From hardcore Disney fans to first-time visitors, everybody loves a good Disneyland vacation! If you're looking to step up your game for your next trip to the happiest place on earth, there are tons of little-known tricks for making the most of your time and money while in the park. While many of these tips also apply to other Disney parks, some are specific to the original Disneyland resort. Read on for Disneyland hacks that will save you time, money, and stress on your next vacation.
— Additional reporting by Allison Chan, Tara Block, and Megan duBois
1If you're visiting the park for a special occasion, ask for a pin.
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Main Street City Hall is the place to visit for free special occasion pins! Whether it's your first time in the park, you're recently engaged, or somebody is celebrating a birthday, the friendly City Hall cast members will be happy to give you a celebratory button.
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2Anyone can get free water from any quick-service food and beverage location.
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If you're starting to get thirsty and need to rehydrate, grab a cup of cold ice water from any quick-service food and beverage location throughout the parks and resorts. It's free, and you can use it to refill water bottles with extra cold water.
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3Adults are allowed to order from the kids menu.
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Kids meals at Disneyland are large enough for adults, especially if you don't eat big meals in general. Typically, kids meals come with a side of fruit and a small drink. Don't be afraid to order off the kids menu!
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4You can trade pins with cast members.
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One way to interact with cast members throughout Disneyland is by trading pins. The best way to do this is to buy a mystery pack box from the parks or resorts and trade those pins for even cooler ones from cast member lanyards. Guests can trade up to two pins per cast member. Typically, they have pins that are exclusive to them and from international Disney parks, along with a few usual ones.
Disney Vacation Club, annual pass holders, and Disney Visa cardholders all receive discounts off food and beverage, merchandise, tours, and ticketed events at different Disney locations. When you get ready to pay, ask if the location has any discounts available to save a little money.
Don't let a dead phone battery keep you from an epic Instagram snap! Disneyland uses FuelRod stations for guests to swap out portable chargers. You can buy a new FuelRod at the parks, or save about $5 by buying it before you leave for vacation.
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7You can use an Apple Watch to speed up your PhotoPass process.
Because Disneyland allows guests to bring in their own meals, you can save a lot of money on snacks. Set aside money for your "must have" meal in the park, whether it's a churro or Dole Whip, then keep your stomach full with your own food for the rest of the visit.
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12Bring a handheld fan.
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One of the best things money can buy when it comes to theme parks is rechargable handheld fans. Disney does sell these in the parks, but bringing your own saves a little money.
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13Pressed pennies make wonderful (and cheap!) souvenirs.
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!
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14When it comes to price, all snacks are not equal.
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While the best way to save money in the park is to bring your own food, Disneyland's delicious eats are all part of the experience. Plan ahead to figure out the best dining deals for your vacation, from under-$6 Dole Whip to character-dining experiences.
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.
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16Your Disneyland store purchases can be held at will call or sent to your room.
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.
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17Asking nicely might land you a special seat on the Disneyland Railroad.
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.
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18Go to non-Fastpass attractions immediately upon entering the park.
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!
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19Breaking the rules in line for Indiana Jones results in a fun surprise.
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.
For parents who are looking for a quiet place to take their little one to rest, get out of the heat, or even feed in private, baby care centers are all complimentary and open during regular park hours. These spaces are fully staffed and welcome infants and toddlers.
Disney plush toys, candy, and other brand souvenirs are extremely costly within the park. To avoid these high prices, buy your souvenirs ahead of time at shopping mall or standalone Disney stores!
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25Disneyland has longer hours during Summer, so it's a better deal!
During Summer months, Disneyland stays open until midnight on weekdays and weekends. Other times of the year these hours fluctuate (especially Mondays through Thursdays on the off season). If you're looking to get the most for your money, visit during this season!
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26You can try to get selected for a stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite.
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.
Each Disney park has a first-aid location. The nurses who work in this space are quick to administer bandages and Tylenol, and also lets guests rest inside if needed due to overheating.
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28Look for special shout-outs on the Main Street USA windows.
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.
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29Time your meals around parades for the best seats.
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!
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30Take in the air conditioning when possible.
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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.
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31Shuttle from your hotel to save $25 per day in parking costs.
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.
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33Visit during nonpeak months for shorter lines and fewer crowds.
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."
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35Disneyland hotels come at a high price tag, so weigh your options.
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If you're looking to save money on your vacation, the resort hotels at Disneyland are probably not the way to go. While you do get perks such as extra morning hours at the park, there are many places to stay within walking distance of the park for a fraction of the cost!
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36Some Disneyland eateries include store discounts in the fine print.
"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!
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37If you ask, Photopass Photographers will snap a picture on your cell phone.
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!
Bored waiting in line? Try celebrity spotting! The best way to do this is to follow Instagram accounts like disneylandcelebrities to see who's in the park that day. Be on the lookout for the Disney Escorts in plaid vests, a celebrity is usually trailing right behind them.
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.
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42Sit at the front of the rides.
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Want to sit in the front of a ride? All you have to do is ask! Cast members will kindly accommodate you if you don't mind waiting for a few more minutes.
If you're a Disney Visa card holder, be on the lookout for exclusive meet and greets around both parks. Present your card, and you'll be ushered into a room with a surprise Disney character! You can take as long as you want and as many pictures as you'd like, and you'll even get a free 5"x7" printout of a picture of your choosing.
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44You can score VIP seating by eating in the park.
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If you want to catch the renowned World of Color show at California Adventure, consider taking part in World of Color Dining. This program gives you reserved seats for the show in exchange for buying a meal at one of three restaurants in the park, so it's a great option for guests who didn't bring a meal from home.
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.
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46Stand to the side during Fantasmic for a sneak peek.
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!"
As night falls on the Disneyland parks, glow carts begin to light up with spinning toys, light up ears, and all kinds of glowing objects. Save a little money by bringing your own glow sticks to wear while waiting for the nighttime fireworks display.
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.
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49Use an electric scooter for more than just scooting.
If anyone in your party rents an electric scooter for the day, it comes equipped with a built-in USB port to charge your phone.
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50Disneyland stores are open for an hour past closing.
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While Buzzfeed states that this is the busiest time to shop, it's also important to note that shopping past the park's closing time will not get in the way of your daytime Disneyland activities.
Walt Disney wanted his guests to forget the outside world while they were in his parks, and much of the time that means forgetting your parking lot section and row. An easy way to remember this is by texting it to yourself, taking a photo, or saving it in a note on your phone.