While this might not be a surprise Disneyland employees can get friends and family into the park free. At times limitations may be made to this rule, like how many people n employee can get in. Another issue is that some employees get more people in then others, the higher up the corporate ladder they are more people they can get in. As you would expect the C.E.O. and other VPs get the best treatment for friends and family but the regular worker can get VIP treatment for their friends too. If you know someone who works for Disney Imagineering you will be in for a real treat if they bring you to the park since their knowledge of the rides is the best and they can take you behind the scenes of the rides and other areas the public isn't allowed in. If you only know a part time employee of Disneyland they are can still get perks besides the free admission, all employees can get cut in the front of the line passes (like a fastpass but better) which send you straight on the ride without waiting.

Another way that you can go to Disneyland free is if you go to Club 33.The only way to get to go to Disneyland's club 33 is if you know someone who is a member but unless you happen to be friend with the California governor or Michael Jackson you probably don't. The good news is there are corporate memberships and it is possible your company especially if it is local and a large corporation might be a member. If your company has a corporate membership you can go. While Club 33 gives you a free ticket to Disneyland you have to eat at Club 33. The cheapest meal they have is a brunch that cost $50. The meal cost about the same as getting in but you do get a great eating experience and can say you have been to the exclusive Club 33.

Finally here is the secret you really want to learn, how to get into Disneyland free. To get into Disneyland you go to the customer service next to the entrance of California Adventures. At customer service say you want to buy some souvenirs. They take either cash in the amount of a ticket, or they will slide your credit card. Then you are allowed one hour in the park. This may not be much time but it's free and you could get on a ride or two. If you return in an hour you will get a refund your money. Some rules apply and the rules can change. There are some times that you can't enter Disneyland, currently they are Monday through Friday opening to 5PM times may change.

It may be only an hour but it is a free hour.

 

If you are planning on going to Disneyland in Anaheim, California this summer here are some tips from a seasoned veteran about how to make the most out of your trip.

1. If you can afford to stay in one of the three Disneyland Hotels, you will have early admittance at 7AM to Disneyland, an hour before everyone else. Family packages include passes to both parks and you can skip the ticket booth before you enter and go right to the entrance line. In the morning you can catch the “Monorail” in Downtown Disney or the Disneyland Hotel and it will take you directly into “Tomorrowland” before the general public is admitted.
2. Get to the park as soon as it opens and hit as many rides first thing in the morning. Even with a fast pass, early is still best. When we visit Disneyland we hit all the rollercoaster rides first thing. We usually start with “Space Mountain” and hit that four times in about an hour, then “Indiana Jones” at least twice. “Splash Mountain” is one ride we usually take “Fast Passes” to ride and sometimes the line is moving well enough on “Thunder Mountain Railroad” that we get on that ride quickly. All the coasters are manageable before 11 AM. After that, I suggest that you get a “Fast Pass' for the coasters or be prepared to wait at least an hour or more to board them.
3. Always take some time to plan your trip and what you want to do and see. It will save you time at the park. Create an itinerary and map your route so you know where you are going.
4. There are parades twice a day at Disneyland in the summer. (Afternoon and Evening). If parades are important to you, you must camp out somewhere along the route over an hour ahead of time.
5. If you want to eat at the “Blue Bayou Restaurant” (inside the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride), I suggest a reservation made weeks ahead. (phone: (714) 781-3463) Otherwise, stop by the restaurant in the French Quarter first thing in the morning to see what is available. Dinner for four adults is about $125-$150.
6. Once you notice the park filling up and the lines exceeding 30 minutes of wait time, definitely grab some “Fast Pass” tickets
7. The Fast Passes are set up at kiosks close to the rides. The next time available is posted. All you do is insert your park ticket and out pops a “Fast Pass” good for that specific time. You can only have a “Fast Pass” for one ride at a time per person. Once you exit that ride, go grab another “Fast Pass.”.
8. A “Fast Pass” allows you to come back at a designated time and bypass all the people waiting in line
9. If watching the parades is not important to you, this can be a good time to hit some rides without “Fast Passes” that normally might be really crowded, but be prepared to wait in line when the park is packed regardless
10. Pack some snacks to munch in line and bring some water. Food is pricy in the park and you can save money bringing in snacks and water although you will inevitably have to buy a meal. A fast food type lunch for a family of four runs about $35-$40!
11. The bathrooms along Main Street are usually less crowded and more hidden from the crowds. They are by the” Carnation Café” (behind it) on your left as you walk east down Main Street.
12. Bring sunscreen, hats and anything else you must have for a warm day at the park. Anything you buy in the park is expensive.
13. The Disney Characters enter and exit through one area off Main Street. It is located before the Plaza Inn Terrace restaurant if you are walking east. It is a hidden area and sometimes you can see a character emerge before the crowd mobs them. Also in this area is a “Baby Center” for parents, tots and babies; a “First Aid Station” and a “Lost and Found.” I have been to all of these handy places throughout my life as a child and a parent.
14. California Adventures opens at 10AM and closes around 8PM in the summer. It is a smaller park and not nearly as popular as Disneyland. It is less crowded even on the busiest days. You might want to try to catch this park in the late afternoon and then head back to Disneyland in the evening if you buy a Park Hopper Pass.
15. Always keep the Disneyland Website handy. 
16. Last summer, we waited 45 minutes at 7AM to ride the new “Nemo Submarine.” So be prepared for lines, masses of humanity and aggressive people pushing strollers. It can get crazy.
17. Hit the shops in a lull when you are tired of rides or the lines are too long. Don't waste your time in the shops during the morning hours when the ride lines are shortest. “Small World” is usually a laid back easy wait and good break between the outside madness in mid-afternoon., but it is closed until Fall, 2008.
18. The park hours in the summer are 8AM until midnight for visitors who are not staying in the Disneyland Resort Hotels
19. If someone in your party needs a wheelchair you will have a much faster way to get on the rides. You simple wheel up to the line with your party and everyone rides. I know people who rent a wheelchair for the day and take turns using it, just to get on the rides ahead of everyone else!
20. Sometimes it just makes more sense if you are traveling with a group of diverse ages to split up for half of the day. One adult can take the little ones into “Fantasyland” which is packed after noon and another adult can steer the older kids over to the more sophisticated rides. Note: “Fantasyland” rides do not have “Fast Passes” and the lines are very long in the middle of the day, so early again is best.
21. “Splash Mountain”, “Matterhorn” and “Big Thunder Railroad” do break down more frequently than the other rides. Try to ride them earlier in the day. You will get wet in “Splash Mountain.” If you want to get very wet, put your heavier people towards the front of the car.
22. Downtown Disney also has many shops and restaurants. But again you may want to book reservations if you can plan ahead as it is very crowded during the dinner hours and evening there also.
23. If you are staying at “Grand Californian Hotel” it is faster to walk than rely on the Matterhorn in early evening to take you into the park. The Matterhorn Station in Downtown Disney is a nightmare during the summer from late afternoon until evening.
24. Your purse/backpack will be searched as you enter the park, so be prepared. Security is on alert at Disneyland and they are very serious about keeping it a safe place for all.
25. There are photographers mulling around who will ask to take your photo. They will take the photo at no cost, but if you choose to purchase them that is another story. We have had some nice family pictures taken this way. You only pay for the pictures you want.
26. Summer is the park's busiest seasons. If you hate crowds hit the park from mid-Sept. to May.
27. Always go to Disneyland in the middle of the week whenever you go. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are less crowded than Friday and weekends.
28. Super Bowl Sunday is supposed to be the least crowded day. I know a family that goes every year on that day.
29. Realize that some rides will be closed during off-season for repair
30. Always check the website for last minute and up-to-date info
31. If you have young children, a two day trip affords you the luxury of going to the park in the morning, then heading back to the hotel in the heat of the day and returning again at night
32. If you only have one day and you don't have much time I would focus only on Disneyland and skip California Adventures
33. There are Disney employees walking around California Adventures incognito and giving away “Fast Passes” that can be used on any ride at any time in either park at around 10AM each morning. A friend scored free passes after getting off the “Mulholland Madness” ride. With these special passes you can just walk up and ride any of several popular rides. But these passes do have a limited use. I heard that Disney was handing out these special tickets in “California Adventures” to attract more visitors to that park. yet the tickets are for selected rides in both parks.
34. The newest ride this summer is “Toy Story Mania” in California Adventures
35. Fireworks happen every night over “Sleeping Beauty's Castle” in Disneyland at 9PM

I hope these tips allow you and your family to maximize your time and fun at “The Happiest Place on Earth!”

Welcome to Anaheim. The one-time Bavarian delight along the Santa Ana River and previously filled with great citrus and walnut trees is now nearly half Hispanic and an established center of a metropolitan region in its own right.

Disneyland

Yes, it is a staple of visiting the Southland and you are obligated to visit if you're in the area and haven't been before. California Adventure is adjacent to the park and is just a pretty waste of time, so I recommend saving your money and going to see the real things the state has to offer. If you're limited on time and want the best of the rides, head first to the Matterhorn to wake you up and help get you pumped for the remainder of your day. Run over to Space Mountain and soar through the stars … and try to think of Michael Jackson when he wasn't so odd.

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Stop off at the Café Orleans for a yummy crepe or sandwich. Mosey on down to the Pirates of the Caribbean cruise and relax, enjoy a boat ride while your food settles. Don't move too fast, you can take a fascinating show of outer space while sitting in the theater in Star Tours… be careful, your seats do move in correspondence with the show. You'll come outside and the difference between an air-conditioned theater and the Southern California heat will hit you. Skip over to Splash Mountain for a refreshing cool down… and be careful, you will get wet!

Cruise through Autopia and let a breeze dry you off a bit, and then hit the Indiana Jones adventure for a shaky Jeep ride. It's now time for a little meet and greet with some characters, which is best done in Toon Town (my favorite part as a child). Minnie's house is a little girl's dream and the boys should really enjoy the Chip n'Dale Tree House.

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All the sugar and candy is done (and don't forget to buy some edible and non-edible treats at the Gag Factory before you leave), dusk should be hitting, and there's some sort of eerie feel as the breeze of the Santa Ana winds hit you and you wonder where the sun has gone. Well, it's the perfect timing for the trip to the Haunted Mansion. Will you see a ghost? Once you get over being spooked, run to Fronteirland for a place close to the water to get the best view of the Fantasmic special effects show performed on the lake. The showing should be at about 9, and following it will be a spectacular firework show. You should head back to your hotel room after this… get some rest and instruct the baby sitter… because now it's time to party!

Map of the park's location

Nightlife

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The Grove - This is a hot event venue, located on Katella east of State College. Its stunning exterior architecture and generally fabulous feel will make you feel like a movie star as you saunter in here. For upcoming events, go to their event schedule page.

House of Blues - The famous spot for some amazing live performances, located in the Downtown Disney District. You'll find all sorts of music being played here, and even though food is served, you'll likely find yourself moving those hips the entire time. For more information, head to the House of Blues website.

J.C. Fandango - Thespot to hit for a fun night of moving to the Latin groove. This is now technically in the city of Garden Grove, located on Chapman (west of Harbor… this is for your taxi driver), but it was previously in Anaheim so I'm including it… Anyway, they have all the best Latin music, a vibrant crowd, excellent DJs and even offer Salsa lessons. Check out their website to find out more.

Sports

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The Concourse Entertainment Center (Bowling) - For some reason, I think us Anaheim folks love to bowl. Well, this is the place to try your luck at a strike. They even have fun theme nights to enjoy. Located on La Palma, east of Kraemer.

California Angels - (had to be old school with the name) This is the baseball team that hadn't one a game for decades, and out of the blue took the World Series by storm in 2002. They play a great game, and if you have a chance, you should take the opportunity to see one. Go here for their schedule and watch them play at the Angel Stadium.

Anaheim Ducks - Are you Canadian and bored by the prospect of being without your beloved hockey while on vacation? Don't be! You can watch the Ducks play with the sticks and the puck (when it's the season). Schedule available here to see them play at the Arrowhead Pond.

Anaheim Hills Golf Course - Anaheim Hills is for sure the most beautiful part of this city. If you're seeking a relaxing afternoon and want to take a swing, The Hills golf course is a lovely spot to play a round of golf at. Phone 714-998-3041

From standing at the Main Street Train Station with the flowers made into Mickey Mouse's head you walk your way down on red bricks into Main Street where you can look to your left to see City Hall and to your right, Bank Of America where you can set up your annual pass. Then, next to City Hall is the Fire Station sitting on the bottom of a double decker building. On top sits a light, always lit because Walt lived on top of the Fire Station and every time he entered the park onto his apartment he lit the candle. Walking down Main Street you see many stores such as the Penny Arcade, the Emporium, and the Main Street Cinema where they show six of the original black and white cartoons. Looking straight ahead, you see a horse drawn carriage and a fire truck looking on, you see a statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse holding hands as Walt is pointing to Main Street.

Entering Tomorrowland, you zoom into the new age of technology. There is Star Tours featuring C3POand R2-D2 of Star Wars, Space Mountain where you blast off into the stars and beyond, Buzz Lightyear and his Astro Blasters, Autopia where even a kid can get behind the wheel of a car and the newest attraction, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage where you enter the Australian current and listen to the fish. While in this land of technology, you can hear, see, play and even encounter the new electronics of today and tomorrow.
Crossing the moat and through the castle, you enter Fantasyland. Where anyone can become a princess and all your dreams come true, and once upon a time does come true. You can join Peter Pan and take a flight with him, journey to hell with Mr. Toad, take a trip into the forest with Snow White, sail along through a storybook land canal, fly with Dumbo, venture to Pleasure Island with Pinocchio, or just spin around on King Arthur's Carousel or on the Mad Tea Party. There you can see shops where you can buy your young one's princess costumes and see it come to life. You can buy hats with your name on them, collectible pins with your favorite character on them, or magical wands. Fantasyland is truly the most magical land of Disneyland.

Singing birds and wild jungles surround you as you enter Adventureland. You can take a cruise into the deep jungles, ride a jeep into a lost temple with famous explorer Indiana Jones, climb a treehouse with Tarzan or just hear the birds sing at the Tiki Room. Adventureland has interesting shops that bring you a variety of items from around the world. There you can also get your hands on the juiciest Bangel Barque and mouth watering pineapple shaved ice cream. Adventureland is for everybody of all ages where you can enter your own story from around the world and see things you couldn't normally see if you were at home on your couch.

Don't you wish you could ride a horse into the wild west, well you can with Frontierland! Seeing this land is drawing you back into the olden days where you could shoot a gun and not get in trouble, funny thing you can do that in this land as well, target and aim with a gun for only 50 cents. You can also get a wonderful Mexican meal or sit in a large room serving chicken tenders and watch a puppet show like the old western children. You can take a trip around in the Mark Twain or ride a real pirate ship, the Columbia. The Mark Twain you can actually drive, all you have to do is ask before hand and you can get your certificate with the captain. And in Frontierland you could end your day with the watershow called Fantasmic.

Step into New Orleans Square and enter the land of a bayou where you can ride a ship into the Pirates Lair. You can see a real band play where they throw Mardi Gras beads at you or have your painting done by the best. You can ride on the Pirates of the Carribean and see Captain Jack Sparrow and see Davy Jones bewaring you of the Carribean haunts. New Orleans Square is where you can visit the Haunted Mansion and ride on your Death Buggy and see the spooky haunts of Jack Skellington and hear the many songs, and around Christmas time Disney presents Haunted Mansion as Haunted Mansion Holiday, where they decorate the mansion as Jack's house and see the attic with presents galore. New Orleans is authentic from buildings, food, smells and music, and in my opinion New Orleans Square has to be the best land.

Mickey's Toon Town, you can enter Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Chip n Dale's own house. Ride Rodger Rabbits car and have a hot fudge sundae on an old broken down trolley. Toon Town is filled with gags or tricks of all sorts. While there you can ride Gadget's Rollercoaster and sit upon a fountain of Rodger Rabbit or Mickey Mouse. Toon town is the best land to meet Disney toon characters and their own houses.

Critter Country, a wilderness of animals, take an adventure to the Hundred Acre Woods with Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin. Take a laughing boat ride on Splash Mountain where you can sing along with all the characters and just so happen to get soaking wet in the process! There you can push along a canoe and see shops filled with plushes of Winnie the Pooh and more collectible Disney pins. Or even sit down and listen to the many sounds of birds. Critter Country is the sweetest land of them all.

Disneyland, the happiest place on earth. Where an elder can become a kid and a kid can grow up in Tomorrowland, a princess castle where anyone can become a princess or a prince. Critter Country filled with animals of all sorts. Frontierland is just a horse ride away from taking a trip around in the Mark Twain. Or even set foot on Main Street to do a little shopping. Adventureland where you can set sail into the jungle and Toon Town is the character land to find everybody or take a trip into New Orleans Square and sing yo-ho with pirates. Disneyland the empire of all dreams coming true and of every age can come to be enlightened with Disney cast members and see your favorite characters.

"And we remember that it was all started with a mouse"- Walt Disney.

You can decide yourself the type of theme vacation you want.

For example, suppose you're an entrepreneur and you like to travel but you also like to keep in touch with business innovations and business ideas.

You can include a business themed vacations. Include visits to local businesses in the area that might also have an interest for people visiting that area. If you have a certain type of business, like a toy store, for example, or a candy store, then you can visit toy stores and candy stores on your vacation. You can also include trade shows in your vacation itinerary.

You can have children-friendly themed vacation, where you include in your itinerary places of interest to children--restaurants with children-friendly menus, toy stores, toy factories, candy factories, museums for children, children's bookstore, zoos and circuses.

Maybe you have a hobby like collecting art jewelry. Then you include visits to galleries and stores that sell art jewelry.

Maybe you have an interest in architecture. Include the great architectural cities.

Maybe you're an art enthusiast. What are the cities for artists and for art collectors?

Maybe you're a gourmet or a gourmand? What are the great cities for foods? What are the great restaurants in those cities? The best of the best? Watching the Food Channel can give you many ideas for cities with great foods.

Maybe it's a lovers vacations? What are the great cities for lovers?

Maybe you like fashion? What are the fashion capitals of the world?

Maybe you just like to shop? What cities have the finest and greatest shops? Gift shopping? Collectibles shopping?

Maybe you're a pilgrim? What are the great spiritual cities for pilgrimages?

Maybe you like to gamble--but responsibly? The great gambling cities.

Maybe you like sports? What are the great cities for sports enthusiasts?

Maybe you have your own sports hobby? Biking? Fishing? What are the great vacations for your sports hobby?

There are many ideas for themed vacations. Think of what you like and what you like doing? If it's group travel, think of the others in your group. Maybe others have similar hobbies and similar interests and you can do group-friendly travel with business people, art enthusiasts, literature enthusiasts, responsible gambling enthusiasts, sports enthusiasts.

These are themed vacations.

Talk to your travel agent about helping you to design or custom-designed a themed vacation. Perhaps your travel agent also has discounts or maps or guidebooks focussed on themed vacations.