- Disneyland Park Tips -
Here are some tips for you adventurers that might not have been to the parks in a while and just need a quick reference guide. Most of the information on this page can be found on the Disneyland website or the Disneyland app.
This is up to date information as of May 2024.
Parades
Disneyland Park
Magic Happens - 3pm (starts near It’s a Small World; ends near Great Moments with Mr, Lincoln & 5:30pm (starts near Great moments with Mr, Lincoln; ends near It’s a Small World).
“This one is hands down one of my favorites. It’s hard to not see every parent dancing to this one.”
Disney’s California Adventure Park
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration - 4pm (starts near Guardians: Mission Breakout; ends near Jumping Jellyfish) & 6:30pm (starts near Jumping Jellyfish; ends near Guardians: Mission Breakout)
Nighttime spectaculars
Disneyland Park
Fantasmic! - 9pm & 10:30pm surrounding the Rivers of America in Frontierland, Adventureland and New Orleans Square.
“Getting a good spot for this one can be difficult. The space was just not meant for this kind of show. A tree or light pole will always be blocking your view. It is best to splurge here on a dining package or get there extra early for front row.”
Together Forever (Fireworks)- 9:30pm. Viewing in front of the castle and along Main Street are a given, but there is the little know and less crowded viewing in front of It’s a Small World.
“Both viewing areas have projections on the buildings no matter what, but the wind in the upper atmosphere will cancel the fireworks more often than not. So before you decide to claim your spot in front of the castle after the last parade at 5:30pm goes by and you spend four hours sitting there thinking they will launch fireworks guaranteed … think again!”
Disney’s California Adventure Park
World of Color - 9pm. Viewing from all over the south side of Pixar Pier.
“Currently showing “One” which isn’t the best version, but people like it. Also, bear in mind that roughly and hour before and roughly an hours after the show, the rides along the north side of Pixar Pier will not be open. Sometimes they come back up and sometimes they don’t. Toy Story Mania will be open as well as some eateries.
Places to Unwind
Baby Care Centers - both parks. They have all your baby supplies and A/C.
Hungry Bear Restaurant DL - the back end of the upper deck where no one sits is quiet. The occasional train and boat go by with a nice view of the Rivers of America.
Animation Academy in DCA - you can get out of the sun, listen to every Disney song known to man, just chill on a sofa, go hang out with Crush from Finding Nemo, meet Anna & Elsa, learn to draw from real animators, and sneak into the sorcerer’s workshop. One of my favorites!
Flo’s V8 Cafe DCA - the back end near Radiator Springs Racers always has empty tables and is relatively tranquil.
Craftsman Grill - this little gem is actually in the Grand Californian Hotel by the pool. The food and drinks are well above theme park food but the chill atmosphere is what makes this the perfect spot to unwind. Most weekends they have a live musician.
Any hotel lobby - I know you shouldn’t loiter but the lobbies can be so calming and a great place to avoid the sun during the summer.
The Garden outside Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta DCA - still a noisy place being surrounded by rides but they always have seats, tables and live bands.
Sonoma Terrace & Mendocino Terrace DCA - a great place to get beer and wine and escape from the crowds. Also not a bad view spot for the parade.
The walking trail behind Grizzly River Run - I don’t even think this area really has a title, but boy is it pretty. Next time you see the path least traveled; take it!