The Unofficial ‘Don’t Do This’ List for Disneyland Newbies

Have you ever meticulously planned every minute, convinced that you could conquer both parks in a single day. By noon, your feet are aching, kids are melting down in the heat, and you are frantically refreshing the Disneyland app while standing in a 70-minute line for Peter Pan’s Flight? If you answered yes to any of those, or if you are planning your very first trip, you’re in the right place. I’ve gathered the best advice to help you skip the common pitfalls and make the most of your magical day. Here’s your unofficial “don’t do this” guide for Disneyland newbies!

1. Don’t Wing It: Plan Ahead (But Not Too Much)

One of the biggest mistakes first-timers make is either over-planning or under-planning. Let’s keep it simple while striking the right balance.

• Don’t buy tickets last-minute. Tickets for popular dates can sell out quickly, especially during special events. Always purchase early and verify that your tickets are linked to your Disney account. Some visitors have missed out by waiting too long or assuming old complimentary tickets were still valid.
• Don’t forget park reservations. A ticket alone isn’t enough—you’ll need a reservation for the park you plan to visit. Double-check this before you go!
• Don’t over-schedule your day. While it’s smart to have a rough plan, packing your itinerary too tightly leads to stress and disappointment. Leave room for spontaneity! Some of the best Disney memories happen when you go with the flow.
• Don’t skip the Disneyland app. Download it ahead of time, link your tickets, and familiarize yourself with its features. You’ll use it for everything from checking wait times to mobile ordering food.

2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Lightning Lane

Lightning Lane can be a game-changer if you use it wisely.

• Don’t wait too long to purchase Lightning Lane passes. Popular rides sell out early in the day, so book your selections as soon as you scan into the park. Procrastinating can mean missing out on top attractions!
• Don’t waste Lightning Lane on rides with short standby waits. Save it for high-demand attractions. For example, Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride typically has efficient standby lines, making Lightning Lane unnecessary.
• Don’t assume you need Lightning Lane for every ride. If you’re traveling with young children or sticking to kiddie rides, it might not be worth the extra cost. Use the app to monitor wait times and decide what’s best for your family.
• Know which rides offer Lightning Lane to avoid disappointments. Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland is no longer a lighting lane attraction, even though it was for the first half of the year. Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers (at DCA) have their own Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) passes. Peter Pan does NOT have a lighting lane. Knowing these details can help you plan your day better.

3. Don’t Misjudge the Crowds and Timing

Timing is everything at Disneyland, and missteps here can lead to long lines and frustration.

• Don’t assume there’s a “slow season” anymore. Crowds are often heavy year-round, so prepare accordingly. Special events like Star Wars Nite or Oogie Boogie Bash can make parks even busier.
• I sound like a broken record- Don’t skip rope drop! Arriving early lets you experience popular rides with shorter waits. However, avoid rope-dropping Rise of the Resistance. You are going to spend the entirely of the “golden hour” of rope drop waiting for just this one attraction, and in addition, it often has delays and long lines first thing in the morning.
• Don’t visit during peak times. Saturdays, holidays, and Grad Nights are especially crowded. If you can, plan your visit for weekdays and avoid event-heavy dates.
• Don’t forget to take breaks. Pushing through fatigue can ruin the fun. Plan midday breaks in air-conditioned shows or restaurants to recharge.

4. Don’t Forget Practical Prep

Small oversights can have a big impact on your day. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes. You’ll likely walk over 20,000 steps, so supportive sneakers are a must. Your feet will thank you!
• Don’t ignore the weather. Disneyland can get hot, and Disney California Adventure feels even warmer. Bring sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles. For cooler evenings, pack a light sweater.
• Don’t overpack, but don’t underpack either. A small bag with essentials like snacks, hand sanitizer, and a portable charger is ideal. Avoid large bags that slow you down at security and on rides.
• Don’t forget to check for ride closures (and check before hyping up kids about specific rides). Attractions may be closed for refurbishment. Verify operational statuses before your trip to avoid disappointment.

5. Don’t Overlook These Park Strategy Tips

A little strategy goes a long way in maximizing your fun.

• Don’t zigzag across the park. Focus on one land at a time to minimize walking and exhaustion. This is especially helpful if you’re with young children. However, if you want to maximize the number of rides each day, there is another strategy of “chasing the low wait times” that you should read about!
• Don’t skip mobile ordering. Long food lines can eat into your precious park time. Use the Disneyland app to order meals in advance and pick them up without waiting.
• Don’t underestimate single rider lines. For attractions like Radiator Springs Racers, single rider lines can save you significant time. Just know that they may not be efficient for every ride. Also, do check for updated status on which rides offer single rider lines, it tends to change every once in a while.
• Don’t forget to use lockers for valuables. On rides where loose items aren’t allowed, lockers are a safe bet. The park isn’t responsible for lost belongings. More recently it has become a more frequent issue. Goes without saying, don’t leave valuables in your stroller. Speaking of, you are probably better off leaving your designer stroller back home too (unfortunate but true).

6. Don’t Make These Common Family Mistakes

If you’re visiting with kids, a little extra prep can make all the difference.

• Don’t promise rides to kids who barely meet height requirements. Height checks can vary between attractions, and disappointment is hard to avoid if they don’t make the cut.
• Don’t skip the stroller. Even if your kids are older, a stroller can provide a much-needed break and storage for your belongings.
• Don’t forget to prepare kids for ride breakdowns. Attractions like Indiana Jones Adventure can experience unexpected stops. Letting kids know this possibility in advance can prevent fear or confusion.
• Don’t overlook rider switch passes. If you have little ones who can’t ride, ask for a rider switch pass at the queue entrance, not after waiting in line.

7. Don’t Forget the Little Things

Finally, here are a few extra tips to ensure a smooth and magical visit:

• Don’t ignore hand hygiene. With so many people and surfaces, germs are everywhere. Regular hand washing or sanitizing can help keep everyone healthy.
• Don’t assume parking is straightforward. Trams can shut down unexpectedly, so be prepared to walk to the parking lot. Also, parking spot availability lights aren’t always accurate.
• Don’t skip character meet-ups if they’re important to you. During special events, lines for characters can get long, so prioritize them early in the day.
• Don’t forget to ask for help. Cast members are there to assist you, whether it’s directions, ride information, or compensation for a ride breakdown (yes, you can ask for a pass if this happens!).

Ready for Your Best Disney Day Yet?

Disneyland is a place of joy, wonder, and lifelong memories, and with a little preparation, you can avoid the common pitfalls that trip up first-timers. Remember, the goal isn’t to do everything perfectly; it’s to enjoy the magic with your loved ones.

What’s your favorite tip for making the most of a Disneyland visit? Share below. I’d love to hear from you!