Heading to Disneyland in Anaheim? Great choice. This guide gives you clear, useful tips you can use right away—how to pick tickets, what to ride first, and simple ways to save time and money. No fluff, just the essentials a first-time visitor needs.
Pick weekdays in the off-season if you can—mid-January to March and mid-September to mid-November usually have smaller crowds. Avoid holidays, summer, and spring break when lines spike. Check park hours before you go; special events and holiday hours change schedules fast.
Buy tickets online from the official Disneyland site. Decide between single-park days and Park Hopper passes. If you only have one day, choose one park and do rope drop (arrive at opening) to hit the biggest rides first. Park Hopper is handy for doing both parks in one day, but it adds cost.
Want the fastest route through the parks? Use the Disneyland app. Mobile order food, check wait times, and reserve Lightning Lane selections via Genie+. Genie+ can save hours but treat it like a tool—buy it on busy days and plan your Lightning Lane choices early. For ultra-popular rides, go straight to them at rope drop or book Lightning Lane first.
Which rides to prioritize? In Disneyland Park, prioritize Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Indiana Jones, and Space Mountain. In Disney California Adventure, don’t miss Radiator Springs Racers (it often has a single rider line) and Guardians of the Galaxy. If you have little ones, use Rider Switch so adults can share big-ride time without losing a slot.
Food can add up. Use mobile ordering for quick meals and avoid peak lunch times to dodge lines. Bring a refillable water bottle—there are water fountains and quick service windows will give free cups of water. Consider packing small snacks to keep kids happy between meals.
Where to stay matters. On-site hotels give perks like early entry on some days and quick access to the parks. Staying nearby off-site can save money but factor in parking and commute time. Anaheim parking at the resort charges a fee, so check current rates and consider shuttle or rideshare if you want to skip parking.
Packing list: comfy shoes, sunscreen, a small backpack, portable phone charger, rain poncho (weather changes fast), and a lightweight jacket for evening parades. Lockers are available if you need to store larger items.
Final quick wins: arrive early, use the app, prioritize one or two headliner rides, and take short breaks to avoid burnout. With a bit of planning you’ll get more done and enjoy the magic without feeling rushed.
Disneyland has announced the 2025 dates and increased ticket prices for the Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween event at Disney California Adventure. The festivities will run from August 17 to October 31, featuring Villains Grove, Treat Trails, parades, and more. Tickets go on sale June 26, with pre-sales for Magic Key holders.
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