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This is the largest collection of Disneyland tips on the planet.

The best part?

All of our Disneyland advice, tips, and tricks will help you save time, save money, or make your Disney experience even more magical.

So, if you want your Disneyland vacation to be as magical as possible, use these Disney tips to help in planning your visit to the Disneyland Resort.

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Table of Contents

• Before You Go
• Your Hotel
• The First Day
• Free and Cheap Items at Disneyland
• Disneyland Transportation
• Food and Dining
• Photography
• Character Greetings
• Special Activities
• Disney Pin Trading
• Downtown Disney
• Before You Leave

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BEFORE YOU GO

1) Decide on 1-Park-Per-Day vs. Park Hopper

1-Park per Day Disneyland tickets allow you to visit one of the two Disneyland Resort Parks in a single day. Whichever park you start in for the day is the only one you can visit for the day.

Park Hopper tickets allow you to go between the two Disneyland Parks on the same day. You can “hop” between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park as many times as you’d like.

2) Download the Disneyland App

Before you leave on vacation, download the free, official Disneyland app and create a Disney account.

This is your digital portal to Disneyland before you even step foot in the Resort. It includes interactive maps of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, ride wait time estimates, restaurant menus, and mobile ordering, MaxPass access and so much more.

You can use the app to get familiar with the layout of the parks, see menu pricing to help you budget for meals in the park, and see what rides and attractions are currently operating. It’s one of the most useful tools to have for your Disneyland vacation.

3) Reserve Your Character Dining

You can reserve Character Dining up to 60 days before your vacation, beginning at 7am PST, online or over the phone. Character Dining is available in the Disneyland Resort hotels as well as in Disneyland Park, and they sell out fast.

It’s a great way to meet Disney Characters in one convenient place and enjoy a delicious breakfast before experiencing the parks.

Disneyland Character Dining includes the following options:

• Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park
• Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures
• Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast
• Breakfast and Dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen
• Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet

4) Check the Weather

Southern California is known for temperate, sunny weather.

ANAHEIM WEATHER

However, if rain is in the forecast, you’ll want to pack ponchos and water-proof footwear for your vacation. It’ll save you money compared to purchasing rain gear in the parks.

5) Purchase Disney Gift Cards at a Discount

Using Disney gift cards at the parks instead of cash can help you save money in the following ways:

• Purchasing Disney gift cards in advance can help you set a budget since you can use them to purchase souvenirs or food in the Parks.
• Also, if you purchase Disney gift cards at big box stores like Target or Kroger, you can often get them at a discount (like 5% off face value).
• Purchase a gift card using your credit card will earn rewards such as cash back, travel or credit towards future purchases.

6) Purchase Discount Tickets from Get Away Today

Speaking of discounts, you’ll always save on Disneyland tickets when you purchase in advance from Get Away Today.

You’ll be emailed electronic ticket vouchers that you can take straight to the Disneyland Resort turnstiles at either park. No need to wait in ticket booth lines!

Or, if you plan on being at the parks for an extended period of time, you can try Get Away Today‘s Length of Stay option. They offer discounted Disneyland tickets for 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day lengths of stay.

You can purchase 1-day tickets directly from Disneyland, but they are always full-price. The 3-day Park Hopper is the most popular discount ticket sold by Get Away Today, but look for Extra Day Free offers such as 5-day tickets for the price of just 4 days.

If you don’t know the exact dates you’re traveling, just give Get Away Today an estimated travel window and you can book your tickets.

7) Kids Under 3 are Free

Did you know kids under three get into Disneyland free? No need to purchase a ticket for them!

8) Charge Your Portable Battery

Before you head to Disneyland, be sure your portable charger is fueled up.

You’ll be using your phone a lot in the Parks, especially if you’ve downloaded the Disneyland app. The last thing you want is for it to die halfway through your day.

No portable charger? This is our favorite.

9) Plan Your Transportation from the Airport

You can book transportation from the airport to your hotel with Get Away Today before you leave on your vacation.

Get Away Today has access to discount Karmel Shuttle tickets so you can conveniently get from the airport to your hotel near Disneyland.

Other transportation options include Uber and Lyft, so be sure to compare and see what works best for your travel party, and what fits your budget.

10) Plan Your Theme Park Transportation

If you’re not staying at a hotel within walking distance of the Disneyland Resort, you can save on ART Shuttle service when you book in advance with Get Away Today. ART picks up in front of many hotels in Anaheim and will drop guests off in front of the security gates at the Disneyland Resort.

Again, Uber and Lyft are options here as well.

11) Schedule a Grocery Pickup or Delivery

If you’re staying at a suite with a kitchen, you can arrange for grocery delivery or pickup at select hotels. It’s a convenient way to save money while on vacation, and help you prepare meals in your hotel with ease. Check with your hotel to see what is available, as many offer complimentary grocery services.

Also, if you like to pick up your groceries at Walmart, there are 3 within close driving distance of Disneyland Park.

12) Rent a Stroller

If you’re not bringing your own stroller to the Disneyland Resort, you have a number of options when it comes to renting one.

You can rent a single stroller for $15/day, or a double for $35/day from Disneyland.

There are also outside vendors such as City Stroller Rentals, Travel Baby Company, and One Stop Mobility.

Some companies will deliver your stroller right to your hotel, so ask about that option when booking your rental.

All strollers must follow Disneyland’s guidelines and be no wider than 31 inches, and no longer than 52 inches.

13) Pack Souvenirs

Save money on your Disneyland vacation by purchasing souvenirs in advance and packing them into the Parks with you.

14) Pack a Sheet or Blanket

If you’re planning to enjoy parades at the Disneyland Resort, pack a sheet.

Why?

You can reserve your viewing spot by laying out a sheet, and when you’re done it’s easy to fold up and tuck in your day pack or in the bottom of your stroller.

15) Fall in Love with a Fanny Pack

Fanny packs are in vogue now and they’re highly functional for a trip to the parks.

Some of the reasons I love them:

• They comply with the bag size limit at Disneyland
• It’s a great place to keep your items (like phone) while on a ride
• Never worry about losing your stuff when you set it down on a ride…it’s right there on you!
• Quick access to credit cards, FastPass, etc
• Keeps your stuff dry on Splash Mountain
• When you get a Disney-themed pack, you’re dressing in Disney Style!

Here’s our list of our favorite Disney-themed fanny packs right now.

16) Check the Event Schedule Before You Go

Will you be in the Parks during a special celebration or holiday?

If so, be sure to factor special showtimes or parade routes into your planning.

You can use Disney’s website or the Disneyland app to see up-to-date schedules for events, including fireworks, World of Color, and more.

17) Check for Ride Closures & Refurbishments

Disney is continually improving the parks, so be sure you know which rides or attractions may be closed during your vacation.

YOUR HOTEL

18) Find Your Perfect Hotel

The dizzying number of options to consider when booking a hotel for your Disneyland vacation is sure to make anyone’s head spin.

To make your job a little bit easier, here are a few suggestions to help you find the right one:

• Hotels near Disneyland
  • You can book discount rates at hotels near Disneyland as a Get Away Today guest.
  • Select hotels include perks for booking with Get Away Today, including complimentary breakfast, Extra Night Free specials, free parking, free wi-fi, or theme park transportation at a discount (or free!).
• Paradise Pier Hotel (Disneyland Resort onsite hotel)
  • Paradise Pier Hotel offers a casual, 1920s beach theme and is within walking distance of the parks.
  • During each day of your stay here, you’ll have early admission to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park. When it comes to early admission, always be sure to check Disneyland’s official calendar to see which park you can get into each day.
• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (Disneyland Resort onsite hotel)
  • This hotel located inside Disney California Adventure Park, and it has a craftsman, woodsy theme.
  • It has two separate, private entrances to the Resort, including one near Grizzly Peak in California Adventure and one to Downtown Disney.
  • Each day of your stay at the Grand Californian offers early admission to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park. Always check the Disneyland calendar to see what park you can get into early for each day.
• Disneyland Hotel (Disneyland Resort onsite hotel)
  • The Disneyland Hotel features a retro, Disney theme and is within walking distance of the parks.
  • On each day of your stay here, you’ll have early admission to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park.
  • Again, refer to the official Disneyland calendar to see which park you can get into early each day.

19) Book a Hotel in Advance

You’re never penalized for booking early with Get Away Today, so be sure you’ve locked in your hotel before you head on vacation.

If additional discounts come up after you book with Get Away Today, they can apply the savings to your vacation.

20) Use the Layaway Plan

Get Away Today offers an interest-free Layaway Plan to make your next Disney vacation more affordable than ever.

For as low as $175 down you can book your discount Disneyland tickets and your hotel. You can make flexible payments up until seven days before you travel.

21) Ask About Extra Beds

When you arrive at your hotel, inquire about rollaway beds or cribs at the front desk.

Some hotels offer extra beds or cribs at no additional cost, while others require a small fee. You can find out beforehand when you book.

22) Leave Luggage with the Front Desk

If you arrive at your hotel before check-in, you can leave your luggage with the front desk and head to Downtown Disney or the parks.

The same goes for when you check out; if you need the hotel to hold your luggage until your flight they’re almost always willing to do so.

23) Relax at the Hotel Pool

Allow for some downtime at your hotel pool during your Disneyland vacation.

It’s a great way to recharge mid-day, or on a day you’re not heading to the Parks at all. Take advantage of the warm weather and relax!

THE FIRST DAY

24) Link Disneyland Resort Tickets to the Disneyland App

When you enter the Resort and get your paper tickets, open the Disneyland app and scan the barcode into your account.

This will link your ticket to the app so you can easily access MaxPass, PhotoPass, and more.

25) Get to the Disneyland Resort Early

Depending on when you travel to the Disneyland Resort, you’ll want to get to the security check-in early.

If the parks open at 8am, consider getting in line at 7:30am.

This may help you get into the actual park as early as possible so you can ride the most popular rides with shorter lines and maximize your day.

26) Only Pack the Essentials

By packing only things that are absolutely necessary you save yourself not only the effort of carrying everything around with you or renting a locker, but it also allows you to get past security quickly at the park gates.

27) Have a Plan

I cannot stress how important this tip is.

Some people get to the parks before opening and waste precious time once they’re inside the park trying to decide which rides to go to in which order.

You do not want to miss out on the best time to ride the newest and most popular rides.

Take the time to formulate a plan with those you are with to maximize the smaller crowds and shorter lines.

28) Magic Mornings

Speaking of getting to the Parks early… All 3-day or longer tickets purchased with Get Away Today include one Magic Morning.

This is early admission into Disneyland Park one hour before it opens to the general public. The days alternate, so be sure to check the Disney website to confirm.

Typically, Magic Morning early admission to Disneyland Park is on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

29) Extra Magic Hour

Guests of the Disneyland Resort Hotels have early park admission each day of their vacation (with valid theme park admission).

This means you can get into Disneyland Park early on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Disney California Adventure Park early on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

It’s a great way to get a jump on the day, and the only way to get in California Adventure Park before the general public.

30) Pick Up Breakfast Vouchers

Many hotels offer Get Away Today guests complimentary breakfast.

Some hotels have vouchers to give to you when you check in to use as admission to the restaurant.

Be sure you get those for everyone in your party if your hotel includes breakfast.

31) Pick up ART Shuttle Tickets

If you book your ART tickets in advance with Get Away Today, you can pick them up from the hotel’s front desk when you arrive.

32) Pick Up Stroller

Depending on which company you use, you may be able to pick up your stroller from the hotel’s front desk on your first day.

If you’re renting a stroller from the Disneyland Resort, you can pick up your reservation outside the ticket turnstiles of either park.

33) Pick Up a Get Away Today Lanyard

When you book a Disneyland vacation package with Get Away Today, you can pick up a complimentary lanyard at your hotel.

Get Away Today will send you a voucher to redeem at your hotel, and you’ll love having a lanyard to hold your theme park tickets and hotel key during your vacation.

34) FastPass

FastPass is a free Disneyland service that allows guests to skip the traditional standby line for select attractions.

Using your Disneyland ticket, you can head to kiosks around the Parks to request a return time to ride. They’re issued on a first-come, first-serve basis, but FastPass is a great way to experience more attractions during your vacation.

FastPass attractions include the following:

Disneyland Park

• Autopia
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Fantasmic!
• Haunted Mansion
• Haunted Mansion Holiday
• Indiana Jones™ Adventure
• “it’s a small world”
• “it’s a small world” Holiday
• Matterhorn Bobsleds
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Disney California Adventure Park

• Goofy’s Sky School
• Grizzly River Run
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark
• Incredicoaster
• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Radiator Springs Racers
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Toy Story Midway Mania!
• World of Color

35) MaxPass

MaxPass is the electronic version of FastPass, and is an optional upgrade to your Disneyland ticket.

You can purchase in advance for each day of your vacation with Get Away Today, or purchase on a day-by-day basis once you’re in the Resort.

MaxPass allows you to make FastPass requests from your mobile device, using the Disneyland app. You can be in either Park to make selections, which saves you a lot of time!

Also, the MaxPass upgrade includes unlimited PhotoPass downloads.

36) Hidden Mickeys

Did you know Disney Imagineers have incorporated hidden Mickeys throughout the parks?

Look for images of Mickey’s silhouette in queues, on rides themselves, in store signage, and elsewhere in the parks. There are apps you can download for hints, or you can just wing it.

37) Know Where the First Aid Centers are Located

There are First Aid Centers in both parks.

If you need a bandaid, a Tylenol or to check in with a registered nurse, stop by the First Aid Center at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland or on Buena Vista Street next to the Chamber of Commerce in Disney California Adventure Park.

38) Baby Care Centers

If you’re looking for a quiet place to feed a young child, purchase additional baby supplies, or use a toddler-sized toilet, head to a Baby Care Center.

In Disneyland Park it’s located near the First Aid Center on Main Street, U.S.A. In Disney California Adventure Park, the Baby Care Center is located across from The Bakery Tour in Pacific Wharf.

39) Resort Balloon Refund

If you purchase a balloon in the Disneyland Resort, keep your receipt! If the balloon happens to pop, take what’s left of it to a Cast Member with your receipt and they’ll provide you with a new one.

40) Play Disney Parks App

Download the free Play Disney Parks app so you can interact with the Resort.

Select ride queues feature magical touches that you can activate with the app.

When you visit the planet of Batuu and explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you can use the app to translate foreign languages, hack into droids, and earn virtual credits.

41) Decoder for Indiana Jones Adventure

Ask a Cast Member for a decoder when you get in line for Indiana Jones Adventure.

Use it to read the hieroglyphics in the queue, and keep it as a souvenir when you’re done.

42) Rent a Locker

You can rent lockers in various sizes for your day in the Resort. Store food, camera equipment, extra clothes, and more by the day for a small fee.

In Disneyland, the lockers are located on Main Street, U.S.A. In Disney California Adventure Park, the lockers can be found on Buena Vista Street.

43) Boarding Group for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

For the initial opening of this new ride in Galaxy’s Edge, no-cost Boarding Groups are required.

Enter the parks right at open and use the Disneyland app to request to join a Group. You’ll be issued a number, and will receive notifications via the app regarding your place in the virtual queue.

When your Boarding Group is “called,” you have two hours to arrive at Rise of the Resistance to experience the ride. Having a Boarding Pass does not guarantee that you’ll be able to ride the attraction that day.

44) Rider Switch

This feature is especially helpful for guests traveling with children who don’t meet height requirements for some rides.

Instead of having someone sit out with the small kids and then wait in line all over again for their turn, Rider Switch allows the parent/guardian to take turns.

This free system is also known as “child swap.”

Take your party to the line for the ride and let a Cast Member know you have someone who will be staying behind with a young child.

Those who are tall enough will head to the experience while the adult staying behind is issued a Rider Switch ticket like a FastPass.

When your party is done with the ride, the adult who stayed behind will not have to wait in the regular line in order to experience the attraction.

45) Single Rider Line

This service at Disneyland allows you to split up guests ages 14 and older to ride select attractions as single riders.

This means you may not sit next to other members of your party, but you can often avoid the regular standby line and get on the ride sooner.

FREE AND CHEAP ITEMS AT DISNEYLAND

46) Maps

When you ride Jungle Cruise, ask the skipper for a free map to take home.

You can also grab a theme park map at the ticket turnstiles.

47) Celebration Buttons

For birthdays, anniversaries and more, you can pick up a free celebration button at the Disneyland Resort.

Wear it around and marvel at the kindness you’ll be shown by fellow guests and Cast Members.

48) Stickers

Some Cast Members carry around stickers that they can hand out to guests who ask.

49) Autopia License

After you zoom around the Autopia track, as a Cast Member for a free license.

For a small fee you can have your picture taken and “upgrade” your license.

50) Food Samples

Take the Bakery Tour in Disney California Adventure Park and get a sourdough bread sample at the end.

Head to Ghirardelli’s and request a sample chocolate as a sweet treat.

51) Pressed Pennies

For about 51 cents, you can get a penny pressed from a number of machines throughout the parks, each with personalized designs to reflect their location in the parks.

52) Silhouettes

For about $10, you can have a hand-drawn silhouette made by a Disney artist.

The Silhouette Studio is located on Main Street, U.S.A. Disneyland.

53) Keychains

These make great souvenirs for kids and adults alike.

Look for inexpensive options at the checkout counters of many shops through the Resort.

54) Disney Pins

You can purchase Disney Pins before your trip, and you can find some for $10 or less in the Resort.

Whether you’re collecting or trading, Disney Pins make a great inexpensive souvenir.

DISNEYLAND TRANSPORTATION

55) Disneyland Monorail

The Disneyland Monorail has two stops.

With valid theme park admission you can hop on in Downtown Disney, or you can get on/off in Tomorrowland.

It’s less than three miles, and it takes about 13 minutes to go around the Resort.

56) Ride in the Front of the Monorail

While waiting for the monorail to come, ask a cast member if you can ride in the front with the driver.

You will be able to enjoy a view that not many people get to experience and the monorail driver might even have some special Disneyland insight to share with you.

57) Disneyland Railroad

Another mode of transportation is the Disneyland Railroad.

It’s perfect when you need to put your feet up!

You can get on at Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown, or Tomorrowland.

Enjoy this scenic ride around the Park, which includes some surprises!

58) Main Street, U.S.A. Vehicles

There’s no additional cost to grab a ride on a turn-of-the-century vehicle on Main Street.

Choose from the Horse-Drawn Street Car, a Jitney, the Fire Engine, and the Omnibus.

There’s one stop in front of Town Square near City Hall, and another at the Central Plaza in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

FOOD AND DINING

59) Free Ice Water

Bring your own refillable water bottle into Disneyland because you can get ice water refills for free from all restaurants in the Resort.

It’s such a convenient way to save money and stay hydrated during your vacation.

60) Kids Eat Free

Kids ages two and under eat free at all-you-care-to-eat restaurants, including Character Dining.

While they can’t load up their own personal plate, they can share off of someone else’s during the meal.

61) Mobile Ordering

Via the Disneyland app, you can use your phone to order and pay for food in advance.

Then you’ll head to the mobile order pickup window and skip the regular queue to get your order! It’s a great way to save time in Disneyland.

62) Sip and Savor Pass

If you’re in the Disneyland Resort during the Food & Wine Festival or the Holidays, you have the option to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass.

For about $56, these passes include eight removable tabs that can be redeemed for any menu item at participating kiosks and restaurants in Disney California Adventure Park.

63) Express Dining Options

Save money and time by ordering from the Express option of select restaurants.

Many menus are nearly identical, but the pricing is different and you won’t wait in the regular queue.

64) Split Entrees

When dining in the Resort, save money by sharing entrees.

Many choices are large enough to at least feed one adult and one child, if not two adults.

65) Bring Your Own Snacks

You are welcome to bring your own food and drink into the Disneyland Resort.

You can pack in a cooler that is no bigger than a six-pack, and bring your favorite snacks and drinks with you.

66) Reservations

Many restaurants accept dining reservations up to 60 days in advance.

Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge actually requires reservations.

There is a two-drink maximum and 45-minute time limit for this cantina experience, and you can enjoy the musical stylings of DJ droid R-3X.

PHOTOGRAPHY

67) PhotoPass Photographers

If you ask nicely, professional PhotoPass photographers throughout the Resort will happily take a photo for you with your own camera.

Additionally, you can purchase PhotoPass (or MaxPass for less!) to access photos taken by PhotoPass photographers.

Their photos are linked to your Disney account, which leads to our next Disneyland tip…

68) Screenshot Your PhotoPass Barcode

If you’re going to use PhotoPass, make the scannable QR code your phone’s screen saver and you’ll save time when a PhotoPass photographer takes your picture.

They’ll need to scan that code each time to link the photos to your account.

CHARACTER GREETINGS

69) Locate Disney Characters

If you’re not meeting Disney Characters at a meal, use the Disneyland app to find them in the Resort.

There’s an option to search by individual Park, and you’ll see an icon that shows the Character and his/her location.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

70) VIP Tour

You can take a VIP Tour of Disneyland with “The Plaids,” giving you exclusive information and access to the park.

The cost is about $450-$600 per hour with a 10 person maximum and six-hour minimum.

71) Walk in Walt’s Footsteps Tour

Another optional tour at Disneyland is the “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” experience.

Learn about Walt’s life and his lasting legacy, receive a collectible Disney Pin and lunch or dinner, depending on the time your tour concludes.

It costs about $100 per person, on top of valid theme park admission.

72) Power Walk for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests

Guests of the three onsite Disneyland Resort Hotels can start the day with a brisk, two-mile power walk through Disney California Adventure Park.

The power walk is led by a guest activities Cast Member and it is no additional cost.

73) Build Your Own Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop

For a unique experience at Disneyland, make reservations at Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge.

You can make your own custom lightsaber starting at 199 credits (US dollars) and participate in an initiation ceremony led by The Gatherers.

74) Droid Depot

This outpost in Galaxy’s Edge invites guests to customize a remote control droid to take home.

Starting at 99 credits (US dollars) you can choose between R- and BB-series droids, pick colors and give your droid a personality chip.

75) Fantasmic!

Experience the wonder of Fantasia, live in Frontierland.

You’re along for the ride as Mickey dreams of being the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Look out for villains as you enjoy this dazzling light show that also includes projections, pyrotechnics, and music.

76) Mickey and the Magical Map

In Fantasyland you’ll find Mickey doing his best to fill in missing parts of a magical map.

See what comes to life and enjoy live performances inspired by The Jungle Book, Pocahontas, Mulan, and more.

77) Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Grab a Dole Whip outside the Tiki Room and then head inside for this enchanted show.

Animatronic birds and tiki totems and fountains dazzle guests in Adventureland.

Enjoy the AC and the macaws’ musical prowess.

78) Fireworks

Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy theme firework shows at the Disneyland Resort.

Some feature seasonal overlays while others are just to celebrate longer Park hours in the summer.

Check the Disney website or the Disneyland app for showing times.

79) World of Color

This nighttime spectacular in Disney California Adventure Park is a must-see!

Disney and Pixar stories are brought to life as projections on the water.

They’re accompanied by music, lights and pyrotechnics.

You can try to grab a viewing spot along the water, request a FastPass for priority seating, or register for dining packages that include reserved seating.

80) Frozen – LIVE at the Hyperion

Enjoy a Broadway-caliber production of Frozen at the Hyperion Theater in Disney California Adventure Park.

See a retelling of the beloved Disney film, live on stage.

This one-hour show caters to all ages and includes amazing special effects, music, and the use of marionette-style puppets.

81) Wait for the Later Performances

If you are traveling to the parks during the peak season, you might want to check to see if there will be more than one showing of popular performances such as Fantasmic! and World of Color.

The later showtimes usually involve fewer crowds and allow you to enjoy the rides and other parts of the parks for longer.

82) Animation Academy

Learn how to sketch a Disney Character with the help of a trained Disney artist.

After the 20 minute lesson, you’ll get to take home your drawing as a souvenir.

83) Mickey’s PhilharMagic

The Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land is home to this 4D show featuring Donald Duck.

He gets ahold of Mickey’s apprentice hat and conductor’s wand and stirs up some mischief!

Enjoy scenes and music from Disney films including Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Peter Pan.

84) Disney Junior Dance Party!

Head to Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure Park to participate in this kid-friendly dance party.

Join Disney Junior stars including Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey, and Minnie and dance along to some of your favorite Disney tunes.

85) “Sh-Boom” Lighting in Radiator Springs

When the sun sets, you can stroll Route 66 through Radiator Springs and watch the neon lights glow.

The informal street lighting is accompanied by the song “Sh-Boom” playing over the land’s speakers.

86) “Art of the Craft Tour” Beginning at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Learn about the influence of the craftsman movement in California on a guided tour.

Make a reservation for this one-hour tour at the front desk inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.

87) Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Guests ages 3 – 12 can undergo a magical transformation at this boutique inside Disneyland.

Make advance reservations for Princess or Knight makeovers that include a variety of services such as hair styling, nail painting, and costumes.

88) Disneyland After Dark Events

Throughout the year, the Disneyland Resort offers After Dark events that include unique theming and about seven total hours in the designated park.

These are separately-ticketed events that typically allow you into the park three hours prior to start time.

Select rides and attractions are included, as well as photo opportunities, Character interactions, commemorative souvenirs, dining, fireworks, dance parties, and more.

1. Sweethearts’ Nite
2. Pixar Nite
3. Star Wars Nite
4. Villains Nite

89) Lunar New Year

Mid-January through mid-February, guests can celebrate Lunar New Year in Disney California Adventure Park.

Enjoy Asian-inspired food and drink, and catch Mulan’s processional through the park.

Look for unique experiences related to Lunar New Year, such as a wishing wall, crafts, and special Disney Character appearances.

90) Disney Food & Wine Festival

Typically March through April, you can taste your way through California Adventure Park during this festival.

Marketplace Kiosks open and offer limited-time menu items including signature drinks.

It’s a great way to enjoy cuisine inspired locally and globally.

The Disney Food & Wine Festival also includes celebrity chef demonstrations, seminars, Junior Chef experiences with Chef Goofy, and behind-the-scenes kitchen tours.

91) Halloween Time

Fall at the Disneyland Resort welcomes Halloween Time. It tends to begin mid-September and runs until October 31.

Temporary overlays can be found on select rides, and the entire Resort is decorated with family-friendly decor.

Enjoy themed menu items and meet your favorite Disney Characters in their Halloween costumes.

92) Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

This separately-ticketed event is hosted in Disney California Adventure Park on select nights throughout Halloween Time.

It includes trick-or-treating, Villains Grove, a themed overlay for World of Color, and so much more.

93) Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Early November through the beginning of January, you can celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.

Look for festive decor, holiday-themed menu items and limited-time celebrations including parades.

Select rides feature overlays in honor of the Holidays, and you can even meet Santa in the resort.

DISNEY PIN TRADING

94) Bring Disney Pins

Bring your own Disney Pins to trade with other guests and Cast Members while in the resort.

Look for pin trading opportunities in your hotel lobby and with select shops.

Many have pin boards available at the customer service/checkout counters for convenient trading.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

95) Spend a “Non-Park” Day in Downtown Disney

No matter your length of stay tickets for Disneyland, it’s always fun to spend a non-Park day in Downtown Disney.

This dining, shopping, and entertainment district has a lot to offer, and you do not need valid theme park admission to enter.

96) Dining

You’ll find lots of dining experiences in Downtown Disney, including restaurants with Express options so you can save time and money.

Whether you’re looking for sit-down options or quick-service, you’ll find it here.

Some of our favorites include:

1. Asian Street Eats
2. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
3. Ballast Point Brewing Co.
4. Earl of Sandwich
5. Napolini Pizzeria
6. Salt & Straw
7. Sprinkles
8. Starbucks

97) Shopping

There’s a lot of fun shopping in Downtown Disney, including World of Disney, The LEGO Store, and Sephora.

If you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, you can inquire about having your purchases delivered to your hotel at no additional cost.

98) Activities

Downtown Disney hosts a number of live events, and you can also go bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes or experience virtual reality in The Void.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

99) Get in Line for One Last Ride

While the lines for rides may close at a particular time, that doesn’t mean everyone who was waiting for a ride gets kicked out of the park.

Ride your favorite ride one final time after the park closes on the last day of your Disneyland Resort vacation.

100) Upgrade to an Annual Pass

Take your discount Disneyland tickets to any Main Entrance ticket booth during your vacation to upgrade to an Annual Pass.

Disneyland will take the full value of the ticket (not the discount price you paid with Get Away Today) and apply that to the cost of the Annual Pass.

You will then pay the difference, which varies depending on the type of Annual Pass.

101) Download PhotoPass Photos

They expire 45 days after the photo was taken, so downloading all PhotoPass photos before you leave is a great way to ensure you don’t forget.

102) Collect Merchandise

If you stayed on property at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels, you may have had park merchandise delivered to the lobby for you.

Be sure to pick up any souvenirs from the designated area before you head home from your vacation.

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Now you’re ready to vacation at the Disneyland Resort, armed with 101 tips, tricks, and advice.

When you’re ready to book, visit www.getawaytoday.com or call 855-GET-AWAY.

Let them know Picture the Magic sent you and you can save an additional $10 on a Southern California vacation package that includes theme park tickets and hotel. Use code PicturetheMagic.