Hi everyone, it’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, here to talk to you about Disneyland. In the past we’ve talked about the best photo-ops, delicious foods and must-see shows you can enjoy when you visit The Happiest Place on Earth. However, with both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure becoming more popular each year, it can be overwhelming trying to plan and organize a trip – especially with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge just around the corner. But, there’s no need to worry! Keep reading to see how you can make the most out of your next Disneyland vacation with our top five ways to save time at the Disneyland Resort – including some that are so new, you likely haven’t heard of them.

Top 5 Ways to Save Time at the Disneyland Resort

1. Disneyland App

If you’ve never used the official Disneyland app, you’re missing out. It is one of the best ways to save time at the Disneyland Resort, and it’s completely free to use. Over the years, the app has evolved to create the best guest experience for everyone who visits the resort. Not only will you be able to purchase MaxPass and use Mobile Ordering here (which we’ll talk about more later), but you can also reserve dining, check park hours and find entertainment schedules. This might not seem like a major time saver, however, knowing what’s going on at the Resort will save you an enormous amount of time in the long run.

One of my favorite aspects of the Disneyland App is that you’re able to check wait times for your favorite attractions. For example, if Space Mountain has a 60-minute wait, but Star Tours only has a wait time of 25-minutes, you’ll want to get a FastPass for Space Mountain and take advantage of the short wait time for Star Tours. The best part? Wait times are updated in real time, so you’ll always get the most accurate information. By checking the wait times on the Disneyland app, you’ll be able to strategically plan out your Disney day.

The Disneyland App also allows you to view Character appearances. Just click on the map at the top of the app and select the drop-down option labeled Characters. Once you do this, you’ll see a Mickey Mouse icon at all of the locations that you can meet a character. Click on each icon to see what character will be at that location and at what time. With this feature, you’ll never have to miss out on seeing some of your favorite Disney pals!

2. MaxPass

Within the Disneyland app, you can purchase MaxPass. MaxPass is a newer feature that allows you to easily reserve FastPasses directly from your phone for $10 per person/day. Plus, it also includes PhotoPass for the entire day. While the service isn’t free, it can help you save time at the Disneyland Resort. And when you’re paying that much to be at Disneyland, time is money. It might seem like an unnecessary expense if you are traveling with a large group. However, it’s TOTALLY worth the time you’ll save at the parks. You could be in line for a ride, eating lunch, or waiting for a parade while you grab your next FastPass. It is so easy that it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular ways to save time at the Disneyland Resort. Luckily, if you’re looking to save some money, you don’t have to purchase MaxPass every day of your stay. If you only want to use it on days that are more crowded or just to treat yourself, that’s great too.

3. Mobile Ordering

Mobile Ordering is Disney’s newest feature and I can’t believe we ever lived without it. Not only do you get to munch on delicious foods and snacks, but you’ll save so much time doing it. I like to call it a FastPass for your food. With Mobile Ordering, you’re able to skip the lines by ordering meals directly from the Disneyland app. There are currently 15 participating restaurants spread out in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, so you’ll easily be able to find something for everyone to enjoy.

Once you decide where and what you want to eat, you’ll then choose a time to pick up your order. Luckily, Disneyland gives guests a variety of times to choose from for the most flexible experience. However, if you do choose the wrong time or have your plans change, you can easily change or cancel your order at any time. Once your selected time frame is near and you’ve arrived at the restaurant, you can then click on the “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” button. Within a couple of minutes, you’ll be able to eat your delectable meal. Mobile Ordering is SO simple and an easy way to save time at the Disneyland Resort.

4. Dining Reservations

If you’re thinking of doing any special dining at table service restaurants, including Character Dining, you’ll need dining reservations. Reservations can easily be made online or through the Disneyland app. Having a reservation will save you from waiting 30 minutes up to an hour for lunch or dinner. If you like to plan far in advance, dining reservations can be made 60 days before you travel. Because of this, we encourage guests to make dining reservations as soon as they’re available in order to have the most options available. As a tip, don’t wait to make reservations for popular restaurants like Blue Bayou, Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle. They sell out fast!

5. Magic Morning

Last, but certainly not least, make sure to take advantage of the Magic Morning perk included in every 3-Day or longer Disneyland ticket. With Magic Morning, you can enter Disneyland Park one hour early on a select Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday while you’re there. Although Magic Morning means you won’t be able to sleep in as long as you’d like, it’s well worth waking up early for. Early mornings in Disneyland are typically ghost towns. It’s not until the afternoon or evening that the park usually starts getting more crowded. This means you’ll be able to ride the most popular attractions at least once before the park even opens!

If you’re a fan of Magic Morning, we’d suggest staying at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Not only will you be incredibly close to both parks, but you also get an Extra Magic Hour every day of your stay. Plus, you’ll be able to get into Disney California Adventure Park on select Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of your stay. While Disneyland properties have a higher price tag, it might be worth the cost to save time at the Disneyland Resort.

Now that you’re a time saving expert, what are you waiting for? Make sure you book your next vacation with Get Away Today. Not only will our travel experts help you plan your next trip, but you’ll also be able to get the best price on tickets, hotel stays and more! Don’t forget to mention promo code CraftingChicks to get an additional $10 off your hotel and tickets vacation package. Let them know that Crafting Chicks sent you!