How do you get a handmade candy cane at Disneyland? Follow these tips and tricks to get your hands on one of these coveted holiday treats! Candy canes are handmade daily at either Candy Palace on Main Street in Disneyland or over at Trolley Treats inside Disney California Adventure. One of my favorite traditions at the Disneyland Resort is getting a handmade candy cane during the holidays. They only make them on certain dates at each location. There are only a few dates for 2021 …
Disneyland at Candy Palace
December 7, 9, 15, 21 and 23
In Disney California Adventure at Trolley Treats
December 8, 14, 16 and 22
What is the big deal about the candy canes at Disneyland you ask? Well most companies use a machine to make candy canes, but like everything Disney does they go above and beyond! Since 1968 they have been making candy canes by hand in the candy shop on Main Street. The reason for the high demand is the quality and taste. They really do taste so much better than a store bought candy cane. You won’t be disappointed in this soft delicious treat! The candy cane is about 18 inches long. They only make a limited amount each day (usually 3 batches making about 135 candy canes) so I’ve got some tips on how you can get your hands on one.
Below are details about how to get a candy cane in previous years, but this year they are going to implement a new system. For a chance to purchase one of the candy canes this year, a mobile waitlist system will be used, as quantities are very limited. When the park opens head towards Candy Palace or Trolley Treats and look for a cast member with a sign. The cast member will have the QR code to join the mobile waitlist. You will add your name and phone number then receive a text back with a time to return. Each QR code is good for 4 candy canes. The process is similar as explained below. Except instead of a wristband now you scan into a mobile waitlist. Follow these steps and only steps 5 and 6 are different. The most important part is arrive before the park opens cause these babies go FAST!
Tips and Tricks To Get a Candy Cane
1 – Line up at least an hour before the park officially opens. They let you in the gates 30 minutes before the park posted official time.
2 – When the park opens head to Candy Palace quickly, but don’t run like some other people do! Or if you’re heading into Disney California Adventure go to Trolley Treats. Look for cast members directing people to form a line and possibly wearing a candy cane sign as seen below.
3 – You will see the line start forming on the sidewalk along Main Street on the left side leading up to Candy Palace as seen below.
4 – Now don’t get discouraged if there are lots of people ahead of you. Just get in that line. Make sure you have everyone in line with you that wants a candy cane.
5 – They start passing out wristbands to those in line. Even if it looks like you might not get one just stay in line until they are all passed out. If you don’t get one see step 8 below.
6 – Each person in line gets one wristband with a time stating when to return to pick up your candy cane. Make note, set a timer, do something so you don’t forget your return time. Each wristband = 1 candy cane! You can only get one candy cane per person. So make sure everyone is in line that wants a candy cane so they can each get their own wristband.
7 – Be sure to return when your time says cause if you forget, around 4 pm all unclaimed candy canes are sold to people waiting in a line.
8 – If you don’t get a wristband you can always try back around 4 pm to see if they have any unclaimed candy canes. Check with a cast member in Candy Palace or Trolley Treats
9 – Your candy cane will come all wrapped in bubble wrap for safe travels. You might consider renting a locker to store it in for the day. But don’t forget to grab it on your way out!
They only make candy canes on certain days in each park, see the schedule above and plan accordingly.
If you get a chance, watch them make the candy canes from the window. It’s truly an art work. My kids and I watched them start to finish on the morning we got our wristband. It’s fascinating to watch them pull using a giant hook, add food coloring, flavor and form the candy canes!
In fact here’s a great video from the Disney Parks Blog on how they make the candy canes in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Side note: they do NOT make these candy canes at Walt Disney World.
Add this fun holiday experience to your to do list. For all of my Christmas time holiday recommendations in the Disneyland resort head over here.
And if you want to know what they are making each day at the Candy Palace you can call the Candy Kitchen hotline at 714-781-0112. You can listen to a recording for the whole week. Update: no one is updating the Candy Kitchen hotline at this time.
Pin this post about handmade candy canes at Disneyland to your favorite Disney board.
