Alright, Disney mums! Grab your coffee because I'm about to save you HOURS of stress planning your first Disneyland trip. I've become a bit of a Disney Parks expert over the years, so here's everything you need to know before you go!
First tip! Join my Disney Mums and Dads Facebook group for all the best advice and tips.
Disneyland Resort California Has TWO Parks!
- Disney California Adventure - home of big thrills like Guardians of the Galaxy and the Incredicoaster.
- Disneyland Park - the classic park with Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and, of course, THAT castle!
Here's the best bit: The parks are right next to each other. If you've got a Park Hopper ticket, you can jump between them all day long.
🎟️ Tickets & Passes
Disneyland isn't cheap, especially with our exchange rate, but with a little planning, you can make it work.
- Single-Day Tickets: Prices depend on the day (cheaper on a random Tuesday, more expensive on a holiday weekend). Expect around $104-$179 USD per adult.
- Park Hopper Tickets: Want to jump between Disneyland Park and California Adventure in the same day? Add about $65 USD extra per ticket.
- Multi-Day Passes: Definitely better value if you're staying more than one day.
💡 Mum tip: Buy tickets online at KLOOK using the affiliate code BUSYMUMKLOOK for 10% off.
🏨 Where to Stay
- On-site Disney Hotels: Magical, close to the park, early entry and theming, but expensive.
- Good Neighbour Hotels: Disney approved hotels nearby that are usually cheaper and still convenient.
- Airbnb or Off-Site Hotels: Best for bigger families or if you need more space (and a kitchen). You might need a car or ride share to get to the parks, so think about the extra costs involved.
💡 My tip: Stay off-site. Seriously. Most hotels are within walking distance and will save you thousands, but if you want that extra Disney magic (early entry and theming), staying on-site is worth it (just be ready to pay for those perks).
Download the Disneyland App
It's got everything you need:
✅ Park entry and reservations
✅ Wait times
✅ Lightning Lanes (Lighting Lane Multi Pass can only be made once you enter the parks)
✅ Interactive park maps
✅ Mobile food ordering
Avoid Big Holidays and Weekends
There's no such thing as an empty Disneyland, but some times are definitely better:
- Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday): Fewer crowds.
- Avoid school holidays: Unless you love queues.
- Early mornings & late evenings: The golden hours when rides are quieter and the park feels extra magical.
💡 My tip: Download a crowd calendar app to check predictions before booking.
Make the Most of Early Entry & Rope Drop
Set that alarm, grab your coffee, and get there early. Head straight for the big rides while the lines are still short. This is how we maximised our time the most!
💡 My tip: Be prepared to watch some crazy business go down. They take this rope dropping very seriously.
🎢 Lightning Lanes Basics
Lightning Lane Single pass
This is your pay-per-ride option. You purchase access for one ride at a time (think the big-ticket attractions like Radiator Springs Racers). Perfect if you only want to skip the line for a couple of rides without committing to a package.
Pricing - Starts at around US $32 per person per day, with prices rising on busier days to as much as US $39
Lightning Lanes Multi Pass
Available as a bundle. This lets you book return times for multiple attractions throughout the day. It covers many popular rides, but not all. Ideal if you want to maximise time across the park without breaking the budget.
Pricing - Between US $15-25 per ride, depending on popularity and season
Lightning Lane Premier Pass
The top-tier option. This covers the "hard to get" rides not included in the Multi Pass and gives you priority access. If you're after the VIP experience and want to guarantee big rides without long waits, this is it.
Pricing - Pricing typically ranges from US $300-400 per person
⏱️ How to Maximise
- Book your first Lightning Lane at 7 AM - yes, before you're even in the park.
- Stack Lightning Lanes - grab another after you've used one OR every 2 hours from park opening.
- Prioritise the biggies: Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Guardians of the Galaxy - those lines go fast!
Travelling with Little Ones?
Use Rider Swap! One adult rides while the other waits with the kids, then you swap without lining up again. Just ask a Cast Member - they're brilliant. Oh, and if you've got a stroller, don't panic if it's moved as Cast Members shuffle them around to keep things tidy.
Bring a Water Bottle
Park water = pricey. I always pack an insulated bottle (with ice!) in my Ela & Earth bottle bag. It's a lifesaver for staying cool and hydrated while being at the parks. There are plenty of places to refill it, too (you can find the spots on the park map).
Mobile Order Meals and Food
Do yourself a favour and use mobile ordering. Seriously, this is one of the biggest time savers at Disneyland. Instead of standing in endless food lines with tired kids, you can order straight from the Disneyland app, pay on your phone, and pick it up at a special window. No waiting! If you're like me and like to stalk menus, you can do this from home in Australia too and plan out the MUST try snacks.
Lines Are Shortest During Parades and Shows
This is one of the BEST kept secrets of Disney planning. When parades, fireworks, or nighttime spectaculars are happening, most guests gather to watch, which means ride lines drop big time.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Disneyland! Let me know if you have any questions.
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