DL Guide - Before You Go

Tips
To make you trip as enjoyable and successful as possible, you may want to keep some of the following tips in mind:

Packing tips:
- Bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. In Southern California it's warm and sunny more often than not.
- Though Californian is known for its sun, you'll want to have warm clothes for the evening hours in the non-summer months.
- You will be doing a lot of walking so don't forget comfortable shoes
- Pain killers, cold medicine, band-aids, etc. are available in the area and at most hotels, but if you may want to bring your own for maximum convience or if you have prefered brands.
- If you like to chew gum you'll probably want to bring it. Gum is not sold anywhere in the Disneyland resort.
- Film and batteries are readily available at Disneyland. But again you'll want to bring your own for maximum convience, if you have brand preferences or to save money.
Strollers are available for rental inside Disneyland for a $7 rental fee. But you may prefer your own and you'll certainly need your own outside the Park.
If there restaurants at the Disneyland hotels you know you want to eat at, make reservations. Unfortunately, reservations cannot be made for restaurants inside the Park until the day of your visit.
Plan ahead. In addition to this website there are several other websites (including this one) and planning books available with specific tips on maximizing your time at Disneyland.

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Reader Comments

Below are tips and comments from readers on
what to do in preparations for visiting Disneyland

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If you like to eat at Hungry Bear try and get there ASAP unless you're prepared to wait a little longer than an hour in line around lunchtime.
-- Neverland girl (7/24/2006)

Invest in a mini-backpack (I have one from Dakine). It holds one liter of water, a couple of granola bars, wallet, sunscreen, chapstick, meds, sunglasses, keys, a hat, and sweatshirt. I refill my water bottle at the fountains near the restrooms. Always have two pairs of car keys and separate your cash between partners. My hubby's keys fell out on Splash Mtn, luckily I had the extra pair! I find if I bring these necessities, I'm not tempted to buy them for the sky high prices when I arrive. The backpack leaves your hands free, and you don't always have to take it off when eating or using restroom (thus accidentally leaving it...)
-- ttreber (7/13/2006)

you can actually make reservations somtimes up to 60 days before you leave, I made my reservations for the blue b. over a month ago, and its always good to make a list and buy what you need way in advanced so your not running around last minuet.
-- Disney_Gurl_22 (2/16/2006)

Pack a plastic bag. A large zipper freezer bag or a plastic veggie bag from the grocery store with a twist-tie. Everyone loves their cell phones and cameras as well as the fun water rides, but electronics don't like water.
-- HeatherStar (4/5/2005)

not only can you make reservations 30 day in advance at the resturants in disneyland you may also make the dessert and fantasmic buffet reservations in advance. This is a great way to watch the Fantasmic show and all you can eat and drink at the same time without people in your way or sitting uncomfatable during the show
-- retta1973 (9/7/2004)

bueno no se si alguien este leyendo esto por que esta en español,pero sorry vivo en tijuana b,c y no hablo ingles,solo quiero comentarles que voy a ir el 20 de diciembre a disneyland y ojala que hasta esa fecha este el fantasmic por que vale mucho la pena para mi..y disneyland es execelente..
-- ZORIS (11/27/2003)

Something that doesn't come up a lot; if you have left over food, don't take a doggy bag. I have actually rented a locker to put left over food (because I couldn't stand the idea of throwing it since it was so expensive!) and then I took the food back to the hotel where it languished in the mini-fridge until we left. Then it got dumped. What a waste of time. Better to share your meal with someone and get something else if you are still hungry than worry about left overs.
-- antoinetteleblanc (10/6/2003)

I am partial to a fanny pack. It leaves you hands free at the park, when you are on rides, picking up food at a counter, etc. Also, you will bring less in that way. After a long day at the park, a pack can get heavy. And I notice that a lot of people who bring back packs end up putting them in a locker. What is the point? Of course, if you have small children, then it might make more sense. You can put the pack in the stroller and still be relatively hands-free.
-- antoinetteleblanc (10/6/2003)

nothin except clothes and childhood memories :)
-- OC-Supertones4Life (7/19/2003)

And the most important thing to bring is a smile.
-- videoogamer10 (4/13/2003)

If you remember the battery charger for your video camera - should your battery die during your viset, you can leave both with the camera shop on Main Street and they will charge your battery for you free of charge as long as needed - or as long as the store is open.
-- femmfaerie (10/2/2002)

Hi, I called Disneyland Guest Services last week and was told I could make reservations for the Blue Bayou restaruant in Disneyland 30 days in advance. This applies to all guests, on and off site.
-- crimsonflame (6/19/2002)

On days of high attendance, the park shops have sometimes run out of Hi8/8mm video cartridges and APS film. If possible, buy before you get into the park and pack it with you. I have often found 800ASA films (even in 35mm) hard to find.

To conserve camcorder batteries, use your viewfinder instead of the flip-out LCD screen (for those that have these features). Depending on your battery make, a LCD screen can double your battery drain.
-- TikiDude (3/14/2001)

If your party is likely to split-up due to differing ride preferences, buy yourself some FRS radios to stay in-touch. FRS radios have a 2-mile unobstructed range and have worked well for our family in Disneyland. Be warned that this strategy will fail you when park attendance swells. Many others have caught on to this idea and it can be difficult to find an open channel when the park gets crowded. Your next best option is a cell phone.
-- TikiDude (3/14/2001)

Bring two pairs of comfortable shoes. When you return to the hotel for that mid-day break or lunch (I highly suggest this break) change shoes. This will save your feet! It is important that those shoes are comfortable and broken in!
-- chornbe (3/9/2001)

Take a backpack to keep your things in! It's very convenient, and a standard backpack can fit on any ride. You can carry beverages, money, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc right on your back. Even a small pillow for your Fantasmic viewing pleasure!

It also keeps your cameras dry on certain rides.
-- ShannonCast (10/16/2000)

Bring 2 pairs of runners instead of 1 if you are planning to play in the "Cosmic Waves". Trust me, a 2nd pair is a LIFE SAVER!
-- Alice13 (6/27/2000)

Note: Information in reader comments is sometimes based on rumors or incorrect information and should not be assumed true. Reader comments do not necessarily reflect the opinion of LaughingPlace.com or its editors.

-- Last Updated June 22, 2000 (except reader comments)

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