What to do first?

You did it! You finally made it! You’ve arrived at Disneyland and now are faced with what do you do first?

I don’t have a great answer for this. I know many have traditions and must dos that happen first for them, but it seems like it is different for every person.

As for me, I’m a ride the train around the park first kind of guy, but now that I have kids, it is usually find their favorite ride, hope the line isn’t terribly long, and get going on that ride.

Here are a few things to consider (don’t get paralysis of analysis here), as you step into the park:

• Do you need to see the Castle first to establish you’ve arrived at Disneyland, or are you OK with starting the day in California Adventure to ride the Cars ride before the line becomes too long?
• Have you downloaded the official Disneyland app? If so, did you upgrade your tickets to do maxpass so you can do your fastpass on your phone? This also might play into what ride you do first.
• Are you up for a parade or a show first? What times are those at?

I’ve heard a number of theories over the years about “how to do DIsneyland” and I have to be honest, I haven’t mastered any great plan to avoid lines or be ahead of the crowd. If you have a great plan and want to share, leave it in the comments, though we will all understand if you don’t want to give up your secrets.

I’d say, relax, get in the park, and have fun. You can’t go wrong with any strategy here.