Best Time of Day for Shorter Ride Lines at Disneyland

Planning a Disneyland trip involves not just knowing what rides you want to experience, but also the best times to experience them with minimal wait times. Here’s a guide to help you maximize your time and avoid the longest lines at Disneyland Park.

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Morning (Park Opening - 11 AM)

1. Peter Pan’s Flight

- Best Time: Right at park opening

- Why: This classic ride is extremely popular, and lines build up quickly. Heading here first thing can save you significant time.

2. Space Mountain

- Best Time: First hour after park opening

- Why: Space Mountain is a major attraction, and the lines get long as the day progresses. Enjoy it early to avoid the wait.

3. Indiana Jones Adventure

- Best Time: Early morning

- Why: Another popular ride that sees long lines quickly. An early start here is highly recommended.

4. Matterhorn Bobsleds

- Best Time: Shortly after park opening

- Why: Both sides of the Matterhorn can have long waits later in the day. Enjoy it early for a smoother experience.

5. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

- Best Time: Early morning

- Why: A favorite among young children, this ride’s line can get long quickly. Visit it soon after the park opens.

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Late Morning to Early Afternoon (11 AM - 2 PM)

6. Pirates of the Caribbean

- Best Time: Late morning

- Why: The line for this ride is manageable earlier in the day before lunchtime crowds hit.

7. Haunted Mansion

- Best Time: Late morning

- Why: Similar to Pirates of the Caribbean, visiting before the midday crowds can make for a shorter wait.

** NOTE: At the time of this post on 8/3/24, the Haunted Mansion is only available via virtual queue while Disneyland continues construction in the surrounding area.

8. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

- Best Time: Late morning to early afternoon

- Why: Lines tend to be shorter after the initial morning rush but before the midday peak.

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Afternoon (2 PM - 5 PM)

9. Jungle Cruise

- Best Time: Early to mid-afternoon

- Why: The line often dips during parade times and after lunch, making this a good time to ride.

10. It's a Small World

- Best Time: Mid-afternoon

- Why: This classic ride has shorter lines in the afternoon, particularly when the weather is warmer, and people seek indoor attractions.

**NOTE: During parades and projection shows, this area can get very crowded. Be sure to check the daily showtimes and plan around them.

11. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

- Best Time: Early afternoon

- Why: The line can be long in the morning but tends to be more manageable in the afternoon.

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Evening (5 PM - Park Close)

12. Tiana's Bayou Adventure (Previously Splash Mountain)

- Best Time: Evening

- Why: Many people avoid getting wet at night, leading to shorter lines. Just bring a poncho if you’re worried about getting wet.

**NOTE: At the time of this post on 8-3-24, this attraction is not yet open. I would plan to expect long wait times regardless of time of day when it reopens in the Fall of 2024.

13. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

- Best Time: Evening

- Why: Lines tend to shorten as families with young children start leaving the park.

14. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

- Best Time: Evening

- Why: Similar to Star Tours, the line typically decreases in the evening hours.

15. Fantasyland Attractions (Carousel, Storybook Land Canal Boats, etc.)

- Best Time: Evening

- Why: The area tends to be less crowded as families with young kids start to leave.

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Late Night (After Fireworks)

16. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

- Best Time: Late night

- Why: This ride often has little to no wait after the fireworks show as many guests begin to exit the park.

17. Autopia

- Best Time: Late night

- Why: Lines are significantly shorter late at night when many families have left the park.

18. Disneyland Railroad

- Best Time: Late night

- Why: A relaxing end to your day, with shorter lines as the park starts to wind down. Plus, it's a great way to get back to the front of the park after a long day!

19. Mad Tea Party

- Best Time: Late night

- Why: Many families are leaving the park after fireworks and so this attraction's lines often shorten significantly late into the evening.

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Pro Tips:

- Utilize the Disneyland App: Check wait times throughout the day using the Disneyland App to make real-time decisions.

- Take Advantage of Parades and Shows: Many ride lines tend to be shorter during parades and nighttime shows. Check show times on the daily calendar of events.

- Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass Perks: The new Lightning Lane Multi Pass can help you skip the lines for popular attractions and reserve a spot in line later in the day if you're willing to pay a bit extra.

Use these tips paired with the Disneyland App to enjoy more attractions with less waiting, making your Disneyland visit even more magical!

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