I’m about to embark on what I’m pretty sure is Disney trip #14!
Seven of those trips have been since I first took Jem when she was five … since I really started studying Disneyland and strategizing our trips and aiming to experience many of the unique things about the park. What a ride!
If you’re dreaming of a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, be sure to add a few of these fun little extras to your agenda! And, if you’re a Disney expert yourself, I’d love to hear what you’d add to a bucket list for Disneyland.
Eye Spy Moana’s Boat
It’s hidden inside Jungle Cruise … can you find it?
Hint: It’s very close to the beginning. In fact, you can see it while you’re boarding.
Opt For a New Dole Whip Experience
Did you know that you can get a Dole Whip OUTSIDE the gates of Disneyland? You definitely can! The Disneyland Hotel has a restaurant called Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill and there you can snag a Dole Whip. So, if you land in Anaheim the day before your park reservation why not kick things off with a stroll in Downtown Disney and a Dole Whip at Tangaroa?
Then again, it’s pretty magical to enjoy a Dole Whip while watching The Enchanted Tiki Room show.
Hint: It’s probably best to just have two Dole Whips – one at each place!
Find the Evil Queen From Snow White
While in Fantasyland look up! In the building that houses Snow White’s Enchanted Wish ride you’ll see a window up high and every minute or so, the Evil Queen peels back the curtain and peeks out.
Photo Opp That Teacup
Outside The Mad Tea Party ride there is a stand alone pink teacup – perfect for a posed, unrushed photo.
Locate the Center of Disneyland
As you walk through the castle toward Fantasyland, look down. There you’ll find the gold spike that supposedly marks the very center of Disneyland.
Truly, it’s not the exact center, but rather a marker to ensure that Main Street was centered on Sleeping Beauty Castle’s drawbridge. Cool, huh?
Snag the Cheapest Souvenir in Galaxy’s Edge
In Galaxy’s Edge you enter the world of Battu where Spira is the currency. For just $5 (and a minimum $100 gift card load) you can become the owner of a Battu Spira Credit Medallion. This gift card is valid throughout the park (and, let’s face it, you’ll be spending $100 quite easily) and the $5 charge for the cool medallion makes it a very cost effective souvenir.
You can also purchase a $0 value Spira on Amazon if you’d just like a Battuan Spira as a Star Wars souvenir without visiting the parks.
Disneybound Your Favorite Character
Long ago I wrote all about Disneybounding and it really is a wonderful way to enjoy the parks. Coordinate your entire group and you’ll be the star of Main Street.
Ride Storybook Land Canal Boats Twice
Why twice? Well, once during the day and once at night. Both experiences are amazing and oh so different.
Hint: Try to time your adventure in Storybook Land during fireworks, your boat will stop and you’ll get to watch the fireworks while on the ride.
Use the Disneyland Railroad as Transportation
Don’t just hop the Disneyland Railroad as a ride, allow it to get you from point A to B and thus save your feet a few steps! I most recommend the route from Tomorrowland to Downtown Disney, especially if your lodging is towards that end of the Disney campus.
Experience Country Bear Jamboree One More Time
Although this iconic show is no longer you can still visit Max the Deer, Melvin the Moose, and Buff the Buffalo. On Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Critter Country look up on the wall right before you enter the Hunny Heaven scene.
And that’s that! Ten bucket list items to experience Disneyland to its fullest! Coming soon …
- A Magical California Adventure Bucket List
- Bucket List Snacks at Disneyland and California Adventure