Once a month, Tom visits Anaheim on business. During breaks from school, we make quick Family Trips out of his business travels. Here are 5 tips to make the most out of your visit to Disneyland. Part 2 has been posted.
Tip 1 – Stay Off-Site
We have found a jewel of a hotel near Disneyland. They charge from $110 to $130/night (based on 2-Queen beds, 4 room occupants). It is the Best Western Plus Pavilion on Katella Blvd. BONUS: This hotel gives you coupons so kids eat free at Denny’s next door. Stop in for breakfast before heading to the park. Potential savings compared to staying at a Disneyland Resort: minimum $1,500.00
Tip 2 – Purchase eTickets
Bypass the ticket booth, which is an avoidable long line, and go straight to the admission gates by purchasing your tickets online. Purchase, download, and print your tickets prior to your arrival. BONUS: 1-Day/1-Park tickets are less than $100/per person, young or old! Potential savings of time: 30 Minutes to 1 Hour
Tip 3 – Ride The Train
Catch the train at Main Street and head to your favorite location. Ours is Toon Town, the 2nd stop. Your feet will thank you for not abusing them early in the day. BONUS: Be sure to ask the Conductor and Engineer for autographs! Our Engineer shared an easy way to tell them apart. The Engineer wears pajamas, and the Conductor looks like a penguin. Potential savings of time: 30 Minutes and Happy Tootsies
Tip 4 – Ride a Coaster in Toon Town
Time to get this party started with a mild coaster the whole family will love, Gadget’s Go Coaster! BONUS: While in Toon Town, visit Minnie and Mickey Mouse in their respective homes. The lines move quickly, and there are lots of photo ops throughout the houses.
Tip 5 – Collect Autographs in Toon Town
Autographs are easy to come by in this section of Disneyland. We’ve met Pluto, Goofy, and even the elusive Daisy! You can purchase your autograph books online or in the park. The best pen for autographs is the retractable Sharpie in any color except green (which stains character outfits). BONUS: One pen per family. The character handlers will inform you, open your books and have your pen ready. Handlers will also take photos for you (free of charge with your camera or smart phone).
• Who is your favorite Disney Character?
• What is your favorite Disneyland ride?
Comment By: Ron
November 9th, 2013 at 6:40 pm
Oh Jean, what a SUPER post! You’ve shared some awesome tips on visiting Disney and being affordable!
I don’t know whether you knew this but I lived in Orlando, Florida for 15 out the 20 years I lived in Florida, so I am very familiar with how expensive it can be. Fortunately, one of my close friends worked for Disney (and still does) and would get me in for FREE anytime I wanted to go (and to ALL the parks). One of my favorite times to go was during the Christmas holidays, when Disney was all decorated. It was faaaaaabulously magical!
My favorite Disney character is Lumière from Beauty and the Beast.
My favorite Disney ride is Peter Pan’s Flight. I LOVE that ride!!!
Great post, Jean! And I love the photos you shared. They’re so colorful and fun!
Hope you’re having a terrific weekend!
Comment By: Ron
November 9th, 2013 at 7:47 pm
P.S. And I totally forgot to say in my first comment that I LOVE the snowfall on your blog!
Comment By: Jean
November 9th, 2013 at 9:15 pm
Thank you, Ron! I did not know you lived in Florida! You lucky man! Omg, FREE?! I’d say, “pinch me!”
Pearl and I rode Peter Pan’s ride for the first time this year. It was amazing! Our oldest daughter is actually very sensitive, and hasn’t been brave enough to try it. 🙁 You can imagine, The Haunted Mansion is totally out of the question. LOL!
Thank you! This is a wordpress plug-in called “Let It Snow”.
Comment By: catherine gacad
November 9th, 2013 at 8:01 pm
this is such a helpful post. my husband and i are expecting our first child next year, but we’ve always said that we’d still want to go to disneyland even by ourselves.
Comment By: Jean
November 9th, 2013 at 9:17 pm
Thank you, Catherine! You’re right – Disney is great with or without kids. There are even behind-the-scenes tours that I’m looking forward to taking once the girls are a little older.
We’ve even seen infants at Disney, dressed as princesses, being held by the characters. LOL.
Enjoy all stages of Disney. It’s great.
Comment By: elle sees
November 11th, 2013 at 4:56 am
DL is my fave place in the world!! i love wdw too. even though i’ve been many times, i LOVE these tips. i’m always trying to find a way to save money and time!
Comment By: Jean
November 11th, 2013 at 7:34 am
Thanks, Elle! I have a feeling you could share 5 tips too! 😀
Comment By: Sherri @ The Kitchen Prescription
November 11th, 2013 at 7:05 am
What great money and time saving tips. I haven’t been to Disneyland since I was a little girl. If I ever make it to Cali again, will be sure to stop by and use some of your tips Jean.
Comment By: Jean
November 11th, 2013 at 7:35 am
I love saving money, Sherri. It makes these lil’ trips possible. Thanks so much! You ever make it to Cali, I’ll meet you there!
Comment By: Rach
November 11th, 2013 at 3:40 pm
These are great tips! I haven’t been to a Disney since I was a teenager. My husband and I want to go at some point! 🙂
Comment By: Jean
November 12th, 2013 at 8:54 am
You and your hubby would have a wonderful time at Disney! Oh my gosh, that’s one photoblog I’d love to see!