I'd like to take my little girl there but after hearing wait time I am kind of withdraw to the idea. Does someone have any tip to visiting DL to minimize the suffering for us adults (i.e time of year, what ride/fun things are worth the wait, etc..)
Try and get into the park first thing in the morning. As soon as you get in, bee line for a fast pass to one ride, and wait in line for another. Some rides such as Toy Story are not part of the fast pass system. While waiting in lines that are 1 hr+, have a friend to go across the park and get more fast passes while you wait. Also, the time window for these passes are not super strict. That being said some cast members can be particularly annoyingly strict. Good luck!
Toy Story does now have a fastpass.
Staying at a Disneyland hotel (any of the 3) grants you access to Magic Morning.
* Get to know the fast pass system and use it to full advantage. Later in the day, any of the big attractions you'll likely be riding through fast pass. Fill the rest of the time with food, street shows, and smaller attractions.
* Visit During the right time of year. The LA times article lists the best times.
As an AP holder, I end up going at all times of year. During the busiest times, arriving early, using fast passes, and tempering expectations makes it a fun Disney day. During the non busy times of year, no complaints.
They use mathematical optimization techniques to predict the best order to visit things. Typically cuts Several hours of waiting out. IT’s well worth it.
(Len Testa, I will DM you for my referral check ;-)
From my experience, typically slower periods at Disneyland is September to November (before Thanksgiving) and mid-January to April. Go during the week. The article mentioned Thursday typically has the shortest wait times.
Good luck!
Anaheim only has paper FastPasses, which are the same concept, but a little more difficult to manage since you need to run around the park getting them. MaxPass for $10 extra per person per day is coming soon, however, and will let you book FastPasses via their app, but it's a shame it's an additional cost.
Unless you are talking the magic bands (which give you three rides at assigned times). Those are great, and free, but are very limited, especially with attractions that just opened.