We all know that a trip to Disneyland can be expensive, so maximizing your enjoyment of your vacation time is the smart thing to do! Who wants to spend the whole time standing in line or staking out that perfect spot for the afternoon parade?

In my many visits to Disneyland, I've learned that some pre-planning (and a few judicious purchases before you leave) can save you both time and money. On this page I've gathered some important "survival" hints that everyone should know before departure.

The Disney fans who visit MouseSavers.com have lots of great information to share. This "Time is Money" page includes many reader contributions. Thank you to all who have shared their Disneyland hints, tips and tricks!

Essential Equipment

Here are several items you can bring that will help to make your Disneyland trip much more comfortable:

Moisture-Wicking Socks - You might be surprised to learn that cotton socks are NOT the best for walking in the heat. They quickly become saturated with moisture and then they start to rub -- voila, nasty blisters. A much better choice are the new high-tech socks that wick moisture away from your skin. CoolMax is a major brand, but there are lots of good competitors. These socks can be expensive -- a good place to look for closeout deals and bargains is Sierra Trading Post. Reader Panda O reports that Target stores now offer CoolMax socks at very good prices.

Comfortable Shoes or Sandals - Be sure to buy these well before the trip and wear them on some walks around the neighborhood, to make sure they don't "rub you the wrong way." Different people swear by different shoes, but the critical components most people need are arch support and thick soles. Thin-soled shoes of any kind are a recipe for disaster -- the hot pavement radiates up through them and they don't cushion your foot against the cement walkways. Some people love Teva brand athletic sandals. Personally I prefer a good quality pair of white athletic (walking) shoes. Click here for some good places to buy theme park walking shoes online.

Moleskin (foot padding) - Don't worry, it's a synthetic material and no actual moles are harmed to make it! This product is much better than regular sticky bandages for preventing blisters. If you know your shoe is rubbing at a certain point, or you start to feel a "hot spot" on your foot, just cut a piece of moleskin to size and cover that area of skin to prevent it from rubbing on your sock/shoe. It works really well. Available in most American pharmacies under the Dr. Scholl's brand. Buy it in advance so you can pre-cut some to various sizes.

Hat - A light-colored ball cap or other hat with a brim is a great thing to have at Disneyland. It gives your face a little shade, which both keeps you cooler and helps prevent sunburn. (It also helps to prevent sunburn on the top of your head -- obviously this is a worry if you're a little light in the hair department, but you can even get burned along the parting in your hair!) Hats are sold everywhere in the theme parks, but $19-$20 for a ball cap is the norm. Much cheaper to bring one along from home... you can get Disney-themed hats many places for much less.

Sunscreen - You'll need lots of this, and get at least SPF 20. Don't say "oh, I never burn." There is a lot of light-colored concrete everywhere at Disneyland, all radiating the sun's rays at you from every angle. This can cause burns in the most unlikely places, like the backs of your knees and under your chin! I personally like the spray-on sunscreen -- "Coppertone Sport" SPF 30 is my favorite, because it just sprays on with no rubbing and feels nice and cool. I find it is very effective, waterproof, light and not sticky. You can buy sunscreen throughout Disneyland, but it's a lot cheaper to buy it at home.

Waist Pack or Backpack

• A waist pack (aka fanny pack, or "bum bag" as our British, Aussie and Kiwi friends would say) makes it much easier to carry your stuff (ID, room key, money, credit cards) around, is relatively secure against pickpockets if you wear the bag in front, and keeps your hands free. I know they look kind of silly, but so do Mickey Mouse ears! Don't worry, you will see lots of people at Disneyland sporting both. Try eBags for a wide selection and good prices on waist packs.

• Alternatively, consider a small backpack/daypack. As long as it's small and squishy enough, you can probably cram it in beside you on any rides that don't provide storage space for personal items. A favorite of many Disney park fans is the Baggallini Messenger Sling Bag, which is sort of a backpack hybrid with lots and lots of pockets and compartments, including an outer mesh pocket that's perfect for a water bottle. eBags carries this bag in many colors at a very good price.

Ultimate Packing List & Tips for Packing Better

This one will definitely save you some time even before you head to Disneyland! I've updated and reorganized a great list originally compiled by Michelle E from Charlotte, NC. This packing list includes everything you would ever need, and a lot you don't -- it's smart to pack as light as possible since surcharges are now in place at most airlines for checked bags!

It's in Word format so that you can adapt it to your own needs -- just delete any items that don't apply to you. Also includes a checklist of things to do before you go, such as stopping the paper and the mail, etc.

		Disneyland Vacation Ultimate Packing List To download the list in Windows, right-click on the link and select "Save Target As." To download the list on a Mac, hold down the Option key while clicking on the link.

Pack Less - Laundry Tips

MouseSavers.com reader Lisa R offers an idea for those who want to pack lighter: "with all the excess baggage fees we have started to do our laundry at Disney and reuse the same outfits. Purex has come out with a product called 3-in-1 Complete. It is a preloaded sheet that has laundry detergent, softener and anti-static build into it. You simply throw it in with your wash, then when it's done, toss it into the dryer with the wet clothes." Purex 3-in-1 Complete is available at many US grocery and discount stores.

TSA Packing Hints

Be sure to check out the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) web page that discusses baggage limitations and tells you what NOT to pack in your checked luggage -- some of the items may surprise you.

In addition, bear in mind that liquids and gels over 3 ounces are banned from CARRY-ON luggage, and 3-oz bottles or tubes must be carried through security in a single, clear, quart-sized zip-top bag. This includes items such as deoderant, suntan lotion, toothpaste, perfume, makeup, contact lens solution, bottled water, etc.

		Need small sizes of your favorite items to fit in a TSA-approved baggie? Check out Minimus.biz, which offers a huge variety of travel-sized items, including toiletries, pharmacy/first aid, laundry soap and lots more.

NEVER pack valuables in checked luggage! Keep anything valuable (electronics, jewelry) or hard to replace (prescription medications, glasses/contacts, photos) with you, in your carry-on luggage. You should also keep all travel documents for the entire trip (flight/hotel/rental car confirmations, trip insurance documents, etc.) with you in your handbag or carry-on.

Avoid the Crowds

"The first suggestion should be branded on everyone's forehead, 'Go during value season.' There is simply no comparison in the levels of attendance.... This is one's first line of defense in the 'Time is Money' battle." - Jeff D from Toms River, NJ

		Nothing affects the value of your vacation as much as WHEN you choose to go! So, when are the busiest and least busy times at Disneyland? Be sure to see the answer in the Frequently Asked Questions section!

If you are traveling with young children who will want to ride Dumbo and the other "little kid" attractions in Fantasyland, I strongly recommend that you arrive at park opening and make a beeline for that area. Dumbo, in particular, is a very slow-loading ride and once the park has been open for an hour or two, the lines are huge. Get that one out of the way first!

"My own experience as a Disney veteran has taught me to leave the beaten path at the Magic Kingdom and begin in Adventureland and work clockwise through Frontierland... At a good time of year you can easily ride Pirates, Thunder and Splash Mountains in a matter of only an hour!" - James O from East Bridgewater, MA

When the park opens, go right up to the train and circle around to [New Orleans Square], and voila -- no one there. Get your Fastpass for [Pirates, Big Thunder,] Splash Mountain or whatever and get back on the train to Toontown. It takes about an hour or two before people get over there and by then you have covered it all. Back to Adventureland and do your Fastpass, then enjoy the crowds! - Mark V from Old Bridge, NJ

Shorter Waits in Ride Lines

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		Here are a few things you should know about FASTPASS, a system that can save you a lot of waiting in line: FASTPASS is FREE to anyone who is visiting the Disney theme parks FASTPASS is available for the most popular rides and attractions To get a FASTPASS, you insert your park admission ticket into a FASTPASS machine. You will get a FASTPASS allowing you to return at a specific time (usually it assigns a one-hour period during which you can return) to bypass the regular "standby" line. You go straight to the front! The current FASTPASS return time is posted above the machines, so that you can decide whether that time will work for you BEFORE you get the FASTPASS. Your FASTPASS will have printed on it the next time you can get another FASTPASS. It's possible to be holding more than one FASTPASS at a time, if you take advantage of this feature.

"...always take advantage of the Fast Pass. On the most popular rides we get a Fast Pass as soon as we enter the parks. Depending on the wait time you may only have to wait for less than 20 minutes [in the standby line] to ride, and then you can use your Fast Pass to ride again." - Toni K from Bel Air, MD

"Check the FastPass times for Big Thunder Mountain Railway and Splash Mountain. If the wait time and Fast Pass time are close together, get a Fast Pass for one and wait in line for the other. When you get off the first ride (that you waited in line for) you can walk right on the next ride." - Patrick S

"The Fast Pass system is wonderful. [It helps to know] what rides you should do first thing and what can wait. [On our last trip] we got to the park before the gates opened and headed straight to the Buzz Lightyear ride and rode it 4 times in 20 minutes. While we were in one line, my husband would run to the next Fast Pass ride and get passes. While I waited in line for food, he was running to get the next Fast Pass. While waiting for our time period on the passes, we would do other rides with short lines. If you plan your day around the passes and where you want to eat you can do the whole park in one day." - Gerry P from Crescent Springs, KY

"If you are with people who don't ride much (grandparents, wimps, etc.) have them go get a Fast Pass for you with their admission ticket for another ride. This way you wait less time and they wait less time waiting for you!" - Kevin P from Bayport, NY

Early Entry

Disney offers a special feature called Early Entry for Disneyland hotel guests and those who have multi-day Bonus Tickets. The Early Entry program allows you to enter Disneyland one hour before official opening on certain days of the week. Early Entry guests get access to Fantasyland attractions, including the Matterhorn, and occasionally other attractions are opened early as well. This is particularly valuable if you have little children who will want to ride Dumbo, the Tea Cups, etc.

Child Swap (aka Baby Swap)

Will you be visiting Disneyland with a child who is too short to ride some of the attractions you'd like to experience? You can still ride as long as you have two adults present, by taking advantage of the Child Swap, which is available on most height-restricted rides. When you enter the queue area, tell the Cast Member you'd like to do Child Swap. This allows the first adult to ride while the second adult stays with the child. Then the second adult can ride -- without waiting in line again -- while the first adult stays with the child.

Single Rider Line

If you don't mind possibly sitting separate from the rest of your party, ask at the queue entrance if the attraction offers a Single Rider line. The Cast Members loading ride vehicles draw from the Single Rider line to fill in empty seats, so this line often moves much faster than the regular line.

Special Needs

Those with special needs (mobility, visual, hearing or cognitive disabilities) can get a special pass, which is called a Guest Assistance Card, from Guest Services when you arrive. Different passes are offered to people with different needs, and depending on the type of pass, may allow you easier access to the various attractions. For more great info for those with disabilities who are planning a trip to Disney World, I recommend Teri's Disney Travelers' Disability FAQ.

See Mickey (and Other Characters) Faster

		Some tips from a Character Attendant who escorts the characters: Believe it or not, everyone will get through the character lines more quickly when families get in one line together. Holding places in line and then having to round up family members, or having the family photographer off on the side and then trying to jump in to take pictures adds to the confusion and slows the line. Have everything ready to go before you get to the front of the line. Have cameras out of camera bags, turned on and lens caps off. Have autograph books out and pens ready with the caps off. Have your children out of the stroller before it's time for them to go up and visit the characters. If you have a large group, have a plan. Decide in what order you are going to go up for your photos before you get in the line. For instance, you might decide little Bobby and Sally will take a photo with the character first, then Aunt Judy and Uncle Jim, then Grandma and Grandpa. Thanks to Jim R for the info!

"If pictures with the characters are important to you and your kids... be at the train station to take the Railroad to Mickey's Toontown at [early] opening. Our last several visits, we actually were on the train and moving when the park was opening. Within 2 or 3 minutes, we were off the train in Toontown - ALL the characters were just waiting on us!! On one occasion, as we approached Minnie's house from the train, she sort of stepped out in the street to greet our son and held his hand all during the tour of her house. We got lots of time and attention. Another advantage to doing this first thing is that the kids are more relaxed and refreshed than they normally would be if we had met the characters later in the day. Plus, we didn't have to make any special stops or go out of the way to find characters - we had already met almost all of them!! This really does save a lot of time and worry!!" - Maureen A from Ft. Smith, AR

Treating Cast Members Right

"Cast Member" (CM) is a Disney term for employee. The reason for this terminology is that Disney expects its workers to act as if they are "onstage" whenever they are working with the public.

The vast majority of Cast Members are exceptionally friendly, kind and helpful. However, they take a lot of abuse from guests who don't realize what a tough job it can be to deal with large crowds of demanding people all day. As a guest, it's easy to go into "vacation mode" and start thinking of CMs as if they are Audio-Animatronic or "just part of the Disney experience."

In reality, of course, they are only human. Being polite to you and assisting you is a Cast Member's job -- but as with any employee anywhere, they can choose to do the bare minimum. That's why having the right attitude can change your whole experience at Disneyland. So few guests really go out of their way to be friendly, kind and patient toward CMs that when you make that extra effort, it is often returned tenfold!

Joe M from Columbus, GA offers these words of wisdom about Cast Members, which I couldn't agree with more!

"Be friendly to all Cast Members. They are not responsible for the heat, crowds, obnoxious guests, or prices. They do, however, control most of your park experience.

We have been offered priority seats (when available) just because we were having a friendly conversation with the attending Cast Member. On our last trip we were given 3 free drinks for our children because we have befriended some Cast Members and we ALWAYS stop by their location to say hello. Our sons were given a special FastPass because they were polite to a Cast Member. I had a special dish made for me at a restaurant because I mentioned how much I enjoyed and missed it. (The entree had been discontinued). We have been given special seating for fireworks and parades simply because we were nice to the Cast Members working that event.

We never ask for anything, we just recognize that these people are working very hard to be sure OUR vacation is the best."

In short, when it comes to dealing with Cast Members, the Golden Rule definitely applies: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!" Treat a Cast Member with a little extra kindness and friendliness, and that CM is much more likely to "go the extra mile" for you.

Lost Kids

A parent's worst nightmare is losing track of small children in a crowded theme park. It happens surprisingly often, because everyone (kids and adults) can get distracted by all the fun things going on around them. Going on a hunt for a lost child can really put a damper on your day.

For that reason, be sure your kids know what a Cast Member badge looks like (white, oval). If they become separated from you, tell them to find the nearest Cast Member, who will help them find you.

If you can't find your child, don't panic. Locate the nearest Cast Member, who will direct you on what to do next. There is a centralized "Lost Parents" system and usually they'll have you all reunited in minutes. Good to know: no child has ever been kidnapped from a Disney theme park (perhaps because there are hidden cameras everywhere).

To make it easier for a CM to reunite you with your child in case you are separated, it's a good idea to make sure each child has your cell phone number and/or other contact info physically on him somewhere. There are many commercially-produced ID products for kids, ranging from rubber bracelets to temporary tattoos to dog tags to shoelaces printed with your contact info. However, there's no need to spend money on any of those. You can write the information in permanent marker on a piece of white fabric and safety-pin it into the back of the child's shirt collar, or put it on a slip of paper that is slipped into a shoe or pocket. If your kids are wearing lanyards (for pin collecting or just to hold their room key, tickets and FASTPASSes), the attached plastic sleeve is a good place to stow a business card with your contact info, or at least a piece of paper with your cell number. Don't put your child's first name or nickname anywhere that is visible to a casual observer.

MouseSavers.com reader Francis T has this additional suggestion: "Use a digital camera to take a photo of your kids BEFORE you head out to the park. Take a close up head shot and a full body shot. In the unlikely event that you and your children become separated, you have digital photos to show cast members, security guard or local police. Descriptions are great, but a picture is worth a thousand words. And don't forget to retake the photos when you buy and wear that new Disney sweatshirt, tee shirt or hat!"

MouseSavers.com reader Cristina C from Mexico has this suggestion for those whose kids don't speak English: "My kids speak only Spanish so I write with permanent ink on a piece of white fabric and attach it in the back of their shirts on the inside. As soon as we get somewhere I teach them who can help them in case they get lost and tell them to show that person where they have the information tag with the info in English: 'I only speak Spanish.' 'My name is...and nick name is...' along with both mom's and dad's names and cellphone numbers." Don't put your child's first name or nickname anywhere that is visible to a casual observer.

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