Was It Worth It? California Recap: Our Family Vacation & 3 Tips to Maximize Value

Today, we’re diving into the burning question: Was it worth it? Welcome back to Making Everyday Magic! I’m Shanna, and if you’re new here, we’re a homeschooling family of four. As we enter our eighth year of homeschooling, we love sharing our adventures and insights—especially when it comes to family travel!

This post marks the conclusion of my three-part discussion on our recent California Extravaganza. So, let’s explore whether our trip was truly worth the investment and how you can maximize value on your family vacations!

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Quick Deets on Our California Adventure

We just returned home after an amazing trip to California, which included unforgettable experiences at Disneyland, Legoland, and the San Diego Zoo. For years, I’ve been dreaming of this California extravaganza, but costs have always held us back. Fortunately, we managed to snag some incredible travel deals this time around, making it an affordable reality for our family.

In the past, I typically plan to get six to eight weeks of our school year in before taking a break. However, this year was different. We needed to adjust our schedule due to some exciting news about my oldest child, which required a time commitment. In the end, this vacation came at the perfect time, allowing us to reset and kick off the school year with a sense of togetherness and joy.

Travel Deals Made It Possible

Timing is everything! We took advantage of fantastic travel deals, including a three-day Disneyland ticket offer for visits between Monday and Thursday, along with affordable flights through Southwest Airlines. Our Disneyland tickets, which would have typically cost around $1,600, ended up being about $800, resulting in significant savings that made our dream vacation a reality.

Time Off Was a Benefit

One unexpected perk was that our trip turned into a two-week break instead of just one. By traveling from Monday to Monday, we had ample time to reset mentally and tackle any school-related pressure points upon returning. This extra time off allowed us to enjoy our family bonding while still preparing for the school year ahead.

Embrace the Outdoor Activities in LA

Los Angeles is often perceived as a bustling city filled with skyscrapers, but it also offers a plethora of outdoor activities. You can take advantage of the beautiful weather by exploring attractions like the Griffith Observatory and hiking up to the Hollywood Sign. Walking around downtown and seeing iconic sites like the Dolby Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame added a memorable touch to our trip.

Enjoy the Magic of Disneyland

Disneyland can be overwhelming with the myriad of experiences available. It’s easy to feel inadequate if you can’t afford the pricier attractions, like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or building a custom lightsaber. However, your kids won’t miss out on these experiences if you don’t emphasize them. Focus instead on the priceless moments—the joy of watching fireworks, playing games in line, and the exhilaration of seeing Mickey Mouse in a parade.

Remember, a magical Disney experience doesn’t need to break the bank. Focus on the memories created during your time together, rather than the items or experiences that are often marketed to you.

Plan Wisely for Legoland and San Diego Zoo

Legoland, while smaller than Disneyland, provides plenty of fun for kids, especially between the ages of 9 and 10. For our trip, we spent two days at Legoland to ensure we experienced everything, including their new block parade. If you have time, consider spending part of your day at the water park, but don’t feel pressured to prioritize it if you’re used to water parks at home. I don’t feel like it is worth planning around, but a nice addition if time allows.

The San Diego Zoo is another highlight! We were lucky to visit during summer, so we enjoyed extended hours. It’s a sprawling zoo with beautiful views and plenty of attractions, but be prepared for lots of walking! While we enjoyed every moment, I recommend planning ahead to avoid potential disappointments, like missing out on specific animal exhibits.

Conclusion: Was It Worth It?

In short, yes, it was worth it! Our California trip provided us with precious family memories that outweighed any costs involved. It allowed us to bond as a family and reset our minds before diving back into schoolwork.

To maximize value during your travels, remember these three tips:

1. Utilize Gift Cards: Don’t overlook gift cards from big box stores and airlines, as they can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
2. Plan Outdoor Activities: Embrace the beautiful outdoor spaces available at your destination to make the most of your trip.
3. Focus on Experiences, Not Expenses: Prioritize moments that create lasting memories instead of feeling pressured to partake in costly attractions.

Thanks for joining me as we reflected on our California adventure! If you have any travel tips or experiences to share, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @makingeverydaymagic for more family travel inspiration.