I recently heard of a few people who spent the day at Disneyland this past summer on an extremely hot and busy day. To my surprise they left a little disappointed in regards to the number of rides they managed to experience. This post is a short list of how we maximize our riding time and enjoyment at Disneyland and so can you…
- Go to the park first thing in the morning the lineups are shorter in the mornings even on the busiest of days. Take advantage of as many rides as you can before the park fills up.
- Immediately obtain a Fast Pass before you do anything else after you enter the park. Choose one of your favorite rides that offer the Fast Pass service: Space Mountain, Star Tours, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion or Big Thunder Railroad. While you are waiting for your Fast Pass return time window, work your way through other rides with a shorter line.
- Use the Disneyland App and refer to the wait times frequently, Gauge, which rides have a shorter wait time and enjoy those first. If you do not have access to the Disneyland App, then visit the wait time board often, which is located in front of the Holly Jolly Café. If a ride has a wait time of 30 minutes or less, then use the Standby line. If the wait time is an hour or more, then, use the Fast Pass option. (Download the Disneyland App before you enter the park.)
- Standby during Parades, If the Fast Pass service is not available and the wait time is up to 60 minutes or more. Then use the standby line during one of the many parades or fireworks display. You will find the standby line shortest during those events. Also avoid crossing the parade route, stick to rides in one area of the park. Crossing the parade routes can be very time consuming unless you are going to watch the parade or if you are leaving the park. An alternative exit strategy is by using the monorail avoiding the congestion down Main Street USA.
- Create a Must Do List, it is a good idea that everyone in your party knows exactly which rides they want to experience the most. If the fast pass option is not available and the wait is an hour. Prioritize which rides are at the top of your list and make sure you tackle those first, even if you have to wait an hour. Keep track of your day, circle the attractions on your guide map that you have done, noting which ones you still want to experience and also the ones you want to redo over again…
- Spontaneity is important after you have taken a ride, if you notice the line up has still not appeared. Do the ride over again, especially if it offers the Fast Pass service, as it will become busier throughout the day. Splash Mountain is a favorite in the park, the line for this attraction is short in the mornings or in the evenings when it becomes cooler. We have on countless occasions, taken the opportunity to ride multiple times in a row as we know that mid day when everyone wants to cool off the wait time will be an hour plus…
- One Designated FastPass Collector Use Walkie Talkies to split up in the park, this is an incredibly inexpensive tool, if everyone in your party does not have a cell phone or cell service on vacation. While one person goes to obtain the Fast Passes for your group, the others can enjoy a ride with a really short wait time or they can take a break. This single tip will conserve energy for your kids and make happier feet for your group. Once you have acquired the fast passes you can quickly relocate one another with the Walkie Talkies. This is also a great safety device for kids that does not include a monthly bill…
- Stay Hydrated – Use a water backpack, fill it with ice, water and lemon juice. You will be able to go much further with consistent access to ice cold water. We use a 2 lite Water backpack, staying hydrated will maintain your energy for much longer periods. Remember, it is easy to walk 25000 steps in the park without even noticing it, that’s roughly 19 km or 12 miles. Staying hydrated is extremely important and you will feel much better, keep that in mind for small children…
- Energize yourself with light snacks that you can bring into the park and enjoy while waiting in the standby line. Remember to enjoy your time and splurge on the Popcorn and Churros, they just taste better in Disneyland. Re-energize yourself by taking a break at the Golden Horseshoe for a show and a bite to eat or a treat…
- Maximize your time by staying in the park for the day. If you leave the park for lunch or dinner you will miss some great ride opportunities. As well the Fast Pass availability does run out, better to stay as long as you can and leave earlier in the evening if necessary…
- Make reservations for dining during off times when eating in the park. Most people stick to a rigid 9 am breakfast, 12 noon lunch and 5pm dinner. You will gain more riding time by avoiding those typical eating times…
- Last ride of the day Be in the Standby line of your favorite attraction at closing time. Everyone in line will be allowed to ride before they have everyone exit the park. The crowds really do thin out late in the evening, if your group has the stamina to keep going then stay until closing. Main Street USA stays open an hour past closing for any last minute purchases or treats…
Repeat these steps for maximum enjoyment. For more helpful information, refer to other Disneyland tips available in previous posts. Select the Disneyland category from the menu bar on the right hand side of the page…
Always Stir 