Planning a trip to Disneyland and looking for some insider hacks to make for a truly memorable experience? Here are my top 12 Disneyland secret tips that most visitors don’t know about.
1. You don’t always have to follow the rules. While waiting in line for Indiana Jones, you may come across signs that say not to do something. You should do the exact opposite of what that sign says. For example, if you see this sign saying “DO NOT PULL ROPE”, by all means, you should pull the rope!
DISNEYLAND SECRET INSIDER TIP: There are also several “hidden mickeys” to be on the lookout for while waiting in line as well.
2. Get a makeover in Fantasyland. At the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland, located in Fantasyland, your little ones can be transformed into a real princess or prince. There are several packages available ranging from $19.95 to $450. These include getting your hair and makeup done to match your favorite Disney character. And, no makeover is complete without a brand new princess or knight outfit to go along with it. You can learn more here about packages and appointments.
DISNEYLAND WORLD SECRET TIP: Appointments book up quickly so make your reservation far in advance.
3. Mail a letter to anywhere in the world. You may or may not have noticed the numerous mailboxes (like the ones below) around the Disneyland parks. They aren’t just for decoration. They are actually functioning mailboxes. Back in the day, letters would be sent with an official Disneyland postmark. Sadly, this tradition has been terminated. Today, Disneyland attendants take these letters to the Anaheim post office, but it still makes for a cool souvenir to send to yourself back home.
DISNEYLAND SECRET TIP: You can buy stamps at the Disneyland gift shops.
4. Fastpass has gone mobile. If you haven’t already downloaded the Disneyland app, do that now! Don’t waste your valuable Disneyland time running around the park from one fastpass station to another. For only $10 a day, you can purchase the MaxPass on your mobile device and sign up for your next ride with just the click of a button.
DISNEYLAND SECRET TIP: To maximize your day, sign up for whichever ride has the closest return time, as you can get another fastpass once that time has passed.
DISNEYLAND SECRET TIP: Through the app you can also find up-to-date attraction wait times, where the characters currently are, dining options, and other useful information.
5. Celebrate any holiday with free buttons. At City Hall in Disneyland, you can get a free button to celebrate any special occasion. The best part is, you don’t have anything to prove. So, go for the ‘Happily Ever After’ button, even if you’re not married. Or, the ‘Happy Birthday’ button, even if your birthday was 5 months ago. Ask nicely, and they may even give you a couple!
6. Cast members must trade collectors pins with you. Cast Members (anyone who works at the park) often wear lanyards with about a dozen unique pins fastened on them. If you have an ‘acceptable’ pin, they must trade with you. This is a great way to get your hands on some really unique pins.
7. There are charging outlets in Disneyland. Despite Disneyland trying to sell you portable chargers for $30, there are a few working outlets available throughout the park. Disney doesn’t exactly approve of their public use, but you’ll be sure to see a couple people crowded around. You can find a full list of possible working outlets here. This one here is in front of the Adventureland Bazaar, across from the Jungle Cruise.
8. Watch an artist at work. It’s no secret that Disney employs some of the most talented artists in the world to bring their stories and characters to life. But, did you know you can actually watch their craftsmanship first-hand? Head into the back rooms of The Disney Gallery and you can watch these designers sketch up some of your favorite Disney characters.
9. Take a tour around Disneyland. There are several tour options available including themed, holiday or private tours, starting at $85. All are led by a guide knowledgeable of all the history and secrets of Disneyland that they don’t tell you as a regular guest. If you fancy a private VIP tour, for $2,550, you and up to 9 guests can enjoy a customizable experience for 6 hours or more. You may even be able to peek inside 21 Royal, the new ultra-exclusive dining experience (see below). More information on tours can be found here.
10. Don’t settle for economy seating. You have probably rode the Disneyland train before to give your legs a rest. I bet you haven’t sat in the enclosed rail car though. If you ask a cast member at the Main Street Station, you may be lucky enough to sit in the Lilly Belle Rail Car on the C.K. Holiday Railroad. This train doesn’t run everyday, so if you do see it tooting by, it’s definitely worth a try. There are some very special touches inside that can’t be found anywhere else at the park.
Source: Tours Departing Daily
11. Book a secret dinner fit for a queen (or king). We’ve all heard about the exclusive Club 33, with a $11,000+ annual membership fee and years-long waiting list. Well here’s your chance to get a royal experience of your own. If you have $15,000 to shell out, you should consider booking 21 Royal, located in New Orleans Square above Pirates of the Caribbean. This is an epicurean dining experience inspired by the history of Disneyland and storytelling of Walt Disney. The former 2,200 sq ft luxury Disneyland Dream Suite has been remodeled and reopened as 21 Royal for parties of 12 to indulge in a 7-course meal. Book your reservation here.
Source: LA Times
12. Go on an Easter egg hunt. If you’re visiting around Easter, celebrate the holiday by purchasing an Easter egg map for $5.99 with stickers included. Set out on your way to find all of the Disney character-themed eggs hidden around the park! Once you find them all, you can stop back by a redemption booth to receive a special surprise!
I loved the article. Great pictures. I had no idea the lilly belle rail car and 21 royal existed. Where will you take us next? keep up the good work.
What an amazing article! I would love to make it back to any Disney and I will have to keep these hacks in mind for if I manage to make it.
Author
let me know if you ever make it out this way!
I am so joining 21 Royal. Kidding. I don’t even have that kind of money. But I do love Disney! We try to go once a year. This year we’re going in October.
Author
haha I definitely hope to be invited as a guest some time in the future! glad to see you’re able to make it out so often!
That train car looks so cool. I need to go back to Disney to try some of these.
Author
it’s amazing how many unique secrets there are to disneyland that you can discover just by asking 🙂
This looks like sooo much fun!! I’ve never really been interested in Disney much :O, but now that I have kids, I have such a desire to take them one day. This really solidifies that for me <3
Author
I can’t wait to have kids so I can experience Disneyland thru their eyes. I’m sure it will make for an entirely different experience.
I love, love, love Disney! We’ve been to Disney World once a year for the past few years. If we ever make it to the west coast to check out disneyland, I’ll be sure to check these out!
Author
I’m long overdue for a WDW trip myself. Glad to hear you make it there so often 🙂
These are great suggestions. We love Disneyland and always try to do some of the ‘off the beaten track” options.
Author
it’s awesome how many secrets there are to Disneyland that you can discover just with a little research 🙂
These are not just great tips, they are like the inside scoop! I wish I could visit Disneyland some time with my kid!
Author
I hope you can make it! It truly is a magical place 🙂
I’m need to do research to see if the make overs are just for kids. I want to dress up as a disney princess too lol
Author
HAHA You know I should have asked because I was thinking the same thing!
okay in all honesty had no idea about all of these like at all. this is so awesome gonna pass this along to my uncle who is going soon.
Author
Good, thanks for sharing! I hope he can use the tips 🙂
How fun! I totally want to take my little one to get a makeover. Now I want to go and try some of these hidden treasures.
Author
You absolutely must. She will just love it!
My cousin took her little girls to get a princess makeover. She couldn’t stop raving what an amazing experience it was for them both. That’s a really neat fact about the mail boxes. Will have to send myself a postcard next time I’m there!
Author
Aw I’m so happy to hear your cousin enjoyed the experience. I can only imagine what a special experience it would be for a little girl
What a fun looking place! I would love to visit one day.
Wow that’s cool that you can now download an app! I’m sure that makes doing everything so much easier!
An app?! That’s genius! This was an awesome post and I look forward to using your tips for a memorable trip!!
Author
The app is a total game changer! Anything you want to know, you can find out!
We have never been to Disneyland, but we just went to DisneyWorld in January and a lot of the same hacks can apply to there! Great list!
Author
Oh that’s great to know! I haven’t been since I was young and really want to go back!
These are some wonderful tips! My daughter would love to get a makeover. We need to go again, soon. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I have tickets to go to Disney this summer! This is amazing and I love the button and pins I cant wait to be a big kid and go!
Author
you’re going to have the best time! I hope you stock up on buttons while you’re there 🙂
Love this article. Can’t wait to try out some of these tips 🙂
Love your article! I go to Disney all the time and didn’t know about some of these!!
Author
I hope you get to check some of these our next time
Nice post with great explanation, it will helpful as we are currently, working with our blog. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Thanks for reading 🙂
Something is new for me, I read it and gain lot of infomation. Thanks
Author
Thanks for checking out my post!