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By Military for Military

You are here: Home / Archives for Disneyland

Disneyland’s Master List Of Tips & Tricks – Guaranteed To Add Extra Magic To Your Vacation

By Kenzie 2 Comments

Whether you’re a hardcore fan or a first-timer, Disneyland is sure to delight. There’s a reason they call it The Happiest Place on Earth, after all!

Disneyland Partners Statue

The famous “Partners” statue on Main Street, USA. The plaque reads, “I think most of all what I want Disneyland to be is a happy place… where parents and children can have fun together.” -Walt Disney

If you’re on a personal crusade to have the best Disney vacation ever, and be a step ahead of everyone else at the parks, here are some useful tips & tricks to consider.

These unique ideas will add extra magic to every aspect of your vacation and help you make the most of your time while you experience Walt Disney’s pride and joy – Disneyland!


Entertainment

Disneyland World of Color (C) Disney

World of Color – Disneyland’s California Adventure Nighttime Spectacular

On top of thrilling rides, great food, and character experiences to melt your heart, Disneyland provides guests with incredible water, fire, laser, and live performances.

Below, you’ll find some tips to make sure you have the best experience with every spectacular show that Disneyland has to offer.

Even if you don’t plan to attend any of the shows, pay attention to all showtimes; this includes the parades, fireworks, Fantasmic!, and World of Color. It can be difficult to navigate the park during and soon after these times due to the vast number of guests in one area.

  • If you must leave Disneyland during or soon after the Firework Spectacular, consider walking through the shops on Main Street instead of using the sidewalk. These shops are all interconnected.

If possible, eat and enjoy Disney’s entertainment at the same time.

  • If you’d like a picturesque view of Fantasmic! while enjoying some down-home Southern cooking, reserve a special 8pm seat at the River Belle Terrace restaurant. To reserve your seat and Fantasmic! dining package, call (714) 781-DINE. You can find more Fantasmic! dining options by clicking here; these packages provide dinner before the show and a preferred viewing area.
  • There are also dining packages for the World of Color nighttime spectacular. These dining packages provide dinner before the show and a preferred viewing area. Click here for additional information!
  • Occasionally, you can dine at the Plaza Inn and see the fireworks. It’s important to note that you should still plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the show to get a table with a good view.
  • For parade views, eat at the Carnation Café, Plaza Inn, or the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café.

In the extended hours of the summer and holiday months, Disneyland provides two showtimes for Fantasmic! and World of Color, as well as some parades. These later showtimes are usually less crowded.

Disneyland’s Most Popular Shows :

“Remember…Dreams Come True” Fireworks Spectacular

  • Best viewing spot: (besides the front row) near the Main Street Train Station. Usually the platform of this station is reserved, but by asking a Cast Member, you can occasionally snag a spot there. This will lift you away from the crowd of tourists and give you a prime view of Main Street, the Castle, and the Fireworks. This is also a great spot to watch the show if you’d like a quick exit from the park afterwards.
  • Another viewing spot, if you’d like to avoid the crowds and don’t mind missing the projections on the Main Street buildings and the Castle, is near It’s A Small World or at the entrance of Tomorrowland.

World of Color

  • Best viewing spot: (besides the front row) on the Paradise Pier bridge. To sit here, you’ll need a Blue Section FastPass; Blue FastPasses are the first to be distributed, so get these first thing in the morning. Sitting on the bridge will give you a gorgeous left-side view of the entire show including the lights in the audience, the full length of the fountains, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, and the lights on California Screamin’.

Fantasmic!

  • Best viewing spot: (besides the front row) on the bridge that goes over the Pirates of the Caribbean line queue. You’ll be able to see over everyone’s head on the lower seating level – it’s like a front row seat without getting wet!

BONUS SHOW HACK: Some hotels may have a view of the Firework Spectacular or even World of Color. If you have little ones that might not be able to make it to the shows, find a hotel with a view by taking a look at our Disneyland good Neighbor Hotel post!

VERY IMPORTANT: HOW NOT TO BE A JERK DURING SHOWTIMES AT DISNEYLAND

  • If you have a front row seat and you notice that a child near you is struggling to see the show, let them stand in front of you. It’s the right thing to do and you’ll still be able to see over them.
    • If you’re going to do this, make sure it’s okay with the parents so they know where their kid has gone.
    • On the other hand; if you haven’t put in the time to wait for a front row seat, don’t expect others who have to let your kids (or you) up front.
  • If your group has front row seats, have the shorter people stand in front of the taller ones so you’re only taking up a few feet of precious front row realty, instead of making a long, single file line along the railing.
  • Don’t record the shows. Just don’t. It’s distracting to others and blocks people’s views. Instead, just enjoy the beautiful spectacular unfolding before your eyes. If you wish to see a video of the show after you get home, there are a lot on YouTube, just look one up.

Time To Relax

DLR Star Wars Launch Bay

Cool off in Star Wars Launch Bay

Disneyland is a magical place that is absolutely packed with fun, but don’t get ahead of yourself; set aside time to simply relax. I mean it – set aside time – otherwise you’ll be running around like a crazy headless chicken for hours on end before you even realize it.

There are many relaxing things to do in both parks, believe it or not. There’s nothing more magical than enjoying a mint julep in New Orleans Square, a Dole Whip in Adventureland, or a Churro on Main Street and just soaking in the magic of Disneyland.

If you’re not the kind of person that likes to sit around, try these different options:

The best places to cool off, but still have fun:

  • Star Wars Launch Bay (located in Disneyland, near Space Mountain): This is a great place for Star Wars fans! It’s full of actual movie props on loan from Lucasfilm, character experiences, and the greatest Star Wars merchandise in all of Disneyland. It’s air-conditioned and a great spot to chill for a few minutes.
  • Disney Animation Building (located in DCA (Disney California Adventure Park), near Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!): In this building, you’ll find Turtle Talk With Crush, the Animation Academy, a Sorcerer’s Workshop, and character experiences with Anna and Elsa. Like the Star Wars Launch Bay, it’s air-conditioned and a great spot to both relax and cool off.

If you’d still like to experience a few attractions during your rest period, try a few of these relaxing rides:

  • Pirates of the Caribbean: This is one of my personal favorite rides. There are a lot of entertaining details to look at, and after the 15+ minute ride, your feet will feel well-rested.
  • It’s A Small World: As annoying as it may be for some, this 15+ minute original ride deserves a little credit. The soothing rocking of the boat also makes it a great ride for young children to nap on. Occasionally, Cast Members may let you ride a few times without getting off if your child is asleep.
  • The Storybook Canal Boats: Go after dark for a 5+ minute romantic cruise under the stars that Aladdin and Jasmine once soared through.
  • The Disneyland Railroad: This is not only a good way to save some steps and get around the park, there’s also a great view of Splash Mountain, the backside of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island, the Grand Canyon, and even some dinosaurs throughout the 20 minute round-trip!
  • Jungle Cruise: The boat skippers are my favorite part of this entire ride. With corny jokes and puns, and a 8+ minute ride, you’ll be well-rested and “safari, so goody!”

Try out a play area when the little ones are tired of waiting in line:

  • Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (DCA, across from the entrance to Grizzly River Run): It’s like a military-style obstacle course for children! There are even some areas that are adult-friendly.
  • Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island (Disneyland, between Adventureland and Critter Country): Check out the crazy caverns and pirate ship wreckage on the island, and find some buried treasure too! To get to the island, board a log raft located across the way from the Haunted Mansion line entrance.

The best way to relax at the Disneyland Resort:

  • My personal favorite way to cool off and relax is to catch Frozen: Live At the Hyperion in the DCA. It’s a 60+ minute show in an air conditioned theater with plush seats. This extravaganza is filled with adventure, gorgeous special effects, and enchanting live performances. Watch out for Olaf – he certainly steals the show!

BONUS!

There is a secret eating area (okay, it’s not a secret, but it’s pretty well hidden) that will give you a much-needed break from the Disneyland crowds. The entrance to this secret area is just across the way from the Haunted Mansion ride exit, near the smoking area along the Rivers of America.

Find the Harbour Galley restaurant, and walk around to the right of it. This may look like a “Cast Members Only” area, but it’s not: keep going. You’ll pass a few buildings on your left, including Fowler’s Inn. Keep walking around the bend, and you’ll find four quaint tables and (depending on the time of day) a lot of shade.

Disneyland's Secret Seating Area

Taken from the secret area, looking at Fowler’s Inn; you’ll walk past the Harbour Galley restaurant (the blue building on the left) and Fowler’s to get here.

If you want to continue along the path, you’ll find a great place to watch riders from Splash Mountain who just made their final drop and are usually soaked and laughing.

Disneyland Secret Dining Area

This is what you’ll find – a beautiful seating area that’s shady and tucked away.

Save Money

Free at Disneyland? Believe it or not, there are some great free souvenirs you can get at the Disney parks:

  • A special button at City Hall! They have all kinds of buttons including “I’m Celebrating,” “Happy Birthday,” “First Visit,” and much, much more! You may even get special treatment if you wearing one throughout the park!
  • A copy of The Buena Vista Bugle (Disney’s very own newspaper) from the Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café in the DCA.
  • A sample chocolate from Ghirardelli (located in the DCA’s Pacific Wharf dining area) and a delicious bread sample from the Boudin Bakery Café (near Ghiradelli; enter through the Bakery Café Tour entrance).
  • Park maps.
  • Character autographs: Autograph books are available for purchase inside the parks, but I recommend making your own or purchasing one from places like Amazon or Walmart. Even getting a signature on a plain piece of paper or a napkin is a great souvenir!
  • A character drawing that you make yourself at the Animation Academy in the DCA.
    If you catch the Jambalaya Jazz Band playing in New Orleans square, they might throw you some Mardi Gras beads!
Disneyland’s famous barbershop quartet, The Dapper Dans

Disneyland’s famous barbershop quartet, The Dapper Dans, end a great performance in front of the Silhouette Studio on Main Street where you can get a beautiful hand-cut silhouette for only $10.There are also some very inexpensive souvenirs:

  • Smash or press pennies to commemorate the best rides and your favorite areas of the park! Coin collector books are sold in the parks – you could collect all of the designs!
  • For only $10 each, get a hand-cut silhouette from the Silhouette Studio on Main Street, USA. The artists are incredible to watch as they free-hand cut a silhouette of your beautiful mug!

When you first get to your hotel, grocery shop for snacks.

Snacks at Disneyland, for the most part, are very pricy and filled with grams upon grams of glorious sugar. By grocery shopping for your own snacks, or even bringing some from home, you’re sure to save money and your health

  • Vons & Safeway deliver directly to your hotel room! You’ll need a minimum order of $50, and you’ll need to order two days in advance to utilize this option, but how nice would it be to arrive at your hotel room, tired and weary, and get multitudes of yummy snacks delivered right to you? P.S. Don’t binge eat all of your snacks on the first night, as tempting as it may be.
  • Amazon also offers a similar service.
  • Select Disney Good Neighbor Hotels also offer a complimentary grocery shopping service:
    • Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort/Convention Center
    • Hyatt House Anaheim Resort/Convention Center
    • Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate
    • Residence Inn Anaheim Resort/Convention Center
  • Check all of your receipts before you get rid of them – they may have a special surprise discount on the bottom for you!
  • Find a hotel that’s within walking distance to Disneyland or has a shuttle.
  • Disneyland charges $20+ per day to park in their lots so if you can avoid it.

FastPass and MaxPass

Disneyland's Matterhorn

Use FastPass on Disneyland’s Matterhorn

Disneyland introduced a new mobile FastPass system in 2017, known as a MaxPass.

This new system makes getting FastPasses much easier, as well as allows you to enjoy unlimited PhotoPass downloads! Since it would take a completely separate post to go into detail about this new system, I’ll send you over to the Disneyland Website for more information.

There is a $10 per guest, per day fee for this new system; if you’re not interested in paying, don’t worry! You’re still able to get the regular paper FastPasses (for free), just like you could before MaxPasses were introduced.


Also new in 2017!

  • FastPasses for Matterhorn, Midway Mania, and the nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! Consider getting a FastPass for one of these attractions early in the day – they’ll go quickly!

Remember to get FastPasses for World of Color and Fantasmic early. These will not interfere with any other FastPasses you may want to get.

If you would like to attend the later showing of either show, ask a Cast Member when those FastPasses will be distributed (FastPasses for shows are distributed for the earlier showtime first, and after those run out, the later).

  • To find a FastPass return time, check the Disneyland App. Just click on the ride you’re interested in, and voila! the return time is right there.
    This is very helpful information if you have a dining reservation or any other scheduled activity. It’s never fun to traverse the entire park for a FastPass, and then discover that the return time won’t work with your schedule.

Check the FastPass return times before entering a standby line, they may be within 5-10 minutes!

  • At the entrance to every standby line, there is a sign with the standby wait time and the FastPass return times posted on it. Occasionally, you can find a line with a FastPass return time that’s less than (or not much more than) the standby wait time! If you’re able to, grab the FastPasses, find something fun to do in the area while you wait for your FastPass return time, and then jump in the shorter FastPass lane instead of standby!

You don’t always have to wait until your FastPass return time to get another one.

  • Always check your FastPass ticket: below the allotted return time for your FastPass, you’ll find information about when you’re allowed to get another FastPass. This may be before your return time.

FastPass distribution machines are generally located near the attraction for which they are used, however, some are harder to locate. When in doubt, ask a Cast Member (or even a friendly person in the area).

Well that’s it for part 1 of our Disneyland Resort Master list of tips and tricks. Do you have a favorite Tip or Trick? Share in the comments section below!

Be sure to check out Part 2 (coming later this week).

Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See our:

  • The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide 

  • Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist 

  • Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide

Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. For where to stay see our Resorts/Hotel Overview Page. Disney doesn’t discount dining for the military, but there are a few places on property that do, see the Dining Overview Page to learn where plus more dining info. You can also learn about Transportation Options. Be sure to check out our Technology Overview to learn about Magic Bands and My Disney Experience to see how they work with military tickets. Walt Disney World visitors might be interested in staying at Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort.

See: Top 8 Reasons to Use An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

Steve Recommends

Do you want all of your Disney Planning information in one place, organized in a step-by-step logical manner with an emphasis on Military Discounts and offers? I've written 3 Guidebooks just for the Military Community:

Disneyland for Military Families - Available in Print, Kindle, and Digital PDF Download

Here are my recommendations for products and services I've reviewed that can improve your Disney planning. This is a short list since it only includes my top picks.

Ears of Experience - My recommended Travel Agent, Fee Free, Disney Only, Military Family Owned

Top 8 Reasons to Use An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

TouringPlans.com - The website of the Unofficial Guide - Crowd Forecasts, Pre-made Touring Plan, plus lots of detailed info

Disneyland Lines iPhone App - Current Crowds, Recommended Parks, Wait Times, & Fastpass Return Times on your iPhone (Free)

Disneyland Explorer - The Official Disney iPhone App (Free)

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Filed Under: Disney Military Discounts, Z Popular Tagged With: Disneyland

How Disneyland’s 2018 Ticket Price Increase Affects Military Tickets

By Steve Leave a Comment

The big news recently on all the Disney sites was the expected February Disney Ticket Price Increase! 

In this post I’ll describe how this ticket price increase affects the military community with regards to the Disneyland tickets that are available to us.

It Depends On The Ticket Type

As you may know there are two different discounted Disneyland ticket types which are available to the military community for the California theme park destination.

They Are (click the links for more detailed info):

  • Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets
  • Regular Military Discounted Disneyland tickets

How Disneyland's 2017 Ticket Price Increase Affects Military Tickets


The Good News & The Bad News

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Disney Military Discounts Tagged With: Disney's Military Salute, Disneyland, military discounted tickets

10 Reasons Why Disneyland Is Not Just For Kids

By Kenzie Leave a Comment

In fact, much to Peter Pan’s dismay, Disneyland was made for the grownups.

California Screamin’

California Screamin’

That’s right, you heard me! The Happiest Place On Earth was originally made with adults in mind! Walt Disney wanted to encourage everyone to bring out their inner child and learn to play again, no matter their age.

As a young father, Walt had a problem. There were no amusement parks in his day where all members of the family could thoroughly enjoy themselves.

The amusement parks of the 1940s didn’t cater to families; the children’s rides were too small for adults, and the adult rides were too thrilling for young children. Walt often found himself sitting on a bench while his children enjoyed the rides that suited them.

The solution to this problem? Disneyland.

Walt created Disneyland as a place where all family members can play together – even if your family happens to be made of adults!

Below, you’ll find 10 reasons to say “yes!” to Disneyland as a grown up.


1. SPEND LESS TIME IN LINE

Grizzly River Run

Grizzly River Run

Going with a group of adults makes it easier to jump into a Single Rider Line to avoid long wait times. Single Rider Lines are available for:

  • California Screamin’
  • Goofy’s Sky School
  • Grizzly River Run
  • Indiana Jones Adventure
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds
  • Radiator Springs Racers
  • Splash Mountain

It’s also much easier to invest in a MaxPass (Disneyland’s new electronic FastPass system) to minimize attraction wait times.

It’s difficult for families to take advantage of this service, since the fee is an extra $10 per day, per guest. For a family of four, that’s an extra $40 per day! But going with a group of adults gives you and your friends/family the independence to each purchase your own MaxPass, and enjoy more rides throughout the day!


2. ENJOY MORE OF THE PARK

Going to Disneyland as an adult is the perfect remedy for not getting to go as a child. Since Disneyland is updated almost every year (check out our Disneyland and DCA Changes posts for 2018 to see what’s new this year!), there’s much more to see and do now that you’re older, and you’ll definitely be tall enough for all of the rides!

You’ll also be able to stay at the parks longer. Going as an adult means you can stay from opening to closing time if you wish!

I definitely recommend taking advantage of the late hours, especially any time after 2200. Most families leave after the evening spectaculars (fireworks, Fantasmic!, and World of Color), which leaves more free space in the parks for an older crowd.

Plus, even though Disneyland is wonderful during the daytime hours, it’s absolutely magical after sunset.

As an adult you’ll also have more of an appreciation of the work and detail put into every aspect of Disneyland.

Take a closer look at the booby traps lining the interior queue of Indiana Jones, the 60+ year-old animatronics in the Pirates of the Caribbean, or the turn-of-the-century American themes found on Main Street, U.S.A.

Best of all, go on a scavenger hunt to find all the Hidden Mickeys scattered throughout the park!


3. BONDING TIME

Disneyland is a wonderful place to bond with old friends and family members. It’s the perfect place to be kids again, and all of your problems seem to melt away the moment you hear those nostalgic Disney tunes drifting down Main Street.

There’s plenty of time in line to talk and catch up, to play games and laugh. Some of the best laughs I’ve ever had were at Disneyland with friends and family.

4. DISCOVER DISNEYLAND SECRETS ON THE PARK TOURS

(C) Disney - Disneyland Guided Tours

There are a number of guided tours you can take that may be boring for children of a young age, but are perfect for adults young and old. On these tours, you can learn more about Walt Disney’s beloved park and enjoy a few perks along the way!

General guided tours include the “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” and “Grand Circle” tours. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to enjoy special holiday tours such as “Disneyland’s Happiest Haunts” and “Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort!”

5. MORE THRILL RIDES

(C) DIsney - Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Without children who may be too small – or a bit frightened – of the large thrill rides at Disneyland, you’re able to go on all of them (if you dare). There’s truly something for everyone.

Indiana Jones Adventure, California Screamin’, and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! are just a few of the thrill rides that the Disneyland resort has to offer.

The most popular thrill rides all have one thing in common: mountains.

Take a daring bobsled dash through the caverns of the famous Matterhorn, dare to get drenched with a 50 foot drop from Splash Mountain, blast through the West in an old mine train on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or brave the cosmos on the 3,035 feet of track in Disneyland’s dark coaster, Space Mountain.

6. ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR

California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

Disneyland is a popular destination for newlyweds and a hotspot for couples looking for a great date night.

In fact, here are a few date ideas for you…

  • Take a ride through the stars and miniature fairytale kingdoms come to life on the Fantasyland Storybook Canal Boats
  • Watch the evening firework spectacular
  • Eat ice cream surrounded by the small-town life of Car’s Land
  • Cry together during World of Color (Just me? That’s cool.)
  • Go wine-tasting in California Adventure (DCA) during the Food & Wine Festival
  • Drink hot chocolate from Ghirardelli during the World of Color (bonus if it’s the holiday season; Christmas just isn’t complete without hot chocolate)
  • Get a bite to eat at one of Disneyland’s fine dining establishments, which leads me to the next (and one of the best) benefits…

7. ENJOY FINE DINING

Disneyland Resort Napa Rose - Grilled Petit Filet Mignon

Disneyland Resort Napa Rose – Grilled Petit Filet Mignon

You can splurge on meals! Without kids to take up much of the food budget, you’re able to spend a little more on some of Disneyland’s finest dining.

Grab a bite at the swanky Carthay Circle restaurant in DCA, or get your Cajun on and dine near the water under the colored lanterns of the Blue Bayou.

You can even get a little tipsy, which makes the rides and attractions that much more entertaining! There is no alcohol served in Disneyland itself, but head over to DCA to find plenty of bars. Downtown Disney also offers several locations with fancy adult drinks, as well as a chic adult vibe.

Also, you can eat all the treats you want without tiny grabby hands wanting a piece!

8. DISNEYLAND IS A STRESS RELIEVER & MOOD ENHANCER

Disneyland Fun - Radiator Springs Racers

Radiator Springs Racers

Stepping into Disneyland is like stepping into your favorite Disney movie, where everything always works out in the end. Leave your problems at the gate, and enjoy life just as much as you did when you were small and carefree.

9. YOU CAN ENJOY TRICK-OR-TREATING WITH AN OLDER CROWD

(C) Disney -Disneyland Halloween Time

Disneyland Decorated for Halloween

You can dress up and go Trick-or-Treating at Mickey’s Halloween Party from September to October!

For most adults, dressing up to ask the neighbors for candy can seem a bit silly.

But what if you still want to go Trick-or-Treating as an adult? What if you still want that pillowcase full of candy to eat for the rest of the year? Head over to the Happiest Place On Earth and get your Halloween on.

There are many places to get treats throughout the park, each giving you a handful of the good stuff whenever you stop by. You can get all the candy your little heart desires!

Some people really go all out for this special holiday event, with costumes that perfectly match their favorite characters and must have cost hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars. It’s an incredible people-watching experience, and lots of fun to see everyone in costume. It’s also the only time that adults are allowed to wear costumes into the parks!

Even if you don’t want to dress up, or don’t have the means to, the party is certainly worth the extra money for the featured spectaculars, short wait times, and special Halloween treats!

Also, you’ll feel really important being at an exclusive Disneyland event.

10. EVERYONE’S DOING IT

No peer pressure here, but everyone’s doing it.

Look around next time you’re there – there are so many groups of teenagers, young adults, and adults (without kids!) just hanging out and having fun. There is something about Disneyland that really brings people together and makes them feel ageless.

Disneyland for Military

So you see, Disneyland has never just been for kids. Consider going on an adults-only amusement park adventure next time you’re itching for some fun!

After all, there’s nothing more entertaining than squishing four full-grown adults into one of the Mad Tea Party teacups and spinning until you’re drunk with giggles. Just don’t *actually* get drunk before braving this whirling jaunt.

How about You? What are your thought on Disneyland for adults? Have you ever taken an adults-only trip to the Happiest Place On Earth? Tell us in the comments section below!

Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See our:

  • The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide 

  • Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist 

  • Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide

Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. For where to stay see our Resorts/Hotel Overview Page. Disney doesn’t discount dining for the military, but there are a few places on property that do, see the Dining Overview Page to learn where plus more dining info. You can also learn about Transportation Options. Be sure to check out our Technology Overview to learn about Magic Bands and My Disney Experience to see how they work with military tickets. Walt Disney World visitors might be interested in staying at Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort.

See: Top 8 Reasons to Use An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

Steve Recommends

Do you want all of your Disney Planning information in one place, organized in a step-by-step logical manner with an emphasis on Military Discounts and offers? I've written 3 Guidebooks just for the Military Community:

Disneyland for Military Families - Available in Print, Kindle, and Digital PDF Download

Here are my recommendations for products and services I've reviewed that can improve your Disney planning. This is a short list since it only includes my top picks.

Ears of Experience - My recommended Travel Agent, Fee Free, Disney Only, Military Family Owned

Top 8 Reasons to Use An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

TouringPlans.com - The website of the Unofficial Guide - Crowd Forecasts, Pre-made Touring Plan, plus lots of detailed info

Disneyland Lines iPhone App - Current Crowds, Recommended Parks, Wait Times, & Fastpass Return Times on your iPhone (Free)

Disneyland Explorer - The Official Disney iPhone App (Free)

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Filed Under: Disneyland Tagged With: Disneyland

Top 8 Reasons to Use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

By Steve 2 Comments


A Disney vacation is the perfect place for a military family to spend time together and think of nothing else.

It’s the ideal location for a pre-deployment getaway, for reconnecting after a deployment, or for a special treat for the kids while mom or dad is away.

Top 8 Reasons to Use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be a complex endeavor for any family. During your planning you’ll make many decisions that will affect all aspects of your vacation. Throw in the complexities of the many varied military deals and discounts which are available from multiple sources and it can become a daunting task.

That’s why Military DisneyTips recommends that you use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

If you’ve explored Military Disney Tips a little, you are probably already aware that we recommend Ears of Experience as our preferred Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Here are our Top 8 Reasons to Use a Disney Vacation Planner

8. Less Stress

Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner can take all of that stress out of planning a Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation. They will handle everything for you and guide you to the right decisions.

7. They Only Do Disney

Unlike traditional Travel Agents or online self-serve websites, Authorized Disney Vacation Planner’s are Disney specialists who have completed mandatory training by Disney in order to become “Authorized.” And very often Disney vacations are all that they do, they focus on nothing else.

6. They Love of Disney

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners get into this field because they love planning Disney vacations. Most begin this after planning multiple Disney vacations of their own.

5. They Are Knowledgeable About Disney

Because they only do Disney and love Disney they are some of the most knowledge individuals about Disney on the planet.

4. No Extra Fee

There’s no cost to you!

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners are paid a commission by Disney on the trips that they book. Neither Disney or your Authorized Vacation Planner will add an extra charge to your cost for room, tickets, etc.

You’ll pay the same if you do all the work or if you let your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner do it.

3. Extra Service

Your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner watches out for you. They live and breathe Disney every day and are in constant contact with a special team of Disney agent only reservationists. Your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner knows when new discounts come out for the timeframe that you have already booked and will automatically re-book you at the new lower price.

You’ll receive other extras too, such as personalized information to read up on prior to your trip, assistance with Advance Dining Reservations and FastPasses, and more. (The extent of extra services often depends on your selected package)

2. Award Winning Service

Military Disney Tips’ recommended Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, Ears of Experience has received the Platinum Earmarked award for 2018 from Disney Destinations.

There are only a select group in this elite classification of Authorized Disney Vacation Planners!

1. Large Military Family Staff

Ears of Experience has a large number of military spouses on staff to assist you with your military discounted vacation. While other companies may have at most one or two military experienced individuals (or most likely none), Ears of Experience is: 1. owned and operated by a military family and 2. has a very large number of agents with military Disney experience ready to assist you.

These agents use the same discounts that you do, so they are totally familiar with them.

Ears of Experience is Disney’s largest booker of military discounted Travel.

There will be no guessing by a civilian about military discounts!

Why We Recommend Ears of Experience

We’ve outlined many reasons above. The 2 biggest reasons are that they are part of our military family and have Years of Experience (get the name now?) with Disney vacations.

In the 8 years that Military Disney Tips has recommended Ears of Experience, our readers have made over 13 thousand quote requests from our trusted partner.

Ears of Experience - Full Service At No Extra Cost

Ears of Experience – Military Disney Tips’ Recommended Disney Only Travel Agent.

We hope that you will give Ears of Experience a try for your Disney Vacation!

Note, Ears of Experience also provides services for those not staying with Disney and those who are interested in a Universal Studios Vacation.

 

 

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Filed Under: Disney Resorts, Z Highlight-1, Z Highlight-2 Tagged With: Disneyland, Military Discounted Rooms, Walt Disney World

Disneyland’s Flag Retreat Ceremony

By Kenzie 7 Comments

Disneyland’s Flag Retreat Ceremony: A Tribute to American Heroes

Once upon a time, the great Walt Disney stood just feet from Old Glory in the center of Disneyland’s Town Square and proclaimed, “Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America.”

Disneyland's daily Flag Retreat

Main Street, U.S.A. is a tribute to America in and of itself, boasting beautiful icons of turn-of-the-century America and offering guests the nostalgia of the golden age.

It’s on this very street that Disneyland Park guests will find a time-honored tradition of patriotism, loyalty, and celebration of the country we call home: the Flag Retreat Ceremony.


The Flag Retreat Ceremony is a daily occurence when Cast Members and Disneyland guests alike pause to honor America and Her heroes. This beautiful service takes place at sunset in the center of Town Square, just in front of the Disneyland Railroad Main Street Station.

There is no official time listed for this Ceremony, as it changes daily with the sunset. Ask a Cast Member early in the day what time the Ceremony will be held.*

Disneyland'sFlag Retreat

The Flag Retreat Ceremony is a patriotic event that features the retiring of the Colors for the night. During this service, either the Disneyland Band or Dapper Dans will offer their musical talents for The National Anthem and the hymns of each Military branch. When the Dapper Dans are the only musical group available, the Ceremony is usually shortened by half.


Active and retired members of the Armed Forces are encouraged to participate in the Ceremony, and will be called up by branch. Cast Members will also choose an Honorary Veteran of the Day who will be included in the service, presented with Old Glory, and given an official certificate and commemorative pin.

It is quite breathtaking to stand with a group of strangers from every corner of the world to honor the American Flag and the patriots who fight for our country. What’s even more incredible is the way that this group grows throughout the Ceremony, as passing hustle-and-bustle tourists take a pause from their amusement park exploring to join in a time-honored tradition.

Flag Retreat Disneyland

Whether you’re able to sing along with the hymns of American history, or you’re simply there as an observer, the Flag Retreat Ceremony is certainly a can’t-miss piece of Disneyland Park that will be around for years to come.

*The Flag Retreat Ceremony may be closed currently, due to the renovation of the Main Street, U.S.A. tracks. This renovation is scheduled to conclude late winter/early spring 2018.

Have you watched the Flag Retreat Ceremony? What were your experiences? Let us know in the comments section below.

See our post on Walt Disney World’s Retreat Ceremony

Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See our:

  • The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide 

  • Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist 

  • Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide

Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. For where to stay see our Resorts/Hotel Overview Page. Disney doesn’t discount dining for the military, but there are a few places on property that do, see the Dining Overview Page to learn where plus more dining info. You can also learn about Transportation Options. Be sure to check out our Technology Overview to learn about Magic Bands and My Disney Experience to see how they work with military tickets. Walt Disney World visitors might be interested in staying at Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort.

See: Top 8 Reasons to Use An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

Steve Recommends

Do you want all of your Disney Planning information in one place, organized in a step-by-step logical manner with an emphasis on Military Discounts and offers? I've written 3 Guidebooks just for the Military Community:

Disneyland for Military Families - Available in Print, Kindle, and Digital PDF Download

Here are my recommendations for products and services I've reviewed that can improve your Disney planning. This is a short list since it only includes my top picks.

Ears of Experience - My recommended Travel Agent, Fee Free, Disney Only, Military Family Owned

Top 8 Reasons to Use An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

TouringPlans.com - The website of the Unofficial Guide - Crowd Forecasts, Pre-made Touring Plan, plus lots of detailed info

Disneyland Lines iPhone App - Current Crowds, Recommended Parks, Wait Times, & Fastpass Return Times on your iPhone (Free)

Disneyland Explorer - The Official Disney iPhone App (Free)

Follow Military Disney Tips

Like our very active Facebook Page - Follow MDT on Twitter  - Follow MDT on Pinterest - Get Steve's Free newsletter


Filed Under: Disneyland Tagged With: Disneyland, Patriotic Disney, Special Events

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Ears of Experience - A Fee Free Disney Travel Agent

Ears of Experience is a fee-free travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!
Need a Little Extra Help Planning your Disney Vacation? Check Out Ears of Experience's Concierge Service
Ears of Experience - A Fee Free Disney Travel Agent

What Readers Say about MDT:

I can honestly say that learning about Military Disney Tips is the only reason I am so prepared for my family’s upcoming, once in a lifetime trip. If it wasn’t for all the wonderful advise I would not have been prepared for the 2017 Salute to the Military release nor would we have received a pretty awesome 30% discount off our room. I have so many notes and tips stored away to make our trip magical so thank you, thank you, thank you. - Lisa L.

I just discovered Military Disney Tips recently and I’m so glad I did. I had no idea how wonderful Shades of Green seems to be. I’m so exciting about our first visit. I didn’t know all the wonderful tips for Military families. I have referred to this website many times during the planning of our upcoming trip in March. Thank you for all you do. It’s truely great!! - Michelle S.

I came upon this page during our initial stages of planning our February 2017 Disney World trip and it has been so extremely helpful not only in its content, but when I have a question, I know I can count on Steve to get the answer and get it quickly. It has been my go-to website and I would not be so prepared and informed without it. This website is a staple for this vacation and for our future trips (hopefully!!!) to Disney. - Amy M.

I’ve been to WDW many, many times, but I always learn something new from different websites. This website is especially helpful, since it caters to military personnel. Since the military population is such a small part of normal website’s readership, nobody else puts much effort into military-specific information. MilitaryDisneyTips does that for us. I used to have to dig through a few different websites to finally find the information that I needed, but it’s here, front and center for us. - Jeremy Z.

Just taking a minute for a HUGE thank you for all you do. Your invaluable info gave my family (7 of us including the grandkids) the BEST 2 week Disney World vacation last Oct. - Krissy P.

Military Disney Tips is my go to site for current and correct information for the military community. As soon as Disney made their announcement for the Armed Forces Salute continuing Through 2017 it was on MDT. No speculation, just the actual facts that will help us make important decisions for our vacation budget. - SherryAnne S.


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