50 Disneyland Tips to Save You Time, Money, and Stress

This Disneyland tip will save you tons of money: Disneyland allows guests to bring in their own food. Instead of spending too much on lunch and drinks, BYO and set aside money for your "must have" meal or treat 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.

Here's an unexpected Disneyland hack that'll keep you entertained while waiting in line: If you touch the apples in the queue for Snow White's Enchanted Wish (formerly Snow White's Scary Adventures), you'll be greeted with the witch's cackle.

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 the shopping mall, online, or at standalone Disney stores.

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.

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!

To skip the crowds, try visiting the most popular rides during your first hour at Disneyland. Some pros recommend getting to the park even before it opens so you can be ready — and first in line — when they admit guests.

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 or Minnie Mouse umbrella.

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.

During summer months, Disneyland generally stays open until midnight on weekdays and weekends, giving you extra time in the park — but likely more crowds. Other times of the year, these hours fluctuate (especially Mondays through Thursdays during the off season). The park occasionally stays open late for "after dark" events, especially around certain holidays, such as Valentine's Day. Keep all this in mind when you're deciding when to visit the park.

Here's a little Disneyland hack to use while you wait in the perpetually long line for Indiana Jones: When you come across a rope descending from the ceiling, pull on it to trigger a "lost explorer" crying for help!

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.

Most area hotels offer a shuttle service for guests to get to and from the park, allowing you to skip the $30 Disneyland parking fee.

Because getting a view for the Disneyland parades can be tough, My Frugal Adventures 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!

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.

"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 or store in Disneyland, make sure to double-check your receipts!

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."

Certain Disney shows, such as 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.

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 tickets. AAA members can also waive their Disneyland parking fees!

Related:

A Comprehensive Guide to Disneyland's Tiered Ticket System

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

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.

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.

The Lilly Belle Car on the Disneyland Park train is a car Walt Disney dedicated to his wife. In the past, guests could reserve a seat on the Lilly Belle by booking the guided Grand Circle Tour, according to Plan Disney. However, as of August 2022, the tour was no longer available, with the potential to return soon. In the meantime, visitors on Disneyland Resort VIP Tours may request an opportunity to experience the Lilly Belle with their smaller groups.

Bored waiting in line? Try celebrity spotting! The best way to do this is to follow accounts or hashtags on Instagram and TikTok like @disneyland_celebs, #CelebritiesAtDisneyland, or #DisneylandCelebrities to see who's in the park that day. Be on the lookout for the Disney Escorts in plaid vests as you can see in this TikTok; a celebrity is usually trailing right behind them.

Each night in Disneyland Park, Sleeping Beauty Castle comes alive when the lights turn on. Find a great view for the exact moment — just ask a Cast Member or check the Disneyland app to find out what time.

If you're a Disney Visa card holder, be on the lookout for exclusive meet and greets around the 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. You also get discounts on certain merchandise, dining locations, and guided tours.

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.

Disney Vacation Club, annual pass holders, and Disney Visa cardholders all receive discounts on 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.

Using the Disneyland app, you can join virtual queues, when available, for certain attractions. This allows you to go about your day experiencing other parts of the park while you're virtually waiting in a super-long line for a popular ride or show.

To be able to tour Walt Disney's in-park apartment, you're going to want to book Walt's Main Street Story Tour before heading to Disneyland. Guests can book the 90-minute tour up to 60 days in advance, and this is the best way to guarantee a spot. Read more about what the experience is like, according to someone who went.

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.

Each Disney park has a first-aid location. The nurses who work in this space are quick to administer bandages and Tylenol, and also let guests rest inside if needed due to overheating.

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.

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. Or, using a maps app, you can also drop a pin where you parked.