Disneyland Day Plan
My number one rule for doing Disneyland is to get there before park opening. Early morning gives you the shortest lines, and lowest crowds. I try and leave my hotel an hour before opening time, and it always seems to take longer than I think it will! This gives you time to walk from your hotel (or shuttle over), pass through security, and get through the park entrance. It’s wonderful to walk inside the park at that early hour and see Main Street and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle without any crowds. It’s also my favorite time to take photos.
My second rule is to be flexible. After working hard to plan a big vacation, it can be a disappointment when the touring schedule doesn’t go according to plan. There are so many factors that can impact your day such as ride closures, children who are fearful of certain rides, illness, cranky kids, members of your party who don’t want to follow your itinerary etc. This can lead to resentment and a feeling that your hard work in planning the trip was not appreciated. On the other side, the family members who are just there to enjoy the fruits of your labor may feel the plans are too restrictive & may want a voice. You will want to be prepared for a child who wants to ride the carousel for example, when that may not be on your day plan of priority rides. With toddlers you may witness a full on melt down in public and have to leave the park for a nap or break. Just roll with it. If you have multiple days at Disneyland, these types of issues are not a problem, but if your time is limited it can be frustrating. Be flexible, and just enjoy the special memories being made.
DISNEYLAND TOURING PLAN
Genie+ & Individual Lightning Lane
Fast passes are ride reservations so you don’t have to wait in long lines. They are given at kiosks in the park at each attraction that offers them. You insert your park ticket, and the machine will eject a paper Fast Pass for that ride. This reservation is now linked to your park ticket. The fast pass service is free.
The best way to book fast passes are via a Max Pass upgrade, which is the most efficient and easiest way to reserve rides if you purchase it. It’s an additional $15 per person, and also includes access to all your Photopass pictures taken by Disney photographers around the parks. Max Pass lets you book fast passes right from your Disneyland app on your mobile device so you don’t have to walk to each kiosk of the ride.
For a large family, Max Pass can add up to quite a bit more. So if it’s not in the budget, no worries. You can still access the regular Fast Pass system by walking to the kiosks for the attractions you want. To save precious park touring time on walking back and forth, I will often assign one person (usually me) in the group to collect all the park tickets and run over to a kiosk so the whole group doesn’t have to go. That way they can still enjoy some rides, while I get the reservations. But I highly recommend purchasing the Max Pass upgrade to your park ticket if your time is limited at Disneyland. It’s a must if you only have 1 day there.
On the Fast Pass reservation, you will be given a time to return and have an hour window to use it, which is displayed on the paper ticket given at the kiosk, and your Disneyland mobile app. If you arrive 15 min early or 15 min later than your fast pass hour, many cast members will still honor it. There are no guarantees of this though.
This paper ticket pictured below is just a reference, since the fast pass is linked to your Disneyland ticket. You will find the fast pass reservation on your Disneyland mobile app as well. You will be eligible to book another fast pass after the time given on your ticket, which is usually an hour or two later. When you return to the ride attraction, you will need to have your park ticket ready to scan at the fast pass line check in. They do not scan the paper ticket given at the kiosk. Read more about which rides offer fast passes here.
There are many attractions at Disneyland that do not offer fast passes, so you will add those rides into your day plan along with your fast pass reservations. I like to set an alarm on my phone for when my fast pass time is scheduled, and also set an alarm for the time when I am eligible to book my next one.
It’s very tempting to try and do everything in one section of the park before moving on to the next Land, but unfortunately doing that will result in fast passes that sell out for certain rides. I always have to do some walking back and forth between different sections of the park when I redeem fast passes. This is the order of priority for myself in booking fast passes based on which ones sell out the fastest. If you don’t have time to get to #9 and #10, it’s not much of a loss. Focus on getting in the first 8.
Fast Pass/Max Pass Eligible Rides to book (in order of priority)
* I recommend setting your phone alarm to alert you when you are eligible to book your next fast pass, and when the booked one is due. It’s easy to get distracted and forget. Links provided below on each attraction for more details on height requirement, and ride intensity.
- Space Mountain: Tomorrow Land
- Splash Mountain: Critter Country
- Matterhorn Bobsleds: Fantasy Land
- Indiana Jones: Adventure Land
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Frontier Land
- Haunted Mansion: New Orleans Square
- It’s a Small World: Fantasy Land
- Star Tours: Tomorrow Land
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: Tomorrow Land
- Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin: Toon Town
1 Day Plan
Here is the order you should do the attractions based on popularity and quality in each land. I have also sprinkled in some of our favorite snacks, activities, shows, and dining in to your day plan. Make sure to click on the link to each Land listed below so you can see all the attractions offered in full detail. It’s a good idea to make a touring plan based on the number of days you are going to be visiting the parks. You won’t be able to fit everything in I have listed so this is a just a guide of what to choose from in order of priority.
Early Morning:
To see the attraction details in each Land, click on the links below. I put them in order of priority, and favorites. I used to recommend starting your day in Fantasy Land, since only two rides offer a fast pass there (Matterhorn and Small World), and the lines can get long very quickly. But it really doesn’t seem to matter on my last few trips since Fantasy Land had very long lines right from park opening. Peter Pan generally has a ride line of 30-45 minutes, even when I waited outside the castle for “rope drop” opening time, so most likely you are going to stand in a long line for that attraction anytime of day. In contrast-Tomorrow land, Frontier Land, & Adventure Land will have very short lines on the rides. If you have little ones, Fantasy Land is where you should head first for the low intensity rides. Older children may want to do Adventure Land, Frontier Land, and Tomorrow Land first while the lines are short.
Fantasy Land : *make sure to book your first fast pass for Space Mountain
- Peter Pan: Fantasy Land
- Matterhorn: Fantasy Land (can book a FAST PASS for this ride when eligible or single rider if line is too long)
- Alice in Wonderland: Fantasy Land
- Tea Cups: Fantasy Land
- Small World: Fantasy Land (offers FAST PASS but if line is short just go for it without one)
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Fantasy Land
- Pinoccio: Fantasy Land
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: Fantasy Land
- StoryBook Canal: Fantasy Land
- Tour Sleeping Beauty’s Castle: Fantasy Land (no line so can do anytime)
- Snow White: Fantasy Land
- Casey Jr. Circus Train: Fantasy Land
- King Arthur Carousel: Fantasy Land
Character meet and greet’s will present themselves frequently as you walk around Disneyland. We have often seen different princesses and characters from the Disney classics as we walk around Fantasy Land. In fact, Disneyland California is known for having more character experiences around the parks than Disney World. Early morning is the best time to take advantage of these opportunities. Check your Disneyland app for any scheduled character times if you have any specific must see characters. You can read more toward the end of this post. Locate the Disney meet and greets by downloading the official Disneyland Mobile App.
FOOD:
I will list our favorite spots for breakfast in the park if dining is on your touring plan for the early morning. However I don’t advise wasting time in the early morning on table service restaurants when ride lines are so low. It would be better to eat pre-park opening at a quick service restaurant at your hotel.
*Jolly Holiday Bakery– quick service restaurant and you can mobile order here. We love the croissant egg sandwich, raspberry macaron, or matterhorn macaroon.
*Churro Cart– they are located in many areas of Disneyland, and it’s a great snack to satisfy those hunger pains until lunch.
If you have more than 2 days at Disneyland, then make a breakfast reservation at one of these restaurants:
*Carnation Cafe– located on Main Street and table service. Reservations recommended. They serve the best Mickey waffles.
*Minnie and Friends Breakfast at Plaza Inn– character dining with buffet. Excellent choice for younger kids who want to interact with many characters without waiting in lines.
Picture at Minne and Friends Breakfast in the Plaza Inn
MAGICAL FUN!
If you have a little girl age 3-12 , I highly recommend a princess makeover at the
Bibbidy Boppidy Boutique! This is one magical experience you don’t want to miss! It is worth sacrificing other activities in your budget to make this special memory for your daughter. Worth every penny! When your daughter sees other girls walking around the park with their Princess makeovers, you will wish you had made a reservation! Advance reservations are highly recommended for the morning time but I have scored walk up reservations for an afternoon opening.
Isabelle Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland from Lori Anna on Vimeo.
The Crown Package (great value and the least expensive option) is $64.95, and includes
- Hairstyle—Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva or Color Star looks (go for the Fairytale Princess!)
- Shimmering makeup
- Princess sash and cinch bag (with fun surprises inside)
- Glittery Face gem
- Nail polish applied during makeover
TIP: My favorite hairstyle is the “Fairy Tale Princess.” I recommend not giving your daughter the other two options and just choose for her. It’s a much more beautiful hairstyle than the other ones. We learned the hard way when the Diva hairstyle came out like a ratted nest on top of my daughter’s head. See pic below. Eek
Mid to Late Morning:
- Space Mountain: Tomorrow Land (use your fast pass)
- Star Tours: Tomorrow Land (if line is long then get a fast pass later on in the day)
- Autopia: Tomorrow Land
- Buzz Lightyear: Tomorrow Land (if line is long get a fast pass in the evening)
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: Tomorrow Land
- Astro Orbiter: Tomorrow Land
- Monorail: Tomorrow Land (very fun and can be ridden anytime of day for a nice break)
- Splash Mountain: Critter Country (use a Fast Pass for this ride)
- Winnie the Pooh: Critter Country
SNACK OPTIONS (family favorites)
*Mickey Beignets– located in New Orleans Square at the Mint Julep Bar
*Matterhorn Macaroon or Raspberry Macaroon– located on Main St at Jolly Holiday Bakery
*Churro Cart– located at multiple places in the park
*Popcorn– look for carts all around Disneyland
Mickey Beignets
Matterhorn Macaroon
Raspberry Macaron
LUNCH
Food: our favorites listed in order of priority
*Blue Bayou-Table service, advance reservations are a must, my favorite of all the Disney restaurants, & is a must do for first timers. Incredible ambiance and theming. Located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in New Orleans Square. Fantastic food. If you have trouble getting reservations, try smaller party sizes and check the website frequently for cancellations. Ask about Fantasmic packages for reserved seating at the show.
*Plaza Inn– Quick service cafeteria style seating in a beautiful setting with comfort foods like amazing fried chicken and pot roast.
*Carnation Cafe– Table service, & fun menu with homestyle foods. Try the fried pickles! Love the setting on Main Street. Request an outdoor table.
*Cafe Orleans– Table service, and reservations recommended but are easy to get last minute. Get the Mickey Beignets for dessert here with a special berry sauce.
*Little Red Wagon Corn Dogs– Best.corn dogs.ever. Also makes a great snack. To save money, just ask for the corn dog only. The apple slices or chips are not necessary, as the menu makes them appear.
Blue Bayou is my #1 pick for table service
Plaza Inn is my #1 pick for quick service food
Spectacular Fried Chicken at Plaza Inn
Carnation Cafe is my back up pick for table service if Blue Bayou is unavailable
I will often stop here for a quick bite afternoon or evening. Amazing corn dogs! 
RIDES
Both of these rides are high priority in your day plan
- Pirates of the Caribbean: New Orleans Square
- Haunted Mansion: New Orleans Square (can book a fast pass if line is long)
Early to Mid Afternoon:
- Indiana Jones: Adventure Land-use a fast pass for this ride
- Jungle Cruise: Adventure Land
- Tarzan’s Tree House: Adventure Land (no line so can do anytime when it’s daylight)
SNACK and SHOW:
Stop over at the Tiki Juice Bar for a must do Pineapple Dole Whip float! Then get in line for the Enchanted Tiki Room show! It’s a great way to rest your tired feet.
PARADE
You don’t want to miss the parade! Check the schedule but it is usually around 3pm. I recommend asking a cast member for the best spot to stand. I often get great tips that way. I like to be right where the parade starts so that when it’s over in my area, we can head to a ride while crowds are light. We like to stake out a spot near the train station, and hop right on the Disney Railroad once the parade is done.
- Disney Railroad: New Orleans Square, Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Toon Town You can hop on the train at any of these locations, but I like to ride it after the parade. Make sure to ride the train a full loop before getting off at your next destination. There is a fun dinosaur tunnel that is a must see! You can stay on as long as you want. I will ride it a second loop and get off at Toon Town next.
*I wouldn’t waste much time in this area of Disneyland unless you have little ones who really want to explore it. Getting in just a couple of these attractions (#1 or #3) is sufficient if you only have one day at Disneyland. It needs to be seen in the daylight though, so try and get it done with quickly.
- Minnie Mouse’s House: Toon Town
- Mickey Mouse’s House: Toon Town
- Gidget’s Coaster: Toon Town
- Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin: Toon Town (can easily get a fast pass at night for this so don’t wait in line and save it for last on your fast pass bookings)
- Goofy’s Playhouse: Toon Town
- Donald’s Boat: Toon Town
- Chip-n-Dale TreeHouse: Toon Town
Late Afternoon to Early Evening:
*If I had to pick a favorite ride at Disneyland, it would be Thunder Mountain! I could ride this over and over. (which we usually do) The stand by lines are usually not too long, and fast passes don’t normally sell out like some others, so that is why I don’t recommend booking it until #5 on your fast pass list. I only recommend doing #3, and 4 if you have extra time.
- Thunder Mountain: Frontier Land-Fast Pass offered. *I am often able to ride Thunder Mountain without a fast pass if the wait time is under 25 min, so you may want to check the wait time before booking it.
- Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island: Frontier Land
- Mark Twain’s Riverboat: Frontier Land
- Sailing Ship Columbia: Frontier Land
DINNER
same list as lunch to choose from
*Blue Bayou-Table service, advance reservations are a must, my favorite of all the Disney restaurants, & is a must do for first timers. Incredible ambiance and theming. Located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in New Orleans Square. Fantastic food. If you have trouble getting reservations, try smaller party sizes and check the website frequently for cancellations. Ask about Fantasmic packages for reserved seating at the show.
*Plaza Inn– Quick service cafeteria style seating in a beautiful setting with comfort foods like amazing fried chicken and pot roast.
*Carnation Cafe– Table service, & fun menu with homestyle foods. Try the fried pickles! Love the setting on Main Street. Request an outdoor table.
*Cafe Orleans– Table service, and reservations recommended but are easy to get last minute. Get the Mickey Beignets for dessert here with a special berry sauce.
*Little Red Wagon Corn Dogs– Best.corn dogs.ever. Also makes a great snack. To save money, just ask for the corn dog only. The apple slices or chips are not necessary, as the menu makes them appear.
Character Meet and Greet’s:
These will depend on the age and desires of your children. Wait times can get long so it’s best to sprinkle these in the morning if you can. Usually when I first enter the park at opening, there will be several main characters right there on Main Street with no lines. If you only have one day at Disneyland and missed out on characters, you can always book a meal at Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel (no park ticket needed) and meet the best of the classic characters! My most recent experience there for dinner was fantastic!
- Pixie Hollow: Fantasy Land
- Fantasy Faire: Fantasy Land
- Minnie’s House: Mickey’s Toon Town
- Mickey’s House: Mickey’s Toon Town
- Various characters walking around Fantasy Land and to the right of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at the wishing well
- My personal favorite: make an advance breakfast reservation at Plaza Inn for Minnie and friends: Main Street U.S.A.
- Check your guide for any scheduled character times by downloading the official Disneyland Mobile . There are many character opportunities throughout Disneyland park.
SHOWS:
These are also listed by priority of importance, and #1,2, 3 below are must do’s. You can work the other shows into your touring plan based on when you want a break from walking around. They will be listed inside your brochure at the main gate.
Magical Tip:
*If a ride is broken down temporarily, it is advantageous to book a fast pass for it anyway. If the ride does not open back up during your reservation time, the pass turns into a “magical pass” to be used on any ride of your choice!
If you have any questions please comment below. 🙂
I also recommend calling the Disneyland Resort for any questions you have about your trip, booking ticket packages, dining, or resort reservations:
(714) 781-4636