Disneyland's Secrets

Insider Tips

Download the disneyland app - this allows you to check how long the ride lines are, order food to pick up, and make restaurant reservations, you can also scan your tickets onto the app so that you can use your phone to enter in and out of the park
Create a fast pass party - If everyone in your group purchases a max fast pass, then create a fast pass party so that one person can coordinate fast pass ride selections for the entire group. This saves time and allows you to efficiently coordinate timing for ride selections
The best month to visit is usually January or February, these are usually slower days and less crowded
Typically tickets are sold based on high traffic days vs low, try to buy the lower traffic days because they are cheaper

Top Things to Do

1. Roller Coasters

If you love roller coasters, make sure to check out all of the below thrill rides at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. In order of excitement: Space Mountain, Incredicoaster, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Big Thunder Railroad. It might seem like Disneyland has mainly kids rides, but a few of the rides at Disneyland are pretty wild!

2. Animation Studio

Check out the Animation studio in Disney California Adventure. Learn how to draw your favorite characters! *pro tip, make sure to check the schedule so you can see what characters will be drawn that day and you can come back at the time of your favorite one

3. Night Shows

I would highly suggest prioritizing all of the shows at night! There is no comparison to Disney’s after dark shows. The best part is that it changes every few years, so if you’ve already been you can still see new shows. Our favorite shows are World of Color, Fantasmic and of course the firework shows. Usually there are multiple showings of Fantasmic and World of Color so if you plan it right you can fit all shows into one night.

4. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

If you’re a Star Wars fan you’ll be in heaven. The new Millennium Falcon ride is epic, and just like the real ship! Again, the line is pretty long, but way worth the wait. You can also find your favorite Star Wars characters walking around like Chewbacca, the Mandalorian, and more! There’s also a little cafe with pretty good coffee, if you need a little pick me up.

5. Indiana Jones Ride

If you’re not a huge fan of roller coasters, but still like rides this is the one for you. The Indiana Jones ride is a classic, and even if the line it’s is long worth every second. Anyone you ask about this ride know’s “the boulder” part which you should look out for, it’s insane! Use a fastpass if you can, because this ride has one of the longer lines.

Top Places to Take Cute Pictures

With Balloons

Have you ever seen those cute pictures with the full bouquet of Disney balloons? You’re in luck because you don’t even have to buy them, you can ask any Disney employee who is selling them for a picture. Typically, they hand you the balloons and you can strike a pose for a fab Insta pic!

Wall Art

There is a secret photo spot in California adventure where there are painted walls that make for the perfect Insta pic. This spot is located near the Monsters Inc. ride, just head near the bathrooms and you will find the best secret photo ops.

The Castle

The magical castle at Disneyland is by far the best place to take pictures. Typically a Disney crew member is out front taking pictures for you and your friends, they will give you a little ticket and you can find your pictures online later. I would recommend taking your own as well, just in case you can’t find your pictures.

Top Dining & Drinks

Churros

These are a must have treat in Disneyland. Each park is known for their specific treat, and Churros is the most popular treat in the California Disney parks. You can find churros in the stands right in front of the castle as well as in front of the Haunted Mansion Ride.

Blue Bayou

This restaurant is located inside of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride! It has a bit of a dark lit and romantic ambiance, and the food is worth the trip. It’s difficult to get a reservation, so you should call at least two weeks ahead of time and book your lunch or dinner. The best deal is to purchase the “Fantasmic Package” which gives you a full meal (appetizer, dinner and dessert) for $50 a person and includes VIP seat reservations that are practically front row for the Fantasmic show. I highly recommend the Jambalaya, Surf and Turf and pasta! Quick tip: You can ask for a free pass to the front of the line to Pirates of the Carribean once you leave the restaurant.

Turkey Leg

If you like turkey, then make sure to try out this massive and juicy turkey leg. Go in and eat it like a savage, no need to hold back! You can find this delicious treat near the Big Thunder Railroad ride, and you can usually share with one other person because they are HUGE!