With a trip to L.A. in April, another coming up next month, and Disneyland in November, I'll somehow be in Disneyland three times this year.  For our April and July trips, we only had time to allow one day for Disneyland, so learning to maximize our time became essential. The 10 tips below are from what I learned during our April trip, and are based on what we did, and what we could have done better. 

1. Start early, especially if you aren't staying on property.

For two of our trips this year, we'll be staying an hour away, in L.A. For the third, we'll actually be staying on property for our anniversary trip, so we can be a little more relaxed with our schedule. But for the others, since we really only have one day to spend in the parks, we'll start at rope drop, grab an early breakfast reservation - hello Carnation Cafe - and then head on our merry way. While we weren't able to stay for fireworks or Paint the Night in April due to an early flight home, we hope to stay long enough in July, and will definitely will catch all the nighttime fun in November.

2. Space out your meals. 

With all of the amazing snacks to try, it's easy to get overwhelmed with choices. Make a list ahead of time of your must-dos, and then you can figure out what's realistic once you get in the parks. I had my heart set on getting a Mickey Macaron from Jolly Holiday, but the line was literally out the door, and I didn't have that much time to wait. While I didn't get a chance to sample all the snacks I wanted to, I was able to sit down for the main meals on my list.

3. Get MaxPass! 

For an extra $10 per person in your party, you can access and download all of your PhotoPass pictures from the trip, and book FastPasses from your phone once you enter the parks. Is it worth it if you're there longer than a day? Not really, in my opinion. But if you have limited time and want to make FastPasses without having to run to each ride, and spend more time wherever you currently are - it's worth the extra cost. We'll be taking advantage of it again next month, but there really won't be a need for it during our longer trip in November. 

4. Get a good night's sleep beforehand, hydrate, and wear sunscreen!

If you plan on going from rope drop to fireworks, you'll need a good night's rest before heading to the parks. We had a late night out before Disneyland, and an hour long drive to and from, so we were pretty sleepy during our eight hour excursion. And in this upcoming summer heat, walking around for hours on end can be pretty taxing. Keep water handy - you can also always ask for free water - and apply and reapply sunscreen as needed. And of course, Starbucks is always a good idea.

5. If there are any seasonal festivals, or limited time events, be sure to check them out.

Knowing that we'd be back a few more times this year, I didn't spend a ton of time exploring all of the lands and everything both parks have to offer. I spent most of my time seeing the special Pixar Fest events and treats, and being sure to eat at the Cove Bar before it was replaced by Lamplight Lounge. In other words, if there are things that won't be there if you were to return later, check them out! 

6. Go in with a budget in mind... 

In the month leading up to our April trip, I made a list of things I wanted to pick up for myself, family and friends, as well as food and snacks I wanted to try. Having a set budget made sure I didn't stray too far from the things I planned on doing already. Picking up the souvenirs and treats that were already on my list made it a lot easier to have some self control. As we prepare for our trip next month, I've already started doing the same. Don't forget the free things the parks have to offer: buttons, Animation Academy, chocolate, and of course - bread samples from the Bakery Tour. 

7. ...And if it's in your budget, park hop. 

Unlike WDW, getting between the California parks does not require a monorail, bus, boat, etc. You literally just walk between the two. Added bonus that the parks are tucked away in a way that security is way before you enter either park, so once you're in, you don't need to go through security 10 more times. A one day, one park ticket on a regular day costs $117, and a one day park hopper on a regular day costs $167 (ticket prices shown are for one adult, and accurate as of May 2018). 

8. Go on a weekday, if you can. 

In the summer, like any attraction, crowds are a lot heavier. Still, crowds are heaviest on the weekends and summer holidays, and ticket prices reflect that. While the difference between a Regular and Peak one day park hopper ticket is only $18 per person, ($167 for Regular, $185 for Peak), going with multiple adults can add up over time, and saving a little where you can is always a bonus!

9. Don't sleep on Downtown Disney. 

Of course, you're really there for the parks, but don't forget about everything that Downtown Disney has to offer! We didn't allot enough time to explore it fully, but that's a mistake we won't make again. 

10. Above all, enjoy it. Soak it all in. 

While the temptation may be just to run around, change outfits, and get as many pictures for the 'gram as humanly possible - stop. You're only there for a few hours! Take a stroll down Main Street, catch a parade and some shows, just really take some time to enjoy the magic. 

Magically,

Maya