Visiting Disneyland in One Day: Can You, Or Should You Do It?

Are you thinking about visiting Disneyland in one day?  Can you do it?  Should you do it?  Disneyland was originally a one day park. Over the last couple of decades, however, the resort has slowly built to become a multi-day destination. You can easily spend three to four days there and still have new things to do. However, that does not mean you couldn’t or shouldn’t visit Disneyland Park for just a day if you have the chance.

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Visiting Disneyland In One Day:  Can You, or Should You Do It?

Even though you can’t experience all of Disneyland in one day, it doesn’t mean that you should skip it. I’ve been to Disneyland more times than I can count, and I still find something new every time I visit.  Disneyland in one day is better than no day at Disneyland at all!  However, in order to experience Disneyland more fully in one day, here are a few tips and guidelines to help you maximize time at Disneyland.  Please note that this article was written before Disneyland announced that it will be reopening with restrictions, after being closed for several months due to COVID-19.  To see the restrictions, click here.  Nevertheless, some of these tips still apply when planning to visit Disneyland in one day.  

Choose Your Attractions

There are way more attractions than you can ride in a single day at Disneyland. Prioritize what you want to do and make sure your plan is efficient so you can do more with the time you have.  For example, there are five main sections of Disneyland. If you spend two hours in each one, that’s a ten-hour day. It seems like a good plan, but some rides have long waits. Then, there are subsections in the park as well. New Orleans Square seems like a side note to a first-time guest until they realize that two of the most popular Disneyland attractions reside there. Choosing your top ten attractions is critical to successfully visiting Disneyland in one day because it sets your expectations.

Set Your Path

When you know what you want to do with your time in Disneyland, you should choose the path that will maximize your time in the park. There are a number of ways to approach Disneyland and explore the park. Consider the railroad as a way to travel the park and the monorail as an alternative way into the park with a unique vantage point. There are several different ways to get from one place to the next and a lot that happens in between. You’ll want to keep in mind, though, that the monorail isn’t always the most reliable mode of transportation.  My family and I have taken the monorail from Downtown Disney into Tomorrowland and it took almost 30 minutes due to various delays!  So sometimes, the most reliable mode of transportation is walking from one area to the next.  Which brings me to my next point…..

Anticipate Challenges

There’s more to Disneyland than just the rides. For example, there are shows with schedules and parades (like Magic Happens) that have routes blocked off to those passing through, in addition to the crowds themselves. As a result, you might end up having to slow down.  You’ll also want to give yourself a lot of wiggle room in how you plan your time.  As a result, in order to maximize time at Disneyland, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the map of Disneyland beforehand, and know in advance the times of the parades so you can try to avoid those areas, assuming you want to skip the parades.  

Download the Official Disneyland App

There’s a reason why I recommend downloading the official Disneyland app as one of my essential Disneyland tips.  Not only must you use the app to obtain a boarding pass for Rise of the Resistance (more about that below), but you can also use it to order food in advance at certain locations (called mobile food ordering).  Click here for a list of participating Disneyland quick service locations.  It’s not only convenient, but it will also save you time that you would have spent waiting in line to order food.

Consider Purchasing the MaxPass

I’m a big believer in the MaxPass, especially since it will save you time waiting in line and allow you to go on more rides throughout the day.  Unlike a paper FASTPASS, guests can reserve MaxPasses through the Official Disneyland app on their phone for an additional cost.  However, it’s extremely convenient, plus it also includes photos taken by Disney photographers.  If there’s anything worth splurging on at Disneyland, it’s the MaxPass, especially if you are visiting Disneyland in one day.  

Rise of the Resistance Boarding Tips

Chances are, you’ll want to try to get a boarding pass for Rise of the Resistance, the newest ride in Star Wars:  Galaxy’s Edge (aka Star Wars Land).  I was lucky enough to get a boarding pass the last time I was at Disneyland.  The ride itself is well worth it, so you ‘ll want to make sure you are at the park about an hour before it opens for the day, with your phone - and official Disneyland app - ready.  The virtual boarding passes become unavailable within seconds of the park officially opening so make sure everyone in your party who has a phone has the app loaded with everyone’s tickets.  I was with about 7 other bloggers, so between the 7 of us, one of us was able to obtain a boarding pass for the whole group.

Avoid Dates That Coincide With Special Events

Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure hold several special ticketed events throughout the year, like Oogie Boogie Bash, Disneyland’s Halloween Party.  You’ll want to know the dates for the special events because even though Oogie Boogie Bash is held at Disney California Adventure, guests who did not purchase tickets will end up going to Disneyland Park instead.  So you’ll want to keep that in mind when planning Disneyland in one day, in order to avoid the crowds.  Likewise, you’ll want to consult a crowd calendar to determine the best time of the year to visit Disneyland.  Click here for the best and worst times to visit Disneyland.  For example, you can read why I love visiting Disneyland during the holidays here, but know that it can be extremely crowded in the park during the holidays.

BOOK A TRIP TO DISNEYLAND AND/OR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AT A DISCOUNT!

If you’re thinking of booking a trip to Disneyland or Southern California, then please consider booking through Get Away Today by clicking on this link.  Not only does Get Away Today offer the best deals on hotels, including free night specials and exclusive offers like free breakfast, free parking and waived resort fees at select hotels, but Disneyland tickets are also available at a discount.  Layaway plans are also available for Southern California vacation packages, with the first payment beginning as low as $125.  Additionally, you can receive an extra $10 off any 2-night or longer Southern California package by using the promo code CACTUS.