First of all, you definitely do not have to be a Disney adult to like this post — and you probably won’t if you are.

I love Disney. I grew up with Disney. I was born in Anaheim.

But I also feel like I can really see the other side of the coin — the people who detest it, hate going, don’t see the value, and overall throw it into the miserable experiences bucket of things one must do at least once for their kids.

And honestly? I get it.

Because most of those people have either never experienced Disney or experienced it entirely the wrong way.

In my opinion it’s like going to New York and only seeing Times Square.

You didn’t go to New York.

You got stuck in an overcrowded tourist trap with bad food and predatory characters asking for tips. You spent money and it was a waste.

Disney can be the same.

You need a New Yorker to show you around — someone who takes you down the cute street with the brownstones and gets you into the best hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant.

That’s the service I dream of providing for people who don’t yet know Disney.

Please don’t just buy tickets and think you can walk into that park without a plan.

Waste of money. Waste of time. Zero enjoyment. Total chaos.

So here’s how I would do it.

For the sake of this post we’re focusing on Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, with a little Disney Cruise teaser sprinkled in at the end.

Teacups, photo credit: our Disney VIP Guide

1. Start With a Budget (and a good travel advisor)

Disney is expensive. There’s really no way around that anymore.

Starting with a budget keeps everything on track and allows you to make the right decisions for your family.

Are you going once? Every five years? Every year?

Your approach should look completely different depending on the answer.

The biggest mistake families make is spending a lot of money but spending it in the wrong places.

The peaceful zen of a budget at work

2. VIP Tour

My favorite way to experience Disney — especially for a family visiting from out of state — is to secure a Disneyland VIP Tour.

It’s pricey.

But boy oh boy is it worth it.

VIP tours include a private Disney guide for up to 10 people and require a minimum of about 7–8 hours.

Your guide navigates the park with you and takes you through Lightning Lane entrances, meaning you can experience far more rides in one day than most families manage in two or three.

If this is your one big Disney trip, the value is enormous.

You don’t have to wake up early trying to beat ride systems, refresh the app all day, or worry about strategy.

You show up. Your guide handles the rest.

And you enjoy the park.

This man made Disneyland with 2 toddlers relaxing 

3. Lightning Lane Premier Pass

If a VIP tour is outside the budget, the next best option is Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland.

This allows you to access each Lightning Lane attraction once without booking return times, which eliminates a lot of the stress of managing reservations all day.

At Disneyland Park, rides include:

• Indiana Jones Adventure• Space Mountain • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad • Haunted Mansion • Matterhorn Bobsleds • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run • Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

At Disney California Adventure, rides include:

• Radiator Springs Racers • Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout • Incredicoaster • WEB Slingers • Soarin’ Around the World • Toy Story Midway Mania

For families who care about rides but don’t want to spend the day glued to their phones, this is an excellent middle ground.

Resting in line (for some)

4. Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Next is Lightning Lane Multi Pass, the system most visitors use.

This allows you to reserve ride return times throughout the day using the Disneyland app.

It works well, but it does require strategy.

You need to understand the timing windows, stay on top of reservations, and be comfortable navigating the app.

If you’re willing to manage it, you can absolutely have a great Disneyland day using this system.

That time my little brother and I showed up to Disney in matching hats and sweatshirts lol

5. No Lanes — Just Tickets

There is also another way to do Disney.

Just buy the tickets.

Skip the ride strategy.

Watch the parades, meet characters, enjoy the atmosphere, eat the churros, wander the park.

For some families — especially with very young kids — this can be a beautiful way to experience Disneyland.

Disney isn’t only about rides.

The Disney Princess Breakfast, one of my favorite experiences at Disney – no theme park tickets required

6. Where to Stay

Disneyland hotels are great.

But if the choice comes down to:

• staying on property • a VIP tour • or Lightning Lane Premier Pass

I would prioritize the park strategy first.

Those experiences change your day inside the park far more than your hotel location does.

Save the money on the hotel if necessary and put it toward maximizing your time in the parks.

Basically a park within The Park

7. Have a Plan

Even if you’re not doing VIP, you still need a plan.

Look at the show schedule for the day. Know when the parades happen. Understand when rides tend to have shorter lines.

And get very familiar with the Disneyland app.

You can:

• order food • order drinks • reserve rides • check wait times

All from your phone.

Order food while standing in line.

Maximize every window of time.

Disney rewards people who plan ahead.

A slow morning and ease into the park kind of day

8. Book With a Qualified Disney Advisor

Disney is its own ecosystem.

Timing windows, reservations, ride strategies, hotel decisions — it’s a lot.

I am a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge and a Certified Disney Cruise specialist, which means I’ve completed Disney’s official advisor training programs.

Disney takes this seriously.

They reward advisors who understand their systems and stay current on how everything works.

Most advisors who book Disney only book Disney. They live and breathe Disney.

I don’t think this is a terrible thing, but it does give me pause.

Where is the context?

Can you shoot me straight? Is the food really good? Should I skip the fancy dinner and have a corn dog instead?

I like to know if the person I’m asking likes the same things I do.

Yes, I love Disney. I love a good day there. I love seeing my kids light up and I love a fun ride.

Do I wear the clothes? Maybe a hat and a shirt.

Can I tell you where all the hidden Mickeys are and pin trade with you?

No. No I can’t.

Can I tell you that eating a fancy dinner at Disney is probably a complete waste of your money?

Yes. Yes I can.

Do I value a solid sit-down option to rest, recharge, and have a glass of Sauvignon Blanc?

Absolutely.

So my hot take would be this: know your people.

Question who is telling you something is great, and lean into the advice of someone whose tastes and perspective actually align with yours.

Me enjoying a cocktail at a solid Beverly Hills staycation 

Cabo is another place I love to book and travel to

9. Remember What Matters

Have fun.

Your time is your most valuable asset.

And I would argue money is pretty close behind it.

Disney can burn through both very quickly if you don’t have a strategy.

Plan well, prioritize the experiences that matter most to your family, and make the most of the time you have there.

The sweetest little people who will treasure the calm, core memories and not screaming exhausted parents

10. The Disney Cruise Teaser

One thing I’m very curious about right now is Disney Cruise Line.

I’ll be taking my first Disney Cruise this April, so I’ll report back once I have real experience with it.

I’m here for transparency, context, and real answers.

Who knows — maybe it will be incredible.

Or maybe I’ll have some strong opinions.

Stay tuned.

This is the ship in Disney’s fleet I am most excited to put families on

Planning a Disneyland Trip

If you’re planning a Disneyland trip, Disney VIP tour, or even considering a Disney Cruise, I’m always happy to help families navigate the strategy.

At The Loosely Curated Life, we plan thoughtful travel experiences that maximize both time and budget — so you can focus on enjoying the trip.

If Disney is on your radar, you can start the conversation here.