The Best Ways To Maximize Your Time At Disneyland

Are you ready to maximize your time at Disneyland? As the pinnacle of theme park magic, Disneyland offers a ton of experiences and attractions that can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or you’re a regular guest looking to squeeze every drop of fun out of your visit, this blog post is your go-to resource for expert tips, insider secrets, and strategic planning advice to ensure you make the most of every moment in the Happiest Place on Earth.

From navigating crowds to optimizing ride wait times, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to unlock the full potential of your Disneyland adventure. Maximize your So grab your mouse ears, buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of Disney magic!

20 Ways To Maximize Your Time At Disneyland

Here are 20 ways to maximize your time at Disneyland in Southern California. I use these tried-and-true tips every single time I visit Disneyland Park. They’ve served me well over the years, and I’m excited to share them with you! 

1. Buy Park Tickets Ahead Of Time:

Purchasing your Disneyland tickets ahead of time is essential. Park tickets and reservations are required, and tickets are no longer sold at the ticket booths. You must purchase them in advance. Please don’t pay full price for your tickets! Click the image below to book discounted tickets and hotels, or call my travel partners at 855- GET-AWAY and tell them Mix In Some Magic sent you for the best rates. 

2. Plan Ahead: 

Research the park layout, attractions, shows, and dining options before your visit. Look at park maps so you know where things are located. If you feel more oriented first thing in the morning when you’re walking down Main Street. Knowing where things are located will help you maximize your time at Disneyland. You’ll know where Haunted Mansion, Rise of the Resistance, and Radiator Springs Racers are located, saving you a lot of time. Do this for both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. 

Make a rough itinerary to help you prioritize what you want to see and do. Figure out what your first ride will be. Where will you eat lunch?  Are you planning on entertainment? A basic plan or outline for your day can really go a long way. 

3. Eat Breakfast Before You Arrive:

Starting your day at Disneyland with a hearty breakfast before you arrive will save you valuable time. By fueling up beforehand, you’ll have the energy to tackle attractions while wait times are at their lowest! Plus, eating breakfast outside the park can save you time and money, allowing you to make the most of your precious hours inside Disneyland. Whether you eat in your hotel before you arrive or eat a quick granola bar while in line for security, make sure to eat before you arrive. 

4. Arrive To The Parks Early:

Get to the park before it opens to take advantage of shorter lines and cooler temperatures. Arriving 45-60 minutes before the park opens in time for “rope drop” is a great way to maximize your time at Disneyland! In the first few hours, you’ll be able to experience a bunch of attractions with minimal wait times. Read my guide to Rope Dropping At Disneyland for lots of helpful information. 

5. Disney Genie Plus:

Want to skip the line standby line for Space Mountain? You can with Disney Genie Plus! Disney offers a Genie Plus system that allows you to reserve a virtual return time for select attractions. You can enter the attraction through the Lightning Lane when it’s your turn, significantly reducing your wait times. Genie Plus is a useful tool, If you know how to use it, it can help you maximize your time at Disneyland.  If you don’t know how to use it, you’ll just be wasting your money on this service. Read my guide for tips and useful information on using Genie Plus at Disneyland. 

6. Use Single Rider Lines:

For certain attractions that offer single rider lines, consider using them if you’re willing to split up from your group temporarily. You can often bypass much of the regular queue. Here are the rides that offer a single-rider queue at the Disneyland Parks. Check out this post about Disneyland attractions for info on height requirements and other helpful info.

California Adventure Park:

 Goofy’s Sky School

 Incredicoaster

Radiator Springs Racers

Grizzly River Run

WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

Soarin’ Over California

Disneyland Park:

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Matterhorn Bobsleds

Space Mountain

 7. Take Advantage of Early Entry: 

If you’re staying on property(at any of the Disneyland Resort Hotel properties), you’ll have access to Early Entry. This allows you to enter the park early, giving you more time to enjoy attractions with fewer crowds. If you’re staying on property, you’ll want to take advantage of this perk! Here’s a complete guide to Disneyland’s Early Entry. Read it before your trip; it will be helpful!

8. Optimize Dining Times:

Eat during off-peak hours to avoid long lines at restaurants. If you want to dine at a sit-down restaurant,  consider making reservations for popular dining spots to ensure you get a place. You can make reservations 60 days in advance. Use Mouse Dining for those hard-to-get dining reservations. 

9. Use Mobile Ordering:

​Mobile-order your food whenever possible! Most quick-service restaurants have a mobile ordering option. Mobile ordering will save time waiting in line and help you maximize your time at Disneyland. You can place a mobile order using the Disneyland app. 

10. Snack Smart:

 Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks to avoid spending time in lines for food and beverages. Don’t stop for a snack break; make your snack breaks happen while waiting in long Disney parks lines! Kill two birds with one stone! 

11. Use The Disneyland App:

The official Disneyland app provides real-time information on wait times, show schedules, dining options, and more. It can help you find characters, restrooms, and more! It can help you make informed decisions about where to go next and how to navigate the park efficiently. You can also ask a cast member if you have any questions. 

12. Take Breaks Strategically:

You’ll need a break during the day, but to maximize your time at Disneyland, take a strategic break! Instead of wasting time on a break, take a break by watching a show or riding around on the train, enjoying “it’s a small world” or having a sit-down meal.  If you’re trying to maximize your time at Disneyland, you don’t have time to sit around doing nothing, but you also need a break! So, combine your break with something relaxing and kill two birds with one stone.  

​13. Follow A Park Touring Plan:

If you really want to maximize your time at Disneyland, you need a touring plan! A good touring plan will help you skip the long lines and take the stress out of your day. It’s a great option and probably the best way to maximize your time at Disneyland!

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14. Stay Flexible: 

While planning is essential, remain flexible. Ride closures, weather, and even your own energy levels can threaten to derail your day. Flexibility allows you to make the most of unexpected situations and adjust quickly. Something is going to go wrong during your visit. If you stay flexible, you’ll still be able to maximize your time at Disneyland.

15. Use Rider Switch: 

Rider Switch, also known as Rider Swap, is a convenient service offered at select Disneyland attractions that allows families with small children to experience rides without waiting in line twice. Here’s how it works: one adult waits in line while the other stays with the non-riding child. After experiencing the ride, they can switch roles, allowing the second adult to enjoy the attraction without waiting in line again. This allows families to maximize their time at Disneyland by ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of Disneyland’s attractions, regardless of height or age restrictions. Read this post about Rider Switch for more information.

16. Take Advantage Of Parades And Fireworks:

While many guests gather to watch parades and fireworks, consider using this time to explore attractions with shorter lines. Lines for attractions are usually shorter during parades and fireworks.  While everyone else is watching the entertainment, you can enjoy reduced wait times! This is a great time to maximize your time at Disneyland.

17. Stay Informed About Wait Times:

Use the Disneyland app or park signage to monitor wait times throughout the day. Use this information to make informed decisions about which attractions to visit next. Before you trek across the park for a ride, check the Disneyland app and make sure the ride is open and that its wait time fits into your schedule! You don’t want to waste time walking to an attraction that is closed or with a wait time you’re not prepared for.

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18. Don’t Visit On Major Holidays: 

Disneyland is extra crowded on major holidays. It’s harder to maximize your time when the parks are excessively crowded. If possible, plan your visit for non-holidays and mid-week days. The parks tend to be less crowded midweek than weekends and holidays. You’ll likely experience shorter lines and more manageable crowds.

​19. Save Shopping For The End Of The Night:

To maximize your time at Disneyland, save your souvenir shopping for break time or the end of the night. Shopping during peak hours can eat into your valuable park time. So, focus on creating unforgettable memories first, and save the shopping spree for when the park is less crowded or when you’re winding down your day in the park.

20. End The Day Strategically:

Consider staying until the park is closed to enjoy the shorter wait times at night. The last hour or two of the day usually has much shorter wait times, which are usually comparable to rope drop wait times! So, to really maximize your time at Disneyland, stay until the park closes! 

Wrap Up:

Maximizing your time at Disneyland is easy and really important, especially if you don’t have a lot of time. Star Wars fans will have more time to explore Galaxy’s Edge, little kids will have more time to enjoy Toontown, and everyone will have more time to experience the most popular attractions. Maximizing your time at Disneyland is the best thing you can do to ensure you have the best experience possible. 

Remember that maximizing your time at Disneyland is about more than just checking off attractions—it’s about creating lasting memories and embracing the magic of Disney. Using the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be ready to navigate the park like a seasoned pro, making the most of every moment and leaving no magical stone unturned.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, I hope this blog post on maximizing your time at Disneyland has been helpful. I know you’re going to have the best time!

Make sure to check out my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for lots of Disney tips and fun and make sure you join my Disney planning Facebook group! It’s a great place to ask all your Disneyland planning questions and get expert help.