Disneyland for First-Timers

Disneyland and Disneyland California Adventure, located in Anaheim, CA, are two of the best, most nostalgic theme parks in the world. This most recent trip to the parks was our first in a very long time, and so much has changed! There are an incredible number of other online resources and videos that go over what is mentioned here. The goal for us is to boil it down to just the essentials. Whether it's your first time or you think "Lightning Lane" is something from the Cars universe, this article has you covered.

Packing list

• Water Bottle

• Smartphone & power bank

• Snacks/Food

• Hat, unscreen, sunglasses, & other sun protection

• Lightweight blanket or mat for sitting on the ground (or use your jacket)

• Change of clothes including socks and underwear

What is Lightning Lane?

The Disneyland parks have an in-app program that people can use to reserve a spot in an expedited line for certain rides. This is called Lightning Lane. You can definitely get by without it, as it is a paid service, but you'll need to be more strategic about the rides you pick so you're not waiting hours just for a single ride. This article from Disney goes in-depth on the ins and outs of it, as well as the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfFIZ1Vu26Y

If you choose to get the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, two days (one in each park) will be sufficient for the average party. If you don't I would recommend staying for a full three days so you don't feel rushed and miss out on anything.

Best Attractions at Disneyland

This is my extremely biased list of best rides. For context, I love rollercoasters and thrill! However, these also tend to have long lines so I would prioritize these.

1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

   The experience of getting to the ride itself was JAW DROPPING to me.

2. Space Mountain

   This is a certified classic roller coaster. You truly feel like you're blasting through the galaxy in a high-speed spacecraft.

3. Tiana's Bayou Adventure (Formerly Splash Mountain)

   You WILL get wet. It's for this ride specifically that I mentioned in the packing list to bring an extra change of clothes. It's pretty miserable to be walking around with wet socks and underwear :(

4. Parade and Fireworks

   The evening parade and fireworks shows are always on rotation, so each visit will be something new. I love Disney music and recognizing my favorite themes is a great part of these attractions. This is also where the blanket/mat in the packing list come in. In general, Disneyland is extremely clean thanks to the amazing staff, but it's nice to sit on something other than the ground when watching the shows

   

   Woody and Slinky during the parade

   
   

5. Meet your favorite characters!

   What's a trip to Disneyland without a little Disney magic? Meeting the characters and getting their autograph is a fun and free way to come home with a souvenir.

Best Attractions at California Adventure

1. Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!

   THIS IS A DROP RIDE. People have said that it's not as bad as the outdoor ones because you can't see how high up you are until the windows open at the top. However, I have seem many a child brought to tears here so be careful.

2. Incredicoaster (formerly California Screamin')

   This roller coaster is part of the iconic loop de loop that serves as the background for Pixar Pier. The ride starts at a standstill with Dash counting down. Then, you pulled at high speed up the first incline by magnets!

3. Soarin' Around the World (formerly Soarin' over California)

   Many people find this ride to be an excellent break from walking around all day. You "fly" over different parts of the world, and in some scenes even spray fragrances for the full immersive effect.

4. Animation Academy

   Learn how to draw from a Disney Animator! This is one of the coolest experiences, and you will come home with a hand-drawn souvenir. The instructors give foolproof step-by-step instructions that even the most artistically challenged student can follow.

   

5. Pixar Pal-A-Round

   There are two options on this ride. The first is the classic ferris wheel experience where you car stays in one orientation as you enjoy views of the park. The second option has you car swinging along tracks, following gravity as you make your way around the wheel. I would not recommend the latter option if you get motion sickness or just want a peaceful ferris wheel experience.

Favorite Souvenirs

1. Baseball Cap / Mouse Ears

   Both fashionable and functional, Disneyland offers a wide range of themed hats you can buy. They even offer embroidery services so you can personalize it right then and there.

2. Pins

   There is a huge culture of pin trading at the Disney parks! Buy one for yourself or trade with others. There are also free buttons you can wear that commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, or first visits!

3. Photos & PhotoPass

   I highly recommend paying for PhotoPass! There are many professional photographers around the parks that will take photos for you and even add a little Disney magic to them. PhotoPass also allows you to download the photos that are taken while on the rides.

Favorite Food

1. Turkey Leg

2. Mickey Mouse Beignets

3. Plaza Inn Pasta

My best advice is to relax and have fun! You're likely going to be hot, sweaty, tired, hungry, and a little irritable all at the same time. Just take a moment to sit down and take care of your needs so you feel your best.