In 2019, Disneyland had 18.7 million visitors, but the COVID pandemic cut this back to only 3.7 million in 2020. Much of this is due to the shutdown. But, since the park has reopened, Disneyland is up to nearly 85% of its pre-COVID attendance.
With the park back open many people are looking to make up for lost time and are planning to travel to Disneyland. Since Disneyland wants to follow safety guidelines and keep its guests safe, Disney implemented some changes to park operations. So, it is more important than ever to plan your Disney trip.
If you are preparing to travel to Disneyland, here are some helpful Disneyland tips to make your trip magical.
Getting Your Tickets
If you are asking how to plan a trip to Disneyland, the first step is to determine where you will stay and get tickets. Due to COVID, Disney requires guests to have both a ticket and a reservation for the same park on the same day. When visiting, you can get a vacation package that allows you to stay in one of Disney’s resorts or other hotels located near the park.
Disney tickets and staying in a Disney resort can be costly, especially if you buy them directly. However, some websites like Undercover Tourist offer discounted prices on Disneyland packages.
But with horror stories surrounding some of these websites, you might be wondering, is Undercover Tourist legit? Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller, and this is something you should check for before making a purchase. Please research anywhere you want to stay or purchase tickets from before buying from them.
Packing for Disneyland
Disney allows guests to bring bags into the park. But, many people tend to overpack, and there is nothing more exhausting than lugging around a heavy backpack all day. So what should you bring to the park?
First, pack your tickets. Nothing is worse than getting to the Disneyland gates to find out you don’t have them.
Next, pack other essentials, like any medication or baby supplies. The California sun can be brutal, so be sure to bring some sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Also, pack your phone and charger to capture those vacation memories.
Bringing your own food and water is a great way to save money at Disneyland. Disney allows guests to bring in outside food and drinks as long as it is not fast food, alcohol, loose ice, or glass. So pack plenty of water, some sandwiches, and snacks to get you through the day.
You may also want to bring a spare change of clothes to change into after those water rides. Check the weather the day of your trip and bring a jacket, umbrella, or poncho if necessary.
As for what not to bring, Disney doesn’t allow certain strollers, wagons, skateboards, scooters, or motorized vehicles with less than three wheels. Pets cannot come into the park, except service animals. Suitcases and smoking are also not allowed.
Navigating the Park
Disneyland is highly walkable, but the park offers multiple ways to help guests get around. Also, Disney has an app to help you navigate the park. Since Disney is notorious for its long lines, you can also use the app to check line wait times.
Another way to avoid the lines is to go to the back of the park and work your way backward. Disney also recently changed its Fastpass system to Disney Genie, allowing guests to pay to skip the lines.
Travel to Disneyland With a Game Plan
Whether you are crossing it off your bucket list or want to enjoy one of the best theme parks in the world, there are many reasons why you should visit Disneyland. But if you don’t plan your travel to Disneyland, it might not turn out as magical as you expect. Doing some research about tickets and planning what to pack will make the experience that much better.
Do you want more tips about planning a trip? Check out the travel section on our website to prepare for your next adventure.
