Summer is upon us, and that means it’s time to start planning your Disney® vacation! Whether you’re a seasoned Disney-goer or a first-timer, there are some tips and tricks you should know to help you make the most of your trip.

Buy Your Tickets Ahead of Time

There’s really no “off-season” at Disney®, but summer is unquestionably among the most popular times to visit. One of the best things you can do to prepare for your trip is research Disneyland® ticket information and purchase your tickets in advance.

Another crucial reason to plan your trip ahead of time is the Park Reservation system. For admission to Disneyland®, you will need both a valid ticket and a theme park reservation. Keep in mind, you can transfer among the parks after 11 am with a Park Hopper ticket. But if you did not purchase that ticket type you will be restricted to just one park for the day – so choose wisely! 

Not only will this planning save you considerable time and hassle, but it could also save you some money! While discounts on Disneyland® tickets are quite rare, buying them ahead of time locks in current prices, protecting you from potential price increases later on in the year.

There is such a thing as “too good to be true,” so if you see a deal with a significant discount, proceed with caution and use trusted sources, such as our online ticket store, when making purchases. 

Use Genie+

Disney® Genie+ offers Lightning Lane passes, which replaced the long-standing FastPass back in 2021 and is one of the most popular upgrades at Disneyland®. This skip-the-line service allows park visitors to make reservations for popular attractions throughout the day, saving substantial time and hassle. Genie+ is especially useful for families with young kiddos to avoid long wait times during peak season.

Download the Disneyland® app on your smartphone to make the most of the Genie+ experience. 

Upgrade to a MagicBand+ or Magic Key Pass

MagicBand+ and Magic Key Passes are both fantastic ways to make your Disney® vacation even more magical. The MagicBand+ is essentially a hands-free way to enjoy the park, a wristband that gives you access to enter the parks, plus make purchases without having to carry a wallet or physical tickets.

True Disney® enthusiasts may want to consider investing in a Magic Key, the park’s all-new annual pass program. Formerly called an Annual Passport, Magic Key now comes with four tiers. Passes range in price from $449 to $1,599, and each comes with additional perks like discounts on food and merchandise.

Note that the lowest-priced Magic Key, Imagine Key, is available only to Southern California residents. Find complete pass details and restrictions here. 

Take Advantage of PhotoPass

Disney’s innovative PhotoPass is a wonderful way to capture all your magical moments during your vacation — without any hassle or stress. With PhotoPass, professional photographers stationed throughout the park take pictures of your family at iconic locations.

The photographers hand you a special card or scan your app or MagicBand+, and then you can view and purchase your photos online later. You can even create custom personalized photo gifts, like mugs or ornaments!

Book Nearby Disneyland® Accommodations
Located adjacent to the pedestrian walkway and just a five-minute walk from the Disneyland® entrance, Tropicana Inn & Suites offers the perfect accommodations for your vacation. Our hotel also has other family-friendly perks like a heated pool and The Cove on Harbor mini market.