The Best Tip

[Tink33]

What was the very best tip you learned from the Disneyland Boards?

A favorite restaurant, a hot tip, or a secret strategy?

 

[DLR29]

I didn't learn it on the Disboards, but my #1 tip is to get to the parks early because you can get a ton done in the first 2 hours.

 

[Hound 109]

I didn't learn it on the Disboards, but my #1 tip is to get to the parks early because you can get a ton done in the first 2 hours.

I agree with DLR.....Getting there at ropedrop (or EE) & picking up FPs early & often has changed the way i visit DL.

I get as much done in half the time & always go counter to the crowds.

hound

 

[XTinabell]

The best tip I learned is that you don't have to use the fast pass by the end time, it's good all day. Even though I learned that on the boards a CM also told me at the park, but still best tip I learned.

 

[DangerMouse]

On this board? Read Hydro's tips. Everything you need to know about DLR in a few very well-written posts.

 

[bouncy54]

The ins and outs of park-hopping and Fast Pass are the 2 best tips I have learned from DIS. I haven't tried them yet, but I can't wait to utilize all I've learned here.

 

[Camilo]

To use the single rider line on most big attractions of DCA park and Splash Mountain at DL.
I saw huge line ups of 40+ minutes and was riding these attractions in less than 10 minutes.

 

[NVDisMom]

Get there early, play hard, get a late lunch in the park, head back to the hotel for swiming and naps for a couple of hours, and the go back at dinner time, when everyone else is eating, to play hard again.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

I fully believe 2/3 of the battle is over if you'll just do this.

Get there early before the park opens with ticket media in hand and have a plan.

The other 1/3 is having the right plan.

The vast majority either will not get there early or cannot and will not or cannot plan. Of course that is a miss statement of sorts. They do plan. All day when they open their map right in the middle of the road right in front of me and end up in 90 minute lines moooooing and baaaahing all the way giving me dirty looks when I fly by em in the fast pass line.

You can either waste time and effort planning at home before you go or you can waste time and effort planning while you're there. You're going to plan. The only question is do you want to waste down time at home doing it, or waste time in the parks doing it and waste more time in the parks because you didn't do it prior?

 

[AJA55]

From the Disneyland boards? The kewl little things like:

People watching from the porch on Main. St.

Listening to the party lines at the Market House is a kick.

You can also snack at the tables next to it and listen in at the dentist's office.
Take time to REALLY look at all the windows and LISTEN closely as you go down Main St. If the rocking chairs on the front porch of the house halfway down on the right side (as you go toward the castle) are vacant, go sit for a while and watch people.
---------------

Co-pilot the Mark Twain. Walking the decks of the Mark Twain at night. ( non-fantasmic nights)

Actually seeing all the stuff below decks on the Columbia.
---------------
Pirates @ Tom S Island

There is a music show and pirate stunt show that lasts roughly 35 minutes altogether and begins at the top of every hour starting with the first show at 10AM. This is not listed in the Times Guide and I found this out by asking the PLATSI CMs.

If you want a shaded spot like we did and most other people do during mid-day, then if possible grab a spot in front (i.e., right at the netting) of the elevated viewing area.
---------------
Also look for the Wicked Queen in the window above Snow White's Adventure ride. Also, I thought I read that there's also an apple on a pedestal near there that if you touch it, you can hear the Queen's evil laugh.

Just as you enter the line to Snow White there is a brass apple, try to pick it up.
---------------
Watching the Cheshire Cat appear and disappear in the mirror of THE MAD HATTER hat shop (next to tea cups, in Fantasyland).
---------------
The Villains Lair meet & greet area at Disneyland, right inside the Castle to the right, is consistently one of the funniest & funniest spots in the whole park during the daylight hours. Viva la Villains!
In Fantasyland - go into the Villain shop and turn the key of the cage that holds the witch.
---------------
Small World: Over in Disneyland's ride, on the Eiffel Tower, you'll see a doll which is a tribute to the original World's Fair attraction's doll designer, Imagineer Mary Blair. Cool, huh?
---------------
Stand by the wishing well on the side of the castle and listening to Snow White sing, and her echo in the well.
----------------
Go to the Disney Gallery up above Pirates of the Caribbean. Make sure you go out on the back patio, too.

The gallery is just that, an art gallery. It has tons of memorabilia and historical Disneyland pieces. One of the coolest things in there right now is the bone throne from Pirates 2. The gallery has limited hours and is only open Fri-Sun and opens at noon and closes 1 hour prior to park closing. I hear they are revamping some of the exhibits right now as well.
---------------
Free map of Jungle Cruise if you ask Skipper at end of ride
---------------

On the exit ramp from Indiana Jones, once you're outside, there is a place where the shrubbery parts and you can see (and be seen by) the jungle cruise boats.
---------------
I don't know how "fun" this is, but I always have to get a drink of water from that Cinderella? water fountain by the "Once Upon A Dream" shop. I have never seen such a beautiful water fountain. My daughter loves it too. We feel like princesses. I love how Disney takes the time to make even the smallest items and details special.
---------------
You can ask for a "Marabic Translation Card" for Indy...
I do not know if they always have them, but I have read that you can ask a CM at the shop in the area that is themed for the ride...
---------------
In the queuing line for Indiana Jones, deep inside, in the middle of all of the bamboo poles, there is one that looks a little crooked. Pull on it hard

In line at the well pull the rope that says not to.
---------------
On the Winnie the Pooh ride at Disneyland, if you turn around after you pass the scene where Pooh is pigging out on honey, you can see 3 animals that were from the Country Bear Jamboree (a tribute).
---------------
The popcorn machines. There are popcorn machines all over the place. Look at the little guy that is turning the wheel for the popcorn, he is different in every land!
---------------
New Orleans Square - at different times during the day they throw mardi gras beads to the guests - sometimes from the balcony, and sometimes the band members do it.
Wander around New Orleans Square, or sit on a bench there and watch people.
At NOS and listening to the nightclub sound loop.
---------------
Go to see Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
---------------
Innoventions - You may recognize the voice of Tom Morrow. It is the actor Nathan Lane, who did the voice for Timon in The Lion King. Also, if you can't read the note in his pocket, it says "Buy 10 W 30". If you have the time, watch the robot after he gives his spiel and the other guests have moved on. He will move and act like a person who is bored and waiting for his next group of guests!
---------------
Astro Orbiter - When you look at the tail fins of the 12 rockets, notice that each has a different sign of the zodiac.
---------------
That "Talk to Stitch" exhibit sounds cool! Tell me more!
It's similar to the Turtle Talk with Crush over at DCA but more of a one on one experience. You start by signing up on a waiting list if you are interested in talking to Stitch. The wait will vary depending on how crowded it is but each 'visit' runs about 5 minutes each. When it is your turn, you are led to the area that is set up with a large 'video phone' system that allows you to talk to Stitch directly. Stitch is shown on the vid-screen while conversing with your party and it is completely different each time you do it. Stitch's conversations are completely improvised (by whoever is operating him) and directly dependent by what you ask, say, are wearing, etc. It's very entertaining.

Some quotes that we got during our last visit (as best as I can remember):
Stitch: "Wow! Is your Dad wearing a Stitch shirt? That's so cool...although Stitch looks all scribbly and angry...and that's a lot of guns. Yep, that's when Stitch was in his Bad Place..."

Son: "Do you know how to surf?"
Stitch: "Yes, Stitch knows how to surf...but only with adult supervision."

At the end of your visit, Stitch asks to take your picture and you get a souvenir card with a website/password to retrieve your pictures later (Stitch keeps a copy for himself).

Easily one of my favorite things to do when visiting.
---------------
If you go to the VMK area in Tomorrow land, they will give you "quests" where you have to answer questions about DL. If you do not know the answer, you have to go look. By way of example was what the license plate number was on the vehicle sitting in front of the Indy ride. It is kind of like Trivial Pursuit for DL.
---------------
When in Toontown, try to open the door by the Electric company and see what happens.
---------------
Mickey's House- When you enter Mickey's house, the first room contains a passport with stamps from everywhere a Disneyland is located.
---------------
You can ride up front with the driver on the monorail (limited to 5 ppl, I think);


And food hints that I liked:


Bengal BBQ... bacon wrapped asparagus
---------------
Make sure you top it off with a Tinkerbell Twist from the Fantasia Freeze near the Matterhorn. If you like sour stuff, this is the drink for you: sour apple and sour watermelon slushee twisted together.
---------------
Redd Rocket's Pizza Port they have Pizza, Pasta, and Salads, everyone could find something they'd like. Try the Chicken Fusilli. It was WONDERFUL (and only like $8, so cheaper and much better than what I had the previous night at the Spaghetti Factory).
---------------
AAA Restaurant Discounts – AAA (American Automobile Association) members can receive a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) at Plaza Inn, Wine Country Trattoria, Ariel's Grotto, PCH Grill, and Goofy's Kitchen.

 

[blackjackdelta]

From the Disneyland boards? The kewl little things like:

People watching from the porch on Main. St.

Listening to the party lines at the Market House is a kick.

You can also snack at the tables next to it and listen in at the dentist's office.
Take time to REALLY look at all the windows and LISTEN closely as you go down Main St. If the rocking chairs on the front porch of the house halfway down on the right side (as you go toward the castle) are vacant, go sit for a while and watch people.
---------------
Co-pilot the Mark Twain. Walking the decks of the Mark Twain at night. ( non-fantasmic nights)

Actually seeing all the stuff below decks on the Columbia.
---------------
Pirates @ Tom S Island

There is a music show and pirate stunt show that lasts roughly 35 minutes altogether and begins at the top of every hour starting with the first show at 10AM. This is not listed in the Times Guide and I found this out by asking the PLATSI CMs.

If you want a shaded spot like we did and most other people do during mid-day, then if possible grab a spot in front (i.e., right at the netting) of the elevated viewing area.
---------------
Also look for the Wicked Queen in the window above Snow White's Adventure ride. Also, I thought I read that there's also an apple on a pedestal near there that if you touch it, you can hear the Queen's evil laugh.

Just as you enter the line to Snow White there is a brass apple, try to pick it up.
---------------
Watching the Cheshire Cat appear and disappear in the mirror of THE MAD HATTER hat shop (next to tea cups, in Fantasyland).
---------------
The Villains Lair meet & greet area at Disneyland, right inside the Castle to the right, is consistently one of the funniest & funniest spots in the whole park during the daylight hours. Viva la Villains!
In Fantasyland - go into the Villain shop and turn the key of the cage that holds the witch.
---------------
Small World: Over in Disneyland's ride, on the Eiffel Tower, you'll see a doll which is a tribute to the original World's Fair attraction's doll designer, Imagineer Mary Blair. Cool, huh?
---------------
Stand by the wishing well on the side of the castle and listening to Snow White sing, and her echo in the well.
----------------
Go to the Disney Gallery up above Pirates of the Caribbean. Make sure you go out on the back patio, too.

The gallery is just that, an art gallery. It has tons of memorabilia and historical Disneyland pieces. One of the coolest things in there right now is the bone throne from Pirates 2. The gallery has limited hours and is only open Fri-Sun and opens at noon and closes 1 hour prior to park closing. I hear they are revamping some of the exhibits right now as well.
---------------
Free map of Jungle Cruise if you ask Skipper at end of ride
---------------

On the exit ramp from Indiana Jones, once you're outside, there is a place where the shrubbery parts and you can see (and be seen by) the jungle cruise boats.
---------------
I don't know how "fun" this is, but I always have to get a drink of water from that Cinderella? water fountain by the "Once Upon A Dream" shop. I have never seen such a beautiful water fountain. My daughter loves it too. We feel like princesses. I love how Disney takes the time to make even the smallest items and details special.
---------------
You can ask for a "Marabic Translation Card" for Indy...
I do not know if they always have them, but I have read that you can ask a CM at the shop in the area that is themed for the ride...
---------------
In the queuing line for Indiana Jones, deep inside, in the middle of all of the bamboo poles, there is one that looks a little crooked. Pull on it hard

In line at the well pull the rope that says not to.
---------------
On the Winnie the Pooh ride at Disneyland, if you turn around after you pass the scene where Pooh is pigging out on honey, you can see 3 animals that were from the Country Bear Jamboree (a tribute).
---------------
The popcorn machines. There are popcorn machines all over the place. Look at the little guy that is turning the wheel for the popcorn, he is different in every land!
---------------
New Orleans Square - at different times during the day they throw mardi gras beads to the guests - sometimes from the balcony, and sometimes the band members do it.
Wander around New Orleans Square, or sit on a bench there and watch people.
At NOS and listening to the nightclub sound loop.
---------------
Go to see Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
---------------
Innoventions - You may recognize the voice of Tom Morrow. It is the actor Nathan Lane, who did the voice for Timon in The Lion King. Also, if you can't read the note in his pocket, it says "Buy 10 W 30". If you have the time, watch the robot after he gives his spiel and the other guests have moved on. He will move and act like a person who is bored and waiting for his next group of guests!
---------------
Astro Orbiter - When you look at the tail fins of the 12 rockets, notice that each has a different sign of the zodiac.
---------------
That "Talk to Stitch" exhibit sounds cool! Tell me more!
It's similar to the Turtle Talk with Crush over at DCA but more of a one on one experience. You start by signing up on a waiting list if you are interested in talking to Stitch. The wait will vary depending on how crowded it is but each 'visit' runs about 5 minutes each. When it is your turn, you are led to the area that is set up with a large 'video phone' system that allows you to talk to Stitch directly. Stitch is shown on the vid-screen while conversing with your party and it is completely different each time you do it. Stitch's conversations are completely improvised (by whoever is operating him) and directly dependent by what you ask, say, are wearing, etc. It's very entertaining.

Some quotes that we got during our last visit (as best as I can remember):
Stitch: "Wow! Is your Dad wearing a Stitch shirt? That's so cool...although Stitch looks all scribbly and angry...and that's a lot of guns. Yep, that's when Stitch was in his Bad Place..."

Son: "Do you know how to surf?"
Stitch: "Yes, Stitch knows how to surf...but only with adult supervision."

At the end of your visit, Stitch asks to take your picture and you get a souvenir card with a website/password to retrieve your pictures later (Stitch keeps a copy for himself).

Easily one of my favorite things to do when visiting.
---------------
If you go to the VMK area in Tomorrow land, they will give you "quests" where you have to answer questions about DL. If you do not know the answer, you have to go look. By way of example was what the license plate number was on the vehicle sitting in front of the Indy ride. It is kind of like Trivial Pursuit for DL.
---------------
When in Toontown, try to open the door by the Electric company and see what happens.
---------------
Mickey's House- When you enter Mickey's house, the first room contains a passport with stamps from everywhere a Disneyland is located.
---------------
You can ride up front with the driver on the monorail (limited to 5 ppl, I think);


And food hints that I liked:


Bengal BBQ... bacon wrapped asparagus
---------------
Make sure you top it off with a Tinkerbell Twist from the Fantasia Freeze near the Matterhorn. If you like sour stuff, this is the drink for you: sour apple and sour watermelon slushee twisted together.
---------------
Redd Rocket's Pizza Port they have Pizza, Pasta, and Salads, everyone could find something they'd like. Try the Chicken Fusilli. It was WONDERFUL (and only like $8, so cheaper and much better than what I had the previous night at the Spaghetti Factory).
---------------
AAA Restaurant Discounts – AAA (American Automobile Association) members can receive a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) at Plaza Inn, Wine Country Trattoria, Ariel's Grotto, PCH Grill, and Goofy's Kitchen.

Just thought I would say "Great Job"

Jack

 

[Amy&Dan]

God bless Hydroguy, who told me that once you are in one park, your ticket is activated at the other. This means dh or I can run over to DL while we are in DCA (or vice versa) and fastpass something with all four tickets even if all four of us have only been inside one of the parks that day. I knew the fastpass machines weren't linked but it was Hydroguy himself that assured me we could do this. And we have now many times. Its also good exercise!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Okay, the best tip for us is this:

If you're not early risers on vacation (and we definately are NOT.....yes, we like to sleep in and relax a little on vacation. ), then go during the off season!

We get so many rides in between 10:00am and 3:00pm, riding all of our favorites at least 2-3 times a day, then head back to our hotel for an evening of swimming and cocktails by the pool, and then a nice leisurely dinner, and possibly a stroll through DTD listening to the musicians. It doesn't get any better than that!!!

 

[laura&fam]

Get there early, play hard, get a late lunch in the park, head back to the hotel for swiming and naps for a couple of hours, and the go back at dinner time, when everyone else is eating, to play hard again.

Me too.

Heard this over and over again and it worked like a charm. Also great for people with kids 'cause they get crabby and need a break, well o.k. so do the adults.

 

[disneyscootergal]

One of the best tips I learned on the DIS is if you're staying at one of the DL resorts, have vacation planning get your Fantasmic! reserved seating for you.

I had agonized and worried over that for days, worried that something would go wrong with my call, and I would miss out. Instead, vacation planning reserved front row seats for me and my DD, and all I had to do was pick them up when we checked into the PP!!

 

[AJA55]

Just thought I would say "Great Job"

Jack



Thanks Jack