Disneyland Tips and Tricks

  • Book a lightning lane for Indiana Jones early, it might book up fast

  • Keep in mind that wait times may be faster than posted times.

  • Book your virtual queue for World of Colour at noon - World of Color uses a virtual queue for the main viewing areas. Although it's free, spaces go quickly. You can join the virtual queue at noon each day.

  • Check the app for showtimes for parades and fireworks

  • Wait Until the End of the Evening to Shop - If you want to shop, wait until the park is almost closed.  It’s less busy.

PHOTO PASS WITH GENIE+

  • With Genie+, you have access to all the photos taken by Disney photographers, or photos taken on the rides. Just look for the code on the screens, or the photographer will scan your app, and then go to your Photos section of the Disneyland app find them. Your photos will be available for 30 days after your visit

Use Single Rider lines when available

Disneyland Single Rider Attractions

  • Space Mountain (go to the exit where people see their photos from the ride)

  • Matterhorn Bobsleds

  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

  • Space Mountain

Disney California Adventure Single Rider Attractions

  • Radiator Springs Racers

  • Incredicoaster

  • Goofy's Sky School

  • Grizzly River Run

  • WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

Food you should try - mobile order

  • Dole Whip

  • Churros

  • Mickey Beignets (donuts) at Mint Julep Bar

  • Cream Cheese Stuffed Pretzels at Refreshment Corner

  • Monte Cristo at Café Orleans

  • Jungle Skewers at Bengal Barbecue

  • Milkshakes at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes

  • QuesaBirria Tacos at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill

BEST SEATS ON RIDES

Pro-Tip! Feel free to tell a Cast Member about your seating preference when you get to the front of the line. They might be able to accommodate your preference. Some rides, like roller coasters, will even have a separate line for front row seating. You may have to wait a little longer to board the attraction, but they might be able to grant your wish if you’re patient!

Space Mountain

Best Seat: This coaster allows you to venture through deep space on your very own rocketship. The cars travel in twos with three riders per car. The most thrilling ride is found by guests sitting in the back seat of the back car. The back car in general will feel slightly faster when you’re racing through the stars. The front seat in the front car is another favourite, offering an unobstructed view of the start and finish lighting effects. The front seat also can feel like you’re flying through dark space even more since the air blows right in your face unobstructed!

Soaring Over California

Best Seat: B1 Try to request Concourse B if you get the opportunity before heading down to the boarding area. This is based in the center of the screen and so naturally has the best view of the action during the ride. The other concourses sometimes restrict your view, as you are left with the edge of the screen if you end up at the end of the row. From there, you’ll want to choose row number one. This gives you an unobstructed view with no feet from above dangling down on you.

Incredicoaster

Best Seat: It is fun to be in front, and worth it do it on occasion. But sitting near the back is better. Not hugely better, but better for when you go up that second hill. The front is better for the loop though. Ride at night for a more epic experience!

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

The best place to sit on this ride is in the front row of the first car. Not only is it better to not sit behind anyone but during the waterfall scene and Daisy's Dance Studio scene, you will be happy to have the unobstructed view!

Jungle Cruise

Best Seat: The big reason many love the Jungle Cruise is the hilarious Skippers. The person giving you a tour of the exotic jungle will keep you entertained with punny jokes and passenger interaction. A great Skipper can really elevate the ride experience. The best seat in the house is closer to the front of the boat. This will help you hear the jokes better and you can interact with your Skipper! If you’re lucky (or unlucky!) they might make you the butt of a few jokes as well! This is especially fun for kids to be close to the Skipper. Since the boats load both sides, you have two shots to get close to your Skipper!

Pirates of the Caribbean

Best Seat: At Pirates of the Caribbean, guests board a boat and are transferred through the scenes by floating along the water. Animatronic scenes will happen to the right and left of the boat throughout the ride. Each side offers a view of iconic scenes and they are best enjoyed if you’re sitting towards the sides of the boat. (Have kiddos sit on the outside so they’re not blocked by taller people!) Also, the front row is fun because you don’t have to strain over people’s heads to see what’s coming next!

Liberty Square Riverboat

Best Experience: The riverboat transports guests on a ride around the Rivers of America. Guests are free to walk around the boat and find the best view possible. Our personal favorite spot is the very front of the boat. You can see the full sweeping view of Frontierland and Liberty Square as you make your way around Tom Sawyer Island. If you pick a side, you’ll see more of Magic Kingdom to the left. More of Tom Sawyer Island will obviously be on the righthand side.