Finding Peace at Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth

I love Disneyland. I've been there 17 times and I'm only 21. I believe this gives me a bit of a good qualifying edge to write this article. I'm sure there are people out there who have been more than I, but I can offer these tips with distinct memories of being there as a child, teenager, and young adult. A good majority of my trips to Disneyland included my family so naturally we adopted a few tips and tricks to make the time pass easier. I shall dispense my advice to you now on the promise that, once you've read the article, you will actually attempt to follow my advice. You guys deserve to have as much fun there as I do!

Planning the Vacation:

1. Request a free Disney vacation planning DVD from their web site. This is extremely helpful in getting a quick look at everything the Disneyland Resort has to offer. Even if you have a previous DVD, I still suggest ordering a new one to make sure you don't miss any important updates like new rides or shows.

2. Plan the timing of your trip very carefully. The Park is always crazy busy in the summer, but if summer is your only time to go then try to go as early as possible. Late June seems to be a relatively slow time for summer tourists as kids are just finishing school. During the week is also slower (but only by a tad) as the locals deal with work and summer school. If you're free to go anytime then I would recommend any of the months just before summer vacation or just after. The weather is still enjoyable warm, but far less crowds. Christmas is also a magical time to visit, but again, you will be dealing with crowds. The only problem with going in the off-season is that the attractions will routinely go under maintenance. Always check the Disneyland web site calendar to find out what will be closed when. It's also helpful to look at the opening and closing times. In off-season the Parks are only open late on weekends so therefore nighttime shows and parades only happen on weekends.

3. Choose a hotel that is situated close to the Park. Unless you want to pay expensive parking or shuttle fees, I recommend having an easy walking distance between where you stay and the Resort. Plus, if you get the right room you may even have spectacular views of either Park from your window.

4. Also, make sure that hotel is a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel in order to benefit the most. There is a list of these hotels for all budgets and needs on the Disneyland web site.

5. Book your vacation package online on that same web site or by calling their vacation planning number. While I don't recommend including your flight as it's wise to always shop around, I do suggest booking the hotel and park tickets together. You not only end up saving a bunch, but you receive an exciting little parcel in the mail containing loads of fun goodies and coupons. Plus, Disney is generally very flexible in payment planning.

6. The less experienced you are at Disney Parks the longer you should go for within your budget. That's not to say if you're a Disney expert then you should go for just the day. I recommend around 3 days minimum for any level of Disney fan.

7. Bring very comfortable shoes. Nothing makes a day of walking and standing more insufferable than having sore feet.

8. The same goes for clothing. Bring items that are comfortable to wear all day. No one wants to be stuck in anything that's too tight, too hot, and too heavy. Make cotton your friend.

Shopping:

9. If you've seen the prices of souvenirs and you've just finished getting your chin off the floor, I suggest at the very least buying an autograph book. Fill it out with as many character signatures as possible for a more personal and memorable memento.

10. Another relatively cheap, yet personal souvenir idea is to buy a Disney themed notebook (or make one yourself) and write about what rides you did, what characters you met, and just your general experiences for each day. You can waste time while waiting in lines or for shows to start by adding entries.

11. Free souvenirs that people always forget about, but now you won't: napkins (make sure they're clean!), Park maps (grab a new one as you're leaving the Park so you don't bring home the tattered one you constantly used throughout the trip), Autopia driver's licenses, unused FASTPASSES (you can always get some on your last day with the intention of bringing them home), Park tickets (don't lose them!), receipts (handy to keep anyway), shopping bags (with Disney logos only), Mara Translation Cards from Indiana Jones Adventure (not sure if they still give those out or not), and badges/pins (get these for going to Mickey's Toontown Madness, eating at most character dining places, and at City Hall in Disneyland).

12. The temptation of changing your money into Disney Dollars may be strong, but keep it in your discretion as Disney Dollars can't be converted back. Those on a budget may not appreciate the unwanted souvenirs.

13. Don't forget to explore Downtown Disney as an escape from Disney Overload. It's a shopper's paradise.

14. I actually recommend that any souvenir shopping that can be done outside of the Parks be done at Downtown Disney. That way you'll be less worried about wasting your day at the Park with debating what to bring back Aunt Sally and Uncle Joe. Plus, World of Disney is the biggest store in the Disneyland Resort so all your options are in one place. However, ride-specific merchandise can generally only be bought inside the Parks.

15. If you're absolutely dying to buy something on Main Street that you know won't be at World of Disney then wait until the Park closes. The stores on Main Street stay open about an hour after everything else shuts down.

Eating:

16. Request a hotel room that has a microwave and/or refrigerator. Use these to your advantage for quick breakfasts, snacks, and drinks to balance the expensive prices at the Resort.

17. Bring some of these snacks into the Park with you. Disney might have the policy against outside food, but no one ever really checks or cares. Be careful just in case though.

18. Eat at a character themed buffet for an interactive dining experience. It's a great way to get pictures with all your favourite characters and fill up that autograph book I mentioned.

19. Also, it may be a wise idea to tuck some of the more durable food items away in a few napkins for a later pick-me-up snack while waiting in line. If any Cast Members ask about it, you know that it's technically not "outside food".

20. Disneyland, unfortunately, doesn't have as many healthy food options as they should, especially at the quick service places so whenever you're given the chance to indulge in fresh produce I highly recommend stocking up.

At the Parks:

21. Before being able to even go near the Park entrances during operational hours everyone with a bag must go through a quick bag search. Use common sense and don't bring anything that could be deemed as a threat. It's actually quite a painless procedure that takes between 10 and 45 seconds depending on how many pockets your bag has. They know what they're looking for and you probably aren't even thinking of bringing it into the Park anyway.

22. Study the Park maps within seconds of entering, especially if this is your first trip to the Disneyland Resort. This will refresh your mind as to where each land is located and it will give you a better perspective of what to do first.

23. Newbies should always keep the Park maps handy anyway in case of urgent ride demands by the children (and possibly over-enthused fellow adults like myself). If you don't know how to get to California Screamin' from The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror you will definitely have a problem.

24. Take advantage of Early Entry into Disneyland. This only happens on specific days of the week, but if you're visiting for a few days I highly recommend participating. It may only be an hour earlier, but given that a limited number of people will be there it's a really good way to do all the rides in Fantasyland in one good sweep.

25. Likewise, if you've bought a vacation package you receive entry to Mickey's Toontown Madness which has the same ideae of Early Entry, but it applies to Mickey's Toontown instead. Keep in mind that Mickey's Toontown opens one hour after Disneyland regularly opens so you have to dash to Mickey's Toontown right at Park opening time in order to participate in the Madness.

26. Make sure you have a camera handy at all times. There's always tons of stuff to take pictures of.

27. Use the FASTPASS system as much as possible. A 2 hour wait at Splash Mountain goes down to 15 minutes. Guaranteed.

28. Be very patient with the crowds. This is especially necessary when stuck behind a large, slow-moving group and the pushy parents that refuse to wait in line to meet and greet with the characters.

29. The Disneyland Monorail is now one way only so while it may be listed as a ride at Disneyland, don't waste your time going on it during the day. Either Monorail into the Park to start your day or Monorail out of the Park to finish your day. If you want a ride to relax on for as long as you want without leaving the Park I recommend the Disneyland Railroad.

30. Make sure to go on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Splash Mountain, and the Haunted Mansion both during the day and at night. You'll notice that they're more intense after the sun goes down.

31. Always watch the fireworks on your first day at Disneyland Park. That way you've planned to spend the time watching them instead of being distracted as you walk to Space Mountain while wondering what the heck is going on. The Disneyland fireworks always have a story to tell using musical assistance, which can only be heard on Main Street by Sleeping Beauty Castle. They deserve your full attention as soon as possible.

32. Outdoor rides make a unique place to watch part of the fireworks spectacular.

33. Be prepared with things to do in the event of unavoidable lines (this means you Peter Pan's Flight and Matterhorn Bobsleds). Kids might enjoy surveying other Park Guests about their Disney experiences so far. Other fun things to do may be planning the next ride, taking pictures of the surrounding area, writing in your Disney Journal, or if you're in line long enough to make friends with people around you then you can swap autographs in your handy dandy autograph book that I told you to buy.

34. Get seating for parades well in advance with some space between you so when you start getting crowded you can huddle together in a less claustrophobic and more comfortable fashion. If there's a large enough group of you then various duos or trios can venture off to do things in turns like browsing a store, getting something to eat, or, if there's enough time, even get in a ride or two. It's also helpful to use the previous tip's ideas of things to do to waste time.

35. For a delightful surprise while waiting in line for Peter Pan's Flight (and you will be waiting, as already mentioned) look up at the window above Snow White's Scary Adventures. You won't have to wait long.

36. Stick easily damaged and valuable items (Park tickets, FASTPASSES, coupons, travel documents, etc) in small Ziploc bags for both easy retrieval and protection against water rides.

37. While on the topic of water rides, ladies, avoid white shirts (or any shirt that goes sheer when wet). I don't really think I need to say anything except, you will definitely be getting wet on Splash Mountain and the Grizzly River Run. It might be helpful to carry a spare shirt to slip on before daring to go on these rides.

38. Go on as many of the popular rides as possible either early in the day or close to closing time. For a hint at which are the popular rides, just look for the FASTPASS ticket booths.

39. While you may be rushing from ride to show to ride to parade do take some time to notice the details that Walt Disney carefully planned out. I'm always amazed at the smallest things he thought of to keep our experience magical.

40. Do not under any circumstances (excluding emergencies) miss the following overlooked shows: the Sword in the Stone Ceremony, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, and Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular. You will definitely be losing some entertaining experiences by not including them in your schedule! I saw Billy Hill and the Sword in the Stone for the first time on my last trip and boy am I sorry that I never saw them before.

41. Use your Park Hopper tickets as their name suggests. Now California Adventure opens later and closes earlier than Disneyland so on days where I want to spend most of my time at California Adventure I start my day off at Disneyland until California Adventure opens. Then I switch over to there for the day. After that Park closes I just switch right on back to Disneyland for the remainder of my evening. It's super easy to go back and forth between the two. Just remember to get your hand stamped!

42. Don't bring a massive amount of stuff with you into the Parks. If there are items that you would prefer not to leave in the hotel room, but you won't need them constantly throughout the day then consider renting a storage locker outside the Park entrances. They're relatively cheap (depending on how much stuff you have) and are good for all day. Plus, they're operated by password not key.

43. The Parks may close at certain times, but if you're in line for a ride when the Park's closing time approaches then you will still get to ride so make sure you have somewhere to be just before the clock strikes midnight. Or whatever time they close that day.

44. Consider going back to your hotel room in the early afternoon, if you're staying for a few days. A dip in the pool or quick nap will not only recharge your batteries, but you'll be missing the busiest part of the day. Although I was never a fan of this one I understand that less enthusiastic Disney fans may need the break.

45. If possible, travel in an even group to prevent people from having to sit alone on a ride. Also, consider traveling with at least 3 other people so the group can split up comfortably in case of ride preference clashes.

46. For groups at Disneyland that have teenaged children or no children at all I recommend having a meeting place in case of accidental separation. Pick somewhere that people can find easily. While Sleeping Beauty Castle is the most visible point in the Park, there are often hordes of people in the area so try to pick something less crowded. I always have used the giant Monstro head near the Storybook Land Canal Boats in Fantasyland at Disneyland and the fountain near the park entrance in Sunshine Plaza at California Adventure.

47. For groups at Disneyland that have children or pre-teens, please make yourself familiar with the Lost Children Centers. In Disneyland this is located at the end of Main Street across from the Central Plaza. In California Adventure this is located next to the Mission Tortilla Factory in Pacific Wharf. Cast Members are quick to bring children who have been separated from their groups to these areas, but if your child is able to understand that they should go there please inform them.

48. While you should always be aware of what your child is doing and where he/she is, be rest assured that, as I just mentioned, if your child gets lost then a Cast Member will very quickly deal with the situation. Disneyland is one of the safest and cleanest places to bring your family and the Cast Members are there to ensure that.

49. Also, be aware of the First Aid locations. They are located next to the Lost Children Centers. I was stung by a hornet on the Mark Twain Riverboat by and my family had no idea where the darn place was. Don't make that mistake. (Also, if anyone's interested, yes it did put me off going on that ride for a few years. I have since overcome t

50. Relax and have fun! That's the point of a vacation.