A seasoned Disneyland visitor, who frequents the iconic California resort at least once every week, has unveiled three critical missteps that tourists commonly commit before they even step foot inside the magical gates. These errors, she warns, can lead to unnecessarily long waiting times and crowd battles, detracting from the enchanting experience of exploring Sleeping Beauty's castle, meeting beloved characters, and enjoying thrilling rides.
Expert Insights from a Disneyland Devotee
Kellie Krueger, a Disneyland local known for sharing her insider knowledge with thousands of followers under the username '@WeDontWearEars', has distilled her expertise into a series of practical tips. In a recent video, she emphasised that her weekly visits have honed a unique approach to entering the parks, one that starkly contrasts with typical tourist strategies. "I'm a Disneyland local, I come to Disneyland at least once a week. So the way that I walk into the park is probably a little bit different than how you do it," Kellie explained, setting the stage for her advice aimed at minimising queue times from the very start.
1. Alternative Parking Strategies
Kellie's first tip revolves around avoiding the notorious congestion at the main Mickey and Friends parking structure. Upon encountering a lengthy line of cars waiting to enter, she opted to drive past it, continuing along Magic Way to access the Pixar Pal's entrance. This alternative is only available daily between 8am and 11am, but within this window, Kellie reported that queuing took her a mere 10 minutes. "I like to pull all the way over to the right, because that lane splits into two and you get through a lot faster," she revealed, highlighting a subtle yet effective manoeuvre. After parking, she consistently heads to the second level to walk across the bridge into the park, bypassing the often crowded trams.
2. Utilising a 'Hidden' Second Entrance
Upon arriving near the main entrance and facing another substantial queue, Kellie demonstrated her next strategy: walking over to a second security checkpoint located near the Disneyland Hotel. She clarified that this entrance is reserved for hotel guests before 7am but becomes accessible to all visitors for the remainder of the day. To further streamline her entry, Kellie then takes the monorail, which is complimentary for all guests, offering scenic views of the park attractions as she travels. "I also sat facing the loading platform so I could get views like this on my way in," she noted, showcasing the picturesque benefits of this approach.
3. Pre-Ordering Food to Sidestep Lunchtime Crowds
Kellie's final tip focuses on dining efficiency. As she disembarked from the monorail, she informed viewers that she had pre-ordered her lunch via her mobile phone while en route to the park. This allowed her to utilise the significantly shorter mobile order line at Jolly Holiday, collecting her meal promptly at 11am while others waited in a long queue to place their orders. However, due to the restaurant's popularity, no tables were available. Undeterred, Kellie quickly crossed the street to the Plaza Inn patio, where ample seating was free. "You can't do that in the morning during the character breakfast, but during lunch and dinner hours, they don't care. It's not a big deal," she explained, offering a flexible solution for meal times.
By addressing these three pre-entry mistakes—opting for alternative parking, using lesser-known entrances, and pre-ordering food—Kellie Krueger provides a blueprint for tourists to enhance their Disneyland visit, reducing wait times and maximising enjoyment from the moment they arrive.
