#1 tip for newbies

[MarissaMarissa]

Hi everybody!
My family is going to Disneyland for the first time next week, and we are SO excited! I feel like everybody on these boards gives such awesome advice, so I was just wondering, if you could only give 1 tip to someone who had never been to DL what it would be?

 

[GatorChris]

My tip (that I'd wish I'd take more often): Your trip cannot be perfect. Overlook the imperfections here and there and enjoy the time you have with family.

 

[millie0312]

My tip- that hasn't been mentioned before since having realistic expectations is important- is to get there and be in line at RD and enjoy that early time- lowest crowds in the park and usually nicest temps for a lot of the year. Have fun!!

 

[Angrose]

Getting there at park opening is the best advice. You can get SO MUCH done in the first two hours before the crowds swell. Also, have an idea of where you might want to eat. I've always been frustrated when everyone is suddenly hungry and can't decide where to go. Now I study menus before the trip and pick a few places to give as options. Have fun!!

 

[jammyjam25]

My number one tip is don't forgot to slow down and appreciate all the little things about Disneyland that make it so wonderful between rushing from ride to ride!

Have a great trip!

 

[Nevada Jen]

Number one tip. Get there at Rope drop (or better yet, extra magic hour). I honestly think that makes the biggest difference in an enjoyable trip. If I get two tips, I would say, make sure you have thought out the food. A box of granola bars can be your best friend in the morning but I really find the trip works best with one meal a day reserved somewhere.

 

[lindyv321]

My number one tip is to have a loose plan for where you want to eat, what rides you want to ride, parade viewing, etc. Knowing what fast passes to get ASAP and when and where to be for nighttime shows is a must for us. I also agree with being familiar with places to eat that fit your tastes and budget.

 

[MrJT]

My tip (that I'd wish I'd take more often): Your trip cannot be perfect. Overlook the imperfections here and there and enjoy the time you have with family.

That would be the best tip for every vacation.

 

[AllyBri]

My tip.....listen to the good people here.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

My number one tip is to get a book on how the park was designed by Walt himself and the imagineers. It truly makes it even more magical to walk up Main Street and look at each detail and appreciate it so much more. You notice the Windows above the stores, the way the trash cans change theme even the texture of the floor as it changes from one land to another. I could spend all day just soaking this up!

Take time to have breaks, look around you in between rides. Get a balloon, get photos oh your family outside the castle.

Have a magical day!

 

[pinkprincess30]

All great tips so far! My #1 tip is BE PREPARED. Do your research, pay ahead and plan ahead everything you possibly can and then use that plan as a LOOSE guide for your trip, making changes as it suits your family best. Have an idea of what you want to see, do and eat.
I know you said one tip, but I would add... Slow down. Our first trip I was almost frenzied trying to get everything crossed off the list and went home exhausted. There's no avoiding going home tired, but I wished I had slowed down and enjoyed just BEING in Disneyland. It's so easy to get caught up in the "go-go-go" mindset. After a couple trips I feel comfortable buzzing from ride to ride now that I know the parks a little better. But stopping to smell the roses is part of the magic! Don't miss out on that.

 

[hlbtimes2]

1) get there before the park opens. the first couple hours, when things are clean and fresh, the lines are short and its not hot out are the best hours in the park!
2) use fastpass. There is NO reason to stand in lines for an hour, if you just plan and use fastpass.
3) plan, but don't over plan. don't schedule every meal in advance. Leave some open so that you aren't worried while in line that you are going to miss your reservation or if you see something you want to eat, that you didn't plan for, you can stop and do it rather than being tied to a plan.

 

[crystal1313]

All super great tips so far! I will add one, bring snacks and take breaks! Keeps everyone happy and nourished =) Stay hydrated too. Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[lunaland]

Mine would be to leave the park for at least 3 hours mid day, every day. Get there early, leave around lunchtime. Eat lunch, go to the pool, take a nap, whatever. Then go back recharged and stay until closing.

 

[TheZue]

You aren't going to get to do everything, don't stress about it

 

[azdisneylover]

If you have children, keep them on their schedule, especially if they have a specific time to nap, eat, etc. This will make a positive difference in how your vacation will be. So, plan on taking an afternoon break. Your child/ren will feel better napping in a cool, quiet, dark room stretch out on a bed, instead of strapped in the stroller, with the bright sun out beating down on them while crowds of people going by occasionally bumping the stroller and all the sounds and noises startling them awake. Add an extra day and during the middle of your trip, don't go into the parks, but sleep in, go to DTD and watch a movie, have a long lunch or dinner, stroll through the stores and just relax. You will be ready to hit the parks early the next morning.

 

[Sagginit]

Learn how to use FP especially if you have parkhoppers. There is an App that let's you know wait times so you can decide while in line for one ride where to head next and what to avoid.

 

[darph nader]

#1 tip,,get a park guide to locate rides,foodplaces and restrooms.

 

[HydroGuy]

My #1 tip is if you are there the same week as HydroGuy you hire him to be your tour guide! And HydroGuy will be there next week too.

But I doubt HydroGal would allow that. Unless you buy us both Tigger Tails. Every day. Then maybe....

Otherwise my #1 tip...

1. Get to the gates 30 minutes before opening and focus on the slow loading rides

#2 tip is:

2. Take afternoon breaks to your hotel and swim and rest and nap. The head back to the parks when most everyone else is hot and tired and leaving and enjoy the evenings with lower crowds!

 

[smartlabelprint]

Stay hydrated. They have free water and or ice cups available at the quick service restaurants.