Got Anaheim Tips? aguidetoanaheim Has Plenty!

Is it your first time to Anaheim? Well, whether it is your first or fifteenth, a little good advice can be a big help while here in the land of Mickey Mouse.

aguidetoanaheim has gathered together a few valuable tips for newcomers and seasoned Anaheim visitors alike. This advice comes directly from our aguidetoanaheim experts...our clients. They know all too well the things they wish they had known before they came to Anaheim, but didn’t because nobody told them. So with this in mind we have prepared this list of Tourist Tips that will definitely come in handy while visiting Anaheim. Happy traveling!

Tourist Policing - Anaheim has one of the foremost tourist policing forces in the United States. They are always eager to help with visitor concerns, questions or complaints. Don't be afraid to use them! They are there for you. Their satellite office is located on Harbor Blvd in the parking lot of the Anaheim Fairfield Inn by Marriott hotel.

Traveling with a pet? - You’ll be happy to know that Disney has a kennel, where for a nominal fee you can leave Fido for the day while you go off to explore the parks or Downtown Disney. Please note - they do not provide overnight care. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME FOR ANY REASON. They love you, so love them back and save their life.

Tipping - Want to tell your service provider you appreciate their efforts? Tip them! A common tip for a meal is 15% of the total bill.
A tip for a bell person to carry a bag to or from your room is typically $ 1.00 to $ 2.00 per bag or more if you like.
For valet parking, tipping is appropriate upon retrieval of your car only. $ 2.00 or $ 3.00 is appreciated; more is up to you. You do not have tip when you leave the car with valet, unless you have a lot of money to throw around.
Room service: 20 percent of bill, IF a service charge isn't automatically added to the bill. Look closely! They won't tell you it is added so check the receipt and save! No need to tip twice.

Want a weather forecast by phone? - Call 714-550-4636 for Orange County weather information. Or just simply check our aguidetoanaheim Weather Section.

Staying on Harbor Blvd? - If you're staying at a Harbor Blvd Hotel within the 1400 block and 1500 block you can easily walk across the street to reach Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, and Downtown Disney. However, if your hotel address is higher or lower than these numbers then your walk is a little farther than just across the street. Check your distance from Disney at aguidetoanaheim's Map Section.

Avoid long lines - Don’t like waiting in long lines for Disney rides? Then use the Disney Fast Pass system whenever possible. The system is now available at both parks on designated rides. You simply "make an appointment" to come back and ride the most popular rides at the designated appointment. All you need is your admission ticket and the Fast Pass machine will provide you with a designated time for you to return and bypass the line. And now you can now have two Fast Pass ride appointments working at once. For further information on using the Fast Pass system ask the information staff inside the parks. They are there to help.

Want to beat the crowds? - Arrive at your selected Disney park at least 20 minutes before they open. Usually the first guests to enter the park can get a jump start and ride one to three of the most popular rides before the large crowds flow in behind you. You will also be able to secure more desirable appointments for your Fast Passes. So set that alarm clock early, plan your must ride list, and get a jump start on the other patrons not “in the know”.

Get a locker - When packing a bunch of personal items to take into Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure..get a locker. Don’t haul all the heavy items around all day. You want to make the most out of your day, right? Well if you have a sore back and tired feet from all the stuff you are carrying you will not enjoy the day as much. Especially as the day progresses. Make it a magical day and be sensible. Store the bulk in the locker and pack light for the walk.

Got Lunch? - Save a TON of money and pack a picnic! Bring a backpack or duffle bag full of food, water, sodas and other knick knacks and use a locker for your own mini snack stand. You cannot bring your own food into the theme parks, however, there are lockers located in the courtyard between Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Use them! You can always take a break, eat lunch, and make quick refreshment stops throughout the day. Just get your hand stamped for free return entry, step outside the park and chow down! You'll be glad you did, especially when you see the price of bottled water inside the park!

Buy a Park Hopper Passport - Planning on visiting the park for more than one day? You will save money, receive special park hopping privileges, and gain extra's that single day ticket holders do not receive. The 2, 3 & 5 day Park Hopper Passes can be purchased online here Buy Park Hopper Tickets.

Need special assistance? - If you have a disability of any kind and want further information on special accessibility at each of the Disney parks then be sure to stop in at Guest Relations inside either park. You can pick up their handy guide book that explains the special amenities and policies to help you enjoy your visit. You can also get a copy of the guide book in advance by writing to Disneyland Guest Relations; Box 3232, Anaheim, CA 92803. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Pick your days - Go to the Disney parks on their less crowded days. Typically Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday are least crowded. Saturdays are the heaviest crowd days with Friday and Monday close behind.

Save Money On Parking - When visiting the Disney parks you can save money by riding your hotel shuttle bus rather than driving. Check with the front desk of your hotel if shuttle service is offered and for a schedule of operation. Also be sure to write down the bus number and pick up /drop off site so you don’t forget after a long day at the park!

Avoid rush hour - Driving Southern California freeways during rush hour can be time consuming and very frustrating. These hours are typically from 6:30 am to 8:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. If you must drive during these times be sure to allow extra time to get to your desired destination.

Carpool Lane - A great way to save time in rush hour traffic or anytime for that matter is to use the Carpool Lane. The lane is available on certain freeways and is always specially marked by a diamond pattern inside the lane and posted signs. Please note - you must have two or more people in the vehicle to use the Carpool Lane, and can only enter/exit in specially marked sections. Violations come with hefty fines so obey the rules.

Timely traffic reports - Tune your radio to KNX 980 AM for the latest traffic conditions before you begin driving. Californians rely upon up-to-the-minute traffic reports to learn of delays or accidents that may prolong their trip. You should too. These alerts will allow you to take an alternate route and save time!

Have a map? - When driving in Southern California always be sure to have a map in the car. Get one that includes the names of freeways and also includes surface streets (and names) to avoid getting lost. These maps are available from your rental car agency or may be purchased from gas stations or convenience stores like 7-11. Approximate cost $ 2.00.

Don't Gain Vacation Weight - Worried about gaining weight on your trip? Try to limit your meals to just 3 main meals per day and two snacks. Also watch your alcohol intake. Nothing puts on the pounds faster than those empty calories consumed at your favorite poolside bar.

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