Last updated on December 10th, 2025 at 11:38 am
Don’t rely on outdated Disneyland advice. These 24 most important Disneyland tips will help you in the theme parks in 2026.
This article was originally published in 2021 and receives regular updates throughout the year.
Plan In Advance
I visit Disneyland monthly and stay for several days each time. This means I keep my tips accurate and up-to-date.
If you’ve read up on Disneyland vacations from various sources, chances are you’ve ran into some things that are no longer relevant in 2026. Let’s put the old advice to rest and get you the stuff that matters.
Disneyland Resort is open every day of the year with all of your favorites! But new ways of doing things are shaking up the laid back days of the past, including theme park capacity restrictions and many paid upgrades.
Disneyland has often been called a locals park. But locals continue to move toward other area theme parks with every new price increase and calendar restriction. This type of operations means everyone, including Magic Keyholders, now need to plan almost everything in advance.
1. Buy Disneyland Tickets in Advance
Don’t show up to Disneyland on a random Saturday with your family in tow. You need to buy your tickets in advance. The best way to get your Disneyland tickets is at a discount with my partners here. You can always call them as well, just be sure to mention “The Happiest Blog on Earth” at 855 GET AWAY.
2. Secure your Disneyland Reservation in Advance
You can’t go whenever you please or just drop in for a bit after work like old times. Disneyland is STILL requiring reservation, unlike Walt Disney World. Don’t get confused.
We’re still using reservations and operating at full capacity. This is how to make a reservation AFTER you’ve purchased your tickets..
3. Save on Hotels by Booking in Advance
Conventions, school breaks and more mean that booking early will help you save the most.
See some of my favorite hotel reviews here and save now. Need more custom hotel advice? Email me and I am happy to help
4. Book Dining in Advance
I always recommend a sit down dining reservation for each day you’re in the parks. I also think Disneyland character dining is totally worth it.
Sit down dining can help you regroup, reset and enjoy the atmosphere. Use my referral link to get free dining alerts from MouseDining, no need to stalk the Disneyland App for openings.
5. See Which Rides and Shows are Closed in Advance
It’s disappointing to see some of your favorite attractions are closed during your visit, but I think knowing beforehand can help squash most disappointments. Check out my list of what’s closed here.
Before You Go to Disneyland
These are some must dos in semi-advance of your Disneyland visit.
There’s no time crunch like the tips above, but definitely do these before you arrive at the gate for a smoother trip. 
6. Download the Disneyland App
Grab the official Disneyland App, there’s so much it can do for you! And you’ll need it for things like mobile ordering, Lightning Lane and joining Virtual Queues, which we’ll discuss next.
7. Add your Payment Method to the Disneyland App
After you add your Credit Card, get accustomed to using the app for placing mobile orders. It’s much like any other mobile order food app . You can test it out now—just don’t go so far as paying for your meal.
8. Buy Disney gift cards at a Discount
I love using gift cards, you can use them for so many things and even save 5% with the Target trick. Just buy your Disney gift cards with your Target red card for an extra 5% off.
9. Learn the Lightning Lane System
FASTPASSES are in the past, Virtual Queues come and go.
You might be feeling like you have to learn Disneyland all over again. You kinda do. Here’s everything you need to know about Lightning Lane at Disneyland.
10. Load your Tickets into the App
Only guest with tickets and confirmed reservations will be admitted to the park. Be sure you have required documentation to gain entry.
I link my tickets in the app but have a screenshot (favorited) pic as back up. Sometimes the app kicks you out at the worst moments!
11. Set up MagicBand+
This optional gadget makes some things simpler. I explain it all in this article and tell you where to grab yours before your trip.
The Day Of Disneyland
Maximize your time at Disneyland Resort with these essential tips.
12. Print Itineraries and Other Guides
I create a variety of itineraries called Park Plans. They’re ready made Disneyland itineraries offering step by step instructions for rides, dining and more.
It’s all a free bonus for readers of The Happiest Blog on Earth who book their vacation with Get Away Today. Learn how to claim your Park Plan Bonus here.
13. Pack a Portable Charger
Your phone will be in use a ton at Disneyland and a portable charger will be your friend. I like using FuelRods so I can swap them out at Disneyland for free.
You can even buy FuelRods in advance for cheaper than you can get them in the parks. This one charges faster, but is more expensive. This one has worked for me for years, but takes longer to charge to full and is a lot cheaper.
14. Know Your Parking Options
Quick theme park parking is a must! Be sure to check this parking article for quick access to Disneyland, plus parking discounts.
15. Prep for Security Screenings
Everyone goes through a security check before entry. This means a full search of your bags and strollers. Be ready with everything unzipped and leave any banned items at home.
I like to use these clear pouches to keep things organized and easy for security screenings.
On Your Disneyland Trip
A lot has changed in the last year or two. Here are a few tips to help you during your Disneyland day.
16. Don’t Rely on What Used to Work
Lines, queues and wait times. It’s all about the new Lightning Lane system and you’ll need a solid plan for what you want to ride and when.
If nothing else, go land by land and take your time working your way through Disneyland and California Adventure while making use of Lightning Lanes.
17. Utilize Disney PhotoPass
PhotoPass photographers are all over Disneyland Resort. It’s one of my favorite ways to get awesome family photos. PhotoPass includes access to their special “Magic Shots” throughout the resort.
Plus, PhotoPass pictures are included with Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can download them for free.
18. Keep Your Eyes Open for Characters to Meet
There will be lots of opportunities to take pictures with Disneyland characters as long as you know where to find them.
Use the app for character locations and see where I like to meet up with them here.
19. Mobile Order for Optimal Eat Times
Yup, grabbing a churro on the go to your next ride IS happening. Dive in to your favorite Disneyland snacks here.
Place you meal orders via mobile order earlier in the day to secure a desirable time for your family to eat. Here’s the HOW & WHEN of this food hack.
Elevate Your Disneyland Day
In the past, it took time or money to get the best seat in the house.
I am all about that upgrade when it comes to things that really matter like the World of Color Dessert Party (took so much convincing from you guys on this one!) and front row viewing for things like Fantasmic and my favorite Disneyland parades.
20. Lighting of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park
Each night Sleeping Beauty Castle comes even more alive when the lights come on. Be there right when they come on (ask a Cast Member or check the app for current time) or stop for more pictures in front after the lights are on.
21. Lighting of Cars Land at sunset in California Adventure Park
Every day at sunset, the lights come on and the familiar tune of “life could be a dream” (Sh-boom by The Crew Cuts) plays over Car Land.
Arrive in the land a few minutes before sunset for this magical event. If you miss it right at sunset, it’s still plenty worth stopping by.
22. Night Lights and Sights throughout Disneyland Resort
My favorite spots at night time? Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, the colors and lights are stunning. The rock work in Batuu near the Millennium Falcon, especially when fireworks run!
And over at California Adventure, another spot I love at night—Pixar Pal-A-Round, gorgeous photo spot!
23. New Character Sightings
We talked a bit about characters in the section above, but this is a great opportunity to see even some rare characters at Disneyland Resort.
And even better news, you won’t have to invest much time to see them. Be sure to check the Disneyland App for new experiences popping up like in Avengers Campus.
24. Special surprises, Given and Received
Have you heard the term Magical Moments or Cast Compliment? Magical Moments are special, pixie-dusted happenings that seem to appear out of nowhere at Disneyland Resort. They can come from a Cast Member, a Disney character, another guest or even YOU!
Many people love to buy a ballon and give it as a gift to someone else or pay for someone’s popcorn behind them in line. Make magic happen and enjoy your Disneyland vacation a bit more.
For Cast Compliments, it’s easy! You can now submit a Cast Compliment on the Disneyland app. Use the search function to find the form and fill out as much information as you can.
These comments really matter in their career advancement. I try to do at least one for each visit.
Have something to add? Email me jessica@thehappiestblogonearth.com
2026 is your year of celebrations and new beginnings at Disneyland—let’s keep in touch so I can keep adding and refining my list of the most important Disneyland tips for 2026, especially as we conclude the celebration of Disneyland’s 70th Birthday!
