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Your Favorite Disneyland Tips and Tricks

Via readers share how they make their time—and money—well spent at Disneyland.

A family poses with characters from Toy Story at Disneyland Resort.
Add to your giddy delight with a whirl on the Mad Tea Party.
Paul Hiffmeyer / Disneyland

“If you are traveling with young children, it’s good to give them a break in the middle of the day for lunch and a nap at your hotel, and then return refreshed to the park after dark for some evening fun. To make your entire day more enjoyable, store some jackets or lunch items for later in the Main Street lockers. Plan your day and the order you’d like to visit each land, letting each person in your group choose a first choice ride. And have an agreed-upon meeting place in each land when you get there, just in case a member of your group wanders off. Earplugs may help. Stop for frequent drinks.” —Harriet Gadisman

“The parks both have reasonably priced lockers that you can access throughout the day, and you can store all your extras: We always pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and snacks in a backpack for the ever-hungry mob of kids, bring a water thermos for the filling stations in the park, and take a change of clothes if we plan on water rides.

Restaurants are often booked months ahead, so if you plan on eating in the park, get your tickets and make your park reservations as soon as you know your visit dates. Once you do, make your reservations for your choice restaurant. (We have already booked our visit and restaurants for our visit three months from now.)

And it’s important to note that if you are visiting with someone who has a disability access service pass, they must be approved prior to your visit with an application signed by their doctor.” —Tina Valaris

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A family uses their Magic Bands to access a Lightning Lane in Disneyland Resort.
Get to your must-see attractions faster with Lightning Lane passes.
Courtesy Disneyland Resort

“Avoid visiting Disneyland and California Adventure during the summer and holidays to avoid all the crowds, and when you do visit, book restaurants as early as possible. Also invest in Lightning Lane passes: They’re worth the money! If you can, stay at a hotel and spend at least two days at the parks.” —Richard Soule

“If you’re traveling with little ones, go in the morning, as early as possible. Then head back to the hotel in the early afternoon to take a nap or relax by the pool. Go back into the park around sunset and stay as long as the kiddos will allow. This is a great plan even if you don’t have kids! And plan to ride the popular rides during the parades or the Fantasmic show.” —Debra Valdez

“Stay at a hotel/motel/inn within walking distance, and talk to the hotel employees and other park visitors to get advice, especially if it’s your first time. If you haven’t made reservations ahead of time, you might score one if you’re super nice and friendly to restaurant staff: They might just squeeze you in. It’s also easier to get last-minute tables if you are visiting the park solo or as a couple.

If you want to avoid ride lines, be willing to ride solo rather than with other members of your group. And skipping some of the daily shows that draw large crowds can be a good time to enjoy shorter wait times to ride popular attractions.

Disneyland is awesome. Notice and appreciate all the little details of the park. I’d live there if they let me.” —Christopher Wenmoth

“Purchase a postcard of your child’s favorite Disney character while you are at the park. Jot a quick note from the character to your child, then mail it to your home from the park. Your child will never forget this!” —Carole Meyers

“When traveling with young kids, book a hotel that’s within walking distance. We love the Marriott or Hyatt House. Get up early on your full day and head to Disneyland. Bounce around the park until about noon and then head back for naps. Go back around 3 p.m. after naps and visit California Adventure. While you can’t do everything, you can see a lot of both parks and give your kids a chance to rest. Use the Disneyland app, and don’t forget to eat at a Dole Whip midday when it’s hot. But most importantly, keep your expectations loose, as you never know when it’s going to be crazy busy, hot, or your favorite ride might be under construction. Regardless, you will have a magical day!” —Bobby Talley