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Disneyland Tip Jar: Let's Keep These Between Us



So you want to take your Disneyland skills to the next level? Of course you do! I'm hoping to continue posts like these in the future, so if this is something that has helped you definitely let me know. Also, if you have any tips I haven't mentioned, do share in the comments below. Now shhhh...these are between us, okay?


  1. Getting to the parks quicker: if you are staying at a Disney hotel or riding the tram, you will need to walk through Downtown Disney, through the main entrance, and into the park. Or will you? If you are spending your day at Disneyland, head in the direction of the Rainforest Cafe on Downtown Disney and look for the monorail. Take advantage of it! The security and ticket scanning lines are significantly shorter and the monorail will take you straight into Tomorrowland. Going to California Adventure? Head towards Elsa and Anna's Boutique and the Sephora and head in the walkway in between, which goes to the Grand Californian Hotel. Next, veer right and go inside the building. Follow the path to the lobby, then head left. Follow the path outside to the California Adventure park entrance. You will go straight into the park by the Grizzly River Run. And at the end of the day, go the same way you came. While you're at the hotel, take advantage of the photo opportunities and fireplace in the grand lobby; they're amazing.
  2. Where to stand in the stretching room of the Haunted Mansion: here's how you can guarantee you exit the stretching room before the crowd, and it's easier than you think. There are two rooms in the foyer, one directly ahead of you and one to your left. If you enter the one in front of you, stand by the wall on your left, far corner. For the opposite room, stand on the far right.
  3. Right or Left? Small World and Matterhorn Lines: There are several rides that have lines where at some point you can choose to go right or left. Most of the time the choice you make isn't much of a difference, but here is what I've got. For Small World, it is best to go right, not left. Reason being is that individuals with special needs are loaded on the left, so the line is slightly slower. As for Matterhorn, time is the same whether you choose left or right, but ride experience differs. Matterhorn had two tracks which load on each side. The line to you right seems smoother and faster, while the left side is the opposite. Either way Matterhorn is not a "smooth experience", especially since their last ride vehicle update (you have been warned, it is bumpy), but both sides are a little different.
  4. California Adventure Guest Relations; get your day going quicker: For those of you who find yourself needing to visit guest relations at any point, I highly recommend doing that at California Adventure. The guest relations line can be very grueling at Disneyland.
  5. Secret Food seating: There is a secret seating area I wanted to share for New Orleans Square. In front of the Haunted Mansion there is a small food place that sells soup bowls and potatoes. Seating in this area is pretty much packed, but go around the right side of the building and ta-da! More tables. Continue down that path and you will find a great picture opportunity for Splash Mountain.
  6. You probably know these, but just in case...
  • Take advantage of free park services, such as Fast Pass
  • Avoid summer when booking your trip and be aware of busy seasons and blackout dates
  • Fireworks and parades attract crowds, which can bring down wait times on rides (and cause traffic jams in the park)

And there you have it, here are a few tips and tricks. If you are interested in more Disney tips and more, I have a variety of posts about the park to check out.

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