50+ Disneyland Hacks That Will Make Your Trip a True Fairy Tale

If you're on the hunt for a specific character during your day at the park, use sites like Finding Mickey to determine their whereabouts.

If you touch the brass apple in front of Snow White's Scary Adventures, you'll be greeted with the witch's cackle and loud thunder.

Disneyland's penny-press machines churn out the most affordable souvenirs in the entire park, with each trinket costing only $.51 to customize. If you're tight on funds but want a token from your travels, these Disney pennies are the perfect option!

Any cast member at the Jungle Cruise will be happy to give you a free antique-style map if you ask nicely, and the captain on Mark Twain's Riverboat will award you with a special certificate if you request to steer the vessel.

If you decide to shop during your time at the park, ask the store cast members about sending your purchases to will call. This way, you won't be stuck holding bags and boxes for the rest of your day at Disneyland! Disney hotel guests are also able to send store purchases directly to their rooms, so be sure not to waste energy carrying heavy souvenirs.

While it's not a guaranteed perk, asking nicely about the tender seat on the Disneyland Railroad locomotive might get you invited to ride up front with the conductor. While the tender seat is very small, the experience of riding in the tender is something most Disney visitors will never get to enjoy.

To skip the crowds, try visiting popular rides like Peter Pan's Flight during your first hour at Disneyland. Because this ride doesn't offer Fastpasses, it usually boasts lines that are hours long!

While you wait in the perpetually long line for Indiana Jones, you'll come across a rope descending from the ceiling. Pulling on this rope will trigger a "lost explorer" crying for help!

If rain doesn't bother you, consider visiting Disneyland on a wet day. Many guests will skip the park or leave early in bad weather, which means more fun for you! Just don't forget a poncho.

If your party doesn't mind riding the busy attractions separately, opting for the single-rider line will usually spare you from lengthy wait times.

In the Main Street Opera House, you can sit on the Griffith Park bench where Walt Disney dreamt up Disneyland.

Above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is a 2600-square-foot luxury suite, aptly titled "The Dream Suite." While many have tried to buy their way into a night at the suite, the only way to stay in these exclusive Disney accommodations is by random selection. Every so often, there will be Disney-sponsored contests that offer a night in the suite as the prize, and it's also rumored that Disneyland cast members will select random park guests to stay in the apartment. While it's a long shot, you could try asking a cast member about the Dream Suite in hopes of being chosen.

The upper windows on Disneyland's Main Street USA buildings are emblazoned with the names of Walt Disney's biggest influences. From family members to business partners, these names serve as Walt Disney's subtle way of saying thanks.

Because getting a view for the Disneyland parades can be tough, My Frugal Life suggests timing meals around the events. Sit down in a prime spot for the parade to enjoy your food, killing two birds with one stone!

Southern California can get pretty hot most days, so taking advantage of the air conditioning whenever possible is key to being able to last multiple days at the parks. One of the best places to do this is inside the Star Wars Launch Bay at Disneyland. Inside, guests will find character meet and greets, a short film, and exhibits about Star Wars, making this the perfect spot to hang out for a while to cool off.

Most area hotels offer a shuttle service for guests to get to and from the park, allowing you to skip the $25 Disneyland parking fee.

If you've got sore legs from a long day of walking through the park, take a rest on the Disneyland Railroad. The ride takes about 20 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to get off your feet . . . and you won't have to stop enjoying the Disney amenities! The ride is extremely informative about the park's history.

If you plan your Disneyland trip to fall during the least crowded months at the park, you'll usually be able to avoid gigantic lines.

Every afternoon, there is a special ceremony at the Main Street flagpole that features a band, color guard, and an honor to veterans. As Walt Disney World Info says, though this is on the Disneyland itinerary sheet, it's not really touted. "This is a must-do at least once a trip, particularly if you have a member who's been a part of the armed services as they are honored there."

"One day at the park I broke down and hit the burger and fries place over by the Nemo subs. Printed in very small print at the bottom of the receipt was a coupon for 20% off my entire purchase made before 12:00PM, valid at all of the larger shops on the Disneyland property. On the morning we checked out of our condo, we headed to Downtown Disney and picked up all of our souvenirs at 20% off," states one commenter on My Frugal Adventures. While these types of discounts are not available at every eatery in Disneyland, make sure to double-check your receipts!

While the photographers are there to take professional photos for guests to purchase, they're happy to help with personal photography if you ask.

If you're a military service member, a member of the D23 club, or a AAA member, you're eligible for discounted prices on your Disneyland vacation. AAA members can also waive their Disneyland parking fees!

The Lily Belle Car on the train is a car Walt Disney dedicated to his wife. Only high-profile guests were allowed to ride in it. The train is usually out on muggy mornings on less crowded days. To secure a spot, right as the park opens, go to the Main Street Train Station and ask a conductor about it. They will tell you where to put your name down for a reservation and what time to come back.

Going on a high peak Disney day? Make sure you get a fast pass for Fantasmic just in case. If a fire Marshall feels uncomfortable in the park, they can shut it down and not admit anyone else in. If for any reason you have to leave Disneyland, show your fastpass to someone at the turnstile and they'll let you back in.

According to the Disneyland Secrets blog, "The cast of Fantasmic uses Tom Sawyer's Island as 'backstage' for the show. By standing at the railing of the Davy Crockett Canoes, you can see characters getting on their floats and prepping for the show!"

Certain Disney shows, like Fantasmic, offer two different performance times. If you're able to stay at the park late, attending the second showing is a great way to beat crowds! Take the time to enjoy short lines on popular rides during the initial showtime.