_Amy's Family Holiday to Mexico & Disneyland - YOU Travel & Cruise Ferrymead Christchurch.jpg

Sunshine, Magic & Mickey Ears

Amy’s Family Getaway from Los Cabos to Disneyland!

After a whirlwind stop in Los Angeles to reconnect with friends and soak up a bit of California charm, we boarded a quick flight to paradise, Los Cabos, Mexico, ready for a week of relaxation, indulgence, and full-blown vacation mode. And let me tell you, Cabo did not disappoint!

From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty. An easy, breezy airport transfer complete with cold beers for us and soft drinks for our daughter (chilly bin fully stocked, of course!) set the tone for what would be a dream escape. We checked into a beautiful all-inclusive resort, and it was love at first sight. Picture this: margaritas in hand, lounging poolside under the Mexican sun, with live entertainment, endless snacks, and that unmistakable feeling of ahhh… we’ve arrived.

We took a leisurely day trip to San José del Cabo, the more relaxed of the twin towns that make up the Los Cabos region. Just a short drive away, it’s bursting with charm: think cobblestone streets, art galleries, handmade crafts, and local jewellery stores perfect for a little souvenir shopping. If you're looking for a family-friendly tropical escape just a short flight from the U.S., Cabo is an absolute gem.

From Siestas to Spinning Teacups: The Disneyland Dream Continues!

Recharged and ready for more adventure, we made our way back to the magic—Disneyland Anaheim! After a quick stop in Las Vegas for some retail therapy and a show or two, it was time for our second family holiday to Disneyland... and yes, we're officially hooked.

This time, we dedicated 7 days to Anaheim, including 5 full park days and a couple of well-deserved “rest” days to give our feet a break. As tradition goes, we kicked things off with an evening stroll through Downtown Disney, Mickey Ears on, churros in hand, and that unmistakable Disney buzz in the air.

With five days in the parks, we skipped the Park Hopper pass, but for shorter stays, it’s worth it. One thing we can’t recommend enough? The Lightning Lane Pass. If used strategically, it’s a total game changer for cutting down wait times and maximizing the magic.

One of the biggest thrills this time around was Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. It’s not part of the regular Lightning Lane pass, but if you’re a fan (or even if you’re not!), keep an eye on wait times if it drops below 40 minutes, run, don’t walk. It’s next-level immersive.

We were lucky enough to visit during Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, and the celebrations were next level. The brand-new Paint the Night parade was a dazzling spectacle of colour, music, and pure Disney joy. Insider tip: catch the later show for a better view and shorter wait.

California Adventure: Soaked, Screamed, and Smiling

We split our park time into 3 days at Disneyland and 2 days at California Adventure, which felt like the perfect balance. Over at CA, Grizzly River Run was a splashy hit (do it in the morning so you have time to dry off!), and Incredicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy delivered big thrills. We can’t get enough of Cars Land, and yes, the wait for Radiator Springs Racers is totally worth it.

While park food has its charms (the popcorn smell is downright irresistible), we often preferred dining in Downtown Disney, where the meals are a little more budget-friendly and, honestly, often tastier.

Beyond the Parks: Sun, Surf & Baseball

On our non-park days, we headed to the beachside town of Huntington Beach, just a short Uber ride away. It was the 4th of July weekend, and the streets were decked out in red, white, and blue. There's something magical about soaking up small-town Americana on Independence Day.

To top it all off, we caught a baseball game at Angel Stadium, cheering on the Anaheim Angels. Even if you don’t know the rules, the energy, snacks, and classic American vibes make it a must-do!

A Perfect Family Escape

From margaritas in Mexico to Mickey ears in Anaheim, this trip was the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and family fun. Whether you're chasing thrills, soaking up sun, or simply reliving childhood dreams, this itinerary hits all the right notes.

Until next time, Cabo and Disneyland… we’ll be counting the days.

 

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