Which are best?  Only interested in Disneyland in CA - not Disneyworld in FL.  Thanks for any info or tips!!

I personally would not waste your money on a Disneyland guide. I have a routine I follow, but I have been to Disneyland many times (not DW-FL). Last trip was 4 years ago, and I need to go again. And their website should have a lot of info on it. Also, if you stay at a hotel within a couple miles or so, all of them have regular all day/night shuttles and the farther away, the less expensive it will be.

You should be able to get anything you need free through AAA. I know they keep making improvements-for instance they revamped the parking, its much easier now to get in and out and over to the park. But you won't need it if you shuttle. The best time to get started is early in the am (and from the looks of the time on this message, that should be pretty easy for you!) Early morning, you can hot foot it to the popular rides and get right on them without much of a wait-if you get a package, I know they do early bird deals. I don't know how tall J is but I know they have height requirements on a lot of the rides, and the admission is quite expensive now, if he is not tall enough I would wait til he gets another inch or so on him. Also, DO NOT BUY A SEPARATE TICKET for California adventure-get a park hopper (2/1). C/A is basically more an amusement park than a fantasy adventure. Although it does have a Bug's Life. That's fun.

Also a fun place to eat is Goofy's Kitchen at the bottom of the Disneyland Hotel. Its a very nice Buffet and they have the characters go around to all the tables and talk to the kids. Make sure J has an autograph book for that. You have to go early or get a reservation, as it is very popular.

That's all I can think of for now.

And don't try to cram it all into one day. You will just get frustrated. Get a 3 day pass and take your time.

Back in 2003 I used a guide by this same peron for Diseyworld. It did help in planing our trip.

The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2008 you might give this one a try.

Thanks so much Kathy - you covered a lot!

Also thanks for the book rec Lynn. :)

If we go we will probably stay at least a week and see other things in the area. I couldn't imagine trying to do the park in a day - that's nuts!!

I don't have a book recommendation, but have been there 30-40 times. If you have specific questions, I may be able to help. email or pm me, whatever this site allows. What month are you planning to go?

I like the Unofficial Guide. We used it twice this year and found it very helpful! (I live in So Cal).

Depending on the time of year and what day you go, I actually think it's doable in a day. I guess it would also depend on how many kids you have, etc. But you will probably have more fun if you spread it out so you don't feel rushed.

Since you'll be in the area, I highly recommend the Wild Animal Park in Escondido (related to the San Diego Zoo but in a different place). If you have kids, Legoland is fun too.