The Best 5 Ways to Go to Disneyland Over the Holidays

It can be magical to visit Disneyland around the holidays, but there will be more people, queues, and preparation required. You may make the most of your time and take in the joyous ambiance without feeling overpowered if you have a few strategies in place. Our top five insider tips for maximizing your vacation at Disneyland are as follows:

Make reservations, plan ahead, and utilize the Disneyland app

Disneyland’s holiday season is typically one of the busiest times of the year, so make sure to book park tickets, dining reservations, and special experiences well in advance. Table-service restaurant and character dining experience reservations fill up quickly, so make plans early to avoid disappointment. Since most quick-service restaurants use mobile ordering, try to order your meals on your phone to avoid standing in line just to order food.

Insider Tip: The Disneyland app will be your best tool while you’re there! You can use it to make dining reservations, join dining wait lists, order food on your phone, check showtimes, check attraction wait times, and much more!

Get there early or stay late

If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, make the most of Disneyland’s early hours. During these “Extra Magic Hours,” hotel visitors can enjoy a few of the park’s attractions before the general public does. Arriving just before the park opens will help you avoid some of the crowds if you’re not staying at a hotel.

Alternatively, you may have a more peaceful and relaxing time if you remain later because crowds tend to disperse in the evenings, particularly after the parades and performances. Long lines or congested walkways can easily irritate you, but keep in mind that you are in the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Breathe, take in the sights, and don’t worry about missing any of the attractions. Watching parades, enjoying a seasonal delicacy, or simply taking in the beauty of the season may sometimes yield the most memorable memories

Make use of Lightning Lane

You can save time on well-known rides like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure by using Disney’s Genie+ service, which lets you bypass standard standby queues for a few attractions. Making the most of your day, particularly at peak hours, can be achieved by purchasing Lightning Lane permits for popular rides.

Insider Tip: Some of the more well-known attractions (like Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, etc.) might have shorter wait times during one of the parade showtimes (or fireworks!) if you don’t intend to use Lightning Lanes.

Benefit from the Holiday Decorations and Activities

With holiday-themed parades, festive decorations, and seasonal foods, Disneyland goes all out for the holidays. Make sure to schedule time to take in the atmosphere, such as going to “it’s a small world” seasonal, seeing the enormous Christmas tree on Main Street, and seeing unique performances with a seasonal theme. Beyond just the rides, these components can give your visit a special, enchanted touch.

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.

Be Comfortable and Pack Wisely

The holiday season brings lower morning and evening temperatures along with warmer daytime temperatures. To stay hydrated and energized, keep snacks or water bottles handy. Don’t forget to pack a jacket or dress in layers.

You may make the most of your vacation to Disneyland by using these pointers to navigate the crowds and long waits while making lifelong memories. Insiders, happy holidays!