Welcome to Disneyland
The Happiest Place on Earth!
Certainly California's most popular vacation theme park, Disneyland California can be both expensive and overwelming. Just a bit of advance planning is required to get the Best Vacation Experience. Afterall, who wants to spend a lot of money only to be stuck in a long line when better options exist?

Disneyland Ticket Offers
Where Can I Find Free or Cheap Tickets?
A regular adult pass now costs over $72 for one day admission. The price goes up for park hopper, 2-day, 3-day and even week long passes. Check out this section on where you can find huge savings on admission. And Yes, we'll tell you where the Free Tickets are at!

FastPass & RideMax
If you insist on going to visit Disneyland or DisneyWorld during peak crowd season and your main objective is to get on as many of the big rides as possible then you must get both FastPass and RideMax.

Big Festival Events
Grad nite dance parties that run all night, Halloween Haunted House, New Years Eve Bash, Early Morning half-marathons and much more.

Today's Entertainment Discounts
Select Orange County Region : ZIP CODE 92801

Use the smartphone app to see hundreds of great offers and redeem mobile coupons, or view and print them anytime you want through your computer.

Disneyland Park Tour
For detail view of rides, shows, diners, arcades, shops and other attractions within the California Disney Parks - check out the following tour guides from our sister travel site: California Resort Life.
Disneyland California - Park Tour Guide
Downtown Disney - Dining and Entertainment District
California Adventure - Park Tour Guide
Anaheim Resorts - local attractions
Knott's Berry Farm - Park Tour Guide

More Secret Tips
The slowest days at Disneyland? Which rides have the shortest lines? Romantic getaway adventures? Secret VIP Clubs?

The Disneyland Resort is bigger and more magical than ever! It now features two incredible Disney theme parks-Disney's California Adventure park and Disneyland park; three outstanding Disneyland Resort Hotels-Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel; plus the ultimate dining, entertainment and shopping experience-the Downtown Disney District.

Don't Waste Time Standing in Line

If you insist on going to visit Disneyland or DisneyWorld during peak crowd season and your main objective is to get on as many of the big rides as possible then you must get both FastPass and RideMax.

Disney FastPass

At the gate to each ride there is a FastPass station. If you come to ride and there is a long line, you can use your ticket to get a FastPass which you can use to come back in one hour (or anytime later) and bypass the line then to walk right onto the ride. There is typically (but not always!) a limit of one fast pass per ticket holder per hour.

RideMax
Beat the crowds with the FREE ultimate FastPass Planner from RideMax.

The people at RideMax have a lot of experience visiting Disney theme parks have mapped out the how long the lines can get. They have used this info to create a nifty tool to tell you in what order to ride which ride and when to collect your fastpass. This only takes three easy steps: 1) Pick your Travel Date, 2) Pick your Favorite Rides and 3) Print your Day Planner.

At one point on a busy day in California Adventure, my oldest son and I used our FastPass and RideMaxx to pass a really long line at the big California Screamin' roller coaster and walked right. After the right we got the FastPass tickets from his two younger siblings and walked passed the same people in the same line onto the same ride again. About a minute after we got off our second trip, the ride broke down. -R.R.

I usually plan lunch and dinner breaks around the my favorite Disneyland shows. During the peak vacation season you will have to arrive 30-45 minutes early to guarantee attendance at some of the more popular shows. Be at least 60 minutes early to get a good spot for Fantasmic!

Fantasmic!
Nightly 9PM at Rivers of America (10:30PM show available Spring Break and Summer);
This is by far the biggest and most unusual live stage production. This show features Mickey Mouse in a larger-than-life battle of good vs. evil and is filled with great special effects. Stick around for the "Fantasy in the Sky" Fireworks show immediately following.

Golden Horseshoe
Several shows midday - be at least 30 minutes early - Located in Adventureland;
Usually features some bluegrass musical madness - part comedy and part great music.

Club Buzz Band
Popular nighttime dance spot located in the heart of Tomorrowland. Dance the night away to some great live music.

Buzz Lightyear Adventure
Calling all Space Scouts. Join Buzz Lightyear in a space adventure showdown against the Evil Emperor Zurg. Show runs several times daily at the Club Buzz Stage in Tomorrowland.

Aladdin's Oasis
Popular dinner show features the romantic tale of Aladdin and Jasmine in the magical land of Agrabah.

Snow White - An Enchanting Musical
One of Disney's most popular productions is retold in a lavish outdoor production on the Fantasyland Stage.

Mickey's Magic Kingdom Celebration
Children join Mickey's fun dance party held outside of Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

Sleeping Beauty's Royal Celebration
A late afternoon dance party outside Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

Most special events at Disneyland require a seperate advance ticket purchase and usually sell out well in advance.
Ticket Feeder - Disneyland Event Calendar Upcoming Sports, Concert, Theater and more.

Big Events at Disneyland California
Popular recurring events at the theme parks typically draw huge cards:

Disney Halloween - The famous Haunted House, Pirates of the Caribbean and Tower of Terror take on an extra degree of notoriety.
New Year's Eve - giant bash after dark, with giant dance party at ElecTRONica(Requires separate evening admission.)

Disneyland Half Marathon
Early morning endurance run through both theme parks. Race course runs straight through Sleeping Beauty Castle and winds thru both theme parks and downtown Anaheim.

• Tinkerbell Half Marathon - Jan 18-20, 2013 - Weekend of Half Marathon and 5K Family Fun Run with the Neverland Theme.
• Disneyland Half Marathon - Aug 31-Sep 2, 2012 - Fitness expo, Half Marathon, and 5K Family Run.
• Tower of Terror 10 Miler - Sep 28-29, 2012 - double-dare you to brave dark and ghostly streets haunted by Disney villains.

Grad Night at Disneyland California
Traditional highschool graduation evening party. Also includes pre-party Blast-Off. This event has transformed into a big all-night dance party and fireworks show featuring live performances from major artists. Dress code is strictly enforced.

Club KISS KISS Radio - The primary dance floor at Disneyland is at the Castle Forecourt. Hosted by local radio station KIIS-FM, this dance floor features an extensive lighting package, with several temporary light structures installed for the duration of the season.
Club Super Estrella KSSE Radio - Latin-flavored dance floor. Hosted in the seating area for Rancho del Zocalo restaurant in Frontierland, dance to Reggaeton, Cumbia, and Latin pop music.
Hip Hop Arena Power 106FM - largest dance floor - Disneyland's Festival Arena and Big Thunder Barbecue area,
TLT Dance Club - Tomorrowland Terrace - features techno and house music dancing.

A. Main Street USA
The center of the park, all other park sections branch off from here. Venues include 10 restaurants, 22 gift souvenir shops, art and photo studios. Children are entertained by old fashioned fire engines, horse-dran carriages and omnibus. Don't miss the animated movie arcades.

A. Adventureland
Here you feel like you're in the middle of a 1930's African adventure movie. The centerpiece is the popular Temple of Doom - Indiana Jones thrill ride, Jungle Cruise (with all of their corny jokes), and giant Treehouse. A special showcase is the Enchanted Tiki Room and the live show at Aladdin's Dinner Theater.

C. New Orleans Square
This area recreates the atmosphere of 19th century New Orleans. Some of Disneyland's best gift shops and restaurants are hidden here, right next door is Pirates of the Caribbean - comedy adventure ride. Look for their famous Haunted House Holidays in October.

D. Critter Country
AKA: Bear Country
An entertaining mix of outdoor camp life and some interesting wilderness creatures. Slash Mountain - Disneyland's big thrill ride that will get you wet.

E. Frontierland
Home of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster. Other attractions include the Golden Horseshoe theater and the big riverboat. Tom Sawyer Island is a popular place for young kids to run around and burn off their nervous energy.

F. Mickey's Toontown
Hangout for a spell with Roger Rabbit and all of his friends in the ultra-animated world. Roller-coaster rides and playhouses abound. Great section for little children to run around.

G. Fantasyland
Another section of the park that is great for smaller children. Many of the fun children rides here are original creations of Walt Disney. They also have shorter waiting lines than the rest of the park. Look here also for the Carousel, Fantasyland Theatre and It's a Small World, a popular children's boat ride. Older kids can ride on Matterhorn Bobsleds thrill ride.

H. Tomorrowland
Many cool attractions including Starcade, Star Tours and Autotopia. One of the newer additions is the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters where each rider gets a lazer blaster to hunt down the bad guys like your inside a wild video game. There is also Space Mountain a Giant all indoor blacked-out roller-coaster.

I. Disney's Trains
Ride aboard either the Monorail or the Disneyland Railroad for a quick fun way to around and in/out of the park.

California Adventure - Grand Opening 08-FEB-2001
Spend a whole day here on more thrill rides, screaming roller-coasters, street shows 3D-Animation movies and the very unique Animation Station which is quickly becoming the most popular center in the park.
A Bugs Land - New section opened Oct-2002 with several kiddie and rides and the scarry bugs life- 3D animation movie.

This all new 55-acre theme park is now open adjacent to Disneyland. The $1.4 billion facility is a huge expansion to Disneyland Resort - the new title for Disney's Anaheim complex.

This park follows after same Disney recipe for the other famous theme parks with a lot of colorful decorations, sound, characters, and attractions for all age groups. To this it mixes in a good friendly dose of California culture and style. Looking around you can see that they still have a lot of space to expand into.

For The Youngsters:
For parents with little children, we recommend A Bug's Land and the playground areas(2). Also be sure to head over to Hollywood Back Log to see Goofy's beach party and the Animation Station. Also see the Muppets 3D-movie.
A Bugs Land - Meet Flik, Atta and other characters from It's A Bugs Life
Reedwood Creek - Meet Koda, Kenai and other characters from Brother Bear
Hollywood Backlot - Frequent encounters can happen here with major Disney characters.

For The Big Kids:
An absolute must is California Screamer - which is probably the best roller-coaster Disney has ever set up. There are several other big kid scream rides nearby in the Paradise Pier area of the park. You will also enjoy both of the 3D animation movies. Finally, go lose yourself in the big games arcade area.
FastPass Thrill Rides - Fastpass service available for California Screamin', Grizzly River Run, Mulholland Madness, Soarin' Over California and The Tower of Terror.

For The Mature Kids:
Definitely goto Animation Station and then Golden Dreams movie. There are several nice restaurants to choose from. Finally take a romantic ride on the Carousel.

Main entryway with visiting entertainers and gift shops selling toys and candy. That trademark golden gate bridge is an actual bridge for the Disneyland Monorail passing overhead.

Burr-bank Ice Cream Parlor - Deserts
Baker's Fiels Bakery - Deserts
Engine-Ear Toys - Giftshop
Greetings from California - Giftshop

It's Tough to be a Bug - 3D Animated Movie
This is one of the best features in the park! Be forewarned, even though its intended for youngsters and very funny, the 3D special effects are a bit scarry.

Children's Mini-Thrill Rides
Ugly Bug Ball - Outdoor stage show for youngsters - Learn a whole bunch of bug dance steps and hip-hop songs.
Flik's Flyers - Mini-thrill ride for youngsters - If ants could fly this miniaturized hot-air balloon is how they would do it.
Francis Ladybug Boogie - Mini-thrill ride for youngsters - Ever wonder what it is like to spin around and dance with a ladybug?
Heimlech's Chew Chew Train - Mini-thrill ride for youngsters - especially for those who like to ride trains. However this one train is really a very hungry caterpillar.
Tuck and Roll's Drivem Buggies - Bumber car ride for youngsters -
Princess Dot Puddle Park - Interactive water playground - Get wet and cool off on a hot summer's day.
Bountiful Valley Farm - A live tribute to the California heartland includes the Irrigation Station splash zone.

Located at the far opposite end of the park and more to their best selection of major thrill rides.

California Screamin' - The Big Coaster
On our first visit here, my oldest son and his friend had to ride this six times. It shoots off fast, climbs fast, drops fast, loops and spins fast and comes to hard braking stop at the end. All older kids will tell you that this is the best attraction in this park. [FastPass]

Mulholland Madness - Mini Coaster
This mini-coaster with ultra sharp turns takes a cruise along L.A.'s famous Mulholland Drive. [FastPass]

Sun Wheel - Mega Ferris Wheel
This is not your ordinary ferris wheel. Some of the cars spin around on their own crazy loop with the big wheel.


Orange Stinger - Major Thrill Ride - Fast flying swingset runs inside a giant orange.
Maliboomer - Major Thrill Ride - Launch 180 feet straight up and then drop free fall back down.

Children's Mini-Thrill Rides
Golden Zephyr - Thrill ride for youngsters - Giant airships gently fly thru the air.
Games Arcade - Large Boardwalk style arcade area
Jumpin Jellyfish - Mini thrill ride for youngsters - it looks like a parachute ride.
King Triton's Carousel - traditional carousel.
SS Rustworthy - Children's Playground area on a old 1920's type steam ship.

Dining
Ariel's Grotto - Downstairs Restaurant with great homestyle cooking.
Cove Deck - Bayside eatery
Burger Invasion - McDonalds lunch exhibit and restaurant
Pizza Oom Mow Mow - Add outrageous toppings to your pizza entree.

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Hollywood Pictures Backlot

Disney's Animation Station
This place is my wife's top choice for best attraction in California Adventure. This collection of interaction workstations and special exhibits gives you the insiders scoop on all the special workings that go in to make a Disney Animation movie classic. (Did you know that Buzz Lightyear was originally going to be called Lunar Larry?) My favorite was to use my voice into one of the parts of a famous movie classic. Look for each of these special workstations:

• Animation Screening Room
• Drawn to Animation
• Sorcerer's Workshop
• The Art of Animation

  Tower of Terror - The Twilight Zone
  Drop in if you dare and take the elevator ride of your life. This looks like a nine-story drop straight down.

  Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3D
  This time you get to sit right inside Muppet Theater. Terrific movie experience for the youngsters and all other Muppet fans.

  Other Attractions
  Hyperion Theater -
  Superstar Limo - Mini Thrill Ride
  ABC Soap Opera Bistro - Have lunch on the set of ABC TV's daytime soap dramas. The staff run through a couple of scenes while you enjoy your meal.

Soarin' Over California
One of the best family theater attractions ever made, every seat is elevated upto a giant movie screen for a front row wide-screen movie experience that seems very real. [FastPass]

Golden Dreams - Whoopy Goldberg narrates this documentary short about the people and culture of California.
Condor Flats - Thrill Ride takes you soaring over California
Golden Vine Winery - Miniature working California grape winery and restaurant. Robert Mondavi gives a special presentation about the seasons of the vine. The restaurant offers a elegant dining setting and fine cuisine.
Grizzley River Run - Water Flume Thrill Ride - Guaranteed to get all riders very wet.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - Large children's playground area and outdoor recreation challenges. Keep your eyes open for the wondering Indian storyteller.
Mission Tortilla Factory - Working factory and eatery located on Pacific Wharf
The Boudin Bakery - Working bakery and eatery located on Pacific Wharf
Pacific Wharf Eateries - Features a cafe, Mexican grill and Chinese fast food.

Pacific Wharf Stage
Look for a major live musical performances here later in the day - especially on weekends.

Disney's Electrical Parade
This famous production happens every evening at 8:45. Dozens of beautifully lighted floats, performers and famous Disney characters dance down the center of the park a brilliant display of glitter.

Aladdin - Musical Spectacular
Hyperion Theater - Hollywood Pictures Backlot
This thrilling stage show lets you experience the mystery and magic of Disney's animation classic Aladdin.

Disney Playhouse - Live on Stage
Playhouse Disney Stage - Hollywood Pictures Backlot
Great for little kids - This interactive stage show features Bear in the Big Blue House, JoJo, Stanley and other Playhouse Disney characters.

Drawn to Animation
Disney Animation - Hollywood Pictures Backlot
In this fun education feature - Disney Animators take you the various steps of how to create an animated feature.

D.U.H. - Department of Untapped Hilarity
Street Show - Hollywood Backlot Stage
Improve comedy group create comic mayhem daily on the streets of Hollywood.

The Magic of Brother Bear - Totem Ceremony
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Meet the stars of Disney's Brother Bear for a fun magical ceremony in the Redwood Creek playground area.

The Ugly Bug Ball
A Bug's Land Stage
A great opportunity for the little kids to learn the latest bug dances from the starring characters of It's a Bugs Life.

Downtown Disney District
Guest Relations: (714) 781-7290;
Operating Hours: 7AM-2AM; No Admission Required;
Parking : From Disneyland Dr, turn west at Magic Way for the Downtown Disney Parking Lot. First three hours are free and theaters, shops and restaurants can validate for additional two hours.

House of Blues - Downtown Disney
1530 S. Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA; (714) 778-BLUE; Restaurant Website;
Featuring live music and a restaurant serving Memphis-style ribs, salmon and Voodoo shrimp. Styled as a low-roofed plantation estate from the Carolina low country.
Gospel Brunch - 10AM & 1PM Sundays

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen - Downtown Disney
1590 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA; (714) 776-5200; Restaurant Website
Recreating the non-stop party atmosphere of Bourbon Street and serving Louisiana cuisine in either the upstairs jazz balcony or the courtyard. Entertainers perform nightly in the authentic French Quarter ambience and enjoy the distinctive flavor of New Orleans. Live music served up nightly.

ESPN Zone
The place to dine for sportsfans for all ages. This 35,000 sq.ft. center includes the Studio Grill offering salmon, grilled chops and New York strip steak. Sports store sells exclusive ESPN merchandise. Climb the Ice Wall.
Monday Night Live - Mondays 9PM

AMC Theaters 16
Downtown Disney; (714) 769-4AMC;
60,000 sq.ft. facility includes the decor and atmosphere to resemble the golden days of Hollywood. Stadium style seating and THX Surround Sound.

LEGO Imagination Center
This Lego Store includes giant sized Lego models and several lego brick play centers.

The Lost Bar
Live music and televised sports.

Tortilla Jo's
Lively nightime entertainment with a Mexican flair.

Build-A-Bear Workshop
Get hands on practice building your own bear.

Rainforest Cafe
(714) 772-0413; Reservations Recommended; Restaurant Website;
Lively tropical forest is setting to a menu of Mexico, Asian and Caribbean dining fare. The decor for this two level shopping and dining safari includes marine aquariums, roaring waterfalls and an occasional thunderstorm. It all creates an adventure of sight and sound that you will not soon forget.

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen - Downtown Disney
1590 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA; (714) 776-5200; Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
Recreating the non-stop party atmosphere of Bourbon Street and serving Louisiana cuisine in either the upstairs jazz balcony or the courtyard. Entertainers perform nightly in the authentic French Quarter ambience and enjoy the distinctive flavor of New Orleans. Live music served up nightly.

ESPN Zone
The place to dine for sportsfans for all ages. This 35,000 sq.ft. center includes the Studio Grill offering salmon, grilled chops and New York strip steak. Sports store sells exclusive ESPN merchandise. Climb the Ice Wall.
Monday Night Live - Mondays 9PM

House of Blues - Downtown Disney
1530 S. Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA; (714) 778-BLUE; Restaurant Website;
Featuring live music and a restaurant serving Memphis-style ribs, salmon and Voodoo shrimp. Styled as a low-roofed plantation estate from the Carolina low country.
Gospel Brunch - 10AM & 1PM Sundays
Voodoo Karaoki Lounge - Wedz 10:30PM - 1:30AM.

More Fine Dining
Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar - Created by the world reknowned chef of the Patina Restaurants. Exotic delights include Greek chicken and lemon kabobs.
Granville's Steak House - Award winning steakhouse
Napa Rose - Experience fine wine-country cuisine.
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen - New Orlean's style cuisine.

Disney Character Dining
Breakfast with Chip and Dale - At Storytellers Cafe
Goofy's Kitchen - All you can eat buffet
Minnie and Freinds Breakfast - Breakfast buffet at Disney's PCH Grill

More Casual Dining
Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria - Taste of Southern Italy baked in old-style wood-burning ovens.
Disney's PCH Grill - Boardwalk atmosphere and cuisine
Hook's Pointe - Mesquite grilled surf and turf specialties
La Brea Bakery Cafe - fresh and hearty sandwiches
Storytellers Cafe - home-style cuisine
Tortilla Jo's - Authentic Mexican cuisine
Yamabuki - Japanese specialties

Snack Shops
Wetzels Pretzels - Creator of pretzel masterpieces.
Haagen-Dazs - Sample world's finest premium ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, gelato and many other tasty desert specialties.
Compass Books & Cafe -
Jamba Juice -
Marcelline's Confectionaire -

The Quietest Days at Disneyland
Would you like a day at Disneyland without the big crowds - try the following:

• SuperBowl Sunday
• Mothers Day
• Sept/Oct - When kids go back to school
• Rainy days - but some rides might be closed

Datenite Adventures

Disneyland is a lot more than just thrill rides. There are some amazing romantic datenite opportunities here where a special memories are easily made.

• Blue Bayou Restaurant - Fine dining in a full service restaurant the recreates the ambiance of eating outdoors on the edge of the Louisiana Bayou. Share a quiet moment while off in the background you can here the blood-curdling screams of Pirates of the Caribbean. There are many other such dining venues.
• Golden Horseshoe Playhouse - Your theme park adventure does not have to stop at meal time. Enjoy a free quality show while you eat lunch or dinner. Several other dinner-show venues are also here.
• FANTASMIC! - You much catch either one of the big evening spectaculars at Disneyland or California Adventure. Arrive early to get a good seat. Good time for a meal break.
• Kiddie Rides - Don't pass these up, they usually have the short lines and are always entertaining with cozy seating for two.

Club 33 at Disneyland
New Orleans Square - Club Fan Site;
An exclusive members-only restaurant inside the park that regularly hosts visiting celebrities and dignataries in five-star style. Outsiders can enter only as a guest of a member.