Insider Tips and Info for the New Disneyland Annual Passholder
Insider Tips and Info for the New Disneyland Annual Passholder
Congrats! You made the plunge to become an annual passholder at the Disneyland Resort! We did it over 5 years ago and have loved every visit. We starting out at the lower end of the pass scale and have worked our way up to include the perks of parking, bigger discounts and less blackout days. I get asked all the time, "don't you get bored doing the same thing over and over when you visit"? A question I feel only someone who has never had a pass would ask. I'm here to tell you for us, it's a different experience each and every time we step foot on the property.
Annual passes for the Disneyland Resort
Along with the many "other" things to do at the parks (things besides rides and parades) there are lots of benefits to being an AP. Be sure to take advantage of them to maximize your investment during your visits if possible. Here's the run down of just some of the exclusive AP perks.
Ap Buttons are Exclusive to pass holders and given out for many occasions.
- Exclusive AP merchandise: Limited edition merchandise with an AP discount.
- Discount on Hotel Stays: Get great deals on all three of the Disney Hotels on Property.
- Food and Merchandise Discounts: Depending on your pass it can be a savings of 10%-20%
- Exclusive AP events: Exclusive Buttons, picture opportunities, previews and more!
- Discounted Halloween Party Tickets: Get access to buying your party tickets before they go on sale to the general public with a discount on some days.
- Guided Tours: Save up to 15%
- Parking (Included with the Disney Signature & Disney Signature Plus Passport)
- DTD discounts: Just ask, most business give a 10% discount to any level AP.
- MaxPass add (included with the Disney Signature Plus Passport or $75 add on for a year)
Best part of being a Passholder you ask? The ability to take your time at the parks and not have to rush! Having a years worth of days available to you gives you the freedom to be spontaneous during your visits, to go with the purpose of just seeing a show, grabbing a bite, people watch or even to just go shopping. The parks are a great way to disconnect from the stresses of life, spend time with your family and friends and make so pretty special memories.
So you are fresh out of the gate, hitting the parks hard as a new Ap and then what? The parks are always changing with their seasonal events, new rides and shows but there is so much more to do that can be equally as fun while really getting to know the parks! Here are a few other things we do to mix up out trips to the park that you might find of interest. For kids on the autism spectrum, these ideas are perfect to get them talking, exploring and in some cases striking up a conversation with cast members and other park goers alike which is a huge bonus in my book!
Penny Pressing Machines
These machines can easily be located on the Disneyland App by searching "Pennie Press". They have machines for pennies, and even quarters. The hunt is half the fun and there are several ways to keep your pennies after pressing. TIP: Decide on how you want your collection to look overall by choosing new shiny pennies or patina finished ones. The machines change out the designs from time to time. They make for great souvenirs too!
Hidden Mickey's
They are literally everywhere! So much so there are several books on the subject. I would definetly get a book for this and mark them off as you find them. They are located within both parks. Fun way to record your finding, give them a rating of how hard they are to find. I got my book from Amazon.
Pin Trading
There are opportunities within Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks and they even trade in DTD! Many locations can be found by searching the Official Disneyland app. Stores have pin boards on the counters and even some photo pass booths have them. It's totally a scavenger hunt but always a fun quest! You will find the largest selections at City Hall in Disneyland and City of Commerce at Disney California Adventure in case you don't have a lot of time to trade. There they have large albums with pages upon pages to choose from. Cast members also trade, just look for them on the pouches they wear or on a layard. There is a right way and a wrong way to pin trade believe it or not. Read more here on the do's and don't of pin trading HERE
Other fun alternative activities to do while visiting the parks are their Meet and Greets and getting autographs. Again, check the official Disneyland App for times and characters. Haven't made the plunge yet as a pass holder? Check out the different options available now on the Disneyland website!
More insider fun at Disneyland below!
