A friend of mine asked if I would be able to give him suggestions on how to navigate Disneyland.
My son Joshua and I are Magic Key holders, and we make the drive from the San Francisco Bay Area to Disneyland about once a month. We’ve been doing it for many years, so we’ve learned a few things along the way.
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that having a plan is important — but being flexible is even more important.
We don’t use Lightning Lane because we visit Disneyland with Joshua and use DAS (Disability Access Service), so our strategy is a little different from what you’ll find in some other Disneyland touring guides. Disney offers several accessibility options, including DAS, Rider Switch, and other queue-access programs, so be sure to check the current options that apply to your group.
This isn’t meant to be a “you have to do Disneyland this way” guide. It’s simply how we approach a day at Disneyland and some of the things we’ve learned from doing it over and over again.
Every visit is different. Change things around based on what you want to see, current wait times, special events, attraction closures, and whether you’re using Lightning Lane, DAS, or just walking in.
Most importantly, don’t turn your Disneyland vacation into a stressful, step-by-step, “must-get-this-all-done” type of mission. You are at Disneyland — enjoy the magical moment!
The list below includes attractions that we enjoy or recommend considering, but some may not be appropriate for everyone. Always check the attraction’s health and safety warnings before riding and make sure you’re physically able to safely enjoy it. Our own health considerations also mean that some of these attractions may not be part of our personal day. What we found is that although we may not be able to do the ride, we can still walk through the line, get a taste and feel of the atmosphere — and then, when we get to the ride itself, we simply ask a Cast Member to let us off prior to boarding, and they gladly assist us.
For the attractions listed below, I would try to get to as many as possible early in the day, especially if you’re able to arrive when the park opens. Popular attractions can develop long wait times as the day goes on.
I’ve also grouped the attractions by land so you can work your way through the park without constantly running back and forth. If you’re short on time, this can save you both time and energy.
But most importantly, remember where you are — you’re at Disneyland! You should be having fun, not stressing over whether you made it to every attraction on the list. If things don’t go according to plan, that’s okay. Slow down, enjoy the atmosphere, grab something to eat, people-watch, and take in the magic.
There will always be another ride. The goal isn’t to check every box — it’s to have a great day at Disneyland. Here are the priority rides that I would start with if you get there early and do Rope Drop:
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters — Tomorrowland
A fun one, especially if you like a little competition.
Overview – Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is an interactive, space-themed dark ride at Disneyland Park that officially opened on March 17, 2005. We like being thrill-seekers and have competitive spirits, this ride is high-energy and we laugh and love it!
On our galactic mission, we take control of our own spaceship and can spin our space pod 360 degrees (Joshua does that a lot, which makes shooting sometimes a bit interesting, but I just go with it!). As we journey through the cosmic battlefield, our points are tallied in real time, allowing us to compete for the ultimate galactic rank and see our final scores at the finish line.
Matterhorn Bobsleds — Fantasyland
If you get to the Matterhorn early, you should be able to get on without too much of a wait. It’s one of those rides I’d try to knock out early.
Overview – The Matterhorn Bobsleds opened on June 14, 1959, I remember riding this when I was a kid, and it was so much fun with all the bumps and turns! Unfortunately, due to medical conditions, Joshua cannot do this ride. But as a classic attraction, it delivers a wild, retro-style coaster experience full of sharp, jerky turns and bumpy dips. As you plunge through the dark, cavernous interior, keep your eyes open — and your ears covered — for frequent, spine-chilling encounters with the roaring Abominable Snowman.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway — Mickey’s Toontown
Head over to Toontown and enjoy this one. It’s a great ride and definitely worth doing.
Overview – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened on January 27, 2023. Walking through the queue to get to the ride is fantastic because you get to see so much fun Disney memorabilia. When the full pre-show is running, you get to watch a cartoon short (where we love to sing along to “Nothing can stop us now…”) and then — bang! — you step directly through a screen and into the movie. Instead of a traditional train ride, this is a modern, trackless attraction. While it features no large drops or scary environments, it delivers plenty of excitement. The trackless cars move erratically — spinning, shaking, and splitting apart — to sweep you into a fast-paced, unpredictable cartoon world.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
This is a thrill ride with a drop near the end – feels like a two story drop in about 2 seconds.
Overview – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened on January 17, 2020. The experience is incredibly intense. This high-tension adventure puts you right in the middle of a thrilling battle. You are captured by the First Order, put into an interrogation cell, and then forced to break out. You’ll face down towering AT-AT walkers and aggressive stormtroopers before the escape culminates in a sudden, heart-racing vertical drop. OMG, it is completely over the top!
Haunted Mansion — New Orleans Square
This is another classic and one of my personal favorites.
Overview – The Haunted Mansion opened August 9, 1969. This slow-moving Omnimover ride has no sudden drops or fast speeds. Instead, it relies on psychological thrills — filled with eerie music, pitch-black spaces, sudden pop-up ghosts, and an overwhelming sense of atmospheric dread. (Note: From early fall through the winter holidays, Jack Skellington takes over and completely redecorates the mansion with his fun The Nightmare Before Christmas theme!). You never know — you may just bring a hitchhiking ghost home with you!
Pirates of the Caribbean — New Orleans Square
A Disneyland classic with a couple of drops in a boat.
Overview – Pirates of the Caribbean opened on March 18, 1967. This classic boat ride literally plunges you into a shadowy, immersive voyage through 17th-century pirate-infested waters. As the final attraction personally overseen by Walt Disney, it brings history and fantasy to life with incredibly detailed audio-animatronic scenes of plundering buccaneers, a burning town, and rogue appearances by Captain Jack Sparrow. Finally, keep your eyes peeled for hidden details—and don’t forget to look for the hidden camera to catch your ride photo at the end! There are so many items to see and remember on this ride.
Then Work Your Way Through the Park
Now that these rides are completed I think the best way to move forward is to look at each of the lands and pick some rides. To help you decide what to do next, I have broken the rides land by land. I also included the opening date and a brief thought for each attraction.
Adventureland – Opened July 17, 1955
We like Adventureland because it lets us explore wild jungles and ancient ruins on exciting rides like the Jungle Cruise and Indiana Jones Adventure.
| Attraction | Date Opened | Notes |
| Jungle Cruise | July 17, 1955 | This is a fun boat tour through exotic rivers of Asia, Africa, and South America with dad jokes |
| Enchanted Tiki Room | June 23, 1963 | 15 minute, air conditioned theater-in-the-round musical show – so nice have a dole whip and relax for a few minutes |
| Indiana Jones Adventure | March 3, 1995 | An immersive, fast-paced, very bumpy enhanced motion vehicle dark ride |
Batuu (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) – Opened May 31, 2019
We like Batuu at Disneyland because it fully immerses us in the Star Wars universe, letting us live out our own galactic adventures.
| Attraction | Date Opened | Notes |
| Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | May 31, 2019 | You will be assigned to be a pilot, gunner or engineer – very interactive ride that is a bit bumpy |
| Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – (as seen in first set of attractions) | January 17, 2020 | An immersive battle sequence between the Resistance and the First Order with a drop at the end before you get back home |
Bayou Country – Opened Nov 15, 2024
(Fun historical note: This land has gone through quite an evolution! It was originally named “Indian Village” from July 1955 to 1971, became “Bear Country” from March 4, 1972 to November 23, 1988, and was known as “Critter Country” from November 23, 1988 until its grand transition to Bayou Country on November 15, 2024.)
We like Bayou Country at Disneyland Park because it offers a peaceful, tree-shaded retreat combined with the exciting music and fun of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
| Attraction | Date Opened | Notes |
| The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh | April 11, 2003 | Relax and enjoy the wonderful antics of Pooh — and enjoy a sweet honey party celebration. |
| Tiana’s Bayou Adventure | Nov 15, 2024 (formerly Splash Mountain opened July 17. 1989) | An immersive, musical log flume water ride based on The Princess and the Frog |
| Davy Crockett Explorer Canoe Trip | July 4, 1956 (it was redone on May 19, 1971 when the Indian Village closed) | Interactive, free-floating boat ride where guests actively paddle a 35-foot canoe – get ready to row |
Fantasyland – Opened July 17, 1955
We love Fantasyland at Disneyland because it brings classic fairy tales to life through nostalgic, magical rides and storybook architecture that appeals to everyone.
| Attraction | Date Opened | Notes |
| Peter Pan’s Flight | July 17, 1955 | Here we go! Suspended magical nighttime sail over London and on to Neverland |
| Snow White’s Enchanted Wish (originally opened as Snow White and Her Adventures) | July 17, 1955 | Take a story book ride through the magical story of Disney’s 1937 animated film |
| Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride | July 17, 1955 | Take a chaotic motorcar dash through London that takes a hilariously dark turn at the finish line |
| Mad Tea Party | July 17, 1955 | Spinning-teacup ride inspired by the Unbirthday Party scene in Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland |
| King Arthur Carrousel | July 17, 1955 (carrousel structure dates back to 1922) | Gentle rotating platform that lasts about two minutes |
| Story Book Land Canal | July 17, 1955 (originally opened as Canal Boats of the World) | Leisurely 6 minute outdoor boat ride through miniature villages and landscapes inspired by classic Disney movies |
| Casey Jr. Circus Train | July 31.1955 | A gentle, historic 4-minute miniature train ride through the scenic landscapes of Storybook Land |
| Dumbo the Flying Elephant | August 16, 1955 | A classic, gentle aerial carousel ride where you can soar through the sky with everyone’s favorite flying elephant |
| Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough | April 29, 1957 | A self-guided, indoor walking tour inside Disneyland’s iconic castle |
| Alice in Wonderland | June 14, 1958 | Colorful, two-story indoor and outdoor journey through scenes aboard caterpillar-shaped vehicles |
| Pinocchio’s Daring Journey | May 25, 1983 | Takes guests in a wooden cart through the charming and suspenseful story of a wooden puppet trying to become a real boy |
| Matterhorn Bobsleds – (as seen in first set of attractions) | June 14, 1959 | A wild, retro-style coaster experience full of sharp, jerky turns and bumpy dips and surprises. |
| It’s a Small World | May 28, 1966 (brought to Disneyland after the 1964 New York World’s Fair) | Gentle, air conditioned, water-based dark ride featuring hundreds of traditional-costumed animatronic dolls with Disney characters singing a continuous anthem of global peace – with a change at Holiday overlay starts in mid-November and runs through early January |
Frontierland – Opened July 17,1955
| Attraction | Date Opened | Notes |
| Big Thunder Mountain Railroad | September 2, 1979 | This is a fast, family-friendly mine train roller coaster located in Frontierland at Disneyland Park that takes guests on a wild ride through a haunted gold mine. |
| Mark Twain Riverboat | July 17, 1955 | Spend some time on a historic, 105-foot paddle-wheel steamboat that has carried guests on scenic cruises around Disneyland’s Rivers of America since the park opened in 1955. |
| Sailing Ship Columbia | June 14, 1958 | Spend some time on a full-scale replica of an 18th-century merchant ship that takes guests on a scenic cruise around the Rivers of America in Disneyland’s Frontierland. |
| Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island | June 16, 1956 | This was originally called Tom Sawyers Island – take a barge over and spend the day! |
New Orleans Square – Opened July 24, 1966
| Attraction | Date Opened | Notes |
| Pirates of the Caribbean | March 18, 1967 | Bring pirate history and fantasy to life with incredibly detailed audio-animatronic scenes of plundering buccaneers, a burning town and much more! |
| Haunted Mansion | August 9, 1969 | A ride filled with eerie music, pitch-black spaces, sudden pop-up ghosts, and an overwhelming sense of atmospheric dread! |
| Disneyland Railroad (New Orleans stop) | July 24, 1966 | A scenic, turn-of-the-century steam train depot that seamlessly connects the jazz-filled land to the rest of the park. Listen to the telegraph machine!! |
Tomorrowland – Opened July 17, 1955
We like Tomorrowland at Disneyland because it was built to be a futuristic-themed land featuring classic attractions like Space Mountain and Star Tours, alongside interactive experiences rooted in space exploration and sci-fi adventures.
| Attraction | Date Opened | Notes |
| Autopia | July 17, 1955 | Allows you or your child to steer miniature powered cars along a scenic, guided roadway |
| Disneyland Monorail | June 14, 1959 | Transit between Tomorrowland and Downtown Disney with scenic views of the park |
| Finding Nemo Submarines | June 11, 2007 | An underwater journey through coral reefs, ruins, and volcanic vents to search for a missing clownfish |
| Space Mountain | May 27, 1977 | Fast, dark, indoor roller coaster through the stars |
| Star Tours | January 9, 1987 | Thrilling 3D motion-simulator space flight featuring randomized storylines, where one lucky rider is revealed as the ‘Rebel Spy’ |
| Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster – (as seen in first set of attractions) | March 17, 2005 | Fun, interactive neon-lit laser shooter ride where you control the capsule as you compete for highest score |
| Disneyland Railroad (Tomorrowland stop) | April 1958 | Historical park records from 1958 do not preserve an exact opening day |
Toontown – Opened January 24, 1993
We like Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland because it immerses visitors of all ages in a vibrant, whimsical neighborhood where you can literally step inside a living, interactive cartoon world
Tip – I’d actually save Toontown for later in the day if possible (be aware they close at 8pm when there are fireworks and reopen at ~10pm). That gives you time earlier in the day to concentrate on the major attractions, and Toontown is a fun place to wander around later.
| Attraction | Date Opened | Notes |
| Mickey and Minnies Runaway Railroad – (as seen in first set of attractions) | January 27, 2023 | A trackless dark ride that transports guests directly inside a whimsical, chaotic Mickey Mouse cartoon via an out-of-control train led by Engineer Goofy |
| Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin | Jan 26, 1994 | Board a cartoon taxi to navigate the wacky, chaotic streets of Toontown and team up with Private Eye Jessica Rabbit to stop a Dip-fueled crime wave |
| Chip n Dale Gadget Coaster | Jan 24, 1993 | A short, family-friendly junior roller coaster built from oversized found objects by the Rescue Rangers’ resident inventor |
| Disneyland Railroad | November 25, 1992 (Toontown platform opened) | A vintage steam-powered train that takes passengers on a scenic 18-minute grand circle tour around the park with stops at four themed stations |
A Few Things You Should Check Out
There are also some things that aren’t necessarily rides but can make your day more fun.
Main Street USA
Walking down Main Street, U.S.A. you instantly get welcomed with the cozy charm and happy nostalgia of an old-fashioned American small town. While it’s great for photos, you should absolutely take time to walk through the shops. We love exploring the Emporium, the clothing boutiques, and the year-round Christmas shop. Don’t skip the Magic Shop, either—if you ask nicely, the magician behind the counter will usually perform a classic card trick right before your eyes!
Check the Parade Schedule
Definitely look at the parade times when you get into the park—the entertainment schedule is something I wouldn’t miss. Keep in mind that people start staking out prime viewing spots along the curbs of Main Street up to two hours early. If you want a great seat without the long wait, try looking for a spot near ‘it’s a small world’ instead!
Tomorrowland Dance
If you have kids with you, the nightly dance party at Tomorrowland Terrace is a fantastic break! It’s an energetic, open dance floor where kids can groove to high-energy music right next to favorite Disney friends like Stitch, Goofy, and Clarabelle Cow. It’s a great, low-stress alternative to standard character lines where the kids can just be silly and move around.
Fireworks
The fireworks usually happen shortly after the parade wraps up, so you’ll want to start thinking about your viewing spot ahead of time. One of my personal favorite areas to watch is along Main Street, U.S.A., right near the plaza point Christmas shop or over by Starbucks. These spots are fantastic because the park projects incredible immersive animations right onto the shop walls around you!
Insider Tip: If you want a great view of the fireworks and projections without being packed shoulder-to-shoulder in the heavy Main Street crowds, head over to ‘it’s a small world.’ The animations look spectacular displayed across its geometric façade, and you’ll have a much easier time breathing.
Riding the Last Train
My son and I always head to the Main Street Station and try to catch the very last loop of the Disneyland Railroad. This is what Joshua and I affectionately call “The Sweeper Train.” They normally run this train around midnight on days the park closes late (though this time can change to earlier, so be sure to ask a conductor ahead of time!). It is the final nighttime run of the Disneyland Railroad after park closing that collects any remaining guests from the outer stations and brings everyone back to Main Street, U.S.A. It is a lot of fun to ride this last train, watch the tired, happy crowds board at the end of the night, and wrap up our day. It is our ultimate nightcap at Disneyland.
And, of course…
Don’t Forget to Shop!
You’re at Disneyland. You have to do a little shopping! But here is a golden rule to save your sanity: do not buy your souvenirs in the middle of the afternoon. Carrying heavy bags around the park or trying to stuff a giant plush Mickey into a rollercoaster pouch is no fun. Instead, do your heavy shopping right after the fireworks—just keep in mind you’ll be dealing with park-closing crowds. Another great option is to browse the massive World of Disney store in Downtown Disney on your way out of the park, which is always a blast. If you do buy something early in the day, you can stash it in a rental locker, or ask a Cast Member if you can use the park’s complimentary Merchandising Holding Service to keep your bags safe until you leave!
Strategy: Using Lightning Lane Multi Pass
The Disneyland app is your most important tool when navigating the park. Although we use the DAS due to Joshua, please keep these essential strategy tips in mind to maximize your time with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass:
Book Immediately: Make your first selection the moment your ticket is scanned at the turnstiles.
Chain Your Bookings: Grab your next pass immediately after scanning into a Lightning Lane attraction, or as soon as the app’s 2-hour window allows.
Monitor the Tip Board: Check the app regularly to compare standby lines and find the best times to modify or swap your current selections.
Capture Your Memories: Be sure to check the current options and link your attraction photos to the app — they are free if you have a Lightning Lane Premier Pass, Lightning Lane Multi Pass, or an Inspire or Believe Magic Key, but all guests can still view and download their ride photos right on their phone!
The Golden Rule: Don’t feel like you have to follow your original plan perfectly. Disneyland changes throughout the day, so adjust on the fly!
A Few Practical Disneyland Tips
These little things can make a surprisingly big difference.
Download the App Ahead of Time: Load the app and link your tickets before you leave the hotel. It is a massive timesaver that lets you walk straight to the turnstiles.
Plan Your Lunch Early
Decide and pick out your lunch location and mobile order windows early in the morning to completely skip the peak 12:00 PM crowds.
Sit-Down Dining
Make reservations early if you want a formal sit-down meal! Here are our ultimate go-to spots:
Carnation Café Located right on Main Street, U.S.A., this historic spot serves up classic American comfort food and Walt Disney’s personal favorite dishes. It features a charming turn-of-the-century setting where a server takes care of you at your table – again reservations are required.
River Belle Terrace Located right across the main walkway from Pirates of the Caribbean along the Rivers of America. This table-service spot is famous for Southern-inspired comfort food like brisket and fried chicken. Its massive outdoor patio offers some of the absolute best people-watching and waterfront views in the entire park!
Table-Service Quality (Without the Reservation)
Tiana’s Palace: Hands down one of the best recent additions to the park’s counter-service lineup. The House Gumbo and 7 Traditional Gumbo offer incredible flavor and a bit of adventurous spice that stands out from standard theme park food.
Plaza Inn – Located on the corner of Main Street, U.S.A. and Tomorrowland, right along the edge of the central hub facing Sleeping Beauty Castle. I really like the Specialty Fried Chicken (served with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and a biscuit). Joshua likes the pasta with extra cheese! If you get there around 8:45pm they will not kick you out and you may have a nice place to eat and a nice place to watch the fireworks.
Quick & Budget-Friendly Eats
The Troubadour Tavern – Located to the left of the Fantasyland Theatre Stage, just before entering Mickey’s Toontown, this is a hidden gem and is a great quick-service spot – Get the loaded baked potato
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante – Located in Frontierland right next to Big Thunder Mountain, it features delicious Mexican-themed entrees and a large, beautiful, shaded outdoor patio.
Bring Water
Bringing a refillable water bottle is the best way to stay hydrated during a long day of walking. Since you will be on your feet for hours, having water on hand is essential for your comfort and energy. By packing your own bottle, you can easily top it off throughout the day and completely avoid the extra expense of buying bottled water.
If you ever run low, you can always stop by a local Starbucks or any counter-service or quick-service food location that has a soda fountain machine and they will give you a free cup of ice water upon request. No purchase is necessary.to ask for a complimentary cup of ice water. However, because they occasionally limit guests to one or two cups, relying on your own reusable bottle is a much more convenient and reliable option.
Bring a Backpack
Pack a backpack with snacks, water, and daily essentials. While bags require a bit more time at security, having your own refreshments saves both time and money. You can easily rent a locker near Starbucks to store your bag so you don’t have to carry it all day.
Bring a Sweatshirt
Even if the day starts warm, temperatures can drop quickly at night. Bring a sweatshirt for everyone in your group. Store them in that same Starbucks locker so you can grab them as soon as it gets chilly, preventing an unnecessary trip back to your car or hotel.
Don’t Overplan!
You can’t see and do everything in a single day, and that is perfectly okay.
Be flexible: Grab a park map at the entrance, check the app for live wait times, and adjust your schedule on the fly.
Use the list as a guide: The 6 top rides mentioned above are just my recommended starting order. You will definitely want to change or add other attractions as you go — discovering them is half the fun!
The Golden Rule: Enjoy Disneyland!
At the end of the day, your only real goal is to have a blast.
Soak it all in — stop for a moment, look around, and remember that you are at the happiest place on earth!
Take lots of pictures to look back on.
Treat yourself to some great food.
Hope you have a Magical Time at the Happiest Place in the World!
Please let me know your thoughts on the above in the comments below.
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