where to get first visit pin disneyland

Where in Disneyland Can I Get a First Visit Button? Magic Key Holder Tips

by Kathryn Walsh

Published on 31 May 2023

Claiming a First Visit Button in Disneyland

Claiming a first visit button in california adventure, best places to get first time buttons.

Brush up on the intricacies of the FastPass system, study the park map and prepare to be forever changed by the deliciousness of Dole Whip. Those are just a few of the items that belong on the to-do list when you're preparing for your first visit to Disneyland.

One rite of passage for new Disneyland visitors is securing a free button to mark the occasion. Cast members (the Disney name for employees) hand out buttons to guests who are celebrating their birthdays, honeymoons and other special milestones – including their first visit.

Wearing the orange "1st Visit" button won't let you jump to the front of any lines, but this memento might get you a little special attention from cast members and your fellow park-goers.

Stop at City Hall on the way into the park to request a first visit button. Inside the main Disneyland gate, two tunnels under the train station lead onto Main Street.

‌ Take the tunnel on the left. ‌ City Hall is the first building on the left after the tunnel. Getting a button there is as simple as walking up to the counter and asking a cast member for the type you want.

The building tends to get crowded at the beginning of the day when many guests need help, so aim to get to the park before the main gates open to be one of the first visitors to City Hall.

While at City Hall, consider whether anyone in your party requires assistance with anything. It's the guest relations hub, and the cast members working there are equipped to answer questions on a wide range of topics. In addition to handing out buttons, City Hall cast members offer services like helping disabled guests get the accessibility accommodations they need and helping guests who don't speak English find maps and translation services.

Visiting California Adventure before Disneyland? Grab a first visit button at the Chamber of Commerce. It's the park's equivalent to City Hall, and the cast members working there offer the same services available at City Hall.

Find the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street, California Adventure's version of Main Street. After passing through the main gates, ‌ head to the left and find the Chamber of Commerce just past Oswald's, a small shop that's designed to look like an old-fashioned gas station ‌.

Visiting City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce is a surefire way to get those special buttons, but not necessarily the only way.

When we regularly visit Disneyland we see people getting their buttons from cast members working in park gift shops:

‌ The Emporium: ‌ Go towards the back location where there are pin trading boards. The cast member working the board can provide you pins.

On Buena Vista Street (like Elias & Company), which is more likely to have a stash of buttons than smaller kiosks.

‌ Pro tip: ‌ The front desk of the official park hotels can provide buttons. Outside of check-out and check-in times, the official park hotels – the Grand Californian, Paradise Pier or the Disneyland Hotel – are the most convenient places to ask for a first time at Disneyland pin.

Save money, experience more.

How to Celebrate Your Birthday at Disneyland

Disneyland is the perfect place to celebrate anything from a wedding anniversary to birthday. When you are booking your trip, don’t be shy about what you will be celebrating during your trip. Make sure that the front desk agent, your travel agent, waitress, and any other Cast Members know that you are celebrating a special birthday. There is no guarantee that anything will happen, but sometimes miracles occur on people’s special days.

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

In this planning guide:

Disneyland Birthday Celebration Button

Make sure to pick up special buttons proclaiming what you are celebrating like a Birthday button, Anniversary button or even a 1st visit to Disneyland button.

You can find a buttons at the front desk of your Disneyland Resort hotel or by visiting City Hall or Guest Relations upon entering Disneyland park.

Throughout the day, you will hear Cast Members congratulating you on your special day. Special surprises may follow. In the past we have been given free ice cream sundaes, sung Happy Birthday by the Dapper Dans, and allowed to be in a past special Princess and the Frog show.

Disneyland Birthday Cakes

• Blue Bayou Restaurant
• Café Orléans
• Lamplight Lounge
• River Belle Terrace
• Wine Country Trattoria
• Goofy's Kitchen
• Storyteller's Cafe

Mickey Mouse Celebration Cakes

• Cake in the shape of Mickey Mouse
• Flavors: Choice of chocolate or white chocolate
• Engraving Options: A special message of “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations” is available on the chocolate ears—or choose to leave them blank
• Size: One cake feeds 4 to 6 Guests
• Price: $45 per cake, plus tax and gratuities where applicable (pricing subject to change); the cake will be added to your restaurant bill, and charged at the conclusion of the meal

You can add a Mickey Mouse celebration cake to your future reservation when you book online at least 3 days in advance of the reservation. Or, order in-person at the restaurant’s host podium, or at the Concierge Desk at your Disney Resort hotel. Requests for same-day cakes must be made in person upon arrival at the restaurant.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Makeover

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a princess salon meant just for young girls and boys. At the boutique a fairy godmother in training with transform them into a princess or prince complete with costume and fantastic hair due.

Quick Tips:

• Make a reservation up to 60 days before the time that you want to have their makeover done. This experience is very popular.
• Bring your own dress or costume if you don't want to buy a new dress for them at the salon. If you do bring your own dress be sure to tell the front desk.
• Sadly adults can't enjoy this fantastic service because there is a rule banning any adult from dressing up at Disneyland because they will look too much like the Disneyland Cast Members.
• Be sure to take lots of pictures and enjoy the experience through their eyes.

To book your visit to the salon call: 1-714-781-DINE

These are just some of the best ways to celebrate a birthday at Disneyland. Perhaps our favorite way is just to be with friends and family.

Read about all about the different Disneyland souvenirs . Each time that we visit, we pick out a special hat to wear that we will always associate with that trip. It is especially fun to pick out a pair of Mickey Mouse birthday ears .

Special Birthday Hat

Every time that we visit Disneyland for my birthday, we pull out our big Disneyland birthday cake hat. Decorated with candles that actually blink this is always one of my favorite ways to celebrate my birthday. I recommend looking at our Disneyland souvenirs page for more information about the different locations to find a hat like this.

Disneyland Character Autographs

Bringing an unsigned birthday card can make a fantastic souvenir if you take it to one of the many Disneyland character meet and greets and have a character like your pal Mickey Mouse sign it. Go around to all the Disneyland characters and have them autograph your birthday card! You could even do a character dining and this would be a great way to get a lot of signatures at once.

More Disneyland Tips

• The Best Food Options at Disneyland
• Celebrate Your Disney World Birthday
• Time is Money at Disneyland
• Universal Studios Hollywood Hacks 
• Best Places to Purchase Disneyland Souvenirs 
• From the Airport to Disneyland

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Gavin Doyle

Gavin Doyle is a best-selling author and founder of Mickey Visit. He is an expert on helping families save money and experience more at Disney, Universal, and beyond. He has been featured in Forbes, ABC7, Travel+Leisure, the OC Register, Orange County Register, LA Times, Yahoo! News, and more.

Read more about Gavin.

Planning a Disney Vacation? Get Exclusive Discounts + Free Bonuses

In addition to exclusive discounts for Mickey Visit subscribers, get our free planning printable and guide to make your life SO much easier.

Previous Post: A Touch of Disney: Brand New Ticketed Festival Experience Coming to California Adventure in March

Next Post: Disney Springs Dining – The Boathouse Brunch Review

Exclusive Discounts + BREAKING NEWS

Join our newsletter of 100,000+ readers for discounts, planning tips, and breaking news about Walt Disney World and Disneyland. "Essential for planning your trip!" -Helen from Portland, Oregon

Tips for Your First Time at Disneyland

When you are planning your first trip to Disneyland , you might find yourself overwhelmed. You want to have the perfect trip but are unsure how to spend your day. Make your first time at Disneyland a magical experience by knowing these tips that will guarantee you have the best trip.

Planning Your First Trip to Disneyland

When it comes to preparing for your Disneyland trip, there are a few things you need to know:

• How to get Disneyland tickets for the best price
• Where to Park at Disneyland
• How to Use the Disneyland Genie+ & Lightning Lane System

Discount Disneyland Tickets

The first thing you are going to want to do is to get your Disneyland Tickets in advance. If you wait to buy your tickets at the park entrance, you are going to waste time and money.

Disneyland admission prices change according to the time of year and demand.

You will find peak season for tickets coincides with the times when the kids are out of school (holidays and summer).

The tickets will be the cheapest during the off-season (think February, or September).

Single-day tickets at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure are $97 for value days, $110 for regular days, and $124 for peak days.

Disney wants you to remain at the Disneyland parks as long as they can, so you will find that the ticket prices per day will go down the more days you add park tickets to your stay.

The best way to save time & money on your Disneyland tickets is to order your tickets in advance and to buy your tickets through a reputable Disneyland Ticket seller .

Disneyland Parking Tips

Parking in Disneyland may seem complicated, but it isn’t so bad. It is expensive though. You will want to make sure that you carefully watch for the signs bringing you into the parking area. If you don’t, you will be circling around trying to find it!

There are three parking areas: Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, Pixar Pals & Toy Story Parking Area. We have always parked at Mickey & Friends.

Daily Parking Rates

• $25.00 per car or motorcycle
• Daily Preferred Parking $40.00 per vehicle
• $30.00 per over-sized vehicle, motor home or tractor (without trailer) – at the Toy Story Parking Area only
• $35.00 per bus or tractor (with extended trailer) – at the Toy Story Parking Area only

Don’t waste your money paying for preferred parking. You will find that there is an escalator that will take you from whatever level you are parked on to the main level where the tram will pick you up and carry you on to the actual entrance to Disneyland park, California Adventure park and Downtown Disney.

Do remember where you are parked! You will want to know the character and the section. You will find it helpful to take a photo of the closest marker before walking away from your vehicle.

In order to better understand the layout of Disneyland, you need to know that it is divided into different lands and each land has its own rides and attractions.

When Disneyland opened in 1955, there were only 5 lands: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Since then, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Mickey’s Toontown and Galaxy’s Edge have opened.

When you arrive the front of Disneyland park, the first place you will encounter is Main Street USA. Before you do anything else, you will want to go to the City Hall to pick up your FREE First Trip to Disneyland pin!

This pin will get you noticed and might even get you a little extra attention since Disneyland Cast members are going to want to make your first trip to Disneyland something to remember!

MAIN STREET USA

Main Street USA is built to look like a small town in the 1920s. You will find souvenir shops, restaurants and different places to explore.

The focal point of Main Street USA at Disneyland is Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. You will find many different cast members waiting to snap your picture to give you the perfect backdrop of the castle.

ADVENTURELAND 

Adventureland is full of adventurous rides! This is where you will want to use Lightning Lane for one of the most popular rides, Indiana Jones.

Another must-experience ride in Adventureland is the Iconic Jungle Cruise. You will take a boat cruise around Adventureland with a tour guide who loves to bring humor to his tour.

Not to be missed is one of the BEST treats in all of Disneyland, the Disney Dole Whip. This delicious pineapple (NON-DAIRY) creamy treat is tangy and cold. The perfect dessert to keep you cool!

NEW ORLEANS SQUARE

New Orleans Square makes you feel as though you have arrived in the bayou. Walk along the water and enjoy the shade of the trees!

There are two rides that you will want to make a point of getting Disneyland Lightning Lane for: Pirates of the Caribbean & the Haunted Mansion.

FRONTIERLAND

Frontierland takes you back in time to the Wild West where you will get the chance to take a ride on Big Thunder Railroad (one of my favorite rides in Disneyland).

If you need a break and want to do something less adventurous, take a ride on the Mark Twain Riverboat.

CRITTER COUNTRY

Critter Country is where you will find one of Disneyland’s two water rides: Splash Mountain! This log ride is currently under renovation.

If you are making your first trip to Disneyland with little ones, they will want to go on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

This super cute ride takes them on a journey where they will see Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends. You can also meet Winnie the Pooh nearby.

FANTASYLAND

Fantasyland is the main focal point of all Disneyland and this is where you will find most of the crowds. 

Here you will find some of Disneyland’s most popular rides: Peter Pan’s Flight, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Mad Tea Party, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Dumbo and It’s A Small World among others.

It is a place where you will probably spend most of your day, especially if you are traveling with small kids!

MICKEY’S TOONTOWN

Those bringing small children to Disneyland for the first time, you will want to visit Mickey’s Toontown.

It is where you will find Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other Disney characters.

You will be able to tour the homes of Mickey and Minnie where everything is cartoon-like. Be sure to explore with your hands because many features are interactive!

TOMORROWLAND

If you are visiting Disneyland for the first time, you are going to want to ride one of the most popular rides in all of the Disney theme parks: Space Mountain (that on occasion changes to Hyperspace Mountain to be a Star Wars experience).

Tomorrowland is also where you will find Star Tours, another Star Wars-themed ride outside of Galaxy’s Edge.

If you are traveling to Disneyland with the kids (and even if you aren’t), you will have a blast at Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.

Galaxy’s Edge

You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan or on your first trip to Disneyland to enjoy the newest addition to Disneyland park.

This place is pretty amazing and filled with plenty to do and see as it is now the largest land in all of Disneyland.

Galaxy’s Edge has two great rides: Millennium Falcon : Smugglers Run and Star Wars:  Rise of the Resistance and you will probably be wanting to ride both. The key to being able to do this is to purchase Genie + Lightning Lane service.

If you are looking for Star Wars souvenirs, you will find them in Black Spire Outpost.

Black Spire Outfitters is full of clothing, Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities has some great hard-to-find items, and you won’t want to miss Creature Stall for all things Star Wars.

Your first trip to Disneyland is going to be an amazing experience as long as you plan your trip in advance. We hope that this guide to planning your first Disneyland trip is helpful!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

17 Things to Know Before Your First Trip to Disneyland

Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2024

Home » Destinations » California » Disneyland » 17 Things to Know Before Your First Trip to Disneyland

Sharing is caring!

Are you planning a trip to Disneyland for the first time and don’t know where to start? Check out my top things to know before your first trip to Disneyland!

This list of things to know before your first trip to disneyland was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, i will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. all opinions remain my own..

Lately, I’ve had a LOT of friends ask me for advice on planning their first Disneyland visit.

I realized that even though our family has planned tons of Disneyland vacations, I didn’t have a blog post about things first-timers should know.

So, I’m sharing ALL the things that I wish we would have known before planning our first trip to Disneyland Resort. Keep scrolling for all my tips and tricks.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Disneyland blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Disneyland with kids.

Where to Stay at Disneyland

• Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (it’s expensive but has a private entrance to Disney California Adventure)
• Howard Johnson Hotel & Water Playground (the water park is pretty fabulous)
• Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance (amazing water park and has bunk beds)
• Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort (it’s so close to the park, and the rooms are awesome)
• Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn (this is my favorite Disneyland budget hotel)

Want to SAVE MONEY on Your Disneyland Vacation?

Get Away Today offers the best prices for Disneyland packages, hotel rooms, and even discount Disneyland tickets! Check rates and availability !

How Many Days Do You Need at Disneyland?

The answer to this question really depends on your budget and your passion for all things Disney. I have a whole blog post about how many days you need at Disneyland , but I’ll quickly break it down below.

One Day at Disneyland

You definitely can do one day at Disneyland if you just want to hit the highlights. You can do some rides, meet a few characters, and taste some yummy Disney snacks.

If you go this route, I highly suggest you add Genie Plus to your tickets. This is the new FastPass system where you can reserve rides in advance and skip the long wait times.

You’ll probably want to rope drop in the morning and stay for fireworks at night, so it could easily be a 15-16 hour day if you want to maximize.

Two Days at Disneyland

You can do a full day at Disneyland and then a full day at Disney California Adventure. It’s the perfect way to see both parks and hit the highlights.

If you decide on two days, I still recommend adding Genie Plus. That way, you’ll have enough time to fit in all your top rides.

Three Days at Disneyland

Personally, I think this is the sweet spot. You can do a full day at each theme park and then have an extra day to either do a park hopper ticket or choose which park you’d like to spend the day.

It gives you the flexibility to skip things on your first two days because you can always go back and do them on the third day.

Plus, you won’t feel as pressured to be at the parks all day long. And it gives you more time to do character meet and greets or watch shows/parades.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

Four Days at Disneyland

This is what our family typically does. We usually do park hopper tickets so we can switch parks mid-day depending on ride wait times.

We have the most freedom with four days and we don’t feel bad if we need to go back to the hotel for a break or if we’re tired and want to call it an early night.

This length of trip also keeps us from rushing around. Instead, we have time to do a few spontaneous things without sacrificing other things.

On our last trip, our kids spent a long time bounty hunting at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and hanging out in Toontown.

Five Days at Disneyland

If this is probably your one and only trip to Disneyland, you might want to splurge for five days.

However, you might consider just doing 4 park days and doing a hotel day in between so your family has a chance to rest. Theme park days can be pretty exhausting.

Want an epic Disneyland digital guide? This is my favorite Disneyland tool and guide!

How to Prepare For Your First Disneyland Trip: Budget

Once you’ve figured out how many days you want to go, you can start working on your Disneyland budget.

Disney trips can be really expensive. I’ve been planning them for years and I still get sticker shock every single time.

It helps to go into the planning knowing that this will probably be a bit more expensive than you initially thought.

I suggest writing down a Disneyland budget that includes accommodations , park tickets , meals , and transportation . Some hotels include free breakfast or free parking.

Then, make a separate list of any additional items/experiences you’d like to include such as Disneyland character dining , Genie Plus , Bippity Boppity Boutique , Disney family matching shirts , Disneyland souvenirs , etc.

What Are The Top Things to Know Before Your First Trip to Disneyland?

Best place to buy disneyland tickets.

From my experience, Get Away Today is the best place to buy Disneyland tickets because they usually have the cheapest price. They also run sales throughout the year. Check the latest Disneyland ticket deals .

It’s also the best place to find good deals on Disneyland packages that include hotel rooms.

They have amazing customer service, too. We’ve had to reschedule Disneyland trips in the past and they always handle it quickly and efficiently.

Understanding Genie+

Genie+ is a new paid service at Disneyland that allows guests to skip the lines for some of the most popular rides. Disneyland no longer has FastPasses, so this is the system that replaced that.

The cost varies each day, but it’s usually $20-$30 per person per day and can be purchased through the Disneyland app.

With Genie+, guests can select the next available time to arrive at a Lightning Lane entrance for one attraction at a time, all day long.

Lightning Lane entrances are typically shorter than the regular lines for popular rides. But not all rides are part of Genie+.

Lightening Lane

There are some popular rides that are NOT on Disney Genie+ but you can pay an additional fee to ride them using the Lightening Lane. Lightening Lane can sometimes cost $10-$20 per person per ride.

Disneyland PhotoPass

When you do Disney Genie+, it also includes a Disneyland PhotoPass. That means you get all the photos from that day from Disneyland photographers (like character photos or photos in front of the castle).

You Don’t Need to Stay at Disneyland Hotels

While it makes a ton of sense to stay at a Disney resort when you visit Walt Disney World, it really isn’t the case for Disneyland.

That’s because there are tons of non-Disney hotels that are just as close (some are closer) to the park entrances as Disneyland hotels. And they are typically a lot cheaper.

But, staying at a Disneyland hotel does have perks like entering the parks 30 minutes earlier than everyone else and having your park purchases sent directly to your hotel.

And if you splurge for Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa you have a private entrance into Disney California Adventure Park! Read my full review .

Disneyland vs Disney California Adventure

So a lot of people say they are planning a trip to Disneyland without realizing there are actually two theme parks there.

Disneyland is the original theme park that has tons of classic rides. Disney California Adventure is right across a big plaza. Both are really fun and within easy walking distance of each other!

Main Disneyland Attractions

• Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge (Rise of the Resistance and Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run)
• New Orleans Square (Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mark Twain Riverboat, etc)
• Fantasyland (Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice in Wonderland, “it’s a small world”, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, etc)
• Adventureland (Enchanted Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure, etc)
• Frontierland (Big Thunder Mountain Railroad)
• Tomorrowland (Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Space Mountain, Autopia, etc)
• Toontown (Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway)

Main Disney California Adventure Attractions

• Cars Land (Radiator Springs Racers, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree)
• Avengers Campus (Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and Webslingers)
• Hollywood Land (Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, Animation Academy, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, etc)
• Pixar Pier (Incredicoaster, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, Pixar Pal-a-Round, etc)
• Grizzly Peak (Soarin’ Around the World, Grizzly River Run, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, etc)

What’s Downtown Disney District?

You’ll probably notice a section on the Disneyland website that talks about Downtown Disney. You don’t need a Disneyland ticket to go there.

It’s primarily a shopping, dining, and entertainment area located right next to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

We tend to pick up breakfast in Downtown Disney on our way into the parks. It’s usually a little cheaper and the lines are a little shorter. Sometimes you can mobile order.

I also have a post that lists a bunch of things to do in Downtown Disney . We usually go there on our arrival day and then spend some time there on our departure day before we fly home.

Research Before You Go

Things at Disneyland are ALWAYS changing, so it’s really important that you’re reading the most up-to-date information.

Disneyland no longer has FastPasses, Magic Mornings, MaxPasses, etc. Do NOT try to use ChatGPT to plan your Disneyland vacation because its information is 3 years old and completely out of date for Disneyland.

And right now, you’ll need to make reservations for which park you’ll be visiting on each day of your trip.

Download the Disneyland App

The Disneyland app is a great resource for planning your trip and staying up-to-date on wait times, showtimes, and more.

This is also where you can make Disneyland dining reservations, mobile order, and upgrade to Disney Genie+.

Check the Disneyland Attraction Refurbishments

Something that a lot of Disneyland first-timers don’t realize is that there are usually a few rides that are shut down at any given point so they can undergo routine maintenance.

It’s really helpful to go on the Disneyland website and enter your dates so you can see which rides might be under refurbishment.

That way, you don’t promise your kids that you’ll ride something that ends up being shut down during your entire trip. It’s a great way to set realistic expectations.

Watch Disneyland Ride Videos

One of my top suggestions is to make a list of rides you think your family might want to ride and then watch YouTube videos to see what the ride is actually like.

I started doing this when my kids were toddlers just to make sure we didn’t go on anything too scary for them.

It was also a great way to narrow down our list and see which rides we were most excited about.

Check Height Restrictions

After you have your list of rides, check the height requirements to make sure your kids are tall enough. This is especially important for kids under 48 inches tall.

Stroller or No Stroller?

Even if your kids haven’t been in a stroller for years, you might want to think about it. Disneyland trips include a LOT of walking and your kids might tire out quickly.

If you have an aggressive itinerary or you’re hoping to race around the parks, using a stroller can help minimize your frustration if your kids dawdle or are too tired to keep up.

Strollers are also awesome for lugging around all your stuff.

On our last trip, both my 6yo and 9yo ended up in a double stroller that we rented from Disneyland. We were able to stay in the parks all day long and our kids weren’t as cranky as when they had to walk the whole time.

However, it’s also really freeing to explore the parks without having to park your stroller (and then remember WHERE you parked it).

Get Our FREE Disneyland Travel Planner

How to meet disney characters.

One of the coolest ways that separate Disneyland from other theme parks is that they have Disney characters! And there are several ways to meet them.

Scheduled Meet and Greets

Mickey and Minnie each have houses in Toontown where people can go almost any time of day to meet them. You’ll see the wait times posted outside of their houses.

Anna and Elsa have a Royal Welcome in Hollywood Land where they list the wait times.

You can also meet 2-3 Disney princesses at the Fantasy Faire. Each one has a separate place but you only need to wait in one line to visit them all.

Main Street

Here, you’ll usually find at least 2 classic Disney characters anytime there isn’t a parade. They are typically wearing a specialty outfit (like Disney 100 clothing) or their classic look. You’ll stand in line for each character.

Buena Vista Street

This is where you’ll typically find at least 2 classic Disney characters any time of day (except for parade times). They are usually dressed in 1920s clothing and you’ll stand in line for each character you’d like to meet.

Roaming Characters

There are also other Disney characters who are hanging out in the parks. Sometimes they are listed in the Disneyland app and you can go find them and wait in line. Other times, they are unlisted and it’s sort of spontaneous.

There are also characters in Toontown who literally keep walking and you can run up and take selfies with them.

Disney Character Dining

Finally, you can make a reservation at a restaurant that offers character dining. I’ll explain more later on in this post.

How to Make Disneyland Dining Reservations

You can make Disneyland dining reservations on their website or on the Disneyland app. This is for sit-down restaurants like Carthay Circle, Blue Bayou, Lamplight Lounge, etc.

We like booking at least one reservation each day because it guarantees that we’ll have a chance to sit down, rest, and refuel. It’s really easy to be on the go all day long and get tired out.

If you’re having a hard time getting the dining reservation you want, I suggest signing up for Mouse Dining . It’s a website where you can enter your desired reservations and they will send you an alert when one becomes available.

Disneyland Mobile Ordering

Another way to dine at Disneyland is to do mobile ordering at the quick-service restaurants. You’ll place your order in the Disneyland app and then mark when you have arrived at the restaurant.

We usually place a mobile order wherever we are in the park before we start walking over there. It’s a great way to skip the line.

Disneyland Character Dining

If you’re a fan of Disney characters, doing Disneyland character dining is a great way to see a bunch of characters without having to wait in line.

Typically, you’ll get a posed photo with one character before you are seated. Then, the characters will roam around the restaurant while you eat and you can take candid photos with them.

Disneyland has a few character dining experiences:

Breakfast with Minnie at Plaza Inn

This is the only character meal that’s located INSIDE the park. That means that you’ll need a Disneyland park ticket that day.

This is one of my favorite character meals because there’s a great variety of Disney characters who show up.

Personally, I recommend reserving a late breakfast here. That way, you can rope drop and take advantage of short lines and then rest and enjoy breakfast.

Goofy’s Kitchen

This restaurant is located at the Disneyland Hotel (outside of the parks). They offer a character breakfast AND a character dinner and you’ll get to see a lot of classic characters like Goofy, Chip and Dale, and Pluto.

We really like doing this on our arrival day because it’s a fun way to kick off a Disneyland trip. It’s the ONLY character dinner at Disneyland. You can read my full Goofy’s Kitchen review .

Mickey’s Tales of Adventure at Storytellers Cafe

This Disney character breakfast is located at Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It’s a pretty standard breakfast buffet and classic Disney characters come around to your table.

This is a fun breakfast to do on your departure day when you want just a little more Disney magic before you leave.

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

This is my all-time favorite Disney character meal but it’s also the most expensive. The food is more upscale (but still kid-friendly) and you’ll get to meet 5-7 Disney princesses away from the table at your own pace.

It’s usually a 2-3 hour experience, so it’s great to do it on a day when you won’t be in the Parks. You can read my full Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures review .

How to Make Disneyland Character Dining Reservations

You can make Disneyland character dining reservations in the Disneyland app or on their website.

Helpful Disneyland Terms and What They Mean

So, Disneyland newbies sometimes get a little confused with terms that pop up on the Disneyland website or in Disneyland blog posts. Here are some of the most common Disneyland terms.

This is when you get in line to enter Disneyland before it opens. They let people into the park about 20 minutes before it opens and you can walk over to the area you want to visit first.

There’s a literal rope there and cast members will remove it as soon as the park officially opens. Usually, that means you can walk on (or have a short wait time) for your first ride of the day.

Park Hopper Ticket

This is an upgraded ticket that allows you to switch parks after 11 a.m. After that, you can roam freely between both parks.

Disney Genie Plus

This is a paid service where you can skip the line for popular attractions. You’ll need to download it from the Disneyland app and then make your selections in the app.

Cast Members

This is what Disneyland calls ALL employees (like servers, tour guides, cleaning people, etc).

Rider Switch

This is a program meant for parents who either have a child who is too young for the ride or who doesn’t want to do it. One parent will wait in line and ask for a Rider Switch pass.

Then they can go on the ride (with or without a kid) and then hand the pass over to the other parent who can skip the line and ride (with or without the first kid).

DAS (Disneyland Disability Pass)

This is a program for people who are unable to stand in line for physical reasons. You’ll need to do an online interview or stop by City Hall in order to get the pass.

Then, you can use the app to make ride selections. You’ll still “wait” in a virtual queue for your time to pop up but you don’t have to wait in the physical line.

Talk to Your Kids About Disneyland Souvenirs BEFORE You Enter the Parks

One of the things that Disneyland does a great job of is making you want to spend all your money! I’m always surprised to see just how many things we end up buying and lugging home.

It’s really great to set expectations before you get into the park and get distracted by all the fun stuff.

I know some families give each kid a set dollar amount for souvenirs or tell kids they can choose 1-2 souvenirs at the end of their trip.

For our family, we all love to shop and I factor that into our Disneyland budget.

Oogie Boogie Bash: Disneyland Halloween Party

If you’re visiting Disneyland in September or October, you might have the chance to attend the Oogie Boogie Bash (the Disneyland Halloween Party). There are tons of Disney villains, Halloween music, trick-or-treating, and other special events.

This is a ticketed event (separate from a normal park ticket). Oogie Boogie Bash tickets usually go on sale 3 months before the parties and they do sell out.

Basically, only people with a party ticket are allowed in Disney California Adventure during the party, which takes place in the late afternoon and goes until the park closes late at night.

Personally, we like to get tickets to the party on a day when we aren’t doing a full park day. It works well to do it on an arrival day or a rest day.

How to Visit Disneyland FAQs

Are there any other theme parks nearby.

Knott’s Berry Farm is located about 15 minutes from Disneyland and features a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on the history of California and the Knott family.

Universal Studios Hollywood is located about 45 minutes from Disneyland and features a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is located about an hour from Disneyland and features a variety of thrill rides and roller coasters.

LEGOLAND California is located about an hour and a half from Disneyland and features a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on Legos.

Should I visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland for my first trip?

Disneyland is MUCH smaller and less overwhelming than Walt Disney World, which is why I always recommend it for a first trip.

Is Disneyland park hopping worth it?

If you’re just visiting Disneyland for a day or two, park hopping can really help you maximize your time. It’s primarily for people who want to do all the rides in a short amount of time or who want the freedom to visit both parks in one day.

What are the Disneyland park hours?

Disneyland Park hours vary depending on the time of year. During the peak season, which is typically from June to August, the park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. During the off-season, the park is typically open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can always check the official Disneyland website for the most up-to-date park hours.

Is Splash Mountain closed?

Yes, Splash Mountain is currently closed so they can re-imagine the ride using Tiana (from The Princess and the Frog) as the new theme.

Is Disney’s Paradise Pier hotel under construction?

Yes, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is currently under construction. It is being re-imagined as a Pixar-themed hotel called Pixar Pier Hotel. The hotel is expected to reopen in 2024.

Do I need to arrive early at Disneyland?

If you want to go on a lot of rides with short wait times, it can really pay off to get to Disneyland early.

First Disneyland Visit Wrap-Up

Visiting Disneyland can be a magical vacation experience, but it’s important to plan ahead and know what to expect.

From researching the park and planning your itinerary to packing the essentials and managing your expectations, these Disneyland tips will help you make the most of your trip to one of Southern California’s iconic theme parks.

Remember to stay flexible and have fun, and you’ll create Disney vacation memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, Disneyland always has something new and exciting to discover.

So get ready to make your dreams come true and visit Disneyland for an unforgettable adventure!

Looking for more Disneyland travel resources? Find out how to save money at Disneyland , best Disneyland breakfast spots , Pixar Place Hotel review , top reasons to stay at the Disneyland Hotel , the closest hotels to Disneyland , Which is the Best Disneyland Resort Hotel , and the coolest Disneyland facts !

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

First Time at Disneyland? Here’s What You Need To Know

Are you planning on taking your first trip to Disneyland in California? If so, you’re in for a great time! There’s a reason Disneyland is known as The Happiest Place on Earth … there’s something there for everyone to enjoy.

In this article I will provide some tips that will help make your first time at Disneyland Resort a memorable one. I’ll cover everything from booking your tickets to packing your suitcases.

So read on for all the information you need to have a fantastic first visit to Disneyland!

A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Disneyland Resort

How to book your tickets for disneyland.

The first step in your epic Disneyland vacation, after choosing the dates you want to visit, is buying your tickets.

I recommend purchasing your Disneyland tickets through Undercover Tourist. They are an authorized Disney ticket provider, and I have actually used them myself, many times!

Undercover Tourist provides the lowest prices for Disneyland tickets, even lower than other popular ticket sellers.

Before you purchase your tickets, make sure you know:

• How many people are in your travel party?
• Are any travelers between the ages of 3-9 at the time of your trip? They quality for a child ticket. (Guests 2 and under are free.)
• How days will you be visiting?
• Do you want one-day tickets or Park Hopper tickets?
• Do you want to add Genie+ , a paid upgrade that reduces your wait time for some attractions?
• Guests must make park reservations. Use this calendar to make sure there are reservations available for the parks you want to visit before purchasing your tickets. If you choose a Park Hopper ticket, you must choose your starting park. (Reservations are available 120 days in advance.)

Once your order is processed, you should receive confirmation of your tickets via email so you can feel secure knowing your booking has gone through. 

Once you purchase your tickets, you can add them to your Disneyland account via their website or the Disneyland app and assign them to a name.

(Note – Once you assign your Disneyland tickets to a name, they are non-refundable through Undercover Tourist.)

How Should You Pack For Your First Time At Disneyland?

Planning for any vacation to a new spot can be a daunting task, and you might have a lot of questions on what you should pack for your first visit to Disneyland.

Before you start piling things into your suitcase, it is important to consider a few key points to make the most out of your experience at the Disneyland Resort.

First and foremost, depending on when you are visiting, California’s weather can get quite hot during the day, and chilly at night. Comfortable clothing and sun protection are essential when packing for your trip, and lightweight items like shorts, tank tops, and hats are all great choices. Don’t forget to bring a sweater or sweatshirt to wear after the sun goes down. Be sure to check the 10 day weather forecast as your trip approaches so you know what type of clothing will be best for you!

As far as shoes, I recommend comfortable sneakers or sandals with a good grip will give you plenty of support while walking around the park and standing in long lines. This visit is not the time to break in new shoes!!

You’ll definitely need some sort of bag to carry your things. For long park days, I recommend a backpack which provides a lot of storage and keep your items protected. If you don’t like the idea of carrying around all your things, lockers are available for a daily fee.

There are a few items that will make your day at Disneyland a little easier. Consider bring an external phone charger (or plan on purchasing a Fuel Rod ), a portable fan on hot days, a poncho on rainy days, and basic comfort items such as sunglasses, lip balm, and pain reliever.

Finally, think about bringing easy snacks like protein bars or trail mix as well as a refillable water bottle.

How To Navigate Disneyland as a First Time Visitor

If you’re visiting Disneyland for the first time, there are some important things you need to know before embarking on your adventure.

First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the layout of the park before arriving. Do your research and review the park maps on the Disneyland app or pick up a paper map at the gate so that you know where everything is located. 

Once inside the park, plan your route according to what attractions, shows, and rides you want to experience first. Ensure that you leave enough time to take necessary breaks such as restroom stops and meals so that you don’t miss anything!

Also, consider purchasing Genie+ , which allows you select an arrival window for select popular attractions – this can significantly shorten wait times! Genie+ can be purchased at the same time as your ticket, which will give you the best possible price for the service. Genie+ can also be purchased on the day of your visit, after scanning into the park.

Moving on to one of the most important parts of a Disneyland day – the food! Trying different food offerings – from snacks like Dole Whip to sit-down restaurants like the popular Blue Bayou – is highly recommended to get the full Disneyland experience.

To save time in line, you’ll want to mobile order some of your snacks and meals through the Disneyland app. With mobile ordering, you select your dining location, your time window, the items you want, and pay through the app. When it’s time to dine, tap “I’m here” in the app to let the location know you’re ready to pick up your food! Keep in mind some dining locations are very popular, so plan ahead!

Don’t forget, Disney Parks are designed for everyone regardless of age or experience level, so don’t be intimidated; just go enjoy a magical day of fun and adventure! My best advice is to have a loose strategy, stay hydrated, and go with the flow. Part of the fun of being at Disneyland are the unexpected magical moments that you can’t plan for!

What to Prioritize as a First Time Visitor To Disneyland Resort

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or looking for something more laid back, you’ll find plenty of options at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure!

For starters, I recommend checking out the classic attractions that really made Disneyland Park stand out from other amusement parks. Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and it’s a small world are absolute must-experience attractions. 

If you’re looking for more thrills, don’t miss Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Matterhorn at Disneyland Park. Over at Disney California Adventure, you’ll love the Incredicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT!

Both kids and adults alike will love the charming attractions in Fantasyland, including the popular Peter Pan’s Flight, the newly refreshed Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, and the Storybook Land Canal Boats. For me, a ride on King Arthur’s Carousel is a must, since Walt Disney came up with the idea for Disneyland while watching his daughters ride a carousel!

If you’re looking to wind down, you’ll want to board the Mark Twain Riverboat – an iconic attraction that takes passengers on a leisurely voyage alongside Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island and gives them breathtaking views of New Orleans Square and Frontierland. Don’t forget to wave at the Guests dining at Hungry Bear Restaurant as you sail by!

With so many spectacular rides to choose from at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, first time visitors have plenty of exciting options!

Visiting Disneyland for the first time can be an overwhelming experience, but with a bit of preparation and research, first-time visitors can get the most out of their visit.

Familiarize yourself with the layout of the parks before you arrive, plan your route, take advantage of Genie+, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

If you still have questions about visiting Disneyland, be sure to check out some of my other articles:

Guide to Visiting Disneyland Resort

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Disneyland in 2023

How to Use Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Disneyland

About Contributor

This article was written by a contributor and edited for accuracy by Mindy.

• Search forums
• Summer 2025 Disney Cruises Available!
• Disney Trip Planning Forums
• Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies

1st Visit pin / Does it bring special treatment?

• Thread starter DJ Disney Kid
• Start date Aug 22, 2008

DJ Disney Kid

Walt disney world vet.

• Aug 22, 2008

Just curious if the CM's are told to give extra attention to those wearing a 1st Visit pin or what the purpose of it is?  

monica31671

Dis veteran.

My 18 year old niece worn one on her first trip in July. She didn't get any special treatment as far as I could tell.  

<marquee behavior=alternate><font color=deeppink>F

• Aug 23, 2008

Several waiters and such asked my friend if it was her first trip or said, "First trip!" They would then ask where she was from and how she was enjoying Disney World. She got a big kick out of it. Then they'd start talking to me, which secretely annoyed me. I hate chit-chatting with strangers. Nothing for free, though.  

She runs to get away from you.

it may, it may not. probably borders more so on the may not side other than maybe inducing CMs to recognizing it's a first trip. i've heard people talk about things out of the ordinary that can really just happen to anyone and attribute it to the button too.  

Ferb, I know what we're going to do today!

<font color=blue>sometimes has dory moments<br><f.

It makes a nice free souvenir for the first time visitor. We got one for DD's friend who went with us in February last year. And we plan to get one for the friend who is travelling with us next week. But other than the occasional comment from a CM about how was her first trip going, nothing special.  

Have you ever stopped to think, and forgot to star

I'm not sure about 1st visit button, but if it's your birthday and you get a birthday button, all the CM's tell you happy birthday and also alot of the guest do too.  

Mouseketeer

I heard that the "prize patrol" people who issue the Year Of A Million dreams gifts get codes of how they spot people. So, they would get code "Red Shirt" and they would look for someone in a red shirt to win that prize. So, possible "First Trip Button" and if you have the button one you could win. You never know what Disney could do. I know the Birthday button can get a little old with everyone saying "Happy Birthday" to you all day long. All the CMs tend to be on the look out for people in those buttons. I particular love when the CMs talk to you just because I real life I am not a chatty person, but some how the magic brings it out in me.  

About the only thing you should expect while wearing any kind of button is a nice wish. I wore a birthday button for the first time and was really surprised at how many Cast Members did say something to me (not all Cast Members so don't expect it from every single Cast Member). I'll be getting a First Timer button for an aunt at the end of September. Mainly because she's not going to expect it and she (and the in-laws) will be thrilled with any little special greeting she'll get during the trip. But I am not telling her anything except she should wear it in the parks during the trip. That way, she'll be surprised at any attention she gets.  

SolitaryPhoenix

Arielchickenofthesea.

What kind of special treatment are you looking for? It seems to me that the CMs try to make EVERYONE's visit to WDW special. I always wonder WHAT special things people are expecting or think they deserve when they go to WDW. Just curious, no offense meant. I ask this as a general question because I have read of many people on other threads and sites that expect special treatment or freebies. NOT you, OP. Just in general. It is a good topic to discuss. What warrants special treatment by Disney? Good question!!! I never thought my first visit there was deserving of *extra special* treatment by anyone. Boy, I was happy just to be there!!! That place made me feel special! When we celebrated hubby's birthday, we ordered and paid for amenities from the Disney Florist to have them in the room. The waiters at various restaurants would bring a cupcake with a candle for the birthday, but we did not expect it. If you plan for a special occasion and pay for the special amenities, that is one thing, but to expect or wonder what you will get for just being there your first time, or your anniversary other than a "Happy Anniversary" or "Welcome, we are so glad to have you here on your first visit" is kinda like expecting freebies where none are required. There are those who expect the CMs to give them something EVERY day of their trip when they wear their button! I have heard of people wearing a birthday button the whole of a week's trip and milking it for all they could get. I wore my birthday button ON MY BIRTHDAY and that was it! All the CMs will acknowledge your special occasion if you have a button on. The button itself is a great souvenir from your trip! I love them. I have a collection of them, because we go to DL every year on my birthday (last year was lucky enough to have a friend take us to lunch at Club 33, THAT was a special treat, never to be taken for granted!!!!) So if you get the occasional comments from CMs and some even give you an open fast pass, maybe just because they want to make a magic moment for you, be happy and enjoy the trip! The first time there is magical! Interesting question though! ariel  

combining the teacups with a roller coaster

Dizneemommy.

We all had first trip buttons last June. They're a nice memento, and we had lots of wonderful conversations with CM's asking how our trip was going. Our kids got some stickers from several CM's (don't know if it was special treatment or not). They just thought it was really cool that everyone kept asking if they were having a good first trip!  

happy to be grumpy

It was DD10's first visit and her birthday. She wore the first frip button during our entire stay, and wore the button only on her birthday. While she did seem to receive a lot of recognition for her birthday, I don't recall anyone treating her special for her first visit. In fact, I think that at least 10% of the people there had first visit buttons, so I don't think it was anything so unusual as to warrant special treatment.  

Jill Schwartz

Can the buttons be picked up near the entrances to all the parks, but outside the turnstiles? I'm thinking its something to take care of while waiting for the turnstiles to open. Thanks, Jill  

You get them at City Hall in MK and Guest relations in the other Parks! Your onsite resort may have them too.  

jjjh'smom

Earning my ears.

DJ Disney Kid said: Just curious if the CM's are told to give extra attention to those wearing a 1st Visit pin or what the purpose of it is? Click to expand...

Whereabouts Unknown

WhateverLolaWants

CMs are just told to mention the button - congratulations on your anniversary, happy birthday, etc. I personally never gave anything free to anyone because there are some people who unfortunately abuse the buttons. On the other hand, I did give away things if the guest deserved it - like giving a cookie to the little girl whose mom made her ride Splash Mountain and she was still crying, or cheese cups to the people who waited so patiently (honestly, it's so rare for a guest to be understanding) when I ran out of pretzels.  

Share this page

Dis news & updates.

• New Locations Announced for Star Tours Attraction at Disney Parks
• Five Summer Tips for Walt Disney World in the Rain
• Park Hopping Currently Closed at Magic Kingdom
• BD-X Droids Heading to Season of the Force at Disneyland
• ICYMI: New Still Released for 'Moana 2' Coming This November

New DISboards Threads

• LifeDeathAnnualDues
• Today at 1:22 AM
• Disney Cruise Line Forum

• Yesterday at 11:59 PM

• Yesterday at 10:17 PM
• Disneyland (California)

• Yesterday at 10:12 PM
• Disney Resorts

• Yesterday at 8:55 PM
• Budget Board
• Yesterday at 8:29 PM
• Community Board

• Walt Disney World News
• Walt Disney World Articles
• Disney Cruise Line News
• Disneyland News
• General Disney News

Latest posts

• Latest: Snowysmom
• 3 minutes ago

• Latest: suse66
• 6 minutes ago

• Latest: 2goofycampers
• 8 minutes ago
• Latest: Lewisc
• 9 minutes ago

• Latest: sadiecatie
• 10 minutes ago

• Disneyland Paris Tourism
• Disneyland Paris Hotels
• Disneyland Paris Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Disneyland Paris
• Disneyland Paris Restaurants
• Things to Do in Disneyland Paris
• Disneyland Paris Travel Forum
• Disneyland Paris Photos
• Disneyland Paris Map
• All Disneyland Paris Hotels
• Disneyland Paris Hotel Deals
• Disneyland Paris
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

First visit pin - Disneyland Paris Forum

• Europe    
• France    
• Ile-de-France    
• Disneyland Paris    

First visit pin

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Marne-la-Vallee forums
• Disneyland Paris forum

You'll be fine, they have no way of checking. I don't know if they do first visit pins any more but if you go to City Hall they will give you an I'm celebrating pin, cast members throughout the day tend to ask what you're celebrating. Have a great trip.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Disneyland Paris 2:16 am
• Booking with Expedia Apr 03, 2024
• Priority card eligibility and evidence Apr 02, 2024
• Parking at Sequoia Lodge Apr 01, 2024
• Paris day trip from Val D'Europe Apr 01, 2024
• just a thought....... Apr 01, 2024
• Disability/Carer tickets Apr 01, 2024
• Parking at Marne-la-Vallée Apr 01, 2024
• 10 Questions! First time DLP with 9 and 3 year old Mar 31, 2024
• Train from London to Disney Mar 29, 2024
• 3 days or 4 days visit? (1040 vs 1477 euro) Mar 27, 2024
• Standard meal plan coverage Mar 27, 2024
• Photopass is it worth it post covid Mar 26, 2024
• Disney character interactions Mar 24, 2024
• Crowd levels in April 9 replies
• annual pass -who has one? 48 replies
• Wifi in Disney hotels 86 replies
• January 2012 3 replies
• Best Day to visit? 8 replies
• Marriott Vacation Club Disney Village to Central Paris 12 replies
• March 2013 16 replies
• student cards 6 replies
• Character meals 34 replies
• Christmas Day 9 replies

Disneyland Paris Hotels and Places to Stay

• Plus Size people in Disneyland Paris
• Eating at restaurants near, but not at, Disneyland Paris
• Driving to Disneyland.
• How does Disneyland Paris compare with Walt Disney World in the USA?
• Annual Passes
• What help is there for guests with disabilities?
• Rides for all...slow, gentle, fast, spinny, positively aaaarrrggghh
• renting a villa nearby
• Funny / Hidden / Secret things to look for in Disneyland Paris
• Young children, toddlers and babies in Disneyland Paris.
• Packing - what to take? Advice and tips.
• Transport options from the French airports to Disneyland.
• Travelling by Eurostar to Disneyland.
• Disneyland Paris from the UK by coach.
• Travelling to Disneyland from Gare du Nord in Paris.
• Dining for people who have special dietary requirements or food allergies.
• Meeting Disney Characters and Princesses
• Meeting Characters in the Disney hotels
• Is there a chemist or pharmacy in DLP? Where to buy medications?
• What can we do besides the Parks? Places to visit?
• Religious and Cultural Needs in DLP.

Join Our Mailing List

• Date Calculator
• Annual Events
• Vacation Planning
• Vacation Packages
• Money Saving Tips
• Disney Genie
• Magic Kingdom
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon
• Disney Springs
• Restaurants
• Dining Packages
• Dining Tips
• Resort Guides
• Resort Tips
• Planning Tips
• Ship Guides
• Things to Do
• Cruise destinations
• Dining Options
• Disneyland Park
• Disney California Adventure
• Downtown Disney
• Universal Studios
• Islands of Adventure
• Volcano Bay
• Theme Parks

Disney Celebration Buttons

Button Options    Where To Pick Up Your Celebration Buttons

Celebrating something special ? Pick up your complementary celebration buttons! These magical accessories are perfect for anyone celebrating their vacation for a multitude of occasions. Wear your Celebration Button proudly so that everyone knows what you are celebrating while visiting Walt Disney World.

Disney Celebration Button Options

Happy birthday.

Feel the full extent of your special and magical day , as cast members and characters wish you best on your special day! You will feel like a true Prince or Princess when everyone wants to help you celebrate your birthday.

Happily Ever After

Engaged? Just married ? “Ear” marking an anniversary ? Let the world know of your loving commitment, as you and your partner continue living Happily Ever After!

Is it your first time in the park? Help let everyone know that you are celebrating your first magical experience! This is a momentous occasion for you and your fellow travelers, so let the word go out that you made it for your first visit!

I’m Celebrating

Graduating? Family reunion? Are you just happy to be in the happiest place on Earth? Pick up an “I’m Celebrating” button and a cast member will write in your special reason!

Where To Pick Up Your Disney Celebration Buttons

These buttons can be found at multiple locations. Guest Relations at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts and any of the parks on both coasts will have these accessories upon request. See our maps pages for Walt Disney World and Disneyland for specific Guest Relations locations. Also, cast members in the front of any park around the time of rope drop may be walking around with baskets full of the various buttons. Occasionally, cast members at larger merchandise locations, such as World of Disney or the Emporium on Main Street, may have a stash of buttons behind the counter. Buttons can also be found around Disney Springs. The cast member who gives you your button will happily personalize to your pleasing by writing what you are celebrating on the button.

TheMouseForLess Tip: Get your celebration button at the beginning of your trip or day so that you can wear it as long as possible! If you are staying at a Disney resort let a cast member at the front desk know you are celebrating and they can help you get a button before you head to the parks.

Walt Disney World Resort Free Quote

Start planning your Walt Disney World Resort Vacation with The Magic For Less Travel . Use the form below to request a free no-obligation quote, and one of their counselors will get in touch with you to begin planning. The Mouse For Less recommends the Walt Disney World vacation planning services provided by our sponsor, The Magic For Less Travel. Their expert planning advice will help you make the most of your vacation time and money. The Magic For Less Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and provides service free of charge.

Privacy Overview

Help Center

How can we help you.

Theme Parks – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the guidelines for Disney Pin Trading?

When you are trading Disney Pins at the Disneyland Resort, please follow our etiquette and location guidelines for trading.

Pin Trading Etiquette

• Official Disney Pins Only official Disney pins may be traded. The main criteria when judging whether a pin is tradable or not (although other factors may be considered) is that the metal pin bears a “©Disney” mark on the back, representing an official Disney event, place, location, character or icon. A Disneyland Resort Cast Member may determine not to trade a pin in their discretion.
• Pin Condition Pins should be in good, undamaged, tradable condition with the pin backing attached.
• Safety For a safe trading experience, please trade one pin at a time.
• Trading Maximum Guests may trade a maximum of 2 pins per Cast Member or trading board, per day.
• Ask First Please refrain from touching the pin or lanyard of a Cast Member or Guest. If you need a closer look, kindly ask the Cast Member or Guest wearing the lanyard to bring it into clearer view for you.
• Not Exchangable for Trade Monies, gifts, vouchers or receipts may not be exchanged or used to trade for a pin.
• When trading with a Cast Member, Guests should offer a pin that is not currently displayed on the Cast Member’s lanyard or trading board
• Pins from other business units of The Walt Disney Company (e.g., ABC, ESPN) may be traded, as determined by the Cast Member
• Operating participant pins that show a Disney, Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort affiliation are generally accepted for trading
• Unauthorized pins, plastic pins, rubber pins or other nonmetal pins
• Personalized name pins
• Brooch-style or clasp pins
• Disney Service Award pins, Disney Legacy Award pins, Spirit of Disneyland Resort pins, Partners in Excellence pins or Cast Member costume pins (i.e., Host/Hostess Badges, Disney Trainer)

Pin Trading Location Guest Pin Trading, outside of the use of a lanyard, will only be permitted in Disneyland Park near Westward Ho Trading Company , as directed by a Cast Member or a sign with the exact location, from park opening to 3:00 PM daily (subject to change).

• Limit the Items You Bring Only one trading bag, 14"L x 12"W x 6"H (36cm x 31cm x 16cm) or smaller, is permitted. Guests should only utilize a single trading bag for pin trading activities. No additional decorations or collateral (e.g., lights, signage, displays, etc.) will be permitted.
• No Use of Benches Benches or any other structures for the display of pins will not be permitted. Benches are for seating purposes only.
• Attend to Your Items Traders must stay with their items for the entire time they are displaying or trading.

Valid Disneyland park admission and reservation required. Park reservations are limited and not guaranteed. Disney Pin Trading guidelines are subject to change without notice. Guests suspected of abusing the guidelines may be subject to, among other things, removal from the Disneyland Resort premises.

Did you find this answer helpful?

Where to Get Birthday Pins at Disneyland

Celebrating a birthday at Disneyland is a magical experience. In addition to the rides, shows and character meetups, one tradition that stands out is the Disneyland birthday pin. These pins are a fun and free way to let everyone know it’s your special day. But where do you get these birthday pins at Disneyland? This blog post will guide you through the process.

You can get birthday pins at Disneyland from several locations including City Hall on Main Street in Disneyland Park, the front desks of the resort hotels, registers at the shops on both Main Street and Buena Vista, ticket counters in the Good Neighbor hotels, Emporium on Main Street, and Guest Services in Disney California Adventure Park. These birthday pins are complimentary.

Types of Birthday Pins

At Disneyland, guests celebrating their birthdays can receive a complimentary “Happy Birthday” button. These buttons can be found at various locations throughout the park. In the past, each of the four theme parks had their own version of the birthday button, allowing guests to collect different ones. However, it is unclear if this is still the case. The birthday buttons are a fun souvenir and often generate special attention from Cast Members and other guests.

Locations to Purchase Birthday Pins

The most popular locations to purchase birthday pins at Disneyland include:

• City Hall on Main Street in Disneyland Park
• Front desks of the resort hotels
• Registers at the shops on both Main Street and Buena Vista
• Ticket counters in the Good Neighbor hotels
• Emporium on Main Street
• Guest Services in Disney California Adventure Park

You can also find birthday pins at various gift shops throughout the park, just ask a cast member for assistance. Remember that these birthday pins are complimentary, so you can celebrate your special day at Disneyland with a fun souvenir!

Limited Edition and Special Occasion Birthday Pins

Yes, there are limited edition and special occasion birthday pins available. You can find custom birthday pins on Etsy, Amazon, Zazzle, Party Adventure, Kations Creation, Lacedbyliyah, and BeYou Designs by Kim. Some of these websites offer personalized pins for various themes, colors, and events. Additionally, you can find limited edition pins like the Hard Rock Cafe Limited Edition Happy Birthday Pin on eBay. These pins can be used to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions, making them a unique and fun accessory for the event.

Customizing and Personalizing Birthday Pins

Yes, you can customize or personalize birthday pins at Disneyland. While you can get a free birthday button at Disneyland, you can also get a personalized birthday button for a small charge. To order a personalized birthday button, visit the Christmas Shoppe at Disney World and ask a Cast Member where you can place an order. The process is pretty basic, and having your information ready in advance will help streamline the process.

Alternatively, you can also find customized Disneyland birthday buttons on Etsy. There are various sellers offering unique and custom designs for birthday buttons, which you can personalize according to your preferences.

Tips and Hacks for Getting Birthday Pins at Disneyland

To get birthday pins at Disneyland, follow these tips:

• Pick up a free birthday button : You can get a free “Happy Birthday” button at City Hall in Disneyland, Guest Services in Disney California Adventure Park, or many of the retailers located throughout the Resort. You can also pick up a complimentary birthday pin at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels when you check in.
• Mention your birthday : Let the front desk agent, your travel agent, waitress, and any other Cast Members know that you are celebrating a special birthday. There is no guarantee that anything will happen, but sometimes miracles occur on people’s special days.
• Wear your birthday button : Wearing your birthday button can get you special treatment like being picked for shows, announced over the loudspeaker on certain rides, and extra attention from the characters. Cast Members will also go above and beyond to wish you a happy birthday.
• Customize your button : For a more unique birthday button, take it to Plaza Point and have a Disney Artist decorate it for a small fee.
• Birthday-themed rides : Don’t miss the birthday-themed rides in Disneyland, including Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, and The Haunted Mansion.
• Collect autographs : Bring an unsigned birthday card and have Disneyland characters sign it as a special souvenir. You can do this at character meet and greets or character dining experiences.

Remember, there is no guarantee that you will receive special treatment or surprises, but wearing a birthday button and mentioning your celebration can increase your chances of a memorable experience.

Whether it’s your first time celebrating a birthday at Disneyland or you’re a seasoned pro, knowing where to get your birthday pin can make your day even more magical. These pins not only serve as a great souvenir, but they also create an opportunity for unique experiences and interactions with the Disney cast and other park-goers. So, on your next birthday trip to Disneyland, make sure to grab your birthday pin and celebrate your special day in style!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i get more than one birthday pin at disneyland.

Yes, you can get more than one birthday pin. However, keep in mind that these are complimentary and are meant to be a special souvenir for each guest celebrating their birthday.

Do I need to show proof of my birthday to get a birthday pin?

No, Disneyland operates on an honor system for birthday pins. You do not need to show proof of your birthday to receive one.

Can I get a birthday pin even if it’s not my birthday?

While Disneyland operates on an honor system, the birthday pins are intended for guests who are celebrating their birthdays. If it’s not your birthday, there are many other types of celebration pins available!

Are there any age restrictions for receiving a birthday pin?

No, there are no age restrictions. Guests of all ages can receive a birthday pin.

Can I get a birthday pin if I’m not visiting on my actual birthday?

Yes, if you are celebrating your birthday at Disneyland, even if it’s not on the actual day, you can still receive a birthday pin.

Can I buy a birthday pin online before my visit to Disneyland?

Yes, there are several online platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay where you can buy customized and limited edition birthday pins. However, the complimentary birthday pins are only available inside Disneyland.

Related Posts

How Scary Is Matterhorn in Disneyland?

How Do Disneyland Multi-Day Tickets Work?

What Bag to Bring to Disneyland?

How Far Is Hotel Lulu from Disneyland?

What Is Disney Merch Pass?

What Credit Cards Does Disneyland Accept?

About the author, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Leah is an expert on Disney World and Universal Studios, and she loves sharing her tips and tricks for visiting the parks with others. She knows both parks' ins and outs and can help you make the most of your visit.

How Long Are Disney Gift Cards Good For?

What Is the Main Attraction in Disneyland?

What Days Is Disneyland Closed?

Where Is Starbucks in California Adventure?

Who Can Buy Disneyland Tickets?

When Was Space Mountain Built in Disneyland?

Join Pin & Pop free to magically manage your entire pin collection!

41316 - My First Visit - Disneyland Resort - Disneyland Resort

PIN & POP PIN ID: 41316

Disneyland resort is an open edition pin from the my first visit disney pin series. it was originally released on february 6th, 2009 and was available from disneyland resort ., pin features mickey mouse, view all 2 pins from the series my first visit, pin description:, more from the series: my first visit.

Rarity Scale

PIN & POP's Rarity Scale is based on various factors including trade activty and release size.

My First Visit - Disneyland Resort - DLR

News | Total solar eclipse: Here’s how visible it…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Investigative Reporting
• Environment

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

News | total solar eclipse: here’s how visible it will be in southern california, the path of the total eclipse has been changed but it will only matter to people traveling to see the total eclipse.

The Earth, moon and sun will align for a total eclipse in some areas of the world Monday, April 8. Californians will see a partial eclipse of about 50%.If you miss the total eclipse this time, you’ll have to wait two decades for your next chance in North America.

The path of the total eclipse will start in Texas and end in Maine. It will last approximately from 11:27 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. Pacific time. In the path of the moon’s shadow, the maximum duration of totality will be 4 minutes, 28 seconds.

It will be about 50% of an eclipse in Southern California.

Is the path map wrong?

It’s been widely reported that the eclipse path maps are wrong, which is true, but the difference is only slight, and it won’t matter unless you’re heading to see the total solar eclipse.

You can learn more about the difference in the maps here.

You can zoom in on the new map here.

The first known records of humans seeing an eclipse date back more than 3,000 years, but people did not begin to understand that the Earth revolved around the sun until the 1600s.

The fact that NASA has predicted the time, duration and exact path of this eclipse shows some of the regularity of the universe that we have come to understand.

Astronomers have predicted other total eclipses for the next 100 years, with the next total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous U.S. on Aug. 23, 2044. The 2044 eclipse will be visible in Northern Montana for about 2 minutes.

In 2045, There will be a 6-minute total solar eclipse visible on Aug. 12, and it will be visible across the U.S. from Reno to Florida. It’s being called the “Greatest American Eclipse.”

You can visit NASA.gov for livestream coverage on April 8.

Via satellite

When you hear the word satellite, it might conjure images of high-tech space gadgets, but the moon is Earth’s only natural satellite.

After April 8, the next total eclipse will be a lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025.

The first artificial satellite was put into orbit in 1957 by the Soviet Union, and there are an estimated 9,494 active satellites in orbit.

Our moon is the fifth-largest in the solar system.

Moons of other planets

• Jupiter: 66
• Neptune: 13

Star of the show

• Our sun is one of more than 200 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy. Here are some other things to consider while our attention is turned to it:
• The light you are seeing from the sun takes about 8 minutes, 20 seconds to travel to Earth.
• In two hours the average solar flare releases enough energy to power the U.S. for 10,000 years.
• The sun rotates on its axis approximately once every 27 Earth days.
• During a single second, the sun converts 4 million tons of matter into pure energy.

Protect your eyes

Never look directly at the sun. The safest way to observe the eclipse is making a pin hole in a piece of paper and watching the shadow on the ground.

Here’s a link to NASA’s eye safety for eclipse viewing tips.

If you haven’t purchased eclipse viewers yet, we suggest manufacturers or vendors that have been approved by the American Astronomical Society or International Organization for Standardization. Looking at the sun with substandard glasses may cause permanent damage to your eyes.

Sources: NASA, Spaceweather.com , Space.com , NOAA, Griffith Observatory, besselianelements.com , earthsky.org

• Newsroom Guidelines
• Report an Error

More in News

News | Inglewood settles for nearly $15 million with LAPD officer hurt in mayor’s 2019 crash

Crime and Public Safety | Alleged members of Southern California smog check cheating ring are indicted, officials say

National News | April nor’easter with heavy, wet snow pounds Northeast, 630,000 still without power

National Politics | Judge rejects Trump request to dismiss classified documents prosecution

• Close 

1st time buttons how do you get them ”

• Useful 6 Useful Please Sign In to mark this question useful.
• Save Answer Please Sign In to view your saved answers.
•  Pinterest
•  Facebook
•  Email

Meet the Panelist: Tabitha, Tennessee

Related links.

Visit Walt Disney World Resort to explore the magic.

• Disney Parks Shopping App
• My Disney Experience
• Walt Disney World Disney Springs

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please sign in now if you have not already done so., ask plandisney, discover the magic of a disney parks family vacation from one of our knowledgeable online panelists..

256 Characters Remaining

Please do not include personal information such as full names and reservation numbers in your question.

• Relevant Tags Please select at least one tag related to your question from the choices below.

The menu below has been automatically set to the panelist you were reviewing, however, you can ask anyone on our panel.

• Close Ask a Question Opens the Ask a Question dialog box.

Thanks for submitting your question!

You'll receive an email if your question is answered., please note.

Email communication is the only way we can notify you when your question has been answered. If you choose to opt-out of receiving emails, you will need to return to the site to check if your question has been answered.

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer .

Or you can continue browsing without updating.