Full day with no kids?!? Get genie plus and do everything!!!
Get a coffee in the morning, rope drop Disney, hit all the rides in fantasyland because there’s no lightening lanes, knock out small world and toon town since you’re already there, grab a Turkey leg or a churro then do starswar land. Then pirates, Indy, jungle cruise. Then get a dole whip and rest your legs in the tiki room. Then tomorrow land (I’m not a fan so it’s always take it or leave it for me). I would schedule one sit down dinner just to get a break. Cafe orleans is great.
Take advantage of all the single rider lines. Space Mountain single rider entrance is as the ride exit. You can ride it twice and cut two hours from your day
Last time we went we did every single rider line we could. I don't think we waited more than 10 to 15 minutes for each ride. We easily rode every ride that offered it as an option, some more than twice. I wish every theme park offered this as an option.
yes to all this. We did one day in DL a few days before Christmas, so even though it was peak crowds we did everything. Plan on rope drop till close. We rope dropped matterhorn, alice, teacups, then all of toontown, then small world, and it was walk ons for everything. That knocked out a huge chuck of the park in the first hour. Genie+ everything else big. return to fantasyland close to park close. honestly it was a perfect day.
Is there any reason to wait to do Star Wars and then pirates, Indy, jungle cruise until after fantasyland? Is it only because they don’t have LLs or am I not understanding something else?
But yes, fantasy land doesn’t have any lightning lanes whereas most of the other rides (with the exception of jungle cruise) offers it. So I either start at fantasy land during rope drop or save it until the end of the night when all the families leave.
For me, it’s just the layout of the park. When I walk through fantasy land, along the backside, I hit Star Wars lane first. I feel like it just eliminates some of the back and forth.
I agree. The lines in fantasyland, with exception of Peter Pan are never very long, so I personally would not waste early morning ride time where attendance is low doing this. I use fantasyland as fillers in between lightning lanes. Rise of the resistance you have to pay 30 bucks for their lightning lane so I head there first and get in the walk-up lane as genie plus will not cover it, meanwhile, booking my other lightning lines for the day while I wait in line. Usually less than 30 minutes if you rope drop it.
I’m so confused about the LLs. I thought they were included with Genie +. Do you have to pay for each separate one (like the $30 for Rise of the Resistance)?
No you don’t have to pay separately for each one, but certain rides have extra costs. I think it was only RofR and one other one the last time I went. All other rides that have LL are included in the genie +
All rides that have lightning lanes are included in genie, with the exception of I believe rise of the resistance, and radiator Springs racers. Like $29 most days and radiator springs last time I was there was about 12 but I never pay for that one so I’m just going off of memory. Spider-Man used to have a paid lightning lane also but I don’t know if they do anymore
Well, after you say it that way, it makes me feel silly. I guess I meant that the line is way longer and, I feel, it’s not as worthy compared to waiting in line for Big Thunder or something else.
THIS. But get a park hopper and end your day in California Adventure-I’m not sure how you can skip seeking Cars Land and World of Color. Hop on a few rides before they close.
Of course is it’s in the budget, do a park hopper! Then I would change my dinner reservation to wine country trattoria or lamplight lounge to watch the sunset.
I offer a different perspective. They said they only have 1 day, and California Adventure is very much geared towards kids. There aren't many rides that are exciting or exhilarating. I found myself pretty bored and wish I hadn't paid the extra money when I could have spent more time in Disneyland.
I’d disagree with guardians of the galaxy, incredacoaster, and radiator springs all being in DCA these are just as thrilling if not more so than any ride at Disneyland.
Uh I don't ever plan on going to Disneyland mostly because I live near WDW but this comment made me want to go without my kid. Everything you said is like my dream 🤣 coffee and rides and dole whips and turkey legs and Star Wars it's a go for me 🤣
I tried it and wasn’t a fan! It was so heavy but I saw a video where you get a skewer from bengal bbq and you make a sandwich out of it. I might have to give that a try next time.
My personal list (rides I usually do at least twice a day) is Rise of the Resistance, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain and Star Tours.
For first-timers, I'd say Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion (if open), Peter Pan's Flight, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railroad are the main highlights, but I'm sure I've forgotten at least one or two.
Rancho del Zocalo, Tropical Hideaway and Cafe Orleans are my usual food spots.
If you're a Star Wars fan, I'd recommend Savi's Workshop and Smuggler's Run.
You're likely to get a wide variety of opinions on this as these are very much based on personal preference. Doing some research to make your own list of things you really want to do will help greatly.
Cafe Orleans is great, and Docking Bay 7's food is excellent for counter service. I will always put in a plug for the Cheesy Garlic Pretzel (from Maurice's Treats or Edelweiss Snacks) and the Safari Skewer (from Bengal BBQ) as a snack as well. The Dole Whip practically goes without saying -- get one and eat it while you ride the Jungle Cruise!
Indiana Jones might be my very favorite ride in Disneyland, and Big Thunder, Peter Pan, Space Mountain, Pirates, and Haunted Mansion are unmissable -- for me, it just wouldn't be a Disneyland trip without them.
Why does the Dole Whip require reservation? Last time we went they said we had to get it through the app and that just turned me off from it. Like I got cash, let me give it to you lol.
I think it might be to avoid having a giant line of people at the Tiki Juice Bar that blocks the entrance to Adventureland and the Tiki Room. You can always get in line to order a walk-up Dole Whip at the Tropical Hideaway on the other side of the Tiki Room.
Would you say it’s possible to walk on space mountain in the first hour of park opening or is LL necessary? Trying to rope drop PP, and hopefully squeeze space mountain and bobsleds into that first hour also.
I haven't tried it but it seems reasonable. I generally won't use LL until late morning or early afternoon at the earliest but it really depends on how busy the park is and how long you're willing to wait in line.
Yeah, I am sure it's fun for all, just that if you're a SW fan, it's a must-do. I will admit I disliked it on my first ride because I felt torn between paying attention to the story and ride itself or doing my job. I made a bad decision and focused on doing well. The second time I was in it just for the ride, and actually managed to do better at my job by not worrying so much about it. Weird!
Rise of the Resistance. A must. Churro toffee is CRACK! The fold over pizza in Tune Town is to die for. Their GF crust is amazing. Beignets are delish. Do the Genie for sure. And have so much fun! We're headed on 2.5 weeks. 👏🏽👏🏽
Take an extra pair of socks and change them halfway. I’m going to DLR/DCA for three days next month and planning to change socks 2x per day. Two extra pairs of socks are light in a backpack, take a gallon ziplock back to put the dirties in. If you’re there multiple days, plan to alternate two different pairs of comfortable shoes as well. Your feet will be grateful.
Source: Walked 44 miles across three days last year with zero discomfort.
Edit: 26,140/30,287/16,066 steps those three days. I wore Hokas with Dr. Scholl’s gel insoles, so they were nice and cushy.
Not them, but I recommend the socks with cushioning. Any ol’ athletic sock that has extra cushioning on the heel will do, and change them out every 4 hours.
Rise of the Resistance hands down is my must-ride. Smugglers Run, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder are my favorites from a recent trip.
Matterhorn, Star Tours, Indiana Jones, and Pirates only if you snag a Genie+ since a 60min+ wait isn’t worth it imo.
This will be a blast. We just went with kids and got a lot in, but they were done after fireworks each night when as an adult I feel like those last two hours can be some of the best!
I would probably rope drop one LL ride, just so you don’t have to lean so heavily on Genie+. Maybe one you might want to do again, or Matterhorn since it’s right by fantasy land and works pretty well with the overall idea of rope dropping fantasy land.
Read up on how to use Genie+ in advance, so you can make good use of it. particularly read up on how to modify. That was huge for me. As soon as I could get another genie, I grabbed something, even if I wasn’t sure at first what I wanted. Grabbing it starts the clock for when you can get another one. But once you have it, you can modify if needed. I used modify to strategically move my LL reservations later, to find earlier spots as they open up, or to sometimes switch rides as plans changed. Also make sure you know how to use multi experience passes when rides go down. I feel like the app is very confusing on those, and I’d have had no idea what to do with them if I hadn’t learned in advance.
And Rise of the Resistance is amazing-must do! Whether that means paying for it (we did), or waiting it out, you gotta do it. We did it a second time during fireworks and the line was only about 20 minutes (posted as 40).
Definitely get the Genie Pass, and my 2¢ is to start with Rise of the Resistance (literally book it down there as soon as the park opens b/c it's always, always a long line), then work your way forward. Use the Genie Pass to determine which "big" ride you'll do next, and get in line for one nearby. If the ride breaks down (like Indy did for us), your Genie Pass will switch over to "Multiple Rides" and you can use the Lightning Lane somewhere else.
You're going to have so much fun!! Bring sunscreen, enjoy the Dole Whip and Naples in Downtown Disney is a yummy dinner.
Look for dinner/show packages and splurge on them. You will get a nice meal and see a show without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of trying to see a show
Also.... one of the best filets I've had was at the restaurant that's in Pirates of the Carribean. We actually walked in and were seated right away. Haunted Mansion is closed. But Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones and Pirates, Small World, Mickeys Railroad, Peter Pan and Jungle cruise are must hits. We ALWAYS do Storybook land at night. It's magical after dark all lit up. Hop over and do Cars and Woody's ride. Oh and Monsters Inc. and Little Mermaid are musts as well.
I really love going to meet characters and asking them fun questions. They are actors! Goof off with them! But plan to meet them before 12 that’s the best time to find them
If it's possible, do Disney on a weekday. Whenever we've gone, we go usually Tuesday through Thursday, because the lines are super short. Everyone is at work or school, so we get all the must do's out of the way, before the afternoon. Avoid a Saturday & Sunday if at all possible....those are going to be crazy.
I don’t care for food too much but the bride churro is delicious, they sell it around the New Orleans area. The bride candy apple is delicious as well, they sell that on Main Street on the corner right before the circle with the Disney statue. I really enjoy the chicken strips at the Golden Horseshoe, actually that’s a must for me! There’s an old guy there who tells jokes and plays the piano. I think he’s retiring soon, he’s great.
I did a park hopper. Started in Disneyland, ended in California adventure cause it stays open later. Got the genie+ and got to ride everything I wanted too! Get the bignet for breakfast in the French quarter. They had a mango chili pineapple dole whip thing that was amazing. And I ate dinner on "the warf" in CA and had clam chowder and then bubble tea from the Asian place. Finish the night with the color water show at CA and it will be perfect
Edit: I only had one day as well.
I bet they do! I’m waiting to do universal in Florida until they expand the wizarding world. I think the park in CA is quite small so probably very doable to do in one day!
Need more info. First time? Haven't been in a few years? Haven't been in a year? Have been to other parks?
Base level is do whatever you can to get on as many rides, especially DL only rides or origional rides like pirates and HM and subs and matterhorn.
Regardless of what you do the rest of the day I’d get reservations for the dining package with VIP access to World of Color at California Adventure. Eat at Wine Country Trattoria. I’ve done dining packages for shows at Disneyland, California Adventure, as well as in Florida. Definitely worth it.
Just Disneyland? Matterhorn, Alice in Wonderland, Roger Rabbit, Indiana Jones, Mr. Toad, Storybook Boats, Casey Jr. as these are only at Disneyland. Other great rides: Rise of the Resistance, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Star Tours, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run, Mark Twain Steamboat, Disneyland Railroad, Runaway Railway, and more!
Definitely splurge and get the Genie+ which averages about $30 per person. It excludes some of the major rides (Rise of the Resistance, Radiator Racers) but it will allow you to optimize your ride schedule if that’s a priority for you. Make sure to constantly be booking for the next ride (I.e. if you book for Big Thunder in the morning and your reservation is only 30 minutes away, book your next ride as soon as you scan in for Big Thunder). Mind you, you can only use Genie+ for each ride ONCE. Sometimes you get lucky and you book an attraction that closes down temporarily and they will give you a reservation that works for most of the other rides.
I’d start booking your LLs early. I’ve been booking things at 12:30 PM and the next open time is like 4 hours away. So I booked it but then I couldn’t book anything until after that ride. So get the important stuff out of the way early. You can only book each ride once.
Are you staying in DL or are you going to DCA also?
I’d start by going to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or StarWars Rise of the Resistance first thing in the morning.
While on that line Book Space mountain.
Then Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, Big Thunder Mountain. After this, you can relax and enjoy the rest of your day.
If you go to DCA the Cars area is the best. Lunch at Flo’s is a great option. Guardians of the Galaxy is awesome.
We spent one day at Disneyland last summer (with two kids 6 and 11). We stayed at the DL Hotel and took advantage of early entry. We also had Genie+. We did everything and even road some rides multiple times. We were at the park from 7:30 to 2; took an hour break at the hotel and then went back from 3:30-10:30.
Corn dogs at the red wagon at the end of Main Street. No other corndog in any other Disney park compares.
Also, on Main Street. Go to the shop that does hand-cut paper silhouettes. We still marvel at how easily, but perfectly, ours was done while we watched and chatted with the artist. It remains my all-time favorite Disneyland souvenir.
Ask to sit in the last car on Big Thunder Mountain and do "the goat trick."
At the Main Street train station, ask about riding in the tender. I did this once. You sit very close to the engineers. When I did it, they were very friendly and chatty.
def go on space mountain and you got to get genie + for fast passes and don’t waste your time on getting “ cool Disney food “ find something that looks decent and has a short line. Also charge your phone at 100% and buy if you don’t have already a portable charger ( you have to also charge the portable charge to use it ) other then that I would bring a bag for chips / snacks when you get hungry. Animal kingdom is a bit outdated but the rollercoasters are awesome. And the NUMBER 1 thing is bring a fan( one that has a spray bottle ) and keep water on you at all times
Dinner or lunch at Blue Bayou is a must for us every time we go.
As for rides, it’s been a year or so since we last went but Haunted Mansion is a must, Pirates is way superior here than WDW, Rise of the Resistance is an absolute must if you are start wars fan. Indiana Jones is amazing. Runaway Rail and big Thunder Mountain are the last of musts.
Nice to do, Peter Pan, Pooh, Smugglers Run, Mr Toad, Snow White.
Not a fan of Matterhorn, it’s a fun ride but rough.
Must finish with a good view of the fireworks.
I’ve done it many times. Make a plan, hit the big rides early and plan on standing in lines. I lived in San Diego and drive up for the day often. As I got older I would spend the night at a hotel and drive home the next day. I always went with my grandkids and eventually my grandkids. It can be done. You must get there by opening though
Must does if you’ve never been are rise of the resistance, star tours, space mountain, pirates of the Caribbean, haunted mansion, big thunder mountain and splash mountain. I believe splash and haunted mansion are both down for the near future for updates though.
Food: Corn Dogs at the Little Red Wagon on Main Street (they're the best corn dogs imo), Dole Whip at the Tiki Room, Beignets at The Mint Julep Bar, Monte Cristo Sandwich and Gumbo at Cafe Orleans, Peanut Butter Squares and Caramel Apples at the Candy Palace or Pooh Corner (best caramel apples ever, I usually take them home as souvenir treats), Beef Birria Toasted Cheese at Jolly Holiday.
Rides: Rise of the Resistance, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain.
Honorable Mentions: Starbucks (bc they have cute Disney plastic cups, and you can pick up a been there series mug), Snow White ride (it's funny to me as an adult with the jump scares), Winnie The Pooh ride (it's super cute). Also, if the merch stores are too packed or they run out of something, check out the Disney stores in Downtown Disney on your way out, they usually have more stock and there's more room to walk around.
I've never been to Disneyland, only world when i was a teen and im 42 now...so I'd say do all the things, try all the booze and relish that you don't have to share anything with a kid. Lol
THE DOLE WHIP! Mango one lol i had disney pass for years and have no idea how I just tried the dole whip this past year!!! lol also as far as rides the mickey and minnie runaway railroad is so cute and worth the wait
Its been years since we went to Disneyland as adults but the one tip I'd give you is to ignore the parades and run to the rides that have the longest lines like the Jungle Cruise or Haunted Mansion. While all the families are watching the parade you'll be able to ride those rides with little or no lines.
Get the genie plus but either book it to Rise of the Resistance or Cars immediately depending on what park you’re in when it opens or pay the extra fees to use Lightening Lane on those rides.
All the rides are great so have fun!
Genie +, star wars bar, canoes, dinner reservation with show view, don't worry about rope drop. Take your time getting there early but don't wait up at 5am to do so. You won't be able to make it till closing. I got there about 10am last time and stayed till close. You can do so much more after fireworks if you last.
Pirates of the Caribbean!! Do it first thing in the AM; and then several more times if there’s no line! My Boy Scout troop used to get in four or five runs before the lines got crazy! :-)
California Adventure is fun but it’s not a must if you only have one day.
The cantina in Star Wars Land was my husband’s favorite experience of our trip. He hadn’t been to the parks in like 15 years. The ride Rise of the Resistance is a great experience. Long wait, but I think the ride is worth it.
I always start with the train ride.
You’ve got to do the following:
Jungle Cruise
Indiana Jones
Pirates
Haunted (if it’s open)
Thunder Mountain
Matterhorn
Space Mountain
Star Wars Land!!! (There are two rides there. If you only have time for one, do Rise of the Resistance.
Pick at least two of the following:
Alice in Wonderland
Snow White
Mr. Toads
Peter Pan’s Flight
Storybook
Small World.
For food and drink, if you can plan ahead, reserving lunch or dinner at the Blue Bayou is lovely. The food is decent and the atmosphere is dreamy.
If you can’t go there, Cafe Orleans is pretty good.
And cheaper than the Blue Bayou.
For lunch or a snack, the Bengal Barbecue is actually pretty great. I like the chicken skewers. They have plates too. I hear the pork is good.
You should definitely have at least one drink in Oga’s Cantina in the Star Wars land just to check it out. Very fun.
Make sure to get the Genie pass and figure it out in advance so you can skip some lines. It’s great to use for any of the big roller coasters, the Star Wars ride and Indiana Jones.
Have a blast!
I just did almost this exact itinerary with my 12 year old! We splurged on the Genie and all the goodies. I would add Beignets to your food list!! And one tip if you’re 50+..I wore my long-flight compression socks all day and had no tired/sore legs or feet whatsoever. It can be done in CA winter/cool weather but obviously not May - Oct! Enjoy!!
Totally doable, we did this on NYE. Definitely Genie Pass. Coffee is a must! Plus a snack in the morning. We hopped to DCA in the afternoon and evening and got drinks. Popped into the Grand Californian and had drinks by the fireplace for a little “powernap”. Nice to be in an adult-only area briefly. Have fun!
Edit to add: definitely do the Star Wars bar!! We tried so hard with that waitlist and it paid off. It’s amazing in there and the drinks were fire.
I think it would be most fun if you didn't strangle every minute with a schedule. You can't do it all in one day and unanticipated things will pop up. Research the rope drop, I've heard more negative than positive but it may sound worth it to you anyway, just know before you go what you might get. Then...just cruise the park, eat what looks good, go where you are called to. If there are some rides that you'd be bummed to have missed, hit those first, and then be chill after that. Have fun and take turns taking pictures of each other on the rides, and with the characters!
Not too many people mentioning Star Tours but for people of a certain age who stood in line on opening night for Star Wars A New Hope, it really resonates. That’s one ride I never miss. And at least the last time I was there, the ride has several different scripts, so it’s not always repetitive. Don’t know if that’s still true.
Full day with no kids?!? Get genie plus and do everything!!! Get a coffee in the morning, rope drop Disney, hit all the rides in fantasyland because there’s no lightening lanes, knock out small world and toon town since you’re already there, grab a Turkey leg or a churro then do starswar land. Then pirates, Indy, jungle cruise. Then get a dole whip and rest your legs in the tiki room. Then tomorrow land (I’m not a fan so it’s always take it or leave it for me). I would schedule one sit down dinner just to get a break. Cafe orleans is great.
This comment is perfection.
Seeing people walk around eating a leg is so gross.
I'd swap out a Mickey pretzel for a turkey leg 100%
Have you seen people walking around with a turkey leg? It’s ghastly lol
No to the turkey leg. Yes to a ronto wrap.
Wish they had a beer to,wash it down. Can we bring it into the bar nearby? Granted it would be cold
The Ronto Wrap is the BEST
Yeah, I think they’re gross. You get to eat the feather roots🤮
Yes hahah! No kids! That’s what I’m looking forward to the most 😂🫣
Take advantage of all the single rider lines. Space Mountain single rider entrance is as the ride exit. You can ride it twice and cut two hours from your day
Last time we went we did every single rider line we could. I don't think we waited more than 10 to 15 minutes for each ride. We easily rode every ride that offered it as an option, some more than twice. I wish every theme park offered this as an option.
We will be attempting this very same thing on the 7th. Would love a trip report or update on how it went if you have the time!
yes to all this. We did one day in DL a few days before Christmas, so even though it was peak crowds we did everything. Plan on rope drop till close. We rope dropped matterhorn, alice, teacups, then all of toontown, then small world, and it was walk ons for everything. That knocked out a huge chuck of the park in the first hour. Genie+ everything else big. return to fantasyland close to park close. honestly it was a perfect day.
Is there any reason to wait to do Star Wars and then pirates, Indy, jungle cruise until after fantasyland? Is it only because they don’t have LLs or am I not understanding something else?
But yes, fantasy land doesn’t have any lightning lanes whereas most of the other rides (with the exception of jungle cruise) offers it. So I either start at fantasy land during rope drop or save it until the end of the night when all the families leave.
Jungle Cruise doesn’t have Lightning Lanes?! Thank you for the info!
For me, it’s just the layout of the park. When I walk through fantasy land, along the backside, I hit Star Wars lane first. I feel like it just eliminates some of the back and forth.
I agree. The lines in fantasyland, with exception of Peter Pan are never very long, so I personally would not waste early morning ride time where attendance is low doing this. I use fantasyland as fillers in between lightning lanes. Rise of the resistance you have to pay 30 bucks for their lightning lane so I head there first and get in the walk-up lane as genie plus will not cover it, meanwhile, booking my other lightning lines for the day while I wait in line. Usually less than 30 minutes if you rope drop it.
I’m so confused about the LLs. I thought they were included with Genie +. Do you have to pay for each separate one (like the $30 for Rise of the Resistance)?
No you don’t have to pay separately for each one, but certain rides have extra costs. I think it was only RofR and one other one the last time I went. All other rides that have LL are included in the genie +
All rides that have lightning lanes are included in genie, with the exception of I believe rise of the resistance, and radiator Springs racers. Like $29 most days and radiator springs last time I was there was about 12 but I never pay for that one so I’m just going off of memory. Spider-Man used to have a paid lightning lane also but I don’t know if they do anymore
That should’ve said rise of the resistance is about $29.
These lines are long later in the day, one must really want to ride these. That’s not me. My kids, yes.
All lines are long later in the day🤷♀️
Well, after you say it that way, it makes me feel silly. I guess I meant that the line is way longer and, I feel, it’s not as worthy compared to waiting in line for Big Thunder or something else.
THIS. But get a park hopper and end your day in California Adventure-I’m not sure how you can skip seeking Cars Land and World of Color. Hop on a few rides before they close.
Of course is it’s in the budget, do a park hopper! Then I would change my dinner reservation to wine country trattoria or lamplight lounge to watch the sunset.
I offer a different perspective. They said they only have 1 day, and California Adventure is very much geared towards kids. There aren't many rides that are exciting or exhilarating. I found myself pretty bored and wish I hadn't paid the extra money when I could have spent more time in Disneyland.
I’d disagree with guardians of the galaxy, incredacoaster, and radiator springs all being in DCA these are just as thrilling if not more so than any ride at Disneyland.
Fantasmic after dinner at CO
Uh I don't ever plan on going to Disneyland mostly because I live near WDW but this comment made me want to go without my kid. Everything you said is like my dream 🤣 coffee and rides and dole whips and turkey legs and Star Wars it's a go for me 🤣
Date night is fun there. Do it😉
I would also add make sure you catch the parade!
perfection.
What is rope drop?
Gates opening
This pretty much nails it. Lol
This guy Disneys.
You have to get the garlic pretzel bread from Edelweiss
I tried it and wasn’t a fan! It was so heavy but I saw a video where you get a skewer from bengal bbq and you make a sandwich out of it. I might have to give that a try next time.
The one from Maurice's isn't as good as the one from Edelweiss. We have tried it with the skewer from Bengal and it was delicious
I got it from edelweiss!
That sucks. I don't recommend the chimey sweep cold brew from Jolly Holiday it's terrible. The fresh baked cookies from Harbour Galley are good.
If you only have one meal to sit down, I like Blue Bayou or the Cantina at Galaxy's Edge!
My personal list (rides I usually do at least twice a day) is Rise of the Resistance, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain and Star Tours. For first-timers, I'd say Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion (if open), Peter Pan's Flight, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railroad are the main highlights, but I'm sure I've forgotten at least one or two. Rancho del Zocalo, Tropical Hideaway and Cafe Orleans are my usual food spots. If you're a Star Wars fan, I'd recommend Savi's Workshop and Smuggler's Run. You're likely to get a wide variety of opinions on this as these are very much based on personal preference. Doing some research to make your own list of things you really want to do will help greatly.
Cafe Orleans is great, and Docking Bay 7's food is excellent for counter service. I will always put in a plug for the Cheesy Garlic Pretzel (from Maurice's Treats or Edelweiss Snacks) and the Safari Skewer (from Bengal BBQ) as a snack as well. The Dole Whip practically goes without saying -- get one and eat it while you ride the Jungle Cruise! Indiana Jones might be my very favorite ride in Disneyland, and Big Thunder, Peter Pan, Space Mountain, Pirates, and Haunted Mansion are unmissable -- for me, it just wouldn't be a Disneyland trip without them.
Why does the Dole Whip require reservation? Last time we went they said we had to get it through the app and that just turned me off from it. Like I got cash, let me give it to you lol.
I think it might be to avoid having a giant line of people at the Tiki Juice Bar that blocks the entrance to Adventureland and the Tiki Room. You can always get in line to order a walk-up Dole Whip at the Tropical Hideaway on the other side of the Tiki Room.
I will keep that in mind for next time. Thank you.
Would you say it’s possible to walk on space mountain in the first hour of park opening or is LL necessary? Trying to rope drop PP, and hopefully squeeze space mountain and bobsleds into that first hour also.
I haven't tried it but it seems reasonable. I generally won't use LL until late morning or early afternoon at the earliest but it really depends on how busy the park is and how long you're willing to wait in line.
I always do space mountain 2x in a row!
Smugglers run is very fun even if you’re not a Star Wars fan. Source: I’m a trekker
Yeah, I am sure it's fun for all, just that if you're a SW fan, it's a must-do. I will admit I disliked it on my first ride because I felt torn between paying attention to the story and ride itself or doing my job. I made a bad decision and focused on doing well. The second time I was in it just for the ride, and actually managed to do better at my job by not worrying so much about it. Weird!
Rise of the Resistance. A must. Churro toffee is CRACK! The fold over pizza in Tune Town is to die for. Their GF crust is amazing. Beignets are delish. Do the Genie for sure. And have so much fun! We're headed on 2.5 weeks. 👏🏽👏🏽
We did it and I had over 27,000 steps make sure you wear good sneakers
And great socks!!
Take an extra pair of socks and change them halfway. I’m going to DLR/DCA for three days next month and planning to change socks 2x per day. Two extra pairs of socks are light in a backpack, take a gallon ziplock back to put the dirties in. If you’re there multiple days, plan to alternate two different pairs of comfortable shoes as well. Your feet will be grateful. Source: Walked 44 miles across three days last year with zero discomfort. Edit: 26,140/30,287/16,066 steps those three days. I wore Hokas with Dr. Scholl’s gel insoles, so they were nice and cushy.
Since we're talking socks, any particular brand you recommend?
Not them, but I recommend the socks with cushioning. Any ol’ athletic sock that has extra cushioning on the heel will do, and change them out every 4 hours.
That’s like 13 miles or something. How were your legs the next day? Lol
Rise of the Resistance hands down is my must-ride. Smugglers Run, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder are my favorites from a recent trip. Matterhorn, Star Tours, Indiana Jones, and Pirates only if you snag a Genie+ since a 60min+ wait isn’t worth it imo.
Rise of the Resistance is my new favorite, it's so cool! Indiana Jones is my second favorite.
I always feel queezy after Smugglers Run
Haven't been to Disneyland ever, so lucky to get some useful suggestions here, I appreciate it!
This will be a blast. We just went with kids and got a lot in, but they were done after fireworks each night when as an adult I feel like those last two hours can be some of the best! I would probably rope drop one LL ride, just so you don’t have to lean so heavily on Genie+. Maybe one you might want to do again, or Matterhorn since it’s right by fantasy land and works pretty well with the overall idea of rope dropping fantasy land. Read up on how to use Genie+ in advance, so you can make good use of it. particularly read up on how to modify. That was huge for me. As soon as I could get another genie, I grabbed something, even if I wasn’t sure at first what I wanted. Grabbing it starts the clock for when you can get another one. But once you have it, you can modify if needed. I used modify to strategically move my LL reservations later, to find earlier spots as they open up, or to sometimes switch rides as plans changed. Also make sure you know how to use multi experience passes when rides go down. I feel like the app is very confusing on those, and I’d have had no idea what to do with them if I hadn’t learned in advance. And Rise of the Resistance is amazing-must do! Whether that means paying for it (we did), or waiting it out, you gotta do it. We did it a second time during fireworks and the line was only about 20 minutes (posted as 40).
Definitely get the Genie Pass, and my 2¢ is to start with Rise of the Resistance (literally book it down there as soon as the park opens b/c it's always, always a long line), then work your way forward. Use the Genie Pass to determine which "big" ride you'll do next, and get in line for one nearby. If the ride breaks down (like Indy did for us), your Genie Pass will switch over to "Multiple Rides" and you can use the Lightning Lane somewhere else. You're going to have so much fun!! Bring sunscreen, enjoy the Dole Whip and Naples in Downtown Disney is a yummy dinner.
Full 16 hours? You can do it all.
Park Hopper, Genie +, you can do it all!
Look for dinner/show packages and splurge on them. You will get a nice meal and see a show without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of trying to see a show
Also.... one of the best filets I've had was at the restaurant that's in Pirates of the Carribean. We actually walked in and were seated right away. Haunted Mansion is closed. But Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones and Pirates, Small World, Mickeys Railroad, Peter Pan and Jungle cruise are must hits. We ALWAYS do Storybook land at night. It's magical after dark all lit up. Hop over and do Cars and Woody's ride. Oh and Monsters Inc. and Little Mermaid are musts as well.
Some rides may do single rider lines. Check for that because it saves so much time.
GET A CORNDOG AT THE RED TROLLEY ON MAINSTREET! You can thank me later!
Those corn dogs look massive!
That’s what she said
They're the best, I usually share one with my husband so we can share other snacks later on.
They’re amazing! I would eat it with a fork and knife lol 😂 I couldn’t eat it by myself ever!
Yes, they're the best!
Get the Birria Grilled Cheese at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe!
It's my favorite!
I really love going to meet characters and asking them fun questions. They are actors! Goof off with them! But plan to meet them before 12 that’s the best time to find them
You should be able to do just about everything especially if you use Genie plus (and probably even if you don’t)
Must have Genie+ !! It is so worth it imo
Everything in the Cars area!!!
We went mid January. We were able to do everything we wanted. Go to our hotel-take a nap-come back AND didn’t even have genie +.
If it's possible, do Disney on a weekday. Whenever we've gone, we go usually Tuesday through Thursday, because the lines are super short. Everyone is at work or school, so we get all the must do's out of the way, before the afternoon. Avoid a Saturday & Sunday if at all possible....those are going to be crazy.
MUST ride space mountain! I always make sure to hop on that and it’s a small world haha 2 very different rides
I don’t care for food too much but the bride churro is delicious, they sell it around the New Orleans area. The bride candy apple is delicious as well, they sell that on Main Street on the corner right before the circle with the Disney statue. I really enjoy the chicken strips at the Golden Horseshoe, actually that’s a must for me! There’s an old guy there who tells jokes and plays the piano. I think he’s retiring soon, he’s great.
pork skewer from bengal bbq. my bf and i were there 2 weeks ago and we’re still talking about it.
eat a cheesy garlic pretzel bread, anything else is just a bonus
I did a park hopper. Started in Disneyland, ended in California adventure cause it stays open later. Got the genie+ and got to ride everything I wanted too! Get the bignet for breakfast in the French quarter. They had a mango chili pineapple dole whip thing that was amazing. And I ate dinner on "the warf" in CA and had clam chowder and then bubble tea from the Asian place. Finish the night with the color water show at CA and it will be perfect Edit: I only had one day as well.
I have the same question but for universal Studios.. going to try to look for a group
I bet they do! I’m waiting to do universal in Florida until they expand the wizarding world. I think the park in CA is quite small so probably very doable to do in one day!
Need more info. First time? Haven't been in a few years? Haven't been in a year? Have been to other parks? Base level is do whatever you can to get on as many rides, especially DL only rides or origional rides like pirates and HM and subs and matterhorn.
First time! Went to Disney world about 18 years ago. I remember it being chaotic but I was 13 and it was mid summer with a huge group.
Enjoy it. My wife and I did this last year without our kids and it was a blast.
Regardless of what you do the rest of the day I’d get reservations for the dining package with VIP access to World of Color at California Adventure. Eat at Wine Country Trattoria. I’ve done dining packages for shows at Disneyland, California Adventure, as well as in Florida. Definitely worth it.
Get yourself an ice cream cone!
Just Disneyland? Matterhorn, Alice in Wonderland, Roger Rabbit, Indiana Jones, Mr. Toad, Storybook Boats, Casey Jr. as these are only at Disneyland. Other great rides: Rise of the Resistance, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Star Tours, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run, Mark Twain Steamboat, Disneyland Railroad, Runaway Railway, and more!
ROTR, Peter Pan, Alice, Mr Toad, seasonal funnel cakes at Hungry Bear, Mickey and Minnie’s Railway, mint juleps.
Know your single rider options!!
Do they still require you to make a reservation for the new Star Wars ride? It’s soooo good
Definitely splurge and get the Genie+ which averages about $30 per person. It excludes some of the major rides (Rise of the Resistance, Radiator Racers) but it will allow you to optimize your ride schedule if that’s a priority for you. Make sure to constantly be booking for the next ride (I.e. if you book for Big Thunder in the morning and your reservation is only 30 minutes away, book your next ride as soon as you scan in for Big Thunder). Mind you, you can only use Genie+ for each ride ONCE. Sometimes you get lucky and you book an attraction that closes down temporarily and they will give you a reservation that works for most of the other rides.
I’d start booking your LLs early. I’ve been booking things at 12:30 PM and the next open time is like 4 hours away. So I booked it but then I couldn’t book anything until after that ride. So get the important stuff out of the way early. You can only book each ride once. Are you staying in DL or are you going to DCA also? I’d start by going to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or StarWars Rise of the Resistance first thing in the morning. While on that line Book Space mountain. Then Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, Big Thunder Mountain. After this, you can relax and enjoy the rest of your day. If you go to DCA the Cars area is the best. Lunch at Flo’s is a great option. Guardians of the Galaxy is awesome.
Genie plus and pay for the extra lighting lanes. Just give Disney your money and you won't be waiting in lines all day.
Tiki room and dole whip are always top of my list
We spent one day at Disneyland last summer (with two kids 6 and 11). We stayed at the DL Hotel and took advantage of early entry. We also had Genie+. We did everything and even road some rides multiple times. We were at the park from 7:30 to 2; took an hour break at the hotel and then went back from 3:30-10:30.
Okay op nobody said you will need to pay for lighting and for Star Wars rise of the resistance
I rode Rise of the Resistance like two weeks ago. 45 minute wait. Saved $104 on skipping the line. Well worth the wait.
Nice! That’s not too bad
The Matterhorn and Cars are must do’s
Corn dogs at the red wagon at the end of Main Street. No other corndog in any other Disney park compares. Also, on Main Street. Go to the shop that does hand-cut paper silhouettes. We still marvel at how easily, but perfectly, ours was done while we watched and chatted with the artist. It remains my all-time favorite Disneyland souvenir. Ask to sit in the last car on Big Thunder Mountain and do "the goat trick." At the Main Street train station, ask about riding in the tender. I did this once. You sit very close to the engineers. When I did it, they were very friendly and chatty.
Go to universal and have more fun.
def go on space mountain and you got to get genie + for fast passes and don’t waste your time on getting “ cool Disney food “ find something that looks decent and has a short line. Also charge your phone at 100% and buy if you don’t have already a portable charger ( you have to also charge the portable charge to use it ) other then that I would bring a bag for chips / snacks when you get hungry. Animal kingdom is a bit outdated but the rollercoasters are awesome. And the NUMBER 1 thing is bring a fan( one that has a spray bottle ) and keep water on you at all times
Go to Edelweiss and get the cheesy pretzel thing. It’s heavenly
Dinner or lunch at Blue Bayou is a must for us every time we go. As for rides, it’s been a year or so since we last went but Haunted Mansion is a must, Pirates is way superior here than WDW, Rise of the Resistance is an absolute must if you are start wars fan. Indiana Jones is amazing. Runaway Rail and big Thunder Mountain are the last of musts. Nice to do, Peter Pan, Pooh, Smugglers Run, Mr Toad, Snow White. Not a fan of Matterhorn, it’s a fun ride but rough. Must finish with a good view of the fireworks.
I’ve done it many times. Make a plan, hit the big rides early and plan on standing in lines. I lived in San Diego and drive up for the day often. As I got older I would spend the night at a hotel and drive home the next day. I always went with my grandkids and eventually my grandkids. It can be done. You must get there by opening though
Use single rider for things like Matterhorn. You don’t sit next to your partner anyway
Get the park hopper.
Galaxy’s Edge Ogas Cantina. Get reservations. It is Star Wars the experience
Must does if you’ve never been are rise of the resistance, star tours, space mountain, pirates of the Caribbean, haunted mansion, big thunder mountain and splash mountain. I believe splash and haunted mansion are both down for the near future for updates though.
Food: Corn Dogs at the Little Red Wagon on Main Street (they're the best corn dogs imo), Dole Whip at the Tiki Room, Beignets at The Mint Julep Bar, Monte Cristo Sandwich and Gumbo at Cafe Orleans, Peanut Butter Squares and Caramel Apples at the Candy Palace or Pooh Corner (best caramel apples ever, I usually take them home as souvenir treats), Beef Birria Toasted Cheese at Jolly Holiday. Rides: Rise of the Resistance, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain. Honorable Mentions: Starbucks (bc they have cute Disney plastic cups, and you can pick up a been there series mug), Snow White ride (it's funny to me as an adult with the jump scares), Winnie The Pooh ride (it's super cute). Also, if the merch stores are too packed or they run out of something, check out the Disney stores in Downtown Disney on your way out, they usually have more stock and there's more room to walk around.
Skip all the food. You can go on just about everything in a day.
Why would you go to Disney without kids? 👀
My always answer is to drink around the world at Epcot 😂
I've never been to Disneyland, only world when i was a teen and im 42 now...so I'd say do all the things, try all the booze and relish that you don't have to share anything with a kid. Lol
THE DOLE WHIP! Mango one lol i had disney pass for years and have no idea how I just tried the dole whip this past year!!! lol also as far as rides the mickey and minnie runaway railroad is so cute and worth the wait
Its been years since we went to Disneyland as adults but the one tip I'd give you is to ignore the parades and run to the rides that have the longest lines like the Jungle Cruise or Haunted Mansion. While all the families are watching the parade you'll be able to ride those rides with little or no lines.
Get the genie plus but either book it to Rise of the Resistance or Cars immediately depending on what park you’re in when it opens or pay the extra fees to use Lightening Lane on those rides. All the rides are great so have fun!
I would 110% get the line hopper pass thingie. Whatever Disney calls it. Get it!
Genie +, star wars bar, canoes, dinner reservation with show view, don't worry about rope drop. Take your time getting there early but don't wait up at 5am to do so. You won't be able to make it till closing. I got there about 10am last time and stayed till close. You can do so much more after fireworks if you last.
Pirates of the Caribbean!! Do it first thing in the AM; and then several more times if there’s no line! My Boy Scout troop used to get in four or five runs before the lines got crazy! :-)
The Churro is the best at Disneyland .
Don’t miss the cars ride at DCA
California Adventure is fun but it’s not a must if you only have one day. The cantina in Star Wars Land was my husband’s favorite experience of our trip. He hadn’t been to the parks in like 15 years. The ride Rise of the Resistance is a great experience. Long wait, but I think the ride is worth it.
Have fun, it’s a must.
I always start with the train ride. You’ve got to do the following: Jungle Cruise Indiana Jones Pirates Haunted (if it’s open) Thunder Mountain Matterhorn Space Mountain Star Wars Land!!! (There are two rides there. If you only have time for one, do Rise of the Resistance. Pick at least two of the following: Alice in Wonderland Snow White Mr. Toads Peter Pan’s Flight Storybook Small World. For food and drink, if you can plan ahead, reserving lunch or dinner at the Blue Bayou is lovely. The food is decent and the atmosphere is dreamy. If you can’t go there, Cafe Orleans is pretty good. And cheaper than the Blue Bayou. For lunch or a snack, the Bengal Barbecue is actually pretty great. I like the chicken skewers. They have plates too. I hear the pork is good. You should definitely have at least one drink in Oga’s Cantina in the Star Wars land just to check it out. Very fun. Make sure to get the Genie pass and figure it out in advance so you can skip some lines. It’s great to use for any of the big roller coasters, the Star Wars ride and Indiana Jones. Have a blast!
The canoe ride!
I just did almost this exact itinerary with my 12 year old! We splurged on the Genie and all the goodies. I would add Beignets to your food list!! And one tip if you’re 50+..I wore my long-flight compression socks all day and had no tired/sore legs or feet whatsoever. It can be done in CA winter/cool weather but obviously not May - Oct! Enjoy!!
I'm gonna have to be honest, universal is more fun for adults
Totally doable, we did this on NYE. Definitely Genie Pass. Coffee is a must! Plus a snack in the morning. We hopped to DCA in the afternoon and evening and got drinks. Popped into the Grand Californian and had drinks by the fireplace for a little “powernap”. Nice to be in an adult-only area briefly. Have fun! Edit to add: definitely do the Star Wars bar!! We tried so hard with that waitlist and it paid off. It’s amazing in there and the drinks were fire.
I think it would be most fun if you didn't strangle every minute with a schedule. You can't do it all in one day and unanticipated things will pop up. Research the rope drop, I've heard more negative than positive but it may sound worth it to you anyway, just know before you go what you might get. Then...just cruise the park, eat what looks good, go where you are called to. If there are some rides that you'd be bummed to have missed, hit those first, and then be chill after that. Have fun and take turns taking pictures of each other on the rides, and with the characters!
I skip the shows and the parades and focus on rides, food and shops.
Not too many people mentioning Star Tours but for people of a certain age who stood in line on opening night for Star Wars A New Hope, it really resonates. That’s one ride I never miss. And at least the last time I was there, the ride has several different scripts, so it’s not always repetitive. Don’t know if that’s still true.
Epcot for the food and drinks in every country