Park History
Having opened its doors in 1955, Disneyland was a groundbreaking accomplishment for the man behind the magic. Though he wouldn’t live long enough to see it thrive, it did help carry on his legacy. The park immediately attracted visitors from all over the world and continues to do so.
Ideal Visiting Times
For many people, the biggest challenge in visiting Disneyland is finding out the ideal times to go. Though extremely crowded on most days of the year, some of the best times to visit include the beginning of September as this is when most school children have returned to school. In general, any time you visit the parks you will find that the last few hours of the evening and the early hours of the morning are the best times to be there. This is especially true if you are bringing young children with you who may become intimidated by the huge crowds.
Getting There
Depending on where you are coming from, you’ll likely either be driving to Disneyland or flying. If you fly there, your best bet is to land at Los Angeles International. If you are staying on a Disneyland property you can take a shuttle between the airport and the resort. Many local hotels around the park also offer the same deal. In addition, there is often a bus that you can take between your hotel and the park.
When you are traveling in California, you have the option of taking a cab or private ride from a local driver. This can get to be expensive but if your budget allows it, you will be saving yourself a lot of hassle by avoiding having to deal with parking. Alternatively, you can take the Anaheim Resort Transit System or the Resort Express.
For points outside of California, following a major highway is your best bet for getting to Disneyland safely.
Adult and Children’s Admission Prices
The price you pay for your Disneyland admission tickets has a lot to do with when you go. You can purchase one day or multi-day tickets starting at $97 for anyone 10 years or older. However, that price goes up even more when you visit during peak times, with tickets costing at least $135 each. As of this writing, a child’s ticket for one park is $91 for one day while an adult’s ticket is $97 for one day.
Top Disneyland Attractions
There are certain attractions at Disneyland that you will want to make it a point to visit. This includes attractions that are in Disneyland but not Disneyworld, such as Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye. Alice In Wonderland is another ride that helps capture the magic of Disneyland.
Disneyland Tips
There are 10 tips that everyone should know before they arrive for their Disneyland vacation. Knowing these facts will help you get the most out of your trip:
In general, the best month of the year to visit the park is in September. Since this is when most children go back to school the park is not nearly as crowded as it is the other 11 months of the year.
To get into the park as quickly as possible buy your tickets online. You can then choose to either print a copy of each ticket before you live or simply display your purchased tickets on your cell phone screen.
There is a hotline you can and should call before you arrive at the park. It will tell you all of the rides that will be closed due to maintenance while you are there. This avoids any disappointments later in the day.
One of the most essential things to bring into the park with you is bottled water. Though Disneyland has vending machines they cost almost $3 for each bottle of water you purchase. You can also just get a free cup of water from any of the park’s concession stands.
You can avoid standing in long lines for rides if you are getting on one that doesn’t allow children. You and your partner can take turns getting on the ride without having to wait in line twice. One of you stays with your child while the other one rides and then you switch.
To get the most out of your visit, download the free Disney parks app to your phone. It gives you a ton of information about the park at your fingertips.
There is so much to know about Disneyland that it can quickly become overwhelming. For a quick answer to any questions you have, there is a phone number you can call to speak to a Disneyland customer service employee.
FastPasses are your best friend at Disneyland. They allow you to arrive for a ride or attraction at the perfect time so you don’t stand in line all day.
If you are taking toddlers to the park, keep in mind that the best rides for them include Dumbo and It’s A Small World.
Lastly, it pays to know upon entering the park that the best lines to get into are 13, 20, and 21 as they move faster than the others and will help you get your day started sooner.
The Best Restaurants
When it’s time to dine, certain restaurants are recommended. Café Orleans, located in New Orleans Square, is among the best. The prices are reasonable and you always have the option of dining outside on days when the weather is nice. Other recommended restaurants include something more casual your kids will love; Clarabelle’s in Toontown or The Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland.
With the proper planning, your trip to Disneyland can be everything you have ever dreamed of. There are many aspects of the experience to take into consideration when planning your trip, including the amount of time you want to spend in the park. Though you may be tempted to stay from opening to closing, there are strategic ways to see the park without doing so.
