First things first, get there at park opening or as insiders say “rope drop”!  The parks opening times vary by day, but most park goers don’t get there for about and hour or two after that.  If you want to maximize park time and get on as many rides as possible, while avoiding the heat and crowds, research what time the park opens the day you’re visiting and try and make it at that time (leaving plenty of time for parking and walking through the turnstile lines etc). Disneyland hotels also offer a “magic hour” with your stay which means you get to experience the parks an hour before everyone else does. Totally cool if you’re a hotel guest so take advantage of that if you’re planning an overnight.

Want to score a free souvenir? If you stop in any retail location, they will give you free buttons to take home. They have various buttons for various occasions, but all super cute and totally collectible! Also, if you head to the Jungle Cruise ride and ask for a map they’ll give you an authentic map of the ride to take home free of charge. But be sure to go early- they tend to run out  before lunch.

Don’t waste time buying bottled water.  Every restaurant has free cups of ice cold water…all you need to do is ask.  When water bottles are up to almost $5 a bottle, save that money for churros.

Make sure to bring your own sunscreen. They do sell it in the parks in the baby center and in front where the entrance is located, but it’s way overpriced and not worth the hassle.

Have small kids and want to beat the heat? If you’re heading to Disney’s California Adventure,  they have a few locations to get wet, so bring a swimsuit. In Bugs Land, there is a sprouting water area that is perfect for hot summer days. They also have a sprouting location in front of Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.

The slushies near the coke corner on main street are worth every penny.  They come in multiple flavor options and you can choose them all to make a rainbow colored icy perfection.

Looking to take an amazing photo at Disney for your instagram? Of course you are! So is everybody else unfortunately. Everyone heads to the front of Sleeping Beauty Castle,  but it’s actually one of the worst spots to take a picture. It’s always crowded and the sun directly hits it all day, meaning you’re staring into the sun, making for squinty eyes and bad lighting.

Instead of the castle, head to these great locations:

1. Just to the right of the castle on the walkway to the wishing well. Not only can you still get a great view of the castle in the background, but the lighting is better and the people are not as condensed in one spot.

2. Minnie Dot Wall in Toontown of Disneyland:
This is the newest trendiest wall currently at the parks and I believe it’s only temporary. Located next to Minnie’s house in Toontown.

                         

3. Monorail line entrance in Tomorrow Land:
This photo spot is located on the ramp up to the loading dock for the Monorail. It’s great for photos because you can see behind the Matterhorn as well as a great view of the park.

4. The Buzz Wall:
A temporary photo opp wall located next to the Monsters Inc ride in California Adventure Park. Great for photos,  but if you’re a kid, you’ll have to jump high to get it just right.

                             

5. The classic Disney Blue Wall:
So popular, it’s got its own Instagram hashtag! #bluewallpics

6. The Small World Wall:
Another pretty wall photo that’s got a bit of a following on Instagram. Located on your way to Its A Small World at Disneyland next to Mickeys Magical Map

7. Radiator Springs Racers walkway in Cars Land:
Located in Disney’s California Adventure, these photos end up being breathtaking due to its realistic look.