Get the Most out of Disneyaland
Enjoying Disneyland is just a matter of knowing how to hit the best rides and food while avoiding the crowds.
“Disneyland may be the Magic Kingdom, but by the time you get through the traffic, long lines and paying all your money, you just don’t feel like the Happiest Person On Earth. Luckily, I have some tips for you. Disneyland has been my favorite place since I was a kid. In just one year I have gone as many as 30 times. So as an expert on the Happiest Place, here are some ways to make your visit more enjoyable:
Enjoying the rides
• Get a map and take the Monorail around the park in one direction, stopping at each ride you want to take. You’ll use your time more efficiently and get to all the rides.
• Go with an even number of people so no one is left out since the seating on rides is in pairs. No one enjoys being the odd one out.
• Wear clothing in layers. When it’s hot, you can take off the jacket or sweater, but you’ll be glad you brought it by nightfall.
• Bring clothes and a purse or bag that don’t mean that much to you. It’s so easy to lose things, they have a whole department for lost items.
Avoid the crowds
• Weekdays and rainy days are definitely less crowded.
• Go for the best rides right when a show begins. While all the kiddies are watching Mickey, you can hit Splash Mountain again.
• If Grandpa or Auntie is coming along and gets tired or has a bad back, you can rent an electric wheelchair for a small fee. Then you and your family don’t have to wait in the lines.
• If you stay at the Disneyland hotel, you can get into the park at 7:30 a.m., several hours before everyone else. You can also enjoy the park at night, when it’s really exhilarating. The lights, brisk air and gradual emptying of the park make the experience even more magical.
You can park in the Disneyland Hotel parking lot, have a bite to eat and get validation in the Monorail cafe, buy your ticket inside, and board the Monorail directly into the park. You land in Tomorrowland, where cool rides are waiting.
• An annual pass might be worth it if you go at least three or four times a year. The passes cost $199, $129 or $99, depending on how many days on which they can be used. The less expensive passes can’t be used during certain busy periods.
Catch a bite
• Bring a snack so you won’t have to pay $6 for a cookie.
• If you don’t mind Disneyland’s high prices, I recommend Hungry Bear and Tomorrow Land’s fast food for a snack, churros and popcorn. At the Blue Bayou near Pirates of the Caribbean, you can have a mysterious and romantic dinner inside the ride.
• There’s also Stromboli’s, an Italian place in the Disneyland Hotel plaza. Don’t forget to check out the gift shops nearby.
For more information on Disneyland, call (714) 781-4565.”