Tips and Tricks for the Best Day at Disneyland

Spending a day at Disneyland can be the adventure of a lifetime, but without some insider knowledge, it can quickly turn into a game of long lines and missed opportunities. To help you make the most of your visit, here are some essential tips and tricks that promise to save time and add magic to your day. 

Book Your Park Reservations: Don’t sleep on this one! Disneyland still requires park reservations for visits regardless if you have a one-day ticket or a Magic Key. Make sure everyone in your party has a valid park reservation for the park they intend to visit (or a reservation for the first park they intend to visit if your group has park hopper passes). You will need reservations for each day that you intend to visit the parks (everyone three and over is required to have a reservation). Reservations do sell out frequently when the park system reaches capacity, so book reservations as quickly as possible!

Pixar Pier (©Michael Glazier)

Pre-Pay for Parking: One of the first time-savers of the day is pre-paying for your parking. This simple step can significantly reduce waiting time at the parking booths, giving you more time to enjoy the park. The line just to get into the parking garage can be daunting and the last thing you want to be doing is fumbling for a credit card or cash when the line behind you is 20 cars long.

Parking (©Getty Images)

Purchase Genie+ for Access to Lightning Lanes: Maximizing your ride time has never been easier with Genie+. This service offers access to Lightning Lanes (formerly known as FastPass lanes), allowing you to skip the regular lines on some of the park’s most popular attractions. Genie+ is more than just an easy way to cut down wait times—the service comes with access to digital downloads of all your PhotoPass images for the day. Make the most of your vacation and capture as many PhotoPass moments as possible—they’re all included!

Disney California Adventure Park (©Aubrey Odon)

Mobile Ordering Food: To avoid the hungry crowds and long lines at meal times, take advantage of mobile ordering through the Disneyland app. You can easily order food from your favorite park restaurants on-the-go and pick it up at the designated window when it’s ready. This is especially easy and smart if you’re traveling with a group—designate one or two party members to pick up the food while the others find tables and seating. If you’ve got your eye on some of the novelty items like popcorn buckets or souvenir sippers, this is a great way to pre-purchase and pick-up at a designated time. Less time in line means more time for rides!

Flo’s V-8 Cafe (©Leila Bandringa)

Utilize the Disneyland App: The Disneyland app is your ultimate guide to navigating the park with ease. From checking wait times for rides and attractions to discovering where to find specialty churros and character greetings, this app has everything you need at your fingertips. Additionally, it provides important updates and information throughout the day, ensuring you don’t miss out on any hidden gems or special events. You can also look up where to find PhotopPass photographers throughout the park.

Tomorrowland (©Brian McGowan)

By following these tips, you’re setting yourself up for a magical and efficient Disneyland experience. Remember, planning and utilizing available resources like the Disneyland app can significantly enhance your visit, leaving you with more time to explore, enjoy, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.