5 Free Things You Probably Haven't Done at Disneyland

5 free things you haven't done at Disneyland

My friend Mike Rinehart, a travel agent and longtime Disneyland regular, has explored every corner of the park. I asked him what most visitors have never done, and within a week he sent me this list. Each experience is free once you're inside the park (admission itself, of course, is another story).

A note before you go: these are informal, cast-member-dependent experiences. Some are offered only occasionally, some depend on ride schedules and refurbishments, and Disney can change or retire them at any time. Think of them as happy surprises if they happen, not guarantees.

Here's Mike's list.

1. Musical Chairs With Alice and the Mad Hatter

Alice and the Mad Hatter have long hosted a chaotic game of musical chairs for kids on Main Street U.S.A. near Coke Corner. Kids play, but adults may have even more fun watching the Mad Hatter "officiate."

Check the Disneyland app for character appearances and times, show up early, grab a snack and a nearby table, and enjoy the unscripted silliness. Not every child gets picked, so set expectations ahead of time.

2. Ride in the Train's Tender Seat

The Disneyland Railroad was one of Walt Disney's personal passions. He even had a miniature railroad in his own backyard. On certain steam engines, a couple of lucky guests may be invited to ride up front in the engine's "tender seat" for a full loop with the engineer and fireman.

Ask a cast member at Main Street Station whether it's available. It's offered only on specific engines, only when operations allow, and only for two guests at a time. If you get a yes, it's an unforgettable ride.

3. Ride in the Lilly Belle

The Lilly Belle parlor car

Even harder to get: a seat in the Lilly Belle, the elegant presidential parlor car named after Walt's wife, Lillian. Its interior is decorated with Disney family photos and memorabilia, and it has carried plenty of celebrities and dignitaries.

Inside the Lilly Belle

The car is a rolling piece of park history, so it's opened only occasionally, and VIPs get priority. It never hurts to ask politely at Main Street Station.

4. See the Haunted Mansion's Pet Cemetery

The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland

The Haunted Mansion's grounds include a whimsical pet cemetery, a collection of tiny tombstones and statues for the mansion's departed animals. Much of it is visible from the queue and the side of the house, so slow down and look for it as you wait in line.

If a cast member isn't busy and is in a generous mood, ask whether there's anything special about the pet cemetery they'd like to point out. Patience and a friendly attitude go a long way. (There's an old rumor about getting a "death certificate" here, too. Mike asked on every trip and never got one!)

5. Steer the Mark Twain Riverboat

Steering the Mark Twain Riverboat

Plenty of guests skip the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Sailing Ship Columbia entirely, which is a shame. They're relaxing, they offer great views of the Rivers of America, and they're perfect in the hot, crowded hours after lunch. A sunset sailing is downright romantic.

The bonus: an occasional guest, often a child, gets invited up to the pilot house to "steer" the boat and ring the bell. It's typically at the cast members' discretion, so there's no guaranteed way to get picked. Mike's tongue-in-cheek tip: don't tell your volunteer that the boat actually runs on a guide rail until after they've proudly docked it.