What to Know About Disneyland Before You Go

Originally published on 02/17/2018

It's Not Always Crowded
When I lived in Southern California, I went to Disneyland every year for choir. We got to go in the back way and see all the Disney characters and costumes and I thought it was really cool! My family moved to Mission Viejo, CA when I was 12 so that was a perfect age to go because I could hang out with my friends. We just had to be in our costumes for a choir performance at a certain time in order to sing for the guests. It was usually a fun time, but February, which is the time we always went, was typically wet. Most years we went, there was some form of precipitation, and that meant nobody wanted to be at Disneyland. Guess what though? That turned out to be the perfect time to go because we could literally walk onto the rides! There was no waiting an hour or longer! I recommend going in February to avoid long lines, but only if you're up for getting wet.

You Can Bring in Food
You do not need to buy all of your food while you're in the park. You can bring in snacks and a small cooler (think soft-walled 6-pack of soda size), but remember you'll have to carry it around all day. You cannot bring in a variety of items, however, so if you want to know those details, such as selfie sticks (yes, those are banned!), head over to this site. It is always updated to include what is allowed and what is not. I used to bring in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or tuna fish in a throwaway container if I could keep it cold, plus finger snacks such as crackers, nuts, and raisins.

The Waiting Lines Can Be Long
There are a handful of rides that everyone should experience at least once: Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Star Tours, and The Haunted Mansion are some of my personal favorites and must-dos every time I go. However, everyone else really wants to go on them too, so what do you do? You have three options, for the most part. (1) You can wait the time that is listed when you get there (2) You can come back another time (think lunch and dinner when little kids get hungry so parents have to take the family to get something to eat...) or (3) Fast Pass.

Fast Passes
Ever heard of them? They are a literal life (and time!) saver! You can only have one Fast Pass per ticket holder at a time though, and they are for specific times to get in line. Find the Fast Pass ticket kiosk near the entrance to your ride, scan your Disneyland ticket, and select the time you want to get on the ride. Then go enjoy something else while you wait for your time, get in the Fast Pass Lane, and typically walk onto the ride or have only a short wait time. They're fantastic! Just make sure that you get there on time!

You Don't Have to Stay at a Disney Resort
Guess what? If you have a multi-day pass to Disneyland, you don't have to stay at the Disneyland Resorts. Sure there are tons of perks: character sightings, guest entrances, early time to get into the park before the rest of the world gets in... But unless you have some extra cash you don't need, or a friend in the business for that matter, there are plenty of hotels that are within walking distance that are just as nice for a fraction of the cost. I want to stay at the Resort just once so I can say I've done it (Bucket List, anyone?), but it is not necessary. Save your money for fun stuff.
So, what are you waiting for??