Beat The Disney Blues
Your hard-earned vacation deserves better than rookie mistakes that waste your time and money. We've all been there. Standing in endless lines, sweating under the California sun, wondering where the thrill went. But here's the thing about Disneyland trips: small decisions can make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things. So, let's look at 20 mistakes to avoid.
1. Not Showing Up At Rope Drop
Rope drop is highly valued because during the initial hour or two after the park opens, wait times for the majority of the rides are at their shortest. Before guests even enter the park, families have been known to experience Space Mountain, Star Tours, and Buzz Lightyear.
How to use Lightning Lane at Rope Drop | Disneyland Park Science by FreshBaked!
2. Overplanning Your Day
Some of Disneyland's magical moments happen completely unscripted. The unexpected character interactions, spontaneous parades, or discovering a hidden Mickey can create memories that outshine anything on a meticulously crafted itinerary. Disney veterans suggest leaving some part of your day unplanned for such surprises.
Disney Parks Impressions Princess Compilation by Brian Hull
3. Not Staying Until Park Closes
Those late-night hours hold something different that many miss entirely. Crowd levels usually decrease after the evening fireworks, when families with young children head back to hotels. The nighttime ambiance changes the entire experience with twinkling lights, cooler temperatures, and shorter queues.
Disneyland Closing Moment - Final Day Open in March 2020 by Daps Magic
4. Not Taking An Afternoon Break
Regardless of age, that midday energy crash hits almost everyone at Disneyland.
The combination of California sun, continuous walking, and sensory stimulation takes a physical toll. Stepping away during peak afternoon crowds allows bodies to recover and minds to process the morning's experiences.
Unwind and Unplug: The Ultimate Guide to RELAXING at Disneyland! by RTD Adventures
5. Not Checking The Refurbishment Calendar
Disappointed faces appear daily throughout the park when guests realize a favorite attraction is closed for maintenance. Disney publishes their refurbishment schedules on their official website months in advance, yet this critical planning step gets overlooked repeatedly. Some attractions also undergo predictable seasonal closures.
Disneyland Castle Refurbishment | Refurb Schedule by mrcheezypop
6. Not Using Genie+ Or FastPass
Of course, the sight of other guests bypassing long standby lines tends to induce a severe case of Lightning Lane envy. While the additional cost of Genie+ may seem steep after already paying for admission, the time-value proposition makes sense for most tourists.
How to Use Genie+ at Disneyland to SKIP THE LINES in 2024 | Tips & Tutorial by SoCal Disney Dad
7. Paying Full Ticket Price
The ticket booth at Disneyland's entrance should be considered a last resort, not the primary purchasing method. Authorized resellers frequently offer legitimate discounts, while special rates exist for numerous groups. These include Southern California residents, military families, and multi-day visitors.
Disneyland's Abandoned Ticket Booths - Fantasyland Secrets! - Randomland by LiveFastDiePoor
8. Not Drinking Enough Water
People don't understand they're essentially hiking all day while distracted by attractions and entertainment. Free ice water is available at any quick-service dining location for those who ask—a little-known perk that saves money and health. Refillable water bottles might seem cumbersome, but they become essential tools.
9. Not Using Mobile Order For Food
The Disneyland app's mobile ordering feature remains underutilized despite its massive convenience factor. With mobile order, you can choose your preferred pick-up time or order food on the spot while waiting in line for rides. Then, simply tap a button when you arrive at the restaurant.
EVERYTHING You Can Do in the Disneyland App | Mobile Order & More by SoCal Disney Dad
10. Eating Regular Theme Park Food
This place has numerous signature dishes found nowhere else. Notable examples include the famous Monte Cristo sandwich at Café Orleans, which features ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese lightly battered and deep-fried. It is served with a berry puree for dipping.
IS IT STILL GOOD? Monte Cristo Sandwich at Cafe Orleans Disneyland CA by Rinn & Jirr
11. Skipping Disney California Adventure Park
Unfortunately, many first-time visitors focus solely on the original Disneyland Park, missing half of the fantastic, untouched Disney magic. Disney California Adventure displays completely different themed lands. These include Cars Land's immersive desert scenario and the nostalgic boardwalk of Pixar Pier.
HarshLight from San Jose, CA, USA on Wikimedia
12. Visiting On Major Holidays
Holiday decorations might seem appealing, but the accompanying crowds can turn a beautiful day into an exercise in patience. Summer weekends and school holidays consistently rank as the most congested periods at the parks. Visiting during less popular times—mid-week in September or January—is recommended.
13. Not Bringing A Jacket
Southern California's reputation for “perfect” weather leads to one of the most common mistakes. The temperature often drops significantly after sunset, catching tank-top clad visitors by surprise. Evenings can become uncomfortably cool, especially during winter months or when sitting still for nighttime shows.
14. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes
The glow of Disneyland loses its luster when every step becomes painful. Park visitors routinely walk miles throughout their day, with concrete surfaces providing little cushioning for their feet. Those fashionable new sandals or impractical footwear choices become regrettable decisions within hours.
15. Not Using Park Transportation
Many nearby hotels offer shuttle services directly to the park entrance, eliminating parking fees and lengthy tram waits. Rideshare services drop passengers much closer to the gates than self-parking allows. Beginning the Disney experience at the entrance sets the right tone for the entire visit.
The Sensational Six are Rolling Out on Disney Transportation by Disney Parks
16. Not Planning Dining Reservations
Spontaneity has its place at Disneyland, but not when it comes to signature dining experiences. Popular restaurants like Blue Bayou and Carthay Circle often book completely full weeks in advance. Hungry families outside these venues are disappointed to learn that no walk-up tables remain available.
17. Overestimating Daily Capacity
The sheer number of attractions across both parks fools individuals into creating impossible schedules. Many visitors assume they can experience a large number of rides and attractions in a single day without accounting for factors like crowd levels, wait times, and the park’s actual capacity.
18. Waiting Too Long For Certain Rides
Despite their popularity, not all attractions deserve extended wait times. Rides like Autopia develop surprisingly long queues, even though they provide relatively brief experiences. Meanwhile, attractions like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean feature continuously loading vehicles that accommodate more guests.
8 Expert HACKS to make Disneyland EASIER! by FreshBaked!19. Losing Track Of Park Hours
Disneyland's operating schedule varies throughout the year, with closing times ranging from as early as 8 PM to well past midnight. Special ticketed events like Oogie Boogie Bash can affect regular park access. Guests sometimes plan evening activities without realizing the park closes earlier.
20. Ignoring Policies
The security check at the entrance becomes a bottleneck when folks arrive with prohibited items. Selfie sticks, glass containers, toy weapons, and certain types of folding chairs must be left behind or discarded. Returning these items to a vehicle or hotel room wastes valuable time.
