A while ago we gave you some first steps in preparing your kids for your trip to Disneyland to keep them safe and a little out of your hair. As I've continued to watch other families, and my own, tackle logistics and kids in the parks over the years I've noticed there are a few more things you need to consider before you leave or enter the parks. These simple suggestions should help you avoid unnecessary conflict or heart attacks and ensure a pleasant and magical vacation!

If you're attending Mickey's Halloween Party at the Disneyland Resort this year, then this is information you must be familiar with! Costumes are one of the most popular aspects of the Party since adults otherwise never get to wear them inside the parks, but there are guidelines you must follow. On top of all that, there are other things you need to consider before you plan out your costume so you don't get held up at security or stopped by a CM. In the end it's still super fun as long as you abide by the rules!

You've made it to your hotel and you're ready to head to the parks.  You already know you don't want to waste the time and money driving since you're so close to the Resort entrance, but now what do you do?  The solution for Good Neighbor Hotels is simple, but unless you already know about it getting to and from the parks and the Disneyland Resort Hotels can be more complicated.  It doesn't sound like it should, but believe me that there's more to know than meets the eye.

We've talked about cooling off at California Adventure, but on a hot summer day there are also plenty of ways to stay cool in the Happiest Place on Earth itself!  Obviously, certain restaurants are indoors and can keep you out of the sun that way, but most visitors don't necessarily spend the time and money those places require.  For you guys, here are some of my favourite ways to tackle with the heat.

As of this spring, Disneyland has changed their security checkpoints, particularly on the west side of the resort.  Some may have already noticed the changes if you've visited recently, but for the rest it's important to know what's different.  For some visitors, these changes mean a little more inconvenience, but overall the changes are allowing visitors to get through security faster and on to the parks.

Let's talk security: there is a small list of items that are officially banned inside the parks at the Disneyland Resort.  If you are caught with any item on the list you could either have it confiscated or be even escorted from the park.  Granted, that's a worst-case scenario, but it's still a good idea to know beforehand some of these relatively simple items that you can't bring with you - plus some other things everyone says are banned but are actually okay!