Ultimate Tips & Tricks for Disneyland Resort

Getting Your Ticket

Purchase your tickets online in advance to save time and money.
Buy your tickets either directly from Disneyland Resort or through a trusted agent.

Disneyland Resort’s on-site hotels provide a range of accommodations, expansive pool areas, various activities, and unique themes. While they are attractive, they are also expensive and offer few benefits besides early park entry. They’re recommended only if your budget permits.
There are many nearby hotels within walking distance or just a short drive from Disneyland Resort, offering great nightly rates and comfortable accommodations. Browse hotels in the area and check online reviews.

Bring a small bag to the parks to pack your belongings, including personal items, snacks, water, and other necessities. Ensure that the items you pack comply with Disneyland Resort’s rules. Click here to learn more about items prohibited in the parks.
Bring a reusable bottle to refill with free water in the parks. Insulated bottles are even better as they keep your drink cold all day long.
Bring a portable fan to stay cool in the heat, especially during the summer.
Carry sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s effects.
If you’re visiting between mid-fall and winter, monitor the area’s weather at least a week before your trip. If cold weather is expected, pack warm clothing.
Make sure to bring comfortable shoes as you’ll likely be walking all day throughout your trip. Comfortable footwear is essential to getting through the day.
Bring a portable charger to keep your phone powered throughout the day.
Adults should always carry their passport or other government-issued ID when visiting Disneyland Resort. Identification may be required for park entry or purchasing alcoholic beverages.
If you’re going on a water ride, bring towels, flip-flops, and a change of clothes if you don’t want to stay wet all day. You can always wear shoes and use the flip-flops just for the water ride.

Take advantage of our FREE touring plans and resources to maximize your trip experience.
Download the official Disneyland app from the App Store or Google Play Store to view wait times for attractions, showtimes, a resort-wide map, and more. By checking wait times, you can better decide which attractions to ride.
The Disneyland app lets you mobile order your food and beverages at select quick-service restaurants. Utilize this feature to skip the long lines at the ordering counter.
Arrive before park opening to be among the first to enjoy the attractions and shows. If you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort on-site hotel, you can benefit from early theme park entry. Our touring plans indicate how early you should arrive at each park.
Consider using the Single Riders line, if available, to enjoy shorter wait times. Although you may be separated from your group, it can significantly reduce your wait time for popular rides.
Consider purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and/or Lightning Lane Single Pass on busy days to skip the regular lines at participating attractions. To learn more about Lightning Lane passes, click here.

Disney Visa Credit Card members, Disney Visa Debit Card members, and Magic Key holders can enjoy discounts at various dining and shopping locations throughout Disney. Simply use your Disney Visa Credit or Debit Card or show your Magic Key pass at participating locations to receive your discount.
If you’re on a budget, bring a small snack to avoid purchasing one when you’re hungry. Ensure that the items you pack comply with Disneyland Resort’s rules. Click here to learn more about items prohibited in the parks.
If you’re planning to park a vehicle at Disneyland Resort’s theme park parking, purchase a parking voucher online at disneyland.com. These online vouchers are not discounted, but they are valid for 24 months from the purchase date, so if Disneyland Resort increases parking rates after you buy a voucher, you won’t be charged the new rate.

Try to limit the number of items you bring to the parks; it can be a hassle to carry them all day. If needed, consider renting a locker for a fee.
Dress comfortably for the day and ensure your shoes provide ample cushioning and are not too tight.
Take short breaks throughout the day if needed. Walking and standing all day can be tiring, but sitting down and stretching can help relieve discomfort.
Drink cool beverages throughout the day to stay hydrated. If you didn’t bring a bottle with you, you can get free cups of water at any dining location. However, bottled water is an additional charge.

Choose a designated meet-up spot that your child is likely to remember and find. If your child gets lost, you can reunite at that location.
If you and your child become separated, either of you can alert a Disneyland Resort cast member for assistance.
Take advantage of Disneyland Resort’s Rider Switch service, designed for those traveling with younger guests. If a child doesn’t meet an attraction’s boarding requirements or doesn’t want to experience it, other members can still enjoy the attraction without hassle. With Rider Switch, at least one guest waits with the non-rider while the rest of the group experiences the attraction. When they return, the supervising guest(s) can then enjoy the attraction without waiting in the regular line again while the other members watch after the non-rider. Rider Switch is available at select attractions. Check with a cast member at the entrance to your desired attraction to see if this service is available. If so, inform the cast member that you’d like to use it, and they will provide additional information.
Disneyland Resort’s parks are created to be kid-friendly, allowing children to enjoy a variety of attractions and areas.

If you have a lot of items with you or want to ensure certain items don’t get wet, consider renting a locker when visiting a water ride, if available. Lockers will keep your valuables safe and prevent water damage. Free lockers for smaller items are available at Disney California Adventure’s Grizzly River Run attraction for a limited number of hours.
For smaller items, you can use waterproof sealable bags to prevent them from getting wet. Simply place your valuables inside the bag and seal it.
Bring a towel to dry off afterward.
Wear flip-flops on water rides to avoid soaking your shoes all day. You can switch back to your shoes afterward.
Consider bringing extra clothes to change out of your wet ones.