UPDATED 2024. There are so many things for you to discover at the Disneyland Resort. Check out our top 25 Disneyland secrets, the list that will make sure you have the most magical vacation yet!
At Get Away Today, we know Disneyland inside and out. Our team visits the park on at least an annual basis and have had some really amazing experiences. We have been to the park before it opens to the public, been invited to backstage areas, done special tours, dined at Club 33, been invited to private events and more. With all of these experiences and then some, we’ve learned a thing or two about Disneyland.
It was difficult to narrow down, but we’ve put together what we think are some of the best Disneyland secrets, including things that we think are cool and things you can get and do for free. We hope you learn a thing... or 25!
Disneyland Secrets to Save Time
1. Most regular Disneyland visitors know about Lightning Lanes, but for Disneyland newbies, it’s a whole new world.
For those unfamiliar with Lightning Lane, it’s the best way to save time during your vacation. You’ll be able to skip the stand by queue on select rides and instead jump in the Lightning Lane for expedited boarding. And when you buy your tickets with Get Away Today, you’ll be able to pre-purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass which saves you both time and money.
2. Single Rider lines are another lesser known option to reduce wait times. Single Rider works best with adults only or families with older kids.
Select attractions have a single rider line option where your party can wait in a MUCH shorter line together and then take the next available seat on the attraction, separately.
It works especially well with Radiator Springs Racers and goes really quickly in the morning. Check the Disneyland app for current Single Rider options.
3. Early Entry time saving secrets. Early Entry isn’t so much of a secret, but there are a LOT of questions around it. Early Entry is a perk exclusive to guests staying at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels. It includes a 30 minute head start into a pre-selected theme park. You’ll be able to ride select attractions before the general public!
4. Meet Mickey with NO Line. Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast is definitely one of the best kept Disneyland secrets. It is one of the Character Dining experiences offered at the Disneyland Resort and it is the ONLY character dining location where you’ll meet Mickey Mouse. Save your time waiting in line to meet Mickey and let him come to you at breakfast. As an added bonus, it’s inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, so you don’t need park admission the day of your character breakfast if you don’t have it.
Disneyland Secrets to Save Money
5. Families always want to know about bringing food and drink into the parks. Disneyland allows food and drinks as long as you follow a few rules. You can bring in small coolers (nothing full-sized), as long as there is no loose ice in them. You can bring ice packs, or even ice in baggies as long as it’s not loose.
6. You can get a free cup of ice water from any quick service restaurant whether you purchase something or not. Just ask! You can also score a free sample of sourdough bread from the Boudin Bakery Tour in Disney California Adventure Park.
7. If you love to eat out on vacation but don’t love spending a ton of money, consider the “express” restaurants in Downtown Disney. Most of the main restaurants in Downtown Disney have a quick-service version next door to the main restaurant. The express restaurants serve a limited menu for a fraction of the cost, plus no need to tip!
Disneyland Special Experiences
10. VIP Tours: Affectionately referred to as “the plaids” because of their uniforms, the Disneyland Resort has VIP Tour Guides available. If you spot them in the park, see who they’re with… it could be a celebrity. But the VIP Tour Guides are not just for the famous. Personal VIP tour guides are pricey but if it’s a splurge you can take we highly recommend it. VIP Guides will tell you all sorts of insider secrets and get you VIP access to attractions along with shows and entertainment options.
11. Visit Walt’s Apartment. If you’ve spent a good amount of time on Main Street, U.S.A., you may have noticed a light above the fire station. It is placed in the window of Walt’s apartment that he used during his time in the park. The light always stays lit in his honor. Formerly unavailable to the public, anyone can now visit Walt’s apartment as part of a special group tour you can book on the Disneyland website.
12. Your kids can perform at Disneyland as part of the Disney Performing Arts (DPA for short) program. Dancers, musicians and more can take workshops taught by Disney artists and then take the skills that they learned in class and apply it to their live in-park performance. Tickets can be booked as part of a group package and we can help you set everything up along with a pretty big discount off of regular prices. Plus your kids get such awesome experiences that you can’t get anywhere else!
Spot These Disneyland Secrets
13. No Disneyland secrets list is complete without mentioning hidden Mickeys. Disney imagineers and artists will often stamp their work with a Mickey silhouette. These hidden Mickeys can be found throughout the entire Disneyland Resort – in attraction queues, inside attractions, on store signs and more. It is fun to see how many hidden Mickeys your family can find.
14. While Disneyland was being built, bricklayers tested a wall to see what kind of pattern Walt would like best. The wall and its different patterns still stands in the park today. While walking from the train station to the castle, take a right onto Center Street from Main Street U.S.A.. The wall is located near the lockers at the end of the street. Take a picture on your next vacation and see if your friends can guess that this is one of the secrets of Disneyland!
15. The Darlings on the Lost Parents sign. A little irony can be found near City Hall. There’s a sign for parents who may have lost track of their little ones in the park. This sign features the Darlings, the parents looking for their children who had flown to Neverland with Peter Pan. It is comforting to know that if families get separated for any reason, you can tell everyone to meet up at City Hall.
16. A half red and half white light at the Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner. Near the end of Main Street U.S.A., Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner is a reminder of America’s early pharmacies. Known as Coke Corner for short, the quick service restaurant reminds people of the pharmacies that featured soda fountains, where families and friends gathered together for a treat.
The signs for this corner are decorated with alternating red and white lights. But what happens when the lights do not match up just right? When you’re Disney, you just create a light that features both colors! Look closely for this half red and half white light in the corner of Coke Corner’s alcove.
17. The Partners Statue. The statue, found at the center of Disneyland, is an homage to Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Look closely as there are a few of the secrets of Disneyland on the beautiful statue. The first is that Walt is pointing with two fingers; it is a Disney policy to never point with just one finger as it is considered rude in many cultures.
Notice the Irish wedding ring on Walt’s right ring finger – those are rings he and his wife Lillian wore in addition to their regular rings. Lastly, look for Walt’s tie tack. It is the logo for Smoke Tree Ranch, where Walt and his family used to visit to get away from the demands of the movie and theme park business. We’ve always known that Walt valued family time and the quote at the bottom of the statue couldn’t reflect that more: “I think most of all what I want Disneyland to be is a happy place… Where parents and children can have fun together.”
18. Fire company logos. New Orleans, Louisiana has an exciting history. Walt Disney wanted to capture the excitement and lore of the French Quarter in the Disneyland Resort. He opened New Orleans Square on July 24, 1966 and even had the mayor of New Orleans cut the ribbon.
You’ll find many of the secrets of Disneyland within the corners and crevices of New Orleans Square. One such secret has to do with the fire companies in early New Orleans. During this time, different fire companies offered fire suppression services and would charge residents and businesses to fund operations.
Fire brigades knew that a building had paid its fees based upon the fire logo that was placed on the building. Look closely, nearly every building in New Orleans Square has a different fire brigade logo. How many can you find on your next trip to Disneyland?
19. Jack, the pirate monkey. Near the exit of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction is a gift shop called Pieces of Eight. The shop is named after the Spanish currency popular during the heyday of pirates and explorers. While in Pieces of Eight, take a look at the chandelier.
You’ll find a monkey resembling Jack the Monkey from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. One of the secrets of Disneyland is that this chandelier monkey actually inspired the character in the movie, three-corner hat and all. It’s always neat to see what inspiration Disneyland took from the classic movies and what inspiration the park gave to the newer movies!
Helpful Disneyland Secrets
21. First Aid and Baby Care: If you ever find yourself in need of an aspirin, band-aid, ice pack, saline solution or even an antacid, you can head to the First Aid station near the Plaza Inn in Disneyland and get assistance and medication from RNs for free. There's also a Baby Center next door where parents can change diapers, nurse, heat bottles, purchase baby goods/needs, etc. in peace and quiet. In Disney California Adventure Park, you can find a First Aid station near the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street. The DCA Baby Care Center is conveniently located near the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.
22. Balloons that never pop, well kind of. Disneyland is full of can’t-pass-up souvenirs and one of the most “pop”-ular is the balloons. Parents who have ever consoled a child over a popped balloon will be glad to know that Disneyland will replace any popped balloon free of charge. Just bring the damaged goods and receipt to any balloon vendor and they’ll give you a new one on the spot.
23. Disneyland Resort Hotel Amenities: The Disneyland Resort Hotels are incredible, but you don’t have to be a guest at one to enjoy some of the amenities. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel has a grand lobby with a warm fireplace, live piano music and a children’s area playing Disney cartoons that anyone can enjoy. Also, the Disneyland Hotel has live island music, tiki torches and a fire pit nightly available to anyone at the Resort. All three hotels are typically decorated for the holidays and are worth checking out.
24. Interactive Dining Experiences. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is one of our favorite restaurants at the resort. It is completely themed after the Jungle Cruise and there are a number of interactive drinks. If you want to see some action, order a Shipwreck or the Uh-Oa. Keep in mind the tiki bar is family friendly until 9:00 pm (the appetizers really are delicious), and then becomes an adult only bar.
Booking Your Disneyland Vacation
Join the Conversation!
Leave A CommentGet Away TodayMay 02 2018
Hi Roxanne! Disney gift cards can be used almost everywhere in the park. The only restrictions may be if any of the souvenir or snack carts take cash only. This isn't common, but can sometimes be seen at the carts that go around before the parades.
Get Away TodayMay 02 2018
Hi TK! Yes, you can add MaxPass to any tickets purchased through Get Away Today by using the Disneyland app when you are inside the park. We think it depends on your family, but definitely recommend it for busy days and at least one person purchasing it per day for the free PhotoPass downloads.
RoxanneMay 02 2018
Hi. I will be bringing Disney gift cards. I am hoping to use these to purchase souvenirs and meals through out the parks. Do you know if there are restrictions?
tkApril 28 2018
can we add maxpass to our tickets we buy through you? also do you feel its worth the money?
Get Away TodayApril 11 2018
Hi Marty! Happy birthday to your girlfriend - that's going to be such a fun trip. :) We'd definitely suggest getting a birthday button and making specialty dining reservations. You can check out more things to do in our birthday article, found at https://www.getawaytoday.com/blogs/2016-09-21/5-things-you-must-do-on-your-birthday-at-disneylan.
MartyApril 10 2018
I’m flying my girlfriend for her bday.....we will be there the day after her actual day. Is there anything there that will help make her visit a special one?
Get Away TodayMarch 06 2017
Hi there! The Magic Morning is when three day and higher ticket holders get to enter the Disneyland park an hour early before the public. For more information on that, check out our blog post here: https://www.getawaytoday.com/blogs/2016-08-02/disneyland-magic-morning-your-complete-guide. Or give our agents a call at 855-GET-AWAY. :)
AnonymousMarch 04 2017
What does it mean by Magic Morning?
Get Away TodayFebruary 17 2017
Hi Jan, They may have changed the offer to $5 off. At the time of the article, they were offering a free sandwich. Sorry for any confusion!
JanFebruary 16 2017
I went to the Earl of Sandwich to see what you were talking about regarding the "free" sandwich. All I saw was a $5.00 coupon after you sign up. Am I missing something?
Get Away TodayNovember 18 2016
Hi Linda! You will need to have each person over 13 in your party register. The coupon is only for one person. Please let us know if you have any other questions! :)
lindaNovember 17 2016
The earl of sandwich offer says when you register you can get a free sandwich for everyone over 13 in your party and the next line says you'll be emailed a coupon just for you. Is my registration good for a sandwich for each in my party (over 13) or does each person have to register separately?
Get Away TodayAugust 22 2016
That's a great idea - we'd love to put together an article on the new Photopass options. Stay tuned!
AnonymousAugust 21 2016
Would you please do a blog post on the changes to the photopass programs. I'm curious to see how it works now and the differences in WA h of the packages? Do you still have to pre-purchase, etc?? Thank you!
jayJune 22 2016
Do we have to come to the park at the exact day of travel or it is flexible
JimmyJune 14 2016
Have been going to Disneyland for many, many years, since my romantic husband, almost 46 years, took me there for our honeymoon. Kimberly's post is very informative.
She mentioned about dining at Club 33. Would appreciate more info. Some years ago, had reservation, (hubby returning from Gulf War). Had to cancel. His Dad became very ill and died shortly after. Would really like to arrange. We kind of switched roles - he's the house husband and I deploy to disasters. Would appreciate some assistance. Thanks
Get Away TodayApril 11 2016
Hi Nz, To really maximize your time, you could do either a 3-day Park Hopper and start your first day the evening you get in. Because it's summer, they park will likely have much longer hours so you can get a few good hours in. If you don't want to do that, I would recommend starting your trip with a character dinner reservation at Goofy's Kitchen, which is located inside the Disneyland Hotel and a 2-day Park Hopper ticket. Yes, if you stay at a Disney property, you'll get early entry into Disneyland OR Disney California Adventure Park each day of your stay. Goofy's Kitchen and the Princess Celebration lunch or breakfast are the two most popular character dining options. If you have any other questions, our agents would LOVE to help at 855-GET-AWAY. :)
NzApril 08 2016
Hi we only be in disneyland from 5th June arrive 6pm 6th June full day 7th June fly out 7pm what ticket do you advise we can probably only do disneyland if we stay at disney resort do we get early entry? And what's the best place for character dining. Many thanks.
Get Away TodayMarch 20 2016
Hi Lauren, Yes - all 3-day and longer tickets including both the Park Hopper and the 1-Park per Day tickets include one Magic Morning. Enjoy! :)
LaurenMarch 15 2016
Hi! We just ordered 3 Day 1 Park at a time passes for Disneyland. Do we get a magic morning with that? Or is it only come with the 3 day Hopper passes?
Get Away TodayMarch 07 2016
Hi Mary, Kids who are ages two and under eat free at any of the buffet options offered at Disneyland, like the character breakfasts. This is of course subject to change, but only kids 3 and up are charged for meals. If you're at a counter service or table service restaurant with a kids menu and you wanted to order something for your two year old, you would have to pay for that.
MarychuyMarch 02 2016
What do you mean byvkids 2 and under eat free
Get Away TodayDecember 23 2015
Hey Dizmom, That's a great question. We put together a list of area restaurants that do free birthday offers. Many of these restaurants may also do other offers, so it would be worth it to check them individually. Here's the link to the article with the restaurant list: https://www.getawaytoday.com/blogs/2014-09-24/ways-to-celebrate-at-the-disneyland-resort
DizmomDecember 22 2015
What other restaurants that you mention should we sign up for goodies? We aren't familiar with the area any help would be great!! Thanks
Get Away TodayAugust 13 2015
They may have changed the offer, but it was valid at the time this was posted. Also, it may have just been a standard coupon that you get as a member. It took a couple of weeks until the completely free coupon came, so depending on their current offer or what they are sending, it may still be on its way. We hope so!
AnonymousAugust 12 2015
I signed up for the Earl of Sandwich e-club to receive my free sandwich. All I got was a coupon for a free drink and chips with a purchase of a sandwich. What gives?