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Walt Disney designed Disneyland with family entertainment in mind. Because of his vision there are many ways to enjoy a Disneyland vacation with children. However, if you are taking your grandchildren to Disneyland there are a few things you can do to make it an extra special trip. Here is a list of five things you should do with your grandchildren at the Disneyland Resort.

1. Dine with the characters. Several different restaurants at the Disneyland Resort offer reservations to dine with the characters. Plaza Inn has a breakfast with Minnie Mouse and friends. Arial's Grotto features lunch and dinner with the Disney princesses. This is a must if you have a granddaughter. Goofy's Kitchen's character meal is at dinner time. PCH grill host's Lilo and Stitch's Aloha Breakfast. Pluto, Chip and Dale are regulars for breakfast at the Storyteller's Caf. Call the Disneyland reservation line at 714-781-3463 to make reservations for any of these character meals. Make sure you have an autograph book and pen handy so your grandchild can get autographs from the characters they meet.

2. Buy them a pair of Mickey Mouse ears. You can't beat the nostalgia of a pair of Mickey Mouse ears. Buy your grandchild a pair and have them embroidered with their name. Their Mickey ears will become a treasured keepsake from this trip for years. Although Mickey ears are available in stores around the park, The Mad Hatter is a favorite spot to pick some up. It is located in Fantasyland near the Alice in Wonderland ride. Make a note that Disneyland has a policy against embroidering nicknames on their Mickey Mouse ears. While you may have them put "Timmy" on the back of a new pair of ears instead of "Timothy" (if you don't tell them Timmy is not his given name) they won't allow you to put "Champ" or another nickname you may call your grandson. This is to protect the Disney's image against inappropriate words on their iconic merchandise.

3. Have your picture taken with Mickey Mouse. Visit Mickey in his movie barn in Toon Town and have a Disneyland photographer snap your picture with your grandchild and pick it up later at The Main Street Supply Co. You can have the photos printed with the year. Make sure you get a copy for yourself and your grandchild. The best time to visit Mickey in Toon Town is early in the morning to avoid long lines. Mickey will not be in his movie barn during parades.

4. Enjoy your grandchild's favorite rides. If this is your grandchild's first visit to Disneyland they will especially love riding Dumbo. Dumbo is a favorite at Disneyland with all children. It is also a grandparent friendly ride. Make sure a friend or family member snaps your picture with your grandchild while you are soaring through the air. Other favorite rides you will enjoy with your grandchildren are It's a Small World, Storybook Canal, and Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. None of these rides have height restrictions and are all gentle. Be aware that some rides in Fantasyland, although themed for children, may frighten very young children even though the rides themselves are gentle.

5. Watch the parades and fireworks. When entering the park make sure you get a map. It will list the location and times of all shows, parades and firework displays. Children love waving at their favorite characters while watching a parade. Make sure you arrive early to save a place to sit. The firework shows provide the perfect ending to a magical Disneyland visit. Around Christmastime the firework shows even end with snow around the castle and down main street.

Disneyland is a magical place and you and your grandchild will enjoy making memories there.

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