Poll: What do you like best about Disneyland?
Rides | Meeting the characters | Parade | Fireworks | Fantasmic! | People-watching | Pluto | Disneyland at night
See what others like best.
Seven Ways to be a Smart Disneyland Anaheim Visitor
These hints apply to both parks in the Disneyland Anaheim Resort: Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure.- Lighten the Load: Every ounce you carry in, you'll have to lug around all day. Empty your bags and think about everything you decide to carry. I ditch my library card, video store card all the others in the interest of keeping my wallet light. Put everything in your pockets if you can. If you need to carry a bag, a backpack or fanny pack isn't convenient here because it gets in the way when boarding rides. Instead, try a small bag with a long strap that you can slip over your head and across your body to discourage thieves. If you've still got too much, rent a locker (located just outside the California Adventure entrance, behind the big rock wall). Don't lug your purchases around, either. Ask the shop to hold them for you at the gate, and you can pick them up on the way out.
- Stash Your Specs: If you wear glasses, bring your case so you have somewhere to stash them while you're riding the faster rides.
- Don't Rent a Ride: If you stay near the park, a car is a liability. You'll pay extra to park it, and it will sit there all day costing you money while you're in the park not using it. Instead, choose a hotel that's close to the trolley line and take a shuttle from the airport.
- Don't Stand in Line: We've got 7 Ways to Avoid Standing in Line, inside and outside the park.
- Get a Great Hotel Rate: Avoid the Disney-owned hotels; they're expensive, and you won't be in them much anyway. Our Disneyland hotel guide gives guidelines for finding a good place at the best price.
- Dine Wisely: Food inside the park is expensive. You can't bring a picnic inside, but you can carry snacks and refill your water bottles from a fountain, or pack a picnic and park it in a locker. You'll also find better food in Downtown Disney, and going out to get it makes a nice break from the hub-bub.
- Fuss-Free Fireworks: Tired of the crowds but still want to see the fireworks? Head for the roof of the Mickey & Friends parking lot. Stand under the covered walkway, and you can see not only the regular fireworks show, but also the pyrotechnics from Fantasmic. When they're over, you can be in your car and out of the lot before the rest of the crowds arrive. This strategy works even if you aren't parked in the lot. Just take the tram to the Mickey & Friends lot, and then take another one back to wherever you need to go.
