Avoid These 14 Mistakes When Planning Your Disneyland Trip
Planning a Disneyland trip can be magical but also overwhelming. It requires a great deal of preparation, foresight, and flexibility to avoid disappointments. Many mistakes could turn your trip sour in a heartbeat, some may even leave you stranded at the gates if you’re not careful.
Avoid these 14 common pitfalls to ensure your visit is smooth, stress-free, and filled with unforgettable memories.
Underestimating Ride Closures
Not all of the attractions are operational year-round. It can be frustrating to show up thinking you’ll ride Splash Mountain or Haunted Mansion only to find out they’re closed for refurbishment. Check the park’s schedule before booking your trip.
Skipping Breaks
With Disneyland, it’s easy to abandon all restraint and go full steam ahead, but that’s a road to crankiness, especially with kids. Block out downtime in your day—whether it’s a leisurely lunch or a cool down in the Animation Academy.
Forgetting to Budget for Extras
Disneyland trips can get expensive really fast. However, there is more to pay than just tickets—parking fees, souvenirs, and optional add-ons like Genie+. When you ignore these extras in your budgeting you’ll get struck by sticker shock. Budget in advance, bring your own snacks, or skip overpriced merchandise.
Leaving Without a Souvenir Plan
While Disneyland’s merchandise is tempting, you’ll regret impulse buys. Beforehand, decide what you want to splurge on – a pair of Mickey’s ears, a unique pin, or that coveted lightsaber. You’ll never have buyer’s remorse knowing your limits.
Skipping Advance Tickets
Waiting till you arrive to buy tickets is one rookie mistake. Especially in peak seasons, Disneyland tends to sell out. Worse still, same-day purchases can mean wasted hours lining up before you can even get in the park. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which is convenient, and they also allow you to book park reservations, which are now mandatory.
Underestimating Park Hopper Value
Yes, a single-park ticket is cheaper, but don’t write off the Park Hopper. There are two parks at Disneyland Resort: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and they’re about a five-minute stroll from each other. Many iconic experiences, from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Avengers Campus, require hopping between parks. Park Hopper passes maximize flexibility and allow you to pack more magic in one day.
Not Making Park Reservations
Disneyland has introduced a reservation system, so just purchasing a ticket doesn’t get you into the park. If you forget to secure reservations you’ll be stranded outside the gates. When planning, double-check reservation availability and snap up your desired dates as soon as they’re available.
Ignoring the Disneyland App
Disneyland’s app is the Swiss Army knife for your visit. It presents real-time updates on wait times, ride closures, and mobile food orders. If you skip this tool, you may be standing in unnecessary lines or may miss out on shorter waits in other places. The Disneyland app is the simplest method to grab Lightning Lanes, or virtual queue spaces for some of the park’s most famous rides such as Rise of the Resistance.
Overlooking Rope Drop
Rope Drop—Disney lingo for when parks open—is your friend. If you show up early, you get the first crack at popular rides before the throngs descend. Of course, sleeping in might sound appealing, but that extra beauty sleep will end up costing you when you’re stuck in a 90-minute line later.
Winging Your Dining Plans
Food is part of the Disneyland experience—it’s just that popular restaurants like Blue Bayou or Oga’s Cantina fill up fast. Without reservations, you could be eating overpriced churros for every meal. You can reserve dining spots up to 60 days in advance and don’t forget about mobile ordering for quick service options.
Under-Packing Essentials
Essentials such as sunscreen, portable chargers, or refillable water bottles can be easily forgotten, and purchasing these inside the park will cost you a small fortune. Ensure you pack snacks, weather-appropriate clothing, and any other must-haves for kids in a day bag. A non-negotiable – comfortable shoes!
Not Using Genie+ Wisely
Disneyland’s Genie+ system is a game changer for skipping lines, but you need a strategy. If you book the wrong rides or do it too late in the day, you can end up wasting your money. For the most bang for your buck, use Genie+ reservations on Indiana Jones Adventure or Radiator Springs Racers, among others.
Trying to Do It All in One Day
Disneyland isn’t just a theme park, it’s an all-around experience. Packing it all into one day can be frustrating and lead to burnout. Rather than that, focus on your must-dos and leave some wiggle room for spontaneous fun. Quality, not quantity. Remember?
Ignoring Seasonal Crowds
Crowds for Disneyland vary based on holidays, school breaks, and special events. Visiting during a peak period without preparing for long waits will surely dampen your spirits. Try to choose low peak seasons, use crowd calendars to pick less busy days, or have your mental sails ready with longer lines if you missed that window.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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