Planning your first trip to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure? It’s exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming. There’s so much to see, do, eat, ride, and experience, and the pressure to “do it right” can creep in quickly, especially when trying to make it magical for your family. We’ve been there, too—scrolling through tips, comparing hotel options, and wondering what choices would actually make our trip smoother (and more memorable). Now that we’ve been through it, I want to share what worked to help you feel more confident planning your first Disneyland trip. Think of this as a first-timer’s roadmap—based on real experience, not just Google searches. And if you want even more help, reach out here. I offer complimentary planning help and would love to guide you!
One of the biggest decisions we faced was whether to stay on-site or off-site, and we’re so glad we chose on-site! We stayed at Pixar Place Hotel, and the perks were absolutely worth it. From the moment we checked in, Disney magic was everywhere. The hotel’s playful Pixar theming brought our favorite characters to life, and we loved being just a short walk away from both parks.
We stayed in a room with 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed, which was perfect for our family. The room was spacious, modern, and full of fun Pixar touches with concept art on the walls and subtle nods to beloved movies. The day bed was especially great for my family of five. At night, the hotel lights up with whimsical Pixar lamp projections, and even the elevators add a dose of fun with character voices.
One of the biggest advantages of staying on-site was the close proximity to the parks. Staying at Pixar Place Hotel, we were never more than 10 minutes from the action or our room when we needed a midday break! While staying at Pixar Place Hotel, we had access to a private walkway directly into Disney California Adventure Park. This made rope-dropping our favorite rides a breeze. We also had early entry. Each morning, we could enter one of the parks 30 minutes before the general public. This extra time gave us a head start on popular attractions. We tackled must-do rides like Radiator Springs Racers, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Rise of the Resistance with shorter waits and less stress. This early access helped us stay relaxed throughout the day instead of rushing from ride to ride.
One of the most unique aspects of Disneyland is how immersive and spontaneous everything feels. Characters don’t just appear for scheduled meet and greets, they often wander the parks and interact with guests in surprising and fun ways. We had fun moments with Mickey, Miguel from Coco, and Woody just strolling through the lands, stopping to wave and pose for a quick photo. Of course, no Disney day is complete without snacks! We made it our mission to try as many as possible. The classic churro is a must-try. We also indulged in fresh beignets from New Orleans Square (messy but totally worth it), and the corn dogs from the Little Red Wagon were so good. Pro tip: share snacks so you can sample more without getting too full!
Before our trip, we made sure to download the Disneyland app. It was a game changer for mobile food orders, checking ride wait times, making ride selections, and locating characters or restrooms throughout the parks. We also remembered to take breaks! Whether heading back to the hotel pool for a mid-afternoon swim or finding a shady spot during a parade, we took breaks to make our day much more enjoyable. We packed light but smart by bringing a small backpack with essentials like sunscreen, refillable water bottles, a portable phone charger, and ponchos for those water rides. You will definitely need it for Tiana’s if you sit in the front. We also captured the moments using the PhotoPass—those photos I will treasure forever.
Remember, Disneyland can be a great vacation for everyone. There’s something magical for every age and interest, whether it’s fun rides, delicious food, enchanting parades, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. I’m here to help you plan a truly unforgettable Disney vacation. I provide expert guidance and personalized service. If you are not yet working with a Smart Moms Travel Agent, let’s team up to plan your perfect vacation. Fill out my form here, and we can start creating your magical vacation together!
