Insider Advice for Disneyland: Secrets Revealed by an Employee
For those planning a visit to the magical world of Disneyland, a pre-park stop at Downtown Disney is highly recommended. This vibrant district offers a variety of experiences to enhance your Disney adventure.
Before diving into the heart of Disneyland Park, you can take advantage of the Avengers Super Store, a themed shop bursting with Marvel merchandise and collectibles. For those seeking sustenance, Downtown Disney boasts eateries such as Earl of Sandwich and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, offering quick bites to fuel up before entering the park.
Just west of the main park entrance, you'll find a complimentary outdoor picnic area with tables, chairs, and shade umbrellas. This quiet spot is perfect for relaxing and eating if you've brought your own snacks or meals.
Downtown Disney also provides a lively pre-park experience with various shops and entertainment options. One such attraction is Main Street Cinema, offering a cool, dark, calming space with retro Disney cartoons.
As you make your way into Disneyland Park, you'll find Early admission with breakfast can be obtained by making reservations for an early Minne & Friends breakfast at the Plaza Inn on Main Street.
Inside the park, attractions like Autopia offer free "drivers licenses" to all riders, while Redwood Creek Adventure Trail in California Adventure entertains curious kids for hours with climbing ropes, zip lines, slides, stairs, caves, and more.
For those with young children, Baby Care Centers in Disneyland and California Adventure provide private nursing stalls, changing tables, microwaves, diapers, and baby essentials vending machines.
Bina's Guide to Creatures of Batuu is a free scavenger hunt available for kids under the age of 9 in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and during the Season of the Force, there is another scavenger hunt available for all ages called the Join the Resistance Seek and Find.
Charging devices can be done at FuelRod kiosks throughout the park or at specific restaurants. For a break from walking, the Disneyland Railroad offers around 18-20 minutes off your feet.
For parents with children who do not meet the height requirement, Baby Swap is a system that allows them to ride together. Many rides also have a single rider line for shorter wait times.
Genie+ is another paid add-on that allows users to book Lightning Lane passes on non-a-la-carte rides. It comes with unlimited digital PhotoPass downloads for the day. Prices for paid, a la carte Lightning Lane passes vary, but are generally in the range of $10-$15.
When it comes to parades and fireworks, watching them from outside the gate in Downtown Disney allows guests to enjoy the spectacle without paying park admission. The fireworks in the Main Plaza offer a wonderful view and allow guests to be the first in line for the trams afterwards.
Lastly, keep an eye out for Hidden Mickeys throughout the parks, providing a scavenger hunt for some guests. A vintage Jungle Cruise map can be obtained for free by asking a cast member upon exiting the ride. Cast members often carry Mickey Mouse stickers that can be requested by approaching them.
Remember, stroller parking is clearly designated in every land at Disneyland, and strollers must be no more than 31" wide and 52" long to enter the park. Stroller nap spots can be found in bumpy roads between Thunder Mountain and Critter Country in Disneyland, and in the pathway from Frontierland into Star Wars land.
Downtown Disney offers clean and less crowded bathrooms, making it a convenient stop before entering the parks. World of Disney has the best selection of souvenirs and can hold purchases for customers.
Disney does not allow wagons or trailers of any size, but bringing a roll-right-up-to-the-car model stroller is recommended. Custodial water artists use their mops to create quickly-fading portraits of Mickey, Stitch, and other beloved Disney characters throughout the parks.
In conclusion, whether you're looking for a quick bite, a quiet spot to relax, or a chance to shop, Downtown Disney offers a variety of experiences to make your Disney adventure even more magical.
After a delightful meal at Earl of Sandwich or Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes in Downtown Disney, you can unwind at the tranquilpicnic area before entering Disneyland Park. On the other hand, when the park closes, you can still enjoy the spectacle of parades and fireworks from Downtown Disney, offering a unique perspective without park admission.
