08/19/2026
POV: you just survived your first D23 and you’re still buzzing ✨🎢 I went in blind and came out with a whole list of lessons learned — the good, the chaotic, and the pure magic. Here are my top 5 tips so YOU can walk in prepared 👇 Trust me, tip #4 will save your sanity.
Big thanks to Disneyland Resort Magazine for making all my birthday weekend dreams come true.
D23 tip #1: virtual queues are NOT a joke 😅 Set your alarms, have backup options ready, and manage your expectations — you might not snag your 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd choice. Even with a group of people all helping each other out, you won’t always get to every store before the top merchandise runs out.
D23 tip #2: the panels will get you 👀 Never-before-seen footage drops when you least expect it — eyes up, because you do NOT want to miss this.
D23 tip #3: don’t let the line length scare you off! Experience lines move WAY faster than they look — don’t skip something just because the queue looks long. Trust the process. 😅
D23 tip #4: eat smart, not stressed 🍽️ Plan your meals ahead — DoorDash and a nearby hotel lobby saved me more than once. Convention food lines can eat up your whole day if you let them.
D23 tip #5 (the most important one): have FUN. ✨ You never know when the magic is gonna find you — a surprise cast member or Disney Princess, a random hallway moment, a face-melting reveal. Stay present. 🙌
