If a yearly, monthly or—if you’re really lucky—daily trip to the Disneyland® Resort is part of your regular schedule, this is the guide for you! You already know about FASTPASS, the Disneyland app, and where to buy the best ears—you’re a pro. So we’ve curated these insider tips and tricks for seasoned visitors to help make your next visit your best yet.
Be an Early Bird
With Extra Magic Hour, an early admission option, Disney Resort Hotel guests can enjoy admission to select attractions, stores, entertainment and dining locations in Disneyland® Park or Disney’s California Adventure® Park for one full hour before the Parks open each day of their stay.
Purchase Parking in Advance
Parking opens one hour before the Theme Park. By purchasing your permit in advance, you can quickly park, head right to security, and get ready for the rope drop!
Visit Walt’s Apartment
Explore the life and legacy of Walt Disney on a “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland® Footsteps” Guided Tour, a magical journey through his personal history and the development of Disneyland® Park. You’ll hear all about what inspired the creative mastermind and the challenges that he faced along the way, peeking into parts of the park not typically open to the public. Visit classic attractions significant to Walt’s past and end the experience with a delectable meal along Main Street U.S.A. Cardmembers receive 15% off the non-discounted price of tickets.23 Reservations recommended; call 714-781-8687. All offerings and experiences are subject to change without notice.
Stay Dry-ish on Splash Mountain
Want to experience Splash Mountain, but don’t want to get too soaked? Ride during the winter! Disneyland® adjusts its water based on time of year—more summer heat means more water. Or, just redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars toward a poncho from one of the Park’s shops and enjoy the drenching.
Snag Even More Souvenirs
You already know the Disneyland® Resort is home to some amazing shopping, but many don’t know that you can now carry your souvenirs home in a souvenir. The Resort recently released four reusable shopping bags—one for Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park, a bag for Downtown Disney® District and Resort Hotels, and a World of Disney® bag. Can you collect them all?
Say Goodbye to Charging, and Hello to Swapping Batteries
Keep your phone charged without the wait by purchasing a portable battery at kiosks located throughout the Parks. If your portable battery runs down, simply insert it into a kiosk, and take a fresh one at no extra cost. Swap as often as you want at any kiosk in the Parks—you can even bring it back on your next visit.
Be Wowed at a Different Location
Disneyland® Park’s wow-worthy fireworks shows are often viewed on Main Street, but depending on the show, you can also get spectacular views from “it’s a small world,” the Rivers of America, or other locations. For more top viewing spots in the Park, check out our guide to Disneyland® fireworks.
Get the Best View of World of Color
If you want to enter the reserved viewing areas for this outdoor nighttime spectacular at Disney’s California Adventure® Park, you’ll need to present a unique pass, either in the form of:
- A World of Color Dining Package voucher (psst…these vouchers go fast! Be sure to plan ahead—reservations can be made up to 60 days prior to your visit.), or
- A Disney FASTPASS selection for World of Color. These are available when the Park opens via Disney FASTPASS machines near The Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
With these pro tips, you’ll be navigating the Disneyland® Resort like an insider! And best of all, you can maximize your vacation by using the Disney® Visa® Credit Card to get special vacation financing4 or take advantage of the exclusive Cardmember vacation package for the Disneyland® Resort!25
