What could be more fun than a trip to the original Disneyland? Though smaller than some other parks, even sister park Disney World, it is still jam-packed with fun sights, sounds, and smells. It can even be a little overwhelming! So here are some tips for the best things in Disneyland and how to make the most of it. Looking for some Fun Tips for Disney World…we have them too! We are also serving up some Quick and Easy Dole Whip today!
1. Ride Extras
The Haunted Mansion ride is a Disneyland classic. The creepy macabre ride has some secrets that not many know though! There is a pet cemetery around the side of the mansion, out of view. Some say cast members won’t take you to see it these days, but it never hurts to ask, you might catch someone on a good day! They used to hand out custom death certificates to those who asked, but this has supposedly been discontinued. You CAN, however, get a map of the Jungle Cruise! It’s a gorgeous old style map perfect for playing treasure hunts down the road.
2. Tours
There are a couple of seasonal tours available such as Disney’s Happiest Haunts at Halloween and Holiday Time at Disneyland at the end of the year, but there are three tours you can take year round. You can Walk in Walt’s Footsteps for 3.5 hours with lunch and a souvenir learning all about how Walt saw his dreams come to fruition. You even get to see the apartment he lived in while overseeing the construction of the park.
There is also the Disney California Story Tour at the California Adventure Park. This tour also includes lunch and a souvenir and goes behind the scenes at some of the most exciting rides there. For the ultimate Disney lover, you can make a whole trip out of the Behind the Scenes at Disneyland and in Hollywood tour. This is a six-day, five-night tour. In the two days are California Adventure and three in Disneyland you get the most in-depth, employee area only tour access. Some say they even got a sneak peek at areas that are not open yet!
3. Plan Your Stay
Disney has three resort hotels around Disneyland. From the smaller more value-friendly Paradise Pier Hotel to the Opulent Grand Californian, you can stay in style with direct access to Disneyland Parks. Those are far from the only choices, however. The Best Western sits right across the street and is a favorite for its value and proximity. Most hotels in the area will have shuttle service to and from the parks and some have free parking, so research and take advantage.
4. Hidden Mickeys
These. Are. Everywhere. You’ll find hidden Mickeys in rides, the sidewalks, decor, lamps, and everywhere else. There is no true count of how many there really are in the parks, but there must be at least hundreds. The only official info you can find on them is in the book you can only find at the parks called ‘Disney’s Hidden Mickeys’.
5. Enjoy Yourself
This may seem like a “no, duh!” kind of tip, but it’s important to keep in mind. Especially when traveling with kids. It is important to plan ahead, but also know how to go with the flow. There is no use getting stressed over long lines and interrupted plans in the Happiest Place on Earth. No matter what, you are making memories and so long as you are having fun, that is what it is all about. So go with the flow of whatever curve balls your trip throws at you.
6. Dinner and a Show
Reservations can be made at a lot of Disneyland’s restaurants up to 60 days in advance, so it is good to plan ahead. Why not make it a fully catered night? Make it a dinner and a show! In Disneyland, you can get packages for dining at the Blue Bayou or River Belle restaurants and include a voucher for the prime viewing spot for the nightly Fantasmic Show. At California Adventure you can get in on either the World of Color Show or Paint the Night Parade after dining at the Wine Country Trattoria or Carthay Circle Restaurant. Prices vary from $21 and up for kids and $39 and up for adults. Your prix fixe menu includes a starter, entree, and dessert.
7. Find a Quiet Space
This may seem impossible, especially during the busy seasons, but it is possible! It is great to find a quiet little tucked away spot and just sit and relax sometimes. Watch the people and enjoy the views. One of these little spots sports a great view of Splash Mountain and is almost never busy. Take the small path to the right of Harbor Galley Restaurant past the Fowler’s Inn (just decor) and enjoy the views or the Rivers of America.
8. Ride the Train or Pilot the Boat
There is a very special train car in Disneyland that Walt named after his wife. If you go to the train station first thing you can ask if any tickets are available for the Lilly Belle. They might cost extra but if they are available, you are in luck! It’s a rolling museum that would take only the best VIPs around the park hosted by Mrs. Disney. You can always try and get the tinder seat on the railroad as well. Sit up front and enjoy the ride! You might also get a chance to pilot the riverboat if you ask really, really nicely. You might even get a certificate for it if you ask and they have them!
9. Keep Your Ears Open
There are all sort of wonderful sights and smells throughout Disneyland, but do you ever stop and listen? Find the dentist drilling a patient’s tooth on Main Street. Avoid the voodoo curse in the restrooms in New Orleans Square. See how many unusual conversations you can make out that just don’t seem to be coming from the myriad of guests around you.
10. Stay Hydrated
We all know how expensive Disney can be, not that it isn’t worth it, but it’s important not to skimp on staying healthy and fit for seeing and doing all you want to do while you’re there. Luckily you can go to any counter service restaurant in the park and ask for a large cup of ice water for free! That’s right! No need to buy overpriced water bottles. Be sure to hit up other freebies in the park like special occasion buttons, stickers from cast members, and even package storage so you don’t have to lug around all of your shopping all day.
Bonus Tip:
If you dine at the Blue Bayou Restaurant for lunch or dinner, you can order the Monte Cristo sandwich even if you don’t see it on the menu. It is always available!
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pam smith says
Great tips Andrea! We have been to Disneyland many times over the years (in fact we are going again for the next 2 days) and there were even a couple of things I didn’t know! We are always looking for something new when we go, so this is perfect!