Visiting Disneyland during the holiday season can be magical, but it also means navigating larger crowds, longer lines, and more planning. With some strategies in place, you can maximize your experience and enjoy the festive atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed. Here are our top five Insider tips for making the most of your Disneyland holiday visit:
Plan Ahead, Make Reservations, and Use the Disneyland App
The holiday season at Disneyland is usually one of the busiest times of the year. Make sure to book park tickets, dining reservations, and special experiences well in advance. Reservations for table-service restaurants and character dining experiences fill up quickly, so plan early to avoid disappointment. Most quick-service locations utilize mobile ordering, so be sure to mobile order your meals if possible to save time from standing in lines just to order food.
Insider Tip: The Disneyland app will be your best tool during your trip! On the app, you can make dining reservations, join dining wait lists, order food on your mobile device, check showtimes, check attraction wait times, and so much more! Check out our guide on how to use the Disneyland app here.
Arrive Early or Stay Late
Take advantage of Disneyland’s early hours if you’re staying at a Disney hotel. These “Extra Magic Hours” allow hotel guests to access select attractions before the park opens to the general public. If you’re not staying at a hotel, arriving right at park opening will help you beat some of the crowds. Alternatively, crowds tend to thin out in the evenings, especially after the parades and shows, so staying later can give you a quieter, more relaxed experience. It’s easy to get frustrated with long waits or crowded pathways, but remember, you’re at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Take a breath, enjoy the sights, and don’t stress over missing a few attractions. Sometimes the best memories come from just soaking in the seasonal magic, watching parades, or relaxing with a seasonal treat in hand.
Use Lightning Lane
Disney’s Genie+ service allows you to skip regular standby lines for select attractions, saving you time on popular rides like Space Mountain or Indiana Jones Adventure. Purchasing Lightning Lane passes for high-demand rides can help you make the most of your day, especially during peak hours.
Insider Tip: If you’re not planning to use Lightning Lanes, some of the more popular attractions (such as Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, etc.) may have lower wait times during one of the parade showtimes (or fireworks!).
Take Advantage of the Holiday Decor and Events
Disneyland goes all out for the holidays with festive decorations, themed parades, and seasonal treats. Make sure to carve out time to enjoy the ambiance, like visiting “it’s a small world” Holiday, checking out the giant Christmas tree on Main Street, and experiencing special holiday-themed shows. These elements can add a unique, magical touch to your visit beyond just the rides.
Insider Tip: If you’re watching “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” sit near “It’s a Small World” for the 2:30 p.m. show; if you’re catching the 5:30 p.m. show, sit on Main Street or near the castle. This way, you will catch the parade at the beginning of its route, which will save you extra time in your day!
Pack Smart and Stay Comfortable
Holiday season means warmer weather during the day and cooler temperatures in the early morning and at night. Have water bottles or snacks on hand to stay hydrated and energized, and be sure to bring a jacket and/or dress in layers.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your holiday trip to Disneyland, creating lasting memories while managing the crowds and long lines. Happy holidays Insiders!
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