Disneyland is called the Happiest Place on Earth, and it’s also one of the places that struck me the most, in a positive way. But it can be the craziest place that you will be in if you do not organize your time there.
You have one whole day (until about 10 in the evening) to explore every nook and cranny of this magical place. Of course, you can back anytime but you will have to pay for another ticket. I know about this because I will give you a rundown of the Disneyland Parks that I have been to:
- Disneyland – Anaheim, CA – 1 day
- California Adventure – Anaheim, CA – 1 day
- Disneyworld – Lake Buenavista, FL
- Downtown Disney – 1 night
- EPCOT – 1 day
- Magic Kingdom – 1 day
- Animal Kingdom – 1 day
- MGM Disney – 1 day
- Disney Resorts – 1 day
- Hong Kong Disneyland – 1 day
You get my drift. So here are some survival tips so that you will surely enjoy your Disneyland visit.
Disneyland Survival Tips
Which Shoes
Wear rubber shoes or any comfortable footwear that can last you for an all-day walk. Bring a jug of water and sunglasses. You will need all these.
Your Camera
Bring your camera and video cam, but make sure that all these are fully charged. If possible, bring an extra battery pack and memory card. You would not want to miss documenting Tinkerbell’s descent from Cinderella’s castle and the fireworks display that will ensue. These are the last events of the evening.
Umbrella
In case it rains (because it happens), better be prepared with your folding umbrella and a poncho.
Get A Map
After you purchase your ticket, get a map or more if you have a companion. Afterwards, you can use this as material for your scrapbook. If you can secure a map before your visit, it would be so much better so that you can study the arrangement of the place. If not, get one as soon as you get there and study it.
You have to realize that Disneyland Parks are well organized and planned out. There is a section for everything. There are several main areas to visit so make sure that you get to visit them all for your Disneyland trip to be worthwhile.
In the map, you will also see a schedule of the shows. Make sure that you get to watch all of them by going to them first and visiting the different sections in between. There are musicals, extravagant presentations, 4D movies, and many more.
There are also many rides in the Disneyland Parks. To get to ride all of them or most of them, take advantage of the Fast Pass.
Souvenir Shops
Do not be sidetracked by the Disneyland souvenir shops. They abound everywhere in the park. So after you have finished the shows, the rides, and the sections to visit, then it is is time to visit the shop nearest you.
Time Planning
If you got to Disney at opening time, maybe 8am, you will get to finish your tour by around 7pm. So hit the shops for about 45 minutes and then find a good spot in order to watch the fireworks display.
By the way, this is not a mere fireworks display. There is an animated show that goes with it and the fireworks just highlight them. So do not miss this.
Food And Drinks
Disneyland is an international theme park so naturally, food and drinks can be a bit pricey. If you want to save your money to buy souvenirs, then bring your own food and drinks, like biscuits, chips, candy, and water.
But just remember that do not lug around too much or you will get tired easily. Just take a budget meal in one of their stalls for lunch.
Souvenirs
Souvenir items are everywhere in this place–from pins, pin holders, jewelry, stuffed toys, costumes, accessories, and much more. But of course, they have a standard rate for everything so they could be expensive for the budget traveler.
If you have kids, it’s either that you tell them before going that you are not going to buy anything but will just enjoy the place or be prepare with a minimum of $100 pocket money for the souvenirs alone.
In Florida, there are Factory Outlets for Disney items. This is located outside of Disneyworld. So if you have time after your tours, drop by there because the items there cost so much less than what is offered in the parks.
