If there’s one thing I’ve learned from going to Disneyland over and over (and over) again, it’s this:
Most “bad trips” aren’t actually bad.
They’re just full of first-timer mistakes you only spot after you’re home.
So instead of learning the hard way, here are 10 things first-timers almost always regret—and exactly how you can fix them before you even scan your ticket.
1. Arriving at 10 a.m. and Expecting to “Do It All”
The regret:
“We got there mid-morning and spent the whole day feeling behind. The lines were so long and we barely rode anything!”
Disneyland mornings are gold. By late morning, those “just a few more minutes” lines grow into 60–90 minute waits.
The fix:
- Aim to be at the gates 30–45 minutes before park opening (this is called “rope drop”).
- Before you go, pick your top 3 must-do rides and head to those first.
- Think of everything else as a bonus, not a checklist.
You’ll feel like a park pro by 10 a.m. instead of just getting started.
2. Trying to Do Every Ride in One Day
The regret:
“We tried to check off every ride. By 3 p.m. everyone was exhausted and cranky and nobody was having fun.”
Disneyland is not a to-do list. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure.
The fix:
- Pick experiences, not everything. Rides, a parade, fireworks, character meets—mix them up.
- Build in “nothing time”: a snack on Main Street, wandering shops, watching a show.
- If you have multiple days, divide rides by area or park instead of sprinting back and forth.
Your memories will feel magical, not like a race.
3. Wearing the Wrong Shoes
The regret:
“I thought my cute sandals/brand-new shoes would be fine. My feet were destroyed by lunch.”
Disneyland is basically a walking marathon disguised as fun.
The fix:
- Wear broken-in, supportive shoes—the ones you reach for on busy days at home.
- If you can, pack a second pair in your room or park bag so you can switch halfway through the day.
- Add blister cushions or moleskin to your packing list. They’re tiny but can save your entire trip.
Happy feet = happier everything.
4. Going In Without a Loose Plan
The regret:
“We got there and kind of just wandered. We kept crossing the park, missing shows, and standing in lines for things we didn’t care that much about.”
Wandering is fun—for a little while. Then it becomes chaos.
The fix:
- Before your trip, decide:
- Your must-do rides
- Don’t-miss shows or nighttime spectaculars
- A rough idea of which land you’ll start in
- Check the park hours and entertainment schedule ahead of time so you don’t miss fireworks, parades, or nighttime shows.
You don’t need a minute-by-minute itinerary—just a simple “game plan” so you’re not constantly backtracking.
5. Ignoring the Snack & Meal Budget
The regret:
“We didn’t realize how quickly snacks and drinks add up. The food bill at the end of the day was… ouch.”
Disney snacks are magical. Disney totals? Less magical.
The fix:
- Set a daily snack budget ahead of time (per person or as a family).
- Bring snacks from home for lines and little hunger moments. Save park purchases for the special treats.
- Split big items (popcorn tubs, giant treats, desserts) so you can try more things without buying one per person.
- Use refillable water bottles and ask for free ice water at quick-service spots so you’re not buying drinks all day.
You still get the fun food—just without the financial hangover.
6. Forgetting About Heat, Sun, and Weather
The regret:
“We were fine in the morning, but by afternoon we were sweaty, grumpy, and hiding in any patch of shade we could find.”
Disney magic fades pretty fast when you’re overheated.
The fix:
- Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and a lightweight layer.
- Plan indoor breaks during the hottest hours: shows, indoor rides, long lunch, or a hotel break if you’re close enough.
- Consider a portable fan or cooling towel for warmer months.
Think: “How can we keep future-us comfortable at 3 p.m.?”
7. Skipping Breaks “To Save Time”
The regret:
“We thought breaks were a waste of time. By dinner, everyone was done. Tears were shed (and not just by the kids).”
Pushing through might get you one more ride, but it can cost you the rest of the evening.
The fix:
- Build in small breaks on purpose: a snack in the shade, a slow loop on the train, or sitting to listen to music on Main Street.
- If you’re close enough, a midday hotel break can reset the whole family.
- Let little legs (and big ones) rest so you’re able to enjoy the nighttime magic instead of limping back to the car.
Rest time is park time well spent.
8. Not Using Mobile Order or Tech Wisely
The regret:
“We stood in long food lines we didn’t have to, our phones died, and we were constantly scrambling with tickets and photos.”
Tech can be your best friend—or your biggest frustration.
The fix:
- Download the Disneyland app before your trip and log in.
- Link all tickets to one account so one person can manage them at the gate.
- Learn how to use mobile order for food so you can pick times that work around your day instead of standing in another line.
- Bring a portable charger and cord in your park bag. The app, photos, and mobile ordering all use battery fast.
A tiny bit of prep at home saves a lot of chaos in the park.
9. Overpacking (or Underpacking) the Park Bag
The regret:
“We brought everything but the kitchen sink and my shoulders hated me. OR we brought almost nothing and spent the day buying things we forgot.”
There’s a sweet spot between “mule” and “minimalist.”
The fix:
Pack a thoughtful, lean park bag, not a survival bunker. Consider:
- Refillable water bottles
- A few snacks
- Sunscreen, hand sanitizer, wipes
- Mini first-aid (band-aids, pain reliever, blister care)
- Light ponchos if rain or water rides are on the plan
- Phone charger
- For littles: diapers/pull-ups, wipes, simple change of clothes
If it’s heavy before you leave the hotel, you’ll hate it by noon.
10. Forgetting to Enjoy the Little Moments
The regret:
“We were so focused on fitting everything in that we didn’t stop to just be there.”
This is the one that sneaks up on people the most.
The fix:
- Let yourself say yes to random magic: a character surprise, a side street, a jazz band, a quiet moment with a churro.
- Put your phone away for a few stretches and soak in the atmosphere: the music, the smells, the castle view.
- Remember: your kids won’t remember how many rides you checked off—they’ll remember how they felt.
Sometimes the best Disney moments aren’t planned at all.
Final Thoughts: Learn from Their Regrets, Not Yours
You can’t control everything at Disneyland (looking at you, ride breakdowns and sudden rain), but you can avoid a lot of the common first-timer regrets.
To recap, focus on:
- Getting there early
- Choosing must-dos instead of doing it all
- Wearing good shoes
- Having a loose plan (but not a rigid schedule)
- Budgeting for food and snacks
- Building in rest
- Using the app and tech wisely
- Packing smart
- And remembering to slow down and soak in the magic
