What to pack, what to wear, where to eat and how to plan your day at the Happiest Place on Earth
No matter how old you are, Disneyland is truly magical!
I'm no expert, but I've been to Disneyland enough times that I feel I can help you plan your next trip
P.S. these tips do not include California Adventure Park.
Tip #1: What to Pack for Disneyland
Depending on how many days you are going to the park, and who you are going with, the things you need change.
My recent trip it was just a friend and I, so not going with kids makes things a lot easier! Before you go, check the weather reports! Southern California is usually about the same temperature all year long. In the summer it can get super hot and in the winter you may get some rain. When I just went it was 60s and sunny - the perfect temperature for a Disney Day!
I always get cold, so I made sure I had tons of layers. I wore a tank top, t-shirt and spirit jersey (sweatshirt) and packed a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, a beanie and a heavier jacket. I was a girl scout as a kid, so I'm always prepared! And I ended up wearing everything but the beanie and gloves.
I brought a regular-sized backpack that had space to carry all the above-mentioned clothes. I also highly recommend bringing a portable phone charger! You will be using the Disney app to check ride times, and taking tons of photos, so your battery will drain pretty quickly. I also kept my phone on airplane mode for a good portion of the day to save battery.
Also be sure to pack a water bottle. There are refill stations around the park and with all the walking you'll be doing, hydration is key! Speaking of walking, please wear comfy shoes! I was in my most comfortable sneakers, and my feet still hurt after walking all day.
Tip #2: Planning Your Disneyland Day
If you are lucky enough to stay at one of the official Disneyland hotels, skip down a bit.
Getting to the park:
I stayed at the Marriott near the Anaheim Convention Center. It was pretty close to the parks but a little far of a walk.
Pro tip: If you do stay off property and want to take Uber or Lyft to the parks, instead of taking it to the main entrance - get dropped off at the Grand California Hotel. It's a closer walk to the parks and you are right at Downtown Disney. And my Uber ride was only about $5. There are also multiple shuttles and busses. Check to see if your hotel has a shuttle service to the parks.
Once Inside the park:
Before my trip I read countless other blogs and websites about where to go when you get in the park. I really miss the old "Fast Pass" system because I feel like the lines were much more manageable. They now have this add-on called "Genie+" where you pay $30 extra on top of your ticket, and get to access the "Lightning Lanes" which is the new version of the Fast Pass. We decided to not get the Genie+ and just waited in lines with everyone else.
There were only a few rides I HAD to go on, because I've been there so many times I was just happy to wander around and take everything in.
Tip #3: My Top Disneyland Rides
Pirates of the Caribbean
Indiana Jones
Haunted Mansion (currently closed for renovations as of February 2024)
Peter Pan
Splash Mountain (closed for renovations as of February 2024)
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance - this was my first time at the new Star Wars area of the park and this ride is definitely worth checking out!
We waited in line first for Space Mountain since I've never been on it and the wait time was pretty short for the morning, and of course it broke down when we got close to the front of the line. I guess it wasn't meant to be.
I would recommend either trying to do the Pirates, Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion area first (Adventureland) and then keep checking the Disneyland App to see what the wait times are throughout the day for the other attractions.
Tip #4: Where to Eat at Disneyland?
Saved the best for last - the food!
Pro tip: You are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks. So feel free to pack a lunch and some snacks to save money. BUT, there are some must-try foods in the park.
There are so many restaurants around the park, each with it's own theme and menu. There are also carts all around serving snacks. All the food options are on the Disneyland App as well so you can plan your day. And at certain restaurants you can make reservations so you don't have to wait in line to eat. The reservations open up 60 days in advance, so it's a good idea to check early for places like Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square. Sadly, we tried getting reservations there and were not successful.
We did get reservations to Carnation Café on Main Street and it was the perfect meal to keep us full the rest of the day (but we saved room for snacks!)
My friend got the Patty Melt Sandwich and I got the Turkey Club. The portions were huge! And the fries that came with them were delicious! Plus, calories don't count at Disneyland!
Snacks
There are so many snack options at the park! We had to get the beignets in New Orleans Square - highly recommend!
My friend also got a churro. I was going to get one but decided I wanted salty over sweet so I got... popcorn! Popcorn is one of my weaknesses so it was a must get! And it was the perfect way to end the Disneyland day!
What are some of your tips and tricks for Disneyland? I guess I will just have to go back in order to also cover California Adventure right?
If you need suggestions of what to buy here are some of mine. I may make a small commission off anything ordered and I would greatly appreciate it!
Backpack - I don't have this one but it looks like a great size to hold everything you will need.
Water Bottle- I love the Hydroflask brand. They are a little heavy but they keep your water cold!
Portable Charger - I have a similar one and it kept my phone from dying at the park.
Spirit Jersey - here is the official one I wore. But Amazon has some cute alternatives: Here, and Here
Sneakers - I love my Allbirds! They are cute and so comfy!
Leggings -Lululemon Leggings are definitely the most comfortable and perfect for walking all day!
Beanie/ Gloves - My friend got me this set and I wish I was a little colder to rock the cute Disney ears beanie.
Disney ears - Amazon has some great (cheaper) alternatives!
I'd love any feedback you have! Let me know your favorite rides or things to do at Disneyland!
Thanks for reading!
-Lex
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