Happy Place. (and some Disneyland tips for visiting with an infant)

Clarke and I are really making use of our Disneyland passes, now that the summer rush and heat are dying down. Middle of September and October, as well as February and March, are my favorite times of the year to visit the park because the lines are short, the crowds are thin, and the weather is perfect--not over 100°! 

Last Friday was Clarke's fourth (or fifth?) time at Disneyland...and he's only 4 months old, how is that fair? Hmm. Anyway, we accompanied Aunt Iris and cousin Shekendra on their mommy-daughter date and it was fabulous! Everything went smoothly, including finding a comfortably shady spot to watch the afternoon parade. We're planning many more visits in the coming year, because we are definitely renewing come October.

Spending an entire day at Disneyland with a nursing baby is definitely challenging, but here are several things that I do to make it easier:

1. First of all, I have to start the day off with a flexible mind and a can-do attitude. In the past, I've entered the park with precise plans written down to be executed just right, in order to get the most of the day and to get on the most rides. That does not happen with a baby. At least, not successfully.

2. I use a front baby carrier instead of a stroller to maneuver around easily; of course, this may change as Clarke gets older, and definitively heavier. But I see it as good exercise and if I get tired, there are places to rest everywhere.

{click to see more tips}

2. When he was younger and nursing more frequently (and taking a half hour or more each time) I would use the Baby Center almost every time. A couple times I just found a secluded bench and relaxed while I people-watched. Once or twice I actually nursed him during a show or a dark ride (Pirates of the Carribean!). I don't know if anyone actually knew I was nursing, and if they did, they didn't say anything, even with their expressions.

3. I rest, a lot. Clarke isn't the only one who gets tired.

4. I carry only the essentials around with me. One canvas shoulder bag carries my camera, water bottle, a couple of diapers, wipes in a ziploc bag, a light blanket (to nurse or use as a sun shield), and in my pockets, my credit card and annual pass.

Which brings me to my next tip, 

5. Renting a locker. If we're going to be in the park for more than two meals, I like to pack a large lunchbag with sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. Then we rent a $7 locker outside the Disneyland entrance and store all the extra stuff there. You can access the locker however many times you need, and it minimizes bulk as well as saves money on food and drinks.

6. Franco and I have only used the "Rider Switch" pass once for the currently longest line--the Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land--and only waited a half hour between both of us instead of two and a half hours, but we plan to use it again in the future because it saves a lot of time. It basically allows one parent to wait in line while the other waits with the child and then the parents can switch, and the other parent uses the pass in the Fast Pass line. The difference between this pass the the regular FastPass is that there is no "come back at this time" allotment. You can use the Rider Switch pass anytime.

7. This may seem like a "Duh" tip, but I can't stress it enough: drink a lot of water. There are a few fountains located around the parks and I always refill my bottle when I pass one, even if it's not empty yet.

I have other Disneyland tips, but this post is super long already! Can't wait to go back to the happy place again soon!