Hi, Kelly!
Welcome to
planDisney, and thanks so much for stopping by to ask us a question about your
Disneyland Resort visit. It sounds like you and your family are getting excited for all the magic that awaits at the Happiest Place on Earth! My family actually visited without using Disney Genie+ on our most recent trip, and we were thrilled with the number of
attractions we were able to experience.
I love being able to go back and forth between the two theme parks depending on attraction wait times, dining plans, and the entertainment schedule, so I’m glad you plan to take advantage of
Park Hopper tickets to make the most of your day in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Park hopping at the Disneyland Resort is currently available anytime after 11:00 a.m.
Guests staying at a
Disneyland Resort Hotel can enter one of the theme parks early each day of their visit with valid tickets and theme park reservations. If you won’t be staying on property, I still recommend planning to be at the theme park turnstiles about 30 minutes prior to the general opening time so you’ll be one of the first Guests inside. Be sure to download the
Disneyland mobile app so you can get live updates about attraction wait times and choose accordingly. There are also forecasted wait times listed that can help you estimate a good time of day to hit each attraction.
If you can, take a look at the attractions list in advance so you can make a game plan and prioritize your must-do attractions. If a Single Rider option is offered and you’re willing to ride separately, it can be a great way for your family to experience shorter standby wait times! Lines also tend to shorten late at night. With a couple exceptions (such as
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which closes before the park does) you can step into the standby queue for attractions right up until the minute the theme park closes. You can save your shopping for nighttime too, as the shops on Main Street, U.S.A. and Buena Vista Street stay open past the park closing time.
Use the Disneyland app to
mobile order food and beverage in advance so you can save time in line and enjoy contactless ordering and payment as you explore the parks. I also recommend carrying a refillable water bottle so you can stay hydrated on the go during your whirlwind day. There are refill stations throughout the parks, and you can also request free cups of ice water at quick-service dining locations.
I hope this helps you plan, Kelly, and that your family’s vacation is pixie-dusted to perfection! Please feel free to
write back with any other questions you may have as your trip approaches.
Wishing you magic,
Courtney