In addition to blogging at According to Kelly, I write for Just Spotted… your guide for “living, visiting & dreaming about Orange County.” But as we say, “just because you don’t live near us, doesn’t mean you can’t visit. With recipes, product features & tons of other ideas & tips it’s the perfect blog for just about everyone & anyone.”
One of every one’s favorite places to visit in Orange County (& one of our favorite places to write about) is the happiest place on earth… Disneyland. You may not get to visit every week, like we often do, but you can definitely benefit from all of our experience. Hopefully some of our tips will make your next visit a bit more magical!
* This year you can get in FREE on your birthday!
* My favorite time of year to visit the park? Mid-September through Mid-November & Mid-January through Mid-March.
* Does your family love the Buzz Lightyear ride? Looking for a way to rack up the points? Check out some of the ride’s secrets HERE.
* Stop by the Pacific Wharf Cafe in California Adventure for yummy soups & salads. My personal favorite? the Sonoma Chicken Salad.
* The face painting stand across from the Matter Horn does some pretty impressive paint jobs!
* Taking the little ones to the Magic Kingdom? Worried that you might not be able to ride your favorite “big kid” ride? Take advantage of Disney’s Rider Switch Pass.
* Buy some Mickey ears & make sure to have your name embroidered
* Feast upon the Taco Salad at Rancho del Zocalo Mexican Restaurant in Frontierland
* Check out the Aladdin Play at California Adventure… It’s Broadway at Disneyland, & will totally keep you & the kiddos entertained for a full 45 minutes.
* Eat a churro
* Take advantage of the Fast Pass, & remember you can have one in EACH park at the same time.
* Disneyland rice krispie treats are a must-have!
* Make sure to get a Dole Whip (outside the Tiki Room… & don’t worry, their are lactose-free, so EVERYONE can enjoy!)
* Don’t miss the Redwood Challenge Trail in California Adventure – it’s the perfect place for letting the kids run wild & burn off a little energy.
* Visit the Mission Tortilla & Boudin Sourdough Factories – they give FREE samples!
* Corn Dogs from the red cart on Main Street are yummy!
* In the mood for chicken fingers or funnel cake? Then stop by the Stage Door Cafe, located next to the Golden horseshoe.
* Active & retired U.S. Military personnel can get FREE multi-day admission
* Looking for a nice, quiet spot to change a baby’s diaper or nurse? Check out the Disneyland Baby Center.
* Looking to spend some “quality time” with some of the Disney Characters? Take advantage of character dining… check out Goofy’s Kitchen or Ariel’s Grotto.
xoxo, Kelly
Cassie says
Great list! I’ve only been once, but would love to go back someday. We entered the park at opening, and zoomed straight for the back. We didn’t stop! Once we were there, lines were not existent! Of course we met the crowd in the middle, but it was fun!
Jamie says
Perfect post!!! THANK YOU so much! We’re planning our first family trip to disneyland this year and we are absolutely clueless!!
Lori R says
Fun tips–I love D-land, but sadly don’t live in OC anymore. I put myself through college working at Stage Door Cafe! Fun times….
Karen Scoffield says
Thanks for the list. I agree on the Dole Whip and many more!
jenjen says
Kelly —
Great list! We love Disneyland and go at least once a year. I can’t imagine how much fun it must be to be able to go all the time. You are so lucky!
Thanks for the tips!
Jen