Hey there, Disneyland fan! Are you planning a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, but don’t have as much time as you’d like to enjoy your favorite rides? 

Don’t worry about it; we can help you make the most of your day without feeling exhausted toward the end. 

Contrary to what most people think, it is possible to cram several rides and activities in one day, but it takes some careful planning and strategy. And to help you out, we put together this guide on how to have a fun-filled day at Disneyland when you only have one day to explore.

1. Plan Ahead

Planning a one-day trip to Disneyland can be overwhelming, but it’s easier than you think if you start planning early. We recommend planning a few months in advance, but a couple of weeks will do as well, especially if you travel during less busy times. 

Start by figuring out which rides and attractions you want to hit. You can do this by visiting Disneyland’s official website, where you’ll find info on rides as well as places where to eat lunch and dinner. Yes, you should think about other things besides rides and shows since the park is often crowded. 

Also, you may want to check a few tips on how to travel on a budget to avoid spending more on the trip to the park and back than you do at the park. Plus, you may get a discount if you buy your train or plane tickets in advance.
Lastly, if your schedule is flexible, one way to reduce expenses is to visit during less busy times. There are a few intervals during the year when the crowds are thinner and the tickets are cheaper, so it’s a win-win situation.

2. Get Comfy

An amusement park the size and magnitude of Disneyland is not a place for fancy shoes or uncomfortable clothes. You’ll have lots of walking to do, and you’ll spend your entire day moving around under the California weather. 

Therefore, your travel bag essentials must include comfy shoes and loose clothes. Most experienced park-goers recommend a good pair of supportive sneakers or sandals, a pair of breathable pants, and a shirt or a t-shirt.
Also, make sure to get snacks and drinks (preferably healthy ones) to save money and keep your energy up throughout the day.

3. Use the Disney Genie Service

One of the most useful tools when visiting the park is the Disneyland app, which is available for free in your app store. Once you log in, you’ll have access to a wide range of useful features, but the most important ones are the Genie and Genie services. 

With Disney Genie, you can make reservations for rides, attractions, shows, and restaurants. Plus, you’ll receive recommendations based on your choices. And, if something is unclear, you can get in touch with a Cast Member who can answer questions you have along the way.

The Genie+ service helps you get Lightning Lane entry arrival windows for the attractions you select for the entire day. This way, you can skip the line and enjoy your rides as soon as you get there. 

Also, it helps to get to the park as close to the opening hours as possible. The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have to explore. 

Plus, you’ll have a better chance of getting on rides and attractions before the crowds come in.

4. Take Breaks

Even though it’s tempting to book as many rides and attractions as you can, it’s best to pace yourself. You need time to breathe, rest, take a sip of water, and disconnect. This will help keep you from getting overwhelmed and exhausted, which will lead to you crashing at the end of the day.

And this would be a shame since Disneyland is just as magical in the evening, after the fireworks when most people with children retreat toward their hotels. And, if you don’t want to spend the evening in the park, there are plenty of fun locations where you can enjoy a nightcap.

Wrap Up

As you can see, you can have lots of fun on a one-day trip to Disneyland if you plan in advance and know a few tricks. But if you’ll only remember one thing from this, it should be planning your visit during less busy times. Disneyland can get wild during summer when the kids are out of school!