If you have been to Disneyland - Please share your tips.

[barbaraann]

I have never been to Disneyland. I will be visiting there in July. We are arriving on the 16th and staying until the 22nd. I read everything I can get my eyes on. I am very excited about being at Disneyland for the 50th anniversary. I will be traveling with another mom. We are a party of two adult females and 4 children ages 6 to 14.

We need tips. Tips about Disneyland. Money saving tips. Time saving tips. Memory making tips. For all of you who have been to Disneyland, please share your tips.

Thanks in advance.

 

[iceskatejen]

My biggest one--be at the front gates 30 minutes before they open. If the park opens at 8, then be there by 7:30, if it opens later, be there 1 hour before park opening because the gates will open 30 minutes prior to park opening. If driving in, then be a the parking area at those times. Be smart about using FP--if the wait is under 20 minutes, don't bother with it unless the return time is pretty close and you know that you'll want to ride that ride twice.

 

[barbaraann]

We are staying at the Hilton Anaheim and our first day at the park, will be the 16th of July, which is the day before the anniversary. We are going to make sure the kids get a good night's sleep, because we plan on leaving for the park on the 17th at 6 a.m. With the park scheduled to open on that morning at 8 a.m., we do not want to miss anything. We will either walk to the park, or take the shuttle, if it is running that early.

 

[BeckyEsq]

My biggest one--be at the front gates 30 minutes before they open. If the park opens at 8, then be there by 7:30, if it opens later, be there 1 hour before park opening because the gates will open 30 minutes prior to park opening. If driving in, then be a the parking area at those times. Be smart about using FP--if the wait is under 20 minutes, don't bother with it unless the return time is pretty close and you know that you'll want to ride that ride twice.

Is there a limit on how many FP's a person can get? If so what is the limit? TIA.

 

[scroot]

Try to limit the amount that you walk. Do everything you want to in one area before moving to the next. Avoid going from Pooh to Buzz Lightyear (from one corner of the park to the other). Consider riding the train as transportation. Schedule restful attractions like great moments with Mr. Lincoln and the Tiki Room for when it is hot. Sitting in air conditioning is a good thing in CA in July.

 

[iceskatejen]

Technically, no. It's really quite complicated. Some people think you can only get one FP per ride per day--not true, just one at a time (or at least you can't get another until you can get another FP for any ride). Some think you can only hold one FP at a time--also not true, if you know what you are doing. When you put your ticket into the FP machine, you'll get your FP ticket. It will have you're return time (between one time and another 1 hour later) and at the bottom it will have the time you can get another. That will either be when you're FP window opens or 2 hours later, whichever comes first. Get your next FP as soon as you can--as soon as that window opens up be putting your ticket into another FP machine. Also--the two parks are not connected to eachother, so you can hold FPs for both parks at the same time (each ticket used to get a FP must go through the ticket readers at the park entrances). Plus Roger Rabbit and Grizzly River are not connected to the rest of the system in either park, so you can hold FPs for each of those, plus another ride in each park at the same time.

 

[undertheradar]

DL in July will be crazy. The 17th will be packed and hot. Expect a packed park with very long wait times. I would expect that if you leave the park to take a break at your hotel, you will not be guaranteed re-entry. Plan to spend time away from the sun and heat by browsing the shops. As others have suggested, bring lots of sunscreen!

 

[babysharknc]

Time saving tip! There are two lines for the matterhorn! One on each side of the mountain. We did not realize this and stood in the longer line for about 10 minutes when a nice lady said there was a shorter/nonexistant line on the other side of the mountain. Sure enough we walked over and no line, practically walked onto the ride!

 

[dreamingdisney]

I agree with the others who said to try and do activities in one area before moving to another. With the heat and the crowds, it will be too exhausting zipping back and forth between the different "lands".

Even on the hottest days, the crowds are much thinner at Disney's California Adventure than Disneyland. When we want to take a break from Disneyland, but don't want to leave the parks, we head over to California Adventure and catch a show - like Aladdin, Muppet Vision 3D, or some of the "cooler" rides like Grizzly River Run or Soarin' over California - then we head back over to Disneyland.

 

[Alison Wonderland]

If there are mostly younger kids in your group, but I would say go to Fantasyland first and get as much as you can done there because these lines will be unbelievable later in the day. You could get 3-4 rides done early in the same time you would stand in line for 1 ride once it starts getting close to lunch time and later.

 

[barbaraann]

Thanks to everyone who responded to this question. I have been to WDW a few times, so I know a little about Theme Park strategy. I am looking for Disneyland Specific tips, and I thank anyone who may pass some of these along. I know they will make my first trip to Disneyland memorable.

 

[Itinkso]

When you are standing in line for Peter Pan, look up into the 2nd story windows of the Snow White ride. You will see "someone" open the curtains and peak out at you! Touch the apple as you enter the Snow White ride and someone mysterious will speak to you!! If you are into art, go up to the Disney Gallery above Pirates...it used to be Walt's apartment Stop and buy a churro at one of the churro carts they are everywhere at DL and DCA...we really missed our churros at WDW
When you are in DCA, stop at Wine Country Trattoria in the evening a little before the Electrical Parade begins. Have dessert, the tiramisu is delicious and watch the parade from the terrace. Ask for seating along the wall of the terrace!
If you aren't going to make it to San Francisco, have a clam chowder bowl at Pacific Wharf Cafe in DCA...it is the same chowder that Boudin's serves at Fisherman's Wharf!
Take the time to enjoy your visit as DL really is very different than WDW!

 

[CalGal]

We are staying at the Hilton Anaheim and our first day at the park, will be the 16th of July, which is the day before the anniversary. We are going to make sure the kids get a good night's sleep, because we plan on leaving for the park on the 17th at 6 a.m. With the park scheduled to open on that morning at 8 a.m., we do not want to miss anything. We will either walk to the park, or take the shuttle, if it is running that early.

Try to avoid walking from the Hilton. It's farther than it looks, and your feet are going to get awfully tired after awhile. Which brings up another tip which you should already know since you've been to WDW -- take care of your feet. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring bandaids and consider using moleskin. Even though DL is much more compact than WDW, you still find yourself walking a lot. I like to bring a few different pairs of comfortable shoes and alternate them.

As stated before, you may not be guaranteed re-admission on the 17th, but on other days, if you take the shuttle back to the hotel for rest and swim breaks, time it carefully. You don't want to be waiting at the transportation center a long time in the July heat.

 

[Danvers]

When you are standing in line for Peter Pan, look up into the 2nd story windows of the Snow White ride. You will see "someone" open the curtains and peak out at you! Touch the apple as you enter the Snow White ride and someone mysterious will speak to you!! If you are into art, go up to the Disney Gallery above Pirates...it used to be Walt's apartment Stop and buy a churro at one of the churro carts they are everywhere at DL and DCA...we really missed our churros at WDW
When you are in DCA, stop at Wine Country Trattoria in the evening a little before the Electrical Parade begins. Have dessert, the tiramisu is delicious and watch the parade from the terrace. Ask for seating along the wall of the terrace!
If you aren't going to make it to San Francisco, have a clam chowder bowl at Pacific Wharf Cafe in DCA...it is the same chowder that Boudin's serves at Fisherman's Wharf!
Take the time to enjoy your visit as DL really is very different than WDW!

These are awesome tips, thank you!

 

[LucyKate]

When going over the final drop at Splash Mountain don't stick a camera on your face or you'll be disappointed with the automatic photograph at the end of the ride! If you want a good picture there, sit in the front row and throw your arms up and look up.

If you want a good pic on Screamin, it's taken right at the end of the ride, just as you begin to slow before departure on the final bend.

There are lockers on Main Street which are great if you plan to spend the whole day and don't want to cart your coats, souvenirs or food with you all day - costs just $5 and well worth it.

If you have kids buy an autograph book a the first souvenir shop as you enter the park - saves having to race back when your kids go nuts because they've just seen Mickey or some other character.

Best and cheapest food in the park - the turkey legs from carts. will feed half a family each!

 

[quiltymom]

Ditto getting to Fantasyland first if you want to get on those rides. If you don't, you'll be sorry! The lines get long fast and never go down! Last summer we got there at the rope drop (8:00) and me and DD3 & DS 5 did Peter Pan (2 minute wait - I thought that I was cheating), Dumbo twice, Casey Jr., Storybookland canals, teacups, Small World (15 minute ride). Then we headed over to Toontown when it opened (9:00) and got photos taken with Mickey then Minnie, rode the trolley, then headed back to Fantasyland and rode the carousel 5 times, all before 9:45 am!

My sister's family (with 2 teens) did all 5 big rides (Space Mountain, BTMRR, PotC, HM, Splash Mtn) within the same time. Then we just took the day as it came after that.

And you must get fritters & mint juleps at the mint julep bar in New Orlean's Square. There's nothing like that snack!

A great time to get on the rides is before and during the fireworks, although some of the FL rides and stores are closed at that time. Once we rode the Matterhorn during the fireworks and were treated to a great show as we sped along!

 

[Blackunicorn]

Go in the Mad Hatter Hat Shop in Fantasyland and watch the mirror behind the counter.

Visit Toontown and pull on the door to the Electric Company. Listen at the telephones, and play with anything that looks like it can be played with. Get a family picture in one of the goofy-looking cars. Even though most of you will be too big for Goofy's Bounce House, go through the line queue and look at all of the things growing in the garden.

Don't wear a hat on Splash Mountain. If you do, buy the souvenir picture afterward, because it will be the last time you see your hat.

Grizzly River Run in DCA will completely soak you.

If you're going to let your kids play in the water area at Bountiful Valley Farm in DCA, make sure to have them wear water-proof sandals, because it's no fun to walk around in wet shoes. I saw a lot of kids in their swimsuits there. If your kids are going to get completely soaked, do It's Tough to be a Bug first, because the air conditioning is a bit frigid if you're sopping wet. Plus you leave the seats wet, which is a nasty surprise for the people after you.

Do the tours at DCA at least once--those warm tortillas are simply wonderful.

The DL Pirates of the Caribbean is longer than the one at WDW. Look at the painting in the bag of loot the pirates are hauling up the final incline at the end of the ride--it's from the movie Blackbeard's Ghost.

The Blue Bayou is a restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Make PS as soon as possible if you want to eat there, and ask for waterside seating. It's a bit cramped, but you can watch the riders float by, and it's fun. The Monte Cristo sandwich gets great reviews, but I was more impressed by the sourdough rolls. This is one more place where you can get a mint julep.

If you can, in the line queue for Indiana Jones, get a picture of someone stepping on the diamond-shaped stones. Also make sure to get a picture of the sign saying, "Don't step on the diamond-shaped stones." Pull on the rope and listen for what happens next at the well. If you do a search online, you can find a decoder for the writing that's on the wall in the temple, which can also be fun to pass the time if you're standing in a long line. Do your search for "Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye", and the word "decoder".

Visit Snow White's grotto and listen for her singing. Stay long enough to see the little water show that happens every once in a while.

See the water show at the Disneyland Hotel, if they haven't discontinued it.

 

[quiltymom]

Go in the Mad Hatter Hat Shop in Fantasyland and watch the mirror behind the counter.

I'll have to check this one out! I don't know how many times I've been in there and haven't noticed a thing. Well, except that there is a mirror there! Can't wait to find out!

 

[disneychrista]

Get there AT LEAST 30 minutes before scheduled park opening, I suggest at least an hour on the 17th (july 17th that is). It is expected that the park will be at capacity as early as 10am. Do not leave the park that day unless you are leaving for the day. As others have said expect very long lines this day. Take things very easy this day and enjoy just being there, I Know I will .

"Circle" the park as you do attractions. Start in one area and "circle" that area. Meaning if you start in adventureland, start at Indy and enjoy each attration as you work your way to Splash. Take the Train from NOS/Frontierland to Toontown/Fantasyland.

Some meals are very large and can be shared. My DD and i share a veggie tostada salad at Rancho. Kids meals are not just for kids. I often enjoy a kids pasta and get a dinner salad at Plaza. Also if an item is on the menu as part of a meal it can also be purchased as a side dish by itself. Don't be afraid to ask for something to be "special made" if they can do it they will.

 

[swcruiser]

At CA there is a rest. called Taste Pilots (it is right next to Soarin which is not to be missed and you need to head right there the minute you get to the park). The hamburgers are 1/3 pd and they are huge. My ds (age9) and I could split one. And they aren't those nasty sit around for 2 hour burgers. There is also a condiment bar which you can get onions, tomatoes etc. Its our favorite. Also Ariel's Grotto is a character meal experience and the kid's meals come in a sand bucket. Word to the wise though, Ariel is no longer there. Mickey, Chip and Dale, Goofy etc.

At the Disneyland Hotel there is Goofy's Kitchen. Character dinner. This is one of our favorite places. We have celebrated our birthdays there since DS was 2. It is cute to get the pictures year after year (the same one of DH looking incredibly bored!). It runs us about $80 for dinner for three and tip and all but since we only go once a year.

In CA at the Redwood Creek Challenge, do this early. You will die in the heat. The kids love it. Word of warning, if you have smaller size feet be careful on the rope ladders. Ds feet were fine and DH but mine were too big to fit on one loop and too small to fit on two (I wear a size 7 but have short fat feet) and the first time I tripped and dip an interesting roll. As long as you know that you are fine.

Just work the fastpass system and you will get to see most of what you want. Plan, plan, plan. We did that last year when we went to WDW and though everyone made fun of me for reading everything I could get my hands on, it paid off. enjoy!