Tips for Creating a FastPass Strategy at Disneyland

Photo Credit: Loren Javier / Disneyland FastPass / Flickr

When the folks at Disney created the FastPass, they came up with a way for you to save a place in line at a Disneyland ride or attraction without you actually having to be there! For parents with young children, this has been a game changer. Read on for more information about the Disneyland FastPass and tips for creating a FastPass strategy.

What is a FastPass and where do you get one?

A FastPass is a paper ticket issued at certain attractions at Disneyland at no extra charge that reduces the amount of time you wait in line. FastPasses essentially save time and allow you to experience popular rides and attractions without a long wait.

The Best Places to Watch Disneyland Fireworks

Photo Credit: Loren Javier / Disneyland Fireworks / Flickr

It doesn’t matter how old you are, fireworks are always a hit, and nobody does fireworks better than Disneyland. To make sure you secure a great spot to see the show, consult our tips below for the best places to watch Disneyland fireworks.

The nightly fireworks show at Disneyland takes place at Sleeping Beauty Castle. Pretty much anywhere you can stand that you can clearly see the castle will result in a good view. Just remember that the castle will be the center of attention when you pick your spot.

Don't forget to consult the schedule at Disneyland to find out what time the fireworks begin.

Top 5 Disneyland Rides for Kids

Photo Credit: Loren Javier / Big Thunder Mountain Railroad / Flickr

When you’re heading to the Happiest Place on Earth, it’s all about making memories of a lifetime. Which rides will your kids love? Which ones will they remember for years to come? Based on experience, here’s our list of the top 5 Disneyland rides for kids, in no particular order.

Top 5 Disneyland rides for kids

1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

You and the kids can pretend you’re mining for gold when you go for a ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Find a seat on a “runaway mine car” where you’ll speed past rugged bedrock, desert cactus and wind through a dark tunnel. Be prepared for thrilling sharp turns, dips and drops that will have the whole family screaming with laughter.  

Disneyland in May: The Diamond Celebration

If you’re planning a trip to visit the happiest place on earth this year, may we recommend visiting Disneyland in May? Historically, the month of May is a great time to visit because the crowd level is low and the temperatures are near perfect. However, May 2015 will be an especially exciting time to visit Disneyland because the park will begin celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Disneyland 60th Anniversary Details

Did you know Disneyland Park opened July 17, 1955? That means Disneyland celebrates 60 years this summer, marking six decades of fun for kids of all ages. Disneyland's Diamond Celebration will kick off May 22, 2015, with “dazzling entertainment and sparkling surprises, including three new nighttime spectaculars making their in-park debuts.”

The best places to go scuba diving in Los Angeles

Photo Credit: Pixabay

If you’re looking for adventure on your California vacation, why not try scuba diving? There are so many things to see and explore underwater and there’s no better way to experience it than diving. We’ve put together a list of a few great places to learn scuba diving in Los Angeles, including beautiful islands and mysterious shipwrecks teeming with underwater creatures.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island has been voted the “World’s Healthiest Marine Environment” by Scuba Diving Magazine because of its clear water and visibility ranging from 40-100 feet.

5 Most popular San Diego Zoo animals

Photo Credit: Randy Stewart / San Diego Zoo / Flickr

If you’re planning a trip to the San Diego Zoo, it’s worth noting which San Diego Zoo animals are the most popular. This will not only help you know which ones you must see, you’ll also know you’ll need to arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your time at the zoo. 

The San Diego Zoo spans 100-acres and is home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies. It also has a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants.

The 5 most popular San Diego Zoo Animals (in no particular order) are koalas, giraffes, leopards, polar bears and giant pandas.

5 Things to know before you visit LEGOLAND

Photo Credit: Joe Decruyenaere / Legoland / Flickr

If you have little ones in your family that love LEGOS, LEGOLAND is a great fun park for your family to spend a day or two. Located in Carlsbad, Ca., LEGOLAND spans 128 acres and has more than 60 rides, attractions and shows.

About the park

LEGOLAND is an all-ages park, however it is geared specifically towards youngsters ages 2 - 12. 

There are several different areas within LEGOLAND including the Beginning, Dino Island, DUPLO Village, Fun Town, Castle Hill, Land of Adventure, Imagination Zone and Miniland USA.

Check out some great restaurants near Disneyland

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Whether you spend your day at a theme park, shopping, relaxing by the pool or sightseeing, you will surely work up an appetite. My Castle House has put together a list of several great restaurants near Disneyland for you and your family to try.

The Pizza Press

Pizza is a go-to meal for many families and the locally owned Pizza Press in Anaheim offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a “newsy” theme. It also offers you the chance to design, or "publish," your own pizza.

The Taste of Anaheim: A Foodie's Paradise

Photo credit: Chefbendiaz/ Taste of Anaheim/
Wikimedia Commons

If you’re visiting the Anaheim area in early May, you’ll be in town to enjoy the 20^th annual Taste of Anaheim. This yearly event is a combination food and music festival that offers the chance to sample food from dozens of restaurants and vendors.

This year’s Taste of Anaheim will be held Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 5:30-10:30 p.m. at Anaheim GardenWalk, a shopping and entertainment complex located in the Anaheim Resort District. The family-friendly event is sponsored by the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. 

A Foodie’s Paradise

Vendors are still being confirmed for the 2015 event, however, more than 40 vendors participated in 2014. In the past, festival goers have been able to sample fare from McCormick & Schmick's Grille, Tony's Original Deli and Bottle Shop, Ruth’s Chris’ Steakhouse, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, Noble Ale Works, Manhattan Steak and Seafood, Paradise Garden Grill and even Disneyland!

Even if you’re not a full-blown foodie, you can still enjoy trying time-tested favorites and new offerings from nationally known and local restaurants alike.

Six Flags Magic Mountain rides you can’t miss

Photo Credit: Jeremy Thompson / Six Flags Magic Mountain
/ Batman: The Ride / Flickr

If you love riding at top speeds all the while enduring hairpin turns and loop-de-loops, you’ll love spending a day at Six Flags Magic Mountain. As you plan your trip, check out our compilation of Six Flags Magic Mountain rides you can’t miss!

World record holder

Six Flags Magic Mountain has 19 roller coasters and is currently the record holder for the most roller coasters in an amusement park. The park's 19th coaster was the Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers, which was added in 2014. 

5 Facts about the Anaheim Ducks Arena

Photo credit: Jondoeforty1/Honda Center/Flickr

The Anaheim Ducks Arena is officially named Honda Center. It first opened in 1993 after two years of construction at a cost of $123 million. The 650,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor entertainment space is home to two sports teams, the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL and the Los Angeles Kiss of the AFL. 

1. Home of the Anaheim Ducks

The NHL’s Anaheim Ducks are the 2007 winners of the Stanley Cup. They were first called The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The team was founded in 1993 by The Walt Disney Co. and given a name inspired by Disney’s 1992 film The Mighty Ducks, which focused on a junior hockey team. The Mighty Ducks became the Anaheim Ducks when the team was sold to Henry and Susan Samueli in 2005. The Samuelis have since invested more than $100 million in arena improvements. 

4 Free things to do in Anaheim

Photo Credit: Dave Cooper/Yorba Regional Park/Flickr

When you’re on vacation, sometimes you just need to slow it down a bit and enjoy a few local activities that give your wallet a break. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 4 free things to do in Anaheim during your stay.

1. Yorba Regional Park

Yorba Regional Park in Santa Ana Valley in Anaheim is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family. Yorba Regional Park was once part of an expansive cattle ranch owned by Bernardo Yorba. The park first opened to the public in 1976.

The park spans 140 acres and offers bicycle trails, six playgrounds, a series of four lakes for fishing or model boat sailing, as well as more than 400 picnic tables and 200 barbecue stations.

Play a few games of volleyball or horseshoe, bike or walk the trails, rent a paddle boat and explore the lake, or simply relax in a peaceful, family-friendly setting that is framed by rolling hills. 

Fun things to do in Anaheim outside of Disneyland

Photo Credit: Anaheim Orange County
Visitor & Convention Bureau

There are plenty of fun things to do in Anaheim outside of Disneyland. Whether it’s going to a sporting event, experiencing the local arts and culture, sightseeing or thrill seeking, Anaheim and the surrounding area has it all.

Sporting events

Local professional sports teams include the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Ducks play at the Honda Center mid-October to mid-April. The Angels play early April to early October at the Angels Stadium. Both venues are also great places to catch a concert or special sporting event. Check the events calendar on each website for more info.

Arts and culture scene

Anaheim has a strong arts and culture scene. Enjoy a concert by the Orange County Symphony, a performance by the Anaheim Ballet, or a play or Broadway musical at the City National grove of Anaheim.

5 Hidden Mickeys in Disneyland to look for

Photo Credit: Loren Javier/Hidden Mickey/Flickr

Mickey Mouse is everywhere at Disneyland – even places you might not expect. We’re not talking about the typical Mickeys you might encounter, from the larger-than-life fur character himself to plush toys in the gift shop. We’re talking about subtle images that have been hidden in everything from attractions to landscaping. These images can be hard to find, but let us help you get started with 5 Hidden Mickeys in Disneyland to look for.

What is a Hidden Mickey?

Disney engineers, called Imagineers, first began hiding silhouette images of Mickey at various places around the park as an inside joke. This soon became a tradition and finding them became very popular among Disney enthusiasts. Hidden Mickeys include complete and partial images.

Take a break from Disneyland at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course

Photo Credit: Anaheim Hills Golf Course/Wikipedia

Disneyland certainly takes center stage when you’re looking for things to do while visiting the Anaheim area. However, if you are looking for something else to do, may we suggest you "head to the hills"? Take a break from Disneyland at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course.

Golf escape

Located less than 30 minutes from Disneyland, Anaheim Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-71 regulation course. Also called The Hills, this course opened in 1972 and welcomes visitors and locals alike.

Rolling hills, meandering creeks, established trees and a beautiful backdrop make this course a visual treat. The course itself offers a challenge for all ages and skill levels. The driving range features a double-deck teeing area and a large putting green.

If you can’t escape for all 18 holes, consider playing a quick nine or an even quicker five holes on The Loop. The Loop is a five-hole course played on holes one-five. For just $13 per player, including the cart, The Loop is available for play seven days a week. It is, however, only offered one hour after their Member Late Twilight, which is about 2 ½ hours before sunset. Confirm playing hours and/or make a tee time for it by calling the golf shop at 714-998-3041. Book online by clicking here.

Preview the entire course yourself! Visit the website for a digital flyover. 

Shopping near Disneyland has something for everyone

Photo Credit: Tracie Hall/Anaheim’s Garden Walk Mall/Flickr

For some travelers, shopping days are some of the most important days during a vacation. Time spent shopping is just as important as time spent seeing the sights, trying new restaurants and even relaxing. While visiting the Anaheim area, rest assured there are plenty of options for shopping near Disneyland and there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a rundown of some of the great shopping near Disneyland.

Anaheim GardenWalk

Whether you’re looking for cosmetics, an outfit for going out to dinner or a bathing suit for the beach or pool, Anaheim GardenWalk has it and a little bit of everything in between. Located close to Disneyland Resort and Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim GardenWalk offers 460,000 square feet of outdoor dining, shopping and entertainment options.