20 Disneyland Tips and Tricks Every Visitor Should Know
Disneyland may be known as the happiest place on earth, but if you plan ahead, it can be the least stressful, too.
From saving time, to creating maximum fun, these Disneyland tips and tricks can help you make your magical adventure count.
1. Arrive Before the Park Opens
You always hear about terrible Disneyland crowds.
In fact, showing up 30–60 minutes before opening allows you to breeze through security, beat the crowd, and enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.
2. Use the Disneyland App
Take the official app for an easier ride
It’s your source for wait times for rides, mobile orders for food and the layout of the park map.
3. Rope Drop Like a Pro
“Rope drop” — that’s being at the park exactly when it opens.
Go to the most popular attractions first, be it Rise of the Resistance or Space Mountain, so you can save hours of waiting later.
4. Take Advantage of Genie+
All In Now Genie+ — This formerly FastPass system is well worth it to skip the long lines
Buy it in advance and book Lightning Lane for popular rides as soon as you walk into the park.
5. Bring Snacks and Water
Disneyland lets you bring in your own food and drinks.
Bring light, non-perishable food to save on money and time waiting for food.
6. Wear Comfortable Shoes
A full day at Disneyland, you’ll walk an average of 8-10 miles.
Go with supportive shoes and pack blister bandages, in case.
7. Use Single Rider Lines
If you’re willing to ride separately, single rider lines can save you tons of time.
Rides that do make this option available include Indiana Jones and Radiator Springs Racers.
8. Make Dining Reservations Early
Places like Blue Bayou and Oga’s Cantina book up quickly.
Reservations for books are made every 60 days.
9. Bring a Portable Charger
Your phone battery will deplete quickly just taking pictures, and especially using the Disneyland app.
Bring a portable charger to keep you charged all day.
10. Don’t Miss the Parades and Night Shows
The parades, fireworks and various moments are truly magical.
You want to find a viewing location 30-45 minutes before showtime for a solid view.
11. Use Rider Switch for Families
For visitors with children who don’t meet the height requirements to ride certain attractions, Rider Switch allows one adult to wait with the kid while the other one rides.
Then you trade and don’t wait in line to do it.
12. Plan a Mid-Day Break
Disneyland is a lot to take in, especially for children.
Return to your hotel or find a shaded spot within the park to recover.
13. Refurbishment Schedule: Review
Certain rides and attractions may be temporarily updated.
To avoid disappointment, check Disneyland’s official website.
14. Celebrate Special Occasions
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or first visit, pick up a free button from City Hall.
Throughout the day, cast members and guests will sprinkle you with extra pixie dust.
15. Save on Souvenirs
Disney has lots of souvenirs that are pretty expensive, but you can always opt for cheaper things like pins, postcards, or a reusable cup.
And your eyes wide for unusual items at Downtown Disney.
16. Use the Baby Care Center
Traveling with little ones?
The Baby Care Center provides a private area for feeding, changing and resting.
17. Maximize Park Hopper Tickets
If you plan to visit both Disneyland and California Adventure, be strategic with your day.
Start with the park that has the must-do attractions earliest, then bounce over later.
18. Watch Out for Hidden Mickeys
Hidden Mickey-shaped designs are everywhere in Disneyland.
Add some extra fun to your day by making a game of spotting them.
19. Stay Close to the Park
Book a hotel that you can walk to to not have to worry about parking and to save some time.
Good Neighbor Hotels provide convenience with locations just steps from the park.
20. Treat Yourself at the End of the Day
End your Disneyland outing with a classic churro, a Dole Whip or a Mickey-shaped ice cream bar.
It’s the ideal way to relish the magic one last time before you go home.
