3 Tips to Make Your Disneyland Vacation More Magical

As you probably saw on my Instagram, Freddy and I spent two days at Disneyland earlier this month and had such an amazing time! We make it a point to go at least once a year, and love making new memories each time. When I was in college I had an annual pass, and after going with my hubby each year since then, we've learned some tips & tricks that make navigating the parks that much easier! The holiday season is one of the best times to make a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth, so today I'm sharing 3 ways you can make your vacation even more magical!

1. MaxPass=MaxMagic!

Disneyland recently introduced MaxPass, which is a way that you can digitally book FastPasses through the Disneyland app on your phone, as well as download your PhotoPass photos right to your phone! This was our first time using it and honestly it was so convenient and easy! It's an extra $10 per ticket per day, but so worth the added cost. While we were waiting in line for a ride or sitting down for lunch, I could hop on the Disneyland app and quickly book a FastPass for a ride, choose who would be in my FastPass Party, and boom you're done! It also tells you exactly when you can book another FastPass that day, so there's no confusion. When it's time to use your FastPass, you just pull up the bar code on your phone and scan it before you enter the line at the ride--that's it! *MaxPass is available for use at BOTH parks!* 

PhotoPass is also included with the MaxPass purchase, so when you're having your photo taken by a Disneyland photographer at one of the many locations throughout the park, they will scan the bar code on your phone and your photos will be uploaded within minutes! Then you can save all those images directly to your phone and send to friends and family to make them all jealous :) 

2. 1 Park Per Day

Freddy and I are firm believers in the "1 park per day" tickets. Why you ask? For one thing, they can save you up to $50 per ticket (prices vary by date), which let's be real, every penny counts when you're at Disneyland! They also allow you to focus on one park and not feel stressed or rushed with going back and forth throughout the day. Our days are definitely more relaxed when we can enjoy being in one park and fully take in all of the food, shops and sights without having to worry about running over to the other park for a show or a FastPass arrangement. Plus, on the day we do California Adventure park, which typically closes a couple hours earlier than Disneyland, it's a great excuse to head over to the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney for some late-night shopping! 

3. Choose Which Shows to See

There are so many wonderful shows and nighttime experiences to see at both parks, so it's important to decide which ones you want to see and plan accordingly. For example, the World of Color show at California Adventure (the only nighttime show at this park) is my absolute favorite, so it's a priority that we see it every time we go. This show requires a FastPass for viewing, and it's one that you can't book through the Disneyland app. The FP distribution center is located near The Little Mermaid ride, and it's wise to head over when the park opens to get your passes to ensure a good viewing area. The FP will tell you when it's time to head over before the show begins. And don't worry, this FP doesn't count against your other FP's you'll be booking for rides. 

California Adventure also has the popular Frozen show at the Hyperion Theatre in Hollywoodland. This show is a Broadway-style version of the movie and has really beautiful sets and costumes! There are multiple showtimes throughout the day, and no FP is required! Simply decide which time you want to see it (we typically go to a late afternoon showing--the perfect time to rest our feet and sit down for an hour) and show up at least 30 minutes before showtime. Everyone has to line up outside the theatre in the appropriate section you'd like to sit in: orchestra (floor level) or mezzanine (upper balcony). There are no restrooms in the theatre to my knowledge, so be sure to use them beforehand!

At Disneyland there is the nighttime fireworks spectacular, as well as the Fantasmic show in front of Tom Sawyer Island. Depending on the time of year, each show may have 1 or 2 times available for viewing, so just check the Showtimes Guide or the Disneyland app on your phone for available showtimes. You can get a FP for the Fantasmic show to receive a spot in their reserved viewing area, but it's not required. You can view the show from other areas in the park (this year Freddy and I watched it on the bridge above Pirates of the Caribbean and it was great!) so either way you have some options. One thing to keep in mind is that these shows can overlap, so depending on the time of year you may not be able to see both. Again, just check the showtimes guide or the Disneyland app and you'll be able to plan out your nighttime spectacular activities.

Last but not least, when you're visiting the parks it's important to enjoy the magic in style...Disney style that is! I've linked some of my favorite fashion pieces below so that you can show your #Disneyside and rep your favorite characters. I hope these tips help ease your trip planning and help make the most of your next visit to the Happiest Place on Earth! xo

Blushfully, 

Belle

SHOP #DISNEYSTYLE

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