Disneyland Itinerary (3 Days Planned by a Local)

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Deciding to forego a Disneyland itinerary can quickly lead to chaos. You might miss your favorite shows, not get to go on your favorite rides or get stuck in a long restaurant line.

I practically grew up next door to Disneyland in California and have been to the park countless times. I know tons of insider Disneyland tips and tricks and one of the most important is that you need more than one day to explore the Happiest Place on Earth. 

So I’ve created this ultimate 3-day Disneyland itinerary that has every step of the day planned for you! And don’t worry, you can easily modify the itinerary if you prefer to spend 2, 4, or 5 days at Disneyland instead.

Let’s dive in!

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions when you make a purchase or hotel reservation through one of our affiliate partners. Note that this site has no affiliation with The Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

3 Day Disneyland Itinerary

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Day 1 – Explore Downtown Disney

Spend your first day exploring Downtown Disney. Get to know the energetic Disney atmosphere, shop for souvenirs, and eat delicious treats in the downtown area. 

A full day (or more) is best for exploring the Disneyland theme parks, so this is the perfect first-day activity to kickstart your vacation.

Arrive at Downtown Disney in the late afternoon with a big appetite. After photographing the famous Disney-themed street, head to a delicious downtown eatery like Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen or my favorite, La Brea Bakery Cafe.

After your delicious gumbo or brioche sandwich, spend the late afternoon shopping for Mickey Mouse Ears or the perfect princess dress at a downtown souvenir shop. The biggest and most popular is World of Disney, where you can find every type of Disney souvenir imaginable. 

The early evenings welcome excited visitors with live music at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. This kid-friendly event invites visitors of all ages to show off their dance skills with a Disney dance-off. The evening dance session also helps you work up an appetite for an early dinner downtown. I recommend Napolini Pizzeria.

You can find treats like pretzels or ice cream on dessert carts closer to the Disneyland entrance if you’re in the mood for something sweet. 

Return to your hotel after you’ve experienced everything the magical downtown area has to offer. I recommend booking a room at the Disneyland Hotel. It’s just steps from downtown and gives you an easy commute to the theme park in the morning. 

Day 2 – Disneyland Theme Park

Morning

Spend all of your second day at Disneyland Resort! There’s so much to do and see, you’ll need to spend all day at the theme park to experience the magic and splendor Disneyland has to offer.

You will want to arrive as soon as the park opens –  at 8 am for regular visitors and 7:30 am for Disney hotel guests.

Pose for an iconic Disneyland photo in front of the historic train station and Mickey Mouse flower mosaic as soon as you enter the park. Next, stroll down the timeless Main Street and take a photo by Walt Disney’s old office above the fire station. 

I recommend reserving a locker on Main Street before you hit the rides because they typically run out fast. You will encounter many souvenir shops along Main Street but try to resist the urge to buy gifts and goodies until later in the day. Rides should be your main priority in the morning. 

Head to the most popular rides first thing. These include Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge world and the Millennium Falcon ride at the opposite end of the Star Wars land. 

Next, make your way to either Adventureland to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or walk across the park to Tomorrowland to experience the adrenaline of Space Mountain. While in this area of the park, get in line for Star Tours, the original Star Wars ride.

Although this may not seem like a lot of rides, they will comprise most of your morning when considering wait times. 

Then it’s time for a snack break. Try the various snack carts around the park for things like pretzels or churros to temporarily curb your appetite.

👉 Pro Tip: Visit “Town Hall” at the beginning of Main Street to reserve a wheelchair, book a private tour, or get a special celebration pin.

Afternoon

After your late morning snack, head back to Adventureland to dodge boulders on a four-wheel drive journey on the Indiana Jones Adventure ride. This ride is a classic and shouldn’t be missed…unless it breaks down (which it frequently does).

The famous Pirates of the Caribbean ride is just a short walk from Indiana Jones. Plummet to the bottom of a world removed from the bayou as a series of kid-friendly drops brings you to the belly of a true Pirates of the Caribbean experience. 

By now you may be hungry for lunch. Right next to Pirates is the Royal Street Veranda in New Orleans Square. This casual restaurant serves various soups and stews in bread bowls and even has a plant-based option.

After a delicious afternoon lunch, walk to the Haunted Mansion ride, another Disneyland classic. The Haunted Mansion holiday decor is some in the whole park, so you may want to plan your visit during the holidays.

By now, you’re practically finished with this corner of Disneyland. Make your way back to Main Street to take a break from the rides and do some souvenir shopping. This is a great time to pick up some Mickey Mouse Ears or a pick-me-up from the disguised Starbucks Cafe on the corner of the lockers. 

Evening

Need a quick nap? The Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln show is a great place to have one. The air-conditioned theater showcases a short film about Abraham Lincoln but it is most visited by park-goers who need a place to nap.

Next, make your way to Fantasy Land. The rides in this area cater to children but are also nostalgic for adults. Here, you will find the Storybook Land Canal Boats, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, Peter Pan’s Flight, the Mad Tea Party teacups, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough exhibit.

Don’t forget to check out a classic Disney parade. Showtimes are typically 8:45 pm and 10 pm but check online or ask a Disney cast member beforehand because showtimes frequently change. 

Many people clear out after the parade, making this the perfect time for a crowd-free dinner. There are several tasty restaurants on Main Street like Plaza Inn and Carnation Cafe but my favorite eatery is Pizza Planet in Tomorrowland.

Don’t miss the Disneyland fireworks over the Sleeping Beauty Castle each night, weather permitting. This is the best way to end your Disneyland day with a bang. 

Day 3 – California Adventure & Disneyland 

Morning

Disney California Adventure is one of the best California attractions, and the same early start recommendation applies to California Adventure as it does to Disneyland. Get to the park as soon as it opens so you can enjoy the most popular rides without long wait times.

Start your third Disney morning off with a brisk stroll down Buena Vista Street, the 1920s-themed main street in California Adventure. While you may be tempted to spend time taking photos here, I recommend getting to the most popular ride in the park, Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land, before the wait time exceeds 90 minutes.

After that thrilling race, head over to the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout ride, formerly known as the Tower of Terror. Feel your stomach in your throat as your elevator plummets three stories down into a pitch-black abyss.

After these main California Adventure rides, it’s time for a snack. You will find similar snack carts around the park as in Disneyland. I like the cheesy fries from Cars Land or an ice cream cone from Ghiradelli if I have a sweet tooth. 

Afternoon

Head to the Incredicoaster in the afternoon before lunch. This thrilling coaster takes you upside-down so it’s best to ride on an empty stomach. Next, make your way down the Pixar Pier and try your luck at the Toy Story Mania shooting game.

Head back towards the entrance to end the day with one of the best rides in the park, Soarin’ Over the World. This California Adventure classic takes visitors above the clouds and around the world. The aerial-movie adventure is one of the greatest Disneyland classics.

You can wait to have lunch in Disneyland or dine at a California Adventure restaurant like Flo’s V8 Cafe and Paradise Garden Grill.  

Evening

Disney California Adventure is a bit smaller than Disneyland Park, so head back to Disneyland in the evening to get on the rides you missed the previous day. 

This is the perfect time to revisit some of your favorite rides like the Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, and the Storybook Land Canal Boats.

Check out the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride (formerly Splash Mountain) if you’re visiting after summer 2024. Evenings are significantly less crowded than mornings and afternoons in Disneyland, so wait times won’t be a problem now.

If your objective is to hit the rides you missed, start with a rigid ride on the Matterhorn Bobsleds, followed by a submerged ride on the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. If you have enough energy after these, hit the Circus Train or Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters with your little ones.

You may be able to catch the Star Wars dance-off and live band playing just outside of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride in the early evening. There is also a diner in this area where you can stop for dinner, or head back to Pizza Port near Space Mountain.

End the day with a ride on the It’s a Small World ride. You might also get to see a Christmas spectacular display of the It’s a Small World ride if you go during the holidays. 

One of the best shows, Fantasmic, may also be playing while you’re at the park. Check the schedule ahead of time for a chance to see this timeless classic. 

Catch one more parade on your way out or stay until the fireworks have ended. If it’s not too cold, you might even want to stop for a cone of Dryers Ice Cream on Main Street for dessert. 

Where to Stay Near Disneyland

Best Hotels 

Because Disneyland is one of the top theme parks in California, Anaheim caters to tourism and offers visitors plenty of hotels and rental options.

DoubleTree Suites is my favorite option for saving money and the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel is the cutest boutique in the area. 

Guests who stay at one of the official Disneyland resorts are granted earlier access to the parks than other guests. The resort hotels include Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, and Paradise Pier Hotel. Staying in any of these is a great option to maximize the chance of getting on the best rides first.

Here’s a summary of some of the best choices:

• 💸 Budget – DoubleTree Suites
• 👉 Mid-Range – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
• ✨ Luxury – Disneyland Hotel
• 👪 For Families – Paradise Pier Hotel

These are just a few of my picks for excellent hotels overall, but check out my guide to the best places to stay around Disneyland for an even bigger breakdown and more options.

Best Neighborhoods & Areas

Staying in one of Disneyland’s three hotels may be the most convenient option, but it isn’t the most budget-friendly. There are hundreds of hotels in surrounding neighborhoods like the tourist-free Anaheim Hills neighborhood or the busy and fun Anaheim Resort area.

The Anaheim Resort area has the largest number of hotels in Anaheim, so you are sure to find good accommodation there. The Anaheim Colony Historic District is another great neighborhood to stay in, but is a little farther from the theme park. It does have the city’s best restaurants, however.

You will find the most budget-friendly options in Southwest Anaheim, which is also within walking distance of the parks.

• Anaheim Hills (Search apartments in Anaheim Hills) – This Anaheim neighborhood is peaceful and quiet. Its hillside establishments offer great views of Disneyland from above. This is the perfect place to stay for those looking to escape Disney chaos. 
• Anaheim Resort Area (Search apartments in Anaheim Resort Area) – Here you will find the highest number of hotels in the area. Your options include everything from luxurious 5-star hotels to budget accommodation options.
• Anaheim Colony Historic District (Search apartments in Anaheim Colony Historic District) – This Anaheim neighborhood is perhaps the most family-friendly area near Disneyland. You’ll find a multitude of restaurants, public parks, and breweries here. 
• Southwest Anaheim (Search apartments in Southwest Anaheim) – This Disneyland neighborhood is the most densely populated area in Anaheim. You will find most of the local action here, including entertainment venues and delicious cuisine.

👉 Read Next: Where to Stay in Los Angeles (Best Areas & Hotels)

How to Get Around Disneyland

The main way to get around Disneyland is to walk, but there are also motorized ways to get around the park. 

One of the most popular modes of transportation in Disneyland is the Monorail. There are two stops in Disneyland. One is in Tomorrowland by the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. The other is in Downtown Disney. It runs every 10 minutes and is the most efficient way to exit the park.

Another great way to get around Disneyland is by riding the Disneyland Railroad. With multiple stations around the park, the Disneyland Railroad is the best way to efficiently get from one land to the next. There are also secret sets and attractions along the way for railroad riders only, making the railroad an ideal pastime. 

I like to take either the train or Monorail when the weather has taken an unexpected sour turn. This is a great way to wait out the weather. To avoid a wet and unpleasant Disney experience, research the best time to visit Disneyland for good weather ahead of time.

Disneyland Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Order Food Through the App

Never wait in a long food line again by ordering your food to go through the Disneyland App. This frees up time so you can go on more rides after you devour your delicious eats. 

App reservations can be made for most Disney restaurants except the ones that take reservations months in advance like the Blue Bayou.

Tip #2 – Use Free Transportation When Tired

You will often find me on the Disneyland Railroad when I’m tired of walking around the park. I like to take the train around the whole park but you can get off at any station.  

The Mark Twain Riverboat is another great activity to do when you’re tired. Although you can’t get off to wander around the park, this round-trip steamboat ride will take you to sites only accessible via boat. 

🏰 Planning a Visit to Disney World? Katie is Travel Lemming’s Orlando local and she’s written tons of Disney World guides, including a fantastic Disney World itinerary!

Tip #3 – Skip the Lightning Lane

Disneyland has officially replaced Fast Passes with Lightning Lane passes. They are essentially the same but can only be accessed via the app and come with a fee.

These skip-the-line passes are now $17 per person per ride. I recommend saving money and not paying for the Lightning Lane. Instead, get to the park early to go on the most popular rides first.

Tip #4 – Make a Reservation

Everyone needs a reservation to visit Disneyland. Don’t confuse this with a purchased ticket — reservations are a separate necessity.

You can still purchase your entrance ticket at the gate but each guest is required to show their online reservation for entry access. Don’t make the mistake of showing up to the theme park without a reservation because you just might be turned away. 

Tip #5 – Reserve a Locker at Disneyland

Lockers are helpful for storing your souvenirs and other excess gear that you don’t want to haul around the park.

There are two locker stations in Disneyland. One is right outside of the main Disneyland gate and the other is on Main Street by Starbucks. I recommend storing your goods in the Main Street lockers so you don’t have to exit and re-enter the park every time.

Tip #6 – Go Single Rider

Skip the long lines and get on your favorite rides faster by going in the single-rider line. Although you won’t be sitting next to your friends and family, this Disneyland loophole allows you to turn a two-hour wait into a 15-minute one.

This is especially helpful on crowded rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, Haunted Mansion, and Peter Pan’s Flight.

Tip #7 – Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

You will likely rack up 3-10 miles during a full day at Disneyland. Make sure you wear your most comfortable walking shoes when you visit this Walt Disney Company theme park. 

My favorite walking shoes are Salomons. These comfy shoes keep my feet happy and allow me to explore Disneyland all day without feeling lethargic.

For more tips on what to bring, see Katie’s guide to packing for Disney.

Tip #8 – Bring Your Own Food to Save Money

Disney treats are extremely tasty but they come with a hefty price tag. I recommend bringing your own lunch and dinner to save some serious money on theme park food.

The snacks aren’t too expensive, however, and you should at least try a few! Try a Dole Whip pineapple ice cream cone by the Jungle Cruise ride or the famous gumbo from Cafe Orleans. 

Tip #9 – Don’t Miss Oga’s Cantina on Your Disneyland Itinerary

The new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge land is one of the most visited areas in Disneyland. The set is spectacular and will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a galaxy far far away.

Oga’s Cantina is a bar that resembles the cantina from the early Star Wars movies. It is by far one of the coolest places in Disneyland so don’t miss it! The alcoholic drinks resemble drinks from the movies and the decor is out of this world.

Tip #10 – Stock Up on Shows in Your Free Time

This itinerary includes some of the main Disneyland shows but there are many more to choose from. If you have free time in your Disney schedule, I recommend stopping by Disney classics like World of Color, the Dapper Dans, the Aladdin show, and Storytelling at Royal Theatre.

Tip #11 – Buy a Multi-Day Disneyland Ticket

You will save money by buying a multi-day ticket as opposed to separate one-day tickets. Depending on which days you choose to visit Disneyland, you may save upwards of $20. 

I recommend purchasing your multi-day tickets online so you can consult the Disney calendar and compare prices to find the cheapest days to go.

Tip #12 – Don’t Visit Disneyland During Grad Night

Many Southern California high schools and middle schools celebrate their graduation at Disneyland. The parks are incredibly crowded at this time and they even close early so the graduates can have the park to themselves.

Research when Grad Night is ahead of time (typically in May/June), and avoid going to Disney during this time. There’s nothing worse than getting unexpectedly kicked out of the park when you hoped to stay until closing. 

Tip #13 – Make a Reservation at the Blue Bayou Months in Advance 

Dine with flickering fireflies by your side at the Blue Bayou inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. This romantic restaurant is one of the most popular in the park but is also one of the hardest to get a reservation for.

Reserve seats months in advance for a chance to try Southern cuisine inside a Disneyland ride. Be sure to wave to the riders as they float past.

Tip #14 – Enjoy Free Chocolate and Bread in California Adventure

A Disney tip not many people know is that you can get free chocolate and bread samples on California Adventure’s Pacific Wharf.

Sample a steaming hot slice of sourdough bread, baked fresh that morning. Or enjoy a mouthwatering square of caramel-filled Ghirardelli chocolate to curb your appetite. It tastes even better because it’s free.

Tip #15 – Stay off Property to Save Money

The three official Disneyland hotels are spectacular and give guests early entry into the parks. But they are also extremely expensive. I recommend staying at a non-Disney-affiliated hotel to save money on accommodation.

There are budget-friendly options all around Anaheim, some within walking distance of the park and others only a short rideshare ride away. 

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🖨️ Want to take this itinerary with you on your Disneyland trip? Get a printable version of this itinerary here!

This 3-day itinerary allows you to fully explore the entertainment and attractions of both Disneyland parks. I hope this helps you make the most of your trip!

Have an extended stay in California? Check out even more of the best things to do in Orange County while you’re here!