How to plan a Disneyland trip for the Disney100 Celebration

This year marks 100 years since the founding of Walt Disney Co., and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim (California) celebrates with new shows and a Mickey themed attraction at its two parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Both parks will be decorated with new decorations.

January 27th marks the official start of Festivities. Even though you might feel that you need to hire a fairy godmother in order to plan or pay for your visit, there are many ways to maximize your time and budget to see these new attractions.

It’s fitting that Mickey Mouse finally gets his own ride. Many Disney characters have their own rides. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens on January 27th as a dark ride.

Len Testa is the president of Disney vacation planning site Touring Plans. He recommends that you line up at the “rope fall,” which is when the park officially opens to beat the crowds.

Testa states that the only way to avoid long lines at Runaway Railway is to arrive early, at least one hour before the park opens. “Then, you’ll be the first to arrive at Runaway Railway early in the morning span>

On March 8, the rest of Mickey’s Toontown will reopen. Plan your Disney100 trip for spring or later if you have children who would love the new play areas or the kiddie roller coaster.

After a short hiatus because of the pandemic, Magic Happens will be back on February 24. This parade features characters from “Frozen 2”, and “Moana span>

Testa states that you should search for spots at least one hour in advance if you want to be able to see the crowd from a clear spot.

Although he said that any spot along the parade route was fine, photographers should prioritize Main Street U.S.A., or the central hub of the park in front the castle, for better backgrounds.

Beci Mahanken, founder and CEO at travel agency MEI Travel and Mouse Fan Travel, believes in crowd avoidance.

She says she prefers the area around It’s A Small World or Pixie Hollow because it’s quieter and there’s more space for people to sit down.

On Jan. 27, Disneyland will launch a nighttime show called Wondrous Journeys. It features a new song, projections and a parade around the park. Baymax, an inflatable robot from “Big Hero 6,” will be the star of the show. He will fly through the sky around Sleeping Beauty Castle.

While not all Wondrous Journeys performances will feature fireworks, these shows are less popular. According to a Disney spokesperson, if you want to see fireworks, then you will need to visit on weekends or peak nights during the spring and summer.

Testa says that the best place to see fireworks is in the central center with a clear view over Disneyland and the castle.

California Adventure, Disneyland’s sister park is getting a revamp of the famous water show World of Color. World of Color – One is the new name of the show.

Park Hopper tickets let you access two parks in one day. They are more expensive than the alternative one-park-per day ticket. Park Hopper tickets are the best way to see both parks if you have only one day. You’ll pay at least $169 for a one-day, 2-park adult admission. If you are able to stay for at least two consecutive days, it is sometimes more affordable to purchase a one-park-per day ticket. This starts at $143 per person for two days of adult admission.

Prices for tickets can fluctuate depending on when you go. You will need to make reservations for the dates that you intend to visit the park when you purchase your ticket. You can also decide whether or not you wish to purchase line-skipping privileges like Disney’s Genie+ and Lighting Lane.

Some guests may find all the ticket options confusing. Mahnken suggests doing your research and working with a free travel agent.

Mahnken admits that there is a learning curve and additional charges, but once you get used to the tools it can save you a lot of time. It’s not as easy as just buying a ticket to Disneyland and showing up span>

(Top Photo courtesy Walt Disney World)

This article is by NerdWallet. It was originally published in The Associated Press.