Planning a trip to Disneyland can feel like a mix of pure excitement and “where do I even start?” There’s so much to see, eat, and do that it’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially if you’re trying to make the most out of every magical moment.

After our most recent trip to Disneyland Resort, I’m sharing my very best Disneyland tips and tricks, the same ones we used to make our vacation smoother, more budget-friendly, and even more magical. Whether it’s how to skip long lines, where to rest tired feet, or which rides are worth doing at night, you’ll find everything you need here.

And here’s the best part, many of these tips can save you time and money. We booked our tickets through GetAwayToday (use my code CITYGIRL for a discount on packages), and I honestly can’t recommend them enough for bundling tickets and hotels at the best rates.

I’ve also linked our Disney must-haves and travel favorites to make packing and park days so much easier, trust me, having the right gear can make or break your trip.

1. Book Early and Bundle for Savings

When it comes to Disneyland tickets, prices aren’t going down anytime soon. The earlier you book, the better the deals you’ll find, especially if you combine park tickets and hotel stays.

We booked with GetAwayToday for our latest trip, and it was seamless from start to finish. Not only did we save money with their bundled package, but using my code CITYGIRL gave us an extra discount.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling during a peak season like summer or the holidays, book as soon as you can to lock in your preferred hotel and ticket dates.

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2. Stay Close to the Parks

We stayed at Element Anaheim Resort, and I can’t recommend it enough. The rooms were spacious, super clean, and just three blocks from the park. Having a hotel within walking distance is a huge time-saver; you can easily head back for an afternoon nap, a quick outfit change, or a dip in the pool before going back for nighttime shows.

Other great options near Disneyland include:

• Element Anaheim (our fave!)
• Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim
• Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground (great for younger kids)

Many of these hotels are also bookable through GetAwayToday with my code CITYGIRL for extra savings.

3. Use the Baby Care Centers

We didn’t have little ones with us this trip, but my daughter-in-law is 8 months pregnant, and the Baby Care Centers were a lifesaver. They’re located in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, and they’re clean, air-conditioned, and stocked with comfortable seating, changing tables, and nursing rooms.

For us, it was the perfect quiet spot for her to rest, cool down, and hydrate without fighting the crowds. Even if you’re not traveling with infants, these centers can be a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle, especially if you’re pregnant or just need a calm place to regroup.

4. Hunt for Hidden Mickeys

Disney loves to sprinkle “Hidden Mickeys” throughout the parks, and spotting them is a fun little game for kids and adults alike. We found quite a few on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, keep your eyes peeled on the ride’s animated scenes and décor.

Hidden Mickey hunting is a great way to pass time while waiting in lines and adds an extra layer of magic to your trip.

5. Find Shady Rest Spots

Walking all day in the California sun can be exhausting, so finding shady, quiet spots to rest is key. One of our favorites is the Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition. It’s shaded, has benches, and offers a little fun if you’ve got quarters on hand.

Other great rest spots:

• The Animation Academy lobby (lots of seating + AC)
• The seating area by the Hungry Bear Restaurant
• The benches near Sleeping Beauty Castle

6. Ride Astro Blasters at Night

Some rides are even better after dark. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is one of them, and it’s practically walk-on at night, meaning you can ride it again and again to try to beat your score.

Nighttime is also perfect for:

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (beautifully lit)
• Incredicoaster (lights + adrenaline = win)
• It’s a Small World (stunning light display)

7. Take the Animation Academy Drawing Class

Need a break from the heat or crowds? Head to Animation Academy in Disney California Adventure. They offer free drawing classes where you can learn to sketch your favorite Disney characters. It’s fun, relaxing, and you get to take home your drawing as a souvenir.

8. Use the Single Rider Lines

If you don’t mind splitting up your group for a ride, Single Rider Lines can save you a ton of time. Our top recommendation: Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land. The posted wait might be 90+ minutes, but with Single Rider, you can be on in 15–20 minutes.

Other rides with Single Rider lines:

• Incredicoaster
• Goofy’s Sky School
• Matterhorn Bobsleds

9. Mobile Order Your Food

Skip the food lines by using mobile ordering in the Disneyland app. You choose your meal, pick a time slot, and just walk up to the mobile order window to grab your food.

Some of our favorite mobile order spots:

• Jolly Holiday Bakery Café (try the Raspberry Rose Macaron)
• Bengal Barbecue (skewers are perfect for a quick bite)
• Flo’s V8 Café (great for breakfast in Cars Land)

10. Grab the Lightning Lane Pass, It’s Absolutely Worth It

If you want to maximise your park time and avoid spending hours in standby queues, the Lightning Lane Pass is a game-changer. We used it throughout our trip, and it saved us from standing in the heat for rides like Radiator Springs Racers, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Haunted Mansion.

With a 7-month-pregnant daughter-in-law in our group, minimizing long waits was a huge priority, and Lightning Lane made our days so much smoother. Instead of queuing for 90 minutes, we could hop on in 15–20 minutes and use that extra time to enjoy snacks, shows, and more rides.

Pro tip: Book your first Lightning Lane reservation early in the morning, then keep grabbing new times as soon as you’ve scanned into your ride. You can use it alongside the Disney Genie+ service, which also includes unlimited PhotoPass downloads for the day.

For us, it was hands-down worth the cost and made the whole trip more relaxing.

11. Pack Smart with Disney Essentials

A well-packed park bag can make all the difference. Here’s what we recommend from our Disney must-haves and travel favorites lists:

• Portable phone charger – for all those photos, videos, and mobile orders
• Collapsible water bottles – refill at water fountains throughout the park
• Handheld mini fan – game changer for hot afternoons
• Lightweight ponchos – perfect for water rides or unexpected rain
• Disney-themed outfits or ears – adds to the magic and makes for great photos

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12. Plan for the Nighttime Shows

Disneyland’s nighttime entertainment is unforgettable, from Fantasmic! to the fireworks above Sleeping Beauty Castle. If you want a good view, plan ahead, sometimes that means grabbing a snack and camping out early.

Pro tip: If you’re short on time, catch the second showing of Fantasmic!, it’s usually less crowded.

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13. Visit During the Off-Season (If You Can)

If your schedule is flexible, visiting during the off-season (think mid-January, early May, or mid-September) means shorter lines, cheaper hotel rates, and cooler weather.

Of course, Disneyland is magical any time of year, but avoiding peak crowds can make your trip feel much more relaxed.

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14. Download the Disneyland App Before You Go

The Disneyland app is essential. It gives you real-time wait times, show schedules, mobile ordering, Genie+ booking, and interactive maps. Download it before you arrive so you can hit the ground running.

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15. Capture Memories with Disney PhotoPass

If you’re debating whether to buy the PhotoPass option with Genie+, I’d say yes, especially if it’s a special trip. The photographers capture professional-quality shots at iconic spots, and you get ride photos included.

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16. Make Time for the Little Things

It’s easy to get caught up in running from ride to ride, but some of our favorite memories are from unplanned moments, watching the Dapper Dans sing on Main Street, riding the Disneyland Railroad, or just enjoying a churro while people-watching.

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Make Your Disneyland Trip Truly Magical

No matter how many times you’ve been, Disneyland always has something new to discover. With a little planning, some insider tips, and the right gear, you can make your trip smoother, more affordable, and packed with memories you’ll cherish forever.

If you’re ready to start planning, book your tickets and hotel with GetAwayToday and don’t forget to use my code CITYGIRL for exclusive savings.

And before you go, check out my Disney must-haves and travel favorites to make sure you have everything you need for a stress-free, magical vacation.

Who’s ready to plan their magical trip?

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