Unfortunately, it's a bit hard to find exactly where Dole Whip can be found at Animal Kingdom, but our Animal Kingdom Dole Whip Guide is here to track where you can find it!
Tamu Tamu Refreshments is going to be your best bet to find Pineapple Dole Whip at Animal Kingdom!
Located in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom (marked by the fork & knife icon in the map below), Tamu Tamu Refreshments has been the go-to location for Pineapple Dole Whip at Animal Kingdom for years.
Tamu Tamu also has a variety of alcoholic beverages, including a few drinks mixed with Pineapple Dole Whip. We recommend the Dole Whip Pineapple Float with Coconut Rum!
There are of course non-alcoholic Dole Whip ice cream floats available as well as standard ice cream, sodas and a variety of pastries like croissants which cycle though Tamu Tamu.
If you're craving Dole Whip, then Tamu Tamu is the best spot in all of Animal Kingdom!
Trilo-Bites is a quick-service food kiosk located just outside of DinoLand U.S.A. that serves a twist on the traditional Dole Whip!
Trilo-Bites only carries pineapple-flavored Dole Whip on occasion throughout the year (typically during busy travel periods, but it's been inconsistent), but you will almost always find Orange Dole Whip here!
If you're looking for something with the similar texture and great flavor as Pineapple Dole Whip, but open to trying something different, then Orange Dole Whip is worth trying!
Some staff members here at Theme Park Center actually prefer the orange Dole Whip over Pineapple Dole Whip - controversial opinion!
Trilo-Bites carries other soft serve flavors like chocolate and vanilla, but Orange Dole Whip is really the star here.
While you won't always find Pineapple Dole Whip being served at Trilo-Bites, we suggest heading over there for something a little different from the Dole Whip family!
RELATED GUIDES
Top 5 Dole Whip Locations At Walt Disney World!
Where Can You Get Dole Whip At EPCOT?
Why Isn't Dole Whip Sold At Hollywood Studios?
Top Locations To Get Dole Whip At Magic Kingdom!
The Most Unique Snacks at EPCOT
]]>Our Magic Kingdom Dole Whip Guide lists all of the locations you can purchase Dole Whip at Magic Kingdom, as well as our rankings on which spot is best!
Perhaps the most iconic location to grab a Dole Whip, and the best spot at Magic Kingdom, is going to be Aloha Isle!
Aloha Isle is located right as you enter Adventure Land from the main entrance, on your right-hand side.
On the map seen below, Aloha Isle's location is marked by the fork and knife icon!
Expect to see long lines at Aloha Isle as the location is placed in a highly trafficked area of the park and isn't hard to find at all - it's basically a big advertisement for the beloved Dole Whip treat!
Here you'll find classic Pineapple Dole Whip, Pineapple Dole Whip Floats (ice cream mixed with pineapple juice) as well as Pineapple Dole Whip mixed with other Dole Whip flavors including Raspberry and Vanilla!
Aloha Isle is easily the best place at Magic Kingdom park to get Dole Whip. You'll find the most variety here and it's the center point for all things Dole Whip at Walt Disney World!
Coming in at second is Sunshine Tree Terrace!
While also located in Adventureland, Sunshine Tree Terrace is a bit more tucked away than Aloha Isle with lines that are often more manageable.
You can find Sunshine Tree Terrace marked by the fork and knife icon on the map below!
However, Sunshine Tree Terrace does sometimes close an hour or two earlier than Aloha Isle, so you can't always count on the location to be open.
You're also not going to find the iconic Pineapple Dole Whip served at Sunshine Tree Terrace and will have to choose from Orange, Chocolate, Vanilla and Raspberry Dole Whip flavors here.
Sunshine Tree Terrace has a ton of different float options mixed with all sorts of sodas ranging from Coke to Rootbeer and Powerade, so if you don't mind getting Dole Whip outside of the typical Pineapple Flavor, then you'll find some really tasty concoctions here!
There's even hot food served at Sunshine Tree Terrace from time to time including potstickers and eggrolls if you want something savory to pair with your sweet ice cream!
While Sunshine Tree Terrace has more limited operating hours than Aloha Isle, and missing the iconic Pineapple flavor, you'll still find tons of tasty Dole Whip treats here and you'll likely have way less of a wait compared to Aloha Isle!
RELATED GUIDES
Top 5 Dole Whip Locations At Walt Disney World!
Can You Get Dole Whip At Disney Springs?
Where Can You Get Dole Whip At EPCOT?
Why Isn't Dole Whip Sold At Hollywood Studios?
The Best Locations To Get Dole Whip At Animal Kingdom!
]]>In our Disneyland Luggage Storage Guide, we'll dive into what options are available for luggage storage at Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disneyland, as well as what policies Disneyland has in place regarding luggage storage.
Formal luggage storage like what you usually find at a hotel isn't available at Disneyland or California Adventure.
Guest services at either Disneyland or California Adventure aren't allowed to hold your luggage for you. This includes the guest services location right outside of Disneyland as well.
Most large suitcases might not even make it through security.
Depending on the size and shape of your smaller luggage, you may be able to pass through security after a thorough inspection, but we typically recommend only bringing a backpack or small duffle bag into the parks with you.
Disneyland and California Adventure both have lockers available to rent with a maximum size of 18” wide, by 25” high, by 37” deep. If your luggage fits within these dimensions you may be able to store them in a locker, but we still wouldn't count on being able to do this.
Lockers at Disneyland and California Adventure have limited availability, with these larger lockers being especially hard to come by.
If you're planning to store your luggage in a locker, but all of the lockers are taken when you arrive, then you're going to be out of luck!
Similarly to the theme parks, you aren't going to find a formal place to leave your luggage at Downtown Disneyland.
However, the jumbo-sized lockers mentioned above are actually located outside of the Disneyland theme park in the Esplanade area.
This means that you don't need a theme park ticket to access these lockers and store your items here.
If you can get your luggage through security, then you'll be able to use the 18”W, x 25”H, x 37”D sized lockers located just outside the entrance of Disneyland theme park.
Most large luggage bags are not going to be allowed to pass through security however. We don't recommend taking the risk here unless you have a backup plan in place.
Remember, lockers are limited in availability and if they're all in use by the time you arrive, you may not have any alternative options to store your luggage!
With your luggage potentially not being allowed through security and lockers being in limited supply, it's always good to have alternative plans for your luggage.
If you're able to keep your luggage in your car then we've found the parking garages at Disneyland to be pretty safe. In the uncommon event that something does happen to your luggage though, you will be responsible and Disneyland won't be able to reimburse you.
It's also worth calling some of the hotels in the surrounding areas to see if they will hold your luggage at the bell desk or concierge desk.
Some of the hotels in the area may do this for a fee. Call in advance to see what options might be available!
Finally, some of the Disneyland Resort Hotels may hold your luggage for you.
If you're a guest of the Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian, or Pixar Place hotels then they will definitely hold your luggage for you.
If you're not a guest then depending on availability they may do so for a fee, but this option is often unavailable... but worth trying!
RELATED GUIDES
Best Luggage Warranties | Top 3 To Know!
Deals & Savings Guide: When Is The Best Time To Buy Luggage?
Is American Tourister Good Luggage? | Our Thoughts After 20+ Trips
]]>If you're planning to visit Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, you've probably seen tons of ads pushing you to purchase your tickets online, which leads many to question if you can even buy tickets at the gate.
Theme Park Center is here to explain if you can still purchase Universal Studios tickets at the gate, but more importantly is it even a good decision to purchase tickets at the gate?
Universal Studios wants to know in advance how many guests to anticipate on any given day.
Pushing guests to purchase tickets online allows them to forecast what attendance will look like with much better accuracy which impacts things from staffing to food preparation.
This allows Universal to run a much more efficient business, which means money is being saved!
While Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure don't require reservations to access the park anymore, Walt Disney World still does as a means to even more accurately predict attendance levels.
Purchasing tickets online also allows Universal Studios to put a lot more offerings in front of you like Express Pass, seasonal events, and hotels.
This isn't purely an upsell, but another way for Universal to make sure you know everything that is offered at the theme park during your visit and ensure you make the right purchases.
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure tickets can still be purchased at the front gate!
There are multiple ticket booths just in front of the main entrance and at CityWalk where a Universal employee will walk you through the different ticket types, and help you make your purchase.
Be aware that there are days when tickets are sold out (typically major holidays) and if you were hoping to purchase tickets at the gate you will be out of luck.
Purchasing your tickets online ensures you'll be able to access the park and won't be hit with a sold-out sign as you pull up to Universal Orlando.
Tickets purchased at the front gate of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are more expensive than prices you’ll find online.
This is yet another incentive to purchase your tickets in advance before your trip to Universal.
You can purchase tickets directly from Universal online or you can save even more money by purchasing your tickets from an Authorized Universal Ticket Seller.
Some of the most popular Authorized Universal Ticket Sellers include:
There are often savings of $5-10+ per person when purchasing your tickets online instead of at the front gate.
Probably not!
Between the risk of tickets selling out and higher prices at the gate, you should purchase your Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure tickets online.
There’s no real benefit of purchasing Universal tickets at the gate except being able to pay in cash, so we’ll always recommend purchasing tickets online in advance of your visit.
Learn More About Universal Orlando!
]]>Whether you're planning to drink around the world, enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival or enjoy some of the newest attraction at Walt Disney World, there are a dozen reason why you might need a little extra storage when visiting EPCOT.
Just like every theme park at Walt Disney World, EPCOT has lockers available for rent!
We'll go into detail about everything you should know before renting a locker at EPCOT, including if we think lockers are worth it!
The Basics
EPCOT Locker Tips
The main locker area at EPCOT is located just through the entrance of the park and under Spaceship Earth!
After you arrive at EPCOT, you'll want to walk towards Spaceship Earth and when the path divides to the left or right, you'll want to stay on the right-hand side of the pathway.
The lockers are a bit hidden and connected to the restrooms. We recommend looking for the restrooms as they are a bit more noticeable and share a building with the lockers.
If you pass Spaceship Earth and arrive at The Seas With Nemo and Friends, then you have gone too far and need to turn around.
Likewise, if you see Connections or the Starbucks, then you're on the wrong side of Spaceship Earth and will need to retrace your steps until you take the otherside of the walking path that splits in two at the entrance of the attraction.
The second set of lockers is actually located just outside of EPCOT at the International Gateway entrance which is connected to Disney's BoardWalk Resort. From inside EPCOT, you'll find International Gateway right at the bridge that connects the United Kingdom and France World Showcase pavilions.
Because this set of lockers is outside of EPCOT, and at an entrance primarily used by Disney hotel guests, you'll probably want to avoid using them unless you'll be staying at one of the BoardWalk Resort hotels.
It's a much longer walk to this area and your locker options are much more limited compared to what you'll find in the larger locker section at the main entrance of EPCOT.
Disney has provided a few different locker sizes at EPCOT to meet the needs of guests who may need to store a little, or a lot!
Lockers at EPCOT come in three different sizes as detailed below:
SMALL
12" x 10" x 17"
LARGE
15.5" x 13" x 17"
JUMBO
17" x 22" x 26"
Each of the three locker sizes at EPCOT have different prices to rent for the day.
There is no option to rent on just an hourly basis, but we find the prices of lockers at Disney to be quite affordable especially considering that you can access the lockers all day.
The different prices for each locker size is below:
SMALL
$10 per day
LARGE
$12 per day
JUMBO
$15 per day
Lockers can be paid for using the self-service kiosk if you're using cash or a credit card.
If you are using a Magicband, Disney giftcard or voucher then you will need to go to the merchandise store or stroller rental location adjacent to the locker rentals in order to pay.
Your card will be charged upfront to give you access to the locker and not at the end of the day after you finish using the locker.
There are currently no other storage options at EPCOT outside of the two locker rental areas.
While some rides may have small pouches to hold small items like sunglasses, hats and purses, you'll need to get a locker for anything bigger.
Guest services at EPCOT also won't be able to hold any valuables or store any suitcases for you.
If you really need a place to store suitcases and luggage then we'd recommend doing so at your hotel's front desk, which is typically a complimentary service offered at most hotels.
We personally have never had a need for a locker at EPCOT, but if there are personal items you need to bring with you to the park, and don't want to carry them all day, then getting a locker is the best option.
EPCOT is a massive theme park, so keep in mind that you might find yourself trekking quite a distance to grab items in your locker which are located near the front of the park.
While the price of a locker is actually very reasonable, it's mostly been the walking back and fourth to the front of EPCOT that has deterred us from every getting a locker.
Coming from anywhere in the World Showcase you're likely going to find the walk back to the lockers quite cumbersome.
If it's an item you can leave at home or in your hotel room, then we definitely recommend doing so.
That being said, if you don't mind the walking or will only need to return to the locker once or twice, then you'll find the lockers at EPCOT to be a really good value.
For most situations however, we recommend only getting a locker if you absolutely need to. While they may be handy for some people, they are typically quite annoying to walk back and fourth from throughout the day!
LEARN MORE ABOUT EPCOT!
What Characters Are At EPCOT? | Guide & Tips
The Most Unique Snacks at EPCOT
Ultimate EPCOT Fireworks Guide
EPCOT Countries Guide | Rankings & Reviews
What Is Inside The EPCOT Ball?
]]>
In this guide, we'll break down what the fastest rides at the Disneyland Resort are!
Questions We'll Answer In This Guide:
At 28 miles per hour, Thunder Mountain certainly feels a whole lot faster than it actually is and is the 5th fastest ride at Disneyland!
This outdoor thrill ride is a favorite of many and despite only being the 5th fastest ride at Disneyland, the many drops and steep turns of Thunder Mountain make it feel much more intense than the 28 miles per hour indicate.
FUN FACT: There are 4 Thunder Mountains across the world (Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo, Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland)! The ride is inspired by Bryce Canyon.
Coming in at fourth place is Space Mountain which zooms through the stars at 35 miles per hour.
Because Space Mountain takes place in the dark, it's hard to get a sense of just how fast you're going especially in such a tight space.
Space Mountain is actually the fastest ride at Disneyland Park, as the next three rides on our list are at California Adventure, the other park at Disneyland Resort!
FUN FACT: Space Mountain is the second in the "mountain" family of attractions after Matterhorn Bobsleds.
Believe it or not, Guardians of the Galaxy drops you (and raises you) at speeds topping out at 39 miles per hour.
While we didn't include Splash Mountain on this list, which can sometimes reach up to 40 miles per hour on the finale drop, we've included Guardians of the Galaxy because you are dropped multiple times and even raised at fast speeds!
Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the most whacky and fun rides at California Adventure, but not for the faint of heart!
FUN FACT: Mission Breakout's highest drop is 130 feet and has 6 different randomized songs that can play while you ride
Topping out at 40 miles per hour is Radiator Springs Racers, located in Cars Land at California Adventure.
Radiator Springs is also one of the most popular rides at the Disneyland Resort for its innovative thrill-ride, dark-ride combo which truly makes you feel like you're in the middle of a Cars movie.
Don't let the 40-mile-per-hour speed scare you as Radiator Springs Racers doesn't feel too intense and is a great ride for both kids and adults.
FUN FACT: Radiator Springs Races boasts 23 different animatronics!
Topping the list of the fastest rides at Disneyland Resort is the Incredicoaster, with speeds reaching 55 miles per hour!
Not only is the Incredicoaster the fastest ride, but it's also the only ride between Disneyland and California Adventure to have a full loop inversion!
One of the highlights of this ride is its launch system, which sends all 24 riders in the vehicle from 0 to 55 MPH in just under 4.5 seconds.
FUN FACTS: The tubes you see parts of the ride track enclosed in are to reduce the coaster's roar and people's screams from traveling too far into the nearby neighborhoods.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RIDES AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT
]]>Our Downtown Disney Parking Prices Guide tracks the latest price to park at Downtown Disney, as well as any discounts or deals available to save you some money!
There are multiple ways to get a few free hours of parking at Downtown Disney, but you almost always pay for the first hour out of pocket, then the next additional hours are free.
For example, free parking for 3 hours is available with any purchase of $20 or more at Downtown Disney. Your first hour of parking will not be validated, but the next 3 hours will be free.
This is essentially a buy 1 hour of parking, get 3 hours free deal.
Remember to bring your parking ticket with you to receive validation after spending $20.
You can also get 5 hours of free parking at any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant.
Again, you will be paying for your first hour of parking and then getting an additional 5 hours of parking for free.
Parking validation is only available if you park at the Simba Lot!
You will not be able to validate your parking if you park at the Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, or Toy Story parking areas.
If you decide to park at the Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, or Toy Story parking areas you will only be able to receive free parking if you have an Inspire Key.
The Inspire Key only gives you free parking at these three areas - the Simba Lot is not included in the Inspire Key free parking perks.
Having an Inspire Key is the only way to get 100% free parking at Downtown Disney as long as you don't mind parking further away.
The first hour of parking at Downtown Disney is $10 at the Simba Parking Lot.
Each additional hour of parking at the Simba lot is $14 if you don't get any sort of validation as we outlined earlier in the guide, but of course, this isn't the only place you can park at Downtown Disney.
If you decide to park at either the Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, or Toy Story parking areas instead of the Simba lot then you will pay a daily parking rate of $35 for standard parking.
Preferred Parking is also available at the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals garages for $50 per vehicle.
While Preferred Parking in the garages are more premium spots closer to the elevators and escalators, it's still a substantially longer walk to Downtown Disney versus parking at the Simba Lot.
Unless you'll also be going to Disneyland or California Adventure then we don't recommend paying for Preferred Parking just to visit Downtown Disney.
The best Downtown Disney parking discounts and deals are going to be through a dining validation or having a Magic Key.
The Inspire Key will get you free parking, the Dream Key will get you 50% off parking and the Enchant Key will get you 25% off parking.
Parking discounts for the Inspire Key and Dream Key are only valid at the Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, and Toy Story parking areas, while the Enchant Key discount is only valid at the Toy Story lot.
Magic Key discounts are never valid when parking at the Simba Lot!
Discounts are also available at the Simba Parking Lot when dining at a Disney Table Service Restaurant or with a purchase of $20 or more.
The first hour of parking at the Simba Lot must always be paid for - there is no way around this charge!
However, after the first hour, you can receive an additional 3 hours of parking at the Simba Lot for free with a $20 purchase and an additional 5 hours of parking when dining at any Disney Table Service Restaurant.
These offers cannot be combined and you need to bring your parking ticket with you to be validated!
How To Get Free Parking At Disneyland
Ultimate Guide To Parking At Disneyland | Tips, Deals & More
]]>San Diego Zoo Parking Guide is here to break down everything you should know before heading out for your visit!
As illustrated in the map above, parking for the San Diego Zoo is located just outside of the main entrance of the zoo.
This primary parking lot is easily accessible and at most a 5-minute from the main entrance, though many parking spaces are much closer and shorter walk.
The San Diego Zoo lot is located between Zoo Drive and Park Blvd on Balboa Park grounds. The address listed below should take you right to the parking lot when entered into your GPS:
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
There is also an overflow parking lot available at the Balboa Park Administration Building, also known as "Inspiration Point". The zoo does tend to get quite busy around the holidays and long weekends, so overflow parking will need to be used during these times.
The overflow parking to San Diego Zoo's main entrance is a bit of a hike, so we recommend waiting for one of the complimentary trams that take visitors to popular points of interest at Balboa Park (San Diego Zoo included).
You'll be walking enough as it is throughout the zoo, so jumping aboard a shuttle tram will save you some energy for later on in the day.
While the San Diego Zoo is one of the more expensive zoos in the country, you'll save a lot of money on parking... which is free!
This is vastly different from theme parks like Universal Studios, Disney, and even other zoos where it's not uncommon to see parking fees over $0 per vehicle.
Whether you have a day ticket or a San Diego Zoo membership you won't have to worry about paying for parking.
One important note is that while parking is free at the San Diego Zoo if you'll be heading over to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park you will need to pay $15 for parking.
The parking lot at the San Diego Zoo is not gated or locked and is technically accessible 24 hours a day.
That being said we don't recommend arriving at the parking lot any earlier than 1 hour before the San Diego Zoo is scheduled to open.
If you arrive any earlier than this, you'll likely find the parking lot and Zoo grounds to be largely unattended by employees and there are much better places to spend your morning.
Some of the neighboring attractions in the Balboa Park area (where the San Diego Zoo is located) are open earlier and worth checking out while you wait for the zoo to open!
Overnight parking is not allowed at the San Diego Zoo unless you are participating in one of the Zoo's "sleepover programs" like Roar and Snore.
Outside of these programs, you aren't allowed to keep your car parked overnight at the zoo.
This also means that no camping is ever allowed in the San Diego Zoo parking lot. The only type of camping allowed is inside the Zoo gates when participating in one of the zoo's camping programs!
Handicap parking is available at the San Diego Zoo parking lot.
A majority of handicap spots are at the front of the parking lot just passed and around the corner from the main entrance. You'll also find a smaller selection of handicap parking spots leading to the main entrance.
We recommend asking a San Diego Zoo staff member for help finding these spots as they're a bit removed from the larger parking area.
EV charging is also available at the San Diego Zoo!
At the time of this writing, there are 5 EV charging stations available in the southeast corner of the San Diego Zoo parking lot.
EVs are extremely popular in Southern California, so these charging stations tend to become occupied very quickly! If you happen to grab one of these spots when they're available, not only will you get to charge your vehicle, but you'll have great parking close to the zoo's main entrance.
The best place to park is always going to be the main parking lot right outside of the entrance to the San Diego Zoo. You'll find the shortest walks and greatest availability of spots here.
However, on busy days this parking lot does tend to fill up, so you'll want to have a backup plan in mind if you aren't able to find any parking spots.
We recommend heading to the overflow lot, known as Inspiration Point, which is in the middle of the Balboa Park Activity Center and Presidents Way. You know you're in the right spot if you pass the Activity Center and see the Balboa Park Administration Building.
The parking area should come up right away when you enter "Inspiration Point" into your GPS (you can also enter Balboa Park Administration) or the address is also below!
Inspiration Point Way
San Diego, CA 92134
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO!
Costco San Diego Zoo Tickets Guide
San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets
Why Is The San Diego Zoo So Expensive?
Best Time to Go to the San Diego Zoo
Is the San Diego Zoo Worth it?
San Diego Zoo Parking Map Photo Courtesy Of Google Maps
]]>This Disneyland Parking Guide will walk you through what times you can expect to see the various parking areas open for the day.
The two main parking areas at Disneyland, known as the Mickey & Friends as well as the Pixar Pal parking structures, typically open one hour before the earliest scheduled park opening time.
This means that if Disneyland opens at 9 AM and California Adventure opens at 8 AM, then you can expect the parking structures to open at 7 AM.
During some of the busier times of the year, such as the Christmas or Thanksgiving holiday season, the parking structures will often open a bit earlier than usual.
During these times of the year, we've seen the parking structures open as early as 90 minutes before the earliest scheduled park opening time.
While these schedules are typically consistent and a great rule of thumb when planning a trip to Disneyland, the garages ultimately open whenever Disney cast members are ready to be welcoming guests into the garages.
Like the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures, the Toy Story Lot will typically open 60 minutes before the earliest scheduled park opening time.
The Toy Story Lot is still considered an "overflow" parking area and in previous years has not always been used.
However, in recent years we've seen the Toy Story Parking Lot open nearly every single day of the year.
Remember that you'll have to take a shuttle (or a long walk) to Disneyland from the Toy Story lot as it's not directly connected to Downtown Disney or any of the theme parks, unlike the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structures.
The Simba Parking lot will typically open 15 minutes before Downtown Disney is scheduled to open.
Because Downtown Disney opens before Disneyland or California Adventure, you'll be able to access the Simba Parking lot earlier than any of the other parking locations at Disneyland.
Remember, the Simba Parking Lot is reserved for visitors to Downtown Disney.
If you park your car here at the head to Disneyland or California Adventure, you'll end up paying much more for parking than any of the other lots.
We only recommend using the Simba Lot for trips to Downtown Disney!
RELATED ARTICLES
Ultimate Guide To Parking At Disneyland | Tips, Deals & More
How To Get Free Parking At Disneyland
]]>With much of Disney requiring tickets and reservations for access, we're here to break down exactly what to expect when trying to enter Disney's BoardWalk.
Disney's BoardWalk is open to the general public 365 days a year.
Anyone can access the BoardWalk, but the parking lots which provide direct access to the BoardWalk are not always open to the public.
Disney's BoardWalk has multiple parking options, though some will close to the public during some of the busier times of the year unless you have a reservation at one of the BoardWalk area hotels.
If the parking options directly connected to the BoardWalk are off-limits, then you'll need to head to Disney Springs parking and take a bus from there to the BoardWalk which is always available to the public.
Unlike the Disney theme parks, there is no ticket or any sort of paid admission required to access the BoardWalk.
Depending on where you park your car, enjoying Disney's BoardWalk can be 100% free!
Reservations to a theme park, hotel, or restaurant are not required to enter Disney's BoardWalk. There is also no way to "reserve" access to Disney's BoardWalk either.
While no reservations are needed to enter Disney's BoardWalk, the parking lots with direct access to the property may be restricted to those with dining or hotel reservations.
If parking access to Disney's BoardWalk is being restricted, then you'll either need to head to Disney Springs or one of the theme parks and take a bus to the BoardWalk.
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]]>Our guide will detail everything you need to know about parking fees at Disney Springs as well as current pricing!
Yes! There is a parking fee at Disney Springs if you're interested in Valet Parking.
There are only two parking options at Disney Springs: Self-Parking and Valet Parking.
While Valet Parking does have an additional fee, Self-Parking is free at any of the parking garages or surface parking.
All of the Valet Parking locations at Disney Spring will come at a price no matter where you use Valet Parking.
UPDATE: As of mid-2023 valet parking has been suspended at Disney Springs.
Valet Parking is $20 per vehicle and does not include gratuity.
Tipping when using Valet Parking is customary, so be sure to factor in this additional cost if you plan to use Valet Parking.
As of the time of this writing there are no discounts being offered on the valet parking fee.
If any discounts are offered we'll be sure to update this section as soon as possible!
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Parking At Disney Springs: Everything You Want To Know
]]>We'll dive into the main reasons why some guests consider Mr. Toad's Wild Ride to be controversial, as well as some background into the ride's history.
One of the primary reasons Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is considered "controversial" is because it's one of the only rides at Disney where you'll travel through a bar and see alcohol.
While attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean also show characters indulging in alcoholic beverages, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is geared more towards children which is the cause for more ire than Pirates.
The ride scene through the bar is very brief on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, but it does play a prominent part in the story of Mr. Toad and his journey, so removing the scene would be a bit odd.
Such a blunt showcase of alcohol and bars on a children's ride might seem out of place for Disney, but the ride has been around for over 65 years when the attraction was more popular for people of all ages.
When Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was first incepted, Fantasyland wasn't as heavily aimed towards children as it is today!
Some see the use of alcohol in this ride scene as controversial, though it has been largely problematic throughout the ride's life and remains to be one of the most popular attractions at Disneyland.
The other major reason some guests find Mr. Toad's Wild Ride controversial is that the ride famously takes you through "hell".
Spoiler warning for Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!
The last two ride scenes consist of your car taking a wrong turn onto some train tracks, getting hit by a train, and then arriving in a dark, fiery cave.
You quickly learn this cave might just be the underworld after coming face to face with some demons who resemble the devil.
If this sounds quite intense - it's a very tame experience given the age of the ride and attempts to be more family-friendly. The entire ride experience is very fun and these two scenes aren't scary at all.
For most first-time riders it's a bit difficult to comprehend the madness that's occurring and because the ride is over 60 years old, the train crash and underworld aren't as realistic as modern-day rides.
Getting hit by a train and then arriving in the underworld sounds like an experience you wouldn't expect to find at Disney which is why some consider Mr. Toad to be a controversial attraction.
However, families still pile onto the attraction each year making it one of the most popular rides in the Fantasyland area of Disneyland.
Most of this "controversy" has spun out from a vocal minority of guests, but overall the elements of the ride are family-friendly and a great way to experience what Walt Disney himself would appeal to kids and adults alike 65+ years ago.
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]]>In this EPCOT Roller Coaster Guide, we'll dive into what roller coasters you'll find at the park, our reviews and what other thrill rides you can expect to find at EPCOT.
EPCOT is currently home to ten different rides throughout the park.
All ten of the rides at EPCOT are listed below:
Note: We've counted Soarin' as one ride for the purposes of the list even though there are two variations of the ride.
There is only one version of Soarin' running on a given day (usually for months at a time), so it's hard for us to count this as two separate rides.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the only official roller coaster at EPCOT, but Test Track and Mission: Space have many elements that make these rides feel like roller coasters.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened in 2023 and is the first-ever roller coaster built at EPCOT!
Test Track and Mission: Space however give you some of the similar thrills you can find on roller coasters.
Test Track rips across its ride track at nearly 65 miles per hour around bends and turns while creating g-forces like many roller coasters do.
If you're a thrill seeker, Test Track is another great attraction at the top of your list.
Mission: Space is more of a simulator ride, but packs some of the most intense g-forces you can experience on any ride in Florida.
Using the same technology NASA uses to train its astronauts, Mission: Space delivers nearly 2.5 g-forces, which is more intense than most roller coasters in the world! In fact, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT's sole roller coaster) only reaches g-forces of just under 2!
While Guardians of the Galaxy may be the only traditional roller coaster at EPCOT, Mission Space and Test Track are two other great rides for thrill seekers looking for that roller coaster intensity.
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind (which we'll refer to as simply Cosmic Rewind) is the first roller coaster ever to be built at EPCOT and was met with rave reviews by guests.
Cosmic Rewind has been praised for its use of innovative technology like projection mapping, a 360-degree spinning ride vehicle, and a much-loved sound track.
While some argue that superheroes aren't a fit for EPCOT's theme, the ride still managed to win over many tough critics even though it may not be the best thematic fit for EPCOT.
Cosmic Rewind was heralded for being a great combination of thrills, laughs, fun, and a much needed addition to EPCOT when it came to thrill rides.
However, many guests did note the ride made them extremely prone to making them motion sick even though they typically don't get naseous on thrill rides or roller coasters!
I and the rest of the Theme Park Center team have ridden Cosmic Rewind dozens of times and can't agree more with the consensus on how fun this ride is but just how sick it can make you!
Most of us at Theme Park Center don't get nauseous or motion sick, but many of us found ourselves reeling after Cosmic Rewind and needed a moment to gather ourselves after riding.
Those of us who are more prone to motion sickness faired even worse and had to take some time to shake off the effects of the ride.
However, the ride is INCREDIBLE!
Cosmic Rewind combines technology we've never seen used in a roller coaster before to create one of the best ride experiences in the world.
If you don't usually get a motion sick on thrill rides then you'll likely be fine as the ride isn't too intense, but if you are prone to motion sickness, then we recommend exercising caution - but get on the ride if you can!
Cosmic Rewind has quickly grown into our favorite attraction at EPCOT and one of the best rides not just at Walt Disney World but all of Florida!
It's not clear why there aren't more roller coasters at EPCOT, but we guess this is likely due to the theme park's origins.
When originally concieved by Walt Disney, EPCOT was intended to be more a futristic community. But when those plans fell through after the death of Walt, the focus of the park took more of an educational angle.
In the early years of EPCOT, many of the rides exposed guests to how transportation, farming and even the human body operated. To do so, many of these rides needed to move at a pace that was easy to digest educational material while still packing in some fun.
After all while learning was important, guests having fun was the most important.
Having a roller coaster that managed to educate guests in a reasonable manner was probably an incredibly hard attraction to create for Imagineers at the time and was likely deemed unfit for EPCOT.
Over the years EPCOT has evolved away from most of the "educational themes" (though they still definitely exist!) and has focused on rides about innovation and exploration, which paved the way for Cosmic Rewind.
With a theming that embraces thrills and adventure like "exploration" we can probably expect to see more roller coasters, or roller coaster style rides at EPCOT in the future!
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]]>We've analyzed the pros and cons of Preferred Parking at each Walt Disney World theme park and are here to provide some insight on when it might be worth paying for the upgrade!
Preferred Parking is an upgrade to the standard parking option that is available at all Walt Disney World theme parks.
Preferred Parking puts you as close to the front entrance of the park as possible at your time of arrival.
You'll nearly always be a decent bit closer to the security checkpoints and front entrance of each theme park if you choose Preferred Parking.
This means a much shorter walk to the park when you begin your day, and even more importantly, a shorter walk back to your car after a long day at the parks.
The only parking spots with better access to the main entrance of each theme park are going to be in the Medical Lot (which is reserved for guests with a handicapped parking permit) and, occasionally, EV parking.
EV parking is extremely limited, so you can't count on these spaces being open if you're looking for great parking.
Preferred Parking is the only way to guarantee you'll get some of the best parking at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Unlike Standard Parking which comes at a fixed cost of $30 for cars and $35 for oversized vehicles such as trucks and RVs, Preferred Parking's price can change day-to-day.
Preferred Parking currently sits at $45, $50 or $55 per day. You're more likely to encounter the top end of this range on weekends and around holidays such as New Year's and Christmas.
It's also important to note that Preferred Parking is only valid for one day.
Preferred Parking is not transferable and you won't be able to get Preferred Parking privileges any other day during your trip to Disney.
However, if you plan to park-hop on the same day then you'll be able to use Preferred Parking at any Walt Disney World theme park.
This means that if you purchase Preferred Parking at Magic Kingdom, you'll be able to access the Preferred Parking lot at Hollywood Studios that same day.
There are only two theme parks at Walt Disney World we ever consider or recommend getting Preferred Parking at and Magic Kingdom is one of them!
Getting to Magic Kingdom is already a stretch with a massive parking lot and on top of that you'll need to take either a monorail or ferry boat to get to the front gate.
Magic Kingdom has one of the largest parking lots in the country, so traversing across it is no easy task. Luckily there are trams at this parking lot that drop guests off at the security checkpoint, but standing out in the Florida sun waiting for one isn't exactly the most enjoyable task.
When visiting Magic Kingdom we like to get to the park as quickly as possible and know there's a TON of walk ahead of us, so Preferred Parking has a lot of value here.
If you're thinking about splurging from Preferred Parking at one of the Disney themes then we'd recommend putting Magic Kingdom towards the top of your list.
The only other Walt Disney World theme park we consider getting Preferred Parking for is EPCOT.
While EPCOT does have a large parking lot, we think the real reason you’ll want to consider Preferred Parking is more so because of the park itself.
Out of all the Walt Disney World theme parks, we average more steps at EPCOT than any of the other three parks.
Between exploring the World Showcase (and often more than one lap through the area), mostly non-existent seating while dining at festival booths, and a couple of standing-room-only shows, a day at EPCOT is especially rough on the feet.
You’ll more than likely be overindulging on all of the delicious food and drinks at EPCOT as well which will likely have you feeling a bit sluggish.
Having a minimal walk back to your car after a long day at EPCOT feels great and between the amount of time you spend on your feet coupled with all the eating and drinking, Preferred Parking is worth considering here!
Hollywood Studios is one of the four Disney World theme parks we advise against getting Preferred Parking at.
We average the least amount of steps per visit at Hollywood Studios, and despite having some major attractions with very long lines, we don't seem to be on our feet nearly as much as the other parks.
Hollywood Studios also seems to have a much smaller parking lot than any of the other Walt Disney World theme parks which makes the walk to and from your car feel much less grueling.
That being said, Preferred Parking at Hollywood Studios is in a great location. Just steps away from the Skyliner and security checkpoint it's one of the most accessible Preferred Parking lots at any of the Disney parks.
While we can't recommend splurging for Preferred Parking at Hollywood Studios, the placement of Preferred Parking so close to the entrance of the park makes it a tempting upgrade.
Animal Kingdom is borderline worth upgrading to Preferred Parking, but in the end, we ultimately decided it's not worth the upgrade.
The Animal Kingdom parking lot is massive, and no matter where you park it's a bit of a walk to the security checkpoints and main entrance.
You'll also spend a lot of time on your feet at Animal Kingdom between the park's sheer size and walking trail to spot some animals!
However, we don't think Preferred Parking is in an ideal location. This isn't Disney's fault for poor placement, the parking lot itself is just a bit of a haul to the entrance no matter where you park.
Animal Kingdom also has a ton of shade, which is a great escape from the Florida sun and provides plenty of spots to rest.
Attractions like the Kilimanjaro Safari are also nearly 25 minutes in length, which is a long time to get off your feet while experiencing one of the most unique attractions at Walt Disney World.
Between the not-so-great location of Preferred Parking at Animal Kingdom and multiple different ways to escape the heat and get some rest, we recommend passing on Preferred Parking at Animal Kingdom.
As of now, the only discount on Preferred Parking is if you hold a Walt Disney World Annual Pass.
Annual Passholders get free parking at all four Disney theme parks. They also only need to pay the upgrade cost between Standard Parking and Preferred Parking as another perk of being a Passholder.
This means that Passholders only pay between $30-$35 for Preferred Parking instead of $50-55.
We'll be sure to update this section of the guide if Disney introduces any new discounts and deals for Preferred Parking!
LEARN MORE ABOUT PARKING & TRANSPORTATION AT WALT DISNEY WORLD
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]]>In this page, we'll go explain all of the available parking options, why you'd consider other parking options, how they stack up against each other, and even parking tips.
There are three types of parking options available at Animal Kingdom including:
Standard Parking is going to be your most basic and cheapest option when parking at Animal Kingdom.
Standard Parking simply allows you to park your vehicle in the park, at no specific spot.
The earlier you arrive at the park, the closer you'll be able to park, as the crowd tends to arrive in the early afternoon.
General Parking will be $25 consistently every day of the year, for one car or motorcycle.
Although motorcycles pay the same fee that normal-sized vehicles do, they will get their parking area in the Standard parking lot.
Visitors will simply need to follow the Motorcycle parking direction signs.
Preferred Parking will provide you access to park closer to the entrance of the park, at a higher cost than general parking.
The parking attendant will provide you with a Preferred Parking paper to hang on your rearview mirror, and you'll be instructed to drive through a specific Preferred Parking Area (away from General parking), that will be located closer to the park.
While Preferred Parking is going to be more expensive than Standard Parking, the Animal Kingdom parking lot is massive, so having that parking spot closer to the main entrance will pay off after a long day at the park.
It's important to know that Preferred Parking can fluctuate in price depending on how busy the park is.
Typically, Preferred Parking is most expensive on the weekends around holidays.
RV's, Busses, Shuttles, Limos, Camper Trailers, and Tractor Trailers are considered oversized vehicles, so be prepared to pay $5 more ($30 per day) if you'll be bringing one of these vehicles to Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom parking typically opens about 60-90 minutes before the park's opening time.
The parking lot at Animal Kingdom does not have a set opening time like the theme park itself - the parking lot opens when Disney cast members are done preparing the area for daily operation.
Preferred Parking is always going to be your best bet in getting closest to the entrance of Animal Kingdom, but if you don't want to splurge for Preferred then the Unicorn and Peacock parking sections are best.
While Unicorn and Peacock parking sections are closest to Animal Kingdom's entrance, you typically aren't going to be able to choose where you'd like to park your car and will need to follow the directions of Disney cast members.
However, if multiple routes are open (typically in the evenings), giving you the option to choose where to park then we'd recommend heading to the Peacock or Unicorn sections.
NOTE: The Medical Parking Lot is technically the closest lot to the entrance of Animal Kingdom, but this lot is only accessible to those with disabled persons' parking permits.
Yes, EV charging is available at Animal Kingdom, as 4 electric vehicle charging spaces are available in the Medical Lot.
While the Medical Parking Lot is typically reserved for those with special parking permits for health conditions, EVs can park at and use these charging spaces without any additional parking permits.
There are a few ways to get free parking at Animal Kingdom, with the best perks on Animal Kingdom parking given to Walt Disney World Annual Pass holders.
Annual Pass holders get free standard parking at any Disney World theme park - this offer is valid for everyone riding in the same vehicle as the Annual Pass holder regardless of the ticket types everyone else may have.
Walt Disney Resort Hotel guests also get free parking at Disney theme parks for the days they are staying on Disney property.
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]]>In our Free Disneyland Parking Guide, we'll cover all the best ways to get free parking at Disneyland, as well as where you might be able to find free parking just a short walk away.
One of the easiest ways to get free parking at Disneyland is to make friends with a Cast Member because they get free parking at the resort!
When a Disneyland Cast Member shows their employee identification card at any of the Disneyland parking areas they will be granted free parking.
This applies only to the vehicle the Cast Member is in and does not apply to any other vehicles that may be part of the Cast Member's party.
There is no cap on how many people a Cast Member can bring into Disneyland's parking structures for free as long as everyone is in the same vehicle.
Handicap parking is not free at any Disneyland and the fees are the same as the general parking spots.
This applies to each of the parking areas at the Disneyland Resort (Simba Lot, Pixar Pals, Toy Story Lot, Mickey & Friends).
Handicap Parking is located in more accessible parts of the parking garage closer to elevators as well as entrances and exits, but you will still have to pay the normal parking fee in order to use these spots.
A government-issued handicap parking permit or placard must be shown in order to use handicap parking!
Outside of knowing or becoming a Disneyland cast member to receive free parking privileges, there are only two ways to get free parking.
The most straightforward way to get free parking is by purchasing an Inspire Magic Key to receive free parking. The Inspire Magic Key is the highest tier of Magic Key and is the only Magic Key that includes free parking.
The Believe and Enchant Keys (the other two Magic Key types) only provide a discount on the price of parking, but may be more worthwhile depending on how often and when you plan to visit Disneyland.
There are no multi-day tickets, special "parking passes" or promotions currently offering free parking when purchased.
The other way to get free parking at Disneyland is to become a Club 33 member or have a reservation to enter the club. Becoming a Club 33 member is no easy feat as you'll need to join a lengthy waiting list as well as pay upwards of $10,000 per year to maintain your membership.
If you're set on visiting Disneyland multiple times a year and want to avoid parking fees, then consider at least one Inspire Magic Key for your group! Even if only one person in a vehicle has the Inspire Magic Key everyone will be able to enjoy the free parking benefits.
There are also just a few opportunities to get free parking near Disneyland, but not necessarily on the property.
A handful of hotels within walking distance of Disneyland offer free parking when you have a reservation at their property. This is unlike the hotels at Disneyland which charge an additional fee for parking on top of the reservation price.
There is also free parking available on some of the streets around the Disneyland Resort.
You'll have better luck finding these streets which do not have metered restrictions or resident-only requirements closer to the Simba Parking Lot and Downtown Disney area.
Be sure to double-check posted signs for rules and restrictions about parking in these areas - the rules can vary greatly from one street to the next!
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]]>Our Halloween Horror Nights Scariness Guide will walk you through our thoughts on how scary Halloween Horror Nights is, as well as some helpful comparisons to other Halloween events!
It's important to note that Halloween Horror Nights changes themes every year which means different haunted houses, scare zones, and shows.
This of course means that some years will be scarier than others at Halloween Horror Nights, but we've never been to a Halloween Horror Nights when the event wasn't scary.
In recent years Universal has invested more and more in this incredibly popular event with intricate sets, elaborate costumes, and impressive special effects which make the event so much cooler, but also... scarier!
On average, we rate Halloween Horror Nights an 8 out of 10 on the scariness scale!
While you may be able to find small-scale Halloween events across the country that will be scarier than Halloween Horror Nights, no event can really compare to the combination of scale, quality, and scariness that Halloween Horror Nights delivers.
Each year Universal has a variety of unique haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights with themes ranging from Stranger Things, to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and even Dracula.
Each house has a different level of scariness!
Some haunted houses will be filled with jump scares and gore while others may just create a creepy environment that will less so downright scare you, but will leave you on edge and unsettled throughout!
All in all, it's very hard to not get scared at Halloween Horror Nights if you're going to experience a lot of haunted houses and scare zones.
While some houses are much more tame and less scary, a large majority of the event, in our opinion, will be downright terrifying!
While Halloween Horror Nights doesn't have a clear age limit policy, they do recommend no one under the age of 13 attend the event.
However, is that guidance good to follow? Absolutely!
We recommend even waiting until your child is 14 or 15 before taking them to Halloween Horror Nights unless they are genuinely interested in the event.
Halloween Horror Nights is very intense and some of the haunted houses have a lot of adult themes including murder, gore, and cannibalism which may be too much for some 13-year-olds to handle.
If your child happens to love scary movies and may have tried some smaller haunted houses in the past then they may be ready for Halloween Horror Nights!
However, we've seen that many times 13 years old is just too young to enjoy the event so we'd recommend waiting just another year or two before taking your child.
Many people want to go to Halloween Horror Nights to enjoy the atmosphere and see the elaborate sets and costumes, but avoid being scared.
Unfortunately, it's really really difficult to attend Halloween Horror Nights without being scared.
You may be able to stay a safe distance from some of the scare zones to observe the action without getting scared, but you do always run a slight risk of an actor coming up to you.
With some careful planning and being strategic about where you stand from a distance, you can somewhat avoid being scared at a lot of the scare zones
When it comes to the haunted houses though, there is no way to avoid getting scared.
If you're looking for a way to see what's inside the haunted houses without getting scared then you'll have to stick to watching YouTube videos or looking at photos.
It's nearly impossible to not get scared at any of the haunted houses - we don't recommend trying this!
As mentioned earlier in this guide, we rank Halloween Horror Nights an 8 out of 10 on the scariness scale.
Popular events at other theme parks such as Oogie Boogie Bash at California Adventure, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, and Brick-or-Treat at Legoland aren't scary at all and WAY less scary than Halloween Horror Nights.
We'd also rank Halloween Horror Nights over Knott's Scary Farm by a decent margin as well when it comes to scariness, though both are great events!
Fright Fest at Six Flags Parks isn't nearly as elaborate as Halloween Horror Nights but packs in plenty of scares. We'd still put Halloween Horror Nights as a scarier event!
The margin of scariness gets smaller when compared to events such as Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens.
Howl-O-Scream is another event that isn't as elaborate as Halloween Horror Nights but they've always done a great job with jump scares and other elements to give you a good scare. Halloween Horror Nights just edge it out though on the scariness scale!
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]]>There are thousands of strollers to choose from these days so we've narrowed down some of the best options to consider in this Best Strollers For Disney Vacations Guide!
Walt Disney World and Disneyland only have two major rules when it comes to bringing strollers onto their property.
The first rule is "Wagon Strollers" and wagon-style strollers are not allowed on Disney property as of March 2019.
Disney is very strict on this rule so you should not expect to bring your wagon stroller into any of their theme parks unless you have a medical exemption.
In the case of medical exemptions, you will need to visit Guest Services to receive a special tag that signifies your wagon stroller needs to be brought into the park for medical reasons.
This is also known as the Stroller As A Wheelchair tag.
The second and only other rule on what type of stroller you can bring to Disney is regarding size. Any stroller exceeding 31" (79 cm) x 52" (132 cm) in size will not be allowed on Disney property.
The photo below illustrates the size outline that Disney security will place your stroller in to assess if it fits within their guidelines.
After hundreds of trips to Disney and other theme parks around the world, we've identified five major factors you should consider when looking for a stroller to bring to Disneyland or Walt Disney World.
WEIGHT
Between the amount of pushing and carrying of your stroller you'll be doing at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you'll want to make sure you purchase a lightweight, but durable stroller.
Aside from pushing the stroller all day at the parks, you'll also find yourself lifting the stroller on occasion at the airport, getting on Disney transportation, or if you'll be using an Uber.
If you're looking for a good quality stroller at a lightweight, then we recommend looking for something at around 15 lbs in total weight. You'll strike a good balance between weight and good build quality here.
If you're looking for something with more features like extra storage space and stronger wheels then you could consider something up to 25lbs in weight as well.
We don't recommend going any heavier than 25 lbs though!
PORTABILITY
You'll need to be able to fold your stroller up to use Disney transportation (specifically the parking trams) and many airlines require strollers to be foldable to be checked onto your flight.
Your stroller will also need to fold to fit into any cars you might be using as transportation, especially Uber or Lyft!
It's basically a requirement to get a stroller that easily folds up for any trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World!
STORAGE SPACE
Storage space in a stroller isn't a must, but it's incredibly useful to have additional room to place any items you want to bring with you for a long day at the parks.
Being able to throw a backpack or souvenirs into a storage compartment of a stroller is a huge perk especially when you consider how heavy and hot carrying a backpack can get all day!
Even having basic cupholders is an awesome way to carry around water bottles or other drinks without having to worry about your hands constantly being wet or potentially getting items in your backpack wet!
SHADE
Keep in mind your little ones will be exposed to a TON of sun while at Disney!
Most strollers have a sun visor to provide some protection from the sun and we say this is a must for a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World.
The California and Florida sun can be relentless, with Florida definitely being even more brutal, so having this extra bit of shade can help protect your kids from some serious sunburns.
While nearly every stroller these days comes with a sun visor, it's worth double checking given how crucial of a feature we find a stroller's sun visor to be.
WHEEL MOBILITY
Picking a stroller with durable and very mobile wheels is a huge factor to research before making a purchase.
This can be a make or break for having an easy time with your stroller at Disney!
There are a variety of different types of pavement you'll be taking your stroller through at Disneyland or Walt Disney World. While you won't be off-roading or doing anything out of the ordinary - you should expect to push your stroller on brick roads, sidewalks, paved roads, and carpets!
There are also a fair amount of narrow walkways that twist and turn at Walt Disney World and Disneyland so you might find yourself making some sharp turns more often than you'd expect.
Because you'll be pushing this stroller for hours on end, you're going to want durable wheels that spin and turn easily to ensure your trip isn't unnecessarily exhausting!
You've probably pushed a stroller for a couple of hours at a time before, but likely not for 6+ hours in a single day like you'll be doing at Disney... possibly for multiple days back-to-back.
Below we've included our picks for Best Overall Stroller, Best Budget Stroller, and Best Premium Stroller as well as some honorable mentions to consider as alternatives!
BEST OVERALL STROLLER: gb Pockit Air
Our pick for the best overall stroller goes to the gb Pockit Air All Terrain for its ultra-lightweight design, compatibility, and extremely easy maneuverability.
The Pockit Air is incredibly easy to push and maneuver on all pavement types while also sporting a storage compartment to carry any additional items you may bring with you into the parks.
The Pockit Air is also extremely lightweight and easy to carry! The stroller folds up with ease and weighing at just over 10lbs makes it easy to hold even for extended periods.
Our only dings on the Pockit Air are the shorter-than-average sun visor and lack of cupholders. While the sun visor is still adequate, we do wish this stroller had at least one cup holder!
Shop The Latest Prices & Deals On gb Pockit Air
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Lightweight: Our second favorite overall stroller and solid runner-up to the Pockit Air, the Mini Bravo is just a bit less mobile and heavier, but has some features the Pockit Air is missing like cupholders and longer sun shade.
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Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller: The Baby Trend Expedition comes in at third place for being an affordable alternative to the Pockit Air with every feature we love (storage, cupholders, a good sunshade, and strong build quality)! The Expedition is however significantly heavier at 25lbs, less compact, and not as nimble as the Pockit Air or Mini Bravo.
Shop The Latest Prices & Deals On Baby Trend Expedition
BEST PREMIUM STROLLER: Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller
Our favorite premium stroller to bring to Disney is going to be the Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller!
The Activ3 is superbly built and extremely durable for traveling as well as quite compact. The Active3 may be a bit on the heavier side, but when you account for the durability and material quality of this stroller, it's a worthy tradeoff.
With a fully extendable sunshade providing nearly 100% protection from the sun, enough storage space for multiple souvenirs or backpacks, and cup holders, the Activ3 has all the features we love.
Shop Amazon's Chicco Stroller Prices & Deals
BEST BUDGET STROLLER: Summer Infant, 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative without sacrificing too much quality then the Summer Infant 3D Mini stroller can be found for under $70... if not under $60 when on sale!
The 3D mini isn't going to be built as well as the other strollers on this list but it's still a very respectable stroller with many of the same features.
Shop The Latest Prices & Deals On Summer Infant 3D Mini
Below you'll find our best overall double stroller as well as some honorable mentions for those who need a stroller to carry more than one child!
BEST OVERALL DOUBLE STROLLER: Cortina Together Double Stroller
Our favorite double stroller goes to the Cortina Together for literally checking every box on our must-have list!
Most importantly, the build quality of the Cortina Together is phenomenal and it is equipped with durable and nimble wheels for a long day of stroller-pushing at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
The stroller also has a very long retractable sun visor which provides nearly 100% sun coverage for your little ones. You'll also find plenty of storage space in this stroller which we estimate is enough to hold two small backpacks.
The stroller is also relatively lightweight for its build quality and size - coming in at just under 35 lbs.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT STROLLERS AT DISNEY!
]]>Our stroller guide details Disneyland's rules and policies around strollers and some helpful hints on whether or not you should bring your stroller, or just rent one at the parks.
Disneyland wants to be sure your children feel comfortable throughout the day at the park and that parents have as stress-free of a day as possible.
To help with this, Disneyland does allow you to bring your stroller into both Disneyland and California Adventure.
However, there are certain rules around what is classified as a "stroller" and requirements around sizes you should be aware of before bringing any stroller to Disneyland.
In the next section, we go into detail about Disneyland's stroller policy.
Looking for recommendations on what stroller to purchase for your trip to Disney? Check out our Best Strollers For Disney Guide!
There are only two major rules you need to keep in mind before bringing your stroller to Disneyland.
This policy pertains to all of the Disneyland Resort which includes Disneyland Park, California Adventure, and Downtown Disneyland.
TIP: If you're unsure if your stroller meets these requirements then just rent a stroller at Disneyland or take a look at our Disney Approved Stroller Guide.
While these are the only rules that apply to bringing your stroller into Disneyland, there are a few other general rules to keep in mind while using your stroller at Disneyland.
TIP: Foldable strollers will save you a lot of hassle when trying to board the parking lot tram. Many strollers will not fit on the tram unless they can fold up.
Wagons and "wagon style" strollers are not allowed anywhere at the Disneyland Resort.
This includes Disneyland Park, Downtown Disneyland, and California Adventure.
Even if you don't intend to visit the theme parks and just want to visit Downtown Disneyland you aren't going to bring these strollers into the park.
The only exception to these rules is when oversized or wagon strollers are approved by Disney for medical purposes, often known as "Strollers Used As Wheelchairs".
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]]>Despite Halloween Horror Nights causing reduced operating hours and increased nighttime crowds, October is one of the least busy times of year to visit Universal!
Our Universal Studios Busyness Guide details what types of crowds you can expect to see at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando in October, as well as some ways to plan around Halloween Horror Nights!
Theme parks in general have exploded in popularity over the last 5-10 years and while there previously were times of the year when you could visit a nearly empty Universal theme park, those days are largely over.
Just in the last decade, millions more people are visiting both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood than what we would see back in the early 2000s.
Along with the overall increase in attendance at Universal, a dynamic ticket pricing structure that began a few years ago has helped spread attendance more evenly throughout the year and somewhat eliminated the old "Off Season".
Those who visit Universal during the generally slower travel periods of the year are rewarded with a cheaper ticket price, while those who visit during busier travel periods pay a higher price.
This structure has enticed visitors to travel during times they usually may not have to take advantage of cheaper admission prices, not to mention aggressive sales and promotions that are also offered during the "slow season" (like buy one day, get one free).
While we don't see the same slow periods as we used to at Universal, there are certainly much better times of the year to visit Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood than others.
To optimize your visit to Universal, we've provided some of the best and worst times of the year to consider visiting:
October is one of the best times of year to visit Universal Studios Hollywood not only because no major holidays or school closures are bringing in extra travelers, but the weather in Southern California will really start to get beautiful!
October falls right after the busy travel season and just before Thanksgiving break in November, which means a lot of the country has just wrapped up a lot of traveling or will be preparing for some traveling in the near future.
While of course people travel throughout the year, October is a slow period because of where it falls on the usual travel and holiday calendar.
Because Universal Studios Hollywood will mostly be visited by Southern California locals during this time of year, weekdays in October will be especially great to visit as a lot of folks will either be in school or working.
The weekends will see a bit of an uptick in busyness, but Universal will be generally tame in terms of wait times and crowding.
The only downfall to visiting Universal Studios Hollywood in October is Halloween Horror Nights.
While Halloween Horror Nights is a truly incredible event, it's not designed for children and impacts the normal operating hours of Universal Studios Hollywood.
Halloween Horror Nights will cause Universal Studios Hollywood to close as early as 5 PM on many days throughout September and October as employees switch the park over from "normal" Universal to "Halloween Horror Nights" Universal.
Halloween Horror Nights requires a special ticket to enter the event and a regular general admission ticket to Universal Studios will not get you access to the event.
The downfall here with the reduction in operating hours to accommodate Halloween Horror Nights is you'll of course have much less time to spend experiencing the attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood.
If you don't mind reduced operating hours and planning around Halloween Horror Nights or if you'll be attending Halloween Horror Nights then October is an excellent time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood.October Busy Scale: 4/10
Travel both internationally and domestically will have slowed by October and with no long weekends in the month October sees some of the lowest crowd levels all year at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Florida can still be quite hot in October but temperatures will start to moderate a bit making the days much more enjoyable.
Weekends however will be noticeably busier than weekdays when Florida locals will flock to Universal Orlando to take advantage of their days off. Weekends in October won't be too hard to manage but the parks will certainly feel busy and you should expect some elevated wait times on Saturdays and Sundays.
Just like at Universal Studios Hollywood, the biggest consideration to keep in mind is Halloween Horror Nights.
Halloween Horror Nights will cause Universal Studios to close as early as 5 PM on many days throughout September and October as employees prepare the park for the event.
Halloween Horror Nights requires a special ticket to enter the event and a regular general admission ticket to Universal Studios will not get you access to the event.
If you won't be attending Halloween Horror Nights, then you'll have much less time to enjoy Universal Studios and will need to make sure you have your to-do list planned in advance to help you get everything done in time.
The good news is that Islands of Adventure remains open to those without Halloween Horror Nights tickets for some of the evenings.
While it's nice to have Islands of Adventure remain open for a bit after Universal Studios closes, a lot of people will flock to the park to take advantage of these last few hours.
The park will be noticeably busier for a bit, but will then start to empty as it gets later into the evening, but it'll still feel busier than a normal October evening when both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are open.
October is a great time to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, but take note of operating hours and what you need to get done at Universal with less time available than usual.
October Busy Scale: 4/10
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]]>November brings in the Thanksgiving holiday, which means kids are out of school and families flock to Disneyland, greatly impacting how busy the parks are.
However, not all of November is a busy time to visit Disneyland, and our Disneyland Crowd Guide will detail what you should expect and plan around when visiting Disneyland in November!
There once were very clear "Busy Seasons" and "Off Seasons" at Disneyland where you would see extremely high crowds and then other times where the park sometimes felt empty.
However as Disneyland has become increasingly popular, and a ticket pricing structure was introduced that offers cheaper tickets if you visit during "slower periods" busyness at Disneyland has spread throughout the year.
We see less of a slow season and busy season these days (except a few weeks out of the year) and generally high crowding throughout the year, but some times are better than others to consider visiting.
While there isn't ever a bad time to visit Disneyland you may want to keep in mind some periods of the year to avoid if you have flexibility.
To optimize your visit to Disneyland, we've provided some of the best and worst times of the year to visit Disneyland:
November is both a great time and a very busy time to visit Disneyland depending on when in the month you'll be there.
The first two weeks of the month are generally some of the slowest weeks of the entire year at Disneyland and best of all... holiday decorations will start going up across both parks!
As we get closer to the last two weeks of November, specifically around the Thanksgiving holiday, we'll see the crowds start to significantly increase at both Disneyland and California Adventure.
Many schools across the country get a full week off for Thanksgiving, with many families using this as an opportunity to travel and visit Disneyland.
It's also a popular time of the year for California locals to take their children to Disneyland, only adding to the business.
While Thanksgiving week isn't as busy as Christmas, New Year's, or the 4th of July, it's still in the top 5 most busy times to visit Disneyland.
As a general rule of thumb, the closer you get to Thanksgiving the busier Disneyland will be meaning the beginning of November is best, and you might catch a slight break on the busyness if you visit at the very end of November as well.
Our recommendation is to visit Disneyland during the first two weeks of November and skip the rest of the month if at all possible to experience Disneyland when it's the least busy!
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Dole Whip is one of the most iconic treats at Walt Disney World and we're here to tell you where you can find some Dole Whip when visiting EPCOT.
Refreshment Outpost which is located which is located between the China pavilion and Germany pavilion is your best bet find Dole Whip at EPCOT on occasion throughout the year.
The Refreshment Outpost is loosely themed to an African Safari camp and is often host to a West African-themed food booth during the International Food & Wine Festival.
The star icon indicates where Refreshment Outpost is located
On a rotating basis throughout the year Refreshment Outpost is home to classic Pineapple Dole Whip as well as other seasonal and limited-time favorites.
Aside from the classic Pineapple Dole Whip, you'll be able to try Tangerine, Cherry, and Coconut Dole Whip at Refreshment Outpost as limited-time offerings.
These flavors are typically only available for a few weeks at a time, but the classic pineapple, vanilla, and swirl (pineapple and vanilla mixed) are the more frequently available flavors you'll find available.
While Dole Whip is often available at Refreshment Outpost it's technically not a full-time offering so we recommend always checking the Walt Disney World app to confirm the availability of Dole Whip at Refreshment Outpost before heading over there!
During some of the busiest times of the year like the summer travel season, spring break, and around the holidays you'll have the best chances at finding Dole Whip here.
Dole Whip is also often available during some of the EPCOT Festivals like the Flower & Garden Festival as well as the Festival of the Arts!
Your next best bet to find Dole Whip is going to be at the Hawai'i Festival Booth during the International Food and Wine Festival.
The Hawai'i booth was introduced a few years ago as a new addition to the Food and Wine Festival and has since offered Dole Whip as a dessert option on occasion throughout the years.
While Dole Whip was initially offered during the Food and Wine Festival at Hawai'i for multiple years, it doesn't appear to be featured on the Food and Wine Festival menu for 2023 yet.
That being said we think there is a high likelihood that Dole Whip will return to the Hawai'i festival booth one day due to demand and many requests from guests!
The Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival booth has also been home to a few other delicious Hawaiian dishes including Spam Musubi and Kalua Pork Sliders - some of the best dishes at the entire festival!
The International Food and Wine Festival typically runs each year from late-July to mid-November.
One of the most popular booths at the EPCOT Flower and Garden is Pineapple Promenade and we suspect Dole Whip might have something to do with it!
The Flower and Garden Festival usually runs from early March through early July, so you'll have a solid 4 months to grab a Dole Whip from Pineapple Promenade if it's not being served at the Refreshment Outpost during this time.
In years past Pineapple Promenade has actually had some of the most extensive Dole Whip offerings of any location (including Aloha Island) at Walt Disney World.
Some previous Dole Whip offerings include: Dole Whip with Somus Mango Cream Liqueur, Dole Whip, and Fanta as well as a classic Pineapple Dole Whip cone.
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]]>Our Disneyland Fireworks Guide details what time the fireworks start at Disneyland as well as what firework shows you can expect to see at Disneyland and California Adventure!
There are currently two nighttime shows at the Disneyland Resort, but only one of them is a proper fireworks show.
Currently, the only fireworks show on Disneyland property is Wondrous Journey at Disneyland theme park!
Wondrous Journey is a celebration of The Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary, taking you through the company's history of animated films since Walt Disney himself founded Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Disneyland actually has a variety of fireworks shows that take place on a rotating basis throughout the year.
The current roster of firework shows include:
As mentioned earlier, there are two nighttime spectaculars at the Disneyland Resort, but only one has fireworks.
World of Color, the other nighttime spectacular, takes place at California Adventure and is an absolutely incredible show, but don't expect to see any fireworks.
There are a few moments featuring some very cool pyrotechnic effects but if you're looking for a proper fireworks show then you'll need to head over to Disneyland.
The current fireworks show at, Wondrous Journeys, starts nearly every night at 9:30 PM.
Some of the holiday-specific firework shows at Disneyland may begin at a different time, but you can expect Wondrous Journeys to begin almost always at 9:30.
However, keep in mind this is subject to change at any time due to technical reasons, weather, special events, or unforeseen circumstance.
We recommend always checking the Disneyland event calendar on the morning of your visit for the most accurate fireworks time!
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]]>Costco probably isn't the first place you think of when you're looking for theme park tickets, but along with it's great deals on groceries and household items, Costco can have some of the best deals on SeaWorld tickets!
SeaWorld tickets can sometimes be found at Costco, but buying tickets from Costco can be much different than purchasing directly from SeaWorld.
Our Costco SeaWorld Tickets Guide answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Costco tickets and shares some tips including if these SeaWorld tickets are a good deal!
Costco doesn't sell SeaWorld tickets year-round, but when they do happen to carry tickets, you'll typically find them near the front of the store or at the Costco Travel Desk.
Not every Costco has a Costco Travel Desk so we typically recommend looking near the front of your local Costco for standees or signs about gift cards or tickets.
Often times tickets to things like theme parks get mixed into the area you'll typically find gift cards at Costco.
You'll want to look for those large, cube-shaped displays with hundreds of gift cards (or at some stores these are simply in long rows) and look to see if you have anything that resembles a SeaWorld gift card.
If you look closely you'll find these likely aren't SeaWorld gift cards, but tickets with special deals and pricing for Costco members!
In recent years Costco has shifted away from selling theme park tickets in-store and has generally only made these tickets available online as part of a Costco Vacation Packs.
However, we've still seen theme park tickets and annual passes appear in stores for a limited time, so definitely don't write off Costco when looking for somewhere to save some money on SeaWorld tickets.
If we spot Knott's Berry Farm Tickets at Costco or hear from one of our readers that they're in stock, we'll be sure to update this section.
Other authorized SeaWorld ticket sellers like Theme Park Center have tickets available year-round with great savings compared to what Costco offers.
Unfortunately, we haven't seen SeaWorld tickets available from Costco online in quite a long time.
While Costco has moved most of its travel offerings including theme park vacation packages online, SeaWorld hasn't appeared on their website in the last few years.
Costco has recently shifted to only selling Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland tickets online leaving out dozens of other popular theme parks including SeaWorld.
While we do expect to see SeaWorld tickets pop up at Costco stores occasionally, we don't expect to see SeaWorld tickets appearing on the Costco website anytime soon.
Most SeaWorld ticket deals are along the lines of "Buy Two Days Get One Free", and "Pay For A Day - Come Back All Year Free" as well as free admission to Aquatica, SeaWorld's waterpark, with the purchase of a ticket.
"Buy Two Days Get One Free" offers are relatively straightforward. You will pay the normal price for a two-day ticket to SeaWorld but will get three days of access instead of just two.
The "Pay For A Day - Come Back All Year Free" is by far the best deal and this offer is the equivalent of getting an annual pass to SeaWorld for almost the same price as a single or two-day ticket, making it a no-brainer to purchase if you have multiple visits planned!
We've seldom heard of Costco offering discounts on one-day admission to most theme parks, which means you'll typically find more value in Costco tickets if you're going to visit SeaWorld more than once a year.
Offers are always changing though, so you never know exactly what you'll find at Costco these are mainly just expectations to have in mind when shopping for SeaWorld tickets at Costco.
SeaWorld tickets purchased from Costco typically aren't refundable, but this isn't surprising.
This policy is consistent with nearly everywhere you can buy SeaWorld tickets and not just exclusive to Costco. Theme park tickets are almost always a final sale - including at Disney and Universal.
SeaWorld tickets however are transferable as long as they haven't been used yet.
This means that if you're going to be buying SeaWorld tickets from Costco as a gift for others then you'll have no problem at all doing so.
Once the tickets have been used at SeaWorld then you can no longer transfer the tickets. The same person who uses the ticket when entering the park is the only person who can continue to use that ticket.
You also can't resell the SeaWorld tickets after purchasing them from Costco in hopes to make a profit or make back some of your money if you won't be using the ticket.
Costco typically has some of the best deals on theme park tickets, SeaWorld included!
Depending on the exact ticket deal Costco is offering you could save a substantial amount of money by getting an entire annual pass to SeaWorld for the price of a one-day ticket, or even just a few days of access to the park for free.
If you're looking to spend multiple days at SeaWorld then you'll probably find a great deal at Costco.
On the flip side, if you only had a single day planned for SeaWorld, then you might not find these deals as valuable.
We always recommend comparing all ticket prices and deals available before pulling the trigger on an expensive purchase like SeaWorld tickets, but more often than not, you'll find Costco to have some of the best deals around!
If you were planning to only spend one day at Knott's then make sure to evaluate what Costco is offering vs what you were hoping to spend still makes sense for you.
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]]>
However, with chatter about wagons not being allowed at Disneyland, you'll need to know what to expect before packing up your wagon for a trip to Disneyland.
In March of 2019 Disney implemented a new policy banning wagons and wagon-style strollers at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
This new rule means wagon strollers are not allowed anywhere on Disneyland property.
This includes Downtown Disney District, California Adventure as well as the hotels of Disneyland.
If you have a wagon, it's best to leave it at home!
The only exception to this policy is if you need to have a wagon stroller for medical purposes.
This is known as a "stroller as a wheelchair" which requires a note from a doctor to be shown to Disney cast members at security and/or guest services.
These exceptions are approved by Disney on a case-by-case basis so make sure you're fully prepared to potentially not be allowed to bring your wagon into Disneyland.
There are only two major rules you need to follow before bringing your stroller to Disneyland.
Before purchasing a stroller to bring with you to Disneyland, be sure to double-check the latest rules to ensure your stroller is compliant.
While these rules don't change often, they are subject to change at any time, so they're always worth checking before spending money on a new stroller.
Some examples of popular "Disney Approved" strollers include:
LEARN MORE ABOUT DISNEYLAND!
]]>In our Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Guide, we'll cover what you need to know to save money on your ticket purchase, as well as the top places to buy discounted Universal Studios Hollywood tickets!
Yes, Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are almost always going to be cheaper to purchase online rather than at the park's front gate.
Universal wants people to plan and buy their tickets ahead of time, so they can better estimate the park's attendance on any given day, as well as get you to commit to visiting their theme park!
To get you to commit to purchasing your tickets early, Universal incentivizes guests with cheaper prices online than what you'd pay if you waited to buy your tickets when you arrive at Universal.
So plan ahead and you'll be rewarded with some deals!
You'll also want to purchase your tickets in advance to minimize the risk of tickets being sold out.
During some of the busiest times of the year, Universal Studios Hollywood can sell out of tickets when it's likely the theme park will reach capacity!
The best deals on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets typically only come in two forms:
These are the two most common deals on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets and we seldom see any other sort of discount being offered.
You can expect to see discounts or deals advertising a certain dollar amount ($5-$20) off of the front gate price consistently throughout the year.
Universal Studios Hollywood partners with various authorized ticket sellers to run these deals through, as well as often offering these discounts directly themselves.
There are also times of the year when Universal will offer a buy one day, get one-day ticket deal. Essentially this is a two-day ticket for the price of one offer.
You'll find the best deals if you visit when the parks aren't typically very busy, so don't expect to find any major savings if you'll be visiting Universal Studios Hollywood around major holidays, Spring Break, or throughout the summer.
Purchasing tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood at a discount from a place that might not be directly from Universal Studios may sound sketchy, but there are safe and legitimate ways to go about doing so.
You should only purchase tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood from Authorized Sellers.
We don't recommend ever taking a risk with anyone who isn't an Authorized Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Seller. You'll likely end up with fake tickets, or have some sort of trouble with your purchase.
Authorized Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Sellers have an official relationship with Universal Studios to sell tickets on their behalf at a discounted price or offer special deals.
If you're unsure of if the place you're going to purchase your tickets from is an Authorized Seller, then we would recommend calling Universal directly to verify, or just play it safe and purchase from somewhere else.
Some of the most well-known partners of Universal Studios Hollywood include Costco, Sam's Club, Groupon, Expedia, aRes Travel, and Theme Park Center (us!).
Not every Authorized Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Seller has the same deals, so you'll want to shop around to find the best prices or special offers.
We've listed some of our top places to buy from below:
GROUPON
Groupon consistently has some of the best prices on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets, with the caveat being they don't always have tickets in stock and usually run limited-time-only deals.
With some of the most competitive offers around, we recommend jumping on Groupon's Universal Studios Hollywood tickets when they are available!
THEME PARK CENTER
We here at Theme Park Center also have great deals on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets throughout the entire year!
If you're looking for discounted tickets emailed straight to your inbox, then take a look at what we have to offer!
SEE THEME PARK CENTER'S UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD TICKET DEALS HERE!
GET YOUR GUIDE
Get Your Guide sells discounted tickets to hundreds of attractions globally including tickets to Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.
We've seen that Get Your Guide has some of the cheapest tickets around if you'll be traveling during a busier time of year!
SEE GET YOUR GUIDE'S UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD TICKET DEALS HERE!
SAM'S CLUB
Sam's Club might be most well-known for selling products in bulk and hot dogs for under $2, but Sam's Club also has some of the best deals on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets.
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]]>Our Disney Park Hopper Guide details what exactly the Park Hopper ticket option is, as well as an analysis of if we find the Park Hopper ticket to be a good deal!
When you're looking to purchase tickets to Disneyland or Walt Disney World you will undoubtedly see the "Park Hopper" option pushed more than the single park option.
Park Hopping is the ability to go to multiple Disney parks in one day.
This means that if you're at Walt Disney World, you can start your day at Magic Kingdom and then visit EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios as often as you'd like on the same day.
At Disneyland, Park Hopping gives you the ability to visit both Disneyland and California Adventure on the same day. Just like at Walt Disney World, you can go between the two Disneyland theme parks as many times as you'd like in a single day.
There is no restriction to how many times you "Park Hop" in a single day!
Without Park Hopping added to your Disney ticket, you will only be able to enter one Disney theme park per day. While you may enter and exit that one park as often as you'd like, you cannot access any of the other Disney theme parks.
Park Hopping at Disneyland will only be a good deal if you're visiting the parks for two days or less - it's more of a luxury than a necessity here.
We recommend getting a Park Hopper if you'll be at Disneyland for two days so you can experience Disneyland on your first day, California Adventure for a majority of your second day, and then head back to Disneyland in the evening to experience any attractions you may have missed.
Disneyland typically takes more than one day to experience entirely, but much of California Adventure can be done in a day or less.
If you're only visiting Disneyland for a single day, then getting a Park Hopper is only worth it if you want to see a few of the rides at California Adventure.
It's nearly impossible to do both Disneyland and California Adventure all in one day, so we normally recommend just focusing on one park and skipping the Park Hopper unless you absolutely need to squeeze in a ride or two at one of the other parks.
Once you get to three or more days at Disneyland we don't often find that a Park Hopper is always a good deal.
We most often recommend spending two days at Disneyland and one day at California Adventure and skipping the Park Hopper option to save a sizable chunk of cash. Two whole days at Disneyland, and one whole day a California Adventure should be plenty of time to experience most of the attractions these parks have to offer.
Unlike at Disneyland where we think adding Park Hopper is more of a luxury, Park Hopping at Walt Disney World is more of a necessity!
The main reason we suggest purchasing a Park Hopper ticket at Walt Disney World is because some parks, like Animal Kingdom, do close very early in the day leaving an entire evening available to explore another WDW theme park.
Another (surprising) reason we recommend Park Hopper is that, even though Disneyland has more rides than Walt Disney World, the attractions are much more spread out at Walt Disney World.
This means you can often find yourself in a situation where only a few rides at a certain park interest you - leaving you looking for something else to do only a few hours into your day.
With Park Hopper, you can easily take off to the next park if you're looking for something else to do!
Also, if you find yourself to be a big foodie, you may be heading over to EPCOT multiple times during your stay at Walt Disney World to grab a meal when you're craving something more than the stereotypical theme park burger and chicken tenders.
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]]>With four different parking areas as well as multiple pricing structures, parking at Disneyland can often be a bit confusing.
Our Ultimate Disneyland Parking Guide is here to give you all of the best tips, deals, and need-to-know information to ensure the smoothest arrival possible when parking at Disneyland!
There are four different parking locations available to you when visiting Disneyland:
Pixar Pals and Mickey & Friends Parking Structures are going to be the two primary parking options at Disneyland.
A majority of the guests coming to Disneyland each day will park at either of these two parking structures as it's the most convenient place to park when visiting Disneyland.
The Toy Story Parking Area will require walking to Disneyland's main entrance or taking a shuttle provided by Disneyland. This parking area is often used as the overflow lot when the main parking structures reach capacity.
If you have an oversized vehicle (large truck, RV, bus) you'll need to park at the Toy Story Parking Area. There is no oversized vehicle parking available at Pixar Pals or Mickey & Friends.
The Toy Story Parking Area is a little less than a mile away from Disneyland which is roughly a 15-minute walk. While it's not too far of a distance, we highly recommend taking the shuttles provided by Disneyland for their convenience and air conditioning.
The final parking option is the Simba Parking Lot.
The Simba Parking Lot is primarily reserved for Downtown Disney guests, and we don't recommend parking here.
You'll find two different parking options available at the Disneyland parking locations as well:
You'll find both preferred and standard options available at the Mickey & Friends as well as Pixar Pals Parking Structures. While over at the Toy Story Lot, you'll only have the standard parking option available to you.
Standard Parking is your basic parking option and what most guests of Disneyland purchase each day.
Preferred Parking is a premium parking option that places you closer to escalators, stairs, and elevators for a shorter walk through the parking structure - meaning you'll get to Disneyland a bit faster this way!
Disneyland parking fees vary depending on where you end up parking your car. We've outlined all of the options below:
Pixar Pals + Mickey & Friends Parking Structures
Toy Story Parking Area
We don't recommend parking at the Simba Lot (Downtown Disney parking), but you can find the whole breakdown of how much it'll cost at Downtown Disney here.
You can expect Disneyland parking to open about 60 minutes before the earliest park opening time for the day.
This means that if Disneyland opens at 8 AM and California Adventure opens at 9 AM then you can expect parking to open at around 7 AM. Always plan around the earlier opening time!
During peak travel season such as around the holidays, spring break and summer parking may open a bit earlier than 60 minutes before, so it might not be a bad idea to arrive extra early if you want to be among the first people to get into the parking structures.
The best place to park for Disneyland or California Adventure is going to be the Pixar Pals or Mickey & Friends Parking Structures.
The Pixar Pals structure is slightly closer to Disneyland if you'll be walking, but if you're taking the complimentary shuttle tram (the recommended option) both structures are equal distance.
We wouldn't put too much thought into deciding between Pixar Pals or Mickey & Friends because they're nearly identical in every way that matters.
The Toy Story Parking Area is a distant second in our books in terms of where to park.
Unless you're arriving in an oversized vehicle or bus, in which case you must park at the Toy Story Parking Area, there's no real reason to do so.
Electric Vehicle (EV) parking is available at Disneyland, but your options are going to be very limited.
We wouldn't recommend planning on charging your car at Disneyland because of how few spots are available and how quickly they get taken.
Handicap parking is available at all of the Disneyland parking locations. Guests much present a disabled parking placard or license plate to access handicapped parking at Disneyland.
There are no discounts or free options for Handicap parking.
More often than not we choose to skip on Preferred Parking as we don't mind a bit of extra walking on our Disneyland trips.
However, after a very long day in the parks, especially in the summer heat, having a shorter walk back to our car always sounds nice.
Preferred Parking will probably save you on average about 5 minutes of walking time (a couple of hundred steps), but can be more or less depending on where exactly you leave your car within the Preferred Parking area. Disney Cast Members direct you to a parking spot, so unfortunately you don't get to pick the best spot yourself.
If you don't mind walking a lot then Preferred Parking likely isn't worth it for you.
If you want to save as much time and energy as possible for your time at Disneyland and California Adventure, then you might find some value in Preferred Parking!
The best way to get a discount or even free parking at Disneyland is by having a Magic Key.
If you possess an Inspire Key (the most premium version of the Magic Key) then you'll have free parking at Disneyland for as long as your Magic Key is valid.
The Dream Key on the other hand provides you with a 50% off discount on parking.
The smallest discounts on parking are with the Enchant and Imagine Key gets you a discount of 25% at the Toy Story Parking Area, but no discount at the Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals parking structures.
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]]>We'll share the latest on Downtown Disney's parking validation policy as well as some of our tips to make the most of the validation options.
When you arrive at the Simba Lot (Downtown Disney's primary parking area) you'll have to pull a parking ticket at the gate.
That parking ticket is critical for you to hold onto for parking validation and paying for your parking. If you lose this ticket you will have to pay an additional fee!
To get your parking ticket validated you will need to spend a minimum of $20 on food or merchandise at Downtown Disney.
Be sure to bring your ticket with you when you make this purchase as the restaurant or store where you make the $20+ purchase will validate your parking ticket for you on the spot.
If you forget to show your parking ticket after making the purchase you'll want to hold onto your receipt. Your experience may vary depending on the specific restaurant or store, but you may be able to get your parking validated if you show your receipt and explain what happened.
Parking at Downtown Disney without getting any sort of validation gets expensive very fast!
For the first hour of parking at Downtown Disney you'll be paying $10.
Any additional hours spent at Downtown Disney after the first hour will be charged at $14 per hour.
So far a quick three-hour trip to Downtown Disney without any sort of validation you can expect to pay $34.
If you won't be getting your parking validated then it may be worth it to consider parking at the Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals parking structures instead. The parking fee at these two locations is a flat rate of $30 for the entire day.
As you can imagine, validated parking at Downtown Disney is a much better deal than unvalidated parking.
One misconception about Downtown Disney Parking validation is that you won't have to pay anything at all once validated. Unfortunately, this isn't true and there is still a fee even when your parking ticket has been validated.
No matter what you will need to pay the initial $10 first hour fee.
However, after getting your parking ticket validated you will get an additional 3 hours for free.
By validating your parking ticket you essentially get four hours of parking at Downtown Disney for $10 instead of $48!
Alternatively, you can get 5 hours of free parking (for a total of 6 hours for $10) when you dine at any Disney table service restaurant in Downtown Disney.
This offer is only valid for locations at Downtown Disney and parking will not be validated if you dine or shop at Disneyland or California Adventure.
The hotels of Disneyland (Pixar Place, Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian) also do not provide any sort of Downtown Disney parking validation.
Below is a list of locations at Downtown Disney that provide parking validation.
Be sure to double-check upon arrival at the restaurant or store that parking validation is still being offered!
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]]>Our Magic Kingdom Parking Guide will detail where you can park when visiting Magic Kingdom, as well as our suggestions and favorite spots to park!
The most popular and closest place to park for Magic Kingdom is the Transportation & Ticket Center.
The route to the Ticket & Transportation Center is straightforward as you'll follow all posted signage and directions for Magic Kingdom to arrive at the Ticket & Transportation Center.
Once you arrive at the Ticket & Transportation Center you'll have the option to choose between standard or Preferred Parking and then follow Disney cast members to the next available parking space.
From the Transportation & Ticket Center, you'll need to take the monorail or ferryboat to arrive at the front gates of Magic Kingdom.
There is no parking available right at the gates of Magic Kingdom - the Ticket & Transportation Center is the Magic Kingdom parking lot.
It's also useful to know that the Transportation & Ticket Center is one of the earliest parking lots to open for access to the Magic Kingdom.
Parking at EPCOT is another great option if you plan to visit Magic Kingdom, especially if you plan to park hop.
What makes EPCOT stand out from the other Walt Disney World theme parks when it comes to Magic Kingdom is that EPCOT is connected to the Ticket & Transportation Center via monorail.
The EPCOT monorail allows you to directly travel to the Ticket & Transportation Center and then grab another monorail or ferryboat to Magic Kingdom.
No extra driving is needed!
If you plan to park hop between EPCOT and Magic Kingdom then we suggest leaving your car at EPCOT as the parking lot is a bit smaller and easier to navigate.
If you're going to end the day at Magic Kingdom instead of EPCOT then we recommend parking at the Ticket & Transportation Center (Magic Kingdom's parking lot).
It will be much easier to access your car after a long day (no need to switch monorails) and you don't have to worry about monorail service to EPCOT ending if Magic Kingdom is open much later than EPCOT.
You can also park at any of the other Walt Disney World theme parks to get to Magic Kingdom!
Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the waterparks all have bus transportation to Magic Kingdom which picks up guests about every 10-15 minutes.
The best part about this is you'll be dropped off right at the Magic Kingdom bus loop and you won't need to stop at the Ticket & Transportation Center like you would if you were driving.
Similar to our EPCOT recommendation, we'd suggest only doing this if you're going to go to Magic Kingdom first and then return to one of the other theme parks.
Waiting for a bus at night and then walking to your car is often much more exhausting than jumping on the monorail and heading straight to your car after a long day.
You also won't have to worry about bus service to any of these other theme parks ending if Magic Kingdom is open much later than the other parks.
Keeping your car at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel is another alternative parking option for Magic Kingdom.
Keep in mind that you can only park at a Disney hotel if you have a hotel reservation on the property, otherwise, you will not be allowed in unless you have a dining reservation.
Every hotel on Disney property has transportation to Magic Kingdom in some way.
Polynesian Village, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary are all connected to Magic Kingdom via a walking path and transportation by monorail.
All other hotels at Disney have bus service directly to the Magic Kingdom which allows you to bypass the Ticket & Transportation Center.
If you're staying on Walt Disney World property then taking transportation from your resort hotel directly to Magic Kingdom is a fantastic alternative to driving your car and parking at the Ticket & Transportation Center.
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