Last Updated on March 24, 2024 by Lauren Belzer
I’m definitely a Disneyland girl vs. a Disney World girl… I grew up and still live on the West Coast so Disneyland has always been so much closer than heading all the way down to Florida (though my family did do the trek to Disney World once, and I really want to go back)! I even went to college 10 minutes away from Disneyland in the city of Orange, California.
I’ve been asked so many times by friends and family what some of my tips for tackling a trip to Disneyland are, and I always end up writing paragraphs and paragraphs to send to each person so it got me thinking that I should probably write a blog post on all my Disneyland, California Adventure & Downtown Disney tips & tricks – because I have a lot.
If it helps my credibility at all… I lost count after visiting Disneyland 56 times just during my freshman year of college, the first year of having my pass… and I had it for almost 4 years. I think it’s safe to say that I know what I’m talking about!
I wanted to start with some kind of random information, but in my opinion, some of the most important to keep in mind when taking a trip to Disneyland:
Top Suggestions
Disneyland App
The Disneyland app will save you throughout your entire trip. I would highly suggest that you download the Disneyland app and sync your ticket(s) or pass(es) to it. It will tell you all kinds of things within both parks: where the characters are if you want to take pictures with them, how to make reservations for restaurants (at some places), wait times for rides, etc. You can even add a Disney Genie or Genie+ Pass.
Disney Genie is a complimentary service through Disneyland Resort and is a personalized digital assistant designed to enhance guests’ experiences at Disney parks. It offers features such as customized itineraries based on user preferences, real-time attraction wait times, restaurant recommendations, and virtual queue access for select attractions. It uses its algorithms and what you’ve inputted to optimize your time in the parks, providing tailored suggestions to maximize enjoyment and minimize wait times, all accessible through the official app!
Disney Genie+, on the other hand, is a premium service that allows guests to access Lightning Lane entrances for select attractions, minimizing wait times and enhancing their experience. For a flat fee per day per guest, users can make these Lightning Lane reservations for a variety of popular rides, shows, and attractions throughout the day (subject to availability, of course). With Disney Genie+, guests can enjoy the convenience of bypassing regular standby lines, optimizing their time in the parks. Many say that Genie+ is definitely worth the extra money for optimizing their time at the parks!
Fireworks & Shows
Including the fireworks and other parades and shows in your Disneyland itinerary adds an enchanting and unforgettable element to your park experience. These dazzling displays of pyrotechnics, music, and storytelling provide a magical air to your day(s) at the park.
The parades (on Main Street in Disneyland), Fantasmic, the fireworks, and the shows are purely iconic…so do them all if you can. Be sure to check schedules (should be on the app) but prioritize the fireworks if you’re only going to do one – they’re magical!
Holiday Season (November – January)
I know that the holidays are probably the busiest time of year at Disneyland, but if you have the opportunity to go at least once in your lifetime, I would. It is truly an unparalleled experience filled with festive cheer and magical moments. The parks transform during this time with twinkling lights, festive decorations, seasonal entertainment, and treats, and so much more. The Iconic Main Street USA is draped in garland and hosts special holiday parades…everything about the holidays at Disneyland is just captivating!
Additionally, special events like “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” and “It’s a Small World Holiday” overlay add an extra layer of enchantment, and you can even find seasonal merchandise to take home with you, too. Whether it’s meeting beloved characters in their holiday attire or marveling at the towering Christmas trees, Disneyland during the holidays offers the magic of the holidays on an entirely different level!
Snack Carts
This sounds so insignificant ..but the food at Disneyland is well worth trying, whether that’s a sit-down meal or grabbing a bite at one of the many snack carts. Snack carts are all over both parks and I highly recommend getting churros, a dill pickle (who thought a pickle could taste so darn good), Mickey-shaped soft pretzels, turkey legs, and Mickey-shaped beignets.
Note: You will find a lot of Mickey-shaped foods throughout the parks!
Flights & Travel
Flights
When traveling to Disneyland by plane, you are actually rpretty lucky to have a few different airport options. The two main airports that people fly into when trying to get to Disneyland are the John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) or the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). However, depending on where you’re flying out of, and your budget, you could also fly into the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) or Long Beach Airport (LGB).
John Wayne is the closest airport at roughly 15-20 minutes away, so if you can fly into SNA, I would highly recommend that option over any other. Not only is it so much closer to Disneyland than LAX is, but it’s also so much easier to find your way in, out, and around since it’s a smaller airport. But, I will say that it’s still worth checking out flights to LAX because oftentimes they can end up being a little bit cheaper since it’s a large international airport.
Ground Transportation
Getting to an airport in the LA or Orange County areas is the “easy” part, and lucky for you, you have tons of options yet again when it comes to ground transportation from the airport to your hotel!
There are always rental cars, shuttle services, or taking Lyft or Uber…but, something that is always worth considering, in my opinion, is the Disneyland Resort Express. This coach bus service will take you from LAX to Disney (and back), and also SNA. Unfortunately, it does not operate to or from Burbank or Long Beach. For this option, all you have to do is check the schedule to see when to be picked up from the airport, and it will make stops at so many different hotels around Disney! It’s hard to miss the Disneyland Resort Express because they’re enormous blue buses that are fully wrapped in Disney character imagery. The pricing is extremely reasonable, as well!
Hotels
Whenever I get asked, this is the hardest question to answer, because it all depends on what you’re specifically looking for in a hotel and most importantly, what your budget is. I will make a few suggestions, though, because my family has stayed at a few different ones and because I’ve had the chance to explore some of them myself:
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
The Grand Californian has always been my favorite place to stay and explore. It is a luxurious option within the heart of the Disneyland Resort and is inspired by California’s Arts and Crafts movement’s rustic charm. It has cozy Craftsman-style furnishings and intricate details with spacious rooms and suites. The coolest part is that it backs up to California Adventure as well as Downtown Disney, so some of the rooms look in on these spots. It’s on the more expensive side for sure, but if you can swing it, do it! Make sure you book way in advance.
Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel is so much fun for people of all ages! It has an iconic mid-century design inspired by the classic Disney attractions and characters. Many of the rooms are themed with Disney characters and there are various dining options, pools, and more! It’s also extremely close to the parks, all you have to do is walk through the end of Downtown Disney, and bam, you’re there!
Tickets & Annual Passes
Tickets
Previously, you could buy tickets online on Disney’s website or in person at ticket kiosks before you entered the parks. Because of COVID, Disneyland introduced a reservation system, so buying a ticket at a kiosk right before entering the park is most definitely not advised anymore unless you’re willing to gamble on whether or not there is a day-of reservation available. Disney has the option to do single-park or Park Hopper tickets depending on if you only want to do one or both.
When the parks opened back up after COVID, the Park Hopper only allowed you to switch from one park to the other at a certain time in the afternoon. Luckily, in January 2024, they reverted the Park Hopper’s rules back to “normal” where you can go back and forth between both parks whenever you want, as many times as you want, throughout the day (as long as that park has not hit its fire code capacity limitations).
Tickets can be super expensive, so I would highly recommend checking out other websites that sell Disneyland tickets and travel packages – my favorite to use for any trip, but also does Disney travel packages, is Costco Travel! We have never used them for Disneyland considering we’re locals, however, used them for our trip to Cabo and it was so easy and affordable!
Annual Pass
I have not had a Disneyland Annual Pass since 2019, but at that time, I had the highest pass available. I was able to visit the parks any day of the year without blackout dates, go back and forth between the parks like it was a Park Hopper ticket, had free parking, and I never had to make reservations considering it was pre-COVID…I just had to show up…and never experienced either park being at fire code capacity. There would be times that I would go to the parks between classes just for a couple of hours because I could. I hope this system will make its return in the future, because that was the true magic of being a passholder for me, personally, but there is still value in getting a pass today.
Today, the annual pass is called the Disney Magic Key, and even passholders have to make reservations, but if you’re a local or you’re planning to visit Disneyland multiple times per year, a pass is the best way to go to get the most bang for your buck! With a variety of tiers catering to different preferences and budgets, these passes grant access to Disneyland Resort on multiple days, allowing passholders to enjoy attractions, shows, and entertainment at their leisure. Additionally, annual passholders receive discounts on dining, merchandise, and select hotel stays, as well as exclusive perks such as early park entry and special event access.
Now, to get into all my suggestions, tips & tricks, and the ins and outs of both parks and Downtown Disney, I’ll list out my favorite rides, places to eat and drink, as well as other things to do! Please note: I do not include information on ALL rides, food spots, etc., just the ones that I think are worth it!
Disneyland
Rides
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a family favorite for us! It is a smaller roller coaster with no upside-downs or anything crazy, and looks like an old train! It is located in Frontierland at Disneyland parks around the world, not just Disneyland California. Set amidst a fictional mining town, the ride takes riders through a haunted gold mine aboard runaway mine trains with sharp turns, sudden drops, and, in true Disney fashion, incredible theming! If you can get a Lightning Lane entrance through Genie+ for this one, previously known as a FASTPASS, I would highly recommend doing this as the line gets very long, very quickly.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is an interactive ride located in Tomorrowland. It’s like getting on a ride and playing a competitive game at the same time. Riders board “space cruisers” and embark on a mission to defeat Emperor Zurg by shooting targets with laser blasters throughout various scenes. The ride offers an exciting experience that allows guests to compete with those in their party to see who can get the most points!
Want to make it an even bigger competition? If you’re at the park on a less-busy day or in the off-season, pair up with someone in your group and go on this ride 3 times in a row. Play best two out of three, and whoever loses has to buy the other one a Mickey-shaped soft pretzel or prize of their choice!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a classic attraction in Disneyland’s Fantasyland where you board flying elephant vehicles and soar through the air on a gentle, circular motion ride where you can control your elevation. It’s the perfect ride for little ones and guests of all ages! It’s really fun to see all the other rides in the area from up in the air, too.
Indiana Jones Adventure
The Indiana Jones Adventure is in Adventureland at Disneyland. You board rugged jeeps and embark on a thrilling expedition through ancient ruins and treacherous caverns in search of the legendary Temple of the Forbidden Eye. This is by far one of the rides that has the most intricate theming and realistic effects throughout all of the park. Indiana Jones Adventure offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure that transports guests into the heart of Indiana Jones’ adventures! This is another one you’ll want to consider Lightning Lane for!
“It’s a Small World”
“It’s a Small World” is a whimsical boat ride located in Fantasyland at Disneyland parks worldwide and an absolute Disney classic. Guests embark on slow-moving boat through a charming world of singing dolls representing different cultures from around the globe. With its iconic song and colorful scenery, “It’s a Small World” offers a timeless and heartwarming experience for guests of all ages. Be warned though, the song will get stuck in your head.
King Arthur Carrousel
King Arthur Carrousel, is a classic attraction located in Fantasyland at Disneyland. It is just like any other carousel in terms of its function, frankly, but the horses are intricately decorated and you get to enjoy the gentle whirl around and around to the tune of classic Disney songs. It’s a very nostalgic experience and if you’re really lucky, Mary Poppins might just come and ride it with you if she’s around! The carousel is also a great spot for a photo op.
Mad Tea Party
Loosely known as the “teacup ride,” the Mad Tea Party Ride is located in Fantasyland and allows guests to board colorful, giant teacups and spin around while fun, whimsical music from Alice in Wonderland plays. if you don’t like spinning, get dizzy easily, or you get motion sickness this probably isn’t a good ride for you, even though you don’t have to spin your teacup if you don’t want to. This ride is probably one of the top Instagram photo ops in all of Disneyland. Sometimes Alice & The Mad Hatter will come out and ride it with guests, too!
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Fast-paced and fun, the Matterhorn Bobsleds is an iconic roller coaster located in Fantasyland at Disneyland. Riders get in a bobsled-themed coaster and race through the Matterhorn mountain, encountering dips, turns, and encounters with the abominable snowman! The Matterhorn Bobsleds offer an exhilarating adventure that has captivated guests since its opening in 1959!
Peter Pan’s Flight
You might wonder why a storybook ride has such a long line, but it’s because Peter Pan’s Flight is that good. The amount of detail they put into making this ride is incredible and everything is so well-done. It is one of Disneyland’s most beloved rides, located in Fantasyland within the park. You board your very own 2-3 person pirate ship and soar high over the streets of London and Neverland! It is truly the most timeless of all rides in Disneyland, and I highly recommend waiting for this one because it is truly magical!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is a classic boat ride located in Adventureland. Guests embark on a journey through pirate-infested waters, encountering lively scenes of pirates, treasure-filled caves, and Caribbean ports. With its immersive theming, intricate animatronics, and iconic soundtrack, Pirates of the Caribbean is a great ride for all ages. There are only a couple of drops, and yes you might get a tiny bit wet, but it is well worth it!
Space Mountain
Space Mountain is an iconic indoor roller coaster located in Tomorrowland. Riders get in sleek rocket-shaped roller coaster cars and blast off into the darkness, hurtling through twists, turns, and drops amidst twinkling stars and cosmic effects. Space Mountain is not a good ride for those with epilepsy or those who get motion sickness easily!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (previously Splash Mountain)
In 2023, Splash Mountain, a Disneyland classic ride closed for good. Disney decided to replace Splash Mountain at its parks with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a boat ride located in the reimagined New Orleans Square. Guests board classic riverboats and set sail on a journey through the bayou from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” With its vibrant scenes, lively music, and encounters with beloved characters like Tiana, Louis, and Dr. Facilier, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is told to offer a magical and immersive experience!
Food & Drink
Blue Bayou Restaurant
You pretty much have to have a reservation for this place but it’s so cool because it always feels like night time while you are eating (even for lunch at 12pm) because it’s inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It’s Cajun/Creole food and it’s a favorite for sit-down restaurants … reservations can be made (online or by phone) up to 60 days before your visit!
Cafe Orleans
Cajun/Creole food but less expensive and more “cafeteria style.” You can go in and order and then go sit down outside. They sometimes have live music and Princess Tiana will sing! Order the jambalaya!
Maurice’s Treats
This is just a little cart in Fantasyland but the garlic cheese bread twists are so good. If you’re waiting in line to take pictures with the princesses at Royal Hall, I definitely recommend snagging one of these before getting in line.
Mint Julep Bar
If you’re going to get a snack or drink from anywhere in the park… PLEASE make it the Mint Julep Bar. I am not lying when I say that the mint juleps are the most refreshingly delicious (even though they’re non-alcoholic) drinks in the world. And every single person in my family would agree with me and say that you HAVE to buy the Mickey-shaped beignets. THEY ARE SO GOOD. I get a 6-pack of beignets and eat them all myself … no shame.
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
Pretty good Mexican food and get a bag of chips because they have lemon squeezed onto them and are so tasty! This is considered one of their “quick service” eateries.
Royal Street Veranda
This is a good place to get clam chowder in a bread bowl (in Disneyland… Pacific Wharf is another place but in DCA) and it’s SO good. If you can get a spot right here you can kind of see Fantasmic while eating your clam chowder at night!
Tiki Juice Bar
DOLE WHIP. I’m sure you’ve heard all about it because it’s all over everything about Disney but the Dole Whip and Dole Whip Floats are SO FREAKING GOOD. I’ll often double fist some dole whip and somehow manage to eat both before they melt. It’s pineapple heaven and SO worth waiting in line for.
Other
Disneyland Railroad
This is the train that goes all the way around Disneyland. The main station is at the very front of the park but there are stops throughout Disney so you can get on in Tomorrowland (behind Autopia) and get off in Mickey’s Toontown (at the back of Disneyland) if you want.
Mickey’s House and Meet Mickey
A must for a first time trip to Disney. Mickey’s house is located in Mickey’s Toontown and you get to see his cute little cartoon-y house and you get to meet him and take a picture with him at the end (if he is there, which there should be a schedule for when he is outside / on the Disneyland App!).
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
YES – you CAN walk through the castle. If you are looking at the back of the castle from Fantasyland (or the King Arthur Carrousel to be a little more specific), the door is on the right-hand side. You walk up through the castle and get to see the story of Sleeping Beauty. It’s nothing insane by any means, it’s just cool to say you went inside the castle because not a ton of people know that you can!
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
This one is like a show, with fake birds and lots of cute catchy songs. Definitely do this one because it’s really cute and a good break in between rides if you need to sit down & watch something instead of going to do something!
Disney’s California Adventure (DCA)
Rides
Grizzly River Run
This is like white water rafting, it’s pretty intense and you WILL GET SOAKING WET, but it’s SO SO SO fun (especially on a hot day). But be sure to bring a change of clothes or take some time to go back to your hotel if you’re not one for walking around wet for a little while.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Formerly known as the Hollywood Tower of Terror (Twilight Zone) … I went on it once (with Perri), and I personally didn’t like it (I cried) – but Perri LOVED IT. I don’t like dropping rides, but the whole theme and detail was so cool. I would probably go on it again but I don’t like the rides that you drop out of the sky very much. You can and probably should get a FASTPASS for this ride if the line is super long (it’s a popular one since it’s so new).
Incredicoaster
Formerly known as California Screamin’ – same amazing fast roller coaster with one upside down loop (not that bad at all – especially if you keep your eyes on the track the whole time, it feels like you’re still just going straight) but it’s Incredibles 2 themed now and it’s SO CUTE. Try to see if you can smell the special scent they pump into the air in one of the little tunnel things, ‘cuz I’m not telling you what it is 😉 This ride has a single rider line if the line is too long for your group but y’all still want to go, you do have to be separated from your party. You can also get a FASTPASS for this ride and might want to if the line is super long.
The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
A slower ride that takes you through the Story of the Little Mermaid but this is one of the newer storybook rides and was done SO WELL. It’s so cute and so detailed and one of the best storybook rides across both parks.
Pixar Pal-A-Round
This is the Mickey ferris wheel in Pixar Pier. You can ride in the stationary ones or if you like a little more adventure – they also have swinging ones. You just pick a line when you get there to decide if you want a swinging one or not.
Radiator Springs Racers
The first half is kind of like a storybook ride that takes you through the movie Cars, but then the second half is like a semi-roller coaster with small drops (no upside down). There is FASTPASS for this ride, but I heard they “sell out” really fast (this was before some other new rides opened though, so you could be completely fine) so if you want to get one for this ride go early in the morning when DCA opens or have MaxPass to reserve one.
Soarin’ Around the World
Super cool simulation that makes it seem like you’re flying through different places around the world with cool effects like mist / wind / smells… not good for people with motion sickness though. I think you can get a FASTPASS for this one too!
Toy Story Midway Mania!
In Pixar Pier and this one typically has a long line so I would get a FASTPASS if you want to do this one because it’s an interactive ride (like the Buzz Lightyear one in Disneyland park) that you get to compete against the person sitting next to you like a ton of different mini games throughout the ride!
Food & Drink
Alfresco Tasting Terrace
Here’s your place for some wine! You can do a flight, glass or bottle and there’s also Italian appetizers (alcohol is only sold in DCA, not Disneyland – but it IS sold in Downtown Disney too @ restaurants & bars).
Bayside Brews
Just a little beer stand (not sit-down) over by the swings & Pixar Pier (backend), so if you want a beer and a Mickey-shaped pretzel (and you WANT a Mickey-shaped pretzel) go here! *You can also get pretzels and pretzel stands throughout the parks.*
Carthay Circle Lounge & Restaurant
Unique themed interior, American food (never have had the chance to eat here because it’s always so popular but if you get a chance to go I’ve heard some good things)! I’ve been inside though and the vibe of the place is so old-school and cute!
Cozy Cone Motel
These are all little snack shacks in the giant traffic cones which I think personally makes ordering a quick snack so, so good. They have one for popcorn, ice cream and even pretzel bites (served in a cone, duh)!
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
BEST milkshakes you will ever find. I always get a chocolate peanut butter shake and OH MY GOD they are so good. I definitely recommend this as one of your many dessert and sweets spots throughout your trip (because let’s be real, you’re going to be eating sugar all day long).
Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums
This is a new little cart / kiosk that right by the entrance / exit of the Incredicoaster that sells… cookies! And they are nummy.
Lamplight Lounge
Lamplight Lounge is previously Ariel’s Grotto, they still have the bar area on the back side of the restaurant, but it’s now called something different. Various types of food! Definitely would suggest making a reservation here because there is always a super long line / wait if you don’t have one.
Pacific Wharf Café
If you like clam chowder (or soup) in a bread bowl, and some really good sandwiches on sourdough bread – Pacific Wharf Café uses Boudin sourdough in their food and it’s SO good. I probably get the clam chowder in a bread bowl more than any other meal when I go to DCA.
Rita’s Baja Blenders
Margaritas, please! If you’re looking for a marg, this is where to get them. They’re really not that expensive for a decently size margarita … and rumor has it you can even make ‘em a double.
Schmoozies!
This little spot in DCA actually has really good smoothies and is a good place to get one if you don’t want the traditional Jamba Juice in Downtown Disney.
Wine Country Trattoria
An Italian restaurant that I’ve had more birthday dinners than I can count at. It’s pretty good for what it is and has a really cute little Italian-like atmosphere. Definitely make a reservation because it fills up pretty fast since it’s one of the nicer restaurants in all of Disney.
Other
The Bakery Tour
They let you see how Boudin sourdough bread is made (and they give you a sample)!!! They also sell bread loaves shaped as Disney characters at the end and I always buy one to snack on as I’m walking through the parks.
Games of Pixar Pier
They have fun carnival style games where you can win cute prizes (I don’t know how much they cost but they’re cute and fun to at least try one time)!
Frozen – Live at the Hyperion
This is such a good production of the movie Frozen. My mom and I went to see it (they have a few showtimes throughout the day) and it’s so worth seeing. It’s very cute and well done!
Downtown Disney
Besides some fun stores, I think the real reason Downtown Disney exists is for dining, so let’s get to it:
Food & Drink
La Brea Bakery Express
Super quick way to get some good sandwiches. We always eat here real quick before going in the park at mid day or if we’re just spending some time in Downtown Disney during the day. Their bread is really good.
Steakhouse 55
Definitely on the more expensive side but the food (and wine) is REALLY good. We went here with Max’s family for his 21st birthday dinner and it was really tasty – but you know I love a good steak!
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Cajun/Creole food that is so, so good. I would definitely make a reservation if you can because it can get really, really busy. They also have a quick-service area on the side of the restaurant if you don’t want a full-service experience.
Salt & Straw
Yep, a piece of Portland, OR in Disney! All your fun & fancy ice cream needs in the Downtown Disney District. It recently opened so the lines might be pretty long!
Sprinkles
Cupcakes galore! THE BEST cupcakes. I love the chocolate peanut butter one of the banana one, but they have different flavors on different days too so you’ll have to just go in and see what you can find! They’re so good, there’s even one in Vegas!
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
This is technically in the realm of the Disneyland Hotel, but it’s such a fun little bar. They have all kinds of tropical themed drinks and even a punch bowl drink that you can share amongst 2-4 people. I always get the Mosquito Mojito and it’s super tasty! It can be hard to get into sometimes during peak days / times but other times I’ve never had an issue. They even have some outdoor seating as well if the actual bar is too crowded.
Well that’s all I’ve got for this post. But be sure to send me any questions if you have them. I’d be happy to answer!😊