9 Top Disneyland Tips for First-Timers
So, you’re finally heading to Disneyland? Planning your first visit to the most magical place on Earth can feel a little overwhelming, but don’t worry—We’re going to fix that! Whether you’re wondering which rides to prioritize, how to avoid long lines, or what essentials to pack, these Disneyland tips for first-timers will help you make the most of your trip. From must-see attractions to time-saving hacks, here’s everything you need to know before you start that countdown to the happiest place on Earth!
1. Start with the Basics: Disneyland Park vs. California Adventure
One of the most important Disneyland tips for first-timers is deciding which park to visit: Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, or both. This is one of the first decisions you will need to make! Here’s a quick rundown:
- Disneyland Park is the classic and the first park built by Walt Disney himself! Disneyland Park in California features Sleeping Beauty Castle, all the iconic rides (Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain), and those nostalgic Disney vibes.
- Disney California Adventure has a more modern, adventurous twist, with areas like Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus, and thrilling rides like Radiator Springs Racers.
Pro Tip: If you only have one day, it’s best to pick one park and maximize your time there. For first-timers, Disneyland Park is often the way to go if you’re looking for that quintessential Disney experience. But if you’ve got two days or more, definitely book at least one day at California Adventure or get a park hopper pass so you can see the best of both worlds(parks)!
2. Buy Tickets and Make Reservations Early
Disneyland requires park reservations, which means you’ll need to purchase your tickets and reserve your entry date(s) ahead of time. Reservations can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so you definitely don’t want to wait until the last minute.
Ticket Types:
- Single-Day Ticket: Good if you’re visiting just one park for one day.
- Park Hopper Ticket: Allows you to switch between parks on the same day – a great option if you want the full Disneyland and California Adventure experience in one day.
- Multi-Day Ticket: Available for one park per day or with a park hopper add one.
- Promotional Ticket: Check back often for promotional value tickets, valid during specific timeframes.
- Special Event Ticket: Valid for special events like the Oogie Boogie Bash and Sweethearts Night.
3. Best Times to Visit: Essential Disneyland Tips for First-Timers
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying Disneyland. If you can, avoid peak times (summer, spring break, and major holidays) when the parks can get super crowded. Some of the best times to visit are in early spring or late fall, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are lighter.
A key Disneyland tip for first-timers is to visit popular rides early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid long wait times. Crowds tend to thin out first thing in the morning or as the night wraps up.
Ticket prices can also be more expensive during peak times and on weekends, so booking during the week and avoiding holidays can also help reduce costs!
4. Download the Disneyland App and Set Up Lightening Lane Multi Pass
Gone are the days of paper FastPasses! Now, everything’s done through the Disneyland app, which is a must-have tool for managing your day. Download it before you arrive, link your tickets, and familiarize yourself with the app’s features. The app lets you view wait times, check show schedules, mobile order food, and even find the closest restroom.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is Disneyland’s paid service that lets you book return times for popular rides to skip the regular lines. It’s an extra fee, but for first-timers, it’s worth considering if you want to maximize your time on big-ticket rides like Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
View the full details and my review of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
5. Pack Like a Pro: Essentials for a Disney Day
Disneyland requires some strategic packing. Make sure you’re ready for a full day with these essentials:
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll walk miles without realizing it, so keep those feet happy!
- Water Bottle: Hydration is key – and you can refill for free at water fountains.
- Portable Charger: The Disneyland app can drain your battery fast, so pack a backup power source.
- Sunscreen and Hat (or ears!): The California sun is no joke, even on cooler days.
- Poncho or Light Jacket: Southern California can have cool evenings, especially in winter. And you are going to want a poncho if you plan on riding the water rides!
See my Disneyland day packing list here.
6. Must-Know Disneyland Tips for First-Timers: Ride & Attraction Strategy
Let’s face it – Disneyland is packed with must-see attractions. Make a plan to hit the big ones first to avoid long waits. For first-timers, here’s a recommended order for Disneyland Park:
- Tomorrowland: Catch classics like Space Mountain and Star Tours.
- New Orleans Square: Take on Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.
- Adventureland: Hop on Jungle Cruise and Indiana Jones Adventure.
- Fantasyland (early morning): Head to Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo, and the teacups. This area is popular with families and gets crowded fast.
If you’re at California Adventure, start at Radiator Springs Racers or Incredicoaster first thing in the morning, as lines build quickly. Then explore Avengers Campus for attractions like Web Slingers and the Guardians of the Galaxy ride.
Check out my full itinerary categorized by age group here.
7. Plan Your Meals Wisely: Make Time for Disney’s Iconic Eats
Disneyland’s food is practically an attraction in itself! Here are some must-try snacks and where to find them:
- Dole Whip: A classic Disney treat at The Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland.
- Disney Popcorn: You can find various carts around the park with collectible buckets. (Adding this because it is iconic, not because I am a fan 🤪)
- Churros: A Disneyland staple! They’re available all over, and they often come in seasonal flavors.
Reservations: If you’re planning on dining at a sit-down restaurant, like Blue Bayou or Carthay Circle, make reservations right when they are available 60-days in advance, as these spots fill up fast.
8. Don’t Miss the Nighttime Spectaculars
End your day on a magical note by catching one of Disneyland’s nighttime shows. Fantasmic! and the fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle are crowd favorites, while California Adventure has its own show, World of Color. These are must-sees for any first-timer and the perfect way to close your Disneyland adventure. Walt himself said the night time shows are the park goers goodnight kiss and if Walt said it, you can’t miss it, right?
9. Capture the Memories with Disneyland’s PhotoPass
For first-time visitors, it’s worth considering the Disneyland PhotoPass. It allows you to download all your photos taken by professional photographers around the park, including character meet-and-greets and ride photos. It’s a fun way to capture those magical moments without worrying about your own camera. Oftentimes the photopass also includes access to fun filters while your in the park!
Ready to Make Some Magic?
With a little planning and these Disneyland tips for first-timers, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and make the most of your magical adventure. Don’t stress if you can’t do it all in one trip – there’s always something new to discover! So grab your Mickey ears, and get ready for a day full of unforgettable memories.
Looking for more Disneyland tips for first-timers? Check out my other articles for even more planning hacks and insider secrets!