My Tips and Tricks for Disneyland in Anaheim, CA
by Emma Wong
Disneyland in Anaheim is a magical experience, but with so much to see and do, it can also be overwhelming. As someone who grew up with a Disneyland annual pass, I've picked up a few strategies for making the most of your day at the park. Here are my top tips and tricks for having an efficient and enjoyable day at Disneyland.
1. Plan Your Rides in Advance
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is jumping from one ride to another without considering their proximity to each other. To save time and energy, plan out which rides you want to go on the day before your trip. Group your must-see attractions by their location in the park, so you're not crisscrossing back and forth. This will help you maximize your time, avoid unnecessary walking, and make your day feel much more efficient.
2. Get There Early
Early mornings are golden hours in Disneyland. Many of the popular rides, like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones, have shorter wait times right when the park opens. Take advantage of this by heading straight to these rides as soon as you arrive. Some attractions, like Rise of the Resistance and W.E.B. Slingers areSlingers, are almost always busy, so if you notice a shorter wait time for these rides in the morning, jump on them quickly!
3. Consider Disney Genie+
If you want to maximize your time in the park, I highly recommend investing in Disney Genie+. For about $30 extra per person, this service allows you to skip regular standby lines and use the Lightning Lane for select rides, similar to the old FastPass system. You can book one Lightning Lane every two hours or after redeeming your previous pass, whichever comes first. Be strategic with this and book passes for the most popular rides early in the day before they’re gone. Also, keep an eye on the app for available passes; snagging them as soon as possible can help you get through even more attractions in a single day.
4. Download the Disneyland App
This might sound simple, but don’t underestimate the power of the Disneyland app. It provides up-to-date wait times, access to your tickets, Genie+, and mobile food ordering. The mobile order feature is a game-changer, especially during peak meal times. While you’re waiting in line for a ride, plan where you want to eat and place your order ahead of time. This way, you can avoid the long queues and have your food ready to pick up when you’re ready to eat!
5. Park at Pixar Pals Parking Structure
Parking can be a bit of a headache, especially in the popular Mickey and Friends parking structure. But did you know that Disneyland also has the Pixar Pals Parking Structure? It’s located right next to Mickey and Friends and tends to be less crowded. I always try to park there to avoid the massive crowds. Plus, it’s usually a quicker walk to the park entrance.
Conclusion
With these tips in hand, you're set to have a much smoother and more enjoyable Disneyland experience. Whether you're there for a short day or a long one, planning ahead and using the right tools will make all the difference. Enjoy the magic, and have fun!