Those little tidbits, the things that make a good Disneyland trip into a great one. Read on for the cheat codes your mom didn’t tell you.
Don’t Just Rope Drop—Hack It
Your mom told you to get there early. What she didn’t tell you? How to zig while others zag.
“The key is not just arriving early, but knowing where to go first.”
Disneyland Cheat Code: Skip the rope drop rush on attractions that tend to open late like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or Space Mountain.
Every operating ride should open when the park opens, but things happen and that doesn’t always work. Here’s my reasoning behind skipping these rides for Rope Drop:
- If Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance doesn’t open on time, you’ve wasted at least 10-15 minutes heading to the most remote part of Disneyland Park. Back here, there are few substitutions. IF you want to rope drop “Rise”, your backup plan should be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, then work from there hitting rides like Haunted Mansion. Keep an eye on Rise and hustle (walk) to it if it opens before you leave that area.
- If Space Mountain doesn’t open on time, you’ve wasted at least 5-10 minutes heading to a “dead end” part of Disneyland Park. But, IF you want to rope drop Space Mountain and it’s not open, your backup plan should be Star Tours. Then work from there hitting rides like Buzz Lightyear or Matterhorn. Keep an eye on Space Mountain and hustle (walk) to it if it opens before you leave Tomorrowland.
For families with little ones, there are a ton of Rope Drop cheat codes—my favorite way to start a kid-friendly day is in Fantasyland, with Dumbo the. Flying Elephant.
Check out my Rope Drop guide for tons of in-depth details, plus a full Q&A section.
The Disneyland App Is Your Best Friend
Sure, everyone says “use the app,” but they don’t tell you how to exploit it.
“Use the app to mobile order food, find characters, and track wait times like a pro.”
I’m a hangry kinda chick, and nobody wants to wait until they’re hungry on the brink of a Disneyland meltdown to get in yet another line for food.
Disneyland Cheat Code: About an hour before your normal meal time (or more), browse dining options on the Disneyland app:
- Tap the PLUS icon at the bottom, center of the screen
- Tap ORDER FOOD and search the list for quick service dining options
- Verify the pick up time is a time frame you want, or modify the time to your choosing
- Add food items to your cart and pass the phone around to the family if they’re old enough to create their own order
Then enjoy more of your day knowing food is just us “I’m here, prepare my order” tap away.
Disneyland Cheat Code: My next favorite way to use the Disneyland app is to filter to the full extent.
- Tap the MAP icon at the bottom, left of the screen
- Tap LOCATIONS toward the top left and apply the filter for the park you’re in
- Add other filters as desired, like height restrictions
- Tap SHOW LIST at the bottom right
Now you’ll see a list with rides you’re most likely to enjoy and be near. The list is presented in alphabetical order so you can quickly scroll for wait times.
OR hide the list version and view the map with wait times listed for the same parameters of attractions.
Lightning Lane Is Legit—If You Use It Right
Mom said it’s expensive. But here’s the cheat. Actually a couple of Disneyland cheat codes for using Lightning Lane.
“Book your next Lightning Lane the second you scan into your first.”
Disneyland Cheat Code: Buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass with your tickets, but only if you know you’ll use it daily.
The reason behind this strategy—by purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass with your tickets, you lock in the current price. When you buy it the day-of, there’s a huge chance the price could be higher. And we know Mom doesn’t like the Disney money grabs, neither do we.
Disneyland Cheat Code: Lightning Lane Multi Pass has time limits and timing windows on how quickly you can get your next one. The app will tell you when you’re eligible, but sometimes that wait time can be reduced if you book your next Lightning Lane as soon as you scan into the next ride.
Disneyland Cheat Code: If you have a Lightning Lane for a ride that goes down during your return time frame, it will change into a multi-experience. Book the same ride again if you see this happen. This gives you the potential to ride that attraction 2x with Lightning Lane access.
Disneyland Cheat Code: Try Single Rider Line for Radiator Springs Racers before splurging on Lightning Lane Single Pass. If everyone in your group is 7 or older and doesn’t mind riding solo, this is a great way to save some time and money. 
More about Single Rider cheat codes below.
Single Rider = VIP Shortcut
Mom said stay together. I say, split up to save time.
“Single Rider is Disneyland’s legal line-cutting system.”
Disneyland Cheat Code: Certain rides are golden for skipping the stand-by wait or riding it again if you’ve used your Lightning Lane. My favorite is Goofy’s Sky School in Disney California Adventure Park. At Disneyland Park, use it on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and others listed here.
Disneyland at Night Is a Whole Different Park
She said to leave before dark. Rookie move. But Mom’s also love when kids nap and that is a hack you can’t miss.
Disneyland Cheat Code: If anyone in your group needs a break, allow it. Prime break time for naps and reset is right after lunch. Rest from the heat and the morning Rope Drop routine. Be ready to stay up late a play hard!
“At night, Sleeping Beauty Castle lights up in magical ways most guests miss.”
Disneyland Cheat Code: The last hour before close is prime time for one more ride. If the park is open, the line is too. And chances are the wait times displayed on the app or sign are inflated.
Disneyland Cheat Code: Some rides are better and/or a whole new experience at night. Here are my favorites to ride after the sun sets:
- Astro Orbitor (the only time to ride imo)
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Haunted Mansion (there’s something about exiting the ride when it’s also dark outside)
- Incredicoaster at California Adventure
- Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout at California Adventure
- Radiator Springs Racers at California Adventure
Plan Like a Hacker, Play Like a Kid
That’s the Final Boss tip, plan like a hacker, play like a kid.
Your mom gave you sunscreen and snacks. Now it’s time to level up with these cheat codes. Are there more Cheat Codes, most definitely. Just remember to always follow park rules, safety guidelines and be respectful of all other guests and Cast Members.
Mom always said, breaking the rules will get you in time out. Follow these tips, and you’ll be riding more, waiting less, and eating better than ever.
Want a Park Plan (step by step itinerary) for your Disneyland vacation? Get yours when you book your vacation with Get Away Today. Find out more here.
