If my memory serves, Disneyland won several awards for its Fastpass system. This ingenious invention allows guests to obtain a ticket with a printed time on it. Later, when the guest returns to the attraction during the one-hour window, they can bypass the majority of the queue and proceed to almost the front of the line.

This process allows guests to more thoroughly enjoy their visit to Disneyland in that one does not need to stand in line for hours, waiting to board their favorite attraction. While the computer saves the guest’s place in line, the guest can explore other attractions. This allows guests to discover attractions, which would not normally get as much traffic.

Keep in mind a few reminders when using Fastpass:

1) Don’t lose your admission passport. Your passport is the only way you can get a Fastpass for your favorite attractions.

2) You can only get one Fastpass at a time. When the Fastpass ticket dispenses, check the bottom of the ticket to see when you can obtain another one. Usually, it is around the time you are supposed to board your attraction.

3) If you miss the window printed on your Fastpass, don’t worry. Cast Members will still accept expired Fastpasses.

4) Seasonal attractions such as the Small World Holiday and the Haunted Mansion Holiday, which operate during the Christmas season, will offer Fastpass service. However, when these attractions return to their original state in January, they no longer provide Fastpasses.

5) Fastpasses do run out. On very crowded days such as New Year’s Eve or Independence Day, popular attractions such as Space Mountain and Splash Mountain will run out of Fastpasses as early as noon (as we have experienced first-hand).

6) Check your guidemap to see which attractions offer Fastpass to make the most of your visit.

Being a Disney fan I could not pass up visiting the park at least one day while visiting the LA area. Since we were only here one day we decided not to upgrade to the one-day park hopper, although in the end we probably should have. If you just go to Disneyland for one day with someone in a wheelchair it can get boring because you easily get on every ride you want and have you list done by noon. The only ride that we waited forever was Pirates of the Caribbean, which recently reopened with Jack Sparrow animatronics. That wheelchair line took us almost two hours, but it was worth it and I have no problem waiting the same amount of time every one in the regular line was waiting.

The first thing we did at the park was head to the VMK booth in Tomorrowland to turn in some quests I printed off at home and found the answers to online and do the ones that are handed out in the park, which I also had brought the answers from online with for. By doing any quest you get a glow-in-the-dark wristband and depending on the quest you get different cards that have codes that can be redeemed online for virtual items in www.vmk.com For each quest the prizes are awarded to every one in your party, as long as you have their park tickets with you, so do not worry about filling out five of the same pamphlet for you party unless the kids each want to have their own then definitely let each have their own fun finding the answers.

For most visitors one day in Disneyland is enough, especially if you stay from 8am to 11pm like we did. It really depends on the age group you go with. Some young kids can enjoy going on all the rides in Fantasyland over and over, but parents may get tired of that and sometimes the lines can be really long. Older kids may get bored if they are only into the thrill rides. If you park hop and are visiting during peak times than several days in Disneyland is necessary to do everything without becoming bored. Do not just ride the rides, but also enjoy the great parades, shows, and fireworks.

Looking for a magical place to have some fun at? Well, then Disneyland is your spot!! This magical place puts together all those things that make you smile: cute Disney characters, rides, and fun shows.

They have a bunch of fun rides here. My absolute favorite was the It's a Small World ride which featured so many different cultures. You will also find Disney characters signing autographs and taking pics with park-goers all around the park. Also, watch out for the Disney parade, featuring all of your favorite Disney characters.

This park will cost you, but I think it is worth the money spent because it is so much fun. Food and drinks can run pretty expensive inside the park, so try to bring some of your own!

Disneyland is great, but I'm going to give you some insight on how to see the best things in the park:

First get a map! Look up which characters your children are interested in seeing and selectively go to those spots during their viewing time. Don't just walk aimlessly looking for characters or you won't find them. Each character now has a particular location in the park that they are stationed and a schedule by which you can come visit them.

Get a Disney FASTPASS as often as possible. This is a way to avoid the long lines, not like the old days of waiting in line for hours at a time. Again, look at the map and plan out what rides are a must for your visit that day. Get a Disney FASTPASS for the rides that normally are quite the wait. That allows you to go on another ride and then go back to the popular ride and literally cut in line! You can only hold one FASTPASS at a time, so as soon as you use one, go get another! Great rides that are a must: Star Tours, Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Indiana Jones Temple of Doom. The little ones will love all the rides in Toon Town and Fantasyland.

For Dining inside the park there are several great places to eat, but for a great sit down place... eat at the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean. Here there is good food and a very cool atmosphere!

If you have children this is a must for your visit to Southern California. Spend the money, your kids will talk about Disneyland for years to come and then they will take their own kids... just like you and me!

Disneyland is certainly a happy place to be, but I'm not sure that it is the happiest place on Earth. Prior to this trip, I had visited Disney World four times. I must say that Disneyland pales in comparison. It is charming, cute, and classic, but it just does not have nearly as many attractions, hotels, and restaurants to offer. Nevertheless, it amounts to a good time, especially if you have kids.

Disneyland can easily be done in a single day. The best piece of advice I can give is to arrive at park opening. The park is small, so it gets very crowded by the afternoon and the waits for many attractions become unbearable. Hit Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad first. After that, visit the outdoor attractions like the Jungle Cruise. Save the indoor shows, like "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" for later, so you can spend the hottest part of the day inside.

Overall, the Disneyland experience varies greatly. It is not nearly as overwhelming as Disney World, so take the time to browse the shops, mingle with the characters, and enjoy your day. Be sure to take lots of pictures and enjoy yourself!