Ultimate Disneyland Tips for an Unforgettable Visit

Maximize Your Time at Disneyland

Tickets. There are various options available to enhance your visit to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Although discounts on tickets are limited, it’s advisable to check the official Disneyland Tickets page to find the best deal.

Buy your tickets in advance to minimize waiting time at the ticket line. Be attentive to whether your tickets require pickup or validation at Guest Relations, which opens at the same time as the park.

Get to the park early. Ticket booths start operations approximately 30 minutes before the park gates open. Ensure you are lined up with your tickets ready to access popular non-FASTPASS rides as soon as the gates open.

Utilize FASTPASS to schedule entry into shorter lines.
Employ RideMax to reduce waiting times and enhance your experience at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.
Ride during parades. If you’ve already enjoyed the parade, consider this an excellent opportunity to ride attractions, as many guests pause to watch the parade.
Afternoon Break. Plan to arrive at the park early and return to your hotel for a break before returning in the evening. The lines for popular rides, such as Dumbo and Peter Pan, tend to be shorter at night, especially during the summer when the park operates until late evening.
Fireworks Viewing. For the best fireworks experience, position yourself on Main Street in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Many Fantasyland attractions are closed during the fireworks but they reopen afterward. Watching the fireworks from Fantasyland near Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Carrousel gives you a unique view, allowing you to enjoy the display from multiple angles while being first in line for rides once the show concludes.

Some Disneyland Resort packages offer early entry, permitting you to enter the park one hour prior to opening, which is beneficial for enjoying popular attractions before lines swell. This option primarily caters to guests at designated Disney Resort hotels, though it occasionally includes select nearby hotels.
Stay at a Disney area hotel. Staying at a nearby hotel can save both time and money. Look for accommodations that offer complimentary parking and breakfast to negate overall expenses associated with driving in for the day.

Tips for Eating at Disneyland

Options abound for quick meals at Disneyland, with burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and fries readily available. Most fast food meals cost between $10 and $13. For a more unique dining experience without substantial additional expense, consider exploring locations like Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland, Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland, or the Cajun delights in New Orleans Square. The Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square offers upscale dining.

Healthier Options – Disneyland has made strides in adding healthier food items, and the majority of restaurants now feature at least one nutritious option. Examples include:

• Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland offers a veggie wrap and a salad with chicken for adults and healthy choices for kids.
• Harbour Galley in Critter Country has salads and a Kids’ Mickey Check Meal that adheres to Disney Nutrition Guidelines.
• Hungry Bear in Critter Country serves a turkey salad accompanied by a Kids’ Mickey Check Meal.
• Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland features skewers and fresh fruit options.
• A Tropical Imports snack stand in Adventureland offers fresh fruit and trail mix.
• Clarabelle’s in Toontown provides a turkey sandwich and salads alongside sweet treats.
• Market House on Main Street, USA offers a range of Starbucks snacks, including healthful breakfasts.

Timing Your Meals. To avoid crowds, aim to eat earlier or later than standard meal times. While dining, diners can consult the Disneyland Dining Guide for restaurants that accept priority seating reservations.

Pack a lunch. Bringing a small amount of food into the park is permitted. Utilize lockers on Main Street to store a soft-sided cooler for the day. Multiple tables and chairs near the lockers ensure comfort while you enjoy your packed meal. If visiting both parks, use lockers located between them.

Stay Hydrated. As beverages can be costly, it’s wise to bring refillable water bottles or several small disposable bottles.

Encourage children to carry their own snacks in a fanny pack for easy access.

What to Wear and Take on a Disneyland Trip

Prepare for Comfort.

Wear sunscreen, as clouds can dissipate quickly, exposing you to sunlight. This is especially crucial during summer months.

Protect Yourself from the Sun. Hats or visors and sunglasses are advisable for sun protection. Should you wear a hat without a strap, secure it in pocket spaces on rides to prevent loss.

Dress for Rainy Days. A poncho or raincoat can be very useful, and a collapsible umbrella can easily be stored when not needed. Even if some outdoor rides close, many indoor rides remain open.

Comfortable Footwear is Key. Prioritize comfort over style to avoid discomfort from long hours on pavement.

Keep it Lightweight. Minimize what you carry; essentials can be kept in a fanny pack to avoid hassle during rides.

Evening Layers. A lightweight sweater or jacket may be necessary after dark, regardless of the season.

Extra Socks. After wet rides like Splash Mountain, additional socks can enhance comfort for the remainder of your visit.

Change of Clothes. In cooler weather, it may be beneficial to have a change of clothes accessible in a locker to avoid discomfort.

Water Ride Preparation. If needing to protect electronics, utilize Zip Lock bags for smaller devices or trash bags for larger items.

Motion Sickness Remedies. For those susceptible to motion sickness, consider wristbands or non-drowsy medication to ensure an enjoyable experience on rides.

Tips for Visiting Disneyland with Young Children

Essential Tips for Families at Disneyland Resort

Free Entry. Children under three years old gain free entry to Disneyland.

Stroller Options. Families may either bring their own strollers or rent them at the park for convenience.

Located in both men’s and women’s facilities, changing tables provide necessary conveniences for families.

First Aid Stations are available across Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.

Baby Centers. Both parks offer Baby Centers with amenities for nursing mothers, extra supplies, and a safe area for young children.

Height Restrictions. Be aware of ride height restrictions for safety; measure your children before your visit to set appropriate expectations.

Tag Team Group Rides. When having two adults, utilize the tag team method for easier access to rides without additional waiting.

Have a Safety Plan. Ensure that children have your contact information. Specify a meeting point in the event of separation.

Rest Before Parades. Strategize nap times to coincide with parade schedules for an optimal viewing experience.

Disneyland Conveniences and Accessibility

Parking Information. The resort has various parking options, including the Mickey and Friends structure, which provides convenient tram access to park entrances.

Payment Options. The availability of ATMs in the parks and Downtown Disney facilitates access to cash as needed. Note that many venues accept credit cards, often yielding better rates for currency exchanges.

Guest Relations Services. Located within both parks, Guest Relations can assist with reservations, foreign language materials, and general inquiries.

The Disney PhotoPass offers all-inclusive photo opportunities throughout the resort.

Lockers. Conveniently located throughout Disneyland, lockers for a nominal fee are available to store personal items during your visit.

Lost and Found Assistance. This service can be found near Guest Relations in California Adventure for items left behind in the park.

Kennels. Traveling with pets is facilitated by onsite kennels near the main entrance; check the Disneyland website for specifics on services offered.

Smoking at Disneyland

Designated smoking areas are provided for attendees, making it important to familiarize yourself with smoking policies. For specific information regarding smoking locations, refer to the dedicated resources available.