For those rides with FastPass available you will notice two signs;  one says about how long the line wait is and the other shows the time range those who decide to use FastPass should return.  To use FastPass insert each person's ticket into the FastPass machine (sometimes they are difficult to locate since they are often tucked away to the side....if you can't find the machines, just ask one of the helpers located at the ride entrance).  A FastPass ticket will be dispensed and will show what window of time the rider should return to the ride (usually it is about a one hour window).  Since there is a limit to how often you can get a FastPass, the ticket dispensed will also show what time you may acquire another pass at that ride or another in the park.  Now you can go to another ride, show or do some shopping.  Return between the times shown on your FastPass and go to the designated FastPass entrance.  Be prepared to show your FastPass ticket.  You will then be able to bypass a large portion of the line (one ride that still had quite a long wait after moving up with the FastPass was the Indiana Jones Adventure). 

You might consider a trip during non-peak times if you have little ones (non-peak times are during the traditional school year excluding the Winter and Spring holiday breaks).   To optimize your visit, look at the Disneyland website and plan your day.  Before leaving we decided what areas we would like to spend the most time in and how to take advantage of the FastPasses to make the most of our time.    There are some rides (that do not offer FastPass) which you might want to put at the top of your list.  Both the Matterhorn and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage were almost always busy;  try to get to those early in the day to avoid the longest lines.

Don't forget take a break and enjoy some of the shows!  We especially enjoyed the "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" show and The Robot Show in the Innovations Building.  In fact, my children seemed to talk more about The Robot Show than anything else; even days later!

Parking is available at a variety of lots for differing amounts.  Our favorite lot is the Mickey and Friends lot which is $11.  A tram takes you from that parking structure to Disneyland / California Adventures (the kids loved the tram ride!).   Stroller rentals are available at the Disneyland entrance.   If you are a AAA member, use your card for a 10% discount at the Plaza Inn Restaurant.  Though be warned, the Plaza Inn was the only dark spot on an otherwise wonderful trip to Disneyland.  This restaurant is a cafeteria style with seperate lines for different types of food.  The line for meat meals was shorter than the line for pasta meals so our chicken dinners became cold while some family members stood in the very long line for pasta.  Also, when my 8 year old asked for a chicken dinner they served him a $14.95 adult dinner instead of asking if he wanted a kid's size portion.  We ended up spending $85 for dinner that had long gone cold while waiting for everyone to work their way through lines. 

Overall, Disneyland offers fun for the whole family, and though expensive was well worth the price for the memories created.

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