A trip to Disneyland will make any child’s eyes light up and dance happily.
Since this is likely your first visit to Disneyland and there is so much to see and do there, extending your stay for a few days is a good idea.
But, knowing what first-time visitors go through when planning their trip to Disneyland, I’m going to make your hectic task easier by planning the Disneyland three-day itinerary for you.
Disneyland is a place that needs a lot of time. I wouldn’t recommend going if you only have an hour to spend there. You’ll need at least three to five full days to do justice to all the sights and activities the spot offers.
- Separate the sights into day categories, such as those you’d like to see on Day 1 versus those you’d like to see on Days 2 and 3.
- Disney World is worthy of a full day of your time on the first day of your vacation. You can visit Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
- Spend the second day at Magic Kingdom to try out all its magical activities.
- The final day of your trip should be spent at EPCOT, which features kid- and adult-friendly learning rides.
Let’s figure out a three-day itinerary of what to do and how to get there. If you want to know everything there is to know about the attractions at Disney World, then read this guide from beginning to end.
3-Day Disneyland Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Disneyland
As it will be your first trip to Disneyland, making the most of this trip is worthwhile. To begin, start the day by arriving as early as possible.
Upon arriving at Disneyland, you should reserve a hotel room in one of the hotels inside the park.
As it’s going to be your first vacation in Disneyland, staying for at least three days is good enough to explore all the attractions, rides, food, and entertainment.
Disneyland gets crowded at peak hours of the day, so arriving early will allow you to find a spot for your parking easily and escape the long ticket line.
The animal kingdom and Hollywood Studios have a lot of exciting rides and attractions, but the wait times are long, so you’ll need to start the day as early as possible to see everything.
You can split your day between the animal kingdom and the studios to see both.
Explore Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
Start your itinerary by walking in Animal Kingdom, a Walt Disney theme park.
It is all about the jungle and different kinds of wild animals.
The Animal Kingdom is surrounded by exotic animals and animal-themed rides that make you feel like you are walking through a forest. It is one of the world’s largest animal and nature-themed amusement parks.
After purchasing a ticket and passing the ticket counter at the entrance, you will walk along beautiful green pathways to Discovery Land, which has an incredible icon called the Tree of Life.
This is the central park where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and access to other amusement rides.
You can enjoy a 3D bug show under this tree with creepy crawlies and educational shows.
While on the way to the adventure outpost, you will meet Minnie and Mickey mouse characters.
From walking through the park, you will be landed in Pandora, also known as the world of Avatar, where you will find many alien-looking plants.
You can take a dark boat ride in the Na’vi river to experience the native species in a bioluminescent Wonderland. The family enjoys the breathtaking scenery of forest life during this 3D simulator ride.
Another attraction is African wildlife, where you will see many wildlife animals and take a ride to visit the Kilimanjaro safari life, Savannah River, and Rocky life.
The Festival of the Lion King is a great place to visit if you like going to the theatre. At the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, you may also witness Gorillas and other exotic birds and animals.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is another attraction within Animal Kingdom that requires an express train to reach.
One may view Disney’s conservation and protection area from this location.
Additionally, there is a veterinary hospital and pet section where visitors can interact with veterinarians and meet animals.
This site also offers an animation workshop that teaches how to draw Disney characters.
Asia is another distinct region within Animal Kingdom, featuring a mountainous region with attractions such as Expedition Everest thrilling roller coaster, Kali River Rapids, and Maharajah Jungle.
Dino Land, U.S.A. is the final dinosaur-themed section of Animal Kingdom.
You may experience a live showing of Finding Nemo, ride an exciting dinosaur attraction, triceratops spin, and dine at Osaurus Restaurant.
Hollywood Studios
Now move on to Hollywood’s studios, where numerous attractions and rides exist, but each worthwhile ride has longer wait times.
Getting a Fastpass and moving on to rides with shorter queues is suggested to experience some rides. Begin the exciting and fun experience by riding the Mickey and Minnie runaway railway.
Star Tours, a 3D simulator ride, is another attraction at Echo Lake. If you are short on time, skip the Indiana Jones and frozen show at Echo Lake.
Now move ahead to Toy Story Land, where you can ride the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster, the Star Wars Launch Bar, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Day 2
Wander in Magic Kingdom
Let’s kick off the second day with a hearty breakfast platter to ensure everyone stays full.
Since this is your day in Magic Kingdom, you may expect to enjoy several thrilling rides. However, keep some extra snacks on hand so your kids won’t throw tantrums while waiting in ticket queues.
Get there 30 minutes before the park opens, and you’ll be able to enjoy extra Magic hours throughout the day.
As soon as the park opens, you make your way to Main Street, U.S.A., where you’ll discover a wide variety of restaurants and stores.
Adventure land is the first attraction you will encounter, where you can walk through a 1960 action film theme.
You can also take a jungle cruise boat ride, which takes you through jungles. Other attractions include:
- The Swiss family tree house.
- The Magic carpet of Alladin spinning ride.
- The Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride.
Frontierland is another land of the park where you can enjoy splash mountain rides, big thunder mountain railroad, and Country Bear Jamboree- A cute bear theme theatre show that your kids will enjoy.
Move on to explore the smallest part, called liberty square. You will find The Haunted Mansion and the hall of presidents there.
You can also take a cruise ride on the liberty square riverboat, where you can relax and take some sights on frontier swayer island.
Now the best distinct is fantasyland, visiting here would be so much fun for you and your little ones.
There are many family-friendly attractions and rides such as “it’s a small world,” Peter pan’s flight, Dumbo the flying elephant, Alice in Wonderland, and prince charming regal carousel.
You will find a princess fairytale hall near the carousel that your little girls would love. Those kids who love adventurous rides can grab a ticket for barnstormer, a junior roller coaster.
Tomorrowland is another region of the Magic Kingdom. Tomorrowland Speedway is a place where you can ride mini gas-powered cars.
This distinct also has a spinning ride called Astro orbiter, which is only found at this place out of all the Disney parks worldwide. Other attractions include space mountain and the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.
Daily character parades provide a fun alternative to the crowds. Mickey, Minnie, and all your other favorite characters will be strolling in a parade at Mickey’s Magical Friendship Fair.
Fireworks and dinner at one of Disneyland’s many restaurants—like the Carnation Cafe or Plaza Inn, among many others—make up the evening’s entertainment.
Day 3
Conclude Your Itinerary by Visiting Epcot
On your last day at Disneyland, you do not need to rush to eat breakfast because there are so many dining and snacking options at EPCOT.
The first attraction you will encounter is spaceship earth, where you can experience a dark ride through cultural communication and the future of technology.
If you are hungry, dining options, such as the connections eatery, are available.
In addition to living with the land, soaring across the world, The oceans with Nemo and friends, and a mission space simulator that immerses you in the space program, there are additional attractions to explore.
Other attractions include the frozen ride, reflections china – a 360-degree theatre screen, and animatronic shows such as American adventure, Grand fiesta tour, and beauty and the beast sing-along.
The nighttime attractions include a harmonious performance followed by big and beautiful fireworks to conclude your adventure.
Conclusion
You’re never too old or young to have a good time at Disneyland, where you can relive your favorite memories from when you were a kid.
It offers fantastic on-site lodging options, fine dining restaurants, extremely exhilarating adult rides, and calm, soothing, and slowly moving baby rides.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet and talk to Disney characters as you stroll the park’s streets.
If you haven’t already planned a trip there, this article should encourage you to do so immediately!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Three Days in Disneyland Too Long?
No, staying a little longer to explore Disney’s magical world is a fantastic idea.
Because there are so many rides, attractions, and entertainment to explore at Disneyland, you won’t be able to visit them all in one day, and you won’t want to miss out on any of them.
So staying is a good option for exploring each sight one by one each day.
What Is the Best Age To Go to Disneyland?
Kids under the age of four are not permitted on any of the park’s rides, so while there is no minimum age requirement to enter the park, those who wish to ride the park’s attractions should wait until they are at least four years old.
