The Disneyland Park Itinerary Every First-Timer Needs

We just got back from Disneyland! It was our second visit as a family! We went last summer and the girls had so much fun that they begged to go back. We decided to keep it to just two days (like what we did last year), which ended up being the perfect amount of time for our family. We got to do everything we wanted without feeling overwhelmed or overcommitted.

If you’re planning your first Disneyland trip, or just trying to figure out how many days you actually need, I put together a helpful guide below with exactly what to do in 1, 2, or 3 days, including the best rides by age, Genie+ tips, and what to wear!

Disneyland for One Day Only? Here’s Exactly What to Prioritize

One day at Disneyland can still be fantastic; you just need to go in with a little game plan. I recommend focusing solely on the main Disneyland Park, rather than trying to park hop. There’s so much to do here, and if you prioritize a few key rides, grab Genie+ for the ones that get long lines, and show up early, you’ll be surprised how much you can cover in just one day.

Although we spent two park days on this trip, we’ve visited Disneyland in both one and two days, and honestly, one full day is enough to hit the highlights if you keep moving. Here’s how I’d plan it if you only have one day…

Must-Do Rides at Disneyland Park (Day 1)

These rides were perfect for our girls (ages 6 and 10), but most of them are just as fun for older kids, teens, and even adults, because let’s be honest, no one outgrows Disney!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – One of our favorites! Fast, smooth, and just enough thrill to be fun but not scary. A great first roller coaster.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Super cute and immersive! It looks like it’s for little kids, but the effects are really well done and fun for adults, too. (Feels like a cartoon come to life.)
Pirates of the Caribbean – Classic Disney adventure ride that’s still exciting. Long, detailed, and a perfect mix of chill and wow.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – Interactive and fast-paced. Kids LOVE competing to get the highest score while riding.
Star Wars: Millennium Falcon – Smugglers Run – You actually get to fly the Millennium Falcon! Valentina and Alina were pilots, and I swear it felt like they were about to crash us into an asteroid field (lol). It’s a total blast, and you truly feel like you’re inside a spaceship.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (or Splash Mountain) – So fun but has a big drop at the end! Definitely better for older kids (around 8+) who don’t mind getting a little wet.
Matterhorn Bobsleds – Fast and exciting, but bumpy. Better suited for kids aged 8–10 who enjoy roller coasters.
Space Mountain – One of the most thrilling rides in the park. Totally dark and fast! Only recommend for older, braver kids (8+).

Pro Tips

Arrive early! Arriving at the gate 30–45 minutes before park opening helps you complete 2–3 rides before the lines grow.
Consider Genie+ if your must-dos include the more popular rides.
Stick to one park and save park-hopping for another time; it’s too much for just one day.

If You Have 2 Days (My Favorite Option)

Two days is the perfect sweet spot, especially if you’re going with kids. It gives you time to enjoy both parks without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. You can actually stop for snacks, take breaks, and not feel like you’re sprinting from ride to ride. We set up this system, and it worked exceptionally well.

I’d recommend spending Day 1 at Disneyland to experience all the classic rides and characters, and then using Day 2 at California Adventure, which features more thrill rides, Pixar attractions, and fun for slightly older kids. It’s a great balance for the whole family.

Must-Do Rides at California Adventure

While we focused on what worked best for our kids, California Adventure isn’t just for the little ones. Teens and adults will love the thrill rides, and there are plenty of moments throughout the park that feel totally immersive and exciting, no matter how old you are.

Grizzly River Run – This ride was so much fun. You sit in a big circular raft with a group, and the whole thing spins and bounces through rapids, drops, waterfalls—you name it. You 100% get soaked (some more than others), but honestly, it’s part of the fun. We saw people who came fully prepared in plastic ponchos and shoe covers—and now I get it! The line was super long when we went (even with Genie+), but we waited it out and it was totally worth it. It’s the perfect summer ride, especially when the sun’s out and you want to get wet.
Radiator Springs Racers: Hands down, one of my absolute favorite rides out of both parks. The entire experience feels like driving through Sedona or the Grand Canyon, with its beautiful red rock scenery and stunning outdoor desert views. Then, the ride turns into a fast-paced race that feels like a mini roller coaster. It’s so well done and honestly feels more like a real ride than just a theme park attraction. Don’t skip this one! (Use Genie+ or buy the Individual Lightning Lane; it sells out fast.) It literally felt like we were in the middle of a movie—it was that cool.
Incredicoaster (Pixar Pier): This coaster looks like it’s fun, but it’s even more intense than you’d expect. From outside, you’ll see the big loop with a Mickey head, but once you get onboard, it launches you from 0 to 55 mph in seconds, flies you through an inversion, and takes you in and out of dark tunnels with music and special effects. It’s fast, exciting, and totally feels like you’re part of a blockbuster movie. Definitely a thrill—if your kids (or you!) are up for it, it’s a must-ride.
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters – This one definitely feels like it’s made more for little kids, but it’s still really cute and fun in its own way. The cars “dance” and spin around to Italian music in sync, and it’s so well choreographed that it actually makes you smile. It’s not fast or wild, but it has that classic Disney charm. If you’re already in Cars Land, it’s a sweet little break between the bigger rides, and younger kids usually think it’s hilarious.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! – This one is super popular and gets recommended by a lot of people, but we skipped it. It’s definitely one of the more intense rides in the park. From what I’ve heard, it gives you that weightless drop feeling, like you’re falling over and over again, and honestly, that’s just not for me. I get super nauseous on rides like that (lol), and since we were with the kids, we didn’t even try it.

Calmer Rides Kids Still Enjoy (Perfect for Slowing Down)

These aren’t wild or high-energy, but they’re still fun, especially when you need a break from the faster rides or the afternoon heat.

Soarin’ Around the World – A beautiful “flying” ride that lifts you gently in front of a giant screen, gliding over landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China. The music, breeze, and scents make it a relaxing favorite for kids 7+.
Pixar Pal-A-Round (Non-Swinging Side) – You’ll ride inside a big Ferris wheel overlooking the park. Go for the non-swinging gondolas for a smoother experience. Fun for the views and photo ops!
The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – A slower, music-filled ride through scenes from The Little Mermaid. Great for younger kids or anyone who needs a calm moment after a bunch of thrill rides.

If You’re Doing 3 Days

If you’re lucky enough to have three full days, you can slow down, revisit your favorite rides, and soak up more of the Disney experience without feeling rushed. This is perfect for families with little ones, grandparents, or anyone who wants time for parades, snacks, photos, and rest breaks without sacrificing ride time.

It’s best to use a Park Hopper ticket for Day 3 so you can move between both parks. Disneyland and California Adventure are literally steps apart, and hopping between them only takes about 5 minutes.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Disneyland Park (Classics, Fantasyland, and Nighttime Parade)
Day 2: California Adventure (Pixar, Cars Land, and thrill rides)
Day 3: Park Hop — start in one park, end in the other, and re-do all your family’s favorites!

How to Maximize Day 3 with a Park Hopper

Start your day in the park where you missed or skipped things (or where lines were too long before).
Re-ride favorites like Radiator Springs Racers, Big Thunder Mountain, or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Catch any shows, parades, or characters you didn’t get to see on Days 1 and 2.
Use Genie+ again if your budget allows, mainly if you’re focused on rides.
Take it slower. Let the kids pick a few rides each. Grab a churro, take photos, and enjoy it without rushing.

This day is all about filling in the gaps and ending your trip on a high note, whether that means redoing thrill rides or just watching the sunset on Main Street with a Mickey pretzel in hand.

Genie+ Tips: What It Is and If It’s Actually Worth It?

If you’re new to Disney planning, Genie+ is Disney’s paid skip-the-line service. It allows you to book faster entry to select rides through a feature called the Lightning Lane (formerly FastPass). You reserve one ride at a time on the Disneyland app, and once you check in for that ride, you can book the next one.

It doesn’t include every ride, and some of the biggest ones (like Radiator Springs Racers and Rise of the Resistance) require a separate paid Lightning Lane on top of Genie+.

Is it worth it? In my opinion, yes —for the most part!

If you’re visiting on a weekend or during a busy time (which is… most of the time), Genie+ can save you a lot of wait time on the most popular rides. We used it, and it was totally worth it for rides like Indiana Jones, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Space Mountain.

That said, it’s not perfect. Some rides fill up fast, and by the time you finish one ride, the next Genie+ option might not be available until hours later. It’s also not unlimited — you book one ride at a time, so there’s a bit of strategy involved.

If you’re only visiting for 1–2 days and want to maximize your time, I recommend getting it for at least one park day. You just have to go in knowing it’s helpful, but NOT magical.

Final Disneyland Park Tips

These are the little things that made a big difference, or that I wish I had done sooner. If you’re visiting Disneyland Park (especially with kids), keep these tips in mind to avoid stress and enjoy more of the magic:

Stay within 5–10 minutes of the park: If possible, book a hotel close by—either at the Disneyland Hotel or one of the nearby options within a 5–10 minute drive. No, these hotels aren’t ultra-luxurious, but that’s totally fine. The real benefit is being close enough to skip long commutes, take a quick break if needed, and get back in time for the evening shows without the hassle. When you’re walking 10,000+ steps a day, a short ride back feels like a luxury in itself.
Wear real athletic sneakers: I wore cute non-gym sneakers on Day 1 and totally regretted it. On Day 2, I switched back to my On Cloud running shoes with actual cushion, and it was a game changer. After 10k+ steps, even the best fashion sneakers, flats, or sandals won’t hold up. Go with something you’d wear for a full gym workout—your feet will thank you.
Plan Your Outfit for Comfort (and All the Ride Hopping): You’ll be getting in and out of ride seats all day, sometimes in the heat, sometimes after getting splashed, and almost always with zero time to adjust yourself. I recommend wearing something light, breathable, and easy to move in. Think comfy shorts and a tank top, or a loose, flowy short dress that doesn’t cling or ride up. Avoid anything too tight, stiff, or complicated.
Pack light snacks: Goldfish, protein bars, or anything easy and mess-free. It’ll save you when someone (including you) starts getting hangry halfway through a LONG line.
Bring a refillable water bottle: There are refill stations all over the park. Staying hydrated will help keep everyone energized and avoid that mid-afternoon crash.
Get there early: The first few hours of the day have the shortest wait times. Plan to arrive before the park opens to ride a few big attractions before the crowds build.
Don’t overplan: Seriously, leave some breathing room in your schedule. Some of our favorite moments were spontaneous: watching the parade, grabbing a last-minute churro, or bumping into characters. Let the magic happen naturally 🙂

Where to Stay Near Disneyland (Within 5–10 Minutes)

If you’re visiting Disneyland for more than one day, I highly recommend staying somewhere close — ideally within a 5–10 minute walk or drive. It makes all the difference when you’re juggling kids, strollers, or just need a quick midday break.

Disney-Owned Hotels (Walkable to the Parks)

Disneyland Hotel – A classic choice with fun Disney theming, just steps from Downtown Disney. You can walk straight from the hotel lobby to the parks.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – Higher-end, with a private entrance into California Adventure and a cozy lodge-style design.
Pixar Place Hotel – Recently updated with Pixar-themed rooms and rooftop park views. A great family-friendly option.

Hotels Close Enough for Convenience (Not Disney-Owned)

JW Marriott Anaheim Resort – Clean and modern with rooftop pool. A nice option if you want something more elevated but still close.
Hilton Anaheim – Large, reliable, and located near the convention center. Some rooms have park views.
Anaheim Marriott – Comfortable and well-rated, about a mile away with quick Uber access to the park.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re going for one day or stretching it out to three or four, Disneyland truly is one of those places that creates the kind of memories you’ll talk about for years. With a bit of planning, the right shoes (trust me), and a few strategic breaks, your trip can be magical and manageable, even with little kids.

We had such an amazing time watching the girls light up at every ride, snack, and show. And while it’s easy to get caught up in doing everything, some of the best moments came when we slowed down, grabbed a churro, and just soaked it all in. I hope this guide helps make your Disneyland days smoother, easier, and filled with all the fun you’re hoping for.

Love,

Sherry XOXO