25 Tips to Maximize Your Time at Disneyland

Disneyland is known as “The Happiest Place on Earth”, but long lines and big crowds can put a damper on the magic. Use these 25 tips to make the most of your visit!

Sleeping Beauty Castle

Before Your Visit

  1. Purchase tickets online in advance. Buying tickets ahead of time allows you to skip the ticket booths when you arrive, saving you time. You can also take advantage of discounts only offered online.
  2. Make dining reservations. Popular restaurants book up fast, so reserve your table ahead of time. Character dining is especially in demand.
  3. Download the Disneyland app. The app provides up-to-date ride wait times, maps, Genie+ access, mobile ordering, and more.
  4. Pack light. Carry only the essentials in a small bag or backpack to avoid waiting at lockers and free up your hands for kids, snacks, etc.

Railroad Entrance at front of park

Arrival Tips

  1. Arrive 60-90 minutes before park opening. You’ll beat the worst crowds and can knock out several headliner rides right off the bat when waits are shortest.
  2. Know the rope drop procedure. Cast members will hold the crowd on Main Street USA or Buena Vista Street until right at park opening. Be up front to sprint ahead of others.

Genie coming out of lamp material

Genie+, Lightning Lane, and Wait Times

  1. Purchase Genie+. For $25 per person per day, Genie+ provides access to Lightning Lane entrances at over 15 attractions per park, reducing wait times substantially.
  2. Strategize your Lightning Lane ride selections. Check current standby wait times in the app and pick the longest lines to get the most value from Genie+. Also consider location to minimize criss-crossing the parks.
  3. Use Single Rider lines. If riding solo or splitting up is OK, Single Rider lines can greatly reduce waits at popular rides like Splash Mountain and Radiator Springs Racers.
  4. Utilize baby swap. One parent waits in line while the other parent rides with the older kids, then switch without having to wait in line again. Ask a cast member for details.

WEB Slingers Attraction Entrance Sign

Maximizing Attractions

  1. Prioritize new or popular rides first. Hit Guardians of the Galaxy, Web Slingers, and Radiator Springs Racers early on when waits are lower. Rope drop classics like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones.
  2. Schedule your day strategically. Do high wait attractions right away in the morning, catch parades and shows during peak daytime crowds, and re-ride favorites at night. Check the app for schedules.
  3. See Fantasmic! dining package. Make reservations at Blue Bayou or River Belle Terrace to get reserved seating for the popular Fantasmic! nighttime show.

Character Meet and Greets

  1. Use Mobile Order for character dining. Order your food ahead of time on the app so you don’t waste time waiting in long restaurant lines. Focus your attention on the characters.
  2. Meet characters first thing. Lines get very long later in the day. Jumping in the queue as soon as the park opens usually means shorter waits.
  3. Ask cast members for tips. They know when and where unscheduled character appearances tend to occur. Go early and you might get lucky!

Mobile Order Sign

Taking Breaks

  1. Take a midday break. Around 2 pm when crowds peak, leave the park for a nap, swim, or meal. You’ll recharge for a second evening wind.
  2. Mobile order counter service food. Skip the queues at quick service restaurants by ordering on the app and picking up your food when ready. More time for rides and fun!

Sorcerer Mickey with fireworks

Evening Tips

  1. Use extended evening hours. If you have early admission through a hotel stay or certain tickets, take advantage of the lowest crowds and walk-on rides during the special extra magic hour.
  2. See Fantasmic! first, then fireworks. Stake out a prime viewing spot along the Rivers of America for the 9 pm (10:30 pm during summer) Fantasmic! show, then quickly move towards Main Street for the later fireworks.
  3. Ride popular dark rides at night. Experience atmospheric attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark with their nighttime lighting and effects.

Mickey wheel over lake

Park Hopping Perks

  1. Start in the less crowded park. Begin your day in Disney California Adventure, then hop to Disneyland in the afternoon when crowds thin out. Or vice versa!
  2. Use Genie+ strategically. Book your next Lightning Lane ride while you’re in line for your current one. Target long lines in the other park to maximize efficiency when hopping between parks.
  3. See Fantasmic! first, then hop. Catch the earlier 9 pm Fantasmic! show at Disneyland, then quickly walk over to Disney California Adventure to finish your night with World of Color.
  4. End the night with park hopping. When Disneyland closes early, hop over to California Adventure, which often has later hours. More time for rides and snacks!

Conclusion

With proper planning using these tips, you can experience shorter lines and more attractions than you ever thought possible in a day at Disneyland. Focus on your must-do’s, take breaks to recharge, utilize services like Genie+ and Mobile Order, and take advantage of early opening and extended evening hours. The parks may be packed with people, but these tricks will help maximize every magical moment!

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