Hello Carolyn!
Welcome to planDisney! When time is limited, making the most of every magical minute is key, and I’m thrilled to not only answer your question but also share a couple of Q-tips to help you maximize your visit.
Great news! Your one-day, one-park ticket won’t limit which attractions you can enjoy in the park you’ve selected. For example, if Disneyland is your chosen destination, you’ll have access to all the rides, shows, and magical experiences it has to offer.
My first Q-tip is to download the
Disneyland app or visit the
Disneyland website before your visit. This lets you browse attractions, entertainment, and dining options in advance so you can prioritize your must-dos. With a game plan in place, you'll feel like a pro from the moment you step onto Main Street!
Next up, I highly recommend purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass for your Disney day. This handy service allows you to schedule return times for select attractions in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. You can add this option when you purchase your theme park tickets or pick it up later as a separate add-on. If you prefer to decide on the day of your visit, you can purchase it directly through the Disneyland app.
Currently, there are 23 attractions available with
Lightning Lane Multi Pass, including fan-favorites like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the Incredicoaster, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
My fellow panelist, Melissa, has some
fantastic advice for crafting the perfect Disney day, blending the magic of early park arrival with the power of Lightning Lane Multi Pass. One key tip she mentions (and I couldn’t agree more!) is to take advantage of those lower wait times first thing in the morning. The first couple of hours after park opening are prime time for hopping on popular attractions before the lines build.
From there, your Lightning Lane Multi Pass becomes your best friend, helping you schedule return times and keep the magic flowing with minimal waits. My family swears by this strategy. We always start our day with an exhilarating ride on Space Mountain before exploring the rest of Tomorrowland.
Now, here’s one more Lightning Lane Q-tip for you! You can potentially hold more than one Lightning Lane reservation at a time. Once you’ve booked your first reservation, you can grab another one either when your current return time is used or after two hours have passed, whichever comes first. For example, if you book a Matterhorn reservation at 9:00 a.m. for 4:00 p.m., you’ll be eligible to book another ride (like Haunted Mansion) at 11:00 a.m. without losing your Matterhorn spot. To stay on top of it all, I recommend setting a phone or watch alarm to remind you when it's time to book another reservation. It’s like sprinkling a little extra pixie dust on your planning!
I hope these tips help you have a fantastic Disney day, Carolyn. If you have any more questions or would like additional Lightning Lane tips, please visit me or any of the other panelists here at planDisney again!
Have the most wonderful time,
David