Goofy in his Christmas attire

Spending time with family at the special place Walt Disney created with families in mind can be a challenge during any peak season and especially challenging during the Christmas season. It was not long ago when the week before Christmas found Disneyland all decked out for Christmas and the streets pretty empty. Christmas Eve was a virtual "graveyard" in the late afternoon and Disneyland closed early. Well, that was then.

The reality of spending a day at Disneyland during the holidays season is much different now; high prices, long lines and the occasional rude guests are just some of the pitfalls ahead of you. With all this in mind lets take at look enjoying the Disneyland Resort knowing what lies ahead.

Arrive early, the earlier the better. Lets face it, many people are not early risers or may be at work. The evenings can get really crowded as the local Annual Passport holders start getting off work and heading to the Happiest Place on Earth. When you arrive at the tram and the crowds already look daunting, don't panic. Many people find it much more relaxing to walk the short distance to the Disneyland Resort Entrance than to take the tram when it's crowded. If you're not sure where to go, ask one of the friendly Disney cast members. There are actually two routes from the Mickey and Friends parking structure. The first and most direct route parallels the route of the Disneyland tram and does require you cross a street at a light. The second route takes you through Downtown Disney and is a little longer. The Downtown Disney route also offers entrance to Disneyland via the monorail. You can enter Disney's California Adventure (DCA) through the Grand Californian Hotel. Bag check is usually much shorter at this entrance.

Don't be a sheep. That's the best piece of advice anyone can give you and the best advice you'll ever take. Most people see a crowd and they follow. Take in your surrounding and make an informed decision. Not all lines (queues in Disney lingo) are equal. More often than not, there are lines with half as many people in it as the one you may be standing in. This is especially true at the main entrances of the parks. Don't be a follower. Watch where you walk, the parks will be crowded, and believe it or not, you're not the only one there. If you stop, don't stop in doorways, entrances, exits, or main paths of travel. This is a cardinal sin if you're in a large group. If you drive an ECV, are in a wheelchair or on crutches, Disney tries to accommodate your needs, but that doesn't mean you can be rude. Crowds will not part like the red sea just because the ECV has a horn on it.

Mickey Mouse is ready for the Holidays

Be prepared when you enter a line if you need to show a ticket (main entrance for example) or are ordering food. Most likely you will be standing in the line for a short period of time. Put that time to good use and figure out what you want to eat before you get to the front of the line. It will save you time and all the guest standing behind you. If you're traveling in a large group, think about whether or not the entire group has to be in line. Perhaps the kids would behave better if they where hunting for a place to sit and gathering the condiments with an adult before the food arrives. If you're in line for an attraction, know how many are in your group before the cast member asks. Its not rocket science and should not require a slide rule or abacus. If your in the FASTPASS line, have it out.Get ready for bag check before you arrive at the table. Cast members will ask to look in ALL bags, purses, etc and in all compartments of those items. Have them ready and open.

While we're on lines, you'll never get a picture with your favorite character without standing in one. Be patient, don't cut in and try not to monopolize the character's time to much. They are on schedules and some guest may not get their picture if you take your sweet time. The characters and their handlers will do their best to be kind and patient, but the guests behind you might not.

Everybody likes a parade, ...... and a show, ...... and fireworks. Don't wait to the last minute to get a place to stand or sit. Guests start holding spots for Fantasmic as early as 3 pm. Wait for the second show. The best place to see the fireworks is in a spot you can see the front of Sleepy Beauty's Castle, but you can see them from almost anywhere in the park. You be the judge of how badly you need to be in front of the Castle when you see the sea of humanity. Simply said, plan ahead for shows, parades and fireworks.

Use Disney's FASTPASS. Evidence can be found to support the idea that FASTPASS makes all lines longer and it does, but ...... they are here to stay for the time being, so use them. Don't be so structured in your visit that you have to finish one side of the park before you head to the next side. The park is not that big. Many on-line site might suggest this kind of traveling, but it takes all the fun and spontaneity out of your visit. The one exception might be Fantasyland. If are traveling with kids and arrived at park opening, go straight to Fantasyland without passing GO!

visit "it's a small world" Holiday

The holiday season may also be the time to visit those attractions you may have skipped on your last visit. Take advantage of attractions like the Tiki Room where you can sit, relax and enjoy a show. You can also take in the yummy Pineapple Dole Whips with you in the theater. This is the only attraction at Disneyland which allows food. The Dole Whip line is always shorter on the Tiki Room attraction side, so use it even if your not going into the Tiki Room. The newly re-opened Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is another classic that is a great place to sit and enjoy a show.

The Golden Horseshoe Saloon is a great place to relax, eat and catch a show. It's not as widely known as a place to eat and lines tend to be a little shorter there. For family style dining and fun, the Big Thunder BBQ is a kick. Troubadour Tavern in Fantasyland is the newest place to dine at Disneyland and features Succulent bratwurst-seasoned pork sausage and bake potatoes with your choice of toppings. Don't worry parents, they have a kids meal also. Disneyland has many places to dine including table service and quick service. If your not sure what to try, most Cast Members will be happy to share their favorite dining locations with you.

Downtown Disney has many dining venues and shops which make a nice mid day diversion. Don't be afraid to venture off Disney property either. The Garden Walk is short walk (shuttle service also available) from Disneyland across harbor Blvd and boast a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Johnny Rockets, P.F. Changs and more.  If you don't mind jumping in your car, the Historic Downtown District of Garden Grove is less than five minutes away and features the new local family favorite, Doug's Downtown Grill at 12900 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA 92840, Doug's phone number is (714) 539-4334.

Take a break if you need too. Disneyland and DCA are open late and there are plenty of places to unwind. The kids can blow off steam on Disneyland's Tom Sawyer's Island or DCA's Redwood Creek Challenge Trails. Both parks also offer baby stations for the needs of mothers and small children. For adults, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel has a nice lobby with big comfortable chairs for a quick power nap.

Lastly, remember as you are enjoying your holiday, the cast members are working through their holidays to make yours special. The high demands on cast members this time of year can be tough on them. Smile, be courteous and patient, and say thank you when appropriate. You'll make a cast members day, and they'll make yours one full of Disney magic.