Disneyland Resort Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Services

Stay connected with local SIMs or eSIMs during your visit.

Carrier Options

Major U.S. Mobile Carriers: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer broad coverage.
Prepaid SIM Cards: Obtain these from carrier stores, electronics retailers, or major stores. Plans have talk, text, and data for a period.
ESIMs: A growing option for simple activation. Purchase and activate online before arrival for immediate connectivity. Many international phones support eSIM technology.

Internet Access

Find Wi-Fi availability at the resort and beyond.

Wi-Fi Spots

Disneyland Resort: Free Wi-Fi across both theme parks, Downtown Disney District, and Disneyland Resort Hotels. Useful for the Disneyland app.
Hotels: Most hotels in Anaheim (on-site or off-site) have free Wi-Fi for guests. Confirm when booking.
Public Places: Many restaurants, cafes, and shops in the Anaheim area have free Wi-Fi for customers.

Language Matters

English is the main language, with Spanish also widely spoken.

Language & Support

Main Language: English. Spanish is commonly spoken in Southern California. Many Cast Members are multilingual.
Translation Resources: Apps like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator assist with signs, menus, or conversations.
Basic phrases like "Please," "Thank you," and "Excuse me" are welcomed and convey respect.

Postal Services

Locate options for sending mail during your stay.

Mail Services

U.S. Post Office branches exist throughout Anaheim for sending postcards, letters, and packages.
Hotels may also offer basic postal services or have mailboxes for postcards.
Find locations using online maps for convenience.

Connectivity Tips

Staying Connected

Ensure your phone is "unlocked" from your home carrier for local SIM/eSIM use.
Most modern smartphones are compatible with U.S. Cellular networks (GSM/CDMA).
For constant, secure internet, consider a Portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
Keep devices charged, especially with heavy app use in parks.

Important Notes

Airalo is an eSIM provider for travelers.
Rosetta Stone for language learning platforms.
Download the Disneyland app before your trip and link tickets. This app navigates parks, checks wait times, and facilitates mobile ordering.

Disneyland App Advice

Download the Disneyland app before your visit and link your tickets. This app becomes your main instrument for navigating the parks, checking wait times, and ordering food.

Business Hours & Schedules

Plan your visit around typical operating hours for various establishments.

Theme Park Hours

Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure Park hours vary by season and day.

Other Venues

Hours for Downtown Disney, restaurants, and retail.

Banking & ATMs

Access cash and banking services conveniently.

Bank Accessibility

Banks: Typically open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Some branches have limited Saturday hours.

ATMs & Credit Cards

ATMs: Widely available at banks, supermarkets, convenience stores, and within Disneyland Resort for cash access.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the resort and most businesses.

Holiday Schedules

Disneyland Resort: Operates on all major U.S. Public holidays, typically with extended hours and very high visitor numbers.

Public Holidays

Other Businesses: Banks, government offices, and some smaller businesses will be closed on public holidays.
Major U.S. Holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.

Airport Service Notes

Lounge Access

Priority Pass: For frequent travelers, this independent airport lounge access program has lounges worldwide.
Access comfortable lounges before or after your flight, often with complimentary food and Wi-Fi.
Lounges can be a peaceful retreat from busy terminals.

Flight Compensation

Compensair: A service that helps customers receive compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
This service assists with claims for disrupted travel.
A resource for air passenger rights.

Check Schedules

Always verify the Disneyland app for real-time park hours and attraction availability for your specific visit dates. Schedules may change.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Navigate social situations and daily interactions with ease.

Greetings & Attire

Understand common courtesies and dressing norms.

Social Customs

Casual greetings are common ("Hi," "Hello"). Handshakes are standard for introductions. A simple smile and eye contact are generally welcomed.
Theme Parks: Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are standard. Functionality and comfort are prioritized for long days.
Fine Dining: For upscale restaurants, resort casual or smart casual clothing is generally expected. Avoid t-shirts, ripped jeans.

Dining & Tipping

Learn about mealtime customs and gratuity expectations.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is customary for table service (15-20% is standard) and other personal services (e.g., taxis, hotel bell staff).
For quick-service or counter-service, tipping is not expected.
Waiters depend on tips for a noteworthy part of their income.

Photography Rules

Photograph mindfully, respecting privacy.

Considerate Photo Taking

Photography is generally permitted throughout the parks for personal use.
No flash photography on dark rides; it disrupts the experience. Be mindful of others and do not block pathways during shows.
Respect privacy when photographing individuals. Ask permission for close-ups, especially children.

Sensitive Topics & Behavior

Understand conversational boundaries and public conduct.

Social Awareness

Avoid discussing politics or religion with strangers unless they start the conversation.
Do not cut lines ("queue jumping") at Disneyland or public places; it is strongly discouraged.
Americans generally prefer more personal space than people in some other cultures.

Important Rules

Safety & Comfort

Disneyland Resort has designated smoking areas outside the park entrance. Smoking or vaping is not allowed inside the parks or Downtown Disney.
Always heed Cast Member instructions for your safety and the enjoyment of all visitors.
Commercial photography needs special permission from Disney.

General Respect

Treat Cast Members with respect and kindness. They are to your experience.
Be patient and courteous with other guests, especially during busy times.
Follow all park rules; they exist for safety and enjoyment.

Inclusivity

Gender & LGBTQ+

California and Disneyland Resort maintain welcoming and inclusive environments for all genders.
The resort promotes diversity and inclusion among its Cast Members and guests.
Visitors should expect an environment of acceptance.

Visitor Expectations

Gender expression is generally accepted.
Politeness and a friendly demeanor contribute to a good experience.
Disneyland aims for an experience appealing to everyone.

Patience and Politeness

Patience is important. Disneyland Resort welcomes millions of visitors, and crowds are a certainty. A patient, polite attitude makes your experience better.

Accessibility Information

Disneyland Resort is committed to a welcoming and accessible experience for all guests. Various services and infrastructure accommodate diverse needs.

Mobility Support

Infrastructure and rentals for guests with mobility needs.

Navigating the Resort

Disneyland Resort is very accessible. Paths are wide, ramps are widespread, and elevators/lifts access different levels.
This design supports guests in wheelchairs or ECVs (Electric Conveyance Vehicles) for ease of navigation.
Wheelchair and ECV Rentals: Available for rent at park entrances. First-come, first-served.

Accessible Features

Attractions and transportation with accessibility features.

Park & Transit Accessibility

Attractions: Many attractions are wheelchair accessible. Some allow guests to remain in their wheelchair/ECV; others need transfer, with Cast Members assisting.
Transportation within Resort: The Disneyland Monorail, Parking Tram, and Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) buses are all wheelchair accessible.
Accessible Parking: Designated spaces are available at the resort's parking structures.

Sensory & Cognitive Support

Sight & Sound

Sign Language Interpretation: Available for some shows upon request. Often needs advance notice (e.g., 14 days) to Guest Relations.
Audio Description: Available for some attractions for guests with visual impairments. Devices can be obtained at Guest Relations.
Assisted Listening Devices: Available for guests with hearing impairments at Guest Relations. These amplify attraction audio.
Braille Guides: Available at Guest Relations for guests with visual impairments, providing information about the parks.

Cognitive & Learning

Closed Captioning/Video Captioning: Available on select entertainment and pre-show videos.
DAS (Disability Access Service): For guests with difficulties waiting in conventional queues due to a disability. Register at Guest Relations for return times via Lightning Lane entrances.

Accessibility Planning

Review the "Services for Guests with Disabilities" guide on the official Disneyland website before your journey. This guides your day around accessible attractions and services.

Disneyland Resort Travel Tips