Sometimes there’s just no avoiding the crowds at Disneyland. Especially during summer vacation, spring break, fall break, long weekends… basically any time kids are out of school, you’re going to see a big influx of people at the parks. But there are some tips to avoid the crowds and still enjoy what the park has to offer. Explore it all!
Main Street Cinema
One of my kids’ favorite activities is to hang out at Main Street Cinema and watch classic Disney shorts. I love it here, too – it’s super charming and immerses you in the early days of Walt’s creative career. There are benches and on hot days it’s a great place to cool down with AC and dim lighting.
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
This is a show that is never crowded, but everyone should experience at least once. Plus in the lobby of this theatre is the Disneyland Story, which is a gallery showcasing all sorts of amazing concept art, maps and mementos from the planning phases of the park.
Tom Sawyer Island
A world of discovery can be found a short raft ride across the River of the Americas. Tom Sawyer’s Island is a great place for climbing, exploring, picnicking and avoiding massive amounts of people. Rafts continuously run right across from the Haunted Mansion, starting about a half hour after park opening until dusk. There are restrooms and water fountains but no food sold on the island (you can pick something up from one of many locations throughout New Orleans Square or Frontierland and then take it over to the island and enjoy the tables and benches).
Explore the Hotels
One of my favorite tips is to actually leave the park during peak crowd times (generally in the afternoon) and check out the offerings at the hotels. Grand Californian has an entrance accessible via Downtown Disney (between Sephora and the Disney Dress Shop) and you don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit the lobby or restaurants. The lobby is beautiful, has comfy chairs for relaxing and oftentimes has a snack bar and live entertainment. A+ atmosphere. The Craftsman Bar is by the hotel pool and is a fun place to enjoy a drink and the Craftsman Grill offers mobile ordering and has breakfast/lunch/dinner offerings.
The Disneyland Hotel is a great place to explore – the lobbies of all 3 towers have fun concept art related to their theming (Adventure, Frontier and Fantasy). The Fantasy Tower has the most expansive displays, full of amazing photos and vintage collectibles. The grounds are beautiful and it’s a great place to let kids out of their strollers to stretch their legs without worrying about them getting lost in a crowd. Trader Sam’s is a must visit (reservations encouraged) and Tangaroa Terrace offers mobile ordering, has a delicious menu and the patio is one of the best places to enjoy the ~vibes.~
Again – you don’t have to be a hotel guest (or even have a park ticket!) to enjoy the resorts.
Keep in mind that literally every space in Disneyland is packed with history, stories and magic. Have fun uncovering some new experiences!
