Our 1-day Disneyland touring plan gives a step-by-step itinerary to effectively do reveals, rides, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We listing eating places at which we’d dine, issues we’d do, and the metaphorical roses we might cease to scent. Essentially, that is our excellent day in California’s fort park. (Updated November 1, 2022.)
This single day Disneyland itinerary has been overhauled a number of occasions within the final 12 months, taking into consideration the ever-evolving leisure choices, addition of Early Entry, Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, elevated crowds, and extra. Suffice to say, quite a bit has modified at Disneyland for the reason that park reopened over a 12 months in the past, each from a substantive and technique perspective.
We go to Disneyland usually “for the sake of research,” monitoring wait occasions, testing plans, and fine-tuning our technique. This is the revised Late 2022 Disneyland itinerary we’ve devised in consequence, together with rope drop precedence and learn how to hit the highlights of the vacation season.
To these factors, there are a few different assets it is best to seek the advice of if you happen to’re visiting Disneyland within the subsequent two months. First, our Ultimate Guide to Christmas 2022 at Disneyland. While this itinerary incorporates a few the highlights, you actually ought to learn that for a complete take a look at every little thing Disneyland does for Christmas.
Second, our Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Disneyland & DCA. If you’re visiting this vacation season, which means you might be–greater than probably–visiting on a few of the busiest days of the 12 months at Disneyland. While this itinerary will likely be useful in beating the crowds, you actually need may to think about paid FastPass to cut back your wait occasions considerably. (If so, seek the advice of our 1-Day Disneyland Itinerary w/ Genie+ Lightning Lanes.)
Even with savvy technique and Lightning Lanes, it’s troublesome to do every little thing at Disneyland in a single day. This plan will assist you to expertise as a lot as doable, however most likely not every little thing. For our experience scores and critiques of each attraction, learn our complete Best Disneyland Attractions & Ride Guide publish. For complete planning help overlaying every little thing from the place to buy low cost tickets to eating and extra, learn our 2022-2023 Disneyland Resort Vacation Planning Guide.
What we’re offering is a tough blueprint of our favourite issues to do in a really perfect day at Disneyland and when it is best to do them for the ‘best experience.’ In so doing, we try to stability a pleasing day within the park with effectivity, slightly than simply racing from attraction to attraction.
For added comfort, we additionally advocate staying at Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel in your go to. Staying at one among these motels places you in place to make the most of Early Entry to do extra. If these motels are exterior of your finances, try our Disneyland Area Hotel Reviews & Rankings for extra on the professionals and cons of every resort close to Disneyland–many are literally nearer to the parks than Disneyland Hotel!
Once you get up from wherever it’s that you’re sleeping, right here’s what to do…
Rope Drop Arrival – If you possibly can, we advocate arriving at Disneyland’s safety checkpoints about 45 minutes earlier than official park opening time or earlier throughout peak seasons.
As lined in Disneyland Park Opening & Rope Drop Tips, Disneyland’s turnstiles usually open 30-45 minutes earlier than park opening, at which period company are allowed onto Main Street. We advocate heading instantly for the Central Plaza, in entrance of the Partners statue of Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse.
Early Morning Attractions: Fantasyland – We at all times really feel a way of accomplishment by beginning the morning in Fantasyland, as a result of there are such a lot of quick sights right here inside shut proximity to 1 one other that may be carried out rapidly. It’s additionally a great way to keep away from this space in the course of the day, when it’s chaotic.
We extremely advocate beginning with Peter Pan’s Flight, however provided that you’re in direction of the entrance of the pack. If not, skip it. Next, do Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, adopted by Alice in Wonderland. Our different must-dos right here for the morning are Dumbo, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Storybook Land Canal Boats, and Mad Tea Party (in that order). You ought to have the ability to hit 75%+ of the sights in Fantasyland within the first hour the park is open if you’re environment friendly.
Haunted Mansion Holiday – An attraction that occurs when two holidays collide, Haunted Mansion Holiday has been working at Disneyland for the final 20+ years. While it’s divisive with some Disneyland purists, it’s extremely common in the course of the holidays, and most company adore it.
Around late afternoon and dinner-time, Haunted Mansion Holiday attracts its longest waits of the day. While we advocate doing it earlier to keep away from crowds, ensure that to return to the world at night time, as a result of it’s lit up superbly.
Rumble within the Jungle – At this level, you possibly can both go deeper and deeper into the jungle or the frontier.
Given the time of 12 months, our suggestion is to knock out Indiana Jones Adventure adopted by Jungle Cruise. Both ought to nonetheless have comparatively quick waits at this comparatively early hour.
Head West – At that time, bounce to the Frontierland, which ought to nonetheless be comparatively quiet.
Start with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, then do Splash Mountain, adopted by the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. At this level, wait occasions are probably beginning to get longer, contemplate backtracking to Main Street for a snack. Or, you possibly can head to the close by Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for a Ronto Wrap if you happen to’re making an attempt to attenuate your steps!
Morning Snack: Matterhorn Macaroon – With Fantasyland and extra largely crossed off your listing, it’s time to decelerate and have a snack break. A giant a part of our days in Disneyland includes consuming!
Head all the way down to Jolly Holiday Bakery on the fringe of Main Street and get these scrumptious Disneyland originals. Consult our Top 10 Delicious Disneyland Desserts for different candy treats to strive.
Late Morning Attractions: The Disneyland Classics – This is an effective time for decrease profile rides which have posted wait occasions underneath half-hour. What you do actually depends upon the place you might be within the park…and posted wait occasions within the Disneyland app.
One factor we’d advocate doing is rounding out your morning with one among Disneyland’s flagship sights situated in New Orleans Square: Pirates of the Caribbean. After that, it’s time for the third massive attraction in New Orleans Square: meals!
Mealtime in New Orleans – Three of our absolute favourite Disneyland eating places are in New Orleans Square. Our high suggestion is Blue Bayou, Disneyland’s hottest restaurant attributable to its location alongside the water in Pirates of the Caribbean. If it’s your first go to to Disneyland, Blue Bayou is a must-do ceremony of passage restaurant.
Other alternate options are Cafe Orleans (learn our full evaluate) is a desk service choice, whereas French Market (learn our full evaluate) is counter service. Both provide good worth for cash, and good open-air out of doors seating. You can’t go unsuitable both manner, however if you happen to’re quick on time, decide French Market.
After you’re carried out consuming (our whereas ready in your desk), take a couple of minutes to discover the nooks, crannies, and outlets of New Orleans Square, one among Disney’s greatest theme park lands anyplace.
Afternoon Attractions: Relaxing Disney Originals – The center of the afternoon is when Disneyland sees its longest strains, making this a good time to take pleasure in a few of the gems of Disneyland that go unnoticed by most company whereas ready for Soundsational, the afternoon parade. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and the adjoining Disney Gallery, the Disneyland Railroad, the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-Through, Mark Twain Riverboat, and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room are all advisable.
Other choices embody Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, Tom Sawyer Island, and Sailing Ship Columbia. You gained’t have time to do all of those originals, so plan on selecting an assortment which are most interesting to you.
Twilight in Tomorrowland: Head to Tomorrowland and benefit from the environment as day transitions to nighttime.
While you’re in Tomorrowland, knock out the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Not solely will the waits be shorter, however the solar must be decrease and make the waits extra bearable.
A Christmas Fantasy – Unlike Walt Disney World, seasonal leisure is included with the common worth of admission at Disneyland.
The vacation spotlight is ‘A Christmas Fantasy’ Parade, which has two every day performances. The daytime one tends to be barely much less busy, however ready within the solar could be brutal. Plus, it’s merely not as a lot enjoyable with out the floats and Christmas lights totally illuminated. As such, we advocate seeing the second parade, which is greatest seen from the top of Main Street (nearer to Sleeping Beauty Castle) wanting again on the Christmas tree. Be positive to seize a spot not less than 30 to 45 minutes prematurely of the efficiency time.
Evening Alternative: Ride Rerides – Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Matterhorn are the 4 sights that we advocate doing at night time for a superior expertise. If you choose in opposition to watching ‘A Christmas Fantasy’ Parade, contemplate revisiting a few these. (Which is exactly why we advisable doing 3 of the 4 earlier within the itinerary!)
We have a full listing of the 10 Best Disneyland Attractions at Night, in case you could have time for greater than these–or need alternate options.
Outer Space: Shorter Waits at Night – Now is an effective time for Space Mountain, which generally has one of many longest wait occasions in Disneyland. The standby line can be excruciatingly slow-moving because of the Lightning Lane.
This curler coaster by outer area may be very common, and likewise has the Hyperspace Mountain (Star Wars-themed) model relying upon once you go to. This plan doesn’t change primarily based upon the model you’re seeing.
Blast Off to Batuu – We advocate doing every little thing in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at night time slightly than very first thing within the morning for a few causes. First, crowds are literally worst within the morning and get progressively higher because the day wears on. (Just take into account that Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance often stops working early–get to it shortly earlier than it closes for the day.)
Second, as a result of Star Wars Land is solely higher at night time. The lighting provides quite a bit to the moody off-planet environment, and makes the expertise much more immersive. While you’re in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you should definitely do Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, go to Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, and have dinner at Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo. From the world in entrance of the Millennium Falcon, you’ll have an ideal view of Disneyland’s fireworks.
If you’re planning on visiting the brand new land, you’ll additionally wish to learn our Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Guide. This covers a spread of matters from fundamentals in regards to the land and its location, to strategically selecting a resort in your keep, advisable technique for the land, and learn how to beat the crowds. It’s primer for this big addition.
Fantasmic! – After leaving Star Wars Land, head again to the Rivers of America for Fantasmic. This is the must-do of Disneyland leisure, that includes reside performers, Disney characters, mist screens, projections, and pyro. While you possibly can watch the fireworks from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the perfect observe is to reach to the Rivers of America about 10 minutes earlier than the fireworks begin and slip right into a spot then, and watch the fireworks from right here whereas ready for Fantasmic.
Beyond that suggestion, technique for Fantasmic is past the scope of this itinerary. Just bear in mind that the Rivers of America is chaotic and viewing may be very aggressive. As a end result, contemplate buying the Hungry Bear On-the-Go Dining Package for Fantasmic or studying our Viewing Guide for Fantasmic at Disneyland. Whatever you do, don’t go into Fantasmic “cold.” You want to know how viewing this works so that you’re not overwhelmed by the crowds and chaos.
Note that some seasons of the 12 months, the schedule for Fantasmic and fireworks may differ, with fewer nightly performances or no pyro. (The fireworks are additionally canceled regularly, attributable to even the mildest Santa Ana winds.) Be positive to seek the advice of a every day occasions information to ensure these choices are being proven throughout your go to.
Better at Night: Part 2 – If you made the sensible selection and opted to look at “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade at nightfall, you’ll nonetheless have a number of ‘better at night’ sights to expertise.
In addition to those we talked about above, you’ll additionally wish to not less than see the exteriors of Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” vacation if you happen to’re visiting for Christmas at Disneyland, which runs by January 8, 2023. In addition to these, it is best to have time to knock out one other attraction or two, or just benefit from the distinctive ambiance of Disneyland in the course of the vacation season.
Park Closing Tranquility – If you continue to have time earlier than Disneyland closes, use that to hit whichever sights you missed, or maybe return to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to complete up no matter you didn’t get to there earlier than.
Things just like the Pixie Hollow water present, grabbing a seat underneath the popcorn lights on a Main Street porch, and wandering round within the neon of Tomorrowland can all be enjoyable experiences. Also, take into account that the outlets on Main Street are usually open an hour after park closing, making that the time to get your memento purchasing carried out.
Nightcap: Trader Sam’s – End all of it in the beginning, by the adults in your occasion heading to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel after Disneyland closes for drinks and uniquely Disney enjoyable. Trader Sam’s is extra enjoyable than a barrel of drunken monkeys, and even if you happen to’re not a drinker, the interactive and detailed Trader Sam’s is a good time.
Plus, it’s a terrific place to take action extra consuming…, if you happen to weren’t already waddling from all of the consuming this itinerary requires! The handy location of each Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s are why we contemplate Disneyland Hotel a really perfect location for a day at Disneyland.
If you’re capable of do even 75% of the issues on the Daily Trip Blueprint, you might be just about assured of getting a tremendous day at Disneyland. That’s our DTB by DTB.com Guarantee! (Please observe that this assure has no money worth and isn’t supplied to residents of any state besides Wyoming. Also observe that any day you might be at Disneyland must be superb, so if you happen to don’t have a good time, it’s most likely your individual fault! ;))
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site motels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For the place to eat, try our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, try What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides past Disney, try our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of different locations!
Your Thoughts
What would you embody in your best day at Disneyland? If you haven’t visited Disneyland but, what do you propose on doing? Are the brand new sights in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge amongst your must-dos? Think it’s well worth the effort of scoring a boarding move for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance? Do you agree or disagree with our step-by-step Disneyland itinerary? Any questions? Hearing your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!