3. Do take advantage of the extras
Disneyland is going to be erupting with added elements as this day marks the opening of its 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks and the Cast will be donning brand new festive finery, and a wealth of limited-edition live entertainment shall be spread throughout. While the experts, us included, advise you to forgo the parades, performances, etc., in favor of shorter lines for the better attractions, this tactic is invalid during the 24-hour melee. Lines are going to be long pretty much all day. Don’t fight it.
Make time for the parade. Especially the one at night. It’s brand-sparkly new, and supposed to be like nothing you’ve experienced before. Disney last said that about Radiator Springs Racers, which is amazing. Watch a live show. Disney musicians are largely underrated, and provide a perfect opportunity to get off your feet and enjoy some true talent. Everyone knows, and rightfully loves, the Dapper Dans and Main Street piano player, but on this day there will be additional bands, thespians and dance parties, any and all of which are worth seeking out. Catch a quartet, catch your breath and restore your sanity. Your kids will object, but the live performances truly do enhance the Disney experience. Give one a try. You just might discover a new tradition.
4. Don’t overdo it on the adult beverages
Sensible consumption is recommended for everyone, whether you have children or not. Further, restraint is advised for every Disney visit, 24-hour ambitions or otherwise. Disney offers alcohol, so, if you are of age, you are allowed to partake. Yet, it’s not simply pointless to lose control, it goes against the togetherness and wholesome experience Disney represents. Admittedly, getting drunk and on each other’s nerves is, for many, part of the family dynamic. But please, save it for the privacy of your own home and your own doomed Thanksgiving.
Alcohol is not available at Disneyland or Magic Kingdom Park. Resorts and restaurants surrounding each offer a delicious selection of adult beverages. You can enjoy one and be back inside either park before the taste wears off or the vodka takes effect. Again, on every visit, control and behave yourself. During the 24 Hours of Disney, maybe don’t drink at all.
Let’s analyze this: you get to spend an entire rotation of the Earth inside the Magic Kingdom. Yes, this gives more than enough time to monorail over to the Grand Floridian for Sempé Cocktails, but does anything contribute to exhaustion more thoroughly than withdrawal? Imagine trying to combat dehydration locked in the Space Mountain queue eighteen hours into your day.
At Disneyland, the situation is even more tenuous. Disney California Adventure and the Downtown Disney District are a churro’s throw from the main gate. Both will be open extended hours during the event. Access to Fillmore’s Pomegranate Limeade, Trader Sam's, House of Blues, etc., will be a blessing and a curse to overwrought adults. A Karl Strauss Tower 10 IPA can very well resuscitate a beleaguered guest. Twenty hours trading elbows with tens of thousands of fellow enthusiasts will test anyone’s patience. With a couple cocktails diluting your better judgement, your 24 hours might well be a day worth forgetting.
Comments
did the 24 hour event this year on May 22nd. got to Disneyland at 4am and was in the park by 4:25am. saw the parade and even the fireworks. it was awesome. I hope to do it again next year if they do it again next year. stay hydrated and my wife drank plenty of coffee while I had soda. plenty of water during the day. we did not leave Disneyland until 6:03am the next day. I love the 24 hour event and would happily do it again.
If I didnt have kids, I would def try to make it 24/hrs and take advantage of all the cool stuff you can prob see. BUT thankfully, I do have kids and am an old fart (33 respectfully). So i look forward to reading about th adventures from others later!
The only thing would add is to stay hydrated. I went to the event last May in Orlando and we were so busy running around from event to event that I didn't realize until I was passing out that I was woefully behind on my water consumption. I ended up having to lay down in the little health center until I was rested and hydrated enough to get back out to the fun.