“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy”

It’s probably fair to say that you’ve heard of Disneyland.  It was the first of the modern family amusement parks and it is still the best.  Sure, other places might have a few more bells and whistles, but for history, detail, magic and fun, you can’t beat Disneyland.  It is the family vacation.

Disneyland was founded by Walt Disney as an alternative to the existing parks of his time.  He wanted someplace clean and fun where kids could be kids and adults could escape from the pressures of their daily lives.  He wanted a place where reality was checked at the door, or gate as the case may be.  It worked and it is still working today.

Located in Anaheim, California, just south of Los Angeles, the park is popular with both locals and tourists.  It can be visited in one day- one hurried, tiring and frustrating day, or it can be done at a slower pace.  Combine the park with the second gate,  Disney’s California Adventure, the Downtown Disney entertainment area and some quality hotel time, and you can stretch it for a week.

Disneyland is divided into different themed areas, each connected via the hub in the center or the railroad that runs mainly along the perimeter of the public areas of the park.

The areas consist of Main Street, U.S.A.,  Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country and Mickey’s Toontown.

Each different land offers a variety of rides, shows, shops, dining and opportunities to meet and greet an array of Disney’s famous characters.

Disneyland has numerous spacious and clean restrooms, a quiet area for those with small children, first aid, assistance for guests with disabilities, lockers and anything else one might need while away from home.

Of note for parents traveling with children that do not meet the height requirements on some rides, ask a cast member about a child swap voucher which will allow one parent to ride while the other stays with the kid(s).  Then the second parent may access the same ride through a much shorter line than the main queue.

Updated park hours, ticket prices and special events can be found here.  Driving directions are available here.

Read of my personal experiences at Disneyland here.

All photos by Whit Honea.

Too often family vacations can mean long hours of standing in line at the amusement park/museum/zoo etc. and not enough time just relaxing. Or, they can mean hours spent in a car with your immediate family, which, while a good bonding experience, can drive you crazy if you normally spend at least 8 hours a day on your own. Either way, getting in a round of golf can be just the thing your vacation needs to be truly relaxing. Here are 5 great courses near major family attractions that can ensure you give your 9 iron a bit of work while you take a breather.

1. Disneyland time? Take a morning and visit the Anaheim Hills golf course. It’s beautifully apportioned and if you’re pressed for time to get back for the 9am opening of Disneyland you can have the option of just playing 9 holes instead of the full course. Open year-round!

2.  New York bound? Check out Craig Golf Course in Jersey City, just outside of NYC proper. Formerly military owned, this is a true diamond in the rough- just make sure to go during the warmer months.

3.  South Carolina, in general, has several great golf resorts which provide amenities that your kids will enjoy as much as you do the links! Quite a few of these have time-shares as well, so if you have one as well you can look into trading!

4.  Hawaii with the family? While your kids are learning to surf at the beach, you can hit the links at the famous Kona Country Club which was featured on the ladies’ PGA tour recently.

5.  Disney World, of course, has it’s own course. Make that COURSES! Not one but three of these are featured on the PGA tour. You might just have to book the extra-long package just so you can try all three.

So don’t forget to take your clubs with you! If you’re not going to one of these places, you can search UpTake for a course near your destination.

**Thanks to Michael Simmons for the great photo of Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course.