Disneyland is so magical, but there’s also so much to learn and navigate while you’re there.
In this post we’re going to give you our best tips for you to maximize your time in the parks, have a smooth vacation, and make it as enjoyable as possible.
1. Make A Plan Ahead Of Time
Make a realistic plan and be flexible with that plan.
If you’re able to do multiple days at Disneyland and California Adventure, that will help a ton. We like doing 2 days at Disneyland park and 1 at California Adventure.
Don’t try to do every attraction, see every show, and eat every snack. Do the things you most want to do, then if there’s extra time you can do a little more.
You don’t want to get too worn out in the heat or anything and ruin your vacation, so pace yourself.
Related Content: 3 Disneyland Rides I’ll Never Rope Drop Again
2. Multitask It Up
Multitasking is the best way to maximize your time in Disney parks!
When waiting in line for rides, waiting for parades, or waiting for anything, you should be booking and planning the rest of your day.
Get your mobile orders in, book your lightning lanes, and figure out where the characters you want to meet are and at what times.
3. Learn Genie+
Learn how to use Genie+ before your trip so you aren’t confused and overwhelmed trying to use it in the parks.
Have a clear idea of what you’ll be doing with it, and use it to save lots of time waiting in line for rides.
Your group should have a designated person in charge of managing Genie+ so it doesn’t get too crazy.
4. Don’t Wait For The Fireworks
If you want to see the fireworks, don’t camp out and wait forever before they start. When other people are doing this, the ride wait times are lower.
Take advantage of low wait times and try to catch some of the firework show from another area that’s not as ideal for viewing.
If you aren’t into the fireworks at all, then this is a great time to get a lot of rides in!
If this is your first trip and you’ve never seen Disney fireworks before, then if might be worth it to get a good spot and watch them instead of going on rides. Don’t do this every night of your trip though.
5. Take Advantage Of Parades
A lot of people will watch the parades, which means that ride wait times will be lower during this time. If you don’t want to see the parade, go on lots of rides during this time.
If you do want to see the parade, then try to view it from a spot close to the ride you want to go on after and head there immediately after the parade before the line gets long.
After the parade is also a good time to grab a snack, do some shopping, or take a break since ride lines will be getting longer.
6. Rope Drop or Close The Park
The shortest wait times for rides are when the parks open and the last couple hours before they close. Wait times are the highest during the middle of the day.
Rope dropping is when you get to the park at opening. You can often go on many rides in those first 2 hours.
We hope these tips help you get everything done at Disneyland that you’re hoping to do on your vacation!