Introducing the new Disney® Inspire Visa® Card

Learn More
>
Parks & Travel

21 Pro Tips for the Best-Ever Disneyland® Vacation

Updated
Disneyland guests castle

If a yearly, monthly or—if you’re really lucky—daily trip to the Disneyland® Resort is part of your regular schedule, this is the guide for you! You already know about the Disneyland® app and where to buy the best ears—you’re a pro. So we’ve curated these insider tips and tricks for seasoned visitors to help make your next visit your best yet.

1. Unleash the Magic of Disney Genie service

This complimentary new service creates your best Disney day inspired by your top interests. It grants you new planning features, including a personalized itinerary creator. You’ll love how it saves you time by seamlessly mapping out your special day, with updates that continue from morning to night—just like a favorite navigation app.

2. Stay Informed of the Latest Updates

Bookmark the Experience Updates page for easy access so you know what to expect on your next visit. You’ll find the latest on face coverings and health requirements, plus links to additional information about updates around the theme parks and more.

3. Save Time in Line with Lightning Lane Entry

Save time in line, capture memories and more when you purchase the Disney Genie+ service! Have one attraction you just can’t miss? There is also an “á la carte” option to purchase individual Lightning Lane entrance arrival windows for highly demanded attractions, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, that are not included in Disney Genie+ (subject to limited availability).

4. Purchase Parking in Advance

Parking opens 60 minutes before the theme parks. By purchasing your parking voucher in advance, you can park, head right to security and get ready for the rope drop! And remember, before you can have an enchanting day, you’ll also need theme park admission and a park reservation for the same park and the same date for park entry. Book your reservation in advance via the Disneyland® Resort’s online reservation system.

5. Visit Walt’s Apartment

Explore the life and legacy of Walt Disney on a “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland® Footsteps” Guided Tour, a magical journey through his personal history and the development of Disneyland® Park. You’ll hear all about what inspired the creative mastermind and the challenges that he faced along the way, peeking into parts of the park not typically open to the public. Visit classic attractions significant to Walt’s past and end the experience with a delectable meal along Main Street, U.S.A®. Cardmembers receive 15% off the non-discounted price of tickets.12 Reservations recommended; call 714-781-8687. All offerings and experiences are subject to change without notice.

Disneyland VIP Tour

6. Get the Ultimate VIP Treatment

For special occasions, get the Disney day of your dreams with a fully customizable VIP experience, including a personalized tour, a peek at behind-the-scenes details and a treasure trove of premium benefits.

7. Stay Dry-ish on Splash Mountain

Want to experience Splash Mountain, but don’t want to get too soaked? Redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars toward a poncho from one of the park’s shops and enjoy the drenching. 3

Girl shopping at disney

8. Snag Souvenirs

You already know the Disneyland® Resort is home to amazing shopping. The options are endless at stores like the Emporium, which offers the largest selection of souvenirs in all of Disneyland® Park. Plus, merchandise mobile checkout is a convenient way to scan and pay at select stores right on your phone. And if you’d rather be prepared in advance, check out gear options online at shopDisney.com.

9. Strike a Pose in your Complimentary Magic Shot

Say cheese! Visit the private Cardmember location in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure® Park or Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland at Disneyland® Park for your complimentary photo downloads, digitally enhanced with some favorite Characters appearing right next to you.1

10. Prepare for Action with The Avengers

New recruits, get ready to team up with some of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes at Disney California Adventure® Park. Be sure to scope out some favorite Super Heroes at the Avengers Headquarters and Ancient Sanctum. You can even train with the Black Panther’s loyal bodyguards and discover what it takes to join the Dora Milaje!

Ancient Sanctum at Disney California Adventure® Park.

11. Redeem Disney Rewards Dollars Toward Iconic Snacks

Whether you’re biting into a Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel or savoring a spoonful of DOLE Whip®, make snack time even more delicious by redeeming your Disney Reward Dollars toward your treats. Be sure to load your Disney Rewards Redemption Card before you hit the parks so you can enjoy what you’ve earned!3

12. Maximize Card Convenience

The Disney® Visa® Credit Card’s tap-to-pay feature allows for convenient, contactless payments instantly throughout the Disneyland® Resort. You can also add your Disney Visa Card as a payment method within the Disneyland® app for easy, cash-free purchases. Learn more about contactless payment on our FAQ page.

13. Get Meals via Mobile Orders

Deliciousness is on demand when you place mobile orders via the Disneyland® app. Peruse the menu and order ahead for the family. Then, you can pick up your food and get back in action!

Meals via mobile orders

14. Capture the Enchantment with Disney PhotoPass+ Products

Save all those unforgettable moments in your photo album with professional shots taken by Disney photographers when you purchase Disney PhotoPass+ products. You can receive photos from around the parks, including attractions, dining, Magic Shots and Animated Magic Shots. Digital downloads make it easy to share and treasure those precious moments for years to come.

15. Build Out-of-this-World Wonder

If your family includes sworn members of the Resistance, be sure to plan ahead and make separate reservations for legendary Star Wars experiences like customizing your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers and tinkering with your own sidekick at Droid Depot. (Note: These experiences require a purchase.)

16. Get Savings to Match Your Cravings

Save 10% on memorable meals on most days at select dining locations throughout the Disneyland® Resort when you use your Disney Visa Card.17 See our Disney Rewards Dining Perks Guide for the full list of restaurants. And as mentioned above, consider taking advantage of mobile ordering for added convenience!

17. Don’t Miss Sunset at Cars Land

Take a moment to enjoy the lights of Cars Land as they come alive at dusk. Get the whole family together to appreciate the neon glow and a sweet rendition of “Sh-boom.” It’ll be a sunset you’ll never forget.

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure

18. Light up the Night

Check out fan favorites like Main Street Electrical Parade, Disneyland Forever, World of Color, Fantasmic! and Mickey’s Mix Magic. Disneyland® Park’s wow-worthy nighttime shows are often viewed on Main Street®, U.S.A., but depending on the show, you can also get spectacular views from “it’s a small world,” the Rivers of America or other locations.

Fireworks occur on select nights only, so be sure to check the Entertainment Schedule when planning your trip. For more top viewing spots in the park, check out our guide to fireworks at the Disneyland® Resort.

19. See Sleeping Beauty Castle Against the Night Sky

Be sure to catch Disneyland® park’s iconic sight by day and by night. When evening falls, the castle’s spires are lit to spellbinding effect, making for yet another unforgettable photo opportunity—with an extra sprinkling of pixie dust when there are fireworks!

Sleeping beauty castle at Disneyland® park's

20. Explore Outside the Parks

Don’t miss out on even more delectable dishes, awesome sights and fun details at the Downtown Disney® District. Take advantage of Cardmember perks that allow you to save on select merchandise and bites at participating locations, from Wetzel’s® Pretzels to Curl Surf and more.19

21. Start Dreaming of Your Next Visit

It’s always exciting to look ahead to your next Disney vacation. If you’re searching for ideas and guidance to make your dream getaway come true, check out our Vacation Planning Timeline for more valuable information.

With these pro tips, you’ll be navigating the Disneyland® Resort like an insider. And best of all, you can maximize your vacation by using the Disney Visa Card to get special vacation financing!10

 

Related Posts

NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more

1Disney Theme Park & Resort Perks

Offers and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as form(s) of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase to receive special offers. Merchandise discount may not be available for certain items and at certain locations including Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort. To receive a merchandise discount, you must mention the specific offer. For entry into the Disney, Heroic Encounter or Star Wars Cardmember Photo Opportunities, you must present your valid Disney Visa Card. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase. Minimum purchase and/or separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Offers are for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold. Chase is not responsible or liable for fulfillment of these Disney Theme Park and Resort perks.

2Guided Tour Savings at the Disneyland® Resort

Offers and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating guided tours, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures, and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card at time of purchase for full amount of purchase. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation required. Cardmember must participate in the guided tour. Guided tours can be booked for up to 10 total Guests (inclusive of the cardmember). Some guided tours have age and other restrictions. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase. Guided tour reservations are for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold.

Following is a list of guided tours that are included:

    • A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour (offered seasonally)
    • Disney's Happiest Haunts Tour (offered seasonally)
    • Holiday Time at the Disneyland® Resort Guided Tour (offered seasonally)
    • Disneyland® Railroad Guided Tour (offered seasonally)
3Disney Rewards Dollars

Disney Rewards Dollars are subject to the Disney Rewards Dollars Terms and Conditions for Disney Visa Credit Cards available at DisneyRewards.com/Terms.

4Dining Savings at the Disneyland® Resort

Offer and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible food and beverages, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures, and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice, and are not guaranteed. Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, select new food and beverage offerings, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card at time of purchase for full amount of purchase. Discount valid at the following restaurant locations, subject to location availability: Disneyland® Park: Cafe Orleans, Carnation Café, The Golden Horseshoe, Harbour Galley, Plaza Inn, River Belle Terrace, Royal Street Veranda, and Troubadour Tavern; Disney California Adventure® Park: Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Lucky Fortune Cookery, Paradise Garden Grill, Sonoma Terrace, Studio Catering Co., and Wine Country Trattoria; Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa: GCH Craftsman Bar and Storytellers Café; Disneyland® Hotel: Goofy's Kitchen and Palm Breeze Bar. Subject to restaurant availability, operating hours and closures. Reservations may be required. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required. Discount is for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold.

5Operating Participant Savings

Offers and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability, capacity limitations, closures, and additional restrictions and exclusions, may change or be canceled without notice and are not guaranteed. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card as form of payment at the time of purchase for full amount of purchase and mention the applicable offer. Respective offer is provided and fulfilled solely by the applicable Disneyland® Resort Operating Participant location. Disney and Chase are not responsible or liable for fulfillment of such offers, products or services. Not valid on taxes or gratuity. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase. Discount valid on select items. See location for full details. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation may be required.

  • Arribas Brothers (various): Includes stores at Disneyland® Park (Crystal Arts on Main Street, U.S.A. and Cristal d'Orleans in New Orleans Square). Subject to certain restrictions, exclusions and/or limitations including, but not limited to shipping charges.
  • Curl Surf: 10% discount on full price items; excludes existing sales, promotions and watches.
  • JOFFREYS.COM: Online discount applies to U.S. orders only, limit one coupon code per order, not applicable to subscription services, items on sale, and not combinable with any other offer or discount.
6Special Vacation Financing

Get special vacation financing on select Disney Resort packages, all Adventures by Disney® packages, National Geographic Expeditions, all AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i vacation packages, and all Disney Cruise Line packages (collectively, Disney Vacation Packages). Disney Vacation Packages must be booked by you through the Walt Disney Travel Company, Disney Cruise Line or Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc., online at Disney sites or through other eligible travel agents or sites, and charged to your Disney Visa Credit Card prior to commencement of your vacation. Other restrictions and exclusions apply. New Applicants: Please refer to the applicable Pricing & Terms for pricing details: Disney Inspire Visa Card pricing↗; Disney Premier Visa Card pricing↗; Disney Visa Card pricing↗. If you received an offer in the mail, please refer to the Pricing & Terms included with that offer. You will receive complete terms and conditions for this offer once you become a cardmember. Existing Cardmembers: For complete details please refer to your Cardmember Agreement.

7$300 Disney Gift Card eGift with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Upon approval of your Disney Inspire Visa Card application, you will be sent your Disney Gift Card eGift via email within hours to any valid email address. The Disney Gift Card eGift can be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Store locations in the U.S., DisneyStore.com, and Adventures by Disney®. Disney Gift Card eGifts are redeemable for goods and services at participating Disney locations. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not refundable or redeemable for cash unless required by law. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not for resale. Disney Gift Card eGifts are issued by, and represents a legal obligation solely of, Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. Lost, damaged or stolen Disney Gift Card eGifts may be replaced only if original email and complete card number are provided. For Disney Gift Card eGift balance inquiries, call 1-877-650-4327 or visit DisneyGiftCard.com. For complete terms and conditions (including arbitration agreement), visit DisneyGiftCard.com. The value of this offer or program may result in miscellaneous income received from Chase and we may be required to send you, and file with the IRS, a Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Information) or Form 1042-S (Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding) for the year in which you participate and are awarded the benefits of the offer/program. You are responsible for any tax liability related to participating in the offer/program. Please consult your own tax advisor if you have any questions about how this could affect your taxes. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. If your account is not open for at least 6 months, Chase and Disney reserve the right to cancel the Disney Gift Card eGift.

8$300 Statement Credit with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Offers may vary and may not be available through all application methods when applying for the Disney Visa Credit Cards. In some instances, an application may require additional time to process. To qualify and receive your $300 statement credit, you must make Purchases totaling $1,000 or more during the first 3 months from account opening. ("Purchases" do not include balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) To be eligible for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. After qualifying, please allow up to 8 weeks for your credit to appear in your statement.

Clicking on the Facebook, Pinterest and other third-party links will take you away from our Disney site where different terms of use and privacy policy apply.

The Contactless Symbol and Contactless Indicator are trademarks owned by and used with the permission of EMVCo, LLC.

Deposit and credit card products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC