Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
venture (DCA) also offers its own Extra Magic Hour exclusively for hotel guests, of-
fering access to all of Cars Land, along with select attractions in Hollywood Land,
Paradise Pier, and Condor Flats, on four mornings (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday) or daily, depending on seasonal demand.
OPERATING HOURS
DISNEYLAND RESORT RUNS
a dozen or more different operating schedules during the
year, making it advisable to visit
disneyland.disney.go.com/calendar
or call
714-781-4565 the day before you arrive for exact hours of operation.
PACKED-PARK COMPENSATION PLAN
THE THOUGHT OF TEEMING,
jostling throngs jockeying for position in endless lines
under the baking Fourth of July sun is enough to wilt the will and ears of the most
ardent Mouseketeer. Why would anyone go to Disneyland Park or DCA on a sum-
mer Saturday or during a major holiday period? Indeed, if you have never been to the
parks, and you thought you would just drop in for a few rides and a look-see on such a
day, you might be better off shooting yourself in the foot. The Disney folks, however,
being Disney folks, feel kind ofbad about those interminably long lines and the basic-
ally impossible touring conditions on packed days and compensate patrons with a no-
less-than-incredible array of first-rate live entertainment and happenings throughout
the park.
Throughout the day, the party goes on with shows, parades, concerts, and pa-
geantry. In the evening, there is so much going on that you have to make some tough
choices. Big-name musical groups perform on the Tomorrowland Terrace stage. Oth-
er concerts are produced concurrently at the Hyperion Theater at DCA. There are al-
ways parades and fireworks, and the Disney characters make frequent appearances.
No question about it—you can go to the Disneyland parks on the Fourth of July
(or any other crowded extended-hours day), never get on a ride, and still get your
money's worth. Even on the busiest days, there are attractions at each park that rarely
require more than a 15-minute wait:
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,
the
Enchanted
Tiki Room,
the railroad and monorail, and Innoventions at Disneyland Park, as well
as Disney Animation, Blue Sky Cellar, and the sourdough factory at DCA.
If you decide to go on one of the parks' big days, we suggest that you arrive
1 hour and 20 minutes before the stated opening time. Use the touring plan of your
choice until about 1 p.m., and then take the monorail to Downtown Disney for lunch
and relaxation. Southern Californian visitors often chip in and rent a room for the
group (make reservations well in advance) at the Disneyland or Grand Californian
Hotels, thus affording a place to meet, relax, have a drink, or change clothes be-
fore enjoying the pools at the hotel. A comparable arrangement can be made at other
