1. Plan your trip around the less crowded times of the week, if possible. We use this Crowd Calendar.
2. Plan your day at the park by using an app. We just started using the official Disneyland Mobile App. It shows where you are in the park on an illustrated map (like a cute Google Maps), tells you wait times at rides, and shows you where the characters are at any given moment. It’s so awesome.
3. Use the FastPass! Certain rides have long waits even on less busy days. You can find out which rides have the longest waits by using the iPhone app (above) and see if they offer FastPass. The FastPass will give you a window of time in which you can return and take the fast line.
4. If you have little ones who can’t go on certain rides (or a child with special needs), ask for a “rider switch.” For example, we like to get the FastPass (above) for Indiana Jones, which Ginger can’t go on. Let’s say Andy waits with Ginger, and the rest get in the fast line. We tell the ticket collector that we need a “rider switch,” and they give us a ticket good for 3 people. After the ride we switch: I wait with Ginger while Andy goes, and Zoe and Ashley get to go on a second time as indicated by the ticket. They too use the fast line.
5. Get suggestions for favorite rides, eating spots, and more from friends who have experience. See our favorites below!

Parking

Favorite parking spot: Mickey and Friends Parking
This garage includes the convenience of a tram that takes you to the park on a private tree-lined street (as opposed to the bus ride from the slightly further parking lot, which is less enjoyable).

Gluten-Free Disneyland

Packed lunch

The park asks that you eat packed food in the picnic area just before you enter the gate. However, we have always eaten ours inside the park (we have yearly passes and go to Disneyland frequently) and we’ve never had a problem. You are not supposed to bring glass into the park, so bring a Klean Canteen of water if you don’t want to buy water (bottled water costs $3 in the park). Otherwise, there are water fountains, and you can walk up and ask for an ice water at any restaurant (just ask the hostess, they’re really nice about it).
Note: Coolers are allowed as long as you can carry them (coolers on wheels are not allowed). Our favorite foods to pack: Jackson’s Honest Chips, Drink Maple Water, grass-fed Applegate hot dogs, cinnamon apples, cherry tomatoes, fresh berries, steamed veggies in ghee and sea salt, sliced salami, goat cheese (for those who tolerate it), etc.

Favorite tables to eat our packed lunch

First right on Main Street (in the Market House alley):

by the Casey Jr Circus Train in Fantasyland:

and behind Harbour Galley (where the SS Columbia is docked) in Critter Country:

Restaurants

All of the restaurants in Disneyland are amazing at accommodating gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, or whatever you need. Simply tell the staff that you have food restrictions, and they will have the chef come out to discuss all their options for you.

Favorite place for a treat: gluten-free cookies at Jolly Holiday (which we affectionately call “The Marry Poppins Cafe”) on Main Street USA. Note: These gluten-free cookies contain butter. We ask for them cold. Otherwise, they microwave them in the bag.

Kids’ favorite restaurant: Village Haus in Fantasyland
Note: Gluten-free bread is available everywhere in Disneyland. They will refer to your gluten-free burger as a “gluten burger” at the Haus. It drives me crazy, but the employees at this place (only) have done this since we’ve been coming to Disneyland (for almost two years). And every single time I ask them to clarify, “this is gluten-FREE, right?” Then they tell me that “gluten” is short for “gluten-free.” I am polite on the outside and dying on the inside. Despite this, they take every precaution here, as with every place to eat in Disneyland.

My favorite restaurant (reservations required): Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square
This charming night themed restaurant sits alongside the dark water of The Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Andy’s favorite: French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square
This restaurant serves similar creole food as found in the Blue Bayou. It’s a bit less expensive, and no reservations are required. We like the chicken and the jambalaya. There is often a live jazz band playing.

Our favorite place outside the park: Tortilla Jo’s in Downtown Disney
Mexican food! Great guacamole and grown-up drinks. Note: There are no alcoholic drinks in Disneyland. Also, even if you don’t get food, Downtown Disney is a fun place to stroll in the evening when it’s all lit up in twinkle lights.

Attractions

Favorite place to watch the parade: Sitting on the curb of Main Street, on the side of the street that’s in the shade. Note: Unless the park is really empty, you will have to get your spot at least an hour before the parade starts. We like to have plenty of snacks while we wait. (See what food we pack above.)

Ginger and Ashley’s Favorite Rides: Peter Pan’s Flight, Finding Nemo Submarine, Winnie the Pooh, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, dinosaurs on the train between Tomorrowland and Main Street.

Zoe’s Favorite Rides: Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Tiki Room, It’s a Small World

My Favorite Rides: Same as Zoe’s plus Matterhorn and Minnie’s House

♥, Kelly

P.S. Check out Secrets of Disneyland: Weird and Wonderful Facts about the Happiest Place on Earth. Zoe has read and re-read this fun little book about five times.

P.P.S. For more on Disneyland dining, visit Danielle’s Gluten-fee at Disneyland guides.