Little additional tidbits about Disneyland Resort

Category: Travel

If you are not a Disney maniac, you might not be aware of some of the little things in the Disneyland Resort. While most people know about Disney Genie+ (where guests pay additional fees to avoid long lines), there are some other ways to help your visit to “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

Specialty Buttons

First of all, (and speaking of “firsts”), did you know guests can get special buttons that are free? Something free from Disney is pretty rare. But yes, these buttons are free. There are a variety of buttons for various occasions. For instance there is a “1st Visit” button” for newbies. They can be personalized with the guest’s name. Other buttons are “I’m Celebrating”, “Happy Anniversary”, “Just Married”, “Honorary Citizen of Disneyland”, and “Just Graduated.” Besides having a button personalized by a cast member when you pick it up, often a character in the park will autograph it for you. How cool is that? 

These specialty buttons are available at Guest Relations, most merchandise stores, and the front desk at the Disneyland Hotels.

Mobile Ordering

If you don’t already know, Disney highly recommends mobile ordering for your food. It saves time and guests simply go to the pick-up area instead of waiting in line. Ordering on your smartphone is easy providing you have the Disneyland app. They require a credit card when signing up for mobile ordering. Using mobile ordering is a great way for families to save time on their busy day at the park.

Meet and Greets

While professional photographers are on site to take your picture with your favorite characters, cast members who are there will happily take your photo using your own camera. This will keep down expenditures when visiting the park although guests can always opt for the Photo Pass and get professional pictures (some with enchanted extras) for a fee.

Drawing lesson

Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure has an Animation Academy where guests can get a complimentary lesson in drawing a special Disney character. And yes, your artwork is all yours to take home as a memento of your visit.

Free Water

Yes, you read correctly. If you really need a glass of water, instead of purchasing a bottle of H2O, the quick service restaurants will provide one free of charge. Whew. And they’ll happily refill your own water bottles when they run dry.

While supplies last

Autopia (the cars you drive yourself, although if you drive on the California freeways you probably don’t want to waste your time here unless you have a little one with you) offers a complimentary driver’s license. Jungle Cruise often has a Jungle Cruise map, so ask the cast member on site if they have any that day.

First Aid

If you get a booboo, you cut yourself, bump your head, get overheated, or something like that, head to the First Aid station. There is one near the entrance of Disneyland and one near the entrance of Disney California Adventure. They will attend to your problem, providing it is not anything major. For those they call the paramedics. Otherwise, bandaids, over-the-counter pain relief, ice packs, etc. are available from the very nice people in these stations. As someone who has recently utilized a First Aid station there I can attest to the fact that those working there are helpful and very friendly. 

Lockers

Take advantage of the lockers in the resort. For a small fee you can rent one to hold your jackets or souvenirs. It’s nicer to spend the day without lugging around a jacket for evening or all the goodies you purchase.

And just for fun

Can you find the 419 Hidden Mickeys in Disneyland Resort? Bet you can’t! But it’s fun to try.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.