We only have one day to visit DL and CA with 2 kids, 6 and 9. We have a Park Hopper pass with multi lightning lanes (DL 1st in the day). Can you give us a sample itinerary to help us maximize our time?”

Kerrie! Welcome to planDisney! You have no idea how thrilling it is for me to hear about this special visit to the Happiest Place on Earth you have coming up with your family! I'm so honored to be a part of helping you plan a day maximizing the magic!

Both theme parks at Disneyland Resort in one day is incredibly adventurous! Because you will not be able to experience all Disneyland has to offer, my first tip is to make sure you and your family have a solid idea what your 3-4 highest priorities are before arriving to the parks. Spend time together looking at the Daily Events Schedule to know what entertainment will be happening, as well as exploring the park maps in the Disneyland app to decide what excites you the most. Make your plan based on these priorities.

A Disneyland day is your day, Kerrie, but I'll share a very general outline of how a day in Disneyland could look and what my kids would pick - for inspiration! But stay flexible! And remember that entertainment schedules, as well as menu items, are all subject to change.

*Arrive to the main gates 30-45 minutes before the stated park opening time. Use these first couple of hours the park is open to ride your highest priority attractions. Space Mountain is a solid choice, followed by other Tomorrowland attractions that interest you!

*Use the Tip Board in the Disneyland app to choose a Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction and book the next available time to ride it. My family prioritizes Big Thunder Railroad and Indiana Jones in Disneyland and Guardians of the Galaxy and Soarin' in California Adventure. Make a reservation for one attraction at a time OR after two hours have passed, whichever comes first. Tip: Set yourself a reminder on your phone to make sure you reserve a Lightning Lane every two hours!

*End up in Fantasyland around 9am to have breakfast at Red Rose Taverne and experience a few of the attractions in this area. Tip: Utilize quick service and mobile ordering from the Disneyland app throughout the day versus spending time at sit-down meals.

*Late morning: Do Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and explore Toontown

*Board the Disneyland Railroad at Toontown station and ride to Main Street, U.S.A. station

*Hop over to California Adventure and continue to make Lightning Lane selections

*Lunch: Pym Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus then stick around for "The Amazing Spider-Man!" show (check "Entertainment" in the Disneyland app for times)

*Explore Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (and grab a seasonal churro at the cart while you're there)

*At exactly sunset: Be in Cars Land for Sh-Boom lights - Disney magic at its finest. Then experience Radiator Springs Racers with a Lightning Lane Single Pass. 

*Back over at Disneyland Park, board a Main Street Vehicle in Town Square. Then enjoy the Fried Chicken Platter at Plaza Inn, with views of Sleeping Beauty Castle!

*Explore Galaxy's Edge and experience Rise of the Resistance (a must-do for our family) with a Lightning Lane Single Pass

*Find a standby spot near Harbour Galley for the first performance of Fantasmic!. Then stick around after the conclusion of the show to enjoy the fireworks from the same designated spot. Two for one!

*Hit up Candy Palace on your way out and pick up some Churro Toffee Squares to-go

Oh boy! I hope this has been helpful in your planning, Kerrie! But no matter how you and your family decide to spend your big, magical Disneyland day, remember, it's the time spent together that's the real magic. I'm so very excited for you all. Enjoy.

Warmest wishes,
McCayla