Disneyland tips for your first trip (what I wish I knew!)

Planning your first Disneyland trip? Eeeek, I’m SO excited for you. Whether you’re officially booked or just here for the Disney daydreaming, you’re in for a magical ride. ✨

As a lifelong Disney lover (the kind who tears up walking down Main Street), I’ve been lucky enough to visit Disneyland Anaheim four times, Tokyo Disneyland twice, and Walt Disney World once. Along the way, I’ve gathered a stash of insider tips – from my own experiences, other Disney-mad travellers, and even Cast Members – that I’m handing over to you.

These are the exact things I wish I’d known on my very first visit. From how to skip lines and save time, to what to pack, wear, eat, and how to make the most of every magical moment, it’s all here.

So whether you’re travelling with kids, as a couple, or solo, scroll through and grab all the best tips to help you have the most fun-filled, stress-free Disneyland trip ever.

Why you’ll love this Disneyland tips guide:

• 🏰 It’s full of practical, no-fluff advice from real experience
• 💡 Covers things first-timers often miss (like lockers, apps, and quiet ride times)
• 🎟️ Helps you make the most of your time, budget and energy
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ideal for families, first-timers, and Aussie travellers
• 👟 Includes tips on what to wear, pack, eat and do
• 🧒 Plus some fun extras to make it even more magical for the kids

Real tips from a real Disney lover (who’s been 7+ times!)

☀️ Before you go

1. Download the Disneyland App

When I tell you that the Disneyland App is going to be your best friend during your visit, I truly mean it. You can mobile order food, check ride wait times, book Lightning Lanes, see show and character times, and even access in-app Cast Member chat. It’s a game-changer.

2. Buy tickets in advance

Don’t wait until you’re at the gates. Buy your tickets online, link them in the app, and be ready to scan and go. We usually opt for the Park Hopper to switch between parks. For my Aussie and NZ readers, you can buy the best priced tickets on Klook, with 15% off.

3. Make a park reservation

As of 2025, you still need a park reservation. Pick which park to start in and park hop after 11am. Be sure to check the Theme Park Reservation Availability before you go.

4. Research Genie+

It’s Disneyland’s skip-the-line system and totally worth it on busy days. You can stack Lightning Lanes and save hours. Genie+ is how we get to jam as much into our Disney days as possible (we budget for it).

5. Use MagicBand+ if you like

It adds some fun magic to the day and helps with scanning into rides, entering the park, and adds interactive elements to shows and rides. We love the ease and excitement of using MagicBands, and would highly recommend.

6. Join a Disneyland Facebook group

For live tips, ride closures, and that extra level of Disney nerdy goodness. You can check out all the Facebook groups here.

7. Stay at a Disneyland Resort

It’s more magical, gets you early access with Magic Mornings, and has extra entry perks. We love the Grand Californian (it’s pricey, but even one night here is magical).

8. Or stay at a Good Neighbour hotel

We loved the Hyatt Regency Orange County. Disney music on the shuttle? Yes please.

9. Prepare for security screening

Streamline your bags, empty your pockets, and be ready. It helps everyone get in faster.

🎒Packing tips

10. Wear good walking shoes

You’ll walk 20,000+ steps a day. You’ll want to wear shoes that can go the distance.

11. Bring a small backpack

Great for carrying essentials and Disney sells the cutest ones, just look for the Loungefly range.

12. Hire a locker

Leave your jackets or spare clothes for when it cools down. Lockers are affordable and convenient.

13. Bring a portable charger or Fuel Rod

You’ll be on your phone all day for photos and the app. Fuel Rods can be swapped all day long (it’s a mini charger, once it’s flat swap it out).

14. Pack a refillable water bottle

Stay hydrated with bottle refill stations all over the park.

15. Bring ponchos

For unexpected drizzles. Fold-up ponchos are easy to pack and cheaper than buying in the park.

16. Wear sunscreen

Even in cooler months, you’ll be outside all day.

⏰ Timing and strategy

17. Get to the parks early (rope drop!)

You can enter 30 minutes before opening and get a head start. Run to the more popular rides as soon as the rope drops!).

18. Use Mobile Order for food

Skip lines by ordering while you wait for a ride.

19. Visit on weekdays if possible

Midweek (especially Tues/Wed) usually has smaller crowds.

20. Use the app to check ride wait times

Spot short waits and hustle to those rides.

21. Use Single Rider lanes

Great for thrill rides and can be faster than Lightning Lane!

22. Visit during off-peak times

Early June and August are quieter, and weekdays are better than weekends.

23. Ride big-ticket attractions early or late

Save time on Rise of the Resistance or Space Mountain.

24. Ride during the parades

While others watch, you can hop on rides with shorter waits.

💸 Money-saving tips

25. Buy Disney clothing before you go

Big W, Target, Cotton On and Etsy have cute gear. Everyone wears ears!

26. Bring snacks and drinks

Disneyland allows food in the park.

27. Buy Disney merch outside the park

You’ll find cheaper items at Target or Downtown Disney.

28. Budget for Individual Lightning Lanes

Radiator Springs is worth it. 15-minute wait vs 90+ mins!

29. Set a souvenir budget

Help the kids (and yourself!) stick to it.

👧 With kids

30. Use Rider Switch

One adult rides while the other waits with a child, then you switch with no extra queue.

31. Baby Care Centres are amazing

Nappies, nursing, little toilets. Total lifesaver.

32. Take breaks during the day

A midday hotel nap or quiet sit-down can do wonders.

33. Bring glow sticks

Kids LOVE them at night and they’re cheaper than park toys.

34. Buy an autograph book

Great for character meets. Add photos for a special keepsake.

35. Bring small treats for characters or Cast Members

Koalas or Aussie trinkets are a hit! This means that you generally get a little longer with characters as they gush over their gift. Cheeky!

36. Celebrate with a pin

First visit? Birthday? Grab a celebration badge from City Hall. Or if you’re staying in a Disney Hotel, tell them at reception.

37. Watch fireworks from Small World

A great view with fewer crowds.

38. Eat a churro. Or three.

It’s practically tradition.

39. Get a silhouette on Main Street

Sentimental and unique.

40. Have a character breakfast

Plaza Inn and Goofy’s Kitchen are great picks. It’s a must-do! You also must book well ahead.

41. Book Blue Bayou early

It’s popular, iconic, and worth the effort.

42. Look for Hidden Mickeys

They’re everywhere! It’s a fun way to pass time waiting for parades!

43. Visit Downtown Disney

Great for shopping, food and a little break from the park.

💕 And one last bonus tip:

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalise a purchase.