A guide to spending spring break at Disneyland

It’s another busy season at Disney Parks as spring break is upon us! The Disneyland Resort is definitely a hot spot for students vacationing, so expect larger crowds and increased wait times.

Students – that doesn’t mean you have to expect a less than magical time during your visit! Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of this most magical place!

#1 avoid going to the park on Mondays and Fridays

Families will extend their weekends to visit the parks so its best to avoid those days. What’s the best day of the week to go?

Wednesday.

Also, early mornings are better than afternoons.

It is very important to arrive well before the park opens so that you are among the first group of guests in the park right before the gates open. Plus, if you are staying at the Disneyland Resort hotel you have the opportunity to enter either parks 1-hour earlier than other guests by using the Extra Magic Hour admission option.

#2 park effectively

If you are not staying at a on-property hotel, allow yourself plenty of time to drive to the Resort, that way you can park in one of the closest lots like Mickey & Friends Parking Structure off Ball Road. This lot gives you a shorter walking distance to the park.

FYI – they tend to close this parking structure around 9 a.m. to about 11 a.m. to divert guests to other parking locations, so access the Toy Story lot off Harbor Blvd. if you’ll be arriving between those times.

#3 visit a FASTPASS kiosk

Take advantage of Disneyland’s FASTPASS system. Find out if your favorite rides that tend to have the longest lines offer a FASTPASS and grab them asap! They are free and are an easy way to minimize your wait time. Be sure to check the bottom of your FASTPASS to see when you can get another.

#4 wear comfortable footwear

You will be walking back and forth from park to park to get on your favorite rides and standing in long lines. The chances are your feet will feel tired by the end of the day, so skip the flip-flops and choose to wear comfortable shoes.

#5 stay hydrated

Anaheim is very warm this time of year, so beat the heat by packing a water bottle and staying hydrated. Bring your own water bottle because they can be overpriced at the park or just ask for a free cup of it!

Keep cool by wearing light clothes with a hat and sunglasses and bring sunscreen as well.

#6 eat wisely

Obviously, food inside the parks can be a little expensive, so pack a lunch and keep it inside a locker. You can eat it at any of the several tables that are available around the park.

We still love the food at the resort, so if you want to buy a meal at the park, avoid lunch rush hours between 11 a.m.  and 2 p.m.

Another option would be to have an early lunch that way while everyone is eating you can go on rides and avoid long lines. Keep in mind to plan ahead as well, and make advance reservations for any full-service dining.

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Are you going to Disneyland for spring break? Do you have any tips of your own? Comment and share your tips below!