Let’s face it – waiting in lines is just a part of visiting Disneyland. However, if you know a few tips you can minimize the time you spend standing around and maximize your fun time! Keep reading for tricks to navigate the queues.
Rider Switch
If you’re traveling with kids that don’t meet the height requirements of attractions (or don’t have an interest in some attractions) a great tool to utilize is Rider Switch. This basically allows your party to split into two parts – one part waits and rides the attraction (while the other part of your group stays with the kids/non-riders), then the second part of your group is able to skip the line and ride the attraction immediately after while the first rider(s) assume kid supervision duties. To use Rider Switch, talk to the Cast Member before entering the queue and tell them you want to use Rider Switch. They will scan the riders’ tickets and then give you specific instructions about where to return when the second party’s time comes. Most attractions that have a height requirement offer this option, but ask a Cast Member for current availability.
Single Rider Lines
Some attractions offer the option for your party to be seated separately in return for a (usually) shorter wait time. Oftentimes there will be empty seats on ride vehicles, so the Cast Member will pull guests from the Single Rider Line and fill in those spots. If you’re traveling solo or don’t mind not sitting with your group, this is a great option. Attractions that offer Single Rider Line in Disneyland are Matterhorn Bobsleds, Splash Mountain and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and in DCA it’s available on Goofy’s Sky School, Radiator Springs Racers, Incredicoaster and Grizzly River Run.
Lightning Lanes/Genie+
This offering is the updated version of FastPass, and it basically means you pay to schedule your attraction times. Genie+ allows you to look at available Lightning Lane options and book your selected times. The service is available for purchase within the Disneyland App once your ticket has been scanned in the park for the day. The cost is $20/person per day.
For a more detailed breakdown on Disney Genie/Disney Genie+/Lightning Lanes (yeah, it’s a lot), see here.
Ride Really Early or Really Late
There is no question that crowds are lowest in the morning. Every Disney planning tip you hear likely includes the (extremely helpful) advice to arrive even before park’s official opening. Heed this advice! You really should consider Rope Drop to make the most out of your time. Lines are shortest at opening and you can knock out a lot in a small amount of time. A lesser shared tip, however is to ride late in the evening. Wait times are lower than they’ll be in the afternoons and even if you join a line right before park closing time, you will not be turned away and will be able to enjoy the attraction before you leave the park.
Quick Moving Lines
Several lines are going to appear massive but will move surprisingly quickly. Don’t be discouraged by the sea of bodies you may see at Pirates of the Caribbean, Mad Tea Party, Jungle Cruise, King Arthur’s Carrousel, “it’s a small world” in Disneyland and Incredicoaster and The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventures in DCA. On the flip side, some slow moving lines to look out for in Disneyland are Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Peter Pan’s Flight. In DCA, Toy Story Midway Mania and Soarin’ Around the World are going to usually have slow waits. These attractions are best done using the early or late tip I shared previously.
