Tips for visiting Disneyland

Theme Park Insider readers submit, and vote on, their suggestions for getting the most from a visit to Disneyland.

Click the "Yes" buttons on advice you agree with, and "No" on ones you don't like.

Click the button at the bottom of the page to submit your own tip.

Most Recent Tips

[7 + / 2 -] We always go the week of our Birthdays (im 11/7 hub 11/8, our son is 11/17) and we NEVER have to wait in long lines and its not as hot out.

[34 + / 1 -] If you want a Dole Whip, go inside the Tiki Room waiting area and order from that side. There's almost never a wait.

[30 + / 5 -] Thanks to annual pass blockouts, the busiest days of the summer at Disneyland are the last two weeks of August. Avoid then, if you can.

All Readers' Tips

In descending order of popularity

[1420 + / 110 -] Get to the park early to be sure you can get on your favorite rides before the park gets too crowded.

[579 + / 82 -] If it is hot, or crowded, go sit in the Tiki Room... A great place to cool down and rest the feet.

[525 + / 49 -] Bring your own water bottles. It will save you time and money!

[404 + / 86 -] Don't use lifts or other tricks to make your kids look taller than they are. Height and safety restrictions are there for a reason.

[206 + / 20 -] Oldie but a goodie - Always work your way backwards through a park instead of stopping at the first attraction you get to. You will beat 60% of the crowds.

[174 + / 23 -] Riding the steam train to the Main Street station can be a great way to get out of the park when Main Street and the hub in front of the castle are packed during parades and fireworks.

[125 + / 9 -] When approaching counter service eateries, review the menu and have your selections in mind before you get to the counter. The folks behind you and the cast member will be eternally grateful.

[102 + / 10 -] If you're going to get an annual pass, add parking to at least one pass (if it isn't included already). It seems expensive at first, but at more than $10 a pop for parking at most parks, it pays off in the end.

[130 + / 44 -] The best time to go to Disneyland is the week after Thanksgiving till the week before Christmas. Its themed for the holidays and has the lowest attendance!

[108 + / 27 -] Don't look like some clueless, sun-fried British tourist. Wear sunscreen whenever you visit a theme park.

[99 + / 21 -] Theme park walkways are designed for traffic flow, keep to the right and keep moving. If you want to gawk around, step to the very outside. If you drop something, step to the right and look around before coming to an abrubt halt. Courtesy people.

[82 + / 8 -] I have noticed that if you go on a day less than perfect between Monday and Thursday you don't have to wait in line much if at all.

[81 + / 13 -] Bring individual packets of Crystal Light etc, as all counter services in most parks will give you a glass of ice water free of charge. Make your own ice tea, lemonade etc!

[56 + / 1 -] Never try to make a crying child go on a theme park ride.

[56 + / 4 -] If you are going to visit a park more than once in a year, look into buying an annual pass. Most include discounts on food, merchandise and parking and some can pay for themselves in as little as two visits.

[63 + / 14 -] take a backpack with snacks and water for you and the kids it can save you some serious bucks

[69 + / 23 -] Smoke in the smoking sections! Because it is really annoying for the rest of us!!! Plus, you can get a misdemeanor if you don't!

[45 + / 1 -] Plan to go more them one day for a slow paced relaxing trip. If you have children under the age of 10, go back to the hotel for a mid-day nap, to avoid tired legs and grouchy kids. This is also a great time to each lunch out of the park and save a fe

[51 + / 8 -] If your a thrill rider fan u should ride Matterhorn,Splash Mountain,Space Mountain,Big Thunder Mountain, Indianna Jones and if you have time maybe Star Tours.

[48 + / 5 -] Call 714-781-DINE before you visit to make reservations for the Blue Bayou and Disney character breakfasts.

[47 + / 5 -] Strollers should be parked in areas designated for them, covering every bench seating area is rude to other guests that also need some time out. As a Guest, our courtesy and common sense can make or break someone else's day at the park.

[44 + / 5 -] Have a large snack about ten o'clock, then don't have a meal until middle of the afternoon. That way you avoid the rush between noon and two o'clock.

[43 + / 6 -] Go on the Haunted Mansion during Christmas

[38 + / 4 -] If your kids have year-round school, go during fall break. Other schools have just started, there are short lines, and the weather is cooling off.

[33 + / 0 -] Use parks' free package check services to store what you buy in the park and keep your hands free while you ride.

[34 + / 1 -] If you want a Dole Whip, go inside the Tiki Room waiting area and order from that side. There's almost never a wait.

[35 + / 2 -] Go to Disneyland with a good attitude! Know that you will have to wait in lines and not everyone there is out to get you~Have fun and relax!

[30 + / 4 -] Plan a 2-day visit for this park, there is so much to see in one day.

[35 + / 9 -] Do NOT go during the breaks or days off for school. It is just crazy!

[34 + / 8 -] You can get a great picture of the Castle and the Matterhorn by crossing a small bridge just inside the entrance to Carnation Gardens.

[30 + / 5 -] Thanks to annual pass blockouts, the busiest days of the summer at Disneyland are the last two weeks of August. Avoid then, if you can.

[26 + / 1 -] If you are going to go to Disneyland, if you are willing to, it is best to go during the school year. It is never as busy, hot, or expensive.

[30 + / 7 -] be polite to the cast members, most only make minimum wage and for some it is their first job. they may just be learning and if you are irritating to them they may make you wait longer, or charge you more.

[23 + / 1 -] Drink plenty of fluids on a hot day! The last thing you want is to become dehydrated. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible as well.

[28 + / 6 -] Be friendly and courteous, even when others are not. When that grumpy staff member at the front gate checks your bag, smile and say thank you. If someone drops something while walking on the path, pick it up and tell them!

[24 + / 2 -] Take a photo of where you park with your digital camera. Easy to remember.

[34 + / 12 -] Unless you have really small kids who love to watch parades, skip them and take this time to hit some of the rides since the lines thin out at this time.

[24 + / 3 -] If you stay at one of the park's onsite hotels, on days that start with T and S, you get early entry, which lets you into the park an hour ealier than it opens. But only Tomorrowland and Fantasyland are open, but lines are reallly short.

[22 + / 4 -] If you ever get stuck on a ride (Knock on wood!) at Disneyland, always ask for a fastpass! Cast members usually hand out one pass valid for up to four riders!

[21 + / 4 -] Hit Small World around the holidays, it's awesome

[16 + / 0 -] Freeze water bottles the night before and they will offer cold water for a few hours as they melt.

[16 + / 0 -] If you plan to purchase an annual pass with blackout dates... consider multiple day park hopper tickets for your first trip. You can use park hopper tickets on any days and on your last day (blackout or not), convert tickets to annual passes.

[22 + / 6 -] If you have little ones buy a pack of Mickey Mouse Lollipops for 5.00 and hand them out while you wait in the super long lines. These saved us in line for Finding Nemo. Right when the kids were almost going to get whiney, we pulled 'em out.

[20 + / 5 -] Don't take your toddler on the snow white ride. First ride of the day for my three year old and it scared the daylights out of her.)

[16 + / 2 -] Want to avoid the big crowds? Try going when the kids are in school on a weekday if you're able to. Families tend to come on weekend and when the kids are out of school.

[20 + / 6 -] On Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, you can e-mail your on-ride photo for free upon egress. While you can pose for it, pictures are taken of multiple cars at once and you may need to sacrifice points in the final Zurg confrontation for your photo.

[18 + / 5 -] Try ordering items from the kids menu. You will be surprised how full you get and you'll save a lot of money.

[25 + / 12 -] Don't try to see a new Disneyland attraction or show in its first two weeks. Wait, and the crowds will be much lighter.

[19 + / 6 -] Buy your tickets/book your hotel through AAA ,if you are a member. If you aren't join, you'll save the fee with one trip and you'll have someone to call if you get a flat on the Beeline.

[18 + / 5 -] As a former Disneyland Park employee, here is my #1 tip: if you hate lines, go on cold/rainy days Mon-Thurs from Jan to early April. It's the BEST.

[12 + / 0 -] bring a wet washcloth on hot days in a plastic baggy- good for a quick cool off on the back of your neck and you can keep it cool with a few pieces of ice in the baggy

[15 + / 3 -] If you lost your hat/keys/sunglasses during a ride, it's possible that you'll be able to find it at Lost & Found the next day. Even if you are already back home, call and if they have the item, they will likely courier back to you free of charge.

[18 + / 6 -] Bring dollar bills and twentys...

[17 + / 5 -] If you want to get some great pictures of fireworks, make sure to use a digital camera with its night setting. Keep your hand still and you will have some great pictures!

[24 + / 12 -] Drawstring Bags are a great object to bring to a park. You can put all your stuff in it when going on roller coasters and wear it as a backpack.

[17 + / 5 -] If you have toddlers who are toilet training, take them to the baby care center where they can use smaller, toddler-sized porcelain toilets to go "potty." My kids loved these as much as anything else in the park at that age.

[34 + / 22 -] While Fantasmic is going on hit up Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, and Finding Nemo: Submarine Advnture as the lines are non-existent.

[24 + / 13 -] If you sit early for a good spot to watch Fantasmic, have one person in your party go over to the Stagedoor Cafe and get some mozzarella sticks & fries to snack on while you wait.

[15 + / 5 -] If you're a single rider, or can split up, you can walk right it to Splash Mountain and Indy. Get a pass from the Fast Pass ticket taker then walk right in through the exit. A cast member will guide you through.

[23 + / 13 -] Are your kids seat-kickers on airplanes? Take off their shoes. They'll be more comfortable, and not kick. Take off yours for comfort, too. Just, please, wear socks!

[13 + / 3 -] Ask the human resources department at your employer if it sells discount tickets to theme parks. Many do, as well as discount tickets to local theaters, zoos and attractions. Check those prices against the parks' websites and pick the better deal.

[9 + / 0 -] Using a spray bottle to spritz yourself with a water mist will cool you down a lot!!

[16 + / 7 -] Many people leaving the parks with sleeping children and bulky strollers don't know that you can skip the tram and take the walk way to the parking structure just past the last loading area for the trams. No signs but you'll see it. 10min walk tops.

[20 + / 12 -] Know the difference between a theme and amusement park and adjust your expectations accordingly.

[8 + / 0 -] If you are going with a group/family with older teens walkie-talkies are are good idea to have not everyone wants to do the same thing at the same time

[11 + / 3 -] My advice for Disneyland guests? Go on a CONFIRMED rainy day, you have no idea how much time that alone will save you and don't forget your umbrella!

[8 + / 0 -] Wear shoes that are comfrotable and that have proper support. Most parks will have you doing a lot of walking. A lot of folks get really fatigued (or hurt) due to wearing cheap sandals or flipflops. Good shoes make for a good day.

[9 + / 1 -] If you got really bad sunburn, witch hazel is a good soothing treatment to get rid of that annoying pain.

[13 + / 5 -] Toontown empties out early evening. Ride Roger Rabbit 2 hours before closing, cause Toontown sometimes closes 1 hour before Disneyland.

[9 + / 2 -] Don't EVER unbuckle your seatbelt while riding! The ride will stop, and YOU will be thrown out of the park!

[7 + / 0 -] Always try to buy your tickets online! They're usually cheaper and save you the headache you'll get waiting to purchase at the gate.

[8 + / 1 -] Crokies (adjustabel eyeglass holders) are indispensable if you're a roller coaster fan. Get them at a pharmacy or gas station, and make sure they tighten to your head. Great for sunglasses, too.

[10 + / 3 -] Your kids are going to get cranky no doubt about it. Carry crackers for when they get hungry an hour into a line.

[8 + / 1 -] The three day park hopper is great. We did a five day one last year and it was a bit much. One day is just not enough, especialy if you want to see California adventure as well. Use fastpass often.. Youll be glad you did.

[25 + / 19 -] Never close your eyes when riding a roller coaster. That will just make you dizzier, as your eyes help your sense of balance adjust.

[7 + / 1 -] If you're allergic to a certain food and are cautious about what goes into your food make sure to ask the server where or how will the food be cooked...saves you a trip to first aid.

[12 + / 6 -] Save a lot of money by bringing in outside food. This is especially helpful if you're staying all day!

[6 + / 0 -] Make Lunch your biggest meal of the day. Light eating (popcorn, pretzels, etc.) no big deal in the later evening.

[9 + / 3 -] Wear a wallet sized purse with long strap that just fits tickets, digital camera and cash. You can stash it in pocket of cargo jeans or inside your shirt when you go on roller coasters. No need for lockers.

[16 + / 10 -] most parks are less busy meaning shorter lines Monday-Friday

[32 + / 26 -] Never get on a ride without getting a fast pass for it first so you can return.

[7 + / 2 -] We always go the week of our Birthdays (im 11/7 hub 11/8, our son is 11/17) and we NEVER have to wait in long lines and its not as hot out.

[7 + / 2 -] To treat sunburn, apply a heavy amount of aloe vera gel, maximum strength formula. Works wonders.

[6 + / 1 -] Take a break from park restaurants. This time we ate at the Grand Californian hotel and were amazed! The quality of the food was really good-good enough so we said we’d even eat here if it wasn’t at Disney and wondered why we never did it before.

[5 + / 0 -] dont wear jewlery on the rides they come off during the ride... also dont bring extra things like a bag to the park or anything that you cant bring on the ride they get annoying when you have to put them in lockers or worry about it the entire time.

[8 + / 4 -] The best time to go to Disneyland is in May. The weather is perfect and it is typically not as busy. The best day to go is usually Wendsday. I recomend these times to go to Disneyland for the best possible experience.

[18 + / 14 -] When arriving at Disneyland first fast pass Indie. Then hit Space Mountain and Matterhorn (there is no way to avoid the long Sub voyage line. After riding Indie, fast pass splash and ride big thunder. Then after splash mt. finish off with Pirates/HM

[5 + / 5 -] this is only at disneyland but on thunder mountain on the second drop, look at the goat youll get serious speed while sitting in the back

[20 + / 20 -] Save money by purchasing Disney gifts at a Disney store before you go and give to your kids while at the park.

[20 + / 24 -] If you have kids, start with Dumbo. It has a very slow moving queue.

For more attraction, ride and hotel reviews, visit our home pages for Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure.

Get, and vote on, more tips about a variety of topics, including those not related to theme parks, at TipReel.com.

Search Theme Park Insider

Reader Reviews, by Theme Park

United States/Canada Top 20 ^*

• Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
• Disneyland
• Epcot
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Universal Studios Florida
• SeaWorld Orlando
• Disney's California Adventure
• Universal's Islands of Adventure
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Busch Gardens Tampa
• SeaWorld San Diego
• Knott's Berry Farm
• Canada's Wonderland
• Cedar Point
• Kings Island
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg
• Hersheypark
• Six Flags Great Adventure
• Six Flags Great America
• ^* By 2008 attendance

Other U.S. parks

• Holiday World
• Kings Dominion
• Legoland California
• Silver Dollar City
• Six Flags Magic Mountain

International parks

• Tokyo Disneyland
• Disneyland Paris
• Tokyo DisneySea
• Universal Studios Japan
• Hong Kong Disneyland

Water parks

• Aquatica
• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon

Theme Park Insider on Twitter

• Subscribe to our Twitter feed
• Become a fan on Facebook
• Watch our videos on YouTube

Theme Park Reviews, Features, Advice

• How to plan your vacation on a budget
• Theme Park Insider's 'four-hour' tour plans
• How to stay safe when visiting theme parks
• What's under construction for 2009/10
• TPI at the Tournament of Roses Parade

Theme Park News Archive

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004-2005