Sarah’s Disneyland Tips

I did a TON of research before our last two trips to Disneyland and especially since we have become Annual Pass Holders.  Here is some information I have gathered along with tips I have learned. 

Sunscreen:

The absolute first tip is to wear sunscreen and reapply.  Seriously.

Ask A Cast Member:

The absolute second tip, is to ask any Cast Member, anything, any time.  Disneyland has the most impeccable customer service and staff training there is.  If you need anything, anything at all, ask someone.  They are not allowed to say "I don't know."  (Or point.  They're not allowed to point with one finger, always an open palm or two fingers.)  ;-)  Cast Members are also great sources of Disney facts and history.

Medicine & Gum:

There are some minor meds available in the park, but they are hard to find.  Pack a few of everything.  Gum is not sold in the parks for cleanliness.  Bring your own if you're a gum chewer.

Arrive Early:

It really is way less crowded if you get there before the park opens.  Allow at least 30-45 minutes to park, catch the tram, and get to the gate. 

Lockers:

Get a locker.  In the past, you’ve had to pay each time you open your locker.  That is simply not the case.  You rent it by size and create a pin code to open your locker.  We like to put a change of clothes in it for later based on the season, water, and a change of shoes.  You don't need to lug all of that around.  We usually only visit the locker once, maybe twice.  Usually just to change clothes or shoes.  Your feet will LOVE your Uggs when they are cold and sore. And if your shoes get wet in the summer time, a pair of flip-flops will save you.

Buttons:

Pick up a free I'm Celebrating pin from City Hall on Main Street in Disneyland or Guest Services at Disney's California Adventure. Just for the asking you can receive a Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Just Married, Family Reunion, Happily Ever After or First Visit Button.  We get pins every time and I write with a sharpie the date and celebration on the back.  Buy lanyards and wear them on your lanyards.  Keep asking.  Each store and restaurant has pins.  When Jason and I went on our anniversary Guest Services had the "Happily Ever After Pins" but we didn't find the "Happy Anniversary" pins until lunch at a restaurant.  So keep asking until you find the ones you want.

Birthday:

Birthday guests can get a phone call from Goofy at City Hall.  After you enter the park, go to the first building on the left.  Don’t forget your free birthday pin!

Look The Part/Buy Ears First: 

You'll feel the Disney magic more if you look the part.  Plus your photos will be cuter.  The Mad Hatter is right when you walk in on the right.  If you have a specific hat in mind, ask around.  The stores are not the same.  My boys love Star Wars, so Star Trader is our favorite store, near Space Mountain.  Disneyland is one of the only places where you can dress kind of crazy and no one cares.  If fact they love it.  EVERYONE wears ears AND a lanyard with pins at Disneyland.

Photography: 

Pick up a photo card from a photographer and they will take pictures all day.  They simply scan it after they’ve taken the pictures.  The PhotoPass photographers in the parks will take pictures with their cameras at no charge, but it will cost you big to actually buy the photos. Bypass this charge by asking the PhotoPass photographers to use your camera or phone to take your picture. They’re happy to do it and most of them are pretty good at composing a shot as they do it all day long.  You'll have to pose while they take photos with both cameras, but it's worth it.  They all wear the same uniform and can be found at photo opp places in both parks.  Take your time with these photos, don't be in a hurry, and put your bags down.  The photos look horrible with all your gear in them.  I usually make my boys take a few of these family shots right when we get there.  I want to get it done, while we all still look cute.  ;-)  My favorite posed family spots are in front of the train station right when you walk in, and on Main Street where the Christmas tree is placed.  A tip:  You can buy a photo disc of all of the photos the PhotoPass photographers take.  They are a great price at $69.95 regardless of the number of pictures.  I’ve heard that if you plan to buy these discs, tell the photographers.  They will take more time and more pictures with you.

Ride Photos:

These are always my favorite, and a favorite of my friends on facebook to poke fun at me about.  A new feature at Disneyland, you can buy an Attractions Plus Photo Card.  I believe they are $50.  You can load unlimited ride photos from either park for two weeks onto these cards.  Totally worth it if you will be there for multiple days.  OR, be ready with that camera or phone after the rides where photos are taken and snap a picture of the screen.  Disneyland does not stop you from doing this, and if you’re ready you can get a pretty good shot for free. (They’re only up for a minute or two, so be ready.) Taking a picture of the screen is handy no matter what as when you go to buy your photo they will ask for the number off the screen.

Camera:

Leave your SLR at home.  You'll want to take great pictures I know, but that thing will feel like 20 lbs at the end of the day.  And you'll worry about it because it's expensive.  Take a smaller camera.  You'll also use it more if it's already in your hand.  Don't forget that video!!

Pictures at the Castle:

Everyone will be crowded around the front of the castle trying to get pictures.  As you face the castle, go to the right (East).  There is a path leading to Snow White’s wishing well where you can get awesome photos of the family with the castle behind you.  And no one will be in your way.  Shhhh… can you hear Snow White singing?

Character Autographs:

Bring a blank book and large sharpie for autographs.  When I was a child, the characters roamed the park and kids would freely run up to them as their parents fought for a picture.  This is not how it is today. There are set places where you meet the characters and you wait in line etc. This is nice because you get that good photo of just your family.  Take the time to at least meet Mickey in Mickey's House in Toontown.  Every character will autograph anything for you.  Yes, you can buy one of Disney's autograph books, but they can be pricy.  Create a unique memento of your trip by having them sign a t-shirt or canvas tote bag.

Have a daughter?  Carve out at least an hour, maybe more to meet all of the princesses at Fantasy Faire.  Buy her a princess outfit at home and let her wear it.  She will want to, and they are totally expensive at Disneyland.  If you want to splurge, there is an awesome package at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique that STARTS at $200.  For the most awesome princess experience, this is THE way to go. 

*Only children under 8 or 10 are allowed in the park in costume.

Rides:

Know what rides your child can and cannot go on.  Here are the ride requirements.

FastPass:

Learn about FastPass and USE IT!!  It is the smart thing to do to plan your day a bit, find the rides and attractions that offer FastPass and use them.  You can only get one at a time, or the time that you can get another one will appear on the bottom of your FastPass.  Click here for more info.  

It can feel tricky and confusing at first, but by your second day you'll totally be mapping out your day with FastPasses. *A little trick.  You can have one FastPass at each park.  So we'll get one for Radiator Springs, go over to Disneyland for awhile, and go back to California Adventure when the time frame opens up.  I'm telling you, learn to work the FastPass system!

Rider Swap:

Rider Swap is a great way for parents with young children that want to get in a few thrill rides.  Simply ask a Cask Member at the beginning of the line for a Rider Swap Pass.  (We've never done this, so I'm unsure where you get the pass, before the ride or after.) After one parent and an older child ride the rider "swaps" with the other parent and one other person and they get to skip the line.  It really works well.  The older child can even ride both times with both parents.  Win!

Popular Rides:

Peter Pan, Mr. Toad's, Pirates of the Caribbean are ALWAYS popular.  Try to do those first, or early in the am.  Do Space Mountain or The Matterhorn during a parade or fireworks.  The lines tend to be shorter then.  Do kiddy rides at night when the families with little ones have gone back to the hotels.

Wet Rides:

Always plan on doing these rides early on a hot day so you can dry off.  Do them multiple times in a row, get the wet part of the day out of the way.  Buy some cheap ponchos at the dollar store and then toss them afterwards.  Use a freezer Ziploc to put your camera and wallet in for the ride.  Bring a pair of flip-flops and change into them just for the wet rides.  I can’t walk all day in flip-flops.  But walking around in wet tennis shoes is horrible.  Take your shoes off, another use for those freezer bags, slip your flip-flops on for the ride, and you’re good to go afterwards!

Balloons:

If you break a balloon or even just find a broken balloon on the ground, take it to any balloon vendor for a free replacement.  I dare you to find anything on the ground at Disneyland.  Trash is picked up before it hits the ground it seems.

Smoking:

Smoking is allowed inside Disneyland & California Adventure, but only in designated areas in:

• Frontierland near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Fantasyland near Matterhorn Bobsleds
• Main Entry Plaza outside Disneyland Park
• New Orleans Square outside Harbour Galley

Disney California Adventure:

• Condor Flats near Soarin' Over California
• Grizzly Peak behind Grizzly River Run
• Hollywood Land near Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue
• Paradise Pier near Silly Symphony Swings

Journals For Kids:

These are awesome!  I’m buying a few for Gabriel for this year! This is more like a scrapbook, and this one looks more like a journal.

Free Beads at New Orleans Square:

Head on over to New Orleans Square when the bands are playing, the beads are usually thrown out by cast members and are a fun treat.

Jedi Training Academy:

If you have a child that is remotely into Star Wars, then you must try to get them into the Jedi Training Academy.  A live show with over 20 kids selected, these padawans learn the ways of the Jedi with training light sabers.  They even fight Darth Vader.  So cool!  Tips for getting your child selected: Wear a Star Wars shirt; have them jump up and down.  Wave a sign that says: “It’s My Birthday.”  Go multiple times.  My goal for this year is to get Gabriel on stage for this.

Flattened Pennies:

Bring quarters and pennies for the flattened coin machines.  These make great, cheap keepsakes.  They also sell books to keep them in.  "MouseWait" app for iPhone has a full list of all the machines in the parks.  I'd like to get one from every machine at some point this year.  I also saw that there are some special flattened quarter machines.  Must do a few of those!

Glow Sticks:

Bring a cheap tube of glow sticks. Trust me you will thank me for this one! When it gets dark Disneyland has tons of light up toys that can really add up.  The Dollar Store usually has a great selection of glow items.

Souvenirs:

Buy Disney items ahead of time at Wal-Mart or on line.  Surprise your kids at the hotel.  Disney Store online is having a great sale right now.  Don't buy clothes at Disneyland, you can find Disney licensed apparel lots of places.  Be prepared for cold weather at night, they turn up the AC by their sweaters to boost sales.  I swear, it's a fact.

Souvenirs For Kids:

I've heard of this tip, which sounds especially good if you have multiple children.  Set a souvenir limit for each child and load onto Disney Gift Cards.  That way they can keep track of what they spend, and you'll have to deal with less cash and keeping track of who spent how much.

Food:

Bring food, bring food, bring food.  We bring granola bars, beef jerky, goldfish, pretzels, pop chips, grapes, apples, Go Go Applesauce, anything easy to pack and carry.  Heck, make some PB & Js. You will get hungry, and if you have to stop to buy food every time, this will cost time and money.  Waiting in line is a great place to get a snack in, what else are you going to do? 

We usually only try to do one meal in the park.  Our favorite restaurant is The Plaza Inn.  

You can get a pot roast or fried chicken meal with mashed potatoes and green beans for around $16.00.  My son and I split one.  We like it because it's real food, not gross heavy park food.  This is also a great place to watch the fireworks if you time it correctly.

All menus and restaurant descriptions are posted online.  You can make reservations, which is always a good idea at the more popular restaurants, Ariel’s Grotto (California Adventure) and The Blue Bayou.  Have a food game plan.  Figure out which meal(s) you want to buy in the park and plan to eat there at non-peak times.  We eat breakfast at the hotel, pack snacks, and buy a meal inside.

I've been told that we have to get a Pineapple Whip from outside The Tiki Room.  We haven't done that yet, it's on our list.

Water:

Bring water, bring water, bring water.  In the past, we have brought multiple bottles of water, carried some, and put some in a locker.  In the future I think that we will each carry our own re useable bottle and fill up at restaurants.  Any restaurant will give you free ice water OR hot water.  Bring a hot/cold water bottle and some instant coffee, tea bags or hot coco for cold weather!

Ziplocs:

Your best friend at Disneyland.  I put my camera & phone in one on wet rides, band-aids, snacks, souvenirs, anything.  Can’t have too many Ziplocs.  I usually have a few freezer and sandwich-sized bags on me.

Disney Trading Pins:

If you go for the pin craze, which I did, be careful with your special pins.  I bought one commemorating our anniversary, very special, and then my son's pin fell off his lanyard.  We found it, and then I learned they sell "locking pin backs."  I immediately got some for our special pins.  Other than that, we bought a bunch of pins on eBay for about a $1 a pin.  Now we just spend money on one pin there to commemorate that trip.  You can trade pins with other guests and certain cast members.  In fact the cast members have to trade with you.  Here is some Pin Trading Etiquette.

Strollers:

I've never taken a small child to Disneyland, but I would think this is a must.  Either bring yours or rent one, although they are first come first serve, same with wheelchairs and scooters.  Everyone leaves their strollers with food, blankets, baby bags, etc… in "stroller parking," no one touches them.  I wouldn't leave your camera or valuables there of course.  A great place for your child to rest and sleep when they need to, not to mention, a great way to lug all of your stuff around.

History:

Disneyland is filled with history.  Research it a bit and as you walk around you'll appreciate it more.  Mr. Disney truly loved education and history, which is evident throughout the park.

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln:

Don't pass this up, it's too good.  We try to do it every time.  A great attraction to save for when everyone needs a rest inside from the heat or cold.

Hidden Mickeys:

Hidden Mickeys are everywhere.  Searching for them can be a fun waiting in line game for kids.  For a list, this book seems to be the best.  Speaking of things to do in line, check this book out.

Sunglasses:

You have a high chance of losing these on a ride.  Do what I did and leave the expensive Diors at home.  I found a cute pair for $5 at Target.  Perfect for Disneyland, and I didn't care if anything happened to them.

Tired Kids and Feet:  

Plan some things to do when the kids are tired or you need a rest.  Fireworks and parades are obvious choices, but both parks offer a variety of small shows throughout the day.   They will hand you a list of performances as you enter the park.  Other things to do when you need a rest, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Captain Eo, the Monorail and the Disneyland Railroad.  The railroad is a great place to take a 30 minute rest and take in the sites, you also get a little bit of history of the park as you travel around.  If you're trying to make it all day/night, make sure to let them rest when they want or they'll never make it.  Gabriel is usually DONE by the end of the night.

Utilize Your Smart Phone:

Some apps for my iPhone that I found and love are:

*MouseWait - Gives you wait times on rides and attractions, also a daily crowd index.  You'll get hooked like me and check the crowd even when you aren't there.  ;-) This app also has a "restaurants nearby" feature, lists of every flattened coin machine in the park, and much more very useful information.

*DL Maps - Map of Disneyland

*Story and Disney Memories HD- Apps to add Disney Magic to your photos and videos.

*Disneyland Mobile Magic - This is the newest app I have downloaded.  I haven't gotten a chance to use it, as special features unlock when you are in the park.  Reviews say this is THE app to have.

Buy A Portable Phone Charger:

You will love me for this if you're like me and use your phone to take pictures and videos.  I found an awesome rechargeable charger at Kohl's for $20.  We did go through our power during the day.  It was so nice to get in line and plug in my phone.

Warm Clothes:

Mittens are a great thing to have in cold weather.  I also saw families with blankets that they just wrapped around themselves.  These are great at parades and fireworks to claim your spot and make the cold ground a little nicer to sit on.

For the Disney Enthusiast:

Just ask a Cast Member to ride in the Wheel House of The Mark Twain Riverboat.  This is an awesome experience that is totally on my to do list.  You get to sign the guest book and even get a certificate commemorating the day. 

Another item on my to do list is to ride in the Presidential Railroad Car, "The Lilly Belle." 

If you’d like to ride the Lilly Belle on your next trip, here’s what you need to know.  I found this useful information here.

1. Arrive at the park before it opens and proceed directly to the 2nd floor of the Disneyland Railroad Station.
2. Wait outside, in line, until you hear the official park opening announcement.
3. When the Railroad Cast Members arrive, ask who is taking the reservations for the Lilly Belle Car (if it is available).
4. Arrive early for your scheduled departure time.

You should also remember the following…

1. The Lilly Belle does not operate everyday, nor is it available all day long. Only a few trips are available each day.
2. Guests must reserve their ride with a Disneyland Cast Member and must also be escorted in the car with a Cast Member (Club 33 members can ride at anytime, unescorted).
3. Rides are round-trip from the Main Street Train Station.
4. The escorting Cast Member will share the history of the car while you travel.

Shopping:

Stores on Main Street and in Downtown Disney sometimes have different/later hours than the park.  Save your shopping for later, although the stores do tend to be crowded at this time.  I like to shop as I go as each store in each land is different. We do usually save Downtown Disney for the end of the night, and take our time leaving.

Closing Hours:

Let's say the park closes at 11:00pm.  You can get in an hour long line at 10:55pm!  Make use of this, make sure you get there before they close the line, and it's like getting extra free time in the park.

California Adventure:

I don’t have nearly as many tips for California Adventure as I do for Disneyland.  I hope that changes by the end of the year.

Bug's Land:

Make sure to catch “It’s Tough To Be A Bug.”  It’s a 3D film and live show in Bug’s Land.  My son is 10 and he loved it, made me watch it twice.  It's fun, cute and interactive, another great place to rest tired feet.

Cars Land:

Free Buttons In Cars Land:

In Cars Land ask Cast Members for free buttons.  Some have them to hand out.  Some cast members will make a game with children by asking them Cars trivia to earn the buttons.

Radiator Springs Racers:

As we all know, it’s all about Radiator Springs Racers.  Period.  FastPasses for this ride often run out by 9:30am!  First thing in California Adventure is to get a FastPass for this ride.  Sometimes the line for the FastPass is 30 minutes!  Get the FastPass, and then if the wait isn’t long, wait in the regular line, and save those FastPasses for another run when it gets busier. When we went in mid November the wait was only 45 minutes, by far our longest wait of the trip.  I have heard during peak days the wait can be hours long.  I have also heard that is a totally difference experience at night.  That's on our to do list.

Alcohol at Cone 3 in Cozy Cone Motel:

California Adventure and Downtown Disney are the only places you can buy an alcoholic beverage at Disneyland Resort.  Cone 3 in Cars Land is my favorite where they sell Skyy Vodka and Lemonade for $8.  ;-)  You are allowed to walk around the park with these drinks, but the PhotoPass photographers will ask you to put them down before posing for a picture.  Funny, huh?

World of Color:

I thought this was really cool!  Disney has recently added interactive features where you can upload pictures of yourself ahead of time and they may be used during the show.  (Watch for features like this coming to multiple attractions in the coming years.)  You need to get a FastPass for this attraction.  This is the only attraction that you can get a FastPass for that DOES NOT prevent you from getting other FastPasses during the day for rides.  You may get a little wet if you're up close, and it's pretty much a standing area thing.  There are a few restaurants including Ariel's Grotto that have special viewing areas that come with a dinner.  I don't think these are that much better though, so maybe something to look into in person before you spend the money on the dinner & show package.

Downtown Disney:

FREE DINNER at Tortilla Joe's:

Join this restaurant club, and for your birthday they will send you a $30 gift certificate.  One of the restaurants that accepts this GC is Tortilla Joe's in Downtown Disney.  I think you have to be over 21 to register for this and the GC says that you must present your ID.  The GC is good for 60 days after your birthday.  We have already received Jason's $30 for his birthday this month!  I plan to use mine in April when we go for Gabriel's birthday.

For the LEGO Lover:

Stop by the LEGO store at Downtown Disney. You can stay as long as you like, playing with unique LEGO shapes and racing LEGO cars. This is THE MOST AWESOME LEGO STORE we have ever seen, and we've been to LEGOLAND.  Save your money for this store, there is an entire pick a brick wall.  Truly awesome.

Disabilites:

Do you or your child have a disability?  If so, check ahead of time with Disneyland for what you need to do for line passes.  The rules have recently changed.  This can be amazing if your child is autistic, in a wheelchair, or has any sort of disability.  Disney wants to make sure that every guest can enjoy their experience.  I know that skipping the crowds and the noise is the only way some children could have a magical experience.  Scooters and wheelchairs are rented strictly first come first serve.  Not based on true need.  I'd bring my own and not count on Disneyland having one for me to rent.

Well, I guess I can't think of anything else.  I'm sure I could if I tried.  What do you think?  Did I leave anything out?  Have a tip for me?  I'd love to hear it, please share!