Disneyland Park
The original magical kingdom, Disneyland Park offers timeless adventures across 8 enchanting lands, from thrilling rides to beloved character encounte...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Disneyland Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The original magical kingdom, Disneyland Park offers timeless adventures across 8 enchanting lands, from thrilling rides to beloved character encounters.
"It's a place where dreams come true and magic is around every corner."
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Get to the park before it officially opens to beat the initial rush and hit popular rides with shorter waits.
📱 Master the Disneyland App
Use the app for mobile ordering food, checking wait times, and navigating the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Fantasyland
The iconic fairytale castle, a symbol of Disney magic and a must-see photo spot.
Pirates of the Caribbean
New Orleans Square
A classic boat ride through a swashbuckling pirate adventure with immersive scenes.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Batuu
Step into a galaxy far, far away with thrilling rides and unique Star Wars experiences.
Indiana Jones Adventure
Adventureland
Embark on a thrilling expedition through ancient ruins with this popular dark ride.
Planning Your Visit
Mastering the Magic: Essential Pre-Trip Intel
Beat the Crowds & Save Cash
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Get to the park before it officially opens to beat the initial rush and hit popular rides with shorter waits.
📱 Master the Disneyland App
Use the app for mobile ordering food, checking wait times, and navigating the park.
💧 Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated by refilling your bottle at free water stations throughout the park.
💡 Utilize Lightning Lane
Consider Genie+ for Lightning Lane access to skip lines on many attractions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Get to the park before it officially opens to beat the initial rush and hit popular rides with shorter waits.
📱 Master the Disneyland App
Use the app for mobile ordering food, checking wait times, and navigating the park.
💧 Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated by refilling your bottle at free water stations throughout the park.
💡 Utilize Lightning Lane
Consider Genie+ for Lightning Lane access to skip lines on many attractions.
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
Bring your own food and drinks (no alcohol or glass) to save money and avoid long food lines.
📸 Free Ride Photos
Get free digital copies of your ride photos by noting the number at the photo counter.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Bring a portable fan or mister for hot days, especially while waiting in queues.
🚗 Smart Parking Options
Explore cheaper parking at Anaheim GardenWalk or the Toy Story lot for potential savings. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Disneyland is overwhelmingly loved for its immersive theming, classic attractions, and magical atmosphere that appeals to all ages. Visitors consistently praise the attention to detail and the joy it brings. However, some find the increasing costs, long wait times, and the complexity of the Genie+ system to be drawbacks.
"We truly had a magical time here for my son’s golden birthday. Characters here were accessible unlike at Disney World. The food was great but we forgot to take pictures 🤦♀️. Lots of fun for kids and adults. Another amazing memory for our family. Well worth the visit."
J Mitchell
"Came for second time. Can download the Disneyland and buy fast lane pass. Save a lot of time. First time came and bought normal pass. I only manage to play one side and watch firework. This time use fast lane and we manage to play all the games + events"
Khor Phor Xiang
"Definitely one of the best places I've ever been. It offers an assortment of family friendly rides and restaurants that bring out the child in everyone. The visuals are amazing and match with the theme beautifully.
The food all along main street is some of the best you will have, along with some different treats scattered throughout the various lands.
Ride lines can vary depending on what time and day your going, but rides like the ones in Galaxys Edge and Space Mountain and consistently over an hour. Other smaller rides you can get on and off in less than 30 mins.
Tickets and passes are very expensive, however just going once I feel is enough to walk out thinking it was a success. Weekends and holidays get quite crowded but week days usually have less people. I recommend checking what rides are closed the day you plan on going because Disneyland often has multiple rides closed for reimbursement or maintenance.
Staff is all super nice and helpful and the shows are great. They all stay in character perfectly and never break it. The fireworks are beautiful so if they're doing it the night you're going I definitely recommend!"
Abby W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors arrive by car, with parking available at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure and Pixar Pals Parking Structure. Ride-sharing services are also popular. For budget-conscious travelers, parking at the Anaheim GardenWalk can be a cheaper alternative to official Disneyland parking. +1
Yes, several bus routes operated by OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) serve the Disneyland Resort area, making it accessible via public transit from various parts of Orange County.
Parking fees at Disneyland can be substantial, often ranging from $30-$40 per day. Some visitors recommend parking at the Anaheim GardenWalk for a daily maximum of $30, with the first hour free.
The Mickey & Friends Parking Structure and Pixar Pals Parking Structure are the closest to the park entrances. Some TikTok creators suggest the Toy Story lot for a potentially quicker shuttle experience. +1
Yes, ride-sharing services and private vehicles can drop off guests at the designated drop-off zone near the main entrance, offering a convenient alternative to parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Disneyland tickets can be purchased directly from the official Disneyland website, through authorized third-party sellers, or at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular dates.
Disneyland tickets are priced dynamically based on the date of visit, with single-day tickets ranging from around $104 to $179. Multi-day tickets offer a lower per-day cost. Some TikTok users have shared hacks for potentially saving money on tickets.
Yes, in addition to a valid ticket, all guests need to make a park reservation for the specific park they plan to visit on a given day. Reservations can be made through the Disneyland website or app.
Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to book return times for Lightning Lane entrances at many attractions, significantly reducing your wait times. It's accessed through the Disneyland app.
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages into Disneyland. Just ensure there are no glass containers. This is a great way to save money on dining.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Iconic rides include Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. For thrill-seekers, Space Mountain and Matterhorn Bobsleds are popular choices.
Utilize Genie+ for Lightning Lane access, arrive at park opening ('rope drop'), visit during off-peak times, and consider riding popular attractions during parades or fireworks when crowds may be thinner.
Prime viewing spots for fireworks are along Main Street, U.S.A., or near Sleeping Beauty Castle. Arrive early to secure a good vantage point, or consider booking a dining package that includes fireworks views.
Yes, enjoying the atmosphere, watching parades and street performances, and taking photos with characters are all free. You can also get free digital copies of your ride photos.
Haunted Mansion often utilizes a virtual queue or has long standby lines. Some recommend trying to get into the virtual queue right when it opens at 7 AM via the Disneyland app, or waiting until later in the evening for potentially shorter waits. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! Disneyland allows guests to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, which is a fantastic way to save money. Just avoid glass containers.
Mobile ordering via the Disneyland app is highly recommended for quick-service locations like Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Bengal Barbecue, and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo to save time.
You can get free ice-cold filtered water at various locations throughout the park, including quick-service restaurants and dedicated water refill stations. Bringing your own water bottle is a great idea.
For popular table-service restaurants like Blue Bayou or Carnation Cafe, reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 60 days in advance through the Disneyland website or app.
Don't miss iconic snacks like the Dole Whip, churros, Mickey-shaped beignets, and popcorn. Many themed snacks are also available in areas like Galaxy's Edge.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Partners statue, the entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and the whimsical streets of Fantasyland. Many Instagram reels showcase prime photo locations.
Yes, on select rides like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (in California Adventure, but similar concept applies), Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain, photos are taken. You can get digital copies for free by noting the photo number.
The 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise and before sunset offers beautiful, soft lighting. Early mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Yes, Disney PhotoPass photographers are stationed throughout the park to capture your magical moments. You can purchase these photos later.
For classic castle shots, position yourself on Main Street, U.S.A. For unique angles, explore areas around Fantasyland or consider using a wide-angle lens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
When it comes to rides, focus on Fantasyland for classic, gentle attractions suitable for all ages. Character meet-and-greets are also a huge hit. Don't forget to utilize the Baby Care Centers for a quiet, air-conditioned break.
Remember that mobile ordering food can be a lifesaver with hungry little ones. 💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during off-peak times when ticket prices and hotel rates are generally lower. While Genie+ is an added cost, it can save you time and potentially money by allowing you to experience more rides, making your ticket price feel more worthwhile.
couples
Consider a fine dining experience at a restaurant like Blue Bayou for a memorable meal. Explore the themed lands together, perhaps getting lost in the magic of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or enjoying a leisurely boat ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. The park truly comes alive at night, offering a different, often more intimate, experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Disneyland's Lightning Lane System
There are two main ways to use Lightning Lane: Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane Selections. Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to book return times for a selection of attractions throughout the day, one at a time. Individual Lightning Lane Selections are for the most in-demand rides (like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance) and are purchased separately, allowing you to book a specific time slot.
Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with the Disneyland app and how to make selections before your trip. Many travelers recommend watching tutorial videos to understand the strategy for booking return times efficiently, especially for popular rides that fill up quickly.
Budget-Friendly Disneyland Tips
Parking can also be a significant expense. While the official Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures are convenient, they come with a hefty price tag. Some savvy visitors suggest parking at the Anaheim GardenWalk, which offers a lower daily rate and is a short walk from the park entrance.
Consider visiting during the off-season or on weekdays to potentially find lower ticket prices and hotel rates. Additionally, look for discounted ticket offers from authorized third-party sellers, though always ensure they are reputable.
Maximizing Your Day with Rope Drop
To effectively 'rope drop,' plan to arrive at the park entrance at least 30-60 minutes before the scheduled opening time. Have your tickets and park reservations ready, and know which attractions you want to prioritize. The Disneyland app will be your best friend for navigating to your first destination quickly.
Key Takeaway: While rope dropping is excellent for hitting popular rides, remember that some attractions, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, may not be fully operational right at opening. It's wise to have a flexible plan and check the app for real-time updates.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit