16 BEST Tips for Your FIRST TIME at Disneyland

[@soniaz1487]

Super helpful tips! Recommend anyone going to Disneyland to watch this channel and videos like this. It's an excellent resource.

[@yarelithings7251]

Have I been to Disney 4 times now? (5th in December) Yes. Did I still watch this video? Yes.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Did you learn anything? That’s the big question? 😅

[@melissaglynn1662]

Same

[@Swiftiegang13]

I’ve been to Disney like 40 times now😂

[@HiSteOfMnd]

Not sure if anyone mentioned it already. If it’s your time, you’ll be doing a lot of walking, literally miles of it. Wear the footwear that you’re most comfortable with and most fitting, of course that’s already broken in. 🤙🏽

[@karinadelgado6817]

Sobbing I’ve watched ur videos to help with my sea world trip , zoo trip and now Disney trip 🥹❤️LOVE YALLS CONTENT!!

[@sarahgaither3626]

These are some really good tips I haven't heard elsewhere. Thank you.

[@sandin6689]

Super helpful. Teen Grand daughter and I are visiting in January her first time...I haven't been there in 15 years. Looking forward to happy memories, new and old. Thanks for the great video👍

[@heathermercer7166]

Our first trip we are going the busiest time (spring break) to celebrate my daughters birthday. Thanks for all your insights!

[@SparKlyStaRzBliNg]

I am going with my family during Spring break as well. Also doing Universal. It will be my kids 1st time. I am very excited for them!!

[@yahtforott4706]

@@SparKlyStaRzBliNgsame here.

[@pnwaloha]

Heading to Disneyland for our first trip with our two kids this November on the 5th! Super helpful tips!

[@dysonslusar]

Love your videos, keep up the good work. 🇨🇦👍

[@teach92124]

To be fair, Universal’s Express Pass is WORLDS APART from Genie+. You can join the Express queue of ANY participating ride at ANY time. It’s more expensive, yes, but it’s SO MUCH MORE OF A VALUE for what you get. There’s no comparison.

[@laurel.cosplay234]

My bff and i are going in a few weeks for the first time. Your video is super helpful! We're so excited. 🎉

[@nothing2see8]

Didn't know about the refurb calendar 6 weeks out, thanks!

[@talha6680]

One of the best videos I have seen before my visit in Feb 24

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Glad to hear it! I’ll be having a ton of important 2024 guides coming out in the next week or two so keep an eye out for those. Two of the more notable videos will be in-depth tours of both the food options and rides along with notable construction and refurbishments that are known.

[@yahtforott4706]

That’s great because that’s the day before my bday. I might have to convince my family to do a Disneyland trip for my birthday

[@lilliandonaldson8121]

I'm a wdw expert but will be doing a dl trip for the first time. Great tips. I needed these.

[@RicardoGarcia-wh3ss]

Can you do a video about what foods you MUST try on your first trip? Stuff you would consider must haves.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Sure! That sounds like a fun idea.

[@cassyramirez4467]

Yes please!

[@anthonylagano]

Great tips ! I haven’t been to Disneyland since I was 3 . Live in south Florida so I go to Disney World a few times a year . Planning a Disney Land trip for mid September and this was very helpful. 😎😎😎

[@jamiecameron-harley5001]

Such a useful video. So many helpful tips. Worth watching.

[@RenDisKenn]

Awesome tips and thanks for the positive side. Way too much negativity on the other channels.

[@MarthaJOHNSON-iu4wk]

From Michigan

[@justimagine2403]

Do the walkthrough of the castle.

[@aaronsteele7585]

If you book through Get Away Today they upgraded us to free park hopper...it was well worth it. Also bought 4 days and the fifth day was free! I dont know if they are still running those promos though

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

They run a variety of different promos, but always something. It’s the best place to book through to save some money off of Disney’s retail price.

[@aaronsteele7585]

@@SoCalDisneyDad agreed! I unfortunately didnt see your promo before booking our last trip

[@Bellshellie]

My daughter is in love with stitch. Where can we find stitch at Disneyland?

[@rembbokie]

Thank you for the info about DAS. I didn’t realize what exactly it entailed. I am autistic and so I am going to look into it.

[@Dr.RickMarshall]

WOW all great tips !!

[@vamplestat666]

These are good for first timers to know

[@markchristianson8178]

Thanks again for ur tips very helpful .

[@christiet7870]

Thanks for the great tips and video!

[@NicoleCrain-us9mk]

Thank you for this video.

[@3drage]

I don't know if it's the same for all rides, but I do remember on Space Mountain that the single rider line didn't open until 10am.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Space is a little different because it doesn’t have an actual single rider LINE. It’s just going through the exit.

[@jennaxman88]

Would love if you'd do a video highlighting the rides that are different from WDW. I'm a regular WDW traveller, but going to Disneyland in June for the first time in 20 years. I want to make sure and do the rides that we don't have in Florida or that are slightly different. Not interested in carbon copy rides. Just an idea! Thanks!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Fantastic idea! I’d love to put this together. Thank you.

[@sjw007]

Same here. We've done WDW loads of times and are coming to Disneyland, CA, for the first time in 2024. Just happen to be staying at the Candy Cane as well, so looking forward to it. Binge watching your great vlogs to soak up tips and info atm.

[@ashleylopez4817]

@@SoCalDisneyDadI was hoping for the same!

[@toshibavoodoo]

Awesome

[@RobertCuaresma-ke6pe]

Hi all friends love desney lands beautiful happy Expierians people

[@christinehoolihan7433]

I used to bring a stroller or two and that reclined and let my kids take a nap in the park, and rest and relax in the park, have some food because you paid for that real estate. You can relax in the park.

[@judithj49]

The little kid on 8.34 😂

[@Ryandepauls]

Any tips on getting the perfect seat for fireworks show I'm taking my grandkids for the first time the fireworks show last year was amazing when I took my daughter and wife. I was wondering if she knew anything about the reserve seating and had any tips for that in front of the castle

[@Newsiwzerland3737]

A guide on Downtown Disney with any worthwhile dining recommendations

[@Drizella9]

Just curious if you have been to sweethearts night is the crowd less children then normal or the same amount as there usually is?

[@Ms.laningham]

We went at the end of September and we thought it would not be so hot but we didn’t look at the weather and there was a heat wave. We were in our Halloween black and long sleeves. It was awful. You never know with the weather and never made that mistake again.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Labor Day has consistently been the hottest day of the year for us the last 4-5 years or so. September is by far our hottest month. Which seems a little weird as most people equate that with July and August. But our summers are late to arrive and then hang around until October.

[@user-qs5mx1ic6b]

Trevor we usually stay at the grand Californian hotel and usually stay three days

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Nice! I’d love to stay there sometime. It’s a GORGEOUS hotel.

[@dianedavies6581]

Hi Trevor and Amy, Super helpful with all tips and tricks, what would you recommend for park hours in January, as the park closes earlier.

[@HiSteOfMnd]

If you want to kick it up on another level/notch on that pineapple, a dusting of li hing mui powder will do that 😂. Very popular here in Hawaii, I guess our version of Tajin.

[@piilanichang5290]

Aloha When we bring the grandkids, we do single rider for cars, but we "Sandwich" the kids between the adults. In other words one adult goes first so when they get off the ride they can wait for the kiddos.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yes! This is what we do too. That way an adult is with them (mostly) at all times.

[@beanmachine00]

the Candy Cane Inn, it’s almost as expensive as the Disney Hotels. The lowest price for February I found started at $330 a night. There’s way better value in staying at other places that are much closer.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

A good chunk of the better hotels are $300/night. The Disney hotels are $500+ so it’s still a $200 savings. That’s $200/night for food or souvenirs. The closest, cheapest hotel I’ve stayed at without going too “dumpy” is the Anaheim Majestic. But no free parking and no free breakfast and the rooms are slightly less nice. Larger. But bed and pillows aren’t quite as comfortable etc.

[@saram1447]

I’m at Disneyland all year and Jan/Feb are less crowded but many attractions are under construction, and there are no parades or fireworks. So understand that it is less busy but there is less to do.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Magic Happens just restarted Friday. DCA even has a parade for Lunar New Year going on. And fireworks have been going on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays the whole time. Watched them this past Saturday night. Only 2 attractions are down per park right now. I’ve seen the refurb schedule worse in the Fall.

[@saram1447]

@@SoCalDisneyDad I’m only talking Disneyland. There are actually 3 attractions down and yes only fireworks ON THE WEEKENDS. There’s also a lot of construction all over all of Disney.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

The Mark Twain is coming back up in less than a week, and it doesn't really count against Disneyland because the Sailing Ship is still in operation so that attraction is still available. Haunted Mansion is a longer refurb which will transcend seasons, so it doesn't really count either. If we are talking strictly about what's closed during the off-season. Because it'll continue to be closed during Spring Break and Summer. Which means there's really only one, Astro Orbitor, that's down at Disneyland. But, yes, you do have a point about construction in general. Tons of walls and scrim up everywhere as they do touch ups to facades. Everything is still open and operating though, despite the construction walls. It's really not a bad time to come.

[@saram1447]

@@SoCalDisneyDad you’re right it’s not a bad time to come as long as people understand it’s slightly less magical. I was there yesterday and the wait times for popular attractions were minimal, it was also raining 🤪

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@saram1447 Hope you stayed safe in the rain! We were there yesterday, too, but left around 2 PM just before the rain hit. It started while we were in the car on the 5.

[@marias3987]

Oct temps are typically high 70s/low 80s. 90s are unusual

[@CaptainSprinkles1985]

Thanks for the tips! One question I do have is about booking a lightning lane. Can you book before 8am as long as you are in the park? Trying to plan our ride list 😊

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yes. You can book it as soon as you scan into the park. But every person needs to be in the park. So you can’t just send one person to do it. Your whole party has to be scanned into a park.

[@jokarabelas7422]

Hi , love the channel and follow every video. We have just booked to come to Disneyland from australia in sept 2024, with regards to closing the DCA park early on certain days is it the same days every year and every week? Thanks Jo

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I believe so, yes. With some exceptions. But for the most part it’s Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, September and October. Last year, I believe a Saturday was also closed early. But this year it was only Sunday, Tuesday, Thursdays.

[@justinkuryliw3970]

You said that they will kick you out at 6pm for the Sweethearts night. Was this just an example or is it really 6pm? Park hours says it closed at 8pm (event starts at 9pm)

[@rin607]

You should pin this upload! I still watch it after visiting Disneyland/ DCA (from abroad). We love your content. Thank you.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Thank you!

[@karinadelgado6817]

What about beginning of March ????? Like first two weeks ?

[@lightyear999]

Nice video. You missed Alice in Wonderland as an attraction unique to Disneyland.

[@pandora576]

Thank you! How early should you show up at a table service restaurant, if you have a reservation?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We usually show up about 15 minutes before.

[@pandora576]

@@SoCalDisneyDad Thank you!

[@Cadetsc]

I really wanna do Star Wars night next year. How do I know when tickets are available? Where do I check ? Should I like LIKED the Disneyland FB page ?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Keep an eye on the Disneyland special events page. This year, it was announced Mid-February and tickets when on sale February 23rd. It’ll roughly be around the same time period. disneyland.disney.go.com/admission/events/

[@cassyramirez4467]

Do you have a video of that? I didn't know it existed! 😅

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@cassyramirez4467 I do not. But I might go next year. I don’t think I’ll be visiting every single after dark event as I just can’t afford that. But I’m a huge Star Wars fan. Not that that helps you right now, I know. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@cassyramirez4467]

@@SoCalDisneyDad totally get it! I was reading hoping maybe we can go next year.... but tickets are expensive... 😅

[@teresasharp8862]

We will be coming at 06 May and would like to know when the grad nights start. When do they start is that later in May?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

It’s at the end of May, beginning of June. You will be there during Star Wars Nites. Can’t say for certain the exact dates, but I assume May 4th will be one for sure. They won’t announce dates until closer to 3 months out.

[@teresasharp8862]

❤Your awesome thank you💗

[@marleyhenderson9324]

The disability accommodations are so confusing. the site is vague.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

This page has LOADS of info. Hopefully you find it helpful: disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/

[@nancyhawkes8023]

I saw in another video parents pushing a type of stroller that is red, low to the ground, and looks like it has room for more than one child. Do you know what this is called? Is it available for rent at Disneyland?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

They are just Disney’s double stroller. They are hard plastic and very uncomfortable for kids. You are much better off bringing your own. Strollers are free to take on airplanes and if you have one for your kids, it’s best to just bring that one. You could also purchase a cheap stroller to bring with you. It’ll still be cheaper than renting Disney’s. But they do have them available if you are dead set on not bringing a stroller with you, or maybe don’t have space in a car if you’re driving, etc.

[@teresasharp8862]

Absolutely love you and your family I don’t even look at the other videos only yours. Regarding the DAS I am eligible for it but my husband is not so does he have to go stand in the lineup and I get the return pass and just show up 65 minutes after he stood in line. Also, when we get to City Hall and I go get my DAS what kind of information do I need to give them? Can I just give them my handicap placard that I use for my vehicle?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

DAS is good for up to 6 people. The person with the DAS pass has to be present when redeeming the pass, but anybody in the party can make the ride reservations. I’m honestly unsure about the documentation needed as I have never used it for myself. My understanding is that it’s just a verbal statement. If you apply online ahead of time (it takes a little more effort from what I understand), but you should be able to make 2 advanced ride reservations per day before you even go. If you are wanting to maximize your time and do the legwork before you get there.

[@CarsonMackay-hw9br]

im going for 7 days

[@lizmarielvega1045]

Im going september 2024, do i need genie plus if it is not that busy?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Every time I visit I go without Genie+, so it can definitely be done. We even rode every single ride at DCA in October (busier than September) in a single day without Genie+ That being said, Genie+ will make for a less stressful day, and is still highly recommended by me.

[@Rochelle-hv9kf]

Does anybody know what kind of selfie stick Traver uses ?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@Rochelle-hv9kf Manfrotto Tripod - amzn.to/4bu13Qs Manfrotto Phone Clamp - amzn.to/4bu14Uw

[@Rochelle-hv9kf]

@@SoCalDisneyDad thank u ! Love your videos !

[@Jen-zk9se]

Please explain the magic bands, genie, lightening lanes. Is all that really necessary?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

None of it is necessary. No. But here are some resources to help you learn more: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About MagicBand+ at Disneyland kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX7QZJiJardshsk How to Use Genie+ at Disneyland to SKIP THE LINES in 2024 | Tips & Tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/amiWnHdrpp17hac

[@Jen-zk9se]

@@SoCalDisneyDad Thank you 💛

[@sherlong1196]

Does it still apply till now that Saturday has less crowd than a sunday or friday at Disneyland? Thank you! :)

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

If I said that in this video, then I must have misspoke. Saturday is the busiest day of the week. This is the order of days from least busy to most busy: Tuesday-Thursday, Monday, Sunday, Friday, Saturday. With Saturday being the busiest, and Tuesday through Thursday being the least busy.

[@beckystomp2192]

You forgot to add info on the candy cane inn.

[@heathergareau5024]

We’re going to Disneyland for the very first time over New Year’s, so you think all of the Christmas decor and merch will still be available? January 1-4th is when we’re going.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yes! It’ll all be up until January 7th

[@slowazzd2165]

Expecting a 18-20 % tip is wild, 10-15% is normal here but there isn't an expected percentage for tipping, you can tip anything or nothing and no one's gonna shoot you a dirty look for it, maybe it's just because we get a somewhat livable minimum wage here at 16$/hour

[@sarahmay8668]

? Question - if you are staying at the DLH and you get in 30 minutes early, how does that effect rope drop? Do you get to do rides earlier or just be at rope drop earlier?

[@DawsonLois]

You get to do rides 30 min earlier.

[@pandora576]

You can ride the attractions, but only certain lands/attractions are available.

[@pandora576]

Thank you, this is awesome! A friend and l are going this April for Season of the Force and Star Wars Nite ( so excited). I'm hoping you make a tip video for those as your videos are so helpful.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I’m going to Star Wars Nite on April 16th. Video should be up the next day.

[@pandora576]

@@SoCalDisneyDad Thank you! I will definitely be watching it for tips for my visit 😁.

[@brynnharris-hamm1321]

Can’t really compare the cost of Genie+ to the universal express pass since universal requires no scheduling or stress.. you just go right to whichever ride you want to go on and go right on, whenever you want. It’s simple and stress free and truly worth paying extra for, whereas Genie+ is a big headache, time consuming and inconvenient. Just wouldn’t want Disney greedy execs to think “ah they think genie+ is cheap! Let’s Jack it up by $100!” No no no.

[@user-qs5mx1ic6b]

You also forgot haunted mansion holiday which Disney world doesn’t have

[@user-qs5mx1ic6b]

You forgot Alice in wonderland which is unique to Disneyland

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Oh yes! Forgot about that one. My brain was pretty fried by the time I filmed that. Quite literally. It was crazy hot.

[@jarodrodrigues7611]

Helpful tips but cannot be taken as gospel. I've taken my family in July and never wanted for a single ride all week. I've also taken my family the week before Thanksgiving and the wait was minimal.

[@kellbell60]

Great tips even if it’s not your first visit. Assuming you and the fam will go when Space Mountain reopens and report back to 23k of your closest friends, right????

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We will be going this Sunday (still closed) and the next time I can go is November 1st unless I can get an earlier reservation. The video that comes out Friday, November 3rd should hopefully report on Space Mountain reopening.

[@justimagine2403]

Not 5 days like we did.