#1 tip for newbies

[BriannaRuth]

I can't do just one! But --

1. Get there early, before rope drop.
2. Have a plan, including where you might want to eat at least one meal, but be flexible.
3. Take an afternoon break back at the hotel.

 

[tarheelalum]

Get there really early and have a plan as to what rides you really want to do first. In the first hour you can get a lot done. By 11am it's getting crowded and by 12 there people everywhere. At that point, go with the flow and get fast passes. Don't spend your time waiting in a long ride queue. Sit down and get something to eat. See a show. Get some ice cream and sit on the top floor of the Mark Twain river boat and relax. Get park hoppers if you can to maximize your fast passes between parks. And have a great time.

 

[holtrp]

Rope Drop / early morning is a must. Frankly, I would rather spend one 3 hour period right after opening over two 8 hour periods after lunch in Disneyland.

 

[bevcgg]

When you get there at rope drop- DO NOT stop and eat breakfast during those first few hours!
Plan to get a lot of rides in and enjoy those hours-stop and eat after 11 or so as you see the crowds build.

 

[casagray]

I would say be nice - talk to people, thank CMs, take time to appreciate the details of Disneyland, applaud bands, offer to take pictures. Spreading Disney magic generates it's own magic.

(and get there as early as you can).

 

[SplashMo]

#1 tip - Arrive 45 minutes early each day
#2 tip - Learn to use FP.
#3 tip - Have reservations for a late lunch the first day.

 

[Angie 2016]

Before you go, know which rides you will do with single rider, fast pass, rope drop, wait, or be willing to skip.

 

[McNs]

The parks are wonderful in the mornings.

I'm going to go against some of the grain and suggest not overplanning. I remember our first trip the wonder of discovering things and being amazed by what we were experiencing. We had not many preconceived ideas or expectations and as a result so many things were completely new. It wasn't until we got home we realised how much we didn't do, but I wouldn't have wanted our first visit to be any other way.

Subsequent visits have been taken with a different approach!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

As others have said, do your research. Have a plan A and a backup plan, too. Then relax and let the magic happen. You might stick with your plan or you might decide to ditch the plans and go with the flow. Either way, be in each moment and enjoy your time at DLR. You can only have a first visit once, so focus on making great memories, not on getting everything single thing done.