Disneyland Insider: The Happiest Tips on Earth

I know you want the D.

And by D, I mean Disneyland of course. Planning a trip to the theme park any time soon? Luckily for you, this is the ultimate guide to enjoying your trip to the fullest!

As a Disney Annual Passport holder, I’m at Disneyland multiple times a month (and I have no regrets about it). After almost a year with my pass, I’m still finding new things to do and see each and every time I visit my second home. Want your trip to be as magical as this one? Well, allow me to show you the best things to experience this holiday season at the happiest place on earth!

Must-Eat Food:

What’s better than an elegant meal at Cafe Orleans? Nothing. Nothing is. The Monte Cristo sandwich is everything you’ve wanted your whole life, trust me. The deep-fried ham and swiss sandwich is topped with powdered sugar and served with berry puree, strawberries and grapes. Don’t forget to order a side of parmesan pommes frites to complete your delicious meal!

Snacks are a must and we all know the Churros aren’t cheap at Disneyland (FYI, they’re only $1 at Costco; Churros should not be $4). If you’re looking for a more filling snack, bring your $4 to the nearest cart offering jalapeno cheese pretzels—they’re cheaper at the Coca Cola Refreshment Center on Main Street, U.S.A., plus this counter will accept annual pass discounts if you have one (the carts won’t). We can’t forget about the Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar in Disneyland. This pineapple soft serve will be sure to cool you off after walking around all day!

If you’re feeling a little financially challenged on your trip (as I usually do), head on over to Pacific Wharf at Disney California Adventure (DCA) and have free bread at The Bakery Tour or grab some free chocolate from Ghirardelli’s! Hey, don’t judge me; a broke college student’s gotta do what she’s gotta do. Still at DCA? Make sure to try the Lobster Nachos at Cove Bar and the bread bowls at Pacific Wharf! You won’t regret it!

Must-See Attractions:

Towards Halloween and Christmas-time, the Haunted Mansion transforms into a Nightmare Before Christmas extravaganza! Come take a ride and watch the adventures of Jack and Sally unfold before your eyes!

On Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, Disneyland will be hosting its annual Candlelight ceremony and processional performed by school choirs around California. I may be biased, seeing as my high school choir and I auditioned and performed for this event, but the Candlelight processional is one of my favorite shows to watch during the winter! With a celebrity narrator, this show is one you won’t want to miss! Check it out here!

Not only is it a breathtaking sight, but Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle truly brings the holiday spirit to the theme park. As most of you know, the famous Disney fireworks change seasonally and during the holidays, the castle is a must-see during the show. It’s a bit sappy, but seeing the castle as fireworks go off, snowflakes fall around you, and soft Christmas music plays might just bring tears to your eyes. Just saying. Bring tissues.

Let’s not forget about the amazing World of Color Winter Dreams! During the holidays, World of Color receives quite the festive makeover! Hosted by Olaf, the snowman from Frozen, the show leads the audience through a snowy winter, filled with music and even sing-alongs! Come by and get lost in a snowy storm of happiness.

Must-Know Tips:

1. The rides and attractions surrounding Fantasyland experience the least traffic during the fireworks. If you’re okay with missing fireworks, go hit those rides for the fastest wait times you’ll have all day!
2. You can get one new FASTPASS from a ride at a set time, designated on your previous FASTPASS! Make sure you’re stacking your passes so you can skip all those long lines! (Download this app so you know each ride’s wait time at any given moment!)
3. Want to dress up and be cute for the day? Disneyland/DCA tickets are sold at a discounted rate during the Fall/Spring Dapper Day events.
4. If you want to take a picture with a character, lines are shorter the earlier in the day it is! Check out this site to find out where your favorite characters like to hang out!
5. If your feet are feeling sore (and they will), my favorite place to rest is the DCA Animation Building. Sit on a couch and enjoy the projected animations on the wall or even take a free drawing class in their studio! By the time you’re done, you’ll feel ready to take on the park again.

Remember Broncos, the Games Room Etc. in the Bronco Student Center (BSC) sells Disneyland tickets at a discounted rate! Your trip to the happiest place on earth definitely starts right here on campus! For more information, visit the Games Room Etc. (Bldg. 35-1110), call (909) 869-4465 or visit our website here.

Let us know how your trip to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure goes by using the hashtag, #CampusCropChat on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!