Hi, Mackenzie! Thanks for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Getting into the parks as early as possible is a strategy that my family uses during every trip to the Disneyland Resort. We have found this to be the key to getting the most done every day. For Guests staying off-site, there is an early admission option available if you will be visiting for multiple days. If you purchase a three-day or longer theme park ticket in advance, you will have access to one
Magic Morning at Disneyland Park which allows you to enter the park one hour early on either a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. (Magic Morning is not available at Disney California Adventure Park.)
If you won't be visiting for three days or if you want to enter the parks early on other days, you may have luck lining up at the turnstiles about 30 minutes before general park opening. In my experience, there are usually turnstiles dedicated to Extra Magic Hour/Magic Morning and then closer to park opening, there will be others that are specifically for general admission. Sometimes Guests are allowed into the parks before the official park opening and then held at a rope at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. or the end of Buena Vista Street. Other times, Guests aren't allowed through the turnstiles until the park is officially opened to all Guests. It just depends on what the Disneyland Resort decides to do on a particular day. But no matter what, getting as early of a start as possible will certainly be beneficial! You may even consider further maximizing your time by utilizing the
Disney MaxPass option to make FASTPASS selections from anywhere in the parks.
I hope this information was useful. Have a fabulous time at the Disneyland Resort!
-Linda