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My mother always told me to not believe everything you hear. This is definitely true when it comes to things you find on the internet. Searching for an answer to any of your questions on the web will take only seconds but is it the correct answer? Is that answer up to date? That is the thing about looking for information on the internet, once you find an answer to your question, you always have to double and triple check to make sure that it is the correct one. The same thing goes for looking for tips and tricks for Disneyland.

If you search up “Disneyland tips and tricks” on any search engine, you will discover hundreds of different lists and suggestions on the subject. Now, are all these tips and tricks you just discovered true, out of date, or just plain false? Well, I am here to help you weed through the five most popular outdated and false tips that I have seen around the web. These five tips come up frequently, and I wanted to set the record straight so that all of you know which tips are simply fools gold.

Free Pickles

This is an interesting false tip I have seen spread rapidly on Twitter recently. The story is that if you go to any pickle stand in Disneyland, and ask the Cast Member their how their day is going, that they will give you a free pickle. Unfortunately this tip is not true. The interesting thing about this “tip” is that it has never been true. It is just something that someone made up and it has been spreading around like wildfire ever since. Even though this tip is not true, you should still ask any Cast Member about their day. Your free gift will be showing those hard working Cast Members that you care.

“Andy’s Coming!”

The rumor is that if you go up to the Woody and Jessie characters–from Toy Story–and yell out “Andy’s coming!” – that they will fall to the floor just like they do in the movies. I have heard that this rumor used to be true, but Disney made these characters stop doing it because it was dangerous. Either way, this “tip” is not true. Even though this “tip” is false, I still see it on many different tips and tricks lists (especially on Pinterest) all the time. So friends, just do not do it.

Less Crowds = More Fun and Done

This is the number one tip that I read all the time that simply is not true. Just because the park is not busy does not mean that you will get to experience all the attractions and things you want that day. If you use a touring plan, go early, and make use of FASTPASSes, then you will take advantage of any day you go to Disneyland. Believe me, I have gone on extremely busy days and have gotten so much done just by following those three tips. Also, going during off peak season means that many of the attractions might be closed for refurbishment during that time. So it would be wise to bookmark TouringPlans’ Disneyland refurbishment attraction page and always check if any attractions will be closed on your next trip. Remember, it is all about having a plan, being flexible, and making adjustments.

Do Not Be Late Using Your Fastpass

Recently, Disneyland and Disney World have cracked down on guests being late with their FASTPASSes. But that does not mean that if you are late they are useless. On my last trip to Disneyland (this past December), I had the chance to talk with a Cast Member about how late someone could be with FASTPASSes. This Cast Member explained to me that it all depends on the Cast Member but usually a 15 to 30 minute grace period is acceptable. However, on an extremely busy day, you can even be closer to 45-55 minutes late. Also, it is wise to have a good reason why you are late.

Free Coffee Refills

This is one tip that use to be true but ever since Starbucks made its way into Market House on Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland, it is no longer valid. The tip was that if you bought coffee inside Disneyland–and kept your receipt–that you will be able to refill your coffee for free just by showing your receipt. However, now that Starbucks is in the parks, they stopped doing this. Either way, it is great that Disneyland has better coffee than they did before. That stuff was awful.

So, what are some tips, tricks, and hacks have you come across that are untrue or out of date? Leave a comment below so we can add to this list. Let us keep this list up-to-date to help others no fall for misleading tips. In the meantime, checkout some of TouringPlans’ tips and tricks that will not steer you wrong.

Update: 01/23/15

From Jeffrey:

“At Disneyland, Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin used to be on a different network from other fastpass rides. You used to be able to get a fastpass for it even if you had another active fastpass in the park. This is no longer true. Similarly, the fastpass for Goofy’s Sky School in California Adventure could be used the same way, but I don’t know for sure if that has changed. I’ve gotten extra fastpasses through both rides in the past, but on my recent visits, Roger rabbit definitely wasn’t allowing it anymore.”

From Ashley:

“…it’s a bit easier to meet characters in Town Square [when it rains at Disneyland], because they relocate into the lobby for Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and most people walk right past. You’ve also got a much better chance of meeting multiple characters together (i.e., getting that elusive picture with Minnie and Mickey at the same time).”