It should be no surprise that Disney has lots of security throughout their parks and properties. On average, Disneyland draws in 44,000 people a day, which is a lot of people walking through those turnstiles! That’s also a lot of churros because let’s face it, a day at Disneyland is not complete without a churro. So safety for all those people is one of Disney’s top priorities because they want all 44,000 of those people to stay safe in their parks. Afterall, Walt wanted a place where the whole family could come and have fun, and part of having fun is not having to worry about you and your family’s safety.
Before you even walk onto the Disney property you have to go through a security checkpoint. They are located at all entrances of the Disneyland resort, including the loading area for the tram (from the parking structure) , the bus unloading zone and all walk in entrances. So no matter how you arrive, you’ll have to go through security. But don’t worry, it’s not a painful experience and with a few tips, it will be a breeze. Tip #1: Factor in time for going through security. Yes, you have to go through security just like everyone else. Depending how busy this is, the longer it can take, but I would factor in at least half an hour to get through it. So if the parks opens at 8 and you want to get into the park at 8, arrive by at least 7:30 to give yourself plenty of time to get through security. Tip #2: Have your bags ready and unzipped when you get to the security guard. The security checkpoint is usually no more than a security guard looking into and feeling you bag IF you have one. They will ask you to open all zippers and punches when you get to them, so save a little time and do it beforehand. It will save you both some time. They may also use a stick to gently move things around and sometimes will even pick it up to feel it. If you have cases or pouches inside your bag, they may ask you to take them out and open them. I usually carry a first-aid kit in my backpack and from time to time they ask me to remove and open it for them so they can check it. Tip #3: You may have to go through a metal detector. Last time we were their only randomly selected guests had to go through the metal detector. Just follow the directions and it will take an extra two seconds so no worries. It is not as intense as going through airport security, so for example you will not have to remove your shoes. Tip #4: Don’t try to bring in things that you aren't supposed to. They will make you return the item to your hotel room which will waste your time, security's time, and the time of everyone behind you. Not cool. So, good luck getting through security, and we hope this helps you get to your churros faster!
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Have you dreamed of meeting your best friend (aka, your favorite character) from your childhood? Have you ever wanted to see Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, or Mr. Incredible? Good news - they are all at Disneyland! You almost can’t miss seeing a character in the park when you visit. Some of them have designated spots, and others wander around certain lands or areas. You can always approach them, or get in line to meet them if you so wish! You never know who you will see; From Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse, to the Disney princesses, to the new Pixar characters, they are all there! In fact, if you download the Disneyland app and look under Attractions, you will see there is a Characters option, where you can scroll around and see which characters are out that day, where they are, and what times they are there for. You might see Goofy in Toontown, Alice and the Mad Hatter in Fantasyland, Woody and Jessie on Pixar Pier, or Mickey Mouse marching around! And you might be surprised - even as an adult there is a magical joy that comes from seeing a smiling, bouncing someone who is waving to you. There is nothing like getting a hug from Minnie Mouse or Chewbacca! So don’t cut out the characters completely from your Disneyland experience, they bring an added piece of magic you will love to your experience! If you use your Disneyland app to plan ahead to meet characters, or participate in any character dining experiences, you will find they are a natural part of the Disney magic and experience.
Recommendation: Our favorite character dining restaurant and experience is at Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel. You start out meeting and taking a picture with Chef Goofy (or Chef Mickey as we met last time), and then after you are seated and are eating, different characters come to your table will visit you, play with you, and take pictures with you! It may be Alice having a tea party with your little ones while you eat, talking to Sleeping Beauty, or jumping around with Pluto. And have no worries, all the characters you see around will come to your table, they rotate through so they don’t miss anyone. Disneyland is different from other amusement and theme parks because you CAN bring in small backpacks and bags into the park and on the rides. If everyone or almost everyone in your group has a small backpack or drawstring bag to wear, you’ll be able to keep a water bottle or two and some snacks in it. The smaller the backpack the better because it makes getting on and off the rides much easier. We’ve noticed the bigger the backpack is, the more it gets caught on everything getting on and off the rides. You also do have to go through security before entering the Disney property, where they will search your backpack. So the more stuff you have, the longer it may take to get through security. We promise it is worth it to have both!!
With hot days and being on the move all day, staying fueled is very important. We enjoy taking drinks and snacking in the lines, and it keeps us going; Plus it saves time because you are standing around anyway. Disneyland also has water fountains all around it, so we can all refill our water bottles throughout the day for free. (Drinks and snacks can add up fast in Disneyland, you’ll save time and money if you have your own). Some rides, like Pirates of the Caribbean, even have water fountains in the line que! One thing to consider is to freeze one bottle and then bring one unfrozen water bottle. That way the frozen one keeps the other one cool and towards then end of the day you still have one bottle full of cold water! Flavoring packets for water are also a good way to keep fluids in you and change it up from drinking just water. The types of snacks you bring in can be your own preference, but some good ideas might be granola bars, protein bars, fruit snacks, chips, crackers, or anything else that can stay good all day. You can bring in sunscreen if you want to, but we usually just put some on in the morning before we leave our hotel room, and are fine for the day. Disneyland has a lot of indoor lines and rides, so you won’t be outside all day like you are at other theme parks. Other than snacks and water, you will want your phone, your Disneyland ticket, and some cash or a card if you want the freedom to buy souvenirs when you come to Disneyland. A portable charger isn’t a bad idea if you are worried about your phone’s battery life, though you can also rent them throughout the park. Basically, less is more in what you bring into the park. |
AuthorMy name is Tyler and my wife, Jordan, and I are so excited to share some tips and tricks about Disneyland so you can enjoy every magical minute of it! Archives
December 2019
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