How Do I Visit DL? It’s been 9 years.

[dnamertz]

Last visit to DL was 9 years ago, and I’m planning our 1st trip since then. It will probably be a one day trip in July. When I last went, we basically just purchased tickets and then dealt with FastPasses for certain rides. Since that trip, I have not really followed all the changes that have happened, so I’m not sure where to start planning or what we need.

I’m seeing things mentioned like Magic Keys, and Genie+, and Magic Bands.

I’m not sure what any of these are and which I need or don’t need.

Can someone give me a summary of what these things are, and what I need to know to plan this visit? Talk to me like I’m a newbie…or at least like I’ve been to DL a lot but it’s been 9 years.

 

[Pluto468]

Last visit to DL was 9 years ago, and I’m planning our 1st trip since then. It will probably be a one day trip in July. When I last went, we basically just purchased tickets and then dealt with FastPasses for certain rides. Since that trip, I have not really followed all the changes that have happened, so I’m not sure where to start planning or what we need.

I’m seeing things mentioned like Magic Keys, and Genie+, and Magic Bands.

I’m not sure what any of these are and which I need or don’t need.

Can someone give me a summary of what these things are, and what I need to know to plan this visit? Talk to me like I’m a newbie…or at least like I’ve been to DL a lot but it’s been 9 years.

Some things have changed but it's basically the same. You'll need to buy park tickets and then make park reservations. You can't get in without a reservation. If you're going in July I would buy your tickets and make your reservation soon.

All of the things you mentioned are optional. Here is a very simple explanation:

Genie+ is kind of like paid fastpass. You buy Genie+ if you want to and then book rides ahead of time from your phone.
Here's a link that explains the nuts and bolts:
https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/disneyland-genie-faq/

Magic Key is similar to what used to be annual passports.

Magic bands are these bracelet type devices you wear and you can use them to scan into the park or rides instead of opening up the Disneyland app every time.

 

[holi easley]

I would also love perspective on taking a 2 yr old and 4 1/2 yr old in July. My DD will be in Long Beach, late July, is it realistic for a 1 day trip to DL?

 

[JerrodDragon89]

Best bet is to look up Genie Plus and LL and see if you might need either (most Genie Plus is just paid fast pass and LL is 20ish bucks for a FP for just one attraction)

You just make a reservation with tickets for the days you want and you are good

You don't need to worry about Magic Keys unless you want to buy one and Magic Bands are not needed at all just fun things that some guests want to have if they don't want to take out there phone to get into the park/use Genie Plus

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

The biggest changes are the need for advance reservations (days will sell out) and the fact that there are no more free fast passes. You will need to purchase Genie+ if you want to use fast passes (now called Lightning Lanes).

 

[DizMe]

Hi! I know it can seem overwhelming, but you'll soon get the hang of it.

I just wanted to add a link to the calendar that shows park availability. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/av...egments=ticket,ph,ap,resort&defaultSegment=ap

I've never purchased Genie+ because I go relatively often, rarely rope-drop and am not focused on rides as much as experiences. But if you're only going for 1 day, I would seriously consider it.

July 17 might be a fun day to go since that's Disneyland's birthday. They don't usually do much but it still feels fun to be there and I usually try to go that day.

 

[Jojo Cat Lady]

I highly recommend the "Unofficial Guide to Disneyland." A new book comes out each year with the latest information so you would want "Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2024." We get the latest book before every trip as so many things change.