There are few experiences more memorable than a child's first visit to Disneyland. However tempting it may be to go all out on upgrades, parents watching their pocketbooks will want to choose wisely and figure out the splurges that truly make a difference.

Running on select dates through November 1, the park is pulling out all the stops with a massive lineup of retro throwbacks, brand-new mazes, and atmospheric scare zones. If you are planning a family getaway to the Alamo City this autumn, here is your definitive guide to tackling Howl-O-Scream’s silver anniversary—from its daytime treats to nighttime thrills—with the family in tow.

Our family loves amusement parks. Disneyland. Disney World. Six Flags. Each is terrific in its own right, but we’ve got to admit that we’ve got a soft spot for LEGOLAND in Carlsbad, California.