Visiting Disneyland is a dream come true for many, but long lines can turn that dream into a frustrating experience. With some insider knowledge and strategic planning, you can significantly reduce your wait times and enjoy more attractions (and snacks … don’t forget snacks). Here are a few tried-and-true tips from a Disneyland regular to help you navigate the park like a pro!
Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Times
Timing is everything when it comes to visiting Disneyland. The park tends to be less crowded during certain times of the year. Consider visiting during:
- Mid-January to mid-February: After the holiday rush, crowds thin out.
- Early-September to early October: Kids are back in school, making weekdays especially quiet.
I highly recommend checking crowd calendars before booking your trip to Disneyland. I personally reference this detailed article on Disneyland crowds by Disney Tourist Blog.
Arrive Before the Park Opens
Getting to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure before it opens gives you a significant advantage. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before opening time (one hour before is even better). This way you can be among the first guests through the gates. Guests who arrive early are allowed on Main Street USA and can “rope drop” their preferred land. And yes, Starbucks is open early for all your caffeine needs!
Take Advantage of Lightning Lanes
The Lightning Lane service (formerly known as FastPass) allows you to reserve a time slot for certain attractions, minimizing your wait time. For an extra fee per person per day, you can select return times for popular rides instead of standing in line.
There is also a Lightning Lane Premier Pass that allows you to use the Lightning Lane for any participating attraction without reserving a time in advance. Be warned this pass costs a pretty penny … they start at $400 per person per day.
Finally, the most popular attractions are not part of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass but instead have individual Lightning Lane passes. I recommend checking the Disneyland app prior to your visit to see which attractions are a part of the multi pass and which have individual passes.
While these Lightning Lane Passes come with an additional price tag, they can save you hours in line and help you make the most of your day.
Know When To Ride Popular Attractions
Understanding when to tackle specific rides can make all the difference. Many guests flock towards major attractions first thing in the morning or immediately after parades/fireworks shows.
For example, when the park opens most guests flock to Peter Pan’s Flight, an attraction that pretty much always has a 45+ minute wait. So instead of waiting 25-30 minutes first thing in the morning, I recommend hitting up all of the other dark ride attractions in Fantasyland, which will likely be walk-ons for the first hour of the day.
Take Advantage of Parades and Shows
While everyone else is watching parades or fireworks shows, use this opportunity to ride popular attractions with shorter lines. There are usually two parade performances a day, so you can watch one and jump on a popular attraction while guests are waiting for the other.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks Strategically
Even a 20 or 30 minute wait in line requires stamina! Staying hydrated will keep your energy levels up throughout your visit and prevent fatigue from setting in too early in the day.
Plan short breaks during peak crowd periods (which is usually also the hottest part of the day). Look for shaded areas or quieter spots away from main thoroughfares where you can rest for a few moments … this is also an excellent time for indoor attractions such as Walt’s Enchanted Tiki Room or Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Use Mobile Ordering for Food
While waiting in long lines for attractions is unavoidable, it’s possible to skip the long lines for food if you use the Disneyland app!
Most “quick service” restaurants offer mobile ordering, which allows you to order and pay for your food via the Disneyland app, and pick it up during a time slot of your choice.
You’ll have best results if you plan ahead, and be aware that the time slots for popular spots can fill up quick. (And, no, Starbucks inside Disneyland Park does not offer mobile ordering, I’m so sorry.)
Be Flexible With Your Plans
This technically is not a tip for avoiding long lines, but it’s important none-the-less. When you’re at Disneyland, it’s important to be flexible! Attractions can break down, crowd calendars can be wrong, unexpected inclement weather can happen. Even the best of strategies and plans can get derailed.
By planning ahead, waking up early, and taking advantage of paid line-shortening services, you can minimize your wait times at The Happiest Place on Earth!
