8 Expert HACKS to make Disneyland EASIER!

[@emilyfink1185]

First, stay on Harbor Blvd at the simple hotel, motel, Inn…and walk the 5-10 min walk. No waits…. No battles, no crowd. 2nd, rope drop. 3rd, only use genie once you’ve gone on the most popular rides. 4th. Mobile order food! Always! 5th, shop in middle of day when lines are longest, park full, and hottest. 5th, if with little children, take advantage of mid day nap. 6th, fireworks at Galaxy edge or by Its a Small world.

[@CarolCap131]

Agreed with all these though only did small world not galaxy’s edge ( thanks for that hack)for fireworks and used them on Easter trip to Disneyland. If using genie my favorite hack is to look for temporarily closed rides with nearby times. If the ride stays down it is so helpful to get a pass that can be used at any time of your choosing on various rides. Though you can no longer use for non-genie rides in Disneyland you could still use on non genie rides like Pixar pal around at dCA even if you earned the experience at Disneyland. It was different each day but got 6 on Easter including some goldens that let us do Indiana jones and runaway railroad twice with no zig zagging. Got at least one on four other days. And being able to do rides at will with no zig zagging was priceless at 76!

[@billycanojr]

🤫 shhh if everyone does it it won’t be as advantageous for the rest of us. 😆

[@lcflngn]

@theshtcoinclub5879Yes! Mostly for us older folk. Brought nieces last yr, forgot 7 yr olds hate naps. My 22 yr old daughter was in charge of her & got no nap. The 15 yr old and I napped hard. So refreshing.

[@stephanieboe]

We stay at Tropicana across the street. Love the location!

[@jmsena]

For first timers the castle fireworks are a non negotiable.

[@JMCAragorn]

Your Tree Trick at Gate 19/20 BLEW MY MIND. This video was indeed a masterpiece. 😎

[@solarwhale]

The trick works for any tree, it's also especially useful because more strollers are on the M&F side as well. People are usually more prepared on the Harbor side.

[@JMCAragorn]

@@solarwhale Good to know! Thank you!

[@ultimaratioregum3522]

One trick I tend to use, that David hasn't covered already in his tips, is taking my meals a little early. I'll grab lunch at 11am and dinner at 5pm. This usually puts me just ahead of the lunch/dinner rush. As I leave the dining, the rush is beginning. This not only lowers the time I have to spend on food, but then I am free to get on more attractions while other people are caught in the dining rushes. Even with mobile order, things can sometimes back up, so if you eat at off peak times, you are in and out rather quickly. It's also much easier to find a table during crowded days.

[@FreshBakedDisney]

I actually talk about this strategy in our next state of Disneyland report :)

[@ultimaratioregum3522]

@FreshBakedDisney That does not surprise me. I've noticed over the years that you use the same techniques and observations for navigating the parks that I do. One of the reasons I have watched this channel for so long is because I feel like we operate on the same wavelength in that regard.

[@rogerh2694]

Probably just a strategy in general anywhere

[@Intryx]

Wanted to note that the "Change Arrival" principle also works really well for Genie+ reservations!

[@OliverPascual13]

One more note about the Toy Story lot vs Mickey and Friends: As someone that regularly drives in from San Diego, it's really nice that there's a restroom at the Toy Story lot that we can use before going through security and boarding the busses.

[@prest0ncali]

There’s a restroom before security at Mickey and Friends too

[@HollyMarie72]

Oh for sure! Agreed! We drive up from San Diego too ☺️

[@ritasmith3403]

Where is the restroom at Toy Story? Thanks

[@KookieDough]

There is restrooms at Mickey and friends tho

[@lieslvista]

How much does parking cost at each lot?

[@kerrykellymusic]

The tree at entrance #20 and mobile order refresh for earlier time slot tips both worked like charms today! Thanks, Dave.

[@JacqueMoutier]

Took your advice to heart and implemented almost every hack you listed. Thank you! You made our day so much more efficient. It was also a great surprise, having parked in the Toy Story lot and, by coincidence, sitting next to you in the shuttle to the parks. It was a pleasure to meet you! Thanks again for the hacks!! You were the HERO of our day!!

[@FreshBakedDisney]

I'm so glad the hacks worked for you! That Toy Story lot parking is a great way to start the day.

[@AshleyPeterson-h1o]

I cannot tell you how helpful these were. We’ve been pass holders for years and some of these were still super helpful. The refresh helped us get my daughter a plain cheeseburger in 15 minutes when hungry bears reopening had a wait of 2 hours. She has arfid and wont eat much in the parks. You quite literally saved everyone’s happiness and a little girl from anxiety Friday!

[@bellaguzman9]

We need a whole video about what points in each queue correlates to a certain wait time!

[@SherbetAlex]

That varies greatly for every attraction. However, that analysis has actually been done for one attraction so far: Disneyland's Rise of the Resistance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJbMgq2lpq2dotE

[@lisadavis7055]

It’s crazy we have to do all this strategy to go to Disneyland and use all the attractions. It’s helpful and I’m grateful for your videos

[@dbdb4962]

This is one of the best videos. I'd consider myself an out of town expert who goes 2-3 times a year and most videos I don't learn, I learned so much from this one.

[@brendendobreff9998]

I see you at Disneyland all the time! You're the best!

[@calistogasteve3128]

The Tree Trick! Who knew? And the Change Arrival Window trick! excellent tips Dave. Thank you.

[@meganhead0075]

Love Fresh Baked! “Man of the people.” Thank you for these tips!

[@FreshBakedDisney]

Our pleasure!

[@joelmedina3404]

We usually try to get in the Pixar parking and get on the Monorail at Downtown Disney. It drops you off in tomorrow land by the submarine ride.

[@Cranchit]

Definitely trying the tree trick on my visit. I have also used Uber to get to the park and that saved me quite some time with parking and waiting on extra transportation from the garages to the front gates.

[@haleyallen8896]

I was a part of the Disney College Program in 2018 and whenever I wanted to go to the park as a guest, not while working, I would park at the Toy Story lot too! It was always such a smoother ride to and from the parks! Especially on busy days!

[@CarolCap131]

Loved the mobile order hack. As a usualWDW east coaster , when we did a 5 day visit over Easter at Disneyland we loved the fireworks and projections back at small world! I’m 76 and being able to sit on a bench at a raised area there was really unbelievable and a magical view imo.

[@FreshBakedDisney]

Small world is a great plan B!

[@TheTrevProduction]

6:29 for Goofy’s sky school it’s also worth noting that the single rider queue before noon is usually completely empty (you can even see in this video it’s completely empty) I’ve literally walked on that ride multiple times because of this!

[@TheGypsyGirl77]

The line tip is right on. If too far away when the time is low chances are slim to take advantage of the low wait.

[@dhpat805]

So much anxiety! Fresh Baked tips reduce the anxiety!

[@angelikaobradovich9267]

The mobile order hack also works for lightning lane bookings too! Thanks for the tips!

[@mr.biggleswalker.9128]

Historically, one of the great things about attending a theme park was how casual and relaxing it was. With monetized lines, those halcyon days are gone. It’s a big loss.

[@jmsena]

If you buy the the line it’s very relaxing, unless the ride breaks than there’s going to be some angry guests 😂 you’ve never seen rage until you see a 1st timer locked out of their ride due to closure.

[@kirk8321]

We went to Disneyland Paris last summer in June. We were amazed that we got a spot right in front of the castle to watch their projection and drone show only an hour before it began at park closing (11pm). There was no big crowd it was no hassle, completely different from stateside experiences. And the show turned out to be amazing.

[@Canrugger]

Thats why i use touring plans app for wait times

[@samuelmartinez8761]

Dang it, I wish I would have watched this sooner before I went to both parks on December 2024... Thank you for your advice...

[@MArStor]

My son is obsessed with the tram and I think it was his favourite ride the first time we visited haha. We love to play back home: "driver you are clear...beep beep!" No way he will agree to take the bus. We had to take the bus in Feb 2022 when the trams were out of service.

[@matthewmcmuldren8155]

We were just in Disneyland this past weekend and used many of the tips you have been sharing in your recent videos. From time of day stuff, paying attention to the app vs real wait times, and then used the Jolly Holiday trick to order and change the time window. We have been to Disneyland many times and still found lots of your tips in recent videos helpful! Also saw you filming on Father's Day at Matterhorn and on Teacups.

[@GIRLNEXTDOOR79]

Thanks for the tip on gate 20 I will try that for my trip tomorrow also one tip you can avoid all that and just go through where the monorail stops at in downtown Disney.

[@zzzaxs]

Do the busses at Toy Story Parking run until the park closes?

[@darcieharvey2945]

Just got back from Disneyland and I used the mobile order refresh hack constantly, game changer thanks so much. Also the entry gate 20 idea definitely saved us a 20-30 minute wait. Brilliant. Please encourage folks to not do Incredicoaster Single Rider line. It was a mess, took me longer than the posted wait time. Surprisingly inefficient for Disney when the Radiator Springs single rider line works perfectly.

[@AngelaCastroVanLiew]

I usually drive to the parks and always park at Mickey & Friends/Pixar Pals, arriving at 6:45-6:55am and have always made Rope Drop.

[@AngelaCastroVanLiew]

But I’m not opposed to Toy Story. I went last week and took Lyft to the resort. Dropped off at the Harbor Blvd security at 6:55am. Three minutes through security. Still made rope drop after dropping my backpack at a locker, using the restroom and grabbing a coffee.

[@AngelaCastroVanLiew]

I did take your advice about posted wait times in the app - I rope dropped Peter Pan (I rarely go on it but was curious). Posted wait time at Rope Drop was 45 minutes. I was on and off in 27 minutes.

[@susanwalker7476]

Thanks for the parking tip we are staying not to far from toy story parking over the 4th of July weekend ❤❤

[@josuelinares8819]

This is what I'm looking for when I look for tips and tricks. Thanks!

[@Pestsoutwest]

I love waiting by the magic morning gate and waiting for it to turn into normal entrance.

[@reedjacksonmaccom]

12:49 favorite tip. thanks for the red arrow 😊

[@mr_michael]

Not the tree trick! 😂 Thanks for filling me in on the Viewliner!

[@FreshBakedDisney]

My pleasure Michael!

[@n8thegr8sgreatadventures64]

Yeah the wait time going up as I’m going to the line has happened countless times!

[@rexnewcombe8337]

David, so when my sister and I stayed at one of the motels and it was a little farther, we took the local bus that comes to where you are staying. You can get a pass ticket for how many days you want. It goes to all hotels and motels then into the drop off at the main area where all buses stop at the Disney Resort. That way you can leave your car and only pay for the bus ride . So check it out and ask at your hotel front desk for information.

[@BLC452]

At Disney today and the gate 19 tip worked like a charm!! Thank you!

[@SmashTheNumbers]

That "gate 20" strategy is so next level! Upon reflection, I do that all the time at buffets at conferences and weddings and also at Costco gas stations, stadiums, getting on trains and even getting through airport security (there is a secret line at Detroit Metro Airport that is just like "gate 20"). There is typically a second (or most strategically situated) line and people are distracted and don't notice. Go to the one that is further away for most people and look for opportunities near obstructions. 🤠

[@brandonsbillings]

Just did 2 days at DCA / DL and used every single one of these tips. Amazing!! We were especially surprised at how chill the Toy Story lot was! Thanks for helping us do Disneyland like the locals 😊

[@kimberlyapril9562]

Thanks for the info on mobile order hack! We'll be there next week.

[@resikat]

I thought I knew disney pretty decently but I just learned soo much! I wanna go back just to test and use all your tricks! 😆

[@Thinker-bs9xe]

Going to disney and so many jargons...feels like SAT exam

[@rogerh2694]

It's a strategy game planning out DL. Really need to optimize everything to not get stuck. I think DL can do a better job on their end to not put all the complexity on us cus I'm spending hrs just planning.

[@heathertimothy5571]

The Toy Story shuttle is a life saver. We stay at Motel 6, and walk to the shuttles from there. Sure, it's kind of nonsensical to walk there just to turn around and drive back toward our hotel, but when you're exhausted at the end of the day, it's amazing to not have to walk that extra distance.

[@MordricEmanuelHeinrich]

Indeed, i have been here and i went to my hotel room exhausted, and it is just as you described it!

[@mjarviejr]

Thanks for the mobile order tip and the buffet tip. Even as a veteran it’s nice to learn better ways to do things.

[@jasmineharrison673]

That mobile order time refresh is an absolute life saver. I found it once when I went into change to a later time because the kids decided they wanted to go on a ride at the time wed chosen. I saw 'NOW' available and clicked it so fast 😂 Also this isnt really a hack but the most magical way to see fireworks is definitely while riding The Matterhorn. We always try and tee up our ride with the fireworks. It can work pretty well if you keep an eye on and use the single rider lane.

[@FreshBakedDisney]

Changed EVERYTHING for me when it came to mobile order.

[@ClaerisGames]

The parade camping and riding thing is legit though. I think I've watched the fireworks all the way through just once? ever? No, it's the best time to loop space mountain or the new star tours to get different paths and such. One time, back when the doors still worked on Indy, I rode it about five or six times in a row during some of those later-night things. When there's literally nobody in line, there's nothing wrong with jumping that little rope fence from the exit back into the queue to run again lol

[@TylerF33]

people should be paying for this much valuable info in one video

[@littlefoot5897]

I do tip #5 all the time. Great tips! Thanks for everything you do

[@Dan11111-p]

thank you!

[@evetheoracle]

Was in the park today and got my combo from jolly holiday an hour earlier with your trick, thank you Fresh Baked! ✨

[@DisabledNomads]

Does Disney have any plans for using Drone shows instead of, or in conjunction with, fireworks?

[@Coast2Coast88]

One mobile order hack for our family is that while I am mobile ordering, someone in our party goes to secure a table for us. Nothing worse than standing there with food trays and nowhere to sit. Manage your party! Send some out to reserve the seats, send some to get the food, designate one to handle all the genie reservations!

[@tracy1190]

QUESTION: We’re going to be staying at a motel north of Disneyland park. Which route would be the best to reach the Toy Story parking lot? Is it safe (traffic-wise) to take S Harbor Blvd from E Ball Rd, or should we turn right from E Ball onto S Anaheim Blvd, then right on W Katella Ave, & left on S Harbor & cut through that way? Thanks! 🥖✨

[@jasonstreet_art]

Oh, good! Got nervous. He still saved some of the best secrets. Muahaha! Great video here! Even I didn't know about the mobile ordering idea.. I use the same method of refreshing for my same day booking if I want a certain park or if it's unavailable but usually I find if it's passed noon.. it's locked for the day.

[@Arianaree]

How is catching the shuttle back to Toy Story lot? Are there plenty of busses or is there a wait ?

[@bum2chair]

So much easier. There are no safety checks like on the trams and when one bus leaves there's another right there waiting usually.

[@ruthmacias]

Are there 2 shows for fantasmic everyday? Im going nov. 16th and I couldn’t reserve the dining package 😢

[@alison2649]

Wow did they change the line locations for Soace Mountain in the last 4 yrs? I was there pre-pandemic and I don’t recognize the Soace Mountain “que “ that you showed

[@cassiamcgee5311]

I feel like that is what they are getting rid of is the tree at Gate 20 lol

[@yoopergamer2121]

I’m going to need you to do this at Disney World now. Thank you!! 😂😂

[@lindaballendine6642]

Thanks for the tips! My hubby and I are going the first week in September for one day (Park Hopper) so these will definitely help😉

[@vickymartinez1631]

Question about parking at Toy Story and taking the shuttle. Does the shuttle run after midnight? Or does it stop running at a certain time?

[@FreshBakedDisney]

Shuttle runs until an hour after closing.

[@KeelyHyslop]

Great video! Loved the tips! Thank you! Would love to see a video on how best to spend your afternoon at Disney. When it’s hot and the crowds are surging, but you don’t want to necessarily go take a nap and you can only spend so much time eating.

[@lddcavalry]

Excellent

[@KayWesDM]

Dang David, you just gave away the keys to the kingdom. 😄 Thank you though for the great pro tips! Can’t wait to try them.

[@joannnorton9517]

Do you know is Disney will allow you to buy Genie Plus ahead of your trip?

[@jenjerman.lifeafterfive.2451]

We always come from 350 miles away, I never need to park, but I do know about the rest of the tips, I know a lot of fun things to do and see that people want to go with me.

[@pixie.dust.parkhopper]

The fireworks tip, is there a time that they put up the ropes and can I just stand in the middle of the street while I wait for the ropes to come up? Thanks David!

[@crossoverdreamer7016]

I have a hack for Disneyland: usually, these places to sit are available at the last minute: the Alice in Wonderland restrooms and the low brick wall by the Main Street USA railway station.

[@tfcyclist]

What if you're at the parking structure but you're first in line? do you think the bus is still faster? We end up parking on one of the upper floors but we're right next to the big escalators and we're usually on the first tram that takes you to the park.

[@PhoenixVic21]

I love this video! Watch Fresh Baked enough and you will pick up on most of these. This puts it all into one video! Love yea, Dave! Another one to go along with Lightening Lane/Genie+ is the go/no go. Take a moment to look at the line and Lightening Lane/Genie+ to gage if it is a go/no go. The time might be posted one thing while the line is another. While doing this also look at how many rotations the line might be (this one is honestly a bit harder to understand and do, but if you watch Fresh Baked enough you might pick up on it over time. I know I have.)

[@susanwood210]

Question: Why is there a reservation to get in the them park, do you have to have a reservation to get in the them park

[@FreshBakedDisney]

you do yes.

[@susanwood210]

@FreshBakedDisney ok so how do that on the reservation

[@dianathomas9405]

Thank I enjoyed the information.

[@drguerrero5384]

WoW this hacks are super cool I’m going for the first time next August…I’m definitely try them

[@biancar481]

I’ve tried Toy Story parking several times - based solely on your rec. While you arrive at the park pretty quickly, it takes at least 30 to 45 minutes to get on a bus back to the lot in the afternoon. Not fun for tired, cranky families! So it’s Pixar Pals lot for me every time.

[@GLC-1979]

Exactly, so M&F garage you can take the loss in the AM but if you can sneak out at a random time you can fly out of there with no issues.

[@Maverick19977]

Its about a 15min walk if you’re willing. I know it seems like eternity at the end of a long day but its better than waiting for the bus when its crowded. 7eleven on the way there if you want to stop for a snack too lol

[@luisenrique510]

My personal hack, I use a roof cargo box on the SUV( even tho it’s empty) you get directed to the area where all the handicap parking is since it’s considered too tall to enter the garage.

[@FrannyPancakes]

This video was phenomenal and so very helpful for our trip coming in July!!!

[@FreshBakedDisney]

Glad it was helpful!

[@toshibavoodoo]

Good Stuff!!

[@K3lley-j1b]

Great tip about gate 20! I am definitely going to try this when I visit Disney in September 🙌 thanks!

[@gloriamucha3618]

Thanks for the video! This will be our first time visiting Disneyland and DCA for all 4 adults and 2 children. We’re planning to stay at the Hyatt place close to the ToyStory parking lot. I called the hotel regarding some questions and when I mentioned that we were planning to walk to the toystory parking lot the attendant replied by saying that he would recommend it because they ask for parking tickets as you board the Disney shuttles. Is this true? I’ve read in other chats (a bit old 2022) that it’s not recommended to walk, but that the shuttles are open to anyone visiting the parks. Thanks in advance for your help.

[@TimBaker]

These are amazing tips! I knew some of them, but there were some new ones to me, and I've been going to Disneyland for over 40 years!

[@LeviSantana-bq6io]

Added tip/personal opinion current projections and firwork show is amazing to watch at small world

[@jcamp9293]

See you at gate 20!

[@richporter3314]

I often take my work truck, it's a Chevy 3500 (non dually) with a full size bed rack. Due to its size, as long as I show up early and spots are available, they park me on the bottom level of Mickey and Friends by the electric vehicle chargers. It's awesome. Each ticket booth has an Orange line (I believe it's orange) that is the height indicator. If your truck or van is above that line they send you left to the awesome bottom floor lot. Be warned though, if you show up late and no spots are available, they will send you to Toy Story lot. I love Mickey and Friends, I feel like the Tram is the final ride of the day and if you get back before fireworks, you can watch the fireworks before going to your car from the parking structure.

[@efrainfjr]

The mobile order hack has worked for me every time! My gf didn't believe me, but it has saved me a bunch of time!

[@randykillman6475]

Good one

[@bluebirdtravelco]

Thank you!!!! I e are going in September. This is so helpful.

[@solarwhale]

No idea why but the Toy Story security staff are so much friendlier!

[@travisadamson9428]

I have been going to Disneyland for almost 40 years now, and I think I have only parked at Mickey and Friends like two or three times total since it opened. I like to park at Toy Story just because it is so easy to get in and out of and I prefer the bag check before I get on the bus/tram.

[@PeachyFlee]

Love the gate 20 hack, thank you!!!!!

[@MariaRawrz]

Solid video! I recently discovered the tree hack on my own and I was shocked I hadn't learned sooner. Also if you aren't worried about time, getting to Mickey and friends 40 minutes to an hour early will get you close to front of the line for parking. Also same with shows. Always do the 2nd show! And if you want front row seats, get there 40 minutes to an hour early. But I LOVED the mobile order hack! Thanks Dave!

[@danceninja21]

Thank you for these tips. I'm proud to say I learned all these from your previous videos and it is nice to have them all in one place. Didn't know about the gate trick. Thank you!

[@tigerloverme6383]

I'll do you one better on parking, don't park on a Disney lot. Park at the Anaheim Gardenwalk. It's less expensive, never crowded, and a 10 minute walk from your car to the Disney security line. Plus, you don't have to get shoved in the lines for the trams/buses at the end of the night. You can typically find a line of Magic Key bumper stickers on the closest side of the parking lot to Disney because they know what's up 😂

[@MordricEmanuelHeinrich]

You sure do know it

[@captainlight8050]

Where is the parking lot there ?

[@darleneboice2855]

Do you also have expert tips for DCA?

[@pinkpegasus6144]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is invaluable.

[@FreshBakedDisney]

You're so welcome!

[@thesarcasticalaskans]

The app que thing is so interesting to me. For sure in Disney World I don’t think this would work. So often when we went it was 2 hours for rise and that que was definitely 2 hours long.

[@mikekimura2532]

Nice Pro Tips, Thanks! Yeah Gate #20 works well when the lines are long. Toy Story parking lot is NOT covered! Sorry not parking my car there in the Sun (nor rain)

[@beckydowney6390]

2 Questions! Is the ART bus from the Toy Story lot free? And do strollers have to be folded up to get on the bus?

[@WindowtotheMagic]

Yes, and yes

[@michaelrubin408]

Is a VIP tour worth it to do just once?