EVERYTHING To Do at Disneyland That's NOT A RIDE

[@soniaz1487]

Honest to goodness, I love this video. It really shows a whole new world (pun intended) at Disneyland that I have never seen before and don't other content creators are covering. This is the magic of Disney that I would love to experience. Tom Sawyers Island, the caves, the pirates, the shows, the freebies, dancing Woody, hidden Mickeys. So much fun!!!!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RionGreenhouseKit]

I like to bring extra change and then leave pairs of quarters (like little Mickey ears) on the counter of the shooting gallery. Always hope some kids run up without money and then find a bit of DL magic.

[@janentertain]

Brilliant

[@trentbateman9362]

I love that. I alot of time there and I like to have extra quarters on hand for when I hear parents say they don't have the money for it. I also like to do it at the carnival games on the pier. Bring enough money to let the kid win then play again to win my girlfriend something

[@mzsantana87]

I really liked this video. There is so much to do at Disneyland and DCA that it’s impossible to do and see everything unless you’re going for like 4-5 days. Those people who are going for longer amounts of times can focus on rides the first few days and then just enjoy the shows and other experiences in the middle. That is if they don’t take that day to relax at the hotel and pool. It’s no rush to just walk around for the day and sit and enjoy the shows and not have to worry about standing in lines all day.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

It was rather relaxing not having to fight the crowds for lines at rides. 😂 Earlier in the day we had near private use of the places we went.

[@tinkershell1856]

I usually take 4-day trips. I rope drop rides from 8-12, have lunch, then shop on my way out to my hotel. I come back for dinner, shows, Tiki Room, and non-ride activities when the lines are long and it’s still hot out. I never thought to do one day of no (or few) rides toward the end, but that sounds awesome! 🤩❤

[@melanierodgers6794]

I'll be going back to DL after years at WDW and your videos are so helpful! The level of organization and detail that go into your layouts and editing CANNOT be easy but it makes it so easy for the viewers to navigate, so thank you!!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Any amount of effort is worth it when it helps people. I’m so glad you enjoy the videos!

[@Candy-sy6eo]

I love live music at Disneyland!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

My favorite one is the sea shanties by Pirates.

[@socal_haunts_and_parks]

Another amazing Vlog from Travor So Cal Disney Dad. Home run again.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Thank you!

[@tomithot261]

Really great piece ... especially for a group of seniors who plan to visit Disneyland when it is not so hot! You do a great job sharing info. Love your video work, positive attitude and enjoy getting to know the family.

[@TrentonBlessWrestlemania489]

Honestly, this is a great video! Disneyland is so much more than rides. There aren't a ton of videos that feature non-ride things to do, and I love all the lovely little secrets that Disneyland holds! And you guys are going to Aulani? My soon-to-be wife and I are gonna be headed there in May.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I actually couldn’t find a single video around this topic (for figuring out how to title and arrange the thumbnail) except one of these I did back in 2021. We are going to Aulani in May as well! We check in May 21st and are there for four nights.

[@TrentonBlessWrestlemania489]

@@SoCalDisneyDad We'll be there in early May, with a small Disneyland trip right after.

[@tbx59]

The castle walkthrough is as hidden as a gem can be in Disneyland - it's a cool pop-up book

[@kimberlyphifer2391]

This is actually one of our favorite ways to do Disney! Yes, we do do the rides too, but the other experiences are some of our faves! Thanks for posting this!

[@mauracarr]

Thank you so much for this!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Thanks for watching!

[@martincortez3590]

Thank you for a awesome video of California adventure and Disneyland.

[@tinkershell1856]

This is such a great video!!! ❤❤❤ There’s even more that could be in a Part 2! Fantasy Faire has a contraption that makes Clopin dance, I think (Vague memory of this), plus Rapunzel’s Tower lights up as she sings. There’s Fortune Redd in NOS, the gorgeous path behind Grizzly with the waterfalls and I’m sure much more I don’t know about. I plan to do a series of hidden paths for my channel next time I’m there. The Emporium shop window dioramas too 💜

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yes! I actually recorded Clopin, but edited it out of the final take in order to make the video more “streamlined” Totally forgot to walk through the amazing path behind Grizzly. It is GORGEOUS over there.

[@deadlyjello4296]

The Jack Sparrow run was perfection!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

🤣

[@Briethesupreme]

Such a beautiful family! Thank you for these videos I love them ❤❤

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Thank you for watching!

[@jenn8773]

Loved this video! Also love any video with food recommendations. Keep up the good work!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Food is the best part about Disneyland. 😂

[@PorchPotatoMike]

Right now they have the Easter egg hunts in Disneyland, DCA, and Downtown, which are a blast. And of course there are the evening shows: World of Color, Fantasmic and the fireworks (which I can actually look out my bedroom window and see as I’m typing this).

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I thought about mentioning the egg hunt, but it’s such a limited thing, I think it’s really only this time of year. Unless they’re going to add the pumpkin search to the parks too this year. I did like it inside the parks than just downtown Disney.

[@Sandiastef]

I enjoyed this so much! Thanks for making this video.

[@laurelapplegate1852]

If you are around on April 15th ( at Disneyland) - Grants Pass (Oregon) High School marching band will be preforming on Main St USA around 2:30 - with lots of parents/family and friends wearing our “special” Minnie ears - come film it!🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We are going on April 14th. Unfortunately, my family is blocked out on Saturdays permanently from here on out until they can upgrade to the next level pass (which isn’t until our renewal period in August).

[@laurelapplegate1852]

@@SoCalDisneyDad well- a different HS from my area will be preforming on Friday They are North Valley HS/ also from GP They probably have lots of family and friends coming too.

[@gladysselfridge2803]

Love it!! We easily spent 30 mins with the one of the bands and Peter Pan. It was so much fun.

[@leighims]

This was a great video! I took notes for our November trip ! Thank you 😃

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@jennifergonzalez6236]

This was pretty awesome. Some of the things featured I had no idea even existed. Thanks again for the great content 🎉❤

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Always glad to surprise folks. 😂

[@hayleyhellbound9513]

Thanks for the tip that the DCA trail and pirates lair are similar. Had a blast acting like a little kid at the trails and finding Chip & Dale hanging out back there, plan on visiting the pirate island as I haven’t been since the WDW version when reading Tom Sawyer as a child

[@kjc2987]

Have been working through your videos and was just wondering if there was one like this!! I’d do rides all day but not everyone in my family agrees

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I actually did have one of these from two years ago, but this one is definitely way more involved and faster paced. Glad you’re enjoying the videos!

[@ameliarhysjones7310]

I am going to Disneyland california in the summer holidays so this is exiting

[@Bubblebathbianca.]

Your videos are helping me plan my first trip to DL. Thank you for this one(and all of them really) it’s perfect cause I wanna explore and shop more than go on rides.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Thank you sharing! That’s exactly why I make them. I’m glad they’re helpful for you!

[@gK-ih2ct]

I LOVE the royal theatre! And the animation building!

[@ruthosuna5289]

What in the world??? How did I not know about so many wonderful things to do in DCA?? Thank you for this video. We have been so ride focused in our last few trips that I didn't even think about so many of these things. We will have to make sure to check them out on our next trip probably next year. We haven't been since before the "rona" and are looking forward to seeing all the changes.

[@mikelipke9404]

Parades, Flag ceremony, main street theater, shopping on main street, Mickey and Minnie houses in toon town, toon town firework factory, western show at the Golden Horseshoe, music at the Tomorrowland stage plus star wars characters stage show with Darth Vader.

[@cynthiaswan1117]

This is a great video - thank you for outlining all these options.

[@MP-cr7uf]

So fun! On our last visit we did meet some characters (including Darth Vader inside the Star Wars Launch Bay), explore Tom Sawyer’s Pirate Lair, saw Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and watched the Magic Happens parade in between eating and riding tons of rides. Next time I would love to be able to go through the new Adventureland Treehouse and Toontown, but they were both closed (except for Mickey/Minnie’s RR) at the time. We also didn’t watch the Turtle Talk with Crush this time around, but did enjoy it at our last trip to EPCOT.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I should have mentioned the treehouse! Since it’s been closed so long now I keep forgetting it’s there. 😅 Hopefully it reopens soon. I am excited to check it out.

[@MP-cr7uf]

The Treehouse was a tradition for my husband’s family when they did their annual Disneyland trip growing up (that and Tom Sawyer’s Island). It has been forever since I have seen it and our last trip was the first time for TS Island for me and our daughter. The Treehouse will be on our to do list for our next visit though.

[@christinacorn8556]

Love this video! Planning a trip this summer and this has been very helpful!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I’m so glad to hear that! If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help.

[@Sean-uh6te]

Awesome video. I took a lot of notes for my next Disneyland trip. Thank you.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@emilyfischer5849]

Great video. I'd just add that there are also the night time shows like World of Color, fireworks, and Fantasmic which is returning late May 2024.

[@marianafurlani6569]

This video was so helpful! I am the bag holder of my family lol as I don’t go in many rides, this list is amazing! Will definitely use it on our next visit next August.

[@alleysouza7200]

Thank you! Loved the video and learnt things I didn’t know ❤️

[@PoGoJoel]

A lot of great Gems!

[@veronicaarvizo4484]

How cool is the turtle talk! 😭🩵 I am also from Tucson, AZ! 🌵🏜️😂 watching your videos to get ready for my Disney trip in October 2024! 😊

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

That was my favorite Turtle Talk. I still think about that one some times. So hilarious!

[@bnsmithlaw9549]

Most useful Disneyland videos out there!

[@kamahina943]

This was a great video and it made me realize there are soooo many things we missed when we went. Just gonna add some ideas on what to do next time :)

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Always great to have new and exciting things to do!

[@productionslv]

We did a lot of that stuff on my daughters spring break very recently! Including the quarter games! We are key holder so we are always looking for new things. There are a few things on pirates lair in your video that we overlooked so I’ll be sure to go back there! Thank you for post!

[@teresacarosella7624]

I'm surprised you didn't do great moments with Mr Lincoln on main Street. It's a show not a ride and the lobby includes some fascinating disne artifacts. Also there is the cinema on main Street that is continuously showing steamboat Willie and 5 other early mickey mouse shorts. It's lots of fun

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

At the very very end of the video we had intended to go there, but got sidetracked and never made it in there before we had to leave for the day (long drive home). But it did get an honorable mention.

[@teresacarosella7624]

@@SoCalDisneyDad I'm glad you mentioned it. I confess I watched all the way to turtle talk, then assumed there was no more time. Have you ever done a video exploring the treasures of main Street. I think a lot of it gets passed over because people are rushing to rides. Might be a fun one

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@teresacarosella7624 I have pointed some things out in some different secrets and tips related videos, but I haven’t made a dedicated Main Street video.

[@jenw3246]

Great vlog! I haven’t seen anyone else do this. Thanks!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We had a good time doing it. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@turbobusterman]

So good!!! Shop at all the Downtown Disney stores! Show off everything Disney 100!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Something I’ve never been good at is merch. I don’t usually go crazy over it like some others do. I don’t usually know what’s new and what’s about to go out of stock. So I generally avoid anything to do with shopping and merch. But I have considered doing an “ultimate store guide” where I highlight every store location and the “general” idea of what’s in each store, even if I don’t hyper focus on what’s hot or “must haves” in each one.

[@lisabostrack24]

I loved this vlog. Their is so much to see and do without riding the rides. You did so much in this vlog. And you did a great impression of Jack Sparrow over that bridge. I was laughing. And yes I actually jumped when Amy was showing that skull and eye that was hanging in Dead man's grotto.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We were looking for the eye. We did not expect the head! 😂

[@Ms.laningham]

You came up on my IG! So I was trying to send a msg (accidently sent it before I could finish texting) asking if you have a detailed video of ‘Soarin CA and Soarin Around the World’. I haven’t been since 2017 so these videos are gold to me!! I am lucky to be able to watch while at work and I am hooked!! Please and thank you!! 😊

[@jacquehazelwood8223]

Thanks for these great ideas 💡

[@Hubgrass]

You found so much to do and I think you even missed the Jammin Chefs show and music around Paradise Gardens, the Food and Wine Festival entertainment. I'm excited for the Avengers musical. We need something back in the Hyperion!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yeah. I consider those things to be part of the pop-up live music I mentioned. They also have the green army men come out, and there’s usually a Newsies one around the trolley up on Sunset Blvd. The Disneyland Band appears in front of the castle or by Innoventions over at Disneyland as well.

[@Jediforceghost]

Thanks for all the help

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Thanks for watching and glad you’re finding the videos helpful!

[@beckyrichardson8585]

Aulani is amazing! We just went in January.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We are sooooo excited. We were supposed to go for our 10-year anniversary in 2021, but we were worried about Covid restrictions. Finally going. The kids will be with us this time, as the 10 year would have been kid-free, but we are happy to be going all the same.

[@beckyrichardson8585]

So much to do! Plus if you want some adult time the kids Auntys Beach House is super cute looking (mine is too old for that but I saw a lot of happy kids and activities). We had our first Disneyland trip planned and booked with getaway today for May of 2020….and had to cancel for Covid:( we are however finally coming down hopefully this fall🤞your videos have been super helpful! Hope you have an amazing time in Aulani we are missing it!

[@peresrafaelperes]

OMG, I live in Oahu and I have been at Aulani a lot of times, you guys will love it!!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We are super looking forward to it!

[@rohantaneja122]

this was video was GREAT

[@amycuadra9382]

I love your videos so much. They are super helpful

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I'm glad to hear this! If you ever have any questions, feel free to ask. I'm always happy to help.

[@bluebird5856]

Thank you for this! I'm having my baby moon at DL in February and I've been worried what to do

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

In addition to this, there are actually about 30ish rides that are perfectly safe. Check out this video for more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqOTeJutm56Ja7c

[@marklt808]

Aloha from Hawaii 🏖 Can't wait to see your Aulani 🐢and Oahu videos!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We are so excited to visit! Just a little over 5 weeks to go until our trip.

[@ameliarhysjones7310]

This is helpful❤ Thxxx

[@robinhickey4715]

Great video!

[@neil_chazin]

The Aulani is great - we went there in November and our best pals went there last week while we were at Disneyland and I am half jealous… but only half.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We are looking forward to it. First time to Hawaii for us, too. So lots to get excited about.

[@kjc_cal2112]

Pleasantly surprised with DCA! Will definitely try to catch the Disney junior show and the Disney animators studio!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

You reminded me I totally forgot to insert my photos from drawing Goofy. 😅 The animation academy is good fun. We’ve done it about half a dozen times over the years.

[@pamelaswan7214]

I haven’t heard much about Mickey’s Philharmagic, it looks like a good show.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I couldn’t show a whole lot due to copyrighted music, but it is a very enjoyable show. They have Beauty and the Beast, Fantasia, Little Mermaid, Lion King, Coco, Peter Pan, and Aladdin. And the music is just happy music all around.

[@markheying2830]

Most of the time, If I included meeting Characters for this one, those Characters would usually be any of the following 5. 1: Mickey 2: Minnie 3: Rapunzel 4: Aurora 5: Alice

[@carmelabologna9051]

I love your videos! Have been to Disneyland over 15 times but not in the last 12 years! And this May, we finally get to go again. So I love your videos because I have no ideas what to expect as to what Disneyland is like now. But my question is: Do you have any creative ideas for children for what to do while waiting in line for a ride? I just can't seem to think of anything good, I will be bringing my 6 year old grandson and I know he will complain about the wait so I just wanted some ideas of maybe some things to do while in line that do not involve a phone or ipad. Thanks for your great videos! am watching them all!!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

The first thing that popped into my mind was the Disney Play app which is catered to whatever attraction you’re in at the time, but then you said NO phone or iPad. 😅 Our kids are 8 and 5 and don’t have any devices in lines. But they are so used to waiting that we “generally” don’t have much trouble with them. Snacks are always a great way to keep kids occupied in the longer lines. Perhaps buy a thing of popcorn just before hopping in line for something 45+ minutes. Generally, we avoid all lines longer than 30 minutes, but that’s not ideal for someone who hasn’t ridden any of the rides in awhile because you’ll want to hit all your favorites, which will likely have lines. Genie+ is a great way to skip most of the lines cutting down on those waits. Our 5 year old can ride every single ride at Disneyland except Incredicoaster. So Genie+ would be quite useful for you.

[@VS-fo9py]

Maybe consider purchasing Genie plus, to experience lower wait times.

[@mcgills927]

❤love this! Do you have a not ride video on CDA?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I do not. There is less that’s not a ride there to do. But they do have a few things. Redwoods Challenge Trail, Mickey’s Philharmagic, and the Disney Animation Building.

[@jeremyskeen9679]

What is the store in Frontierland that has the dancing woody machine and the music machine?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@jeremyskeen9679 Pioneer Mercantile. It’s the only store in Frontierland. Or at least the only store large enough. There’s a really teeny tiny pin trading store, too.

[@sarahrussell7305]

Could you do a character challenge video see how many characters you can get their autographs

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I have been meaning to do this. Thanks for the reminder. No guarantee as to when. I will probably wait until my kids can come again (their passes are currently blacked out until August 14th).

[@piilanichang5290]

Aloha, I wish I'd known you were here. I could have suggested a few things. you have my Email so give me a notice next time. Love your blogs and recommend my friends watch them before their trips.

[@jacehua7334]

Oh cool your wife has a 10k subscribers pin badge. Congrats again!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We got it for a video that’ll be publishing this week. And just decided to write that on it.

[@CarsonMackay-hw9br]

i got to now if you swaer

[@deluxeddelirium]

hahaha "should we still invest in Bitcoin?" I'm dying

[@beckym1013]

I'm sure it would be hard with just your immediate family, but I'd love to see how to get around the park and on rides in a wheelchair

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Unfortunately, there’d be no way for me to do this short of someone in our family breaking a leg. We don’t know anybody with a wheelchair. As far as I’m aware, you go through the regular lines on most attractions. Some will send you through the exit. You’d have to talk to the cast member at the front of each attraction.

[@perlavazquez3128]

Is possible go outside the park to my hotel and back with the same ticket? My hotel check in is past the noon and I want to get in the park in the morning, thank you so much for your videos is my first time and its really helpful

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yes, you can go in and out of the park as many times as you like during the day. Just be aware that if you scan into a park, immediately leave, and try to get back in 5 minutes later you might have some trouble (there is a 30 minute cooldown to prevent multiple people using the same ticket to enter the park). But it’s very normal to come and go throughout the day.

[@perlavazquez3128]

@@SoCalDisneyDad I really appreciate it, I will study a lot with your channel 🤓

[@johngilson3500]

My wife Fran, and I will be going to Disneyland from April 24th - 30th!!! We're really enjoying your awesome videos, Thanks for sharing them!!! We're traveling by Amtrak from Winter Heaven, FL to Fullerton, CA and back. We'll be staying at the Cortona Inn and using electric scooters. I love steam trains from the Santa Fe RY at Freedomland U.S.A. in 1960 - 64, the Santa Fe & Disneyland RR in 1969 and the Walt Disney World RR in1972. I was a WDWRR Steam Locomotive Engineer from 1988 - 1998. Do wheelchairs and scooters board the trains at the back at Main St. Station or can they be parked up stairs? Thanks, Big John ❤🚂🚃🚃🚃🚢❤

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

That’s a long journey! It sounds like great fun, though. I hope you have an amazing trip! As to your question, I found this online: “Each train is equipped to handle wheelchair access. All lands are wheelchair accessible EXCEPT Main Street. There is no ramp at the Main Street Railroad Station.”

[@johngilson3500]

@@SoCalDisneyDad Thanks!!! Hope y'all have a totally awesome time at the Alani resort!!!

[@marlym3794]

So do you find that if you’re not doing rides the park doesn’t feel overly crowded? Haha idk if I asked that question correctly but basically I am going the week after Easter and I heard that was the busiest week. But I’m not too concerned with rides so idk if it will still feel super crowded or not

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

There are some congestion points where it will feel crowded, but no, in the simplest form, it didn’t feel crowded because we weren’t waiting in hour long lines or “thinking” about waiting in them and getting discouraged when we chose not to. It definitely felt way more relaxed than some of our visits because we were doing things that most everyone else was not.

[@MrProy33]

You skipped a few must see attractions on Main Street!!! What about Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the pipe organ in the candy store, the movie theater that plays 6 original Walt cartoons (including Steamboat Willie)? Not to mention all the history and trivia that is built into that part of the park. You walked right past the castle. I mean, you were right there at Jolly Holiday and you didn't mention the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves pond! I'm only a minute or two into the vid and you've already skipped some of my favorite things. :(

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We didn’t go in order. The castle is in the video. As is Snow White. And Great Moments gets an honorable mention in the video at the very very end.

[@MrProy33]

You went from main street to the shooting gallery, and I was like, "Hold up!" I never got to the end because it was frustrating to be skipping around. This video really would have benefitted from a zone by zone, roadmap approach. Because none of the attractions really have a line and don't require the app to be open, you can edit the video as a tour guide through each zone where people can have your video playing while they visit the park. Think of it like a VIP walking tour, but on YT with you instead of costing 10 grand with a cast member. LOL Just my 2 cents from another Disney dad.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@MrProy33 This video was more of a vlog than a tour. Just like what our family did in a day where we limited ourselves to no rides.

[@FurryLover01]

I can’t imagine not liking rides :/

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Some people don’t enjoy it. They usually don’t go. There are plenty of folks who’ve never been to a theme park. But sometimes these people have family that want to go and now they are along for the ride (pun intended 😂)

[@slowazzd2165]

6:07 hearing you guys upset about 43 degrees F is so funny as a Canadian cause that's about 6C and 6-8C is like a comfortable year round average here sometimes even In the summer 😂

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

😱😱😱🥶🥶🥶 😂

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We both grew up in northern states so we aren’t COMPLETELY unused to cold. But we have definitely acclimated to the area for sure.