101 Great Disneyland Tips
Want to do Disneyland and Disney California Adventure like a pro? We have 101 tips that’ll help you save money and time and info to improve your vacation! Everything from Star Wars Land to avoiding lines to best fireworks views and so much more is covered. (Updated September 6, 2019.)
Over our years as Annual Passholders, we’ve learned a lot–and share that with you in this post. Of course, as with things like this not all of these tips will be universally applicable, but there should be something for everyone here. Whether you’re a Disneyland first-timer or a veteran visitor to California who still has nightmare-flashbacks to Light Magic, there are tips for you here!
Oh, and be sure to read the comments at the end, as some readers have shared additional tips that are pretty strong. Keep in mind that these tips are pretty random…if you’re looking for start to finish vacation planning advice, read our comprehensive Disneyland Trip Planning Guide instead of or in addition to this post.
Note that this post is regularly updated, removing tips that are no longer applicable and replacing them new tips based on things we’ve learned recently. We’ve visited several times since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has debuted, and will be going back again right at the start of Halloween Time at Disneyland for Oogie Boogie Bash!
Make sure to also read the additional reader tips in the comments, as some of you readers have some great tips of your own that are really helpful. If you have some good tips, be sure to add them there, too. The more, the merrier!
With that said, let’s get started with the list of the best Disneyland & Disney California Adventure tips for visiting like a pro…
1. You can save money on Disneyland tickets by purchasing at a discount from Authorized Disney Ticket Sellers. Authorized is the operative word there, and we recommend the best options in our ticket guide. As we discuss there, it’s important to be careful, as there are a lot of Disneyland ticket scams.
2. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open! Read our Star Wars Land Info & Galaxy’s Edge Guide for everything you need to know about this huge new addition to Disneyland.
3. The easiest spot to watch the Disneyland fireworks is the area by ‘it’s a small world’, but the best spot is right on the center of Main Street, USA. Check out this article for a map of the best and worst Disneyland fireworks viewing locations. There are some hidden gem spots–and popular views that are actually poor!
4. The most iconic and flagship character meal at Disneyland Resort is Goofy’s Kitchen, which is like Chef Mickey’s: California Edition. Read our Guide to Character Dining at Disneyland for more hotel and in-park character meal recommendations.
5. If you are celebrating a special occasion, make sure to pin up a button reflecting the celebration at one of the Disney-owned hotels or in the parks from Guest Services. Other areas of both parks also occasionally offer special, non-celebrating buttons.
6. Christmas entertainment is included in the cost of daily admission–there is no separate hard ticket event. Christmas offerings include ‘it’s a small world’ holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and much more. For more in-depth info about the holidays, read our Ultimate Guide to Disneyland at Christmas.
7. If planning your trip, you may encounter outdated resources suggesting that there’s little benefit to staying in on-site, Disney-owned hotels at Disneyland Resort. This changed with the opening of Cars Land, as early access to Radiator Springs Racers can be very valuable. Our on-site v. off-site hotel post reflects the current pros and cons of staying off-site and on-site.
8. Selfie sticks are not allowed at Disneyland. Do not try to sneak one in and use it–especially on attractions. They will stop the ride, embarrass you, and kick you out of the park. This has happened numerous times, and has caused significant ride downtime.
9. As much as we dislike up-charges, we have to admit that buying MaxPass will save you time and allow you to see more attractions in a single day at Disneyland–especially on busier days. Read our MaxPass & FastPass Guide to Disneyland Resort for more information and tips.
10. Lots of changes have come to Disneyland Resort’s shopping and entertainment district in the last few years, including some must-do dining (including the glorious “Crazy Shake” pictured above). Read everything you need to know in our Guide to Downtown Disney at Disneyland.
11. Fond of booze? While it’s not as cool as “Drinking Around the World” in Epcot, you can have a similar bar crawl in Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the Disney-owned hotels. Just follow our “Disneyland Drinking Debauchery” Guide for tips!
12. FastPass should be used to avoid long lines, but if you must wait in one long line, make it Indiana Jones Adventure. The queue is an experience in itself, and you can use this decoder to translate some Mara-glyphics in the queue.
13. A “re-imagined” version of Fantasmic now plays nightly on the Rivers of America, with FastPass available for each showing. We highly recommend the last show to avoid the crowds.
14. Disneyland gets into the Halloween spirit with “Halloween Time at Disneyland,” which includes attraction overlays, seasonal restaurant menus, and more. Read our Guide to Halloween Time at Disneyland for everything you need to know.
15. Several rule changes went into effect in 2019. As a result, smoking, oversized strollers, wagons, and loose ice are no longer allowed in Disneyland or Disney California Adventure.
16. Mobile Ordering for restaurants is now available at Disneyland. We love it for allowing us to save time in line at counter service restaurants, particularly during peak dining hours.
17. If you’ve never visited Disneyland Resort, you should go in with at least a rough plan of attack. Read our 1-Day Disneyland Itinerary and 1-Day Disney California Adventure Itinerary for perfect touring plans. Failing that, prioritize Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure and Fantasyland rides in Disneyland.
18. Due to the large population of Annual Passholders and how blockout dates redistribute them, the best time to visit Disneyland isn’t as simple as when school is in session. Read about the other best times to visit Disneyland Resort in our When to Visit Disneyland post, which includes crowds calendars and more.
19. Have kids that want to trade pins with Cast Members? Buying pins from Amazon or eBay to trade with Cast Members is far cheaper than in the parks, and makes for a fun activity on the trip. (See our Disney Pin Trading Tips post for more info and suggestions.)
20. Guests staying at the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel (and its Disney Vacation Club Villas) have access to a private viewing deck, which overlooks Paradise Pier and offers a very unique view of World of Color.
21. It rains very few days per year in Southern California, so packing ponchos is probably unnecessary unless rain is in the forecast. Instead, pack extra juice for your phone, collapsible water bottles with filters (while perfectly safe to drink, the drinking fountain water has a funky taste), and parade blankets. Read our other suggestions in our What to Pack for Disney List post.
22. Napa Rose, located in the Grand Californian Hotel, is Disneyland Resort’s best restaurant. Second best is Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure. Read our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews for food photos, and our thoughts on the good and bad of Disneyland Resort dining.
23. Both parks have Baby Care Centers and First Aid Centers. Baby Care Stations are great quiet places to take your kids, and the First Aid Centers have nurses on site who can assist with minor issues (like blisters).
24. We aren’t huge fans of the World of Color Dining Packages, but if you’re going to do one, pick the Carthay Circle Restaurant lunch (not dinner) package.
25. Want to know which rides to do and which to skip in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure? Our Disneyland Ride Guide and Disney California Adventure Ride Guide have summaries of every attraction, tips, and numerical scores so you can plan your day and avoid the duds.
26. Jungle Cruise skippers sometimes have free maps of the ride that they’ll give out to guests if asked. There are actually a lot of freebies at Disneyland–for other things, read our Free Things at Disneyland post.
27. Even though Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is one of the most popular attractions at Disney California Adventure, we still recommend rope-dropping Radiator Springs Racers, as fewer people go towards it, and both attractions will have nearly-equal waits later in the day.
28. If you’re visiting on a night when Disney California Adventure has 2 World of Color performances, always go to the later one for the lowest crowds. This means strategically pulling your World of Color FastPass later in the day so you don’t get “stuck” with an earlier show. Read our other Tips for Viewing World of Color for more info.
29. Disneyland now enforces FastPass return times, but there is a 15 minute grace period, so don’t discard your FastPasses if you’re only a bit late.
30. For Halloween 2019, there’s a new event replacing the popular Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland. Read our Guide to Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party for everything you need to know about this exciting new party!
31. Mad Hatter sometimes plays “musical chairs” with kids at Coke Corner on Main Street in Disneyland once daily. This usually occurs at 2:30 p.m., but the time is subject to change and is not listed in the Times Guide. Ask a Cast Member at Coke Corner for the exact time it will be occurring during your visit. Here’s a video of the game.
32. Make sure to arrive at Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room far enough in advance of a show to pick up a Dole Whip. The line inside the queue/waiting area is usually shorter than the one in the Adventureland walkway. They’re “classic” Disney snacks, and you can take them in the show with you.
33. Using Uber between John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Disneyland-area hotels is about $20 each way and given that many of these hotels are within walking distance, you may not need a rental car at Disneyland Resort. Here are some other Disneyland Transportation Tips.
34. Did you know that there is a nightly “Sh-Boom” moment at dusk when the lights come on in Cars Land? Read our other Cars Land Tips & Tricks.
35. During the Christmas season, handmade candy canes are prepared at Candy Palace in Disneyland and Trolley Treats in DCA. Lines form for these early (before park opening) for these. Despite the fanfare, there really isn’t anything all that special about these candy canes. The fun is in watching Cast Members make them.
36. The Disneyland Dining Plan is no longer offered. There is no such thing as the “Free Dining” promotion at Disneyland Resort.
37. Non-drinkers normally avoid bars & lounges, but everyone should visit Trader Sam’s at Disneyland Hotel. The theming is Walt Disney Imagineering at the top of its game, and you can spend hours examining all of the wonderful little details.
38. A great selection of CDs featuring Disney theme park music are available in the Emporium on Main Street USA, but some of the best music is available (legally) online.
39. Although Disney California Adventure has received a massive overhaul in some areas to correct problems that plagued the park when it opened in 2001, there are still remnants of “extinct” areas. Check out the restrooms in the front of the park and in Paradise Pier for a taste of Sunshine Plaza and Route 66, respectively.
40. You WILL get wet on Grizzly River Run in Disney California Adventure. Store your electronics in the lockers near this attraction, which are free for the first two hours.
41. Did you know that there are secret restrooms in Disneyland? Not even kidding. Check out some other Disneyland Secrets & Hidden Details in that post.
42. The Anaheim Convention Center is located within walking distance of Disneyland and is huge. If a large convention is in town, nights in the park can be very crowded even in the off-season. Hotels near Disneyland will also often charge higher rates during conventions. Make sure to consult the Anaheim Convention Center calendar when planning your trip.
43. With the exception of Splash Mountain, Critter Country is generally a less-busy land. Stop by Hungry Bear Restaurant (one of our favorite restaurants) in late afternoon and get a table by the water as the sun sets on the Rivers of America.
44. One of the best snacks at Disneyland is the Matterhorn Macaroon at Jolly Holiday Bakery. Go first thing in the morning for a freshly made Matterhorn Macaroon!
45. Want some other ideas of the best places to get a quick meal at Disneyland? Check out our Top 10 Disneyland Counter Service Restaurants post.
46. Haunted Mansion Cast Members used to hand out “Death Certificates” to guests who asked. These are no longer given out, but you can print your own from DoomBuggies.com and give it to your kids after their first ride on the Haunted Mansion!
47. Star Wars Launch Bay is nothing special unless you want to meet characters, but the second story balcony outside the exit offers the best view of Disneyland. To see this view without going through the exhibit, walk up the exit ramp.
48. Disneyland Resort counter service restaurants will give you a free cup of water (ask for a large cup!) or a free cup of hot water.
49. City Hall has recipes for popular Disneyland dishes that they can provide to guests; alternatively, simply asking your server for the recipe of a dish you like might result in a visit to your table by someone from the kitchen.
50. Looking for the most exclusive spot in all of Disneyland Resort? Check out the secret Club 33, which is only open to members and their guests.
51. Disneyland offers a number of Guided Tours for an additional charge, most of which are fairly popular among fans. We’ve only done the Holiday Time at Disneyland Tour, which we thought was just “okay.”
52. If you watch the window above Snow White’s Scary Adventures, you will see The Evil Queen appear and disappear.
53. Bell Services at Disney hotels will store your luggage, meaning you can enjoy the parks if you arrive too early on check-in day or have a late flight out on check-out day.
54. There is an “invisible” 50,000 point target in between Zurg’s breast plates in Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters. Aim (roughly) for the “Z” on his chest.
55. Although not as necessary in the temperate climate of Southern California, if you’re visiting in the height of the summer, Frogg Togg Chilly Pads are a great way to keep cool in the parks.
56. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Radiator Springs Racers, and Incredicoaster are all much better at night. In fact, many Disneyland attractions are better at night.
57. Adults can order from the kid’s menus, which is a great way to save money while still getting a meal that will satiate smaller/moderate appetites.
58. The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland is the best Disneyland guidebook. While it’s smaller than its Walt Disney World counterpart (known as the “Disney Bible” among fans), it’s incredibly comprehensive.
59. Grizzly Peak Airfield in Disney California Adventure has an extensive backstory involving the history of aviation that is told throughout the land in some subtle ways. Make sure to keep an eye out for the details there. If you don’t, here’s a summary of the original backstory, and here’s info about some of the changes.
60. A Christmas Fantasy Parade is not as impressive as its Walt Disney World cousin, but the best viewing place for the parade is in the hub facing Main Street or at the end of Main Street near the hub. The parade comes right at you, and is well-lit for photos by the lights of Main Street.
61. Guests are allowed to bring their own snacks into Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, just no glass bottles or outside alcohol.
62. PhotoPass Cast Members will take (free!) photos of you with your phone or camera, so don’t be afraid to ask! Make sure your settings are dialed in before handing them the camera, as they will not typically adjust settings.
63. Attractions don’t close when the parks close, meaning that you can get in a 90-minute line at 10:59 p.m. when the parks close at 11 p.m. and be in the park well past closing. This is a great way to experience rides with perpetually long lines, like Radiator Springs Racers, without wasting “valuable” time.
64. Plaza Inn in Disneyland serves the greatest fried chicken known to man. It also serves amazing yule log during the holiday season.
65. The Haunted Mansion queue passes through one pet cemetery, but there’s actually a second that is now out of the view of guests. Ask a Cast Member to see it.
66. There are a few free tours available at Disneyland Resort, including the “Art of the Craft Tour” at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, which examines the hotel’s influences and theme.
67. If you have growing kids, a great spot for an annual photo is near the Cigar Shop Indian on Main Street USA. He’s a great measuring stick for their growth.
68. Hidden Mickey spotting is a fun game for kids. The books/apps have different point levels for the various Mickeys. Offer prizes to add to the fun. If Hidden Mickeys aren’t your thing, bringing along the Imagineering Field Guide to Disneyland and searching for interest details is a great way to increase your appreciation for the design of Disneyland.
69. Bayside Brews in Disney California Adventure serves the best beer (Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA), Trader Sam’s in the Disneyland Hotel has the best mixed drinks, and Napa Rose in the Grand Californian has the best wines.
70. Disneyland Resort’s best counter service restaurant is GCH Craftsman Grill at the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Just check out all of the great food available in that post!
71. If you’re not interested in staking out a spot and watching Disneyland’s fireworks, riding attractions from which the fireworks are visible during the fireworks can enhance the experience. The highlights of these attractions are Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Matterhorn. Best of all is Storybook Land Canal Boats, which actually stops moving when the fireworks start, giving guests a view of the fireworks from their boat!
72. The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage has one of the dullest queues of any Disney attraction and much of it is in the sun. It’s also a low-capacity attraction, so lines move slowly. Avoid the midday heat and sun here.
73. Toontown contains a number of gags both of the interactive and sight variety. Spend a little time exploring this area–some of the gags are quite clever!
74. If you anticipate “needing” a princess dress or pirate costume while at Disneyland, buy it in advance, not in the park. There are several options here for princess dresses under $20. They cost triple that (or more) in the parks.
75. If you listen carefully to Snow White’s Wishing Well, you can hear her singing. This Wishing Well is also a great spot to propose.
76. Fantasyland attractions are best experienced first thing in the morning or last thing at night to minimize waits.
77. Disneyland is known to many as the “smaller” cousin of Walt Disney World, but there’s really a ton to do at Disneyland Resort (check out our article comparing and contrasting Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort for more info). Read as much as you can when planning your trip and plan out where you want to eat, what you want to see, etc., for the best trip possible!
78. Shops on Main Street in Disneyland are open for an hour after the park closes. Do your shopping once you can’t do rides.
79. The Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough is an oft-overlooked attraction, but it’s a very well done attraction featuring “window” vignettes from Sleeping Beauty. Likewise, Tarzan’s Treehouse, another walk-through is an okay attraction, but makes up for its substantive shortcomings with great views of the park.
80. Disneyland Resort has a couple of excellent bread bowl soups: at Pacific Wharf Cafe in Disney California Adventure and at Royal Street Veranda in Disneyland. We usually go for the seasonal option at Pacific Wharf Cafe, or order the off-menu mac & cheese bread bowl.
81. Several attractions (more than at Walt Disney World) have single rider lines that will save you a lot of time if you don’t mind splitting up from your group. The best of these is Radiator Springs Racers, where it’s not uncommon to save an hour or more on the posted standby time.
82. If you want to get the world famous Disneyland Monte Cristo, consider going to Cafe Orleans instead of Blue Bayou. It’s cheaper at Cafe Orleans, although you won’t have a view of Pirates of the Caribbean there.
83. One of the less-popular bars is Al Fresco Tasting Terrace in Disney California Adventure, which is located upstairs in Wine Country Trattoria. It’s a nice, tranquil place to relax in the afternoon, and it has a great view into Cars Land.
84. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure both have a daily flag retreat ceremony that is short, but nice to watch. It’s the patriotic thing to do.
85. If you give a PhotoPass photographer a (discrete) heads up, they generally can help you capture photos of your proposal.
86. If you need a place to store your luggage, there are luggage lockers at the Desert Inn & Suites across the street from Disneyland. This can be useful if you’re staying farther from Disneyland and want to maximize your time in the parks on your last day, or don’t trust the Bell Services in your own hotel. Read more about Desert Inn & Suites in our review.
87. Instead of spending $10+ on each on-ride photo, get PhotoPass+ for UNLIMITED on-ride photos plus photos from PhotoPass photographers around the parks. Pre-purchase this to save more money.
88. Ask a Cast Member at the station if you can ride in the front of the next monorail. It’s the only compartment that has air conditioning and the view is great!
89. Peter Pan’s Flight does not have FastPass at Disneyland and is a very popular ride. Go first thing in the morning.
90. The “standard” entrance to Cars Land in Disney California Adventure is down Route 66, but the best entrance is through the bluff that connects to Pacific Wharf, which offers a great reveal of the Cadillac Mountain Range. It feels like you’re in a real National Park!
91. Instead of photographing Sleeping Beauty Castle from the front or near the Partners statue, try photographing your family from the fence near the Wishing Well or on the opposite side (on a path to Fantasyland). You can easily get photos without other guests in them from these two spots, along with a great angle of Sleeping Beauty Castle!
92. Disneyland Resort corn dogs have iconic status. Corn Dog Castle in Disney California Adventure has a variety of options, and Little Red Wagon on Main Street in Disneyland is a long-time fan favorite. Corn dogs can be found a couple other places, but these are the clear-cut “best” spots if you ask locals.
93. The Disney Gallery (immediately to the right when you enter the park) has a rotating exhibit focusing on an artistic component of Disneyland. Take the time to check out the art in here–you’ll gain a new appreciation for some aspect of the park!
94. Don’t buy into Disney Vacation Club by the alluring promotions while at Disneyland Resort. Wait until you get home, do the research, and buy via the resale market if you’re going to buy at all.
95. Pay attention to Roz at the end of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue in Disney California Adventure. She is interactive.
96. Paradise Pier Hotel was originally a third party hotel, but was renovated when Disney purchased it. As such, some of the theming is a bit on the light side, but the rooms are nice.
97. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is not to be missed. It’s a divisive attraction (we love it), but even if you don’t like it, you get to relax in AC for 15-20 minutes. What’s not to like about that?
98. There is a skeleton in Indiana Jones Adventure wearing Mickey Mouse ears as you go around the left turn when first approaching the bridge. He’s almost impossible to spot unless the ride breaks down and you’re evac’d.
99. Walt Disney had an apartment in Disneyland above the Fire Station that is still intact to this day. A candle burns in the window of this apartment, and at Christmas, there is a tree in the window.
100. Carnation Cafe is one of the best table service restaurants at Disneyland and is relatively inexpensive. Make sure to book reservations in advance, as it’s fairly popular, too!
101. Even the restrooms at Disneyland Resort are themed. Restrooms in the Hollywood Land are in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Storer House, in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles. Similarly, the restrooms near the Alice in Wonderland dark ride in Disneyland are quite well done.
That covers it on our list of 101 tips for doing Disneyland like a seasoned local. Really, though, this just scratches the surface of the Disneyland tips we have on this blog. If you’re planning your first visit to Disneyland, you should definitely browse other posts, probably starting with the above-mentioned planning guide. Have a great trip! 🙂
If you’re preparing for a Disneyland trip, check out our other planning posts, including how to save money on Disneyland tickets, our Disney packing tips, tips for booking a hotel (off-site or on-site), where to dine, and a number of other things, check out our comprehensive Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide!
Your Thoughts
Do you agree or disagree with our tips for having a better Disneyland experience? If you have solid Disneyland or Disney California Adventure tips that aren’t mentioned here, please post them below. Your feedback is half the fun! If you have any other comments or questions, please feel free to post those, too.
Innoventions can suck the time away from you. But asking a staff member to tell u a story in the boys room (down stairs) is worth it for little ones. Experience automatic windows and mood lighting for the story (voice activated) and shooting a cannon from the bed is awesome.
The outdoor dining area at the Plaza Hotel is a great place to watch Disneyland fireworks. Go in, get some hot cocoa, and enjoy the fireworks in a seat you didn’t have to camp out for.
OMG…I have been looking for a Disneyland tips site for months now. So glad I stumbled onto your site! Thanks for the info, we’re planning our first trip to the “Land” and have lots of questions. For example, should we get one-day, one park tickets to Disneyland and California Adventure, or would a park-hopper do the job?
very interesting blog
Has anyone actually bought Disneyland tickets from the Vacationerr Travel site? Is it legitmate?
Yes, the site is legitimate. They are authorized via Disney.
I went to Disneyland in May 2013 for my older sister’s birthday (she turned 32). We stayed at the Grand Californian and had an amazing time, they play old Disney cartoons all night long and one of my best memories is after our second day at the park we were exhausted and just sat and watched cartoons in the lobby, and pretty soon a cast member came up to us with some popcorn and several other treats. Disneyland will always be my favorite place, they always know what you need!! Many other awesome things happened during our visit, and I am returning for my birthday in January.
The lobby at Disney Animations Building in California Adventure has clips and line drawings from many of the best Disney classics as well as songs from each movie. We like to take our lunch in there and sit either on the provided couches or the floor and watch the screens. It is cool in there and a great way to recharge and watching all the little kids dancing to the music and playing with the lights they project on the capet is always awesome.
This list is fabulous! I’ve been an annual pass holder for a few years now and I still feel like I’ve recieved some great tips! And although I agree that innoventions isn’t really all that great, I go there just for the Peter Pan story time in the child’s room, especially when we have little ones with us on our trips! They get so excited about how the room interacts with what the story teller is saying! Very cute and well done! Can’t wait for my trip in just over a week!!! Definitely going to use some of your great tips!
You are right, Plaza Inn DOES have the best fried chicken and the adult portion is huge, especially if you’ve bee snacking all day!
I’ve been to DW will be taking my first trip to DL in a week and I’m so excited! The challenge I pose to you is: my husband and I will be there for only ONE day. Your tips are super helpful and got me really excited to go but, in short, what would you prioritize for just ONE day? And would you recommend the hopper ticket for DL and Disneyland adventure? Or just a DL ticket? (Found you via Pinterest, by the way) Thanks!
I’d definitely do a Park Hopper. Start at DCA and hit Radiator Springs Racers as soon as the park opens, grab a FastPass for something on the way out, then go over to Disneyland, grab a FastPass there, and knock out the headliners. You can simultaneously hold FastPasses for both parks, and Hopping is really easy at Disneyland Resort, so that should help!
“Turtle Talk with Crush” in the Disney Animations Building in California Adventure is a must do!
We had been to Disneyland several times before we took the time to see this and my big kids and little kids loved it. It is interactive and it is quite entertaining. Actually this is one of our favorites buildings. My kids have learned to draw, taken a test to find out which Disney character they are most like (in the Beasts’ library) and sang with Ursula/recorded a short clip with their voices. Such a fun place and never rally too busy.
If you go to City Hall first thing, you can request a pin to wear that says: “today’s my birthday” or “Happy Birthday to…” and also a pin that says “my fist visit”. We did this for my daughter (age 5) for her first visit and birthday and she got special privileges all day. *First in line for the submarine ride, special seating etc”.
These are some great tips!
I will have to say about tip #11 though that I personally don’t think it’s a good idea to buy pins from ebay. They are fake, fake, fake and since castmembers have to trade up to two pins with you, they get stuck with those fake pins. Then other people can end up with them. This happened to me before I could spot the fake ones.
Also, Innoventions is not the greatest but I personally loved the Assimo presentation. I thought that was so neat and a lot of fun!
I have a few tips to add:
#1- All restaurants/food service places will give you a free cup of water with ice. This is definitely a good thing in this summer heat. Stay hydrated! We take bottled soda into the parks and just get cups of ice for our meals.
#2- Most restaurants will give you hot water. I like to get it at Pizza Port, then you don’t have to wait in line to get some. We take instant coffee and hot chocolate packets and save a lot of money this way!
#3- The parks will replace any merchandise that breaks or balloon that pops.
#4- If you collect pins make sure you buy locking pins or tie tack pins at a craft store. I lost too many pins before I figured this out.
Thanks for adding some additional tips!!! 🙂
Thank you for this list, I am planning out a Vacation during the Holiday season at Disneyland & I want it to be perfect and considering December is only 4 months away. The planning is really needed. Do you have a Holiday only Version list like this? If not I think it would be a great idea to do. I’m lucky enough to be able to treat my little sister (16) and Grandma. Mainly the trip was planned out because my grandmother does so much for us but never gets a break and I didn’t want her to actually have to do anything this holiday season as far as cooking and Christmas shopping. So Disneyland it is!
I went to Disneyland over Halloween last year. Here’s my tip: if you go to the extra night party, DO go to Innoventions. The great majority of the crowd sticks to the Main St. area, and once you pass New Orleans square, the trick-or-treat lines in between there and Innoventions go very fast (we got through about six lines within 10 minutes, while the lines on Main St. were very long). And an added bonus…they do additional character photos inside the building. I only had to wait 3 minutes to get a photo with Perry the Platypus, as opposed to the hour plus wait the Main St. character lines were.
I’ll be going again during Christmas week this year (Dec 26-Jan 3). LOL yes I must be insane but I’ve never experienced it…so I hope these tips come in handy!
One more tip: DO take out time to check out the Art Academy in California Adventure, where even the most inept artists can learn to sketch their favorite Disney characters in easy 15-minute classes. It’s a great way to take a break between rides. I’ve talked to many Disneyland visitors and was surprised at how few people even knew about it, let alone tried it.
I am going to the party for the first time this year. So excited! Were there other characters besides Perry? Thanks for this tip!
Dear Tom,
Thank you so much for such a great list! I printed this out and was constantly referring to it during our day at Disneyland over the weekend. The ones that really stood out for us:
– 7, 9, 15, 27, 36, 44, 45, 50, 54, 60, 64, 69, 82, 85, 94
We arrived early on a Saturday and started with tomorrowland and were able to get through most of it in less than an hour. Getting in the park way key.
Some things I would add:
– Although the attractions open at 8am, you can get into the park at 7am even if you do not have an early arrival ticket. It’s worth getting there around 7:45 and waiting at the ropes. A lot of people wait to get the go ahead from the cast members, but once the ropes drop you can start making your way to the attraction and get a “jump” on everyone else.
– Tip 44 regarding Fantasmic was KEY! We saw people staking out spots 3-4 hours in advance. We got there around 45 minutes before the show started and stood behind the light tower the raises and it was a great vie. I would recommend the right side if possible if you are on the left side there is a light post that is a little annoying, but does not ruin the show. Also be sure to stand next to the fence and not to the back of the walkway. We asked about that because we thought we could sit, but they clear that area during the show so people can walk.
– Regarding #54 The fried chicken at the plaza was great! The price was a little steep, but after seeing how big the portions on another person’s place we realized 1 adult portion was enough for 2 people. So for 3 of us we ordered 1 adult chicken meal ($13.99), come with 1/2 a chicken (breast, thigh, leg) and a children’s meal ($6.99) (leg). Although the menu said the chicken in the children’s meal is baked it was the same fried chicken as the adult meal.
– While we were at the Plaza we asked for refills on our soda which they were ok with. Also when we left I asked for a “To Go” cup. This is nice if you want to take a drink with you while you walk around the park which can be expensive.
– Regarding #82. I bought a corndog at the Main Street cart. While I was in line they asked me what I wanted to order and I said 1 corn dog. They asked “chips” or “apples” and I said “Just the corndog” when I got closer to the sign it said in small writing under the corndog menu item “with chips or apples” I thought I had opted out on a free snack. Instead when I paid instead of the corndog being $6.19 as listed it was only $4.99. So basically they charge you an extra $1.19 for a snack you may not want. For other “combo” food items in the park it might be works asking the price of the just the single item, you will probably save money.
– I saw a couple have a Hot Fudge sunday split into 2 cups at the Golden Horseshoe. A lot of portions are too big so a nice way to share and save money.
– Regarding #34. I did not think Innovations was all that bad. I actually thought the Iron Man exhibit was pretty cool. It is another place nice to get out of the sun. Although parts of it are not very “Disney” related.
– Regarding #68. We went for a sandwich at Earl of Sandwich at 1pm and the line was way too long. We did not end up getting a sandwich there but later on around 2:30 the line was not bad. Really wanted to try the Holiday Sandwich, maybe next time.
– There are a lot of great fantasyland rides that are not that popular that have little/no lines. Snow White, Pinocchio, and Mr. Toad, but I think they are fun and quick to do. I honestly do not “get” why Peter Pan is so popular.
– Regarding #21 The line for the Dole Whip was long all day. Not sure when is a good time to try to get one.
– Regarding #91 We went to Mr.Lincoln earlier in the day and it was closed till 7:30 keep this in mind. I think it’s a great attraction, maybe ask when you arrive when it will open.
Since we only went to Disneyland I wish that I would have went through this list and highlighted the ones that applied to our trip, but it was still a wonderful reference and really helped make our trip a great experience.
Thank you so much!
-Peter
Thanks for this great comment! Glad that the tips helped you out!
To respond to a few things in your comment:
-I don’t get the line for Peter Pan’s Flight, either. We’ll do it first thing in the morning or last thing at night. I’d never wait more than 10 minutes for that ride.
-This time of year, there’s always a long wait for Dole Whips. Longer than many attractions. It’s not nearly as bad in the winter.
-You can order just an entree (instead of a combo) anywhere to save. Perhaps I should do a list of dining tips!
-Innoventions, Lincoln, and Captain EO all close early from time to time. I’m not sure of the exact schedule.
The line for Dole Whip is significantly shorter on the backside of the counter, which is inside the waiting area to see the Enchanted Tiki Room. But they let you take your Dole Whip into the show, and so you get to eat it in air conditioned comfort as you watch a fun 15 minute show.
Super tips; thanks for taking the time to post. Always great to hear tips from folks who have been to Disneyland, as well as from the expert who gave us the original 101 tips!! Thanks Peter, thanks Tom.
Thanks for the tip about the snack with the corn dogs! I will try that when we are there in December!
This is a great starter list! We will be visiting DL for our first time in September for 10 days. This will be our first time at any Disney park. Staying at the Grand with 3 kids, 2 boys 10/11 and a girl 6. We purchased the 4 day dining plan, but was told to arrange delivery from VONS for groceries? There is so much to do and see, but we hope to not have it a crazed, exhausting time. 🙂
Great List! i’m going to Disneyland this Friday with two toddlers and this list was so interesting !
I was in Disneyland in 1974 when I was <1 year old and have never been back. We're thinking of heading there this summer – this list will be quite useful if we go!
Yahooooooooo!!! My second Disneyland visit this May 10 since my first in 2011!!! I’m about to be 27 years old and I still get butterflies in my stomach thinking about our Disney trip!
Thank you for all the tips!
Quick question: Do you think we should go to California Adventure first? I remembered the last time we spent almost all day at Disneyland (June 2011) then just a few hours at California Adventure mainly just to see the World of Colors. Any gameplan advice that you can give? 🙂