Disneyland is magical! It’s easily one of the happiest places on Earth, with enchanting rides, a lively ambiance and scrumptious treats even for those planning a trip around food allergies. Cue your own epic entrance into the happiest place on Earth. Do you have adult beverages on hand or your favorite dole whip readily available? Anything goes (almost anything goes) when your planning your vacation with secret tricks and tips for Disneyland.
Every year Evan and I go to Disneyland for our birthdays. However, with the parks temporary closed, we decided to create our own special Disney vacation at home by using simple tips for Disneyland. Normally it’s the two of us traveling to Disneyland, but this year my parents and brother got to join in on the fun. I’d say it’s a win-win!
So why not try something out of the box to keep everyone’s mood happy and smiling – Disney Day. (There are also inspirational quotes too, but you can read more about them here) Planning an epic at-home Disney vacation, especially for the Disney-fanatics, could do the trick.
Hands up if you’re a Disney-fanatic! From movies such as Aladdin, or Toy Story to food, the magic of Disney can be brought right into your home for your family to enjoy.
While I love visiting Disneyland in Southern California, and have hopes to visit Disney World sometime next year (fingers crossed), an at-home Disney vacation is extremely budget-friendly. It allows everyone who may have been hesitant with the ticket prices of a trip to Disney to join in on the fun.
So what exactly can you do?
Well, here are ten tips on Disneyland to create the ultimate at-home Disney Day.
Tips on Disneyland stay-cations:
Dress up as your favorite character
Throw on some Mickey ears, a Minnie Mouse shirt, a Goofy hat with ears, or any Disney attire/ costume. Wear anything that plants you in “A Whole New World”, aka Disneyland. Did you catch that Aladdin reference?
Indulge in Disney+, or watch a Disney movie
If you have Disney+ this could be the ideal time to plan a Disney movie marathon! Make it a romantic evening with your partner, watching the live action version of Lady and the Tramp, while sharing a gigantic bowl of spaghetti like the main characters.
For instance, put your hands behind your back, don’t use utensils, and only use your mouths to eat. It’s quite entertaining!
Or have a family Disney movie night. Simply vote on your favorite Disney movies and enjoy your film of choice. There’s Frozen 2, Onward, Hamilton, short Pixar films, Avengers and various other films. They also have Disney original movies such as Brother Bear and one of my childhood favorites, Holes.
Zero: I like digging holes Dr. Pendanski: Then you’re in the right place
Tips on Disneyland treats – create your own
Let’s be honest, Disneyland food is one of the best parts about the park. Yes, the ambiance is amazing, and the rides are incredible! But the food is equally delicious. If you’re a gluten-free and dairy-free traveler, creating your favorite Disney treat at home is heaven sent.
While I’ve been eyeing those Disneyland beignets in Adventureland, at-home is the perfect place to whip up allergy-friendly treats in the kitchen.
Most importantly, find what snacks you have at home that magically transports you to Disneyland and enjoy those. Think of something sweet or salty, really anything that brings out that excitement of walking down Disneyland’s main street and witnessing Mickey Mouse waving at you with a huge grin.
Ideas for creating homemade treats:
- Dole whip. The famed Disney dole whip is my absolute favorite snack at the park because it’s a dairy-free and vegan dessert. Also it’s extremely simple to make using only two ingredients.
- Disney dole whip recipe – cold coconut milk, and chopped frozen pineapples. Yum!
- Preposterous popcorn. Make some popcorn and add your favorite fixings’ or random fixing such as marshmallows, chocolate, cereal, or peanut butter to create the ultimate Disney popcorn. Or keep it simple and make kettle corn.
- Silly sundaes. Swap the popcorn for ice cream for an even sweeter treat, and create monstrous ice cream sundaes. Top it high with swirly whip cream, luscious chocolate, gooey brownies, or whatever you want. Then, serve it in your favorite Disney mug or bowl.
- Mickey Mouse pretzels. For a salty snack, try making homemade pretzels shaped like Mickey Mouse.
- Tasty healthy treats. Are you craving healthy snack ideas? Here’s my go to healthy snack list for both at home and for traveling.
- Mighty Mickey Mouse pancakes. You can purchase character molds on Amazon.
Watch the fireworks, parades, or rides
The exhilarating fireworks, thrilling Disneyland attraction rides and spectacular parades have started making a virtual appearance! They can now be watched and relived online! Plus, if you haven’t been on a ride before, it gives you a little sneak peek about what the ride is like.
Side note: Playing the fireworks, parades or rides on a big screen really makes you feel like you at the park.
Hop on any Disneyland virtual rides:
Here’s a couple different rides that will immediately transport you back to the park.
Radiator Springs Racer
Nostalgia right? Can you feel the wind slightly blowing on your face from journeying through Radiator Springs?
Disneyland’s Indiana Jones
Watch out for that snake!
Guardians of the Galaxy in California Adventure
Look we’re at the front of the line. . . Ready to hop on!
Take a virtual tour of Disney’s art library
This virtual tour can be found on Disney Parks Blog. It’s a series exploring the Imagineering of Walt Disney showcasing how they bring the art of storytelling and animation to life.
Below is a video exploring behind the scenes of the Disneyland Haunted Mansion ride. Buckle up it’s spooooky!
Create an animation sketch
California Adventure’s Animation Studio is home to the animations we know and love today. There, they share with you Disney tips and tricks so you can draw your favorite characters yourself. Whenever Evan and I are visiting Disneyland park, this is always one of our first stops, so we knew we had to include it for the Disney Day.
Moreover, the Animation Studio now teaches you how to sketch several popular characters online. It’s very informative, fun, and taught in a way that everyone from the family can enjoy. While you’re at home, you can pause and rewind the video as much as you like to create your own beautiful masterpiece.
Here’s what we sketched – Pascal the chameleon from Tangled.
Below’s a video of how to sketch Stitch.
If you want to sketch another character, click here for more Disney tips and tricks.
Tips on Disneyland – make an epic playlist
Before you start your day, create a list of your favorite Disney songs or use a Disneyland background music playlist from Spotify. This will help create that jolly and exciting atmosphere you feel walking down Mainstreet at Disneyland with churros in hand and Mickey Ears on top of your head. You can listen to these songs while creating your tasty treats, eating lunch, playing games, or drawing your favorite characters.
Or if you’re like us, we sometimes listen to this playlist even while we’re hiking around Yosemite.
Train for a RunDisney event
Another way to bring out that Disney spirit is to focus on your health and wellness by bringing Disney to your workouts. Whether you’re running or practicing yoga with an upbeat Disney playlist, or training for RunDisney — a Disney inspired workout is a fun way to boost your health.
RunDisney has several races to start training for. These races occur annually, and there are several to choose from. Here’s a couple to consider:
- Star Wars Rival Run Marathon
- Disney Princess Half Marathon
- Mickey’s Holiday 5K
- Disney Wine & Dine 10K
Side note: If you’re planning to participate in a RunDisney event in the future, check out these simple wellness tips for traveling to include on your trip for a wellness and health boost.
Tips for a Disneyland game night
There are several Disney themed games to enjoy at home or at a friend’s home. Some of these include Disney Code Names, Disney Scene It, Cranium: Disney Edition and more.
Our family loves board games, however, we don’t personally own any Disney board games, so we’ll play our favorite game while listening to Disney music. With the music in the background, you’re bound to feel the Disney spirit. The combination of the music and playing a game will help transport you back to the park with those feelings of excitement as you’re about to hop on your next ride of the day.
In the meantime, try these magical tips for Disney World or Disneyland to create a delightful stay-cation. Or use them throughout the week if you’re desperately craving a little Disney magic flowing through your veins. I know I was!
Do you have more tips on Disneyland for at home?
Do you have a favorite fun Disney activity you like to do? If I missed any tips on Disneyland leave one in the comments below.
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This is really fun. I love Disneyland, and some of these ideas to bring it home are brilliant. And, like you, I am a gluten and dairy free traveller, so this is a super fun way to not miss out.
This is awesome. An amazing way to create a Disney like night at home. I’m all about Disney movies but didn’t really think of the other stuff. The food is so good, I’m going to have to try homemade Dole whip. What a great idea!!
Such a fun post! My mom actually has that Mickey Mouse waffle-maker 🙂 it brings back so many great memories from growing up!