Our Favorite Disney Sites

Be sure to check out "Our Favorite Disney Sites" and "Our Favorite Disney Blogs" on the left side of this blog.  Here you will find links to sites we recommend for further reading.  They are organized in alphabetical order but we have broken them down by type here: 

Time Saving
Ridemax (Sign up to receive a daily plan to save you time)

Disney Official Sites
D23 (The Official Disney Fan Club)
Disney Movie Club (Become a member and find hard to find Disney movies)
Disney DVD Official Site (List of all Disney DVD's)
Disney Parks Mobile (See what is going on in the park right now and check out other Travel offers)
Disney Movie Rewards (Receive merchandise by signing up and entering the code from purchased movies)
Disney Parks (The master site for all Disney Parks)
Disney Parks Blog (The Official Disney Blog)
Disney Vacation DVD's (Click here to read our post on these free DVD's)
Disneyland Resorts (Disneyland, Disney World, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo)

Cost Saving
Get Away Today (Vacation planning and travel booking)
Mouse Savers (Save on vacation and travel expenses.  Sign up for Email Notifications)

Disney Fan Blogs / Souvenirs
AllEars (News and events at the parks)
Daveland (News and events at the parks)
DISboards (News and events at the parks)
Disney Frontier (News and events at the parks)
Disney Mouse Links (News and events at the parks)
Disney Music Loop (Want to know what music plays in the park?)
Disney Stationary (Want Disney stationary to print from home?)
Disneyland Postcards (See what old postcards were sold at the park)
Hidden Mickeys (See where the hidden Mickey's are hidden throughout the parks)
HV10N90 (Great Youtube site with many great videos from the park)
INTERCOT (Disneyworld Information)
Laughing Place (News and events at the parks)
Miceage (News and events at the parks)
Mickey Avenue (Download Disney fonts on your computer)
Mouseplanet (News and events at the parks)
Name Tag Museum (News and events at the parks)
RU42 Video Production (Purchase top quality videos to remember your trip)
Vintage Disneyland Tickets (See older tickets and programs from years past)
Walt Disney Quotes (Great quotes from Walt Disney)
WDWmagic (Disneyworld News)
Yesterland (See what's changed at the parks)

Check back for updates and changes on the left side of our blog.  As new sites are found we will update.

Unofficial Guides

 

For many Disney travelers The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World and The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa are simply known as the Good Books. For many years the Unofficial Guides has told you everything you ever wanted to know about visiting the Disney theme parks and resorts and a lot more. These are essential books for trip planning and it is no wonder why they remains the best selling Disney books on Amazon.

Last year the books were enhanced with practical color photos. One series compares the crowd levels at different times of the day and another compares a Disney burger to one from McDonalds. You can see examples of the various Disney transportation modes, the Fastpass system, and what the differences are in amenities between a value, moderate, and deluxe resort.

They are “unofficial” for a reason as they pay for everything themselves. While in the parks researchers wear logo shirts and are very talkative with other guests.  They are always asking questions. There is balance and it is refreshing. The authors recognize that these trips are not inexpensive and you want to get the best value possible in these tough economic times.

The books are updated each year and the text does change. I have noticed in these editions they are especially critical about rising ticket prices, the bus transportation systems, and the increase in dining prices. Much of the analysis is quantitative and measurable unlike other travel books. Want to book one of the in-demand dining spots? There is a chart that tells you how many days in advance each place gets filled. They even measure pillow fluffiness.

Another fun feature embedded in the attraction descriptions are side notes from Jim Hill. My impression is that most of the rumors of potential ride upgrades are connected to some sort of Disney property in order to get the greenlight. Synergy.

If you plan on visiting Universal Studio, this book has a very comprehensive section for those parks and resorts as well.

Here are five unofficial ways to prepare for your trip to a Disney Park by the author, Bob Sehlinger:

1. Select the time of year for your visit: The parks are busiest Christmas Day through New Year’s Day. Thanksgiving weekend, the week of Washington’s birthday, the first full week of November, spring break for colleges, and the two weeks around Easter are also times when visitation can peak at 92,000 visitors in a single day. The park is far less crowded during the off season, but be advised that the parks often open late and close early during that time.

2. Shape up: Visiting Disney Parks require levels of industry and stamina more often associated with running marathons. As you plan your time at Disney Parks, consider your physical limitations. It’s exhausting to rise at dawn and run around a theme park for 8 to 12 hours day after day. Every Disney vacation itinerary should include days when you don’t go to a theme park and days when you sleep in and take the morning off. Plan these to follow unusually long and arduous days.  There is also information about hotels in the area.

3. Formulate your park plan: First-time visitors should see Epcot first; you’ll be able to enjoy it without having been preconditioned to think of Disney entertainment as solely fantasy or adventure. See Animal Kingdom second. Like Epcot, it’s educational, but its live animals provide a change of pace. Next, see Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which helps transition from the educational Epcot and Animal Kingdom to the fanciful Magic Kingdom. Also, because DHS is smaller, you won’t walk as much or stay as long. Save the Magic Kingdom for last; it’s the park that epitomizes Disney World for most visitors.

4. Create your touring plan: Which rides and attractions appeal most to you? What are you willing to forgo? Planning your day in advance can save you up to four hours of waiting time in line. We have developed a hierarchy of categories that will help you evaluate each ride and plan the best way to enjoy them all. For example, SUPER-HEADLINERS are the best attractions the theme park has to offer – and they usually have the longest lines. MINOR ATTRACTIONS are midway-type rides, small “dark” rides (cars on a track, zigzagging through the dark) and walk-through attractions—which can be a lot of fun, without the long wait. Remember that bigger and more elaborate doesn’t always mean better. See examples of touring plans (and create your own) in The Unofficial Guides.  Also includes are height requirements, and best times to visit attractions.

5. Getting hungry?: There are three lessons to learn before you dine in the parks. One: Theme-park restaurants rush their customers in order to make room for the next group of diners. If you want to linger over your expensive meal, don’t order your entire dinner at once. Order drinks. Study the menu while you sip, then order appetizers. Tell the waiter you need more time to decide among entrees. Order your main course only after appetizers have been served. Dawdle over dessert. Two: If you’re dining in a theme park and cost is an issue, make lunch your main meal. Entrees are similar to those on the dinner menu, but prices are significantly lower. Three: Disney adds a surcharge of $4 per adult and $2 per child to certain popular restaurants during weeks of peak attendance, including Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and in 2009 every day from Memorial Day through July 4.  There is also information about eating outside the park.

Check out these books!  They are an amazing addition to your Disney library and are very helpful in planning a successful trip.  If you would like some additional reading by Bob Sehlinger check out the following:

-The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World With Kids

-Beyond Disney

Security In and Outside the Park

When entering any Disney Park be prepared to have your bags and strollers searched.  For the safety of all guests and Cast Members this is a little hurdle for a safe feeling all day. 

Some tips to remember:

-Unzip all pockets to back packs before reaching the Cast Members.

-Do not bring anything questionable into the park (alcohol, drugs, glass, weapons, etc.)

-Be nice to the Cast Members.  The nicer you are the quicker they will send you thru.  You do not need to explain everything that you have to them.  Just follow their promptings. 

-Once you get off the tram you will want to load strollers with everything you are carrying into the park.  Wait until after you get thru the security check point. 

The parks are swarming with security.  From Cast Members in security clothing, security wearing plain clothes, and cameras on every square inch of the park.  As we have stated in our previous post "Meeting Location," make sure your children know who they can get help from if they become lost.  If you see something suspicious make sure you inform a Cast Member.  By complying with the rules of the park you will have a good time and feel very secure.

 Outside the park, is a little different.  Just because you are surrounded by Disneyland at every turn, make sure you do not let your guard down.  Walk in pairs, lock your cars and hotel rooms, do not leave valuables visible in cars, and BE SMART AND SAFE! 

Grocery Shopping in Anaheim

We have not had much success with grocery shopping in Anaheim.  There is nothing right near the park and it is sometimes scary to explore other areas near Anaheim.  So here are some places we suggest when you need to go shopping.

Target (No grocery products)

101 S Euclid St

Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 422-1120
 
Target (No grocery products)
12100 Harbor Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 971-4826
 
Vons
130 W. Lincoln
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 535-2288

Vons
12961 W. Chapman
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 750-3663

Vons
2684 N. Tustin Ave
Orange, CA 92865
(714) 637-6651

Smart & Final (Warehouse Grocery)
620 N Euclid St.
Anaheim, CA 92801
(714) 956-7981

Food 4 Less (Warehouse Grocery)
1616 West Katella Ave.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 539-7497

Food 4 Less (Warehouse Grocery)
914 W. Orangethorpe Ave.
Fullerton CA 92832
(714) 773-0238

o There are also 7-Eleven's on almost every corner.

o For Pharmacy information refer to our Medical Post for more information.

o It can also be very overwhelming deciding what you will buy and take into the park.  Refer to our Dining Posts for more ideas.

o There is a lot of new shopping, restaurants and hotels in the city of Orange.  If you are wanting to drive into the park we recommend finding a place to stay here.  Once you reserve your hotel check online to see what is around the hotel and map out what grocery stores are close by.

Random Park Hints, Part 1

There are not a lot of discounts on Disneyland tickets, but you can save money by combining a visit to Disneyland with other southern California theme parks using the Southern California CityPass. These are available at Costco.  You might also find discounted tickets through employee organizations, colleges, or at Kijubi.com.

Buy your tickets in advance to save time waiting in the ticket line. Pay attention to whether your tickets (such as annual passes) have to be picked up or validated at Guest Relations. Guest Relations does not open until the park opens. Will Call tickets can be picked up before the park opens.

Get to the park early. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the least crowded days at Disneyland.  The ticket booths open about half hour before the gates open. Be in line with your tickets already in hand when the gates open to ride some of the non-FASTPASS rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Pirates of the Caribbean, Matterhorn Bobsleds, or Toon Town before the lines get long.

Lines 13, 20, or 21 move fastest at the Disneyland park entrance.

Some Disneyland Resort packages include early entry into Disneyland. This allows you to enter the park one hour before the gates open and ride some of the more popular rides before the lines get long. This can mean 7 am in the summer. Usually this offer only applies to guests of the three Disney Resort hotels, but occasionally the promotion will include guests at "Good Neighbor" hotels as well.

Use RideMax to minimize time waiting in lines and walking between rides at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure.

Ride during parades and use Fastpass. If you've already seen the parade or you don't mind missing it, this is a good time to get on rides since so many people stop riding to watch the parade.  Ride at dinnertime. Most people eat dinner between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, so lines will be shorter.  Go to Adventure land and New Orleans at night.  When riding the Matterhorn, remember that the line that wraps around the Tomorrowland side is almost always shorter.

Lines that move quickly even though they look crowded: Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear, Pirates of the Carribbean, Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones, and Tower of Terror.

Afternoon Break. If you have a hotel in the area, plan to go to the park early, take a break at your hotel in the afternoon and come back to spend the evening at the parks. Since most families with small children leave early, the lines for popular kiddie rides like Dumbo and Peter Pan are shorter at night. This mostly applies during the summer when the park is open from 8 am until 11 pm or midnight.

The best view of the fireworks is from Main Street in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Most of the Fantasyland rides close down during fireworks and reopen afterwards. If you watch the fireworks from Fantasyland near Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Carrousel, the fireworks will appear both in front of you and behind you, so you have to watch in two directions, but you'll be first in line when the Fantasyland rides re-open. The Fantasyland rides outside the roped off area re-open first, so you can ride Dumbo and then be ready when they take down the ropes to the rest of Fantasyland. Otherwise there's usually a 40 minute or longer wait for these rides.

Stay at a Disney area hotel. Even if you live in Southern California, you can save time and money by staying at a hotel close to the Disney Resort. Stay at a hotel with free parking and breakfast and it can equal what you would have paid for parking, gas and breakfast at Disneyland if you drive in for the day. If you're checking in the same day, most hotels will let you park at the hotel in the morning, take the shuttle to Disneyland, come back at check in time to have a rest, then shuttle back to the park. The shuttle will bring you back to the hotel up to half an hour after the park closes, so you don't have to drive home when you're wiped out after a long day in the sun.

Start with Adventureland and go clockwise.  This helps prevent criss-crossing the park so many times because it will usually plant you near parades, shows and restaurants around the times you need them. Also, most people tend to go counter-clockwise (i.e. starting with Tomorrowland), so you somehow seem to encounter less crowds going clockwise.  The Disneyland Train does a circle around the park, so use it for transportation.

Dining In and Around the Park, Part 3

Inside the Park Meals and Treats

One of the most unknown items in the park are corn dogs.  There are only two locations in the Disneyland Resort which have these great items.  The first is in Disneyland.  On the right side of Main Street there is a red truck that serves these corn dogs.  There is also a long line.  We definately recommend ordering yours with a bag of sliced apples instead of the chips.

The other location is in California Adventure.  It is called Corn Dog Castle.  Check out this unknown treat!

You may also want to try the chimichangas and turkey legs. They are very popular in the park. Look for carts on Main Street and in Frontierland.  We prefer the chimichangas but the turkey legs smell very good!

You may also want the traditional funnel cake served at the Stage Door Cafe in Frontierland.  It is nice to grab one before a showing of Fantasmic.

One place we DO NOT recommend is the Rancho del Zocalo Restaurant in Frontierland.  We really like Mexican food however we do not enjoy the food here.

One of our favorite treats in the park are "Goofy's Sours"  They are not very expensive however you can buy a similar product at Wal Mart for a little cheaper.

Hotels in Anaheim

Disneyland has provided some information in regards to what hotels in the area are worth looking into.  Click here to view what they recommend.

We have stayed at many hotels in the Anaheim area.  If you plan on walking into the park you will want to stay somewhere very close to the park.  If you plan on driving in each day it is well worth staying in a place outside of Anaheim (Costa Mesa, Orange, Irvine, etc.)  You can get a better deal and nicer ammenities. 

We also recommend not staying on Katella Avenue. We have had a few experiences where the hotels had bugs and that has made us block the whole street off our list of places to stay.

Many hotels also offer shuttle services that will take you into the park for a small fee.  If you plan on bringing food into the park you may also want a hotel with a fridge.  Check the ammenities before booking. 

We typically will place our reservations thru Hotwire.com, Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com, etc.  If you name your price thru a travel website, you can get great deals but the hotels in this area are not known for their cleanliness.  We know many people who have also used Getawaytoday.com.

If you walk into the park you will want to stay on Harbor Boulevard.  This is the easiest way to get into the park.  Take into account that if you walk into the park you will need to bring items that you would normally take in your car. 

Obviously the very best places to stay are at the Resort Hotels (Grand Californian Hotel, Paradise Pier, or The Disneyland Hotel.)  We can't afford these places but someday we will be able to stay at one of these great hotels. 

If you do stay at an economy hotel and you are driving to Southern California you may want to bring your own bedding and some sort of flip-flops or slippers to wear around the hotel room. 

Any hotel is going to work for your stay.  If you have smaller children you will spend more time at the hotel than if you don't have children.  You may want to spend a little more in these cases. 

Also, take and pack the soap and shampoo in the rooms daily.  Nicer hotels will restock it daily and it will give you lots of items to take on your next trip.

Get Away Today

Heidi S. from Orem, Utah wrote the following review for Getawaytoday.com:

"We always use Get Away Today to plan our Disneyland Vacation because we can package everything together. We dislike driving and dealing with parking and California traffic so we always fly but we book our flights through any online travel agency. Get Away Today works on a voucher system. They send you a copy of your Disneyland Park Entrance/Meal information which you present to the ticket booth. The Disney Cast Members know exactly what to do and just ask for your picture ID. I have never had any problems. Disney prints out your entrance tickets and also vouchers for all your meals i.e. Ariel's Grotto, Character Breakfast. You receive a voucher for your hotel which you present upon check-in. And vouchers for any transportation which you book. They also give you a lanyard with a pocket to keep your vouchers and tickets in. Their customer service is amazing!  They are very friendly and knowledgeable.
Airport - We used to fly to LAX but have found a direct flight from SLC to Long Beach is cheaper and closer to the park.

Transportation - Get Away Today offers bus services and we rent a private van (Airport Shuttle) to pick us up from the airport and take us back at the end of our vacation. Cost is $85 each way and seats up to 8 people (Longbeach). Get Away Today has had issues with the airport transportation company. This last trip the company put us in a group van with other visitors and had issues with our voucher. I programmed Get Away Today's phone number in my cell and called them. They informed me they had had issues with this company and not to give them any additional funds and spoke directly with the driver and resolved the matter. You can also buy bus transportation from LAX for @ $13 each way.

Universal/Sea World/Knotts Berry Farms, etc. - GetAway Today also sells tickets to other parks around the area. You receive a voucher with the bus reservation number on it. You need to call 24 hours in advance. A bus picks you up outside your hotel and drops you off at their central station. You stand in a line and present your voucher to the agent and they print out your admission ticket and bus ticket and inform you which lane your bus will be in. The driver takes everyone to the park and then picks you up and drops you off at your hotel in the evening. They have vouchers for a tour which basically gives you free transportation and you just pay for your entrance fee. It is packaged so don't buy them seperately. We were told about it from a Get Away Today employee and saved us a ton of money. Make sure you get on the bus at the end of the day when the driver tells you he is departing. Otherwise you are looking at a taxi ride. Always tip the driver at the end of the day. Some people are too cheap but we always do $2-$3 dollars a person.

Hotel - We like to stay across the street from the park so we do not have to walk after a long day in the park. We usually stay at the Best Western Park Place which is across the street next to Captain Kidd's restaurant. They serve a complimentary breakfast upstairs in the restaurant and is one of the better hotel breakfasts. Eggs, toast, bagels, fruit, donuts, pastries, juice, milk, etc. The rooms are not anything great but then most of the hotels seem to need some updating.  We stayed at the Castle Inn & Suites which said it was across the street but it was at the end of the block by Subway and the rooms were really old. Probably would not stay there again.

We would love to stay at the Disneyland Resort but usually we can get our hotel and 3-day park hoppers for @ $1200 - $1500 for five adults and it is over $3000 for the Disneyland Hotels. If anybody has tips about how to get it more affordable I would love to hear it. I can't justify spending that much money when we are not in our room very long."

Thanks so much Heidi for your review.  If you would like more information about Getawaytoday.com or to book your vacation click here.

Dining In and Around the Park, Part 1

My friend Heidi has the following tips in regards to eating in and around the park.  I have also included some of our own ideas:

-We always split meals in the park. Even the hamburgers and fries.

Outside the Park:

-Subway, just one block up the street (1770 S. Harbor Blvd in Ahaheim), is one of the few places that does not increase their prices. You can still get the $5 footlongs and drinks are reasonable. They also have a very inexpensive breakfast sandwich. We usually bring some drinks with us to cut down on the drinks we purchase in the park and then refill the water bottle. Or take one with you and put ice in it from the hotel and water. The drinks are really expensive in Disneyland. You can also buy a case of water for @ $5 at the 7-eleven on the corner.

-Buy a large pizza from Costco and store it in the fridge at your hotel.  Pizza travels very well in your back pack and it can last a long time.  This is great for lunch in the park.

-Rainforest Café in Downtown Disney:  Call 714-772-0413 for reservations.  My mom and I get the pot roast and split it.  Even half is too much for me to eat.  If you are having a birthday you can purchase the volcano dessert for $15. It's a volcano made out of brownies with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Comes with a sparkler on top. Enough for the whole family to eat or they have a free ice cream sundae.

You can sign up for the Safari Club which allows you priority seating and discounts on your meals.  If you plan on eating here often this is well worth the time and money to fill out an application.  I believe the fee to enroll is very small.  Click here for information on the Rain Forest Café.

Inside the Park: 
It is best to call Disney Dining 60 days before your trip and make a reservation.

-Ariel's Grotto in California Adventure: We purchase our tickets online at Get Away Today and it includes the tax & tip. The park prints out a coupon (looks like your entrance pass but says what it is for) and we just turn that in with our meal ticket. I believe the cost is around $35 but probably the best dining in the park. It comes with a drink, a three tiered appetizer platter with salad, cheese, and veggies, main course (we love the beef tri-tip) and then a dessert sampler tray. You get your picture with Ariel when you go down and then all the princesses come out and go around to each individual table and talk to you, take pictures, and sign autographs.

-Blue Bayou inside the Pirates of the Caribbean:  One of our favorites but definitely need a reservation. We always make reservations for lunch and order the Monte Cristo sandwich. It is the best I've ever eaten. Really rich and the plum sauce is delicious. It is too much for a single individual so we always get one and share it. Cost @ $21 but when you split it not that much. We also get the mint julep to drink and crème brulee for dessert.

-Character Breakfast on Main Street: Also purchased through Get Away Today and just make an early reservation for our early day in the park. Yummy breakfast buffet with Minnie Mouse & Friends. They come around to your table and interact with you. Lots of fun. Usually I eat so much that we skip lunch and have an early dinner.

Treats While Inside the Park:

-My son always gets a Honey Bee Apple at Pooh's Corner: Only place you can get it. It is an apple dipped in caramel and then chocolate. Yummy!

-Pineapple ice cream at the Tiki Room: Always a long line. On a hot day the float is good which is pineapple juice and pineapple soft serve but usually just like the soft-serve on its on.  This is SO good!

Medical Contact Information

A friend recently returned from Disneyland.  During their vacation her son got sick and had to go to the Medical Clinic at the park.  The park provided them with the following information and I thought it would be good to post.  (Click on the map for a larger printable image.)  Read over the information so you know what facility you would want to go to incase of an emergency.

Hospital / Clinic Pharmacy Addresses

1. St. Joseph Hospital / Children's Hospital (Orange County) - 1100 Stewart Dr., Orange (714) 663-9111
2. Garden Grove Medical Center (Garden Grove) - 12601 Garden Grove Blvd. (714) 741-2724
3. Kaiser Permanente Hospital (Anaheim) - 441 N. Lakeview Ave. (714) 279-4000 - Appointments (888) 988-2800 - ER (714) 279-4200
4. Kaiser Medical Offices (Anaheim) - 1188 N. Euclid St. at Romneya (714) 254-2747 - Appointments (888) 988-2800
5. Kaiser Medical Offices (Garden Grove) - 12100 Euclid St. at Chapman Ave. (714) 741-3580 - Appointments (888) 988-2800
6. CVS 24 Hour Pharmacy (Anaheim) - 2011 E. La Palma Ave. at State College (714) 991-9161
7. CVS Pharmancy (Anaheim) - 1660 W. Katella Ave. at Euclid St. (714) 530-0900
8. Anaheim Memorial Medical Center (Anaheim) - 1111 W. La Palma Ave. at West St. (714) 774-1450
9. UCI Medical Center (Orange) - 101 The City Center Dr. (714) 456-6011
10. Walgreens Pharmacy (Garden Grove) - 12002 Harbor Blvd. at Chapman Ave. (714) 663-2839
11. Walgreens 24 Hour Pharmacy (Garden Grove) - 12001 Euclid St. at Chapman Ave. (714) 530-1058
12. Western Medical Center (Anaheim) - 1025 S. Anaheim Blvd. at Ball Road (714) 533-6220 (THIS FACILITY IS NOT RECOMMENDED BY MY FRIEND.  SHE SAYS IT IS FILTHY AND NOT WORTH YOUR TIME.  SHE SAID IT WAS HORRIBLE!!)
13. Vista Drugs Pharmacy (Anaheim) - 931 S. Euclid Ave. (714) 533-1337 (*Delivers Perscriptions to Hotel Rooms)
14. Walgreens Pharmacy (Anaheim) - 10840 E. Katella Ave. at Euclid St. (714) 808-0126
    

Dental Phone Numbers

(800) DENTIST

(888) NU-SMILE