Disneyland California has just opened its newest themed area: Avengers Campus. The Avengers Campus is in Disney’s California Adventure. This new area features all your favorite Super Heroes–Spiderman, Ironman, Black Panther, Captain American and so many more!
In order to enjoy the Avengers Campus you must have a park ticket and a park reservation for Disney’s California Adventure that day. If the capacity of the Avengers Campus fills up then guests will have to either wait in the standby queue to be allowed in or use the virtual queue for WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. You can explore the Advengers Campus after riding the ride.
The Rides at the Avengers Campus
The main rides currently are:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!–Guardians of the Galaxy has been open for a while and is similar to Tower of Terror at Disney World.
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure–This is brand new! Whoop Whoop! Help Spider-Man control the hordes of rogue Spider Bots. You will have to join the Virtual queue through the Disneyland Mobile App in order to ride this ride.
The Heroes at the Avengers Campus
During your time in the Avengers Campus you might encounter Super Heroes such as Black Panther, Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, and others who haven’t been seen before. Spider-Man might astound you with his daring tricks from high above as he goes to save the world.
The Food at the Avengers Campus
What is a trip to Disney without great food and snacks? Boring! But where to eat?
PYM Test Kitchen–(featuring Impossible Foods) The Calculated Breakfast = E x 2 + (B+P)/T, Atomic Fusion Pretzel or the Pym-ini Sandwich is sure to keep you going through the day.
Shawarma Palace–This cart serves up a New York’s Tastiest chicken shawarma wrap and Impossible Victory Falafel.
Terran Treats–The go-to place for out-of-this-world churros and decadent desserts.
PYM Tasting Lab–An innovative beverage laboratory that can keep you glowing for the rest of the day from the glowing PYM particles added to your drink.
Mobile Order is highly recommended at Pym Test Kitchen featuring IMPOSSIBLETM, Pym Tasting Lab and Shawarma Palace. Note: You must have admission into the Advengers Campus in order to pick up food orders.
The Super Gear at the Avengers Campus
Picture from Disney Parks Blog
A couple of stores in the Avengers Campus, WEB Suppliers and Avengers Campus Supply Pod, have all you need to become your own Super Hero. You will even have the opportunity to get your own Web-Slinger just like Spiderman. Be careful or a Spider Bot might hitch a ride home with you.
If you are thinking about taking a trip to Disneyland please contact me. I would love to help you plan a trip you will never forget!
The Baby Care Center at Disneyland saved our bacon on one of our trips. We had forgotten sunscreen and our very pale Alaskan children would have burnt to a crisp. We headed to the Baby Care Center and sure enough, they had the perfect sunscreen that lasted us our whole trip.
What are Disney Baby Care Centers
Each Disney Park has a Baby Care Center to serve their guests. In the Disney Baby Care Centers, you are met by kind, compassionate Cast Members ready to help as best they can. The Baby Care Center include the following services:
Private nursing room with rocking chairs
Changing room with tables and a women’s restroom
Feeding area with highchairs
Kitchen with microwave and sink
Main room with television, table and seating
On-site shop offering formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and clothing for purchase
Who can visit a Disney Baby Care Center
The Disney Baby Care Centers are open to people of all ages. It is a great place to take your young children when they just need a moment away from all the action. This facility is a quiet, peaceful area. If you have a toddler, preschooler, or older child who is on the verge of a meltdown you might want to head here. A couple of minutes sitting reading a book, quietly eating a snack, or watching a movie might be just what they need to recharge.
As an adult, even I have appreciated walking in to this area just for a couple of minutes to reorient my mind and body. Some of them have a couple of chairs at the entrance for an adult to rest for a short time. Adults without children have to make their visit relatively quick unless its a slow day.
Be aware–once in a while there is another child who is having a hard time and so it might not be completely quiet.
Where are the Baby Care Centers
This blog is mainly going to focus on Disney World because I don’t have photos of the ones at Disneyland. But, both Disneyland and California Adventure have these services and the features at Disneyland are very similar to those at Disney World.
Disneyland: The Baby Care Center is at the end of Main Street closest to the castle. Go back behind the Main Stree Photo Company (the last building on the right) toward the Plaza Inn and you will find the door.
California Adventure: At California Adventure the Baby Care Center is more toward the back of the park. It is inbetween the Pacific Wharf and Cars Land right next to the Ghiradelli Ice Cream Shop.
Magic Kingdom
You will find the Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center at the end to the path in between Casey’s Corner and the Crystal Palace Restaurant. If you are on Main Street looking at the Castle, Casey’s Corner is the last building on the left.
Epcot
At Epcot the Baby Care Center is located more in the middle of the park. The Baby Care Center is in the same building as the Epcot Experience. If you are near Test Track you can take the bridge (toward the Mexico Pavillion) across the water to the building. If you are walking from Mexico toward the main bridge to Future World the building is on the right .
Hollywood Studios
The Baby Care Center at Hollywood Studios is probably the smallest of the bunch. This center is right at the front of the park. Just after you enter it will be on your left hand side. It is a little less convenient because you have to go through Guest Relations to get in.
Animal Kingdom
The Baby Care Center at Animal Kingdom is a little farther into the park on Discovery Island. After entering the park head toward Discovery Island (go toward the Tree of Life). Once you get there you will head to the left toward Pandora and Africa. Pass the trail to Pandora and the Baby Care Center will be down a little path in the building between Creature Comforts and the Disney Vacation Club Booth.
I think that this was my favorite of all the Baby Care Centers. It was spacious, well-stocked, and had the most calming atmosphere. There was also an awesome cast member here to help guests.
You also might be interested in this great resource:
Christmastime is my absolute favorite time to visit Disney. I love walking down Main Street under the lights and holly garlands. All the special touches drag you into the holiday spirit whether you want it to or not and you just want to sing right along with all the Christmas music.
A Disneyland Resort Guide to Holiday Decorations
The Disneyland Christmas makeover starts at the beginning of November. Main Street comes alive with lights, holiday garland and decorations all leading each guest to the enormous, gorgeous and towering Christmas Tree. Cinderella’s Castle shimmers and shines with lights. Head back to Fantasyland where the It’s a Small World Every facade is covered in 50,000 lights and special video projections for and amazing transformation. Each and every land joins in the holiday fun!
What about California Adventure? How do they join in the festivities? Bring back nostalgia from times gone by with the beautiful vintage holiday decorations up and down Buena Vista Street. Feel dwarfed and inspired by the 50 ft. Christmas tree. Wander through Paradise Pier, Grizzly Peak and other lands immersing yourself in holiday cheer. And don’t miss Cars Land, where the residents of Radiator Springs have decked the streets in seasonal a-tire. Two not to miss attractions: Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
Of course Downtown Disney and the resorts are not to be outdone. Find your holiday home-away-from-home festooned with frosty flair. The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa welcome Guests with splendiferous displays that send spirits soaring. Each Disneyland Resort hotel features a unique holiday tree decorated with whimsical flourishes, traditional trimmings and dashes of pure Disney magic.
When can you see the decorations?
The decorations go up the first week of November and come down the first week of January.
A Disneyland Guide to Special Holiday Events and Activities?
Disneyland
A Christmas Fantasy Parade— With prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and more, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Disneyland Park! Wave to all your Disney friends as they pass by on fantastic holiday floats.
“Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular— Feel your spirit soar during this splendid pyrotechnical spectacle. As the sky overhead lights up with dazzling color, more than 80,000 twinkling lights illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle with sparkling “icicles” and shimmering snow-capped turrets.
“it’s a small world” Holiday–This classic attraction dresses up for Christmas. The holiday dolls sing medleys of holiday music as well as the classic song. Outside each evening, every 30 minutes, thousands of lights come alive as well as video projections to bathe the exterior in colorful lights and images.
Haunted Mansion Holiday–The ghosts and ghouls are in festive holiday spirit and want to wish you a merry macabre holiday. Enjoy the spooky mansion inspired by Tim Burton’s Nightmare before Christmas.
“Holiday Time at Disneyland Resort” Guided Tour–This 2 1/2 hour guided tour will share favorite Disneyland holiday traditions from around the world. You will also enjoy reserved seating for the Christmas Fantasy Parade, delicious holiday treats, a collectible pin and more. Cost: $99 (theme park admission also required)
Meet Santa and his elves at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Buena Vista Street Holiday Tree Lighting— Watch in wonder as the tree twinkles to life with a kaleidoscope of colored lights, hundreds of whimsical ornaments and swags of gleaming garland.
A Disneyland Resort Guide to Holiday Crowds?
This is a very busy time but all the special additions make it worth the extra crowds.
The busiest times are when schools are on vacation–the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas Break.
If you want to try to experience the parks with a little fewer people your best bet is the first few weeks of November and December. Weekends will be quite busy but Tuesdays-Thursdays might be a little less crowded.
How do I handle the crowds?
The best way to enjoy the holidays at Disneyland is to be prepared. Have a plan! Touring Plans is a great place to help plan your day.
Here are some other things to keep in mind:
Expect lots and lots of people and lots and lots of waiting!
Stay in the park on the busiest days (definitely Christmas and New Year’s Day). They often reach capacity and if you leave you won’t be able to go back.
Know what are your must do’s (keep the list short) and what can wait until another trip.
Purchase tickets before arrival. Ticket lines get very long.
Get to the park early (30 min-1 hour before opening)! Maximize your time while others are sleeping.
Get your FastPass for World of Color-Seasons of Light early in the day.
MAXPASS!! Make sure app is downloaded before your vacation so you are ready to roll right as you walk through the gate.
Stake out your spot for the Parade and Fireworks VERY early if you want a good spot.
Focus on entertainment and activities as well as rides.
Be patient! Everyone around you also desires a magical holiday.
I hope that you found this information helpful for your Disneyland vacation planning. Remember, even though November and December are very busy with lots of people you can still have a memorable and magical vacation!
When you read the words “Disney Vacation” does your mind immediately go to Disneyland and Disney World? Are you thinking “I didn’t know there were different types of Disney vacations.” Disney is SO MUCH MORE than just those two theme parks!
This post is going to introduce you to all the different vacation options offered by Disney. In later posts I will explain each adventure further. Let’s begin to explore the different kinds of Disney Vacations!
Disneyland is located in Anaheim, CA. This park feels like it is nestled right in the heart of the city. It is a magical haven in the midst of all the hustle and bustle. It consists of Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney. Guest can stay in one of three beautifully themed Disney resort hotels or in one of the many hotels nearby.
Disney World is located in Orlando, Fl. Driving into Disney World is completely different than it’s California counterpart. As you follow signs to the desired location you feel like you are driving through the countryside. The peaceful drive prepares you for the excitement of your destination ahead.
Disney World consist of four theme parks–Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. There are two water parks–Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach. Disney World boast more than 25 resorts with a nice mix of Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Villas. On top of the Disney resorts there are also quite a few others on the property. There is Disney Springs which is a place to eat and shop. Also on the 47 square miles of Disney World property are mini-golf courses, a golf course and many, many, many other things.
The Disney Cruise fleet includes 4 gorgeous ships–the Magic, Wonder, Fantasy, and Dream–which are reminiscent of the past with modern amenities. Itineraries can be booked from 2-12 nights. Cruisers can experience locations all around the world–Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, the West Coast, Hawaii and more. Just about anywhere you want to cruise Disney can take you.
Disney Cruises are incredibly family friendly with some of the longest kids activity hours on the seas. But, they have many activities designed specifically for the adult passengers. There is fun and relaxation for all ages!
Plus, on these cruises you will experience the magic, customer service, and attention to details that makes Disney top in its class.
Adventures by Disney takes families on tours around the world. They have tour itineraries on 6 of 7 continents. These tours create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that prove all vacations are not created equal. Your two Adventure Guides are there to immerse you in the locations and attend to every detail of your vacation. Local guides provide expertise along the way.
Adventures by Disney can take you all through Europe, Australia, China, Japan, Costa Rica, Peru, Southeast Asia, Alaska (Woohoo!) and many other destinations. This different type of disney vacation is definitely a dream trip!
This spectacular resort is located on the island of Oahu in Ko Olina. It sits on a beautiful, calm cove that is perfect for families. In this resort Disney has worked hard to immerse guests in the culture of the Islands. As all Disney resorts, this one has everything for a perfect vacation–well appointed rooms and villas, multiple restaurant and snack options, spectacular landscaping, engaging kids and adults activities, and immense pool area with multiple pools (family, kids, and adults-only) and a winding lazy river.
This relaxing resort sits on the shores of South Carolina. It’s 1940’s style encourages guests to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. There are rooms to fit all sizes of families and many activites to entertain as well as 12 miles of beach.
Disney’s Vero Beach
Frolic on the beaches of Florida at this elegant, old-fashioned resort. Spacious rooms provide the comforts of home just steps away from the ocean. Many activities are planned for guests of all ages.
Own a piece of Disney through the Disney Vacation Club. Many resorts in Disney World have Vacation Club Villas for the most avid Disney fans to own.
Worldwide Disney Parks
Disney has four parks around the world. They each have their own flair and incorporate the culture of the countries they call home. But, they also stay true to the Disney that we all know and love.
As you can see there are so many different types of Disney Vacation options. It can overwhelming to decide which is the best choice. If this is you, please contact me! I would love to help you plan a vacation to remember.
If you know exactly what you want and where you want to go I can still help! The awesome thing is that using my services doesn’t cost you anything. You pay the same price as you would directly to Disney. When you book through me, Disney pays me the commission that they would have just kept for themselves.
So, contact me today to start planning memories for the future!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Here are some other posts that might be of interest:
We had a wonderful time at Disneyland but as we looked back there were definitely some things we would do differently next time. Here is our list of mistakes to avoid at Disneyland.
Don’t compare Disneyland to Disney World
They are each fantastic in their own way! They are similar and different. By comparing the two I think I missed out on some of the magicalness of Disneyland.
You can still have a great day even if it is crowded
Don’t let the crowds slow you down
I am pretty sure that my expectations were unreasonable in regard to the crowds. In reality I don’t think that the park was really that busy while we were there. But, on our first day at Disneyland I felt like I had a hard time walking through the crowds. This threw me a bit and so my momentum was slowed. As we were in the parks more days we figured out how to get done what we wanted while weaving through the crowds.
Don’t enter the parking lot/garage at opening time.
We tried hard but to no avail. Every morning we were driving in to the parking lot/garage right at opening time. It is really busy at this time. Many other guests are arriving at the same time. And then it will take you around 45 minutes to get into the chosen park. So, by the time you get to your first ride the park has been open for about an hour. All the popular rides have had plenty of time to get long lines. But while the popular rides’ fastpasses will have a return time quite a bit later you can still take advantage of fastpass for most rides. Fret not! You can still have a great day if you do make this mistake.
Don’t miss out on Fastpasses–Pay attention to the time on the bottom
Our first couple days we did not effectively use fastpasses (we only had the free fastpass option). We would grab one when we got there for something we wanted to ride much later. Then we would use standby lines for rides in the area.
By the 4th day we realized that it was beneficial to use as many as we could. When you receive your fastpass reminder ticket there is a time at the bottom that tells you when you can get your next fastpass. We would then get a fastpass as soon as it was time. Sometimes we would get a pass with a return time in 20 minutes even when the standby was around 30 minutes if we were in the area waiting for another ride. We would ride something with a short standby line, then on the fastpass ride and then get another fastpass. We were able to go on so many more rides this way. Too bad it took so many days to figure this out.
Don’t forget sunscreen
We were at Disneyland at the beginning of March. The weather was about 60 degrees F. It was partly cloudy most days. But there was some sun and apparently it was intense. The second morning we noticed that our 1 year old’s cheeks were quite pink. I remembered seeing the Baby Care Center in Cars Land so we headed there. They had just what we needed–SUNSCREEN. We were told by the wonderful ladies in there that it was cheaper there than in the shops in the park. We paid $4 (I think) for a decent sized tube. They also have diapers, wipes, baby food and other necessities that you might have forgotten.
Don’t forget proper clothing–layers and a raincoat
Notice the layers on this dreary day.
As I said before we were there in early March. The temperature was around 60 degrees F but often cooler. I know we are Alaskans and we shouldn’t have been cold but we were! Part of our (mainly my) chill stemmed from going to a more humid climate. But, I will say, we were not the only people in many layers. Although, the sun did give a little warmth in the afternoon, the mornings and evenings were cool. We ended up leaving many evenings a little after dark because we were cold. So, if you are traveling to Disneyland anytime in the colder months bring a few extra layers than you think you might need. Better too warm than have to miss fireworks because you are chilled to the bone.
Don’t get sucked into the stores during the day
If shopping in the park is what you really enjoy then disregard this tip. I definitely like to go through the stores but we really should have saved it for the evening when it got cold. We could have enjoyed more rides and shows during the day when it was warmish and been inside shopping when it was cooler. Due to the fact that the shops have this crazy ability to suck you in this tip takes some real determination to achieve.
Don’t miss your rider switch window
Rider switch passes are only good for a hour. If you are waiting longer than an hour go up to the cast member and have you pass updated. My experience–Radiator Springs Racers had a 40 minute wait time so my family got in line and I waited with my 1 year old and 2 year old. The actual time we waited was 1 1/2 hours. Already frustrated from a wait twice the anticipated length, I went to use the rider switch pass. It didn’t work! The cast member proceed to inform me that it was only good for an hour. I was a little incensed and didn’t handle myself as well as I should. They did end up letting us through. I still am not sure why they would have a rider switch pass expire before the length of the wait time but, whatever! Hopefully this info will help someone else not go thorough the same turmoil.
Don’t ignore calls from California while in the park.
We didn’t know it but our 6 year old had stepped away from us. I received a call from an unknown Anaheim, California number. My hands were full and I almost didn’t answer but I handed my phone to my husband. A wonderful cast member with our daughter was calling. Our daughter knew my phone number so the cast member could give me a call (the cast member did have to look up our area code–hooray for smart phones!). They actually were only about 100 feet away. This was the easiest, least traumatic lost parent moment for our daughter yet. Lessons to be learned: teach your children your phone number and answer it at Disneyland!
Don’t eat PB & J every day
This is my boys tip. They got pretty tired of these by the end. It was cheap though. 🙂
I hope you enjoyed reading some of the things we learned not to do on our last trip to Disneyland.
What have you learned not to do to make your trip even better?
No, seriously. It is my opinion is that any time you can go is a great time because Disneyland is AWESOME! But there are different times during the year that have certain characteristics that you personally might like more than others. For your budget, travel at the least busy times for the best hotel and ticket prices.
There are a number of great blogs out there that have created crowd calendars (all are free except Touring Plans). I will list several below that I have consulted when planning our trip. But, my favorite one comes from Touring Plans. Every time we have gone to Disney World I have purchased a subscription to help me plan what time of year and then what specific parks to visit each day. I LOVE how accurate they have been. For some reason I didn’t purchase a subscription for our trip to Disneyland. That was dumb! I felt like I was flying blind each day deciding which park to go to. Lesson learned! Won’t be doing that again! Hopefully you can learn from my mistake.
My favorite crowd calendars are on Touring Plans. Every time we have gone to Disney World I have purchased a subscription to help me plan what time of year and then what specific parks to visit each day. I LOVE how accurate they have been. I though I wouldn’t need Touring plans info because Disneyland is only two parks so I didn’t purchase a subscription for our trip. That was dumb! I felt like I was flying blind each day deciding which park to go to. Lesson learned! Won’t be doing that again! Hopefully you can learn from my mistake.
One Crowd Calendar Caveat for 2019
After May 31, 2019 crowd calendars might be a bit off (to say the least). The wild card of 2019 is the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Due to expected astronomical crowds beginning opening day Disneyland requires an additional free ticket to enter the new land for the first three weeks. It is unknown what will happen after three weeks. But it is safe to say that Disneyland will not conform to usual crowd calendar algorithms for the rest of 2019.
What’s happening during the year at Disneyland?
Disneyland is a little different than Disney World due to the increased amount of local visitors. Because Disneyland is in the heart of the city it is easy for Annual Passholders to visit the park often even for just a few hours. Weekdays will almost always be less busy than the weekends at any time of year.
January
Parks will be quite busy for the first few days until school starts again. MLK Jr. holiday weekend will also be a very busy time. The rest of the month is usually quieter. Something to consider is that this is a time that rides get refurbished.
Lunar New Year celebration begins at the end of the month at California Adventure.
February
Other than the VERY busy days surrounding President’s Day. February is a fairly slow time to visit. Just keep an eye on the weather in order to bring the right clothing.
Lunar New Year continues for the first couple weeks of this month.
March
The first few days of March are usually a pretty good time to go. We were there the 2nd to the 8th. Walking around seemed pretty busy but the wait times weren’t too bad. We were able to get on all the rides we wanted to (except Radiator Springs Racers) without waiting more than 20-30 minutes (sometimes standby, sometimes with Fastpass).
Now, when the 2nd weekend (approximately) hits the park will get CRAZY! This will continue for a month or so.
The Food and Wine Festival at California Adventure opens at the very beginning of the month continuing through April.
April
This is a very busy time to visit until after Easter and then still on the weekends.
Food and Wine Festival at California Adventure continues most of this month.
Egg-Stravaganza-Easter activities throughout Disneyland resort up until Easter.
May
Weekends are VERY busy while weekdays are pretty dead.
Grad Nights are peppered throughout the end of the month.
May 31st-Opening Day of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
June and July
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!! Even without the new land opening this is a busy time. The new land will cause ultimate chaos.
Fourth of July has some special celebrations as well as the Anniversary of Disneyland on July 17th.
August
It is still part of the very busy summer season during the first two weeks of August. Then the crowds (in a normal year) would begin to taper off during the weekdays. Annual Passholders are allowed back into the park for the second half of August causing busier weekdays.
D23 Expo brings lots of avid Disney fans every other year. August 23-25, 2019
September and October
The first couple of weeks of September are pretty slow. Then Disneyland dresses up for Halloween Time and the people flock in on the weekends through the end of October.
Mickey’s Halloween Party (a special ticketed event) is held on certain nights from mid-September through the end of October.
November
One of the best times to visit is during the week the first two weeks of November and after Thanksgiving Weekend in regard to lower crowds.
Mid-November the whole Disneyland Resort decks the halls to create a magical holiday wonderland. Gorgeous!
Thanksgiving Week is mayhem! Talk about crowded! But, my brother and his family have visited Disneyland the last couple years at this time, love it, and keep going back.
December
Just like November, the first two weeks of December are pretty slow during the week. Once kids start getting out of school it becomes a madhouse until school breaks end in January. The week of Christmas is the absolute worst crowd wise.
BUT, imagine celebrating Christmas surrounded by astoundingly beautiful decorations (with the amazing detail work of Disney), sweet sounds of the holiday in your ears, smells of Christmas wafting all around and all your favorite characters dressed up to make your vacation magical. How could that possibly be bad?!
Ring in the New Year with special fireworks and possibly a dance party on December 31st.
Just a reminder:
From May 31st on in 2019 the crowds are most likely going to be higher than in past years. Also, it is very probable that these higher crowd levels will continue through a good portion of 2020.
Like I said at the beginning though, any time you can go to Disneyland is a good time. Just be aware and prepared for what you might face when you get there and you can still have a wonderfully magical vacation any time of year.
Driving to and parking at Disneyland is crazy confusing. Disney World is so easy. Follow the signs to the park you want to go to, drive in to the large parking lot, and then follow the people to walk or take a tram to the front of the park. NOT SO at Disneyland!
Our confusion began driving down Interstate 5 still a couple of miles from Disneyland. I entered Disneyland as a destination in Google Maps and it asked me which parking area I wanted to go to. HUH?! Which do I choose? What’s the difference? Which is better?
Pictures are not the actual parking lot or garage. 🙂
Just about every day we alternated which place we parked. I am going to give you some tips from what we learned. We were staying in Fullerton so we would take Interstate 5 South to get to Disney. Since we drove south, those directions I give are first hand knowledge. My directions driving north come from studying the map without any actual driving experience.
There are two current parking areas; the Toy Story Parking Lot and the Mickey and Friends Parking Garage.
Toy Story Parking Lot
Traveling South from Interstate 5 you will take the Harbor Blvd Exit. Traveling North you probably would want the Katella Ave. Exit. You will enter the parking lot from Harbor Blvd. There will be signs showing where you turn left to enter the parking lot. Upon entering will be a booth to collect $25 for most vehicles ($40 for preferred parking) or you can pay ahead and show your voucher. All oversized vehicles must use the Toy Story Parking lot and there is an additional fee.
Once you park, head toward the shelter type structures where you will catch a bus. Most likely you will just be able to follow the crowd. Strollers will need to be folded up to take on the bus. All children must have a specific seat. They may not stand.
Our parking spot never seemed to be a long walk to get to the buses. We didn’t have to wait too long for a bus. One morning there was quite a line but it moved quickly. Once on the bus, settle back for the ride. On Sunday the bus ride seemed relatively short. The ride seemed to get longer and longer throughout the week. This was due to more traffic on the roadways that the buses have to travel to get to the drop off point. You will be dropped off fairly close to the bag check and entrances of the two parks. Disneyland will be on the right and California Adventure on the left.
Leaving the Park
When you leave to catch the bus back to your car there is decent signage after passing through the bag check area. Make sure your stroller is folded up while waiting in line for the bus otherwise you might have to wait for the next one.
Mickey and Friends Parking Garage
This is a HUGE parking structure that you drive into. They are in the process of constructing another one nearby.
Driving South on Interstate 5 you will take the Disneyland Drive Exit. If you are in the carpool lane you can remain in that lane and it will take you to the right spot. Driving north you would take the exit toward Ball Road and then turn onto Disneyland Dr.
You will enter the garage on the ground floor which opens up to many lanes of ticket boots ready for you to pay $25 ($40 for preferred parking) or you can pay ahead and show your voucher. Once through the booths you will follow arrows and cones up to the designated floor to park. There are cast members directing you to the correct spot just like the parking lots. After collecting everything you need for the day follow the signs toward the tram.
You will be directed toward escalators and elevators which will take you to the ground level. The first time we parked in the garage we were on the 6th floor. We rode a short escalator to the 5th floor and then a super cool, very long escalator all the way from the 5th floor to the ground.
To the Entrance by Tram
Continue following the flow of traffic back into the garage where you will go through the bag check (this is your only bag check station) and catch the tram. For us, on Monday there was only one tram running so we had to wait for about three to finally get on. On Thursday there were two trams running so we were quickly on our way to the park. Stroller must also be folded up to ride the tram.
After a 5-7 minute ride, the tram will drop you off at the end of Downtown Disney closest to the park entrances. Since you have already had bags check you can head directly to the entrance and be on your way to a Magical Day.
To the Entrance by Foot
Once on the ground you can walk to the park. Ask a cast member to point you in the correct direction. It is about a 10-15 minute walk to the end of Downtown Disney. There is a bag check to enter Downtown Disney. After bag check walk a little ways and turn left. You will walk all the way through Downtown Disney to get to the park entrances.
Leaving the park
When you leave the park to catch the tram there is clear signage directing you. Please be aware–the cast members attending the boarding of the tram are serious when they tell you to stay behind the yellow portion of the sidewalk. They want you completely behind. Even your toes on the yellow is too much and they will not allow the tram to leave until you step back. So, make their job easier and the wait less for everyone by remaining behind the yellow line!
Both parking options have limited number of parking spaces designated for those with disabilities. You must have appropriate placard or license plate. Standard fees apply. At the Toy Story Lot select buses have the capability of transporting most wheelchairs and ECV’s (some larger equipment cannot fit). At the Mickey and Friends Garage some trams possibly can accommodate otherwise there are wheelchair lift-equipped vans that can take you to the entrance.
Final Thoughts
Each day we alternated between the two parking methods trying to decide which we liked better. I preferred the garage while my husband preferred the parking lot.
The buses were easier for the stroller
The buses seemed slower because of all the traffic on the roads
The tram was more difficult for our stroller but once on felt faster
The amount of walking seemed about equal unless you have to park in the back of the garage. Each floor is huge and some parking spots are very far from the escalator.
I really liked the bag check before the tram. Then once we got off the tram we could head straight to the Magic rather than having one more distraction.
I think once the new garage opens up I would stick to the garage over the parking lot.
All in all, I don’t think that either way was faster. It really is about which method helps you get more into the spirit of Disney.
This will be short and sweet. We are headed to Disneyland in a few weeks. My kids have never been to Disneyland. We have been to the World a few times and love it. In the past it has been more economical to head to Florida rather than California; more days for not much more money, less expensive housing and car rental. This time we are biting the bullet and visiting Mickey a little closer to home.
I am so excited to take this trip for a few reasons:
We will get to see our daughter who is in college in Ohio. Disneyland was a hook to get her to agree to spend her Spring Break with us rather than do something with friends (turns out that she would have gladly spent it with us even at home because she has been quite homesick).
To celebrate the adoption of two of our kids.
We get some warmer weather.
I LOVE DISNEY and haven’t been to Disneyland in 18 years. This was the only place we went when I was a kid. I didn’t go to Disney World until I was 26 years old. I can’t wait to go on the Matterhorn and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
Okay, enough drivel. On to why you are reading. How we got cheaper Disneyland tickets. It all started with a newsletter from Mouse Savers. I have subscribed to the monthly newsletter for years. Each month I am alerted of many great deals for Disney World and some for Disneyland. In January the newsletter mentioned that Disneyland tickets were going up but that Undercover Tourist has some left for a few days at a discounted price. We had been contemplating whether or not we would even going to Disneyland since last summer but this new information tipped the scales. WE WERE GOING!!
Undercover Tourist is an authorized reseller of Disney tickets for Disneyland and Disney World. We have purchased from them before and sailed through park entry. Through their website you can also purchase tickets to Universal Studios, Sea World, Legoland, Go Cards, and many other attractions. They even sell ski tickets for resorts in Colorado. You can book hotels and car rental too.
Happy travels to you…until we meet again.
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