6 Tips For Visiting Disneyland & California Adventure In One Day (Without Kids)
(we received complimentary media passes to Disneyland & California Adventure to facilitate this post. The views and opinions expressed are entirely my own. You can read my full disclosure here.)
Are you planning on a Day Trip to Disneyland & California Adventure once the parks open again?
My husband and I were so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day at both Disneyland and California Adventure on a last-minute Anniversary Getaway (just the two of us). We were actually at the park when the notification went out about the park closure. I am so glad we took the time to go when we did, and I look forward to going again when the parks open once more. This next trip I plan to take my 3 kids who love Disney just as much as I do.
The Good news is that even though Disney Parks are currently closed they won't be forever. Soon they will open again and you will be able to go with your family or just with your spouse as we did for a fun getaway.
You don't have to wait until they open to book your vacation through Get Away Today. You can set your trip date to later this year and only have to put $175 down with their layaway program. I love booking through Get Away Today since they always have the best deals for tickets and hotels and they care about their customers and work with you when life happens. Check out their current deals and Book HERE.
While if possible I would advise booking at least 3 days for your next Disney Vacation (I would spend at least 2 at Disneyland and 1 at California Aventure) for the best experience, there is still a lot you can see and do in just 1 day especially if you are traveling without kids.
If you are planning on visiting Disneyland and California Adventure in just 1 day there are a few tips I would recommend which will allow you to get the most out of your visit.
1. Try to visit midweek and offseason.
If you want a chance to see and do more in your short time at the parks it's a good idea to go when the parks are less crowded so you don't have as long to wait in lines to get on all your favorite rides and attractions meaning you will get to see and do more in less time.
2. Arrive EARLY (at least 1 hour) before the parks open.
If you want to be at hear the front of the lines to enter the Disney Parks you really want to arrive at least an hour before they open. The lines to enter the parks get long fast so arriving early is a must.
3. Join a Boarding group for the Rise of the Resistance Ride ASAP
The Rise of the Resistance at Galaxy Edge is Disney's newest and most popular ride. To go on it you have to join a Boarding pass group via the Disneyland app. You can only join a boarding pass group once the park is officially open and you are past the gates in the actual Disneyland park. You will want to do this first thing for boarding groups fill up super fast! So even if you plan to spend the first part of the day at California Adventure get in line for Disneyland first so you can join your boarding pass before heading over to California Adventure.
4. Start in California Adventure then spend the rest of your time at Disneyland.
California Adventure has some great rides and attractions (they will have even more when Avenger Campus is opened) available to experience but they close several hours earlier than Disneyland.
When we went we chose to go on a Disneyland Magic Morning (so we knew that The Disneyland park would be very busy that morning which meant that we had virtually no wait for any of our ideas at California Adventure making it easier do all our favorite rides and attractions before switching parks to spend the rest of the day/evening at Disneyland).
5. Utilize the Disneyland App
Did you know that Disneyland has its own awesome App? This app is a must for maximizing your visit to Disneyland and California Adventure. You will want to make sure you download it before you arrive at the park. that is your best friend. With the App you can:
- Link your tickets to the app for easier entry to the parks (which comes in handy if you are going back and forth between the parks)
- Access your Maxpass (which allows you to schedule fast passes from anywhere in the park) and view/use any Fast Passes.
- View an interactive map of the park that shows you where you are.
- See current wait times and important info for all the rides and attractions
- Join a Boarding pass for the new Rise of the Resistance Ride
- Get updates on important news for the parks (like when we were notified of Disney's decision to close the parks)
- Manage your Disneyland Photos
- Make Reservations at the Park Restaurants, view menus, and make to-go orders for all the eateries.
6. Pace Yourself
When you are trying to do both Disneyland and California Adventure in 1 day it is very easy to wear yourself out by trying to do everything all at once. If you do this you will burn out fast and won't even make it through the evening. Have a game plan of the top Rides and attractions you absolutely have to experience, then have a secondary list of ones you would like to experience.
You will be surprised how much you can actually see and do when it is just you and your spouse. You won't get to everything, but you will get through your top musts and most if not all your wants.
Both Disneyland and California Adventure are divided into themed lands/areas. Take your time and explore them. That's all part of the fun. While you are exploring and going on amazing rides, make sure to take breaks to sit down and just enjoy where you are at, try some delicious food, and take those all-important photos.
What I love about Disney, is they know how to make your vacation magical no matter your age. There are amazing experiences waiting around every corner, on the rides, in the attractions, while waiting in line and of course as you explore the parks.
Whether you go alone with your special someone (like my husband and I did for our recent Anniversary trip) or with all your kids you are sure to have a magical experience to remember for years to come.
I really can't wait to go back again and again with my family once the parks are open again. Until then I think I'll do a Disney Staycaytion to bring some Disney magic home.
What is your favorite ride or attraction at Disneyland or California Adventure?
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