Surviving Surprise Crowds at Disneyland

Sometimes it happens that you plan your trip specifically during a time of year when crowds are historically not that bad and no one, not even Disneyland themselves, is expecting a huge influx of guests but you arrive and see hoards of people anyway. Don't panic, though, because this does not mean your whole day is going to be a wash. There are last minute things you can try that will ensure you get as much done as possible even with insane amounts of people everywhere!

• ARRIVE AT THE PARKS EARLY

This is something you really must do no matter when you're going or how many people there are. Aim to be at the park gates around park opening if not sooner. They begin admitting guests before the park is actually open and then you can be a part of the "rope drop" when they literally lower the ropes and allow you complete access to the park. If you have the right park ticket or are staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel then make sure you take advantage of your Magic Morning/Extra Magic Hours and get as many things done as possible before the park is even open to other guests.

Most people do not arrive at Disneyland until about 11a or so. Before then crowds are very manageable and you can get tons of stuff done in just a few short hours. This is absolutely important so make sure you arrive early each day! You can totally get more done by arriving early and leaving early than arriving late and staying late.

• USE FASTPASS/MAXPASS

It's always a good idea to use FastPasses as much as possible, but when you see crowds building and getting worse then you really need to plan your activities around when and where you can get a FastPass. They save you tons of time and, on crowded days, can be the only way to avoid 120+ minute lines on the most popular attractions.

If you want to walk less, the MaxPass can be a handy way to get more FastPasses in without having to traverse the parks to do so. It costs extra but can be very useful and comes with PhotoPass downloads as well. Just make sure you know exactly how to use it and be aware that things can slow the system down when there are a lot of guests around. We do have some simple troubleshooting tips that can help in that situation.

• EAT AT NON-PEAK TIMES
  

Strategically planning your meals at non-peak times can get around crowds. If you eat earlier or later than most other people then not only will you deal with smaller lines at the restaurants (or have an easier time getting a table) but you'll also be on attractions when most other people are breaking for food. It can also help if you bring your own food and eat on-the-go with no actual break in your day.

• ENJOY LESS OBVIOUS ATTRACTIONS

When the day gets really busy and you don't have any FastPasses soon, keep in mind that there are still things to do with little to no wait whatsoever. These are less obvious attractions that many people gloss over but can actually be really fun. My recommendations include:

• ​Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (Main Street, USA)
• Enchanted Tiki Room (Adventureland)
• Tom Sawyer Island (Frontierland)
• Mark Twain Riverboat/Sailing Ship Columbia (Frontierland)
• Star Wars - Path of the Jedi (Tomorrowland)
  
• Animation Academy (Hollywood Land)
• It's Tough to Be a Bug ("a bug's land")
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (Grizzly Peak)

• RELAX AT THE HOTEL
  

Tired of dealing with all the people everywhere? Consider taking some time during the afternoon and relaxing at your hotel. You can take a quick nap or a dip in the pool and then return to the parks later. We do this rather regularly and it takes the edge off when you're getting really stressed and angry at other people.

• PARK HOP

It seems silly to mention, but if you have a Park-Hopper ticket then use it! It's rare that both parks are equally crowded so feel free to hop from one to the other over the course of the day to get away from the worst of it. It can seem sometimes like it will be a waste of time but remember that the two parks are incredibly close to one another so it doesn't take more than a few minutes.

• BE PATIENT

I know what you're thinking. "Be patient?! Is that all he can say?!" When crowds pop up, especially unexpectedly, it can get really annoying really fast. What makes things worse is when Disneyland is not expecting tons of people either so they're under-staffed for the occasion. CMs are spread thin and everyone is at the end of their rope trying to deal with the people, keep crowds flowing, and address an increasing number of guest complaints. Before you join in and complain to or about a CM take a breath and remember that they're trying to survive this day, too. Things definitely don't go perfect when these things happen but guests getting angry only makes them worse. If you're polite to a CM then chances are they'll repay the favour and you'll both end up having a better day than you would otherwise.