the heat.

Although Vail is certainly not the coolest place on earth, it is filled with air conditioning and road trip hot spots where you can get some relief from the heat. At Disneyland, you’ll be outside standing in long lines and feeling the sunburn. Many families assume they can cool down with bottles of water throughout the day. That might be the case, but remember this – water is expensive at Disneyland. Think twice about going in June, July or August.

Stay Close By

Disneyland is like a small city. Outside of the amusement park walls, you’ll be met with hotels and other entertainment opportunities. Take advantage of the close proximity and stay in one of these locations. Not only are the rooms spectacular, but you’ll have easy access to come and go as you please.

Plan to Eat Outside the Park

The restaurants inside the park might look tempting… until you see the prices. It’s a good idea to plan to eat outside the park so you can save some of your money for souvenirs. There are lots of great restaurants waiting for you outside the entrance gates so don’t be afraid to head out for lunch.

Shop Downtown Disney

Want a break from the long lines? Try shopping at Downtown Disney! There are plenty of great stores for kids of all ages (yes, even the adults). Check them out for a break from the rides.

Download the App

Disney is tech friendly! Download their app to find out which rides have the shortest (or no) wait times. This is a life saver, especially if you’re with a large group who isn’t too picky about which rides to go on.