The Walt Disney Co. is turning 100 years old this year and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca., which will be at the heart of celebrations, begins festivities this week (Jan. 27) across both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, featuring new décor, shows, and a much-anticipated new Mickey-themed attraction.
With plenty of people sure to be hand to help celebrate the milestone – and simply to see what’s new – here are a number of ways to maximize both time and money at the destination:
Rush to Runaway Railway
Many of Disney’s popular characters have their own rides, so it’s only fitting that Mickey Mouse should finally get one of his own. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will open on Jan. 27 as a dark ride.
Len Testa, president of Disney vacation planning website Touring Plans, recommends lining up at the “rope drop,” which is when the park opens, to beat the crowds.
“The only way to avoid a long wait for Runaway Railway will be to arrive at the park early – at least an hour before the park’s scheduled opening time,” Testa says. “Then you’ll be at the head of the pack rushing to Runaway Railway first thing in the morning.”
The rest of the renovated Mickey’s Toontown land will reopen on March 8, so for those with toddlers who would enjoy the kiddie roller coaster or new play areas, a visit should be planned for Spring, or later in the year.
Pick a parade viewing spot
The short-lived “Magic Happens” parade is returning on Feb. 24 after a hiatus due to the pandemic. This rendition of the parade features characters from newer movies, including “Frozen 2” and “Moana.”
“Look for spots at least an hour before if you want an unobstructed viewing spot in front of the crowd,” Testa says.
While he says any spot along the parade route is fine, photographers should prioritize Main Street, USA, or the park’s central hub in front of the castle for better backgrounds.
Beci Mahnken, founder and CEO of travel agency MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel, prioritizes crowd avoidance. “I prefer the area near It’s a Small World or Pixie Hollow, where it’s less crowded and you may even find a bench if you arrive early enough,” she says.
Stay late
Disneyland will debut a nighttime show called ‘Wondrous Journeys’ on Jan. 27 with a new song and projections around the park. Baymax, the inflatable robot from the film “Big Hero 6,” will star in the show, taking flight through the skies around Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Not every performance of Wondrous Journeys will include fireworks, but these less-dazzling shows will probably be less crowded, too. To see fireworks, guests will have to go on the weekend or a peak night during the spring or summer.
“The best spot to view fireworks is in the central hub with a clear view of the castle and the sky above Disneyland,” says Testa.
At Disneyland’s sister park, California Adventure, the iconic water show, ‘World of Colour,’ is set for a refresh as well. The new show is called ‘World of Color – One.’
Buy tickets and make reservations
Maximizing one’s time and money at Disney begins before arriving at the park. First, visitors have to figure out when they’re going to visit and what kind of ticket to buy. Keep the opening dates of the new attractions in mind.
Park Hopper tickets allow access two parks in a single day, and they’re more expensive per day than the alternate one-park-per-day ticket, but the most economical way to see both in a single day. But for two parks over two days, it’s sometimes cheaper to get a one-park-per-day ticket.
Ticket prices also fluctuate depending on the day visited (reservations must be made). It’s also a good time to think about purchasing line-skipping privileges, such as Disney’s Genie+ or Lighting Lane.
All those ticket options can be confusing, says Mahnken, but she adds, “There’s an initial learning curve, and sometimes an additional charge, but once you understand how to use the tools, it can be a big-time saver. It’s no secret that a visit to Disneyland isn’t as simple as buying a ticket and just showing up.”