The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2023

by Seth Kubersky, Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa

Save time and money with in-depth reviews, ratings, and details from the trusted source for a successful Disneyland vacation. How do some guests get on the big, new attraction in less than 20 minutes while others wait for longer than 2 hours—on the same day? Why do some guests pay full price for their visit when others can save hundreds of dollars? In a theme park, every minute and every dollar count. Your vacation is too important to be left to chance, so put the best-selling independent guide to Disneyland in your hands and take control of your trip. The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2023 explains how Disneyland works and how to use that knowledge to stay ahead of the crowd. Authors Seth Kubersky, Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa, and Guy Selga Jr. know that you want your vacation to be anything but average, so they employ an expert team of researchers to find the secrets, the shortcuts, and the bargains that are sure to make your vacation exceptional! Find out what’s available in every category, ranked from best to worst, and get detailed plans to make the most of your time at Disneyland. Stay at a top-rated hotel, eat at the best restaurants, and experience all the most popular attractions. Keep in the know on the latest updates and changes at Disneyland. Here’s what’s NEW in the 2023
Make the right choices to give your family a vacation they’ll never forget. The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2023 is your key to planning a perfect stay. Whether you’re putting together your annual trip or preparing for your first visit, this book gives you the insider scoop on hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference, Pop Culture, Parenting, Childrens, History

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Seth Kubersky is an author, artist, and culture commentator currently based in Orlando, Florida. A native of northern New Jersey, Seth has worked for over 20 years as a travel journalist, arts and culture critic, event producer, theatrical director, stage technician, and performer along the East Coast and across the United States.

A contributor to several top-selling guidebooks, Seth is nationally recognized as an authority on theme parks and amusement attractions. He is co-author (with Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa) of Keen Commnications' The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland and a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com. He was also co-author (with Kelly Monaghan) of The Intrepid Traveler's Universal Orlando: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park, as well as the last editions of The Intrepid Traveler’s SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica and After Disney: The Other Orlando.

Every week, you can read Seth's coverage of Orlando's art and entertainment scene in his column Live Active Cultures, featured in each issue of the Orlando Weekly, Central Florida's leading alternative newspaper. In addition to writing theater and theme park reviews for the Orlando Weekly, he is an active contributor to the newspaper's Culture2Go blog. He also contributes attractions coverage to the popular local website TheDailyCity.com. Seth also created the blog Artpinions & Attractionalysis, and posts on-the-spot attraction and culture reports via his twitter account @skubersky and his YouTube channel youtube.com/skubersky.

Seth's travel commentary and attraction coverage has also been published by Orlando Attractions Magazine, Virgin Airline Blue's “Voyeur”, VISIT Florida, and Jim Hill Media. Seth reports on and analyzes the theater, travel, and themed entertainment industries, and has been interviewed as a “theme park expert” by broadcast outlets including FOX-TV, Rudy Maxa radio, and Coaster Radio.

A native of Livingston, New Jersey, Seth received his Bachelors of Arts in Theater degree from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, concentrating on stage management and direction. In the summer of 1996, he moved to Central Florida and began employment at Universal Studios Florida. As a theatrical technician, he helped run sophisticated special effects for the Ghostbusters Spooktacular, Terminator 2/3D, and Barney shows.

Beginning in 1998, as an Entertainment Production Coordinator and Supervisor, Seth presented special events in Orlando and around the country for Universal's major corporate partners including Target, AAA, Wheel of Fortune, TNN and Transcontinental. Seth also supervised parades, haunted houses, and special effects for Universal's Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights and the “millennium” New Year's celebration on December 31st 1999. After designing an event management database system for Universal, Seth left the company in 2000 and began a decade-long career in information technology for local government.

Since 2000, Seth has worked as a producer, director, stage manager and designer in many of Orlando's top entertainment venues. Seth has served as stage manager for the record-setting production of Junie B. Jones at the Orlando Repertory Theater and the annual Red Chair Affair gala (featuring Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group), and as production manager for Mad Cow Theatre's Cabaret Festival (featuring K.T. Sullivan and Karen Akers).

In 2004 Seth made his major Orlando directorial debut with The Rocky Horror Show at Theatre Downtown. In addition to directing the hit show, Seth also orchestrated the music and designed the set and multimedia projections. In addition to his own productions, he has also created video designs for Mad Cow Theatre, The Vine Theater, Seminole State College, Rivership Romance, and Theatre Downtown. Seth has also directed for Orlando Shakespeare Theatre's Playfest, Antibabe, and others.

Seth is veteran presenter at the Orlando International Fringe Festival, starting wi

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to the Unofficial Guides series about 20 years ago and have been a fan ever since. If I'm making a trip to anyplace that has an Unofficial Guide, I read it ... because I know I'll be getting the proverbial straight dope.

This includes places I've been to before, like Disneyland. Why? Because the parks change things from time to time, and that means changes to traffic flow, prices, menus and more.

This time, I admit to a very quick and specific read; I'm planning a single-day trip to Disneyland alone for the 60th Anniversary events. That means I deliberately skipped the (very useful if you're going) sections on California Adventure and Universal Studios Hollywood.

If you are going to any of these places for the first time, you are crazy *not* to get this book and follow the advice -- as well as yanking out the touring plans and sticking them in your handbag or pocket. Going to Disney without some kind of plan is nuts! Even though it seems like a lot of extra walking, the plans really do save you hours in line.

Get it. Read it. Live it.

[Jenn G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never been to Disneyland, I've been to Walt Disney World numerous times. It will change in a few days, as a preparation for my upcoming trip I read this book. I feel more ready than I was before I read the book. It has many useful information and tips. A must read for anyone visiting the park soon.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good thing that the guide hammered it home a million times that we should arrive before opening time for the rope drop. I usually ignore that kind of advice, but glad I didn't. I was able to hit nearly all of the major rides + some minor attractions before 11 am, leave the park mid-day for a nap as recommended, and come back to round out the day with additional fastpasses, fireworks, parades, and short lines. On a Saturday during spring break season, no less! Highly recommend this book. I only had one meal at Disneyland Park, but ended up reading every review, and was overall impressed by the amount of thought and research that went into this guide book. You'll learn a bit of Disneyland history and politics. I didn't get a hint of bias as I read through it. Also, this book is not as serious and, in turn, antithetical to spontaneous Disney magic as it seems; there is a lot of humor sprinkled in. Highly recommend reading this book even if you've been to Disneyland before, as I have.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been fourteen years since I was last at Disneyland so it's an understatement to say that a lot has changed. In preparation for a recent trip to the happiest place on earth, I turned to this guide to help me prepare and ready myself for what to expect. I've used other Unofficial Guides for past trips to other theme parks and they are really handy. Not only do they give a history of the theme, but they go through all the rides, restaurants, accommodations, and entertainment. Not only that but they also outline a plan for how to save the most amount of time and evade the dreaded hours long line waits. This year especially, I'm glad I used this guide because not only were there a lot of changes due to covid but Disneyland introduced Genie+, a new program on the app that includes itineraries, fast passes and photopass. There's a lot to do to plan and execute a trip to Disneyland and it's nice that there's a guide to make it as stress free as possible.

[Hannah Polley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been to Disney World in Floria, I have been to Disneyland in Paris and next year I will be going to Disneyland in California and I am so excited!

When I knew I would be going, there was only one guide I wanted to read first and it was this one. I have relied on it many times for Disney World so I knew it would have the comprehensive information that you need when planning a Disney holiday!

This book doesn't sugar coat Disney but it does give you all the tools you need to make the most out of your time there. I will only have two days at Disneyland so that will be essential.

It doesn't have the glossy pictures that other guide books have but it has absolutely essential information that is needed.

A great book. I have already read it cover to cover and I will be using it as a reference guide right up to the holiday.

[Rhonda Fonicello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel very well prepared for my 60th birthday trip! Sooooo many post-it flags.....

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unofficial Guides once again put together a great guide to the park that started them all, Disneyland. Starting by giving some history of the Disneyland Resort and giving some overall operations introductions, the guides give hotel information and Downtown Disney information before going into details for each park. Just as in the other guides, this one gives a detailed evaluation of every ride/attraction, restaurant/food cart, fireworks show, and live entertainment. The detail I look for, of course, is the touring plans for how to maximize your time and minimize your stress. They don’t fail on this either giving multiple plans for different traveling scenarios.

It’s been 13 years since I’ve been to Disneyland but I’m itching to get back. Growing up in California and the West Coast, Disneyland was a special place. Visiting there as a baby and later as a teen and college-age, it’s been part of the memories of “growing up”. Plus my family was very much into the Disney films so that added to the fun of seeing the characters and attractions “live” in the parks. What I noticed on reading this guide is that there’s a lot less stress when it comes to Disneyland than at Disney World . I don’t know if it’s just the amount of parks to manage or because Californians are so chill but Disneyland and those who go don’t seem to be so stressed about dinner reservations or FastPasses. That’s one reason I prefer the land to the world.

If you’re considering a trip to Disneyland Resort, I highly recommend you give this book a read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to the Unofficial Guides nearly 30 years ago, and now I can't imagine planning a Disney trip without one. At this point, I'm enough of a veteran that I just read the updated sections and use the current year touring plan as a jumping-off place ... but those who have never been to a Disney park really should read the whole thing.

The book breaks down load time, scariness level, and more for every attraction, as well as rating hotels and dining options in the area. It's well worth the effort, because going to Disney without a plan is kind of insane. You'll wander like Moses in the desert unless you understand traffic patterns, which is something else the book goes into.

I just can't say enough good about this series.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland + the Passporter Guide to Disneyland work as a lovely balancing act - the Unofficial Guide is a bit more jaded & critical (though the 2012 edition is substantially less cynical in tone than my 2008 edition) while the Passporter Guide has better information about lodging & a "gee-whiz" Disney fanboy/fangirl vibe that I resonate with...

That said, if you are going to buy just one guide, the Unofficial one does the best job of helping you navigate the parks & the crowds. Their touring plans are still the best around.

[Lynley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite series in Disney Guides. I read the cruise line guide prior to our first cruise and picked this one up for Disneyland. It’s easy to get through, you can skip parts that don’t apply to you (for example, traveling with toddlers) but it will provide enough knowledge to plan out a great trip and feel like you are prepared. Lots of great little tips. I also owed the app which was great and though I toured the parks a little more relaxed than what the.book advocates, we still rode everything we wanted to with one day each at DCA and Disneyland.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used the 2014 edition for my last trip. Planning to use the touring plans more often on our trip next week. The dining reviews have been helpful, so we'll have less "where do you want to go/what are you hungry for" standing around times. And we plan to get out of the parks at midday for pool breaks and rest. It's going to be in the upper 90's while we are there...

[daisychainsreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I read this for entertainment and not for travel, but I don't care. I'm that much of a nerd.

I haven't been to Disneyland since I was a little girl, but reading this brought me back to all of those times my dad and I would run around the park. I love reading about Disney, and this was the perfect little break from all of the heavier books I've been reading.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have been fans of the Unofficial Guide for years. Even though we almost always choose a slow time to visit Disneyland, we still tour with a plan because we find it helps us end up with lots of extra time to ride on all the favorites again. Great new website to go along with the book, now, too!

[Rue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although some tips will probably not survive the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, I think I'm still properly prepared for a visit in february 2020. Also a really nice surprise to see Universal is in the guide as well!

[Narendran Thangarajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave this book a quick read before heading to Disneyland and it had some invaluable advice on how to efficiently navigate the large and crowded theme park of Disneyland without killing the joy that comes with self-discovery.

[Katie Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful, I'm very glad I read it before going.

[Shenna]

Very informative. I'm a little obsessed with our Disney trip and this book helped me figure a lot of stuff out! I would definitely recommend flipping through if you're on your way to Disneyland. :)

[Kfiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally biased review... Because I am so excited about our trip I cannot be objective.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for planning

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lol.

[sylas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely useful. I am excited to put it to the test.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful tips and explanations

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a helpful resource! I paired it with their app and it was incredibly effective. As a researcher myself, I thought it was interesting to read about their methods based off queuing theory - I wish there was a little more on that, but I’d guess the majority of readers won’t miss it.

One addition I’d like to see is information about the locations of Disneyland’s pressed penny machines. That would have been an excellent addition. And maybe a few more items listed under “hidden treasures.”

Great resource!

EDIT: I should mention that I purchased the Kindle edition, so I was able to have the whole text with me in the Park. It was fun to read about the attractions while waiting in line. Plus, I had highlighted certain sections so I could refer back to them. Some of the formatting was slightly imperfect, but overall I was happy with the Kindle version.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely helpful for beginners! Especially those planning to take small children for the first time. I like being walked through each ride so I can decide if it's something I want to prioritize for my trip. Tons of info, maps, plans, etc. make it easy to prepare for your first trip with your eyes wide open.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pair this book with the Touring Plans app and you have a perfectly streamlined Disneyland trip! I've been to Disney multiple times so not exactly a novice but there was a lot of great information and tips that took our Disney game up a level. Worth it, especially if you've never been to Disneyland before!

[Danielle Robertson Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

INVALUABLE!!! I cannot recommend this strongly enough. This guide was a quick read but have me a plan and tips for Lightning Pass that made A WORLD of difference for a Disneyland trip August 22, 2025 ( RIGHT when they switch over to Halloween). We had the very best trip ever, no stress, no frustration, and a shocking lack of lime-waiting. It was a dream come true. I am so grateful for this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide. Although 2018 guide, some things out of date. The company was great about replying to my emailed questions but the information turned out to be incorrect. The app that they flog is good but not user friendly from a mobile.

[Ashaura Allcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide to the park. We go annually but I read this book before our first trip with 9 people and 3 generations. It was so helpful I learned a lot! I will definitely be purchasing new editions and guides to other parks!!!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource with thoughtful, well-researched recommendations. Even if you don't follow their planned excursions exactly, the reviews of individual rides and restaurants are very helpful for planning a day at either park.

[Jenn G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these guides! The Walt Disney World ones and now the Disneyland ones! I never been to Disneyland so I learned some things reading it. I really wanna go now!