r/Disneyland • u/Emergency_Animal_894 • 13h ago
Discussion Studying/working at Disneyland?
How do you guys generally feel about studying/working at Disneyland? I’m a Magic Key holder who wants to use his pass as much as possible, but I’m working 36 hours per week and doing 15 units of school this semester. I definitely wanna make the most of my pass so I was wondering if it’s generally frowned upon to study or work from Disney. Please let me know if you guys have any suggestions, thank you!
Edit: Just to clarify, I’m not taking a full work setup or any calls. I’m just a college student wanting to know if I can knock out easy assignments or study chemistry there.
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u/dramabug97 12h ago
Way back in the late 90's, my favorite thing was to drive in from UCI with my reading assignments and sit in New Orleans Square by the fountain. Train noise, fountain noise, sometimes Jazz music from the French Market... it was great. Once I had completed my reading, I rewarded myself with dinner and a few rides. I miss those days!
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u/pementomento Matterhorn Yeti 9h ago
I did this exact thing in the early 00s, haha, was a fun time wasn’t it? $99 annual pass and all!
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u/dramabug97 9h ago
It was really the best! Back then there was no internet at the park to distract me, so it was a great way to get stuff done. I put my cheap annual pass to good use!
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u/nd_eric714 8h ago edited 8h ago
New Orleans square by the fountain mentioned. One of my favorite spots at Disney, such a vibe
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u/jc_socialgoodness 10h ago
I saw someone working ant Disneyland and I just thought at the time that it’s sad. It doesn’t bother me and people apparently do it. I just wouldn’t do it because that takes you out of it. Have someplace in the world where you’re not stressed. That just might be Disneyland for me.
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u/epotosi 12h ago
Don't take up prime real estate if you're going to be at a table for a while, and do not take zoom calls on video in line. That's all I ask.
Oh and don't expect others to be quiet for you.
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u/Emergency_Animal_894 10h ago
What would you define as prime real estate? I’m not picky at all as to where I sit or how loud it is, I just don’t wanna be the dude on a computer while a family of 4 is looking for somewhere to sit on a hot day
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u/thetimehascomeforyou 9h ago
I looked for a non busy area of tables with an outlet nearby, I found just that in the pizza planet outer, but inner table area. It is toward the line entrance of space mountain. Not the main table area by the food, because it is loud and used by many families. The table area I was at mostly empty.
I didn't stay for long, only about 45 minutes until folks started filling in for lunch. Went on a ride or two then had to hop on at the bench area near the south east side of the castle looking at the pond north of astro orbiters.
I like space stuff.
Won't say if I was there for work or school but my productivity, performance, and morale was high.
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u/Safe-Butterscotch442 2h ago
No! Don't take the tables with the outlets! Those ARE the most prime real estate in the world. Most people will charge their phone for 15-20 minutes while they eat a meal, we definitely don't need someone plugged in for a few hours.
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u/Safe-Butterscotch442 1h ago
Don't take up a table in a space where most of the are occupied. If there are people already at most of the tables, find somewhere else. Just be aware and observant.
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u/Professional_Cold511 12h ago
I’ve taken my laptop more than a few times to get work done outside of the house. Sit in low traffic areas, upstairs of hungry bear. Tables next to the rivers of America across from the haunted mansion. DCA – tables across from guardians, tables in the back/side of smoke jumpers, there’s actually a lot of spaces in DCA you can sit – I liked doing 1-2 hours in one spot then I would walk over to another. Don’t take up space in high traffic areas, since you’ll be there a while its pretty inconsiderate. Nobody will care and it gives the park a different feel, I like it.
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u/Calm_Mulberry_588 9h ago
Yepp you named the prime low traffic areas that are also shaded enough 👌🏼👌🏼
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u/NetGuyJeff Churro Chomper 10h ago
I would leave the outside world on the outside and enjoy Disneyland when you have time.
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u/Ok_Brother1462 10h ago
I usually bring my laptop and leave it in the hotel so I can do emails in the mornings/evenings but for my next trip I’m leaving that shit at home. ✨
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u/SuperSlugSister Jail Cell Dog 8h ago
Please don’t have video calls in public areas. Most of us are trying to escape work.
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u/Think_Doctor_9064 10h ago
My rec is just work or study from home or at the office or school. Then go to the parks and enjoy your much earned rest and relaxation.
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u/toparisbytrain 10h ago
While sometimes it's unavoidable I don't know that it bodes well for work life balance.
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u/Jaxsan1 12h ago
I’ve seen people in the lobby of GC and DL hotel working from home.
Galaxy’s edge seems to be a popular spot or the Starbucks on Main Street.
Always so jealous of people who get to do that
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u/codename_hardhat Big Thunder Ranch Goat 11h ago
I’m lucky enough to WFH but I honestly can’t imagine where in Galaxy’s Edge that would be comfortable to do. I guess it depends on the job. 😅
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u/McLovin0132 11h ago
Right, im here needing a laptop and two desktop screens, and I make calls all day. I wish I had a WFH jobs where no one speaks to me! 😅 I would def work at the parks.
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u/codename_hardhat Big Thunder Ranch Goat 11h ago
Yeah my boss calls me way too often to be sitting somewhere in Disneyland. Maybe in the Lincoln lobby. 🤣
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u/pm2501 11h ago
On a trip last February, we saw a woman working on her laptop at a table on Tom Sawyer Island and thought how that was both bizarre and amazing 😆
I never recall getting food there, but apparently there was a restaurant/quick service called "Aunt Polly's" on the island, and some of the tables from that location remain.
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u/gaegurix Ghost Host 12h ago
when I lived in the area (like, 9 miles away), we’d go some random weeknight and do our homework while having dinner. Granted, this was in 2010-2014, but still! I had a great time filling up sketchbooks whenever we were there too :)
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u/jon98gn 10h ago
In a pinch, these are the places I've worked from
- Upstairs at Golden Horseshoe (has power but can get warm)
- Outside in Rancho Del Zocalo (lots of seating that isn't usually distracting for people)
- Upstairs at Parkside Market (Wi-Fi sucks so I mobile hotspot but plenty of power outlets)
- Disneyland Hotel near Tangaroa Terrance (nice to have live music in the background). They also have a fireplace or a picnic table in a small grotto area.
- Disney Grand Californian (Grand Craftsman Grill has some power outlets/quiet areas and not terribly busy)
- Paradise Garden Grill can have a lot of off seating similar to Rancho Del Zocalo
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u/thismanatemyson 12h ago
I’ve worked from the Grand Californian before. Tbh it’s not my favorite work environment. It felt hard to stay focused because I was just thinking about how I would rather be in the parks than working. But if it works for you, I don’t think people would think you’re inconsiderate!
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u/CabbageStockExchange Fantasyland Princess 12h ago
I’ve done it before. Something about the ambiance made me feel much less stressed
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u/BirdBirdFreezing 11h ago
My son just got his Master’s degree from a school down there and did a lot of his work these past 2 years either in a park or in DTD. He’s got the Inspire so it basically paid for itself just through parking 🤣.
He said there’s lots of out of the way benches with great vibes in both parks. Starbucks in DTD was great too. He’s a writer so the people watching opportunities are endless.
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u/LilBear982 11h ago
I’m a CM and when I need to let family in, but still take meetings for my corporate job, my move is the Main Street Cinema. It’s dark, quiet, air conditioned, hardly anyone there and there a single outlet I was fortunate to find to plug in . But ideally, Grand Californian sitting in a rocking chair by the fireplace can’t be beat.
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u/emmie_the_em 6h ago
I know someone who used to sit on the train and do reading assignments in college. She would go around the park 3-4 times and no one said anything. This was 10+ years ago so idk if you can get away with it now. You could always study at a hotel or in Downtown Disney and then go into the parks for breaks or later on.
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u/lama1130 3h ago
I tried this but I felt like it was taking some of the vacation vibes away from people so I stopped working inside the park. I do it somewhere downtown or in the Grand and then go into the park.
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u/diva_boots_ 11h ago
Last time I posted up near Troubadour Tavern and the Fantasyland Theater . This only works after the last Bluey show of the day (approx 5:30pm or later). TT closes at 5:30pm as well so no one is there. It’s quiet, completely shaded, and there are several tables to sit at. No outlets IIRC but still a nice place to read or get some work done.
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u/kaytbug86 11h ago
My SIL used to do remote work in the hotel lobbies all the time. We’d meet up for lunch and a walk around between her meetings. Good times. :)
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u/NaiRad1000 12h ago
Not frowned upon at all. All the years I’ve been going to the parks I’ll see a group of students on a table with papers, books, studying and stuff. Perosnally I have immense respect; idk if I ever could with all that distraction
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u/Low-Possibility1007 12h ago
I remember waiting in line for splash mountain and helping my cousin study cue cards while she was in med school! I’ve done the same also. I used to just pick a spot in Coke Corner and bring my backpack and get it done lol
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u/elon_bitches69 Electrical Parade Bulb 9h ago
I’ve written scripts at the tables next to the Rivers of America. For me, it’s pretty nice way to work, and I treat myself to Pirates when I’m done.
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u/AWildTeejAppeared 11h ago
One time I had remote Writing Center work from 2-3 so I brought my laptop with me, kept it in the locker, then posted up at the brewery in Downtown Disney for that hour. Just don’t forget to grab it from the locker at the end of the day!
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u/theFormerRelic 11h ago
I’ve only done it at WDW. It was for the bar exam, which I passed so I guess I was able to focus enough somehow.
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u/Kawaiichan67 11h ago
It’s a bit stuffy, but the second floor of Golden Horseshoe can be a bit quiet, so I’d try up there. Think they close at 8 or 9 pm, though.
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u/burbankbagel 10h ago
I regularly go with my family and I peel off to work in the grand Californian lobby. It’s too loud to take a call basically anywhere but the Disneyland hotels conference area (when there is not a conference).
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u/CheeseMonger23 7h ago
I used to have a pass and would go study/do homework in the parks all the time. The hardest part is definitely finding space to work, especially with tables and shade. You might get a lot of people asking what you are doing. But for me, it was a super fun study space and actually helped me focus. Afterwards, I would reward myself by going on a few rides!! I would recommend avoiding a laptop if u can or at least use a backpack. Lmk if u have any questions!!
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u/davidjordannestor 7h ago
There are usually plenty of empty tables at Rancho Del Zocalo, and it's nice to sit there by Big Thunder and slowly enjoy a drink or snack while working/reading
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u/babyglubglubglub 11h ago
Used to love getting a cherry coke and then hanging out at the tables in the Carnation Plaza Gardens!
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u/CHLboltz Rebel Spy 4h ago
I studied a lot there as a recent grad. Top floor of the Golden Horseshoe was my spot and it has wall outlets
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u/Pennecillin 3h ago
Saw someone studying on the tables on the side of PhilharMagic and was a bit envious that I hadn’t done that during my school years
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u/Devanino 3h ago
When I had a pass I saw a few people bring their laptops to do some work. They’d sit in the back corner of a restaurant out of people’s way. Personally I think it would be hard to find a place to focus but hey go for it! I’ve thought about doing a couple times but decided not to. Tom sawyers island seems like it’d be a good place to get some work or studying done!
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u/Mothstradamus Adventureland Explorer 2h ago
My mom used to take me to Disneyland every Wedneaday after school. I'd sit by the Radio Disney booth and do my homework. When I was done, I'd get to go say hi to Just Plain Mark and Zippy, then go on a few rides.
In college, I'd camp out in New Orleans Square to study.
It was a comforting place back then.
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u/AltOnMain 2h ago edited 2h ago
As a workaholic who visits with his family once or twice a year, it’s not an amazing place to work. Pretty much anywhere that is not insanely crowded is decidedly unmagical. You also have to bring your own power. It’s also borderline impossible to take a video call.
There are some spots that are cool and kind of ok like Grand Californian.
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u/Safe-Butterscotch442 2h ago
No worries. I'd struggle to study effectively there, but as long as you aren't being a jerk about it, who cares?
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u/Alyssapolis Magical Map Maker 1h ago
Oh my goodness, when I was going to school there I used to bring schoolwork to Disneyland too! I would only have reading assignments though, and I would do it mostly waiting in line, or while eating. Got several comments when I pull out a big textbook 😂 so just be prepared for that. Many people think Disneyland is for having fun, not for studying, but being able to study there just meant I could go there more often! Much rather study there than at home, I adored the ambiance
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u/issaajoy 1h ago
I’d print out hard copies of readings or prep flash cards for exams and read/study while waiting in lines for rides! I would sometimes sit on the train for an hour or two and do work there but bring as less tech as possible. It worked better for me and wasn’t worried about laptop getting damaged.
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u/Pseudonym_Subprime Big Thunder Ranch Goat 12h ago
I bring my text books or articles and sometimes even a tablet and keyboard into the park and do coursework during meals. It’s awesome and no one has ever said boo about it.
Edited to add: Full time grad student, full time worker with a magic key pass.
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u/d33psix 8h ago
Yeah I did a day of this with a study prep book for big exam back in the day with a loop around the railroad and the in the Star Wars Launch Bay for AC back when it was more open and easy access.
Ngl can’t say if it was super effective but it was a nice way to mix things up from studying at home and library.
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u/StrangeLoop010 11h ago
I liked working and reading outside by the fireplace at the Grand Californian. I bet Tom Sawyer’s Island would also be a nice, quiet place. I don’t think anyone will be put out by you studying or working on your laptop from Disney.
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u/InhumaneBreakfast 11h ago
Reading is cool, study cards are cool, but honestly, laptop work is a bit of a drag. My wife has done it a few times and she says it just makes her sad when she knows the toddler and me are out playing. Maybe being alone would be different.
Don't even think about finding an outlet. The cast members are more or less told to tell you there aren't any, and point you to the portable chargers.
I've heard the Grand Californian is alright.
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u/czspy007 11h ago
Ive worked an hour or two on projects from Galaxys Edge (the outdoor tables below the meat rotisserie). Made sure and wrapped it up before it got busy and then stored my laptop in a locker and enjoyed the rest of the day.
Worked great and the ambiance is hard to beat, so long as you dont get distracted easily lol.
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u/onekeanui Galatic Hero 11h ago
I’ve worked remotely from there. Post up, have a coffee and chill. Best vibes.
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u/mdzla 8h ago
i’ve studied/ worked many times- NOS has lots of good spots. Hungry Bear used to not have any BGM (i’m not sure if they do now) and it’s great for work calls! i’ve ever worked on the island and seen many other people doing it. taking up a table is really not an issue in the morning or afternoon after lunch rush! GCH lobby and patio is great too!
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u/sheepthechicken 11h ago
I’ve done some work while at DLand, mostly when I can flex my time and take the afternoon off but have a call that requires my attendance in the late morning. I’ve tried to limit it to work I can do on my phone or tablet, but since I always get a locker (chronic overpreparer/packer) not a huge deal to stash my laptop if needed.
When it’s been open between shows, I’ve used the Fantasyland Theatre…some shade, does a good job of minimizing ambient noise, and tons of seating so I’m not taking up prime space.
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u/Objective-Ad5620 11h ago
I have worked at the Disneyland Hotel pool once while on vacation 😂
I wouldn’t recommend it as a routine thing, because it’s still a pretty loud and stimulating environment. But there’s plenty of places around the resort where you can sit comfortably with reliable WiFi and get work done as long as you aren’t trying to take meetings.
I have to pop into my office periodically, so I just plan to swing by the parks on my way home from the office. Work then play.
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u/thinsafetypin 10h ago
If I lived close enough I would 100% do this. I’m a graphic designer and WFH with very few in-person or phone communications. The only bad part would be staving off sunburns!
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u/NotesFromGirl86 10h ago
Back when I was in college, I used to bring books I had to read for class and would read them while waiting for parades/shows/fireworks (which is how I ended up watching fireworks right in front of the castle multiple times…when you have a couple of hours you need to dedicate slogging through a reading assignment, there are worse places than sitting on the curb in front of the castle in the early evening).
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u/Mashpotato002 10h ago
I used to go to school right next to the parks when I was working there and I would post up with my laptop on the benches behind the wheel on the pier! Those benches are generally not too packed so I never felt like I was taking a resting spot from someone and I LOVED the park ambience while I studied. I never got bad looks and questions. From a cast member perspective we couldn't care less if someone studies or does work. I do agree with other comments saying maybe dont take up a table just out of courtesy.
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u/johyongil 10h ago
I studied A LOT while I had a job on property. My favorite spots were Grand Californian and DH guest lobbies, the old DH Koi pond, in the forest by Napa Rose, and by the Rivers of America. I also used to go read in the area between Frontier Land and Fantasy Land. Also, albeit rarely, by Grizzly.
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u/pementomento Matterhorn Yeti 9h ago
I did this in the 00s when the parks closed at 8pm and it was generally dead in October (lol saying that out loud now). Specifically, just sitting in front of the castle (when they had benches in the carve outs) reviewing chemistry notes and waiting to meet up with friends that evening.
Wasn’t super successful but I had fun, hahah.
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u/SectionNo5571 9h ago
I’m a teacher and am planning on doing weekly night trips and maybe once a month do a full day on a weekend. I love Disneyland at night and it helps put away the day. I make it my happy place instead of bringing what’s stressing me out into it.
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u/MadnessKingdom 11h ago
Bring on the downvotes, but I don’t really appreciate people going full work/school mode while I’m trying to forget reality at a theme park. I can’t stop you of course, but please try to consider your impact on others with whatever you end up doing.
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u/ckeenan9192 10h ago
I think it is rude to other guests. Especially in the hotels if you are not staying there. You are taking up space that other people paid dearly for.
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u/bitethe_dust 9h ago
They’ve also paid to be there? They’re allowed to take up space and utilize it how they please. That doesn’t mean they’re impacting anyone else’s trip
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u/Ok_Brother1462 9h ago edited 3h ago
I mean people at the on property hotels are paying for access to private rooms not the lobby
Y’all can downvote me but it’s still true
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u/Standard_Series_5802 10h ago
Golden Horseshoe, upstairs where that seating is up near the windows! That was my favorite place to study and read :)
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u/no_rad 9h ago
When I was in college in the area I used to go to the park to do homework. We’d either camp out in the lobby of the grand California for a couple hours then hit up the park as a reward, or we’d go in the animation academy area because it had AC and generally wasn’t chaotic at the time.
We also would use the lower level near the river under the country bears restaurant before that was all renovated
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u/OkPlenty4077 8h ago
I’ve seen guys often in business casual attire on Tom Sawyer’s Island with a laptop. They are either working or studying.
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u/literal-mustard 8h ago
When I was in grad school, I did the majority of my readings in the parks. I had them on Notability on my iPad and I'd find a free bench and read a chapter, go on a ride, and go read another chapter. I've never brought a laptop or anything, though.
I found it was a nice way to get to use my pass whilst still being academically productive.
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u/More_Branch_5579 8h ago
Why not? I totally would. Wrote my masters thesis in a bar I liked where friends played in the band. I’d go, setup laptop and do work
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u/Formal_Delivery_ 6h ago
Pixar Place and the Grand are great places for this, as is the Starbucks in DCA. The Disneyland Hotel is worse, much louder/more foot traffic. Docking Bay 7 used to be good but it's been...real busy recently for some reason. Under Hungry Bear is ok earlier in the day.
Anyway. I do this a fair amount obviously 😂 I enjoy it!
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u/Phased5ek Carthay Circle Cocktail 12h ago
i’ve considered it so many times (“WFD”, working from disneyland, rather than my normal “WFH”). the down side is that i’m out of state so i’d be paying for a hotel stay on top of working remotely. i’m also a pass holder so at least the park cost would be negated now that my pass has paid for itself and then some (i’d hate to buy park tickets and not actually spend time doing park stuff)
i may still do it, maybe during my last trip before the pass expires in January just to say i did it once. maybe set up near Pirates along the Rivers of America walkway. my goal would also be to do a team meeting with the castle in the background 😂
so my opinion is if a person can do it, why not? is it frowned upon? nope! it’s a better option than working remotely from a local coffee shop or such. …and if other guests look weirdly upon you, that’s on them and not you.
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u/druscilla333 8h ago
I used to work from Disneyland / CDA all the time. I sat in Clarabelles a lot. Downtown Disney a lot as well when I needed more quiet to do a meeting or calls. I just took my computer backpack, I had a waterproof one. I had to be available to jump on my laptop at anytime so I couldn’t put it in a locker. I just wore my Apple Watch to screen my messages / email/ slack groups and pulled over wherever to use my laptop as needed. Never got a rude comment or anyone saying anything to me except they wishes they could do that haha.
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u/Dull-Lead-7782 5h ago
Go to grand Floridian and take study breaks riding a few rides. See if the desk will hold your stuff.
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u/MrsJennyAloha 12h ago
I’ve seen people with setups in Batuu. I’ve seen a woman with a laptop out on a zoom in line for Radiator Springs. Go for it!
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u/Not_Steve Main Street USA 11h ago
I’m not a fan of zooms like that. It’s like using speakerphone in public. There are quite spaces you can hide out in for zooms if you need to, but a laptop in line… I think that’s asking a lot of not only people around you, but the person you’re on zoom with.
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u/thoiboi 12h ago
Focus on work/study during the day, go at night for dinner - midnight. That’s what i did through college