Disneyland for first time as college student... what to do?!

[Rockport98]

Howdy!

I’m going to Disneyland on March 14 for the first time. I’m visiting from Texas A&M and I’m taking my girlfriend who goes to UCLA.
We plan on going all day and I have no idea what to do.
Should I buy a multi-park or single park pass?
What attractions are college student friendly/oriented?

Would really appreciate all input!! I’m excited to visit the land of dreams!

 

[FCDub]

Check out the Disneyland forums here: https://www.disboards.com/forums/disneyland-california.26/

You're going to have a great time!

 

[Rockport98]

Howdy!

I’m going to Disneyland on March 14 for the first time. I’m visiting from Texas A&M and I’m taking my girlfriend who goes to UCLA.
We plan on going all day and I have no idea what to do.
Should I buy a multi-park or single park pass?
What attractions are college student friendly/oriented?

Would really appreciate all input!! I’m excited to visit the land of dreams!

 

[VandVsmama]

All of the attractions at Disneyland are college student friendly! You're going to have a wonderful time! Purchase whichever ticket works best for your budget. If you're only going to be there for a single day (and not a multi-day visit), then I recommend to just to a 1-park ticket and stick to Disneyland.

Download the Disneyland app to your smart phone. It has ride wait times.

Read some of the sticky threads on these boards.

Read up about how to use Fast Pass. There's a sticky thread about that or you can also read this on Disneyland Daily's website --> https://disneylanddaily.com/a-fastpass-guide-for-disneyland-and-california-adventure/. It explains it in an easy-to-understand way complete with pictures and everything.

Also, don't feel like you have to do table service dining. Just stick with CS (counter service) restaurants. It's easier on your budget anyway, which is always helpful when you're in college!

 

[VandVsmama]

Save yourself some time when you get to the park entrance and buy your tickets online ahead of time. then you won't have to stand in line at the ticket booth. Sometimes, the ticket booth can take quite awhile and if you're only there for just the one day, you want all the "in the park" time you can get!

 

[LilyJC]

I would definitely splurge on the park hopper so you can enjoy the classic, but also experience DCA which is so much fun. The Food & Wine Festival will also be going on at DCA as an added bonus if you have any interest in that. Either way I’m sure you’ll have a blast!

 

[smartlabelprint]

I’d get a parkhopper and maxpass if you can afford it. If not, I’d go to Disneyland with maxpass.

 

[chickapin parterre]

First time for the both of you.....then only buy a ticket for Disneyland. You have no idea what DCA is all about, so will not miss it all.
Wednesday....best day of the week.
I would start with the west side of Disneyland, using your maxpass to work your way back to the east side.
Do not ride splash mountain as ....oh wait, it is not open....then jump on to indy...oh wait, usually not open first 30 mins in the morning....grab a fastpass for BTMRR, ride the jungle cruise, see if Indy or POTC are open, us fastpass, obtain next one for HM, grab a snack and take in the river view while waiting for fastpass windows to open for all west side attractions.

cross the hub and snap some photos and use maxpass for Tomorrowland and after the two bumpy rides, plan a lunch outing in the area and then ease on over To Toontown.

Then a romantic dark evening on Small world and Fantasyland.....talking about how many children you want and watching all those children melt downs in Fantasyland, as it has been a long day, maybe too long a day for a ride on the matterhorn. Give dumbo a kiss and say "next time" and then walk back over to the ROA and enjoy all the lights and one more POTC ride, a late night snack dinner, then off to Main street for desert and a ride on the train and just realize how much you didn't accomplish.....and an understanding why folks keep coming back to the land of dreams. ( by the way, your nocturnal dreams of Disneyland, will have nothing to do with Disneyland, but the dream will insist that you are at Disneyland)

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Don't ignore the paper maps at the turnstiles! They are free and full of helpful information. Grab a map for whichever park you're in and take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the basic layout of that park. (You can also look at the park map on the app, but some people have an easier time looking on paper.) Also look over the information printed on the maps -- it's helpful! Grab an entertainment schedule, too -- you'll want to know what times things happen so you can plan if you decide to see a show. If you want to see Fantasmic!, grab a free FP at the machines (near BTMRR and the MT in the Frontierland area -- just ask a CM if you get lost) first thing in the morning. The FPs will be gone by noon. You can look at videos on YouTube to decide whether you'd prefer F! or WOC in DCA (assuming you decide on parkhopper tickets). WOC free FPs are available near the Little Mermaid ride. Those FPs last longer. Just ask a CM if you need directions. (If you do choose WOC, read the first post of the WOC Superthread in ths forum -- super helpful!!) Make sure your phones are fully charged and bring a backup power source. There are power rod vending machines throughout the parks, but $30 isn't exactly college student budget friendly -- that money could cover a meal or two, depending on what you're having. Bring a refillable water bottle and refill at First Aid stations (one in each park -- just ask any CM for directions) or there are filtered water spigots in various locations (do a search on this forum). Or most CS locations will give you free cups of ice water (!), which can save you quite a bit of money in a day. You will have to go through bag check/security before entering the parks (there are several bag check locations). Don't bring a selfie stick (banned), chewing gum (banned), any glass containers (will be confiscated), or any weapons or anything that looks like a weapon (obviously banned). There are lockers in both parks and just outside the entrances for storing jackets, extra shoes, change of clothes, etc. You can look at the hours and entertainment schedule for the 14th on the DLR website to get an idea of what will be available (some rides are down for refurb or construction -- know ahead what will be closed). And ask away if you have more questions! Oh, and don't forget to get your free "First Visit" buttons (City Hall, most stores at the registers, some CMs, etc. -- just ask)! If you decide to get MaxPass ($10 per day), it comes with free PhotoPass -- take TONS of photos to remember this first visit!