Insider Tips and Tricks for Visiting Disneyland® Resort

Planning a visit to Disneyland® Resort? Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned park-goer, having the right strategies in place can make your day even more magical. From getting ready before you arrive to navigating the parks like a pro, these insider tips will help you make the most of your Disneyland® Resort adventure. Let's dive into the best ways to prepare, avoid crowds, and experience all the excitement the parks have to offer.

Getting Ready

Download the Disneyland® Resort App: This handy tool allows you to track ride wait times, locate your favorite characters, and plan your day to maximize fun. You can also purchase a Lightning Lane pass through the app, which lets you skip the regular lines on many popular attractions.

Bring Essentials: Stay hydrated by bringing your own refillable water bottle, and don't forget to pack sunscreen. Anaheim can be hot, and you'll want to stay protected throughout the day.

Pack Your Own Snacks: While Disneyland® Resort has plenty of food options, you can bring your own snacks and whole fruits into the park. This is a great way to keep your energy up without spending extra money.

Arrival

Park at the Hotel: Save on parking fees (which range from $35 - $55) by parking for free at our hotel and walking to the park.

Beat the Crowds: To avoid the heaviest crowds at security, consider arriving about an hour after the park opens. This is a sweet spot where you can still enjoy a full day at the park but bypass some of the morning rush.

Park Hopper Strategy: If you have a Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Ticket, start your day at the park with the shortest entrance line. For single-park access, consider rides like Star Tours® - The Adventures Continue Attraction© Disney/ Lucasfilm, Ltd., which usually have shorter wait times. If lines are long, hop on the Disneyland® Railroad to easily travel to another part of the park.

At the Park

Stash Your Gear: Lockers are available to store any heavy items you don’t want to carry around all day. This can be a lifesaver, especially if you’ve brought extra clothes or souvenirs.

Meet the Classics: For those hoping to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, head to the right side of the Main Street, U.S.A.® Area at the park entrance. Characters often appear about 30 minutes before parades, making it the perfect time to snap a photo and get an autograph.

What to Ride

Disneyland® Park

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: A thrilling and immersive experience in the Star Wars universe.
  • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage® Attraction inspired by Disney•Pixar's Finding Nemo: Dive under the sea for a unique view of the ocean's wonders.
  • Haunted Mansion® Attraction: A spooky classic that’s a must-ride for any Disney fan.
  • Indiana Jones® Adventure Attraction: Join Indy on an epic adventure through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye
  • Pirates of the Caribbean® Attraction: Sail through this iconic attraction filled with pirates and treasure
  • Space Mountain® Attraction: Blast off into outer space on this exhilarating roller coaster.
Exterior view of the Haunted Mansion near Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites
Family chatting with Groot in Disneyland near Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites

What to Ride

Disney California Adventure® Park

  • WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure: Join Spider-Man in an interactive battle against Spider-Bots in this web-slinging adventure.
  • Grizzly River Run: A wild, water-filled raft ride through the rapids of Grizzly Peak.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!: Help the Guardians escape the Collector’s fortress in this thrilling drop ride.
  • Jessie’s Critter Carousel: A whimsical carousel ride perfect for little ones, themed after Jessie and her critter friends.
  • Soarin’ Around the World® Attraction: Take a breathtaking flight around the globe in this immersive and peaceful experience.

Where to Eat

Disneyland® Park:

  • Hungry Bear Barbeque or Harbour Galley in Bayou Country
  • Galactic Grill
  • Hot Foods near Central Plaza for Turkey Legs
  • Little Red Wagon for Corn Dogs
  • Mint Julep Bar for Mickey-shaped Beignets

Disney California Adventure® Park:

  • Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
  • Cocina Cucamonga/Mexican Grill
  • Shawarma Palace
  • Smokejumpers Grill (best burgers in the park!)

 

With these insider tips and tricks, you're sure to have a magical and stress-free day at Disneyland Resort! Happy planning!