Avoid These 15 Common Disneyland Mistakes

There are many common mistakes you can avoid when visiting Disneyland whether you're a seasoned pro or a first timer coming to the parks. Even if you're a guest that doesn't want to plan each day down to the fine details it is helpful to know what to avoid to make your vacation awesome. Here are some of the most common mistakes I see people making on their Disneyland vacations!

Taking Too Many Pictures and Videos

In the age of social media, it can be too easy to get caught up in the Instagram or TikTok frenzy and live your life through your camera lens. Put the phone down and be in the moment once in a while. You can find plenty of videos of Disneyland fireworks on Youtube (probably with better quality than you could take!) so just put the phone down and enjoy the show.

Sleeping In On Your Park Days

The most common negative things we hear about Disneyland all focuses on crowds and waiting in line. But if you wake up early and get to the parks an hour before opening you will find the parks are much easier to manage. This isn't the vacation to be sleeping in every day!

Powering Through the Day with No Breaks

If you are visiting for more than a day or two, you should really take a break in the afternoons and go back to your hotel for a nap or a swim. The hottest and most crowded part of the day is in the afternoon- spend that time relaxing back at your hotel instead and come back refreshed for the evening.

Only Using the Paper Disneyland Map

Don't get me wrong- I love the paper park maps. We collect them from every visit. But these days it's essential to be using the official Disneyland app since it also tells you current wait times, character locations, and more!

Making Too Many Promises to Kids

I learned this the hard way the first time I brought my son to Disneyland. After waiting in a long line to meet Donald, the character left before it was our turn, and my son was in tears. We found Donald eventually, but it was a good lesson for me in preparing him for things he was looking forward to at the park. Rides can go under refurbishment (see current Disneyland ride closures), Disneyland fireworks can get canceled due to strong winds, or characters can become unavailable… it happens! Don't make big promises and prepare your kids the best you can to have a smooth experience.

Not Using Mobile Ordering

This goes hand in hand with the Disneyland app but even many app users don't utilize mobile ordering. It always pains me to see those long lines at quick service locations that take mobile ordering. Every time we've used mobile ordering we never had to wait that long! It's such a time saver.

Only Using the Standby Line

Every single time we go to the parks, I'm always amazed at how many people I chat with that have no idea what Disneyland Genie Plus is or how to use it. Don't be that person! Genie Plus is a way to virtually hold your place in line for popular attractions so you can better spend your time. When you return to the line, you will then get in the FastPass line which is shorter than the usual standby line. This is the replacement of the previously free Disneyland FastPass system.

Carrying Giant Backpacks

Many guests don't realize that Disneyland actually has lockers available where you can lock up your possessions for the day for a fee. Don't be that guy with the sore back from carrying a 20lb backpack in the park all day! Put that beast in a locker and save yourself the trouble. Plus if you're staying close by, there's really no need to bring so many supplies.

Expecting Perfection

This is another one I learned the hard way and this goes double for people traveling with kids. Your kids are still your kids- even in the happiest place on earth! Every family can have at least one Chevy Chase disaster moment on a vacation and you can too. Breathe and take a moment to laugh it off. Be realistic- your vacation can be amazing but it's hard for everything to always be perfect.

Waiting Until You Arrive to Buy Tickets

It's so easy to buy your tickets online and whether you buy from an authorized third party to get discounts (read details on discount Disneyland tickets here) or from the Disneyland website, you will always save time and money buying them in advance. Rather than spending time sitting in the ticket booth lines your first day, show up with your ticket in hand and get inside the parks quicker!

Eating Breakfast in the Parks

Eat breakfast before you arrive so you can spend that valuable morning time enjoying attractions! If you do decide to eat when you're in the parks, here's our guide to the best breakfast at Disneyland.

Worrying More About Fashion Than Comfort

This can be a slippery slope both ways! You want to be comfortable but you also don't want to show up in your dirty workout clothes. Try for a mix of comfort but still make an effort to look nice. You'll thank yourself later when you see all your pictures! And ladies, don't do heels unless it's only for dinner! You can walk miles a day at Disneyland, it's definitely an active vacation. Here's our packing list for Disneyland and packing list for Disney World.

Not Making Advance Dining Reservations for Popular Places

Although Disneyland is much different than Walt Disney World in that it is somewhat easier to get dining reservations, you still should plan to make some for popular Disneyland restaurants so you're not left hanging in the parks. We always like having at least one a day so I know we have a spot at the table saved after a long day enjoying the rides.

Making Your Beach Day Complicated

It's common, if not expected, for most families visiting from out of state to take a day off to head to the beach near Disneyland. Don't make this a complex trip, after all it should be your rest day! Consider taking an Uber so you can relax and not deal with traffic. Avoid taking a pile of beach gear so you don't have to haul it all around. Many beaches offer rentals for chairs, toys, and more. Keep it simple and relaxing.

Showing Up to Disneyland Without a Plan

To some extent, I really understand how fun a spontaneous Disneyland day can be without having a planned itinerary. But if this vacation is a once in a lifetime or if you're not local, then you will thank yourself later for planning out your day. Whether that is making a game plan with your group on what rides you want to prioritize, making a reservation for a dining package, or seeing your favorite characters having a plan will help you maximize your time. If you arrive with a plan, it saves precious park time on deliberating on what to do next and what to see. You have to read our Disneyland morning strategy and Disney California Adventure morning strategy for our best tips.

Forgotten Disneyland Attractions You'll Never Get to Ride

Disneyland is constantly changing. There are a number of classic Disney attractions that are no longer at Disneyland. From the skyway to the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland, these are the forgotten Disneyland attractions.

Disney Hot Takes! Craziest Disney World Opinions

While Disney World is widely loved by its fans, there are some interesting opinions that guests have about certain things at the parks. To each their own! In our list of Disney World hot takes, we'll walk you through what some of these are.

BEST Disney World Sit-Down Restaurants

While there is no dearth of amazing food at Disney World, some locations stand out as the best of the best. In our guide to the best Disney World Sit-Down Restaurants, we'll walk you through our top picks and what makes them special!

Character Dining at Disney World

Character Dining is an excellent way to make lasting memories and share a special moment with your favorite characters! In our guide to Character Dining at Walt Disney World, we'll walk you through all options offered, prices, characters, and more.