It’s that time of year where the Disney holiday season is approaching and the park is decked out in its Halloween (soon to be Christmas) loveliness. Obviously, we are all flocking to the park to take that much needed weekend vacation from college, because literally nothing is more magical and rejuvenating than a day at Disneyland. But how could you possibly cram all the lovely things the park has to offer in one day? Do not fear! As a Disneyland obsessed person I’m highly qualified to give you some pointers.
Get there early!
The park is much less crowded in the early morning before all the kiddos come. This is a great time to hit up the rides with the longest lines, like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones. Don’t worry if you’re not a morning person! Just pick up a pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks on Main Street, and you’ll be good to go.
Buy that corn dog you know you want so badly.
Part of the magic of Disneyland is all the food you get to stuff in your face throughout the day. Trust me; you will be happier if you treat yourself to a giant corn dog or a Matterhorn shaped macaroon.
Take some time for the nostalgic rides.
I know that the fast thrill rides are more appealing now that we are older, but my best times at Disneyland happen when I take a few hours to ride my old time favorites in Fantasyland. Peter Pan and Alice and Wonderland are newly updated, and definitely worth the wait. Taking a soar on Dumbo or peeing your pants because of how scary the Snow White ride is will make your heart gush with childhood memories.
Hit up the current features and holiday festivities.
Some rides like Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion are spruced up and extra spooky for Halloween. My personal favorite is to spend some time at Big Thunder Ranch (soon to be Star Wars Land) where you can decorate cookies with your favorite characters, pet animals, get some pictures with Minnie and Micky, and also conjure a villain who you get to meet and talk to.
Stay late!
All the best things at Disneyland happen at night time. The Paint the Night Parade is awesome and really reminiscent of the Main Street Electrical Parade circa 1972. You do not want to miss the 60th Anniversary fireworks, trust me. The show includes your favorite movies like Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Tangled, Winnie the Pooh, and some very special footage of Walt Disney himself. I openly sob and scream my head off pretty much the entire show. It’s just that good.