Disneyland Guide: Have The Best Disney Day!
I went to Disneyland for the first time with my best friend back in May! To celebrate my birthday and a successful photography work trip was so special at “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Disneyland is so much fun but also takes a lot of planning to make the most of your time there! Here is all you need to know for your next Disneyland trip:
Disney Essentials
Sunglasses
Portable fan
Belt bag / backpack / etc.
Water bottle — Yes, you can bring a water bottle into the parks!
Camera — Disposable, polaroid, etc.
Disney fits
Mouse ears — I bought mine at the park!
Power banks for phones — *Tip: Turn your Bluetooth off to save battery and put your phone on Low Power Mode!
Hold onto your physical ticket just in case — and it’s super cute for scrapbooking later.
Get your “First Visit” button — You can get your “First Visit” button at any gift shop!
Getting to & from the park:
There is public transport to the park through ART (Anaheim Regional Transport) but we just walked from our hotel! We stayed at the Clarion Hotel so it only took about 15 minutes. Plan to arrive 1 hour before opening if you want a full day of fun!
Fast Pass:
Disney offers a Genie Fast Pass for $20 per person. It’s totally worth it if it’s your first trip — if you know how to use it! The Genie Fast Pass is not a “fast pass” in the usual sense but a reservation system. You have to plan out what rides you are going on in advance and book them, so keep this in mind before buying. :)
You can also speed up your wait time by choosing the single rider line, but we didn’t do that much, preferring to make memories in the same row or car!
Parades & Shows (like World of Color):
Go 1 hour before the posted time to get a good spot. It was worth the wait for the awesome experience!
Cool Down:
With all the fun under the sun, you’re bound to get hot out there. Beat the heat by popping into Main Street Cinema in Disneyland or Animation Academy in Disney California Adventure Park. Plan ahead by buying a portable fan or one that attaches to your smart phone!
Kayla’s Picks:
Disneyland
The Haunted Mansion
Mad Tea Party — *Tip: Stop by Fantasyland early in the day to avoid a crowd.
Pirates of the Caribbean — The ride was closed when we were there. Just a sign to go back someday!
Disney California Adventure
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Favorite Treats
Dole Whip — *Tip: Go to the Tiki Room! This is one of the largest and least crowded spots for a restroom break.
Pretzel Mickey — I wouldn’t stop talking about how much I wanted a pretzel Mickey! Yes, it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Classic churro
*Hilarious zoomed-in photographic proof of the Guardians of the Galaxy ride changing my life above. Enjoy.
A Disney Park experience is an absolute serotonin overload — and I loved every minute of it! I am so thankful to share these memories with my best friend of over a decade who always makes me feel like a kid at heart. Andy, ily. <3
— KJC
