Disneyland Resort

A First Timer’s Guide to Disneyland

Disneyland

Planning a trip to Disneyland for the first time and unsure what to do? Don’t worry; we’ll take you through all the important tips to ensure you’re ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

To help you out, this is a first-timer’s guide to Disneyland!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

If you’re going to Disneyland for the first time, here are five important tips you should know:

  1. First, get the official Disneyland app.
  2. Make reservations and bookings in advance.
  3. Arrive at the earliest.
  4. Bring food, water, and a portable charging device.
  5. Make your special occasions more memorable.

There’s so much to explore in Disneyland that you can take a whole week and might miss something. However, this is your first time, so you are guaranteed to have a great time!

Disneyland was conceived with families in mind, making it one of the best theme parks for a family fun time. So let’s get into the details of how to prepare for the Disneyland trip as a first-timer.

5 Important Tips for First-Time Disneyland Visitors

Preparation is everything when it comes to visiting huge theme parks like Disneyland. You can spend 5 to 7 days as first-timers here, and each day is a new kind of adventure.

Here are our five Disneyland tips for first-time visitors:

1. Get the Official Disneyland App

Disney App

The most important tip for first-time visitors to Disneyland is to download the app and get acquainted. This application can help you save a lot of time and money such as:

Purchase Lightning Lanes and Genie+ (more on that later!)

  • Link your park tickets to the app.
  • Find out the wait times for rides, show times, and park hours.
  • List of restrooms, eateries, baby care centers, and more.
  • Disneyland photographers can send your photos to view on the app.
  • In-park navigation and Cast Member support via chat.

Regular visitors swear by this app as a lifesaver due to its ability to simplify and simplify your Disneyland visit.

Disneyland pro tip 1

You can buy Park Hopper tickets that allow you to get more bang for your buck, such as:

  • Visit Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and two other theme parks on the same day.
  • Experience everything the Disneyland Resort has to offer.
  • Park Hopping allows you to visit all four parks as often as possible.
  • Visit multiple Disney parks without paying anything extra for each separate park.
  • Park Hopper also includes Disney Genie+.

2. Make Reservations & Bookings in Advance

Disneyland

Once you have the tickets and link them to the Disneyland application, your next step should be to make reservations as soon as possible.

This is especially important if you’re visiting on the weekend or during the peak seasons of Christmas, Halloween, or summer vacations.

Believe it or not, but you should plan to make reservations at least 60 days in advance for your visiting dates, such as:

  • Book your living arrangements (if you’re going for more than one day).
  • Make character dining or character breakfast reservations.
  • Check park hours for your visiting days to gain 30 min early entry.
  • See which rides and attractions are open, so plan accordingly.
  • Reserve popular rides to avoid long waiting lines.
Disneyland pro tip 2

The regular Genie+ price does not include Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway, Rise of the Resistance, and Radiator Springs Racers. You will have to pay for them separately.

If you plan, you can place mobile food orders in advance to save time.

3. Arrive at the Earliest

Disneyland

You know how it’s good practice to arrive early on important occasions, well the same goes for Disneyland.

Lines at famous rides and attractions can get long, and the wait can be excruciating. So, reaching early and getting to the rides that are not eligible for Lightning Lanes or Genie+ is the best way to go.

This is especially true for the newer attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which requires technical inspection occasionally.

Disneyland pro tip 3

The Lightning Lane is one part of the Disney Genie+ service you can use once a day to skip the long lines.

It is available at selected rides and attractions, giving you a 1-hour window to reach the location and scan the app to enter through the Lightning Lane entrance.

This service can save you up to 60 minutes that would have been wasted waiting in long queues.

4. Bring Food, Water, & a Portable Charging Device

Disneyland Food

Visiting Disneyland will not be cheap, so save as much as possible at every instance. Bringing your water, food, and other basic supplies can save you money.

There are complimentary picnic spots outside the main entrance to the theme park where you can relax and enjoy your food.

Bottled water and snacks will allow you and your kids to remain hydrated and satiated.

Also, since you will always use your phone for pictures and videos, it would be best to have a portable charger or a power bank.

You don’t want your smartphone to get completely drained in the middle of your Disneyland adventure.

5. Make Your Special Occasions More Memorable

Disneyland

If you’re visiting Disneyland and have a personal occasion coming up, make sure to get the commemorative button.

You and your loved one can wear these buttons to get well wishes from Cast Members and perks when making dining reservations.

When checking in, tell them it’s your birthday or wedding anniversary. Chances are you’ll get a surprise treat from the restaurant.

Also, if you’re visiting during the holiday season, you must look for fireworks, nighttime performances, and parades. Check the official Disneyland App for more information.

You must experience the Disneyland Park fireworks and the World of Color at California Adventure.

Make Your First Disneyland Visit Comfortable

Dissneyland

You want your first-ever trip to the world of Disneyland to be memorable. But, of course, that’s only possible if it’s fun and comfortable.

Here are some extra tips to ensure your comfort for the adventure:

  1. Staying at Disney-owned hotels can save you time as they give you a 30-minutes head start to enter the theme park.
  2. If you’re visiting with children, measure their heights, as some rides have height requirements.
  3. There are First Aid stations and baby care centers to cater to your family’s needs, so panic in an emergency.
  4. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot.
  5. If you’re with a baby, prepare accordingly by having a comfortable stroller, packing extra clothes and diapers, and baby snacks.

Takeaway

The excitement of visiting Disneyland for the first time is beyond words.

Here are five tips to keep in mind when planning a first trip to The Happiest Place on Earth:

  1. First, get the official Disneyland app.
  2. Then, make reservations and bookings in advance.
  3. Arrive at the earliest.
  4. Bring food, water, and a portable charging device.
  5. Finally, make your special occasions extra special.

An adventurous world of fun and awe awaits you. Hopefully, with this first-timer’s guide to Disneyland, you’re better informed to have a great time with your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Disneyland Park Should I Visit First?

Disneyland Park is the first place if you wish to experience the true and original Disney magic. It has the following attractions:

  • Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
  • Adventureland
  • Tomorrowland
  • Critter Country
  • Mickey’s Toon Town

What To Wear When Going to Disneyland?

The best way to go for a Disneyland adventure is to wear light, comfortable clothes and shoes. Comfort is the key to having fun and not getting exhausted, so pack your essentials accordingly.

If you plan to spend your mornings and nights at the park, pack a light jacket, as these times can be chilly.

How Many Days Should I Plan To Stay at Disneyland?

Ideally, you should plan a 3 to 4 days trip to enjoy all theme parks to the max. This way you can cover all the good attractions and rides.

How Do I Prepare My Body for Disneyland?

Going to Disneyland for the first time can be exciting but also tiring. So here are five ways to prepare your mind and body before you embark on the adventure:

  • Take your vitamins and eat healthy to boost your immune system.
  • Make sure you’re well-rested and sleeping properly.
  • Prepare for the long walks by taking daily walks.
  • Wash your hands and sanitize them regularly.
  • Finally, avoid contact with others before leaving for the theme park.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *