How to make your Disneyland trip memorable

If you ask me, any trip to Disneyland is memorable. It's hard for it not to be. There's so much to do and experience. I have had the opportunity to visit Disneyland on six different occasions. And each trip had a its own unique quality to it. Here are the major factors that make each trip memorable in its own way.

Trying something new

If it's your first trip to Disneyland, this is easy, everything is new. But even for those who frequent the parks, it's nearly impossible to have tried everything. There are always new things to learn or notice, or foods and snacks to try, or even people to see.

I was 3 years old on my first trip to Disneyland, so mostly all I remember was riding Dumbo and it's a small world. But I do remember being very taken with the Dumbo ride since I could control the up and down movement of the flying elephant. Having only been exposed to county fair rides, this was the most magical thing I had ever experienced! I still love it, honestly. My second trip I was considered mature enough to go on Haunted Mansion for the first time. The third trip I was finally brave enough to go on Indiana Jones. It wasn't until my sixth trip that I tried my first Dole Whip.

Dole Whips!

Yummy! Each trip there was something new for me to try or do or see. 

And that will continue to happen: "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." - Walt Disney

Disneyland will continue to change and add new things, so there is always something new to experience even if it's your thousandth time.

Who you're with

Another thing that makes each Disneyland experience special is who you're with. You always remember what the park is like with your parents versus what it's like with your best friend, or fiance, or kids.

I've experienced Disneyland with my family, extended family, friends, and one time I went with my high school band. Each experience packed its own adventure. I will never forget the crazy stories and jokes my friend and I made on our first trip as teenagers. Hilarious. Or the time my uncle thought it would be a good idea to get in line to eat at the Blue Bayou at 6:00 the night before New Year's Eve (Not my favorite memory, but certainly memorable).

Teacups with the BFF

Embrace the "night life"

Just because you've done something in the daytime doesn't mean it's the same when you do it at night. My fourth trip to Disneyland was the first time I rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at night. And it changed. My. LIFE. Officially my favorite thing at Disneyland of all things, ever. Ride it while the fireworks are going off and your brain will explode with pure joy.

Even indoor dark rides feel different at night. Just walking around the park at night makes you feel like a kid who's out past bedtime. It's darker and feels freer somehow, like you're invincible. It's hard to describe. Maybe I'm more sentimental than most, but just trust me. Try nighttime. It's different.

Interact with other guests

This is similar to the "who you're with" category. People from all over the world are visiting Disneyland. Converse with them while you're in line. Some are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, first visits, etc. Ask them what they've enjoyed so far. You might get an idea of what to try next.

During my most recent visit, we met a couple celebrating their second anniversary. He wore a Wall-e pin, and she wore an Eve pin, which definitely fit their personalities. So cute. On the same trip, there was a man on our raft for Grizzly River Run who convinced my dad that they could steer the raft by pulling on the large circular handlebar in the middle of the boat. They cheered when the ladies got splashed with the most water. It was very entertaining.

Interact with the Cast Members

It is the cast members' job to make your day the most magical it can be. Who says you can't make their day magical? Every cast member wears a name tag. Talk with them and call them by name. Thank them for what they do. The more you interact with them, the more they want to interact with you and make your day special.

My best friend and I are pretty obsessed with the Tower of Terror ride. Last time we went together, we rode twice in a row and ended up getting the same cast member who was our bellhop for the first ride. The first elevator we rode had a rowdy group in it, and he was sympathetic, saying that this second group should be better. He used the same spiel about seat belts as the first time, and we laughed just as hard as before. Then upon exit, he told us to move to the last row and let us stay on for a third time without getting back in line! I'm sure he must have broken some kind of rule for this, but I chalk it up to wearing a birthday button that day and he was only allowing it for a special occasion. Either way, I think it pays to treat cast members as more than just humans, but as friends. You're sharing the park with them as much as anybody!

One visit I even made little thank you tokens to hand out to cast members and characters. It was amazing all the special little things they did for us after receiving them. 

Make one purchase or find a keepsake

You gotta do it. Pictures are great keepsakes, but how often do you really spend just looking at pictures? In my opinion, pictures are more for sharing with others who weren't there. So you really need to bring at least one thing back that is just for you to enjoy.

A toy, a shirt, a hat, it doesn't matter, just one thing to commemorate your time at the park to remind you of the things you did or the people you were with.

If you don't want to break the bank (as if you hadn't already) with souvenirs, then check out my blog post: 14 Disneyland Freebies - Free and cheap souvenirs

Don't force it, just let the magic happen to you

This is quite possibly the best advice I could ever give you. Don't stress out about trying to do it all. Like I said before, that's pretty much impossible. You could sit on a bench on Main Street all day and it would still be a memorable trip because there is a magic that can't be contained in Disneyland waiting to smack you in the face with awesomeness. 

For instance, I was so set on getting to Paradise Pier to get in line for Midway Mania, I almost didn't stop to watch the Five and Dime show that just started on my way there. Luckily I was with a group, and when they stopped, I stopped, and simply enjoyed the show happening right in front of me. Let yourself be interrupted. Deviate from the plan. I understand wanting to get the most out of your day, but sometimes you will actually get more out of your day if you just slow down long enough to smell the churros. 

I was just about to leave the park when I happened upon Alice and Mad Hatter about to start a game of musical chairs at Coke Corner on Main Street. So of course I stopped to watch before leaving and got an epic picture with the two. It's usually the unplanned moments that are the most memorable.

What is one of your most memorable moments? Leave a comment below!

Best places to relax in Disneyland

Disneyland is fun. But it can also be tiring. Since Disneyland and California Adventure parks are so close together, and also so close to surrounding hotels, you end up walking... EVERYWHERE. You walk to the park and stand in line to get in, you walk around the park and stand in line for each attraction, you walk from one park to the other park, and then when you leave, you stand in YET ANOTHER line to board a shuttle or tram, or end up WALKING back to your hotel. That is a lot of standing and walking.

Sometimes you just need to rest those feet! Here's a list of the places to take a load off:

BEST PLACES TO REST IN DISNEYLAND & CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Attraction Resting

There are plenty of attractions that let you rest for more than just 4 minutes at a time. Here are some of my favorites:

(1) Mark Twain Riverboat - Frontierland

This is a rather underrated ride in my opinion. As an original attraction of opening day, it is full of history, and its tranquil float along the Rivers of America is the perfect way to recharge your batteries. If you're hoping to relax your feet, be sure to be in front during boarding and stay on the "ground" level. There are limited number of chairs in the front, and benches under the shade of the upper levels. The views on the Rivers of America offer quiet waters, and Frontierland's scenes of adventure. Your kids can explore many different levels while you take a load off.

(2) Disneyland Railroad

This is probably the only attraction at Disneyland that you can ride continuously without getting off. With four different stations throughout the park, cast members will most likely not be able to tell if you've stayed on for 2 or 3 go-arounds. For all they know you're getting off at the next station. The best station with typically the shortest line is in the back of Tomorrowland, because it does not have the most obvious station. You have to sneak past the Autopia line and it is hidden behind it. Be warned: You will encounter dinosaurs. But my favorite part of the Railroad circle tour is riding through Splash Mountain. (Stations also on Main Street, New Orleans Square, and Toon Town)

In the same vein, you could ride the Disneyland Monorail. There are just a few setbacks. Because it only has one entrance in the park (Tomorrowland) it is not as convenient to ride purely to rest, especially if you're way over in Critter Country. It is also enclosed and can get a little stuffy.

(3) Pirates of the Caribbean 

Easily one of the best rides in the park. Even with a long line, this ride tends to load pretty quickly because there are several boats that hold many guests. Since most of the ride is underground (oops, did I ruin the magic?)... I mean since most of the ride is floating on the Caribbean, it is usually well air-conditioned (naturally). This ride from start to finish is roughly 12 minutes. Which is 4 to 6 times longer than the average Disneyland attraction (and 24 times longer than Gadget's Go-Coaster in Toon Town). 

Similarly, although Jungle Cruise is a nice long ride, the line is deceivingly long on a crowded day, and a bit claustrophobia-inducing in the heat. 

Main Street Transportation

Although Main Street Transportation is actually slower than walking, and the ride itself is fairly short, trust me when I say that when your feet are tired, any chance you get to actually sit down is a welcome convenience. 

(4) Omnibus

You can catch the Omnibus at the hub next to the entrance of Tomorrowland, or at Town Square near the stairs to the Main Street Railroad station. Sit on the top level and get a new view of Main Street as you enjoy the sights and smells (mmm... waffle cone).

(5) Horse-drawn Trolley

Clang-clang-clang goes the trolley! And there's a wonderful clip-clop of the horse's hooves on the pavement as you saunter down Main Street. Like I said before, walking may be a faster way to get you to Fantasyland, but when you're riding on a trolley, you actually get to look around and enjoy the homey sweetness of Main Street. Tourists often overlook it in their rush to do everything. I know I have before, but never will again!

The Fire Engine and Horseless Carriage are not covered - which may be too hot on a sunny day.

(6) Sit-and-watch Attractions

There are several of these kinds of attractions in both parks, so I'm going to list them all in this category:

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln - Town Square

History and Incredible Animatronics... Plus air-conditioning.

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room - Adventureland

Golden Horseshoe - Frontierland (comedy shows occasionally)

Currently not running in Disneyland:
Big Thunder Ranch used to have entertainment, but now it's only on special occasions.
Captain EO (Tomorrowland) is supposedly under refurbishment, but I don't know what will be returning to this theater or when.

Muppet Vision 3D - Hollywoodland, DCA 
(Currently a Frozen sing-along "For the First Time in Forever," but should be returning in May.)

It's Tough to be a Bug - A Bug's Land 
(Also currently showing a Cinderella sneak peek, but should be returning soon.)

Entertainment

Different from the sit-and-watch attractions, these are scheduled shows that you will have to check your entertainment schedules for and make sure you get there on time (aka 10 minutes early).

(7) Mickey and the Magical Map - Fantasyland

If music and dancing is your thing, you'll enjoy this show. It's a great mash-up of diverse Disney characters (some classic, some new), with excellent costuming and singing/dancing.

(8) Aladdin Musical Spectacular - Hollywoodland 

Don't be driven away because it's a musical. Genie is a comedic genius and there may or may not be a magic carpet flying above your head. Oops, spoiler alert. (This does tend to draw a large crowd and a long line... and if you don't get there early, you may have to climb stairs for balcony seating.)


(9) Royal Theater - Princess Fantasy Fair

This might be better categorized in the sit-and-watch category since these performances run most of the day, but there are a few different shows that you may want to schedule a specific one.  

Actual places to just SIT

(10) Animation Building - Hollywoodland

This is actually my number one favorite spot to just chill out. Air conditioned, plenty of cushy-seating available, and screens surrounding you with beautiful animation and music. You can also stop in at Animation Academy while you're there and learn to draw a Disney character. While sitting. In air conditioning. Are you picking up on the subtle hints??? (The animation building has been recently Frozen-fied and is more crowded than normal, so it is possible that it is not as tranquil as it used to be.)

(11) The Wizard of Bras Porch - Main Street

Now I've lost you. Wizard of what?! You read that correctly, BRAS. I would explain, but this video does it best (Thanks to LiveFastDiePoor's youtube channel): 

This porch is located just across from the Penny Arcade on Main Street. When you find it unoccupied, sit and people-watch. FreshBakedDisney snagged this sweet footage:

(12) ANY OLD BENCH

Truly. I shouldn't have to tell you where and when to sit down. By all means, if you are tired, SIT! Because no matter where you are in Disneyland, you are sure to happen upon some sort of magic. On Main Street, it may be the Dapper Dans serenading you, or maybe you'll catch a game of musical chairs with Alice and the Mad Hatter. In Tomorrowland, you might be tempted to the dark side by Darth Vader, or rock out to a nighttime concert. At the Hungry Bear restaurant in Critter Country, you can just sit and watch the boats float by. In fact, you might just have that genius idea, that grand epiphany that you have been waiting for.

After all, that's where Walt Disney first came up with the idea for Disneyland. If any old bench is good enough for Walt, then it's good enough for you.

What's YOUR favorite place to rest in Disneyland? Leave a comment below!





P.S. Where NOT to sit:

(1) Topiaries
These are fenced off for a reason, you hooligan!

(2) ON Main Street
Seriously, there's a lot of traffic on Main Street, so watch out! (Especially when Goofy's driving)

(3) In a stroller
Found this dude sitting in a stroller in the background of one of my pictures. Don't be this guy. Find a better place to sit.

(4) While waiting in line

 And lastly, please do not sit on the chains and ropes that surround you while in line for attractions. They are not meant to support any kind of weight. Please discourage your kids from playing on them and hanging off of them if you can. Just a way of being courteous to the 60 year old park.

14 Disneyland Freebies - Free and cheap souvenirs

That's right you heard me: FREE. Disneyland costs an arm and a leg, and I want you to get your money's worth. Most of these are actual, hold in your hands and take home with you, free and memorable souvenirs. At the end, I will list under-a-dollar honorable mentions.

Free, that is, after you have paid the price of admission. I will first list the Disneyland freebies and then California Adventure in case you did not get the park hopper pass, or are only visiting one of the two parks.

Free Stuff at Disneyland

(1) MAPS

As soon as you walk in, Disneyland maps and Entertainment schedules are free for you to take. You may be thinking, but "What do I need a map for if I know my way around the park?" Or "I'm not planning on seeing any of the shows or parades." Trust me, I said the same thing, and regretted not taking them. In fact, take ten. They are great keepsakes for each trip especially when the park is constantly changing. Entertainment changes, and parades, and park events, even attractions. I made the mistake of not getting a map last time I was at the parks, and months later ended up BUYING some off ebay to make a duct-tape/park map wallet. 

I love my map wallet.

 I have seen maps decoupaged onto coasters, and many other items. They're also just nice to look at and remember where you went and what you did at the parks. Like I said, the parks are constantly changing: one year I went when the new Buena Vista Street of California Adventure was under construction, so there was a detour route. Years before that, the Paradise Pier looked wildly different without World of Color. Maps become "vintage" maps quickly, and might even be worth something - whether of nostalgic value or monetary value. 

(2) BUTTONS 

Some Cast Members at Disneyland have buttons on hand, but not all, so the one place I know will have a ready supply is City Hall. After you enter the park, walk through the left side tunnel and just on your left will be City Hall. This is one of the main information centers of the park. The buttons available are:
"Happy Birthday"
"I'm Celebrating"
"First Visit"
"Just Married"
"Just Engaged"
"Just Graduated"
And although I haven't seen them before, I hear there are also "Family Reunion," "Happily Ever After," and "Anniversary" buttons.

City Hall also has park maps in different languages for those interested.

Attraction Freebies

These are usually limited supply so they are more for kids than adults:
 
(3) Ride Autopia and you can get a free driver's license while waiting in the queue. (Pay an extra $5 to add your photo to it)

(4) After exiting Jungle Cruise, you can get a map of the river if you ask nicely (and possibly make an animal sound).

(5) The Fire Engine driver on Main Street sometimes hands out Fireman's badge stickers to riders (and if you sit in the back, you get to ring the bell all you want).

(6) If you ride the Mark Twain Riverboat, ask the cast member if you can ride in the Pilot's Wheelhouse (I have heard rumors that this is becoming more exclusive and not as available to the public as it used to be). You'll get to help blow the whistle, ring the bell, and afterward receive a Pilot's certificate.

"Piloting" the Mark Twain was the highlight of my last trip for sure!

 
(7) If you are able to ride the Lilly Belle Presidential car on the Disneyland Railroad, you get a special luxury car ticket. You have to make a reservation to ride this car, and it does not take passengers on very hot days. It is a special experience that most guests wait for an hour at opening for, but I would say that if you have the time, it wouldn't hurt to ask.

I am sorry to say that Haunted Mansion is NO LONGER giving out Death Certificates. Don't even ask. In fact I hear it has been SEVERAL years since they have done this, and websites that report to the contrary are wrong. I believe it is because they did special edition giveaways during the 50th anniversary.

I am also under the impression that Indiana Jones no longer has the decoder cards for the hieroglyphs in the queue. But the decoder is available online.

(8) BEADS

While in New Orleans Square, you may catch the Royal Street Bachelors playing at the French Market. They like to hand out Mardi Gras beads to guests.

This is from my most recent trip. We were just sitting eating Mickey-shaped beignets, and got to enjoy a show! They handed out beads after.

(9) Pictures and Characters Signatures

The best keepsakes are the pictures you take! Which I am terrible at. Rule of thumb, get the obligatory picture in front of the castle, and use your phone to take pictures of the preview screen displaying on-ride pictures for free. 
Rides that take on-ride pics are:
Space Mountain,
Buzz Lightyear Astro-blasters,
and Splash Mountain.

(With Buzz Lightyear Astro-blasters you can actually have your picture and score emailed to you for free.)

Otherwise, the best pictures are with characters, in attraction queues, and with food (I'm not kidding, take a picture with your churro). While with characters, there is always a cast member accompanying them to take your picture for you, and if you have an autograph book, get it signed. I have also heard of guests taking plain matte frames to get signed and then put you favorite park picture inside. How cute is that? Every character is prepared to give a signature, just offer a pen and something to write on.

Free Stuff at California Adventure

Free Food

I realize these are not keepsakes, but it is free!

(10) At the Boudin Bakery Tour you can get a free slice of Sourdough bread. If you use your puppy-dog eyes, I bet you could get it without having to take the "tour."
(11) Step into the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop and get a free square of chocolate.
(Both are located at the Pacific Wharf between Cars Land and Paradise Pier)

Drawings! 

This is my drawing of Goofy - I'm pretty proud.

(12) Go to Animation Academy in Hollywoodland and learn to draw a Disney character! This room is super air-conditioned which is great for really hot days, and gives you a chance to rest your feet for 12 minutes. You get to keep your drawing. Don't trash it, everyone's drawing is unique and special. So it doesn't look professional, who cares?! YOU made it! That's cool! I am obviously really enthusiastic about this. Exclamation points!!! Yeah!

Attraction Freebies 

(13) At the Redwood Creek Challenge by Grizzly Peak, kids can get a Wilderness Explorer map and "earn their badge." It's a bit of a scavenger hunt where you complete each "challenge" and scratch off the badge you earned. But it's another free paper keepsake for the scrapbook! Also great for the Up! lovers out there.

(14) California Adventure also has maps and buttons. Cars Land has land-specific buttons as well. Attractions with on-ride pictures are:
California Screamin',
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror,
and Radiator Springs Racers.

Honorable Mentions
The following freebies are either super cheap, free with purchase, or just complimentary items.

(1) Free water - stop buying bottles, and just ask for water in a cup. Possible charge for ice or the cup itself, but that is still going to be under a dollar. (But really you should just bring your own bottle, as long as it isn't glass.)

(2) Wishes - Only cost a penny! (or whatever change you have on you at the time) Find Snow White's wishing well next to the castle and drop a penny in. There is also a fountain in New Orleans Square and on Buena Vista street, and a well next to Minnie's House in Toon Town. 

(3) Free refills:
Rule of thumb is, if you fill the drink yourself, you can refill it for free. But if they fill it behind the counter, then they need to issue you a new cup which is not a refill. Also any full service sit-down restaurants inside the parks will give you free refills.
Refill stations are at: Pizza Port (Tomorrowland), Rancho del Zocalo (Frontierland), Plaza Inn (Main Street), and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta (Paradise Pier). Just in case - KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS. You can also get coffee refills at Market House (Starbucks) on Main Street.

(4) Penny Press - Literally my favorite souvenir, I have been collecting them from all over the country. Only 51¢ and there are multiple options at each press. There are several land-specific and ride-specific penny presses all over the park. (They have also been adding Quarter presses that cost a dollar, so if you're a collector, bring a lot of change!)

(5) Keep the bags from merchandise purchases.

(6) Antenna toppers are super cheap as well. Even if you don't have a car antenna, they make cute collectibles. You could use them for diy mobiles or Christmas ornaments!  


 

Disneyland Summer 2015 - Vacation Planning

First things first - It's the 60th

(photo courtesy of disneyparks.disney.go/blog)

Spring has sprung, and summer is on its fast approach. Which means that many families are planning those summer vacations to Disneyland while the kids are out of school. So what should you prepare for? What is different this summer and what should you expect?

One thing that will not be new: crowds. And I'm not even talking the typical summertime Disneyland crowds. I'm talking about 60th Anniversary of Disneyland, brand new stuff everyone is coming to see for the first time, even regular attenders, invading-personal-space crowds.

That's right, Disneyland's opened to the public exactly 60 years ago on July 18th, 1955 (July 17th was opening day for Press and invited guests). So the entire summer season of 2015 (and the next year or two really) will be commemorating the Diamond Anniversary.

So Spiffy

Why so busy? 60 years is a big deal, so for the past year Disneyland has been steadily spiffing the place up. Many tarps and scaffolds have lined Main Street and the castle; attractions have closed for refurbishment; and new entertainment will debut to celebrate.

Already, the castle has been adorned with "diamonds." Real or not, I don't know, nor do I care because the castle glimmers and sparkles like Pixie Dust.

(photo courtesy of dapsmagic.com)

Aside for the park being just generally pretty, and attractions with fresh paint and new tracks (Matterhorn is still under refurbishment), I did mention new entertainment. Here's the lineup:

FIREWORKS!!!!

Aw yeah. Disneyland Forever Fireworks Spectacular is what I would be most excited for. I can't even talk about it. Just watch this video from Inside The Magic's youtube channel and feel the feels:

Fireworks is one thing. But to be immersed and surrounded with projection spectacular? Disney is outdoing themselves to bring the magic! Projections on Main Street, on the Castle, on the Matterhorn, on the water-screens of Rivers of America, and on the Small World facade, means that you can enjoy the show from many more places within the park. In fact, I expect annual pass holders will be going several nights just to experience the show from every angle. I also expect Main Street to be PACKED with little to no movement while this is happening. So if you're not sticking around to watch, avoid it at all costs. Tips: Most of the west-side shops are connected for you to snake through and avoid the street, and there is a new backstage passageway on the east side that I expect they will open up more often, especially for traffic during this show.

There will also be a new song by Disney Legend Richard Sherman at this performance, which is a big deal for Disney history fans. Richard and his brother Robert Sherman wrote popular Disney songs such as "A Spoonful of Sugar" and "The Bare Necessities." This new song is called "A Kiss Goodnight," so I'm already getting my kleenex ready.

Lights, Parade, ACTION!

Paint the Night Parade is Disneyland's attempt to top the Electrical Light Parade, and being successful may be an understatement. Disney's innovation with new technology is never-ending and this parade promises to be the definition of "totes cray."

(photo courtesy of allears.net)

As much as we all love the nostalgic Electrical Light Parade, one has to admit that the technology is outdated. The use of LED lights is brighter, and more energy-efficient. Definitely a feast for the eyes. Again, more night crowds sticking around to watch this new attraction, so if you've seen it or just don't care to, get in line for Space Mountain - sure to be a short one at that time.

The Wonderful World of COLOR!

I'm a big fan of World of Color in California Adventure. The sheer scale of the fountains, and the intense color and mixture of movies and music always leaves me in awe. For the 60th anniversary, "World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney" is a new show that will take us on Walt's journey hosted by Mickey and Neil Patrick Harris. Sounds documentary-like, which I would be fine with, but I know that they will still be featuring music and movie clips within the story. I also would be thrilled to see Walt in 100ft scale. Really, anytime Walt appears, I feel warm and fuzzy inside - more Walt I say.

Kick-off 

So when does all this madness begin? 6:00 am May 22nd, 2015 - 6:00 am May 23rd, 2015. That's right, they're kicking off the Diamond Celebration with a 24-hour event, no special admission required. Previous 24-hour events at Disneyland have allowed costumes, but not this year. So if you'll be attending, wear your walking shoes and take a neck-pillow. Learn more at Disneyland 24-hour event info.

Stay tuned

If you're looking for more information than I've given you, visit any of the following blogs and websites: Disneyland Resort, Disney Parks Blog (official), AllEars.Net, Inside the Magic, and DAPsMagic.com.

Also, keep checking back here, I will be posting about the most recent park refurbishments, tips to beat the summer heat, and more.