Best Ways to Maximize Your Day at Disneyland

Planning a family vacation can be a big job, especially if you’re taking your kids somewhere like Disneyland, where there is so much to see and do. How do you fit everything in? How do you navigate the Disneyland Resort and ensure you hit up the best food, rides and shows? Rather than digging through the Internet to find those answers, I’ve teamed up with the travel and planning experts at Get Away Today. They’re ranked number one in Disneyland travel, and they’re here today to share their favorite ways to maximize your day at Disneyland. With Get Away Today’s Disneyland tips, you’re sure to have a wonderful experience at the Happiest Place on Earth!

1. Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to ensure your trip goes well is to plan it with a reputable travel agency like Get Away Today. The agents have visited Disneyland, and the hotels near Disneyland, numerous times. This allows them to offer first-hand experience and advice to you as you plan your Disneyland vacation. Whether you book online or over the phone with Get Away Today, they can answer all your questions about what types of Disneyland passes to purchase, how you can navigate travel to and from your hotel and what special events are happening at Disneyland when you choose to travel. Get Away Today also offers exclusive deals for their guests, with perks like free parking at many hotels, discounted Disneyland tickets and early admission to Disneyland or California Adventure Park.

2. Get There Early

No matter what time Disneyland opens on the days you choose to visit the Resort, if you stay at one of Disneyland’s three hotels you will be given early admission to the Park with Extra Magic Hour. That means you get into Disneyland before it opens to the rest of the public! Days vary, but they tend to alternate with Magic Mornings, which are available to any guests who purchase a Disneyland 3-day and longer Park Hopper or 1-Park per Day tickets. So, for example, guests at a Disneyland Hotel could have Extra Magic Hour early admission on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Guests who purchase a Disneyland 3-day and longer Park Hopper or 1-Park per Day ticket would have Magic Morning early admission on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It’s wonderful to have a couple of options for having early admission to the Park before regular hours of operation! If neither one of these options sound like the right fit for you, just plan on being at the Disneyland gates as early as possible. Arriving at least 30 minutes before the gates open can really help you maximize your day at Disney.

3. Download the Disneyland App

Download the free Disneyland App before your trip! The official Disneyland App is your best tool for navigating the parks efficiently. Before your trip, download the app and familiarize yourself with its features. The app allows you to:

• Check wait times for rides and attractions
• View showtimes and character meet-and-greet locations
• Make dining reservations and use Mobile Ordering
• Purchase and manage Genie+ for Lightning Lane access
• Locate restrooms, guest services, and more

Having the app ready to go before you enter the park will save you valuable time throughout your day.

4. Use FastPass

FastPass and MaxPass are no longer available, but Disneyland’s new Genie+ system helps you optimize your day. Here’s how it works:

• Disney Genie (Free): A personalized itinerary planner that offers real-time ride recommendations based on your preferences.
• Genie+ (Paid Upgrade): Allows you to book Lightning Lane access for select attractions throughout the day, reducing your wait times.
• Individual Lightning Lane (A La Carte): Some of the most popular rides, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, require a separate Lightning Lane purchase instead of being included in Genie+.

Pro Tip: Purchase Genie+ in advance or first thing in the morning via the Disneyland App to maximize its benefits!

5. Use Disney Mobile Ordering

Avoid long food lines by using Disney Mobile Ordering through the Disneyland App. This free service allows you to order meals ahead of time from participating restaurants, select a pickup time, and grab your food without waiting in line. This is especially helpful during peak dining hours!

Bonus Tip: Mobile Ordering works for many popular snack spots, including the iconic Dole Whip stand! Order early and schedule for pick up later so that your favorites do not sell out. For me, this is the raspberry macaron.

Mobile Ordering at Disneyland allows you to use an electronic device to order and pay ahead of time for food at participating vendors. You won’t have to physically stand in line to wait for food and can instead pick up at the designated time. This allows you to maximize your day because you’re not spending time waiting in line to order and then pick up food! Think of all the extra rides you can squeeze in when you take advantage of Disney Mobile Ordering! It’s free to use, and there are lots of dining options available.

6. Take Advantage of Virtual Queues

Disneyland occasionally uses virtual queues for its most in-demand attractions. Be sure to check the Disneyland App to see if any rides require a virtual queue reservation, such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or new seasonal experiences. Virtual queues open at set times during the day, so plan accordingly to secure your spot.

These are just a few of Get Away Today’s favorite ways to maximize a day at Disneyland. If you have specific questions, feel free to give their experts a call at 855-GET-AWAY. If you book a Southern California vacation package with Get Away Today, use my code, Camille, for an additional $10 off your package price.