Disney Tips and Tricks
Home | Area Maps | Restaurants | Shopping | Entertainment | Hotels | Conventions | Services | News | Contact
 
 
  Anaheim Visitors Guide to Disneyland  

Best Days to Visit Disneyland

Based on reports the best days to visit Disneyland are Tues, Wed and Thurs. Saturdays and Sundays are always the most crowded. There are several sites that offer traffic reports on what days and months have the most tourists, the week after Thanksgiving being one of the least crowded. During March and April various states have their Spring breaks staggered so this helps keep the crowds down, but it's still busy. The up side is during peak summer months all the rides are usually open and they have firework shows and Fantasmic. During the off peak season some rides are closed for repair and there are fewer shows.

Annual Passes

If you have an annual pass check the blockout dates online before you go, especially if you have the “SoCal Select” version which is the most limited. I have seen many people get rejected on Friday Aug. 22nd which is odd block out date at the end of summer for SoCal Select only. If you are going to buy an annual pass there are several options, all of which went up in price as of Jan 2015 and go up every year. Remember you can upgrade you tickets stubs to an annual pass before you leave on the last day your tickets are used.

For Southern California residents you have two types of annual passes, SoCal Select and So. California the main difference is So. California allows you to go on Sundays. Check the Disney website for prices and plans. Which ever plan you get make sure one person buys the parking pass for over $100. At $20 per car each visit for parking this will pay for its self in 5 visits. Oversized vehicles like motor homes cost $20.00.

Note: if you want to upgrade your existing annual pass it does not reset the day you bought it, meaning you will pay the difference but will not get any extra days. You can not add the upgrade to a payment plan meaning you have to pay the difference in full at the time of upgrade.

Interesting Tip

If you forget your annual pass you can get a temporary replacement or “Courtesy Visit Certificate” for that day from Guest Services window with photo identification. The replacement ticket can not be used for getting Fast Passes as it does not have a bar code. In order to get Fast Passes that day you need to ask for a special “Fast Pass Card” from the ride attendant at the Fast Pass station. You then use that card for collecting Fast Pass tickets. I found it interesting that you could potentially ask for a new Fast Pass Card at each of the rides.

Annual Pass Fact

Once you have your receipt for your new annual pass they tell you to go through the Main gate on your next visit to get your Picture taken at the Bank for your Annual Pass card. Look at the blockout dates for your plan. You should be able to get in with your new receipt on a blockout date to get your picture taken, at least that's how it worked for me, twice. This may allow you to get in on a Saturday if you get the So California resident pass.

  Anaheim Vacation Guide to Disneyland View Blog Now
 
   
  Anaheim Convention Center and GardenWalk  
 

See what's going on this month near the Anaheim Convetion Center.You never know you may want to check out one of the events while on vacation.
View map of Los Angeles Attractions area attractions.

 
 
 
   
     
Southern California Attractions   Los Angeles Attractions
     
Disneyland   Universal Studios
Check out the most popular attractions in Southern California, Disneyland and California These amazing amusment parks are filled with magic the whole family will enjoy, so don't miss out on the happiest place on earth and share an experience you will never forget.  
The perfect vacation includes a trip to Universal Studios. Save hundreds of dollars with the Southern California City Pass, click this link to extend your vacation and purchase your City Pass today
     
Legoland California   San Diego Zoo
The Legoland California is a popular destination for the area. With first class accomodations and restaurants like Claim Jumper. Be sure to visit during the summer when the have the nightly firework show..   No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the World Famous San Diego Zoo, purchase a Zoo membership and get free guest passes and other benefits.
 
     
Knott's Berry Farm   Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Knott's Berry Farm is a thrilling amusement park with lots of rollercoasters the whole family can enjoy. Knott's Berry Farm has a range of attractions from toddeler rides to as fast as they get roller coasters.  
Visit Palm Springs and ride the Tramway to the top of Mt. San Jacinto, and then have dinner at restaurant on top - Very Fun.
     
Aquarium of the Pacific   Catalina Island
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a great attraction. Swimming pools full of entertainment. You may never want to leave to visit the Sea World, don't worry one Aquarium is located near all of the other California attractions so you can see them all.  
Not an Island Another World. You will find that Santa Catalina Island is just a short cruise away from Long Beach and LA. Stay over night at one of their many resorts and lodges.
     
Sea World   The Getty Museum
Sea World is one of the most popular places to learn about aquatic animals. There are many aquariums filled with sea creatures and shows including the wolrd famous Shamu.  
One of the coolest things to do while in So. Cal is to visit the Getty Museum and Villa in Malibu. You will not be disapointed unless you don't make required free reservations online to visit The Villa.
     
San Diego Wild Animal Park   Hearst Castle
San Diego Wild Animal Park has made lots of improvements lately. Ride the new safari tram or take a balloon ride. You can even stay over night at Camp Snore and Roar.   Hearst Castle is a once in a life time trip. Click the link to plan your visit and take one of the many tours available.
 
 
     
EAT   PLAY   STAY   ANAHEIM CA