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The Family Vacation Guide

Plan Your Ultimate Family Trip To Disneyland California With These 10 Top Tips

posted by Caitlin Lloyd on March 15, 2022 // last updated on March 28, 2022

Whether you’re a Disney regular or a newcomer experiencing the magic for the first time, planning a family trip to the Disneyland Resort can feel like a colossal feat. With theme park tickets, accommodation, schedules, and much more, there are a lot of factors to consider.

But worried parents can breathe a sigh of relief! We’ve compiled all the must-know information about Disneyland California to take the stress out of your vacation.

Whether you want to experience the Downtown Disney District or new attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, follow our expert tips for an easy and carefree trip. From queue lines to character costumes, we’ve got you covered!

Trying to find other exciting things to do during your vacation here? We’ve put together a list of the best family activities and fun family day trips in Southern California to inspire you ahead of your trip!

Staying Onsite

Staying offsite, step two: theme park tickets, step three: creating a schedule, 1. prioritize your must-see rides and shows, 2. factor in plenty of walking time, 3. keep your schedule flexible, 4. use the disney mobile app, 5. stay hydrated, 6. plan your food in advance, 7. use rider switch, 8. don’t forget about indoor performances, 9. purchase your kids’ costume in advance, 10. don’t overdo it, not planning your food, wearing uncomfortable footwear, staying too far away, final thoughts.

Planning Your Trip To Disneyland California

Step one: accommodation.

Once you’ve decided on a time frame and budget for your Disney trip, you can plan where you will stay.

In terms of accommodation, there are two main options to choose from: staying onsite and staying offsite.

If you want to stay close to the action, look no further than one of Disney’s on-site hotels:

• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. With three themed pools, a hot tub, a cocktail bar, and the famous Storytellers Cafe, you can’t go wrong with Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, located within the Disneyland Resort itself.
• Disneyland Hotel. Every room in the Disneyland Hotel is decorated in Disney’s characteristic whimsical design, making it perfect for families with young kids.
• Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. A 10-minute walk from the Downtown Disney District, Paradise Pier is another convenient option. It provides a Disney spin on California’s laid-back beach culture and is well suited to all ages.

If you’d prefer to stay offsite, there are many local hotels to choose from:

• Courtyard Anaheim (Theme Park Entrance) . If you want to enjoy more of the fun that Anaheim has to offer, the Courtyard boasts an impressive 20,000 square-foot waterpark, open to both kids and adults.
• Residence Inn Anaheim Resort. Families can enjoy large, spacious rooms at the Residence Inn. Even full-size kitchens are available- perfect for whipping up a quick meal in your downtime.

Our guide to the best hotels near Disneyland, Anaheim will provide you with great accommodation options to help you plan your Disney vacation.

After selecting your accommodation, you can compare ticket prices on the Disney website.

The Disney Resort in Anaheim is made up of two theme parks- the Disney California Adventure park and Disney California – so make sure to purchase the correct ticket for your visit. You’ll need a Park Hopper ticket if you want to visit both parks on the same day.

Locals will be pleased to hear that Southern California residents are eligible for a discounted ticket!

Our handy guide exploring the cost of Disneyland California tickets should make useful reading ahead of your next visit.

Once your tickets and accommodation are secured, we recommend putting together a rough daily schedule.

From mealtimes to queuing, read on for our must-know scheduling advice!

Our Top Tips

When booking your Disneyland Resort tickets, you’ve no doubt got some must-visit attractions in mind. Maybe you’re dying to see the new Star Wars rides at the Disney California Adventure, or perhaps your kids are excited to ride on Peter Pan’s Flight.

Whatever your Disney favorites are, schedule your days around your priority rides. Try to arrive at these early in the day to avoid the long wait times.

Why not pick out your must-see rides with help from our park breakdown of how many rides are in Disneyland and California Adventure ?

Though the Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Resort California aren’t as large as the Disney parks in Florida , a day at Disney California still entails a lot of walking.

If you’re pregnant or have young kids, factor extra walking time into your schedule. There’s only so much ground you can cover in a day, and you don’t want to be rushing across the Disneyland Resort from ride to ride!

Because there’s so much to do and see on your Disneyland trip, Disney first-timers may be tempted to plan every day down to a tee.

Some aspects of your trip – like queue and transport times – can be unpredictable and subject to last-minute change. Be prepared to adapt and modify your schedule to avoid throwing your whole day if you can’t go on a certain ride when expected.

You can monitor wait times, opening hours, and much more with the Disney Genie mobile app.

Though it’s important to plan what areas of Disneyland park you’re visiting each day, there’s no need to stress about sticking to a minute-by-minute schedule.

To skip the long queues, you can purchase Lighting Lane entry to your favorite attractions through the Disney Genie app. Not only will this allow you to see more attractions, but it’ll also keep the family happy, as no one likes standing in a crazy long queue!

You can either book on a ride-by-ride basis or buy the Disney Genie+ service, which provides Lighting Lane arrival windows for a set group of rides.

Want to find out more? Our guide to Disney Genie, Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane will be a great help when planning your next trip.  

There’s a reason that California’s nickname is the Golden State! Anaheim can reach very high temperatures, particularly in the peak summer holiday months, so it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to avoid heatstroke when visiting the Disneyland Park!

To keep your family healthy and happy at California’s Disneyland Resort, ensure that everyone has their own large refillable water bottle. Though there are restaurants and kiosks throughout the theme parks, you might not always be able to buy water.

If you’re queuing for your next ride, avoid getting caught out by carrying plenty of water in your bag.

To avoid queues and potential disappointment at Disney, the magic rule is plan, plan, plan!

This doesn’t just apply to rides, but mealtimes as well. If you’d like to enjoy a family dinner in Downtown Disney or at one of the famous Disney Resort restaurants, make sure to reserve a table online in advance. Tables become available as early as 60 days in advance!

At Disneyland Resort, two dining options are available: Quick Service and Table Service. While you’ll be able to grab a Quick Service meal on the day, reservations are recommended for Table Service dining.

When visiting the Disneyland Resort as a family, we’d strongly encourage you to splash the cash on a character dining experience.

There’s nothing more magical for a child than breakfast with their favorite Disney characters! While it’s not the cheapest dining option, it is the highlight of many visitors’ trips.

If you’re visiting Disney’s California Adventure or Disney California with young children, we’d recommend taking advantage of the Rider Switch system.

When you reach the front of the queue, requesting a Rider Switch pass will allow a second adult to ride without queuing, meaning that everyone gets to ride (and kids may be able to ride twice!).

Are you planning on taking your baby to Disneyland? Our guide exploring which rides babies can ride at Disneyland should be a helpful read ahead of your trip. 

With so much ground to cover, a day in the Disney California Adventure Park can be tiring, especially for little ones.

To avoid over-tiring yourself, it’s a great idea to enjoy some of the indoor performances that the theme park has to offer.

From 3D concerts like Mickey’s PhilharMagic to the much-loved Frozen- Live at the Hyperion show, there’s a long list of indoor events to choose from! They provide the perfect opportunity to rest tired legs while keeping the whole family entertained.

To get fully immersed in the excitement of the Disneyland theme park, most kids will be hankering for merchandise and the costume of their favorite character. Every child delights in the opportunity to transform into their hero – and there’s no better time to do so than on your Disney vacation!

As a magical surprise for your kids, you can buy their costumes in advance through the Disney Store and arrange to collect them in the park.

This is a great way to avoid potential disappointment if their desired outfit is unavailable.

Though Disney is the Happiest Place on Earth, the crowds and excitement can be a little overwhelming at times. Whether from tiredness or heat, it’s not uncommon for kids to shed a few tears during their Disney visit.

To avoid your family from getting overtired, it’s important to allow rest time throughout your trip. If you’re able to start your day early, we’d recommend leaving Disneyland Park for a short break in the early afternoon, when the heat and crowds are at their peak.

If you’d like to enjoy some slower-paced activities, check out our complete guide to visiting California with kids . 

Common Mistakes To Avoid

If you fail to plan for food, you’ll likely end up spending more than you need to for your meals. An average meal in the park will cost around $15, and this will add up if you’ve got a large family.

Disney allows you to bring your food and drinks into the parks, so we’d recommend packing snacks to keep you going between meals. You may also want to pack sandwiches to save your money for a luxurious evening meal.

That way, you can save money while still enjoying some of Disney’s iconic treats, like Dole Whip and corndogs.

Similarly, for Table Service dining, we’d recommend reserving a table as far in advance as possible. This also applies to character dining, which can get booked up very quickly.

A day at Disneyland Resort is comparable to an endurance sport. From lengthy queue times to long walks across the theme park, your feet will be tired by the end of the trip!

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to plan to walk at least 5 miles each day. Accordingly, every family member should pack two pairs of comfortable shoes. We’d recommend some hardy sneakers and a pair of comfortable sandals.

When planning the accommodation for your Disneyland Resort trip, be sure to factor in travel times. Though you might want to explore all that Los Angeles has to offer, staying over an hour away in one of Santa Monica’s family hotels will cut into your theme park time.

However, if you are planning to stay in LA, our guide to the best hotels in Los Angeles for families will give you some great inspiration to prepare you for your vacation.

While we strongly recommend staying onsite at Walt Disney World Florida, Disneyland Resort California has many close offsite hotel options available.

Stay nearby in Anaheim to enjoy quick access to both parks, and consider opting for a hotel that’s part of Disney’s Good Neighbour scheme to enjoy additional discounts and perks.

Are there all-inclusive family vacation packages to Disneyland?

Disney does not offer all-inclusive packages in the traditional sense, though you can tailor your own package with Disney’s wide range of bonus amenities, from fast-tracked tickets to food vouchers.

Guests at the official Disneyland Resort hotels enjoy many extra benefits, including entertainment packages and extra access to the theme parks during Magic Hours.

How many days do you need at Disney California?

Because California’s Disneyland Resort is considerably smaller than its Floridian counterpart, it can be fully enjoyed in just two days.

To experience all of the magic, we’d recommend spending a day each at Disneyland California Adventure Park and Disney California.

We’ve created the perfect guide that explores how many days you need at Disneyland California to help you plan your family trip!

What is the cheapest time to go to Disney?

As a general rule, Disney tickets are cheapest in January, February, August, and September (excluding holidays).

The busiest (and most expensive) period is during the school holidays and at weekends all year round.

To save on your ticket cost, try to visit during the off-season. 

Want more information on ticket prices? Our handy guide exploring how much Disneyland California tickets cost will provide you with everything you need to know before purchasing your tickets.

Whether you’re planning a brief visit to the Disney California Adventure Park or a weekend at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, be sure to remember our top tips.

Visiting a Disneyland Resort can seem daunting for first-timers, but as long as you listen to the experts, you’ll have an incredible time at California’s Disneyland Park!

If there’s one main takeaway, it’s that preparation is vital . From schedules to food, planning your trip will allow you to get the most out of Disney California Adventure and Disney California.

Before you visit Disneyland Resort California, be sure to check the most up-to-date COVID-19 information. Our helpful guide should help you understand more about the pandemic’s changes on Disneyland and whether you have to be vaccinated to go to Disneyland, California .

Love big days out and need more inspiration of where to go ahead of your family vacation? Our list of the top attractions and fun things to do in California with kids should take the weight off your shoulders when planning your trip!

More about our TFVG Author

Caitlin Lloyd

Caitlin is one of The Family Vacation Guide's long standing contributors. She enjoys taking vacation to busy, vibrant cities and has stretched her traveling legs out towards Europe in recent months, enjoying new experiences in Barcelona in Spain, and Nice in France.

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11 Amazing 2 Day Disneyland Itinerary Ideas For Families

What’s a fun vacation treat for families who love to travel? How about a trip to Disneyland! Our little worldschooling family enjoyed a memorable 2 day Disneyland itinerary with members of our extended family in August 2022. And while it was a departure from our usual adventure travel, it was still epic just the same.

If you’re looking for your own epic 2 day Disney itinerary, then look no further! After coming back from our two days at Disneyland trip, I put together this list of Disneyland two day itinerary ideas to help traveling families like you make the most of their time at the happiest place on Earth.

With a little bit of planning, you can see everything Disneyland has to offer in just 48 hours. So all you have to worry about when you get there is having fun!

This article was originally published on September 25, 2022.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase something. But don't worry, this will not result in any extra costs to you.

Table of Contents

Top tips for a 2 day Disneyland itinerary

Want my top three tips for a great Disneyland experience when you visit Los Angeles in 2 days? Here they are:

• Stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites for the best value stay
• Take advantage of the Genie Plus service and the Single Rider Lanes
• Use the Unofficial Guide To Disney for insider tips

Where to stay for a 2 day Disneyland itinerary

In terms of lodging, the most convenient option is to stay at one of the hotels that are part of the Disneyland resort:

• Grand Californian Hotel
• Disneyland Hotel
• Paradise Pier

Most of these hotels are located near Downtown Disney, where you can find restaurants and stores for shopping. 

Alternatively, find hotels in Anaheim to stay during your 2 days at Disneyland that are either close to the park or close to the parking lots .

Hampton Inn and Suites Anaheim Resort

If you're a family that values dependability, then a stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites Anaheim Resort during your 2 day Disneyland itinerary would be a good option for you. Located in Anaheim, this hotel is conveniently located near Disneyland, so it's also a great option if you're looking for a place to stay near the park (and don't want to pay Disney prices for a room!) We stayed here in 2022, when we were visiting Disneyland, and loved how close it was to the park.

Since this hotel is part of the Hampton by Hilton chain, you'll get all the amenities that you'll find at most Hampton Inns: WiFi, in-room fridge, and free hot breakfasts. This Hampton Inn has an outdoor pool, hot tub, and a gym as well.

Rooms can accommodate families of up to 4 people. The hotel is a few minutes walk from Anaheim Garden Walk, where you'll find a wide range of restaurant options. We loved this hotel for our 2 days in Disneyland trip because it offered the best value for money.

Tropicana Inn and Suites

If you want to stay close to Disneyland, but don’t want to pay the resort fees, you can’t get much closer than Tropicana Inn and Suites. This hotel is literally across the street from Disneyland. And it’s about as old as the park, having first opened in the 1960s. It’s a Southern California institution.

Rooms at the Tropicana Inn and Suites can fit families of up to 4 people. Rooms have WiFi, TV, microwaves, and refrigerators. There’s an outdoor pool with a hot tub for relaxing at the end of those long days during your 2 day Disneyland itinerary. 

Cambria Hotel and Suites Anaheim

While not as close to Disneyland as the other hotel options, Cambria Hotel and Suites Anaheim is still a good choice for lodging during your 2 day Disneyland itinerary. It's located about a 10 minute walk from the Toy Story parking lot. And also a 10-15 minute walk from the restaurants at the Anaheim Garden Walk.

Families will enjoy Cambria Hotel and Suites for their Disneyland two day plan because rooms can accommodate families of up to 7 people. Some of these family suites have bunk beds! There's also a great outdoor pool with water slides. Breakfast is included and rooms come with free WiFi. Families visiting Disneyland can also take advantage of the theme park shuttle for a fee.

Packing ideas for a 2 day Disneyland itinerary

Be sure to pack for the weather during your 2 day Disneyland itinerary. Southern California is sunny most of the year, and if you’re walking around the parks, you’ll want to have a hat or sunscreen to protect you.

These are the things we brought along for our trip to Disneyland and California Adventure:

• KEEN Wome n ’s Newport Sandals
• GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle
• Cotopaxi Luzon 24L Hiking Daypack
• Panama Jack Women’s Floppy Hat
• Reef Safe Sunscreen

Also be sure to buy one of these Disneyland guide books to help prepare you for visiting Disneyland for two days.

The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland

Birnbaum's Disneyland Resort: The Official Vacation Guide

Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Disneyland Resort's Best Kept Secrets

The Disneyland Encyclopedia

Check out more eco-friendly supplies to buy for travel.

Ideas for a Disneyland itinerary for families

As I was putting together this list of 2 day Disneyland itinerary ideas, I wanted to make sure that families had the right 2 days itinerary for their various needs and interests.

Here, you’ll find ideas for classic Disney lovers, as well as lovers of Marvel and Avengers. You’ll also find 2-day Disneyland itinerary ideas for families with young kids, families with teens, and families with accessibility needs. Take a look through this list of itineraries and find one that fits your family.

Ready for a change? Take the first step to living a life of full time travel.

1. Classic Disney itinerary

This 2 day Disneyland itinerary focuses on all the classic Disneyland rides in the Magic Kingdom. 

The rides in this Disneyland ride itinerary are some of the oldest Disneyland rides, including Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square. And some of them are from the first year that Disneyland opened! To learn more about the rides in this particular itinerary, check out this Magic Kingdom guide .

Rides in Disneyland:

• Disneyland Monorail
• Disneyland Railroad
• Dumbo The Flying Elephant 
• Haunted Mansion
• “It’s a small world”
• Jungle Cruise
• King Arthur Carousel
• Mad Tea Party
• Main Street Cinema
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Pinnochio’s Daring Journey
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk Through
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
• Space Mountain
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

2. Toddler-friendly itinerary

For families with very young kids, this 2 day Disneyland itinerary for toddlers is full of rides geared towards kids of all ages. There are no height limits. And the rides are fairly gentle and slow.

During our visit, I noticed that Mickey’s ToonTown was closed for redesigning. So rides like Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin were not running. 

However, there are still plenty of attractions available for families with toddlers. This is the best Disneyland itinerary for families with younger children.

• Alice in Wonderland
• Astro Orbiter
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• Dumbo The Flying Elephant
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
• The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
• Storybook Land Canal Boats

Rides in Disney California Adventure:

• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
• Jessie’s Critter Carousel
• The Little Mermaid - Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue
• Turtle Talk With Crush

3. Teens-focused itinerary

If you’re traveling with teens, then you’ll want to pack your two days at Disney with as much action and thrills as possible. This 2 day Disneyland itinerary is full of roller coasters and thrill rides that will entertain teens.

Rides in this itinerary are in both Disneyland park and California Adventure park. I particularly like this Disneyland 2 day park hopper itinerary because it’s most similar to the one we did as a family!

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition
• Indiana Jones Adventure
• Matterhorn Bobsleds
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
• Star Tours - The Adventures Continue
• Splash Mountain
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Grizzly River Run
• Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!
• Incredicoaster
• Radiator Springs Racers
• Silly Symphony Swings
• Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure

4. Multigenerational family itinerary

Disneyland and California Adventure Park is a great place for multigenerational trips. If you’re traveling with grandparents, you’ll want a 2 day Disneyland itinerary that offers some slower paced rides and activities.

This Disneyland park hopper itinerary has a mix of rides that will please multiple generations. 

• The Disney Gallery
• Droid Depot
• Mark Twain River Boat
• Animation Academy
• Games of Pixar Pier
• Golden Zephyr
• Goofy’s Sky School
• Pixar Pal-A-Around
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
• Soarin’ Around The World

Prep for your family vacation with this handy checklist .

5. Wheelchair accessible itinerary

Disneyland makes a big effort into making the park wheelchair accessible. Walkways are spacious and most entryways have ramps. 

If you’re a family that has special mobility needs, this 2 day Disneyland itinerary offers rides and activities that are accessible for wheelchairs. Most of the activities and rides are in Disneyland, but there are some in California Adventure park too.

• Mark Twain Riverboat

6. Itinerary for thrill seekers

Most people think that Disneyland is just for kids, but there are plenty of rides that are fun for grown-ups to enjoy too! If you’re spending two days in Disneyland without kids, or if you’re the type of family who loves thrill-rides, this 2 day Disneyland itinerary is perfect for you.

This Disneyland 2 day itinerary includes all the rollercoasters, thrill rides, and action rides found in both Disneyland and California Adventure park.

7. Low key rides and attractions

If you’re the type of family that likes to keep it low key, this 2 day Disneyland itinerary might be more of your pace. All the rides in this Disneyland suggested itinerary are slower paced, with minimal scares or drops.

This is the perfect Disneyland itinerary to introduce young kids to amusement parks in general. They’ll enjoy riding the vehicles along Main Street in Disneyland and the trolley down Buena Vista Street in California Adventure.

• Main Street Vehicles
• Sailing Ship Columbia
• Red Car Trolley

8. Itinerary for activity and adventure lovers

While both Disneyland and California Adventure park are known for their rides, there are also some more hands-on activities you can do at the parks. This 2 day Disneyland itinerary is perfect for families who prefer more active and hands-on options.

• Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
• Savi’s Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers
• Tarzan’s Treehouse

9. Itinerary for storybook fans

If you’re big fans of classic Disney movies, coming to Disneyland is almost like stepping into these stories! This 2 day Disneyland itinerary is a special one for storybook fans. It’s full of rides from all the storybooks you loved reading as a kid.

• Sleeping Beauty’s Castle
• Peter Pan’s Flight

10. Pixar fan itinerary

For Disney movie fans who prefer the Pixar movies, there are plenty of rides and activities you can do in both California Adventure and Disneyland in 2 days. This primarily California Adventure itinerary has all the Pixar themed rides and activities for families to do.

• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish
• Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
• Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
• Toy Story Midway Mania

11. Star Wars and Marvel itinerary

We love the feel of stepping into another world. We felt this way when we went to the Harry Potter studio tour in London, and we felt this way visiting Kidzania parks with our kids. So we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of world-building that happens in Disneyland.

Nowhere can you see this the most than in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Walking through this part of the park, you really do feel like you’ve been transported to a galaxy far far away!

In addition to Star Wars, you can also find a lot of Marvel world building in the California Adventure park. We loved walking through Avenger’s campus and trying out food in Pym’s Test Kitchen.

If you’re a fan of both Star Wars and Marvel, this is the 2 day Disneyland itinerary that you need!

• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Bonus: Itinerary for worldschoolers

Who says that you can’t learn while you’re in Disneyland? We always love making travel educational for our kids.

While the theme park is primarily aimed for entertainment, there are still plenty of ways for worldschoolers to squeeze in some learning too! This 2 day Disneyland itinerary has activities that encourage learning, creativity, and immersive experiences.

• Disneyland Story - Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln
• The Bakery Tour

Visiting more of California? Read my California posts .

Things to know for a Disneyland itinerary

A trip to Disneyland is a trip of a lifetime for most families. Because tickets to Disneyland and the adjoining California Adventure park are not cheap, you want to make the most of your time there.

Having a plan ahead of time helps you maximize your fun in Disneyland. As you’re putting together your 2 day Disneyland itinerary, keep in mind some of these tips to help prepare for your trip.

Transportation options for a Disneyland park itinerary

Disneyland is not far too far from Southern California cities like San Diego or Los Angeles. So if you’re driving during your 2 day Disneyland itinerary, you can take a shuttle from any of the Disneyland parking lots. The shuttle buses come often, and operate during the same times as the park opening hours. 

Parking rates are $30 for cars and motorcycles, and $35 for oversized vehicles. Closer parking spots have a premium rate of $45 per vehicle.

Hours and tickets for Disneyland and California Adventure

Keep in mind the park hours as you’re planning your visit. Opening hours for Disneyland are 8 am to 12 am. And for California Adventure, the hours are 8 am to 10 pm. 

Ticket prices vary depending on the number of days. For a 2 day Disneyland itinerary, a One Park Per Day ticket starts at $128 per day. However, you can get a 2-day Park Hopper pass, which costs an additional $60 per ticket that allows you to travel back and forth between the parks.

Additional tips for a great Disneyland itinerary 

I’ve offered some great ideas for a 2 day Disneyland itinerary that suit a variety of family needs.

In addition to itinerary ideas, take a look at these simple tips to help you make the most of your itinerary. Besides the tips I offer below, you can also check out tips from this Disneyland Resort Guide .

1. Use the Disneyland app to plan out your Disneyland itinerary 

Gone are the days when you had to deal with paper maps, and guessing the wait times for rides. The Disneyland app offers a map of the parks.

The app also offers current wait times for the rides, so you can anticipate how long you’ll need to wait for your favorite ride during your 2 day Disneyland itinerary. Additionally, the Disneyland app also lets you see which rides have lightning lanes. 

The other thing the Disneyland app lets you do is mobile ordering for food. You can order food ahead of time and pick up your mobile order at special lines.

Get prepared for any emergency with the insurance made for digital nomads!

2. Have a backup plan in case of ride closures or long wait times 

With travel, nothing ever goes exactly as planned. And that’s true for Disneyland too. 

For your 2 day Disneyland itinerary, prioritize your must-see rides. And be okay with skipping the others if the lines are too long. Also have some back-up rides as part of your Disneyland California itinerary in case of ride closures and repairs.

3. Pay attention to height limits

Some rides have height limits. So depending on how young your kids are, they might not be able to go on a ride.

When we were at Disneyland, we were worried that our youngest kids would be too short for the Incredicoaster. But thankfully, they just barely made the height limit. Check the height limits ahead of time to avoid disappointment during your 2 day Disneyland itinerary.

4. Build in down time during your Disneyland itinerary

A day at Disneyland can be long. So leave some space for down time or rest during your 2 day Disneyland itinerary.

Use rides like the Jungle Cruise and It’s A Small World for down time. Or do a few loops on the train or monorail to give your little ones a nap.

5. Bring snacks to Disneyland park

Guests are allowed to bring snacks into the Disneyland and California Adventure parks. This is a great money-saving tip for your 2 day Disneyland itinerary as the food in the parks can be expensive. 

Bring a lightweight backpack to carry snacks, sunscreen, and souvenirs. Make sure it’s not too big, so that you can tuck it under your legs during rides.

6. Get the park hopper tickets

Disneyland and California Adventure are huge parks. One way to make the most of your 2 day Disneyland itinerary is to purchase park hopper tickets. They are an extra $60 per ticket, but makes seeing the park more convenient.

When using the park hopper tickets, you’ll need to identify the park you want to start with each day. You’ll spend the morning at that park, and then can go to the other park after a certain time.

7. Use the Single Rider Line

Some rides in Disneyland and California Adventure have Single Rider Lines which allow individuals to fill in gaps in rides. If your kids are older, and you’re willing to break up your group for certain rides, this is a great hack to avoid waiting in long lines.

These are rides at Disneyland and California Adventure that have a Single Rider Line:

• Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

8. Maximize your Disneyland itinerary with Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes

Another way to maximize your 2 day Disneyland itinerary is to purchase the Genie+ (Genie Plus) and Lightning Lane add-ons. This allows you to use the lightning lanes for most rides.

The Genie+ is an additional $20 per person per day. Some of the more popular rides also require you purchase specific lightning lane passes. Individual lightning lane pass costs vary depending on the ride.

Bond with your family even more on your trip with these fun ideas .

9. Splurge for the VIP tour during your Disneyland itinerary

To make your 2 day Disneyland itinerary extra special, why not splurge for the VIP tour ? With the VIP tour, you have a personal concierge who guides you through the park.

Your concierge also allows you access to all the lightning lanes. Or if the ride doesn’t have a lightning lane, you can jump to the front of the line.

The VIP tour experience starts at $3,500 (in addition to theme park admission) for a minimum of 7 hours. The maximum number of people for a VIP tour is 10, so this is a good idea if you’re going with a big group. Just a note, VIP tours are also available for Walt Disney World too!

If you’re pressed for time, and you have a big group to split the cost of the VIP tour, this is actually a pretty good deal. In one day, we saw 15 fifteen rides. We also got seats to watch the night-time fireworks show!

We were gifted the VIP tour by friends of ours. But I might consider doing it again the next time I’m in Disneyland because being able to see all the rides we wanted was definitely worth it.

A memorable Disneyland itinerary 2 days of fun!

For many families, a trip to Disneyland and California Adventure is a once in a lifetime experience. So why not make the most of your time as much as possible?

We loved our 2 day Disneyland itinerary, and made so many special memories with our family. If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland, use one of my suggestions to create the best itinerary for Disneyland for your family.

Is Disneyland part of a bigger family travel adventure for you? Use my ebook, Hey Kids, Let’s Go Travel! as a resource for tools, advice, and action steps for planning your trip.

Need help thinking through how to budget for a family trip? My  Travel Budget Worksheet  is just the tool you need! Click  here  to receive your free copy by signing up for my newsletter.

Need help thinking through how to budget for a family trip? My  Travel Budget Worksheet  is just the tool you need! Click  here  to receive your free copy by signing up for my newsletter.

Want to connect with me on social media? Find me on Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest , and Twitter. And for those of you who are dedicated to traveling more responsibly, sustainably, and ethically, join over 200 like-minded families on my Facebook group, Responsible Family Travel .

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A Family’s Guide to Affordable Disneyland Vacation Packages

Planning a trip to Disneyland involves numerous decisions, from selecting the right hotel to choosing the most suitable ticket options. Managing the budget for hitting the happiest place on earth can be as tricky as navigating the park without a map, especially considering the very basic cost is about $1,000 per day for a family of four, excluding travel expenses, based on a stay of three days or more.

Thankfully, Disneyland vacation packages exist to somewhat ease this financial burden. Offering a variety of perks such as accommodations at Disneyland resort hotels or good neighbor hotels, Disney California Adventure park tickets, and sometimes even exclusive access to areas like Avengers Campus, these packages aim to bundle fun and savings in one.

OFT Explore Highlights

Disneyland vacation packages, types of disneyland packages, maximizing your fun within budget, booking your dream vacation, promotions on vacation packages, terms and conditions, bottom line.

• Yes, with the right package, you can really simplify planning.
• Right package considers your budget, the duration of your stay, and the experiences you value most.
• For the best deals, book early and travel during off-peak times to maximize savings.

A Disneyland vacation package constitutes a bundled reservation encompassing accommodation and park tickets, sometimes even meals, and often accompanied by additional perks. This comprehensive approach appeals to many visitors due to its simplicity and convenience. By booking a package, guests streamline their planning process, securing both lodging and park access in a single transaction.

With a range of packages available—from budget-conscious options to those that scream luxury—Disneyland offers something for everyone. The beauty of these packages lies in their customization and flexibility, ensuring your vacation fits your dreams like a glove.  Additionally, bundling accommodation and tickets can simplify budgeting and payment, as guests need only to manage a single reservation and payment transaction.

15 things to buy and send to hotel ahead of your Disney trip

While packages offer convenience, they may not always translate into cost savings compared to booking individual components separately. In fact, some visitors find that assembling their own package by booking accommodation and tickets independently yields better value.

Therefore, you better conduct thorough research and compare pricing options before committing to a vacation package.

Hotel Accommodations

Interested in securing both park tickets and hotel accommodations for your trip? You’re in luck! There are fantastic offers available for bundled Disneyland ticket and hotel packages, delivering substantial savings.

Opting for these packages, particularly those featuring a “4th night free” promotion, can maximize your budget. Currently, these are the top discounts for Disneyland Resort or Southern California vacations.

Staying on-site might offer perks like early park access, and sometimes, deals can include a free night’s stay. The average cost for a mid-range hotel hovers around $250-$300 per night, so booking early can secure not just the best rates but also your first choice of accommodations.

These bundled hotel packages offer significantly more savings compared to individual ticket and hotel discounts, making them an ideal choice for those needing both. For recommendations on the best hotels in the Anaheim area, check out our comprehensive reviews on Anaheim hotels, where we’ve evaluated many hotels near Disneyland.

When you’re gearing up for a trip to the happiest place on earth, picking the right Disneyland vacation package can feel like choosing your favorite ice cream flavor—overwhelming but oh-so-delicious once you’ve made your decision.

Standard packages are the vanilla bean of vacation plans; they typically bundle your hotel stay and park tickets, offering a straightforward, no-fuss approach.

Disneyland Resort Hotel Vacation Package

Among the flagship offerings is the Disneyland Resort Hotel Vacation Package, which encompasses accommodations at premium Disney properties such as Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel, or Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel (formerly known as Paradise Pier Hotel).

This package typically includes a Disneyland Resort 2-day to 5-day collectible ticket, offering flexibility in park access duration. Additionally, guests enjoy exclusive perks like Early Theme Park Entry, providing early access to select attractions, dining, and merchandise locations.

Complimentary souvenirs such as Collectible Pins and Lanyards, along with the Magical Extras Savings Card offering discounts at participating dining and merchandise outlets in Downtown Disney.

Hotels at Disneyland resort

Good Neighbor Hotel Vacation Package

For visitors seeking accommodation beyond Disney-owned properties, the Good Neighbor Hotel Vacation Package presents an enticing alternative. This package features accommodations at Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotels, offering a range of lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Similar to the Disneyland Resort Hotel Vacation Package, guests receive a Disneyland Resort 2-day to 5-day collectible ticket and exclusive perks like collectible pins, lanyards, and savings cards.

Park Tickets

Park tickets come with options too, including Park Hopper passes for those who want to bounce between parks and single-park tickets for a more focused visit. To fully soak in Disney’s magic, consider how many days you’ll need; a longer stay often means lower per-day costs.

A 3-day Park Hopper ticket is particularly popular, striking a balance between cost and time. Planning your park days with an eye on crowd levels and special events can save both money and time.

Extras and Add-Ons

Then there are the cherries on top: dining plans, photo passes, character dining experiences, and even VIP tours.

For those who want a smoother park experience, the Genie+ Service is worth looking into for its line-skipping privileges. These add-ons are entirely customizable, allowing you to enhance your trip based on what’s most important to you and your budget. It’s all about making your package your own, ensuring every Disney day is as packed or as relaxed as you want it to be.

For those who want everything sorted from the get-go, all-inclusive packages are like the fully-loaded sundae, throwing in dining, Genie+Service, and sometimes even airfare, wrapping up the experience with a neat bow for total peace of mind.

Then there are add-ons that include options for extending the vacation with overnight stays in Orange County or San Diego, allowing guests to explore additional destinations and attractions beyond Disneyland. Moreover, guests can opt for day trips to various Southern California attractions such as Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, or Universal Studios Hollywood, further enriching their vacation experience.

On the other hand, a la carte options serve the travelers who love to mix and match, allowing them to select their hotel, add days to their park tickets, or opt into dining plans as they see fit. This flexibility is perfect for the more adventurous or those with specific needs, making it possible to craft a vacation that’s as unique as they are.

When evaluating what type of package suits you best, consider factors like the length of your stay, desired experiences, and of course, budget.

Standard packages are a great bet for first-timers looking to get a taste of Disney magic without the overwhelm, while all-inclusive options are ideal for the traveler who wants it all sorted out so they can focus on enjoying the trip.

A la carte packages, meanwhile, offer the freedom to build an experience tailored to personal tastes and interests, which can be particularly appealing for return visitors looking to explore new aspects of the parks. Regardless of which you choose, understanding the benefits of each package type can significantly streamline the planning process, ensuring you get the most out of your Disneyland vacation.

Setting a realistic budget for a Disneyland vacation isn’t just a smart move—it’s necessary if you don’t want to end up eating instant noodles for the next six months. Before you even look at Disneyland vacation packages, it helps to know how much you’re willing to spend on accommodations, tickets, dining, and extras like souvenirs.

This way, you can choose a vacation package that doesn’t just sound fantastic but also aligns with your financial reality.

One tip I can’t stress enough is to consider the timing of your trip. Visiting during off-peak seasons can significantly reduce the cost of both tickets and accommodations. If you’re flexible with your dates, you might find that the prices drop outside of school holidays and major holidays.

Accommodations can eat up a huge chunk of your budget, but there’s good news: “Ways to lower your Disneyland Vacation Price: Staying at a cheaper hotel can take your daily cost down to about $820/day.”

Good Neighbor Hotels offer a more affordable alternative to staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel without skimping too much on the magic. Plus, many of these hotels offer shuttle service to the parks, saving you on parking fees.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of meal planning. Eating every meal at the park can quickly add up, so consider packing snacks or planning meals at less expensive restaurants in Downtown Disney. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your vacation, not worry about every penny spent.

When it comes to orchestrating a Disneyland vacation, securing your reservations well in advance isn’t just advisable—it’s critical. This early bird strategy not only locks in your preferred dates but often snags better deals on Disneyland vacation packages, which include visits to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and sometimes even a stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel.

The beauty of these packages is the flexibility they offer; whether you’re looking for an all-encompassing experience that includes dining and FastPass selections or a more basic option that covers just the essentials, customization is key.

To simplify the booking process, start by narrowing down your vacation package options based on your group’s size, interests, and budget. Then, head to the official Disneyland website or reach out to vacation planners to compare packages and prices.

From there, you’ll select your package, choose your dates, and decide on a hotel—be it a luxurious Disneyland Resort hotel or a budget-friendly Good Neighbor Hotel. Don’t forget to finalize your itinerary by adding theme park reservations, dining experiences, and character meet-and-greets.

Winter Vacation Package Offer

An exemplary illustration of Disneyland’s discounted package offerings is the Winter Vacation Package Offer, providing substantial savings on rooms at select Disneyland Resort Hotels. Valid for stays from January 15 through March 7, 2024, this package includes discounted room rates, park tickets, and standard vacation package benefits.

Disney Visa Cardholder Package Discounts

Disney Visa cardholders often receive exclusive package discounts, ranging from percentage discounts on hotel stays to complimentary add-ons or upgrades. These special rates cater to loyal Disney enthusiasts, offering enhanced value and benefits for cardholders.

Expedia Packages

Travelers seeking last-minute deals or bundled packages may find value in Expedia’s offerings, which occasionally feature discounted Disneyland vacation packages. These packages may include airfare, accommodation, and park tickets, providing a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for spontaneous getaways. However, guests should exercise diligence when booking through Expedia, make sure you are clear on terms, conditions, and potential restrictions associated with the packages.

Membership Discounts

Certain memberships, such as AAA/CAA or Costco, may offer exclusive discounts or package deals for Disneyland vacation packages. While these discounts can yield savings, you should be mindful of potential limitations or service constraints associated with these memberships.

Canadian Residents

Canadian residents may discover unique package deals tailored to their preferences and needs through Disneyland’s dedicated Canadian website. While these offers often mirror those available to US residents, occasional variations or exclusive promotions may provide Canadian visitors with additional incentives or discounts.

Understanding the fine print of your vacation package is paramount, particularly the cancellation policies and travel insurance options. Unpredictable events happen, and knowing you can adjust or cancel your trip with minimal fuss provides peace of mind.

You must double check on things including deposit, cancellation, and change policies. Unlike room-only reservations, vacation packages typically entail stricter policies, such as mandatory deposits and cancellation fees. Understanding these terms is essential to avoid unexpected charges.

Thankfully, the Disneyland website and other travel planning resources offer comprehensive guides and tools to navigate these aspects hassle-free. By investing a bit of time into this research, you ensure a smooth journey from the planning stage to the magical moments at the parks and everything in between.

Also, you may be surprised but using the services of a travel agent typically comes at no additional cost to the guest, making it a prudent choice for those seeking professional assistance.

Selecting the right Disneyland vacation package is a bit like picking the perfect entree from a vast menu – it requires some thought, a bit of strategy, and a good understanding of what you’re hungry for.

We’ve chewed over the essentials: starting early to snag the best deals, customizing your package for an experience tailored just for you and your crew, and navigating the booking process with ease.

Opting for a Disneyland vacation package can transform the complex logistics of planning a trip to the happiest place on Earth into a walk in the park. It’s about more than just convenience; it’s about crafting a magical holiday that fits your dreams and your budget.

So as you ponder your options, remember, a Disneyland vacation isn’t just a trip—it’s an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re yearning for the thrills of Disney California Adventure Park, the charm of the Disneyland Resort, or the magic of Walt Disney World Resort, there’s a perfect vacation package out there with your name on it. Let’s turn those Disneyland dreams into reality.

Co-Founder of the OFT Blog. Mother of 2 who disguises as a 9 to 5 finance professional on most days. She loves to travel, is an amateur website builder and cook. And given her day job, she loves travel planning and saving money. Follow along!

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2024 Disneyland Planning Guide

Our Disneyland vacation planning guide covers what’s new & next in 2024, when to visit to avoid crowds, best restaurants, hotels in Anaheim, money-saving ticket tips, Halloween & Christmas in the parks, and more. It’s a great resource for first-timers to Southern California or lifelong WDW fans. (Updated May 1, 2024.)

Let’s start with all of the latest update, which is that a couple of seasonal events are now underway with Star Wars Season of the Force running through June 2 at Disneyland and Pixar Fest continuing until August 4, 2024 at both parks. Of the two events, Pixar Fest is definitely bigger, with a new daytime parade at DCA, refreshed fireworks at Disneyland, plus dance parties and character meet & greets in both parks.

Disney has also shared that Halloween 2024 at Disneyland will start early (August 23), which likely means Oogie Boogie Bash Party dates beginning earlier. Conversely, Christmas 2024 at Disneyland will start later than normal (November 15), which is unexpected given the popularity of the holiday season. Those are the big things for the 2024 calendar at Disneyland, but there’s a ton more to cover…

From a planning perspective, the big newish thing is Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, which are essentially paid FastPass, for those who were familiar with that. It’s important to understand how this works and whether you should buy Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes before you visit Disneyland.

Everything you need to know, including ride priorities, where it’s NOT necessary to buy Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, and much more is covered in our Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Disneyland and DCA . That’s regularly updated to include the latest price increases and additions to the Lightning Lane ride roster–both of which have changed in the last few months.

We’ve used Genie+ and Lightning Lanes many times, and cover our experiences and strategy there. If you’re a Walt Disney World regular, the good news is that Genie+ is much easier to use at Disneyland. We’d recommend definitely recommend that guide to get a sense for how to use it and priorities–and would also advise having savvy strategy for Early Entry (if eligible) and rope drop plans. Other than that, you don’t need to overthink things. Genie+ makes visiting Disneyland and DCA so much easier.

Regardless of whether you end up buying the Genie+ paid line-skipping, you’ll want to make the decision ahead of time, and plan your strategy accordingly to either get the most mileage out of Genie+ or have an efficient itinerary that finds alternatives for beating the crowds. (Our strong recommendation is to purchase Genie+ for at least one day. If cost is an issue, trim the ‘fat’ from your vacation budget somewhere else.)

Disneyland has been relatively busy in the last couple of years, which is precisely why we recommend buying the Genie+ service to save time waiting in line. It hasn’t been all bad–and it does appear that “revenge travel” is starting to exhaust itself. However, not nearly to the same degree as Walt Disney World. It’s still varying degrees of busy–just slightly less busy than last year.

Our expectation is that pent-up demand continues to die down in 2024. Following spring break season, the parks were definitely quieter in April, but it wasn’t consistent every single day–or even within days. For example, we were in the parks every day from April 27-30. Every single day during that stretch, wait times were low and crowds were slow in the morning.

The big difference is that there were massive evening rushes on a couple of days, to the point that one night DCA felt every bit as busy as during spring break. On another two days, even the nighttime hours were peaceful (at least comparatively speaking). It doesn’t help that Magic Key sales are now wide open, ticket deals are back, and park reservations are frequently fully booked (only to open more availability last minute). All of this can make crowds less predictable and more scattershot.

It feels like Disneyland is on the precipice of returning to a pre-2020 level of normal crowd dynamics, but we’ve thought this before only to have things get crazy again. Choosing less busy dates is important and that’ll continue to be the case even if pent-up demand fizzles out, but to the above points, you only have so much control. Trying to completely avoid crowds can be a fool’s errand, as they’re impossible to perfectly predict.

This is something we even admit in our totally free 2024 Disneyland Crowd Calendars . Those offer day by day guides as to when the parks will be least busy and busiest. These crowd calendars are influenced by a variety of factors, including marketing, discounts, park hours, new attraction openings, special events, Anaheim Convention Center events, and even weather (good or bad). We strive to keep our Disneyland crowd calendars updated to reflect changes in attendance trends.

We’re able to keep on top of all the changing crowd patterns and additions because we are Magic Key Passholders who reside in Southern California. Typically, we visit Disneyland and DCA at least once per week to refine this guide and provide you the best info.

In addition to park visits, we do frequent hotel stays, lots of eating, and field testing of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes as well as other itineraries and strategy for beating lines at the parks. Emphasis on typically since this past year has been a bit atypical and slower-paced for us as we our family grew in size.

But enough about us. Suffice to say, we’re at Disneyland and DCA frequently, and have planning updates and news to share on a regular basis. If you want to receive updates when discounts are released, new things are announced, etc., sign up to receive our free Disney email newsletter , which covers Disneyland plus Walt Disney World and the international parks.

Before we get to the nuts and bolts of Disneyland vacation planning, let’s start with quick background. Disneyland is “Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom.” It’s the castle park that debuted in 1955 and paved the way for other such theme parks around the globe. Disneyland is the only park that Walt Disney himself set foot in and had an active role developing. Beyond its historical legacy that makes it a California institution, Disneyland is incredibly attraction-dense, with enough rides to fill two full days or more (if you’re so inclined).

Directly across from Disneyland is Disney California Adventure (DCA), the second gate of Disneyland Resort. DCA is ostensibly inspired by the Golden State, but is more just a catch-all park with some attractions having a vague California connection and others being driven by Marvel, Pixar, and other Disney franchises.

In addition to the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks, Disneyland Resort is home to Downtown Disney and three official hotels. Downtown Disney is a shopping, dining and entertainment district just outside the two parks. The aforementioned resorts are Pixar Place Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel–which is directly connected to DCA. The entirety of Disneyland Resort is walkable, with no transportation aside from your feet needed to get anywhere within the property.

Now let’s dig into planning, starting with what’s new and next at Disneyland Resort…

What’s New & Next at Disneyland

Beyond the aforementioned substantive additions, there are smaller ‘experience improvements’ at Disneyland. Specifically, the start of Park Hopping has been moved forward to 11 am; this makes it easier to switch parks for lunch.

There are also a handful of new on-site perks for hotel guests, the best of which is Early Entry. See our Guide to Early Entry at Disneyland for what you need to know about this pre-park opening access to Disneyland and DCA. (Note that Early Entry is now every other day for each park as of 2024; it was previously in both parks every day of the week.)

Additionally, PhotoPass digital photo downloads of on-ride photos are now free for all guests on the Disneyland app. This includes attraction photos captured on Radiator Springs Racers, Space Mountain, Incredicoaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, and more.

The Magic Happens daytime parade is back, and not to be missed. We recommend catching the parade’s first performance from the end of Main Street on the back side of the flagpole. Alternatively, the west side of Main Street will offer shade; welcome reprieve from the sun and heat during the summer months.

Then there are the nighttime shows. As of Summer 2024, Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular has returned for Pixar Fest. This is a fun show with new music and added scenes from Turning Red, Onward, Soul, and other movies that have come out in the last 4 years.

Also coming back from another year-plus hiatus is Fantasmic, which will be presented in modified form on the Rivers of America once again. See the 2024 Disneyland Entertainment Schedule for the dates of what’s returning and what’s missing.

Two of the biggest additions for 2024 at Disneyland are at the hotels. Late last year, the brand-new Discovery Tower opened at Disneyland Hotel. This is the new Disney Vacation Club wing, which can also be booked by cash-paying guests. Although they’re all technically part of the same resort, there’s a night-and-day difference between the DVC and hotel towers. See our Photo Tour of the Villas at Disneyland Hotel for more on the new tower.

In early 2024, Disney Imagineers overhauled Paradise Pier Hotel into Pixar Place Hotel. So here, it’s a matter of the same “bones” of the hotel, but with a fresh coat of paint ( and much more ). This project was truly transformative, breathing new life into the aging tower hotel. See our Pixar Place Hotel Review for more.

In terms of new rides, the biggest relatively recent addition is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its two attractions, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The latter is Disneyland’s biggest blockbuster addition since 1995, a modern masterpiece of Imagineering that is immensely popular and well-worth the multi-hour waits.

Over at Disney California Adventure, the most recent expansion is the Avengers Campus Marvel Land. This features one ride, one restaurant, meet & greets, and shopping. It’ll also showcases a Stuntronics Spider-Man, which is a sight to behold.

The next big attraction on the horizon is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure , which opens at Disneyland in late 2024. Our expectation–based on visible progress as compared to the version of the same ride at Walt Disney World (which opens this summer)–is that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will debut at Disneyland between mid-October and Thanksgiving 2024.

Looking even further down the road, at some point sometime before 2030 (maybe?), an Avatar experience is coming to Disneyland . This is part of the nebulous DisneylandForward proposal, which is on the precipice of being fully-approved by the Anaheim City Council in May 2024. More details are expected at the D23 Expo in August.

If you’re curious about the specifics of other additions on the horizon, consult our What’s New & Next for Disneyland in 2024 . This gives you an idea of when you might want to visit if you’re still choosing dates, trying to find the best time in terms of special events, new rides, and more.

More is coming in 2024 and beyond, but those are the main things to know. Now, let’s get down to business: what you need to plan a Disneyland vacation…

When to Visit Disneyland

The single most important part of planning a trip to Disneyland is determining when to visit. As mentioned above, crowds are a big component of this, but should not be the sole determining factor. Weather, seasonal events, pricing, and other variables are all important.

To that point, our we also have the Best & Worst Months to Visit Disneyland list, which ranks every month of the year. Even more to the point, this covers our 3 favorite weeks of the year to take a Disneyland trip. That’s more qualitative, and thus can more useful than crowd calendars for many Disneyland planners.

Again, our crowd calendars and month by month ranking resources have been updated to take into account changing attendance patterns brought on by Magic Keys, make-up travel, discounted SoCal tickets, returning entertainment, and more. Crowds have already changed, and we will continue to monitor and update accordingly in the future. Just be warned that crowd calendars are less reliable right now due to pent-up demand, capacity limits, and everything else.

As for seasonal events, we have two favorite times to do Disneyland. We highly recommend Halloween, which is our #2 time of the year at Disneyland. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Disneyland at Halloween for reasons why, and assistance planning a trip during that specific timeframe.

We’re already looking forward to the return of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party , which will be back for Fall 2024 ( and probably late summer! ). That’s a hard ticket event, meaning that tickets to it cost extra; you do not need  to attend Oogie Boogie Bash to have a great time during the Halloween season at Disneyland, but we recommend it to anyone who is willing and able to splurge–especially fans of rare characters ( and villains! ).

Our favorite time of year at Disneyland–by a wide margin–is the holiday season. Unlike Halloween, there is no Christmas hard ticket event, meaning that everything is included with the price of regular admission. This means holiday fireworks, special parades, decorations, attraction overlays, entertainment, and so much more.

You could literally spend multiple full days focused exclusively on the seasonal offerings at Disneyland during the holiday season. Read our Ultimate Guide to Disneyland at Christmas to learn more about what makes this time of year so special–and see photos of the parks in all of their Christmas glory!

Finally, before solidifying your travel dates, you’ll also want to check out our 2024 Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar to make sure any must-do attractions won’t be closed for renovations during your visit.

We typically do not recommend relying heavily on the refurbishment calendar. While Disneyland provides advance notice of most major multi-month closures, that’s not always the case. Some are scheduled last minute for necessary repairs or preventative maintenance. Short projects are sometimes scheduled at the last minute, and unannounced downtime (due to breakdowns or other issues) can also impact attractions.

Our biggest piece of advice with regard to refurbishments is not to visit in January or February if a high number of ride closures will negatively impact your trip. Winter is typically Disneyland’s refurbishment season, with many attractions going down for annual maintenance after the holidays.

Where to Stay

There are a ton of options in terms of where to stay near Disneyland: Good Neighbor Hotels, official Disney resorts, nearby hotels within driving distance, sprawling resorts in nearby beach towns, and more. In  Best Hotels Near Disneyland , we cover our top 10 picks for hotels within walking distance of the parks, with 5 family-friendly budget options, 3 luxury resorts, and 2 Disney-owned hotels. That’s a concise resource if you don’t want to comb through our more comprehensive hotel info.

For most vacation planners, the decision comes down to choosing among Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa ( our favorite! ), Disneyland Hotel (second favorite), and Pixar Place Hotel, or one of the cheaper hotels on Harbor Boulevard. We cover the pros and cons of each choice in our Where to Stay at Disneyland: Off-Site v. On-Site Hotels post.

If you’re looking for something more thorough, we’ve stayed at every on-site Disneyland hotel and most of the Good Neighbor Disneyland hotels and other off-site hotels within walking distance of the Disneyland Esplanade.

All of these are covered in our Rankings & Reviews of the Best & Worst Hotels Near Disneyland . This post ranks ~60 hotels near Disneyland at which we have stayed, along with room photos, pros & cons, and other useful information. That also details how to score a good deal on a hotel that’s close to Disneyland.

Fair warning: those comprehensive rankings can be overwhelming. We do a lot of hotel stays in Anaheim and report on them; most of that’s overkill for planners–you just need to know which ones are the ‘hotel hell’ options (bottom of the list) to avoid at all costs and the best ones to book (top of the list). If you’ve already booked accommodations, you might also want to search the list to see where your selected hotel ranks!

Park Tickets

Our Money-Saving Guide to Disneyland Tickets is a huge resource with recommendations on what type of Disneyland tickets you should buy, including how many days, whether you should get Park Hopper, and where you can buy Disneyland tickets to save some money.

There are some great offers right now–we recommend bundling park tickets and your hotel stay to save even more, especially with the 3rd and 4th night free specials at hotels near Disneyland . These package deals can save you a lot of money.

For the vast majority of guests visiting Disneyland, we recommend the Park Hopper ticket option. This allows you to bounce back and forth between the two parks throughout the day, which is easy to do given that their about a football field apart.

The practical upsides of this is starting at the park that opens first and ending your night at the park open later (Disneyland is often open 2 hours later than Disney California Adventure). You can also eat in the park with the dining options you prefer, grab a beer in DCA (there’s no alcohol in Disneyland outside of Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars Land), and enjoy the nighttime spectaculars in both parks.

If you’re a local or just a big diehard Disney fan planning to make multiple trips in a single year, Magic Key Annual Passes are also an option. See our Guide to Magic Keys at Disneyland: 2024 Prices, Perks, Blockout Dates & Discounts for more details.

Prior to moving to California, we were Disneyland AP holders while living in Indianapolis, Indiana followed by Orlando, Florida. We’d make several long weekend trips out to Disneyland each year, and the APs more than paid for themselves.

With that said, Annual Passes were  much  cheaper when we lived in the Midwest–a fraction of the current price–and we blogged about Disney by the time we moved to Central Florida. So our circumstances are a bit unique. Nevertheless, if you live in Nevada, Utah, or even Northern California…and can do a few long weekends each year, Magic Keys might make sense for you, too!

Disneyland Strategy & Itineraries

There are over 75 attractions between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. On a normal day, the average guest will only experience 10-11 of those. It would thus take you at least 6 days to experience everything in the two theme parks, assuming you didn’t want to re-ride anything. Obviously, not many people are devoting over a week to their Disneyland vacation.

As such, we’ve developed a few step-by-step Disneyland touring plans, each of which will enable you to efficiently experience the parks, while also enjoying their leisurely offerings and atmosphere. More to the point, you’ll be able to do 20+ rides per day–and skip the ones not worth your time.

Here are our best and recommended itineraries:

• Disneyland 1-Day Itinerary – Only have one day to visit Disneyland? This is a step-by-step plan of attack for which attractions you should do, where you should eat, what to see, and more. This covers all of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including Rise of the Resistance.
• Disneyland 2-Day Itinerary – Same idea, but spread over two days. We recommend most guests allocate two full days to Disneyland.
• Disney California Adventure 1-Day Itinerary – Unlike Disneyland, DCA is easier to fully experience in a single day. This touring plan includes strategy for beating the crowds at Radiator Springs Racers, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Web Slingers Spider-Man Adventure, and more!

We are currently working on additional multi-day itineraries for trips of 4+ days at Disneyland Resort. For now, if you plan on spending more time at DCA, consult our Disney California Adventure Ride Reviews & Guide . The article reviews every attraction at Disneyland, giving each a numerical score out of 10, plus highlights key attractions that we consider the best ones, which should be prioritized if you have limited time.

Our Disneyland Ride Reviews & Guide does the same thing for the castle park, in case you want to spend 3+ days there. (Which you totally could, especially now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open!)

Dining at Disneyland

Food is half the fun at Disneyland. Both parks have great restaurants, iconic snacks, decadent desserts, and great drinks. We typically go all-out when visiting the parks, doing breakfast at one of the hotels (or sometimes in the park), followed by a mid-morning snack, counter service lunch, and table service dinner.

The stereotype that all Disney food is unhealthy food like burgers and hot dogs is entirely false. Disneyland has inexpensive unique dining options as well as expensive fine dining. Good dining can help define a trip! To that end, we highly recommend checking out our List of the 23 Best Restaurants at Disneyland . Those are the places we dine the most, and recommend to friends visiting the parks. You’ll find several hidden gems on there, as well as explanations for why we’ve snubbed several hotspots.

If you want advice, food photos, and more about all restaurants, see our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews . (Honestly, we think that’s probably overkill for 95% of you. The ‘best of’ list above covers where you should do meals, and there are more lists below for bars, snacks, and desserts.)

Beyond full meals, we have a few resources that can help you plan memorable meals at Disneyland. If you have kids, we highly recommend consulting our Disneyland Character Dining Guide , which covers the best character buffets in the hotels and parks.

Looking for the best quick meals? Our Top 10 Disneyland Counter Service Restaurants list ranks the best meals in the castle park, while our Top 10 Disney California Adventure Counter Service Restaurants list offers the same for DCA.

Want to have fun with your food at Disneyland? Our Top 10 Delicious Desserts at Disneyland covers delicious treats, including some hidden gems, plus brand new items and recently-added restaurants in Downtown Disney!

If you’re into drinking, we also have posts about a few of our favorite lounges: Trader Sam’s , Lamplight Lounge , GCH Craftsman Bar , and Carthay Circle Restaurant . The last one is particularly noteworthy because–in addition to the lounge downstairs–the restaurant upstairs is the best in-park restaurant in either park.

Transportation

Should you fly or drive to Disneyland? Rent a car or use public transportation? What about getting around Southern California? There are a ton of questions you might have, and our Guide to Disneyland Transportation covers everything you need to know, answering these questions for you based on our first-hand experiences visiting Anaheim as tourists and living nearby as locals.

If you’ve already decided on flying to California but aren’t sure of the pros & cons of each option, check out our Guide to Airports Near Disneyland. That covers the strengths and weaknesses of the 5 airports in Southern California that are relatively convenient to Disneyland.

In a nutshell, our strong recommendation would be flying into SNA (or even LGB) over LAX. Even if the flight is a little more expensive, it’s worth it. Not only is SNA closer to Disneyland, but LAX has tons of chaos, construction, and crowds.

We like LAX and its eclectic energy, but it’s more than a little overwhelming for a first-timer. If you’ve never been to Southern California or a large city like Los Angeles, it can be a bit much and start your trip off on the wrong foot. Meanwhile, SNA is laid back and quiet. If there were a list ranking the best airports for napping, it would be near the top and LAX would be near the bottom.

In addition to this, SNA is much closer to Disneyland than LAX, which makes it easier to simply take an Uber or Lyft from the airport to wherever you’re staying near Disneyland. In most cases, we’d recommend rideshare over renting a car at the airport, as the vast majority of hotels near Disneyland now charge for parking. So not only will you be paying to rent the car, but also to park it.

The vast majority of hotels near Disneyland are within walking distance, so you won’t need a vehicle during the theme park portion of your trip to Southern California. If you’re staying at one of the hotels we recommend in Anaheim, it’s literally counterproductive to drive to Disneyland since the parking structures are all farther away than most of the nearby hotels.

If you’re venturing beyond Disneyland to one of the destinations discussed below–and we strongly recommend that you do–while visiting Southern California, our advice would be to book a rental car in Anaheim. There are numerous rental car companies within walking distance of Disneyland, and most offer one-way rentals to the nearby airports. Walk over to one of those on your checkout morning, pick up your rental car, and continue your California adventure!

We do not  recommend relying on rideshare if you’re heading to Los Angeles. However, if you’re doing Laguna Beach or another coastal community, a rental car may not be needed at all. Many coastal towns have free trolley service that is fantastic. Simply take an Uber or Lyft from Disneyland to wherever you’re staying in the beach cities.

Southern California BEYOND Disneyland

If you want to venture beyond theme parks, you’re in luck. Southern California is one of the best places in the world to visit! Thanks to Los Angeles, San Diego, and the beach cities in between, there’s a ton to do in the area.

In addition to this site, we have non-Disney blog: TravelCaffeine with resources for on an eclectic mix of the places where we’ve lived or visited extensively. California is one such emphasis, as we’ve spent a ton of time exploring our home state. If you’re planning on heading to LA after Disneyland, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles .

While LA is one of the greatest cities in the world, we’re particularly partial to Laguna Beach. It’s home to the best stretch of coast in California, has small-town charm and personality, and tons of things to do. To that point, see our  Ultimate Guide to Laguna Beach, California for extensive advice. If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of visiting Los Angeles, then Laguna Beach is for you!

In addition to these planning resources, we also give away a free eBook, 101 Things to Do in Southern California over on TravelCaffeine, so be sure to download that totally free resource!

If you’re thinking of visiting other theme parks in Southern California, we also have guides to those…

Universal Studios Hollywood Trip Planning Guide – In just a few years, USH has transformed and improved dramatically. The opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was what really put the park on the map as a vacation destination, but many other additions have made this a great park in the last few years. Our favorite new attraction is Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, a new family-friendly dark ride. (Read our review of it in Universal’s New Dark Ride Rivals Disney’s Best! )

The blockbuster new addition is Super Nintendo World. We love this land, and rate two of its biggest components in our Ride Review: Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge and our Review of Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World . For practical planning advice, check out our comprehensive  Strategy Guide for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood . That offers tips & tricks, how to beat the crowds, and a ton of other advice for making the most of your time in this incredible new land.

Aside from that, the Studio Tour is our favorite attraction, which is a 45-minute plus tram tour through the working backlot of Universal’s studio. If you are only interested in this Studio Tour, you might broaden your potential options beyond just USH, and also consider the Warner Brothers Studio Tour and Sony Pictures Studio Tour as alternatives.

Guide to Knott’s Berry Farm – An Orange County institution that proudly proclaims itself as “America’s 1st Theme Park.” Really, Knott’s is a tale of two theme parks. It has modern roller coasters and other fare for thrill-seekers. Thematically, this leaves a lot to be desired.

Then there are the quainter areas, reminiscent of Frontierland at Disneyland. We love these areas–and the park’s annual Boysenberry Festival. All things considered, we love both Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood, and together with Disneyland Resort, these four gates make for a great theme park vacation in Southern California!

Other Disneyland Planning Resources

Now that we’ve covered the essentials to ensure you have a great trip to Disneyland, we have a bunch of other resources that will guide you through the planning process to make your visit to Disneyland more enjoyable, helping you save time and money. Armed with all of this knowledge, you will have a much better vacation.

What to Pack – Packing for Disneyland is comparable to packing for any vacation, but with a few twists. Here’s our list of “unordinary” items to pack that will help enhance your Disneyland trip!

Guide to Downtown Disney – We sort of gloss over it here, but Downtown Disney is a massive area within Disneyland Resort’s security perimeter. You can easily leave either park and get to one of these restaurants for a meal…or some of the best ice cream you’ll ever have…in under 10 minutes.

Our 101 Best Disneyland Tips – This is not nearly as structured as our other advice, but these tips offer great advice and sometimes obscure little things that will help you visit the parks like a local. This is more granular advice than what you’ll find in our other planning articles, but we’ve had a lot of positive feedback from readers who really got a lot more out of their trips because of those tips.

Renting DVC Points to Save Money on Accommodations – This is written from a WDW perspective, but there are also Disney Vacation Club villas at the Grand Californian. Booking there can be a challenge (it’s incredibly popular), but you can save a ton of money if your timing is right and you get lucky.

Best Credit Cards for Disney Travel – Leveraging credit card rewards can be a great way of getting free airfare or hotel rooms, and there are several options near Disneyland that you can book for free thanks to signup bonuses.

Tips for Buying Discount Disney Gift Cards – Want to save at least 5% on every single thing you buy at Disneyland? These hacks are for you. Some are relatively simple and straightforward (like using the Target RedCard) while others require a bit more effort.

In general, there are a variety of ways you can save money on a trip to Disneyland. If you’re looking for the best way to save on an entire vacation package, many of our favorite hotels near Disneyland can be booked via Get Away Today at a discount . If you bundle tickets into your hotel stay, you’ll get an even better deal. You can check package prices here .

Between this blog and TravelCaffeine.com , you should be totally covered with what you need to know if you’re thinking about visiting Disneyland Resort and Southern California sometime in 2024. We can’t encourage people enough to give Disneyland a try, especially Disney fans who are biased towards Walt Disney World as their “home” park. Disneyland is a totally different, much more relaxed experience. It’s intimate in both size and feel, and is oozing with history and incredible attractions.

I could go on for pages and pages about why I love Disneyland, and why everyone owes it to themselves to visit Disneyland, but hopefully this is a good-enough jumping off point. If you’ve never been to either Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, it’s a good place to start as we attempt to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each in an unbiased manner. If all of this is still overwhelming or you want personalized recommendations for Disneyland Resort, click here to get a vacation quote from a no fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner .

Your Thoughts

Are you planning a Disneyland Resort visit in 2024? Debating between Halloween and Christmas? Have you already visited Galaxy’s Edge and done Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance? What about Avengers Campus? Are you excited for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or the reimagined Toontown? Thoughts on Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, where to stay, best restaurants and snacks, or anything else covered here? Have you previously visited Disneyland? Have any tips of your own to add? Any questions you still have that this guide did not answer? We really appreciate reader feedback and your thoughts, so please share in the comments below! 🙂

Written by Tom Bricker

Do you have any thoughts/tips related to Ontario’s airport? We got a great deal on flights and are flying into Ontario in September. I used to live in LA, and while I have been to every other So Cal airport, I have never been there.

My husband and I are planning a trip back to Disneyland this year. We are debating whether to fly or drive (we live in Utah). We stayed at a hotel across the street last time and it was a lifesaver with two toddlers and a stroller, so we plan to stay there again. We would both prefer to fly, but our dilemma is we have 3 and 1 year olds who will need carseats. Is there a shuttle or rental company that would provide carseats to and from the airport (SNA or LGB) so we could avoid having to rent a car for the whole trip?

I am planning a trip to Disneyland for my husband and I’s first trip. We typically go to Disney World yearly. We’re going during a very busy week December 19th-24th and bought 4 day park hopper tickets with Genie+. Do you have a strategy for the parks for this time of year? I’m a bit nervous as we’ve never been this time of year. This is one of the only times we’re able to go though. Do you think the parks will be achievable in 4 days? Would you do 2 days in each park?

We’re headed to California in June. Family of five with three young boys. Love Disney World, never been to Disneyland. Plan to do 2-days in the parks June 18th and 19th with non-hopper tickets. Seems like Disneyland is closing at 8pm on the 18th for an event. Will crowds be down that day like they are in DW for these kind of events? Other factor is Juneteenth is on June 19. Bottom line, which day should we Disneyland and which day should we do DCA? Thank you for any and all advice!

I have been going to the Disneyland Resort with my daughters since they were four and six and I have enjoyed reading your blog as a planning guide that entire time. Now they’re 17 and 15! My question is I’ve always wondered if you have an opinion about what park to start at if you have a Park hopper tickets, and now since we need to reserve what park we start at, is there a preference one over the other? Maybe depending which has early entry is? We are not staying at a hotel that will have early entry, so should we try to not go to the park that has early entry or just ignore that? Any other comments about where to start your day with a hopper? Thanks and congratulations on your new family! You’ll discover how wonderful Disneyland is in a whole new way and as the years go by it only gets better!

Early Entry doesn’t move the needle that much since it’s such a small pool of guests.

Personally, I’m a big fan of starting at Disneyland if you’re into the Fantasyland dark rides, because it’s so easy to knock out a half-dozen of those in an hour, which is such a satisfying feeling. I also think that, due to greater ride density, Disneyland wait times build slower over the course of the morning, whereas DCA can get busy quickly.

That’s my very subjective take, though. If you want to do Radiator Springs Racers, Avengers Campus, or other high-profile rides in DCA, maybe that’s a better option than Disneyland for you.

It looks like we have a chance to visit Disneyland for the first time (as hard core WDW people) in April. Unfortunately it’s a very busy weekend (Apr 5-8) but I’ll take what I can get. We will buy Genie+ of course.. we will skip Galaxy’s Edge as we’ve done that many times in FL. Do you have a 2 day Itinerary for DL + DCA for people who are used to WDW? In other words – what are all the OG and unique to DL rides, and top 3 snacks/dining experiences? I’m thinking Lamplight Lounge for one meal and some snacks. It’s weird to feel like a noob with Disney since we are so familiar w/ WDW.

We have visited WDW many times. Most recently first week of December 2022. It was fantastic!! Thanks for your recommendation on the week. Thinking about a first time trip to Disneyland this year. Would like to catch some other area sights as well. How many days should we plan as first timers to the parks? Best place to stay when we likely won’t be back for a while. Thanks!

Thanks for the updated guide. Full of lots of great information as usual, and it’s nice to see more pictures of Sarah and Megatron! (And Tom of course.) We’re planning to go around November 10-12. Do you think Dapper Days combined with the start of the holiday season plus Veteran’s day will make it extra crowded? If so, any touring tips besides rope drop? We’re hopefully staying at the Grand so will have early entry.

Thank you so much for all your help. Had a great Disney experience thanks to you!

I’m wondering if you have a 1 day itinerary article that covers both Disneyland and DCA with park hopper. We only have 1 day to visit during this trip and we’re traveling with an infant so it does cut out on a bunch of high priority rides. We’re also diehard WDW people and have rode those attractions SEVERAL times so we’re ok with cutting out things like Galaxys edge, Toy story mania… there are a few rides we want to do without the baby, ie radiator springs racers and can utilize single rider or rider swap for those, but are most interested in original dark rides for a more nostalgic experience. Thanks for being such a great resource for planning research, your blogs have been more then helpful!

Hello, My name is Jenna Taylor, and I’m a travel writer. I was simply conducting some research for content ideas when I came across your site.

What can I do to obtain a do-follow link on your site? Would you be willing to accept a guest post on your blog? If that’s the case, can you please let me know how much you would charge?

Please let me know what you think and please contact me if there are any additional specifics!

Tom, appreciate all your work to put these guides out. Your site was a big help when our family first started going to Disney World back in 2015.

We’re looking at our first visit to Disneyland sometime in summer 2023. I saw mentioned in a few different places that weekends are worse than weekdays. Looking back at summer 2022, Friday-Sunday showed significantly lower wait times than Monday- Thursday (per Thrilldata). I’m assuming that had to do with Magic Key blackouts – would that pattern be expected to repeat in June/July 2023?

Excellent information and orientation! Kind regards.

Hello! So, I am one of those people who hate to compose trip itineraries. I LOVE to go, but hate to plan the details. Do you offer this as a service? My husband and I are planning to take our oldest 2 granddaughters (ages 6 & 8) to Disneyland in July 2023. We will be arriving on a Sunday, leaving on a Thursday. Your information on lodging, flying, the airport, and transportation is fantastic.

You will have an amazing time! One tip I don’t see that often that we have found very helpful every time we go with our now 9 year-old is that we generally take a break from the parks sometime after lunch, go for a swim, relax a bit have a snack or get an early dinner and then head back to the parks a bit refreshed. Also, stay hydrated, sunscreen and i usually pack some lollipops for long lines;) Have a wonderful time!

If you’re looking for an itinerary planning service, check out Melanie B on Instagram (the_disney_rn). I’ve never needed an itinerary other than Tom and Sarah’s tips, but I know many people love them! Melanie always has amazing advice as a local Disneyland fan, so I’m sure her itineraries would be super helpful to you 🙂

If I buy a five day hopper with genie plus through getaway today does it include photo pass service for every day or for just one day or what?

The best plan is to purchase Disneyland tickets at Ralph’s, Smart and Final, Raleys, Target, Cardenas, Superior and Super A. The tickets are sold through ScanIt where you find the giftcards. Scan the QR code, select your tickets, enter your email and a barcode is generated for purchase at the register. Reservations are really open right now!!

Also, Target is offering a $20 instant rebate right now if you buy their current promo in their stores!!

A really good option is to purchase your Disneyland tickets at the grocery store – Ralph’s, Smart and Final, Raleys, Target, Cardenas, Superior and Super A. The tickets are sold through ScanIt where you find the giftcards. Scan the QR code, select your tickets, enter your email and a barcode is generated. Purchase in store. You get your credit card grocery points this way – I get cash back for grocery!!! Plus at Ralph’s you get FUEL rewards. Disneyland currently is running their $83/day through September. Get in the grocery store! Reservations are really open right now!!

Do you have any recommendations or information about parking options for day visitors? We will be in the Anaheim area visiting family and I am hoping to do a 1 day visit to Disneyland. We will be staying about 20 minutes away at the Hyatt House in Cypress, as that is the location that is near the people we are visiting.

If you are doing a 1 day visit to Disneyland, your best bet would be to park at at the Mickey and Friends parking structure. That’s the main structure for the parks and it’s the best option for park visitors.

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The Ultimate Guide for Planning a Trip to Disneyland

By Valerie Marino

No trip to Southern California is complete without a visit to Disneyland Park. The only Disney park both designed and completed by Walt Disney himself, it changed the game for modern theme park design and remains near the top of the list of most popular parks globally, just after Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando . Not bad for a former Anaheim orange grove. 

With just two parks and an array of hotels, most within walking distance, Disneyland is arguably easier to visit than its Florida counterpart and can be an ideal add-on to your Southern California vacation—or a destination unto itself. Whether you’re just popping in for the day or are planning an extended visit, here’s all the must-have info you need to plan your trip.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

All about the parks

Disneyland Resort is made up of two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

If you only have one day to visit, spend it at Disneyland Park. This is where you’ll find classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (yes, the one about the drunk-driving toad who winds up in hell).

A huge draw to this park is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge , a 14-acre expansion dedicated to the franchise in a galaxy far, far away. Live out your Star Wars fantasies here by stepping into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, sipping on blue milk (a non-dairy blend of rice and coconut milk with pineapple, dragon fruit, and watermelon that can be an acquired taste), or bellying up to the bar at Oga’s Cantina while DJ R-3X spins some intergalactic tunes. Don’t miss Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance , Disney’s most innovative attraction yet, but you’ll have to plan ahead. The ride doesn’t have a typical standby line, and spots in the virtual queue go quickly on busy days.

Across the way, Disney California Adventure is designed in a Mission and Art Deco style to reflect Southern California as it was when Disney, the man, moved there in the 1920s. This park features some true gems like Cars Land , which recreates the town from the 2006 animated film. Take a high-speed ride through the painted desert on Radiator Springs Racers or climb aboard a tractor on Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, a simple spinner attraction featuring a soundtrack sung by Larry the Cable Guy that has no logical reason for being as fun as it is. You won’t find this in the Disneyland times guide, but each night around sunset, the neon lights of Radiator Springs flicker on to the tune of “Shh-boom,” just like in the movie.

The newest addition to the park is Avengers Campus , a land dedicated to Marvel superheroes. It features one of California Adventure’s must-do attractions, Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout, which is a new take on an old favorite. Disneyland re-themed the former Tower of Terror to the Marvel film, giving it a fantastic soundtrack (you never know what you'll hear, but options include Pat Benatar, Elvis Presley, Parliament, and The Jackson 5) and pushing the ride’s mechanics to their limit, so you feel like you’re a yo-yo on a string in the best way possible.

If that sounds a little intense, leave the action to the pros and check out the Spider-Man stunt show, one of many “heroic encounters” outside the Avengers Headquarters . It’s here that you can see Disney’s first-ever “stuntronic,” a cutting-edge stunt animatronic, fly through the air with no wires—or webs—attached.

Because Disneyland’s attendance base is largely Southern California locals, crowds are often lower when annual passholders are blocked from entry, which includes many weekends and large portions of the summer months. Compare your travel dates to Disneyland’s calendar for the Imagine Key and Enchant Key pass options before booking.

Disneyland’s two parks are connected by an esplanade that also links with Downtown Disney, a shopping and dining complex that includes the kind of diversions you don’t expect to see at a theme park. Highlights here include Ballast Point, Disneyland’s first on-site brewery, and Salt & Straw, for their unique seasonal flavors of small-batch ice cream like buttermilk pancakes or mushroom muddy buddies. From Downtown Disney, hop aboard the Disneyland Monorail (a valid park ticket is required) for a different sort of park tour and easy access to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, where you'll find Space Mountain.

What to know about ticketing

Prices for single-day tickets vary depending on the time of year and day of the week you visit, and range from $104 to $154 for adults and $98 to $146 for children ages three to nine. The lowest prices are found on weekdays in January, February, May, and September; the spring break in mid-April, as well as fall and winter holidays, are the priciest. Multi-day tickets are cheaper the longer you stay, down to $72 per day on a five-day visit, which can be used over 13 days. In addition to a park ticket, you’ll need a park reservation for the same date. Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance, and you can check availability before purchasing tickets.

By Caitlin Morton

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

By Jamie Spain

By Sarah James

If this is your first visit and you only have one day, stick to Disneyland Park for the classic experience. The park has roughly double the number of attractions compared to Disney California Adventure, so there’s plenty to fill your day. For multi-day trips, opt for park hopper tickets, which costs $55 per day. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure are so close together—it’s just about 100 steps from gate to gate—that it’s easy to cover a lot of ground. If you move quick, you can often catch both parks’ nighttime spectaculars in one evening.

Splurge $20 per day to add Disneyland’s Genie+ service, launching in fall 2021, which offers digital booking of many of the most popular rides and attractions. A replacement for the free FastPass system, Genie+ also includes PhotoPass downloads from in-park photographers and onboard ride photos—the kind you usually have to shell out extra to get. Tip: When you see your photo displayed at an attraction’s exit, snap a quick photo with your smartphone to capture the 8-character code on top of the image. You'll need to enter it in the Disneyland app to link the photo to your account.

Where to stay

Disneyland has three on-site resort hotels, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa , Disneyland Hotel , and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel , all of which offer guests entry to the theme parks an hour before the public each day. The Grand Californian even has its own entrance to Disney California Adventure that allows guests to bypass potentially long lines at the security checkpoint and turnstiles. (Use this back door to the park to fulfill your late-night Dole Whip cravings and be back in bed, treat in hand, in 20 minutes flat.)

All three on-site hotels are located within a few minutes’ walk to the park gates, making it easy to pop back over for nap time or to grab a sweatshirt for chilly SoCal evenings. You pay for that convenience—rates start around $360 per night at Paradise Pier and $600 per night at the Grand Californian—so keep an eye on this page for seasonal specials.

There’s also a wide range of hotels just across the street, many within easy walking distance of the park gate or along the Anaheim Resort Transportation bus line. If the benefit of early entry is important for you to maximize your park time or you’re planning a Disneyland trip for a special occasion, on-site is the way to go. But with many offsite hotels often at least $100 less per night than Disneyland’s most affordable room, you’ll find significant savings by broadening your search. Two new upscale options have come on the market recently: the Westin Anaheim and the JW Marriott Anaheim , both a short walk from the theme parks.

Where to eat

There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to dining, whether you’re looking for a high-end meal or a snack to eat while dashing to your next ride.

Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian features an impressive wine program with a 17,000-bottle cellar and more than 1,000 labels. The menu changes seasonally and offers entrees like braised lamb or smoked pork chops with a cherry orange sauce, with expertly selected wine pairings.

Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure wins points not just for its waterfront location, fan-favorite lobster nachos, or sugar-dusted miniature donuts that come with a pair of raspberry and chocolate dipping sauces. The theming and decor is on point and gives a glimpse into the animation process for a number of Pixar’s films.

If you’re more in the mood for fried pickles and ranch (no disrespect), head to Carnation Cafe on Main Street, USA in Disneyland Park, where the menu also features Walt’s favorite chili and meatloaf.

When it’s snack time, you can’t go wrong with a Dole Whip—our current favorites are the pineapple-raspberry swirl at The Tropical Hideaway or the Pixar Pier Frosty Parfait at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats , which layers lemon soft serve with blue raspberry slush. Disneyland is constantly rolling out a parade of new churro flavors. Try the Caliente Churro from Senor Buzz Churros on Pixar Pier for a zippier take on cinnamon sugar.

Take advantage of the mobile ordering feature in the Disneyland app to pre-order your meals and avoid standing in line. Select your arrival window in advance for popular locations like Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge , where we recommend trying the Ronto Wrap, a grilled sausage with sliced roasted pork, slaw, and a creamy peppercorn sauce.

Alcohol is not served at Disneyland Park, with the exception of Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge and Club 33 , a members-only restaurant and lounge. Those wanting to enjoy an adult beverage more freely in the parks will have to cross the esplanade to Disney California Adventure.

Special events to consider

Disneyland has a number of annual events year-round. The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival runs for about two months each spring and features cooking demos, wine tastings, and more than a dozen booths featuring appetizer-sized portions of California-inspired cuisine, as well as cocktails, beer, and wine.

Lunar New Year brings a big celebration to Disney California Adventure with a special parade and treats like mandarin orange green tea tarts (Mickey-shaped, of course) and a winter plum blossom gin mule. But our favorite feature is the wishing wall that invites visitors to leave a message of hope, health, and happiness for the coming year.

During Halloween, Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is a special ticketed event at Disney California Adventure (meaning the park will close early to other guests) on select nights in September and October.

The holiday season brings a number of special events and attractions to both parks. Our favorite is Haunted Mansion Holiday , which brings a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay to the Haunted Mansion that completely transforms the classic attraction. It’s a Small World also gets a special treatment with a medley of holiday tunes. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Christmas Fantasy Parade, with its classic toy soldiers marching down Main Street, USA. Unlike at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the holiday parade and fireworks are included in regular park admission. Now that’s really magical.

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Los Angeles Travel Guide

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How to Make a Disneyland Trip With a Family of 5 Affordable

With the prices of Disneyland tickets at an all-time high, how's a big family supposed to take any sort of overnight trip to the Magic Kingdom? Thanks to the great deals by local hotels, selecting low-demand days and other tips and tricks, it is possible. And with all the cool new stuff at Disneland right now — from the new Rise of the Resistance Star Wars ride to the awesome new Magic Happens parade — there's no better time to go. Here are some of my favorite hacks for saving some money at Disneyland as a family of five:

Go on non-peak days

With Disneyland's new prices, park-hopper tickets for "peak" days — like weekends — are soaring over the $200 mark . Instead, look to travel on low-demand days like random Tuesday and Wednesday, for instance, and you can save up to $50 per ticket!

Find local hotel ticket deals

Many local hotels will offer discounted tickets if you stay with them, so do your research. My family of five and I stayed at the Hilton Anaheim which is a short distance away from Disneyland. We were in a Studio Suite, which is totally the way to go if you're a larger-sized family. It was spacious (and I mean huge compared to other "suites" we've stayed in), clean and had all the amentities that families with young kids look for — namely a fridge and a kitchenette. With two queen size beds and a full pull-out couch, there was more than enough places for everyone to hit the hay. My personal favorite part was how the room was so large, we didn't have to all hear every little sound someone else made while they slept — because everyone knows little kids are noisy sleepers.

There was also a large pool with a kids water slide and splash pad area for times when the kids wanted a break from all the walking in the heat. And I'd be remiss to not mention the on-site Starbucks on the first floor. Getting to the Happiest Place on Earth itself was a breeze: it was either a 15 minute walk or a shuttle ride away.

The Hilton Anaheim, in particular, also offers discounted Disneyland tickets when you book a 2-night stay at participating Hilton hotels . Guests can purchase single-day and multi-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets and Disney MaxPass Service at a 5% discount off the Disneyland Resort Main Entrance ticket booth price. For even further savings, this discount can be added to Disneyland’s new price promotions, including the $67 children’s multi-day (ages 3-9) and the $67 SoCal resident multi-day admission price. (Savings equals up to $80 offer per day for a family of four.)

And for a place that's notorious for never having discounted tickets, this is a BIG DEAL.

Bring your own snacks

Yes, food at Disneyland is a large part of the charm — Dole whip, anyone? — but you don't have to buy all your food at the park. Even the smallest snacks add up quickly. So save your money for the foods each person is most dying to try and pack sandwiches and snacks for the rest — which are also good things to have when waiting in long lines.

Get into pin trading

A great way to take up time during the day when lines are too long for littles to wait in, is to go pin trading. You can get the kids a starter pack at the park (or online — just make sure they have the officially Disney stamp on the backs) that comes with a lanyard and four pins. The kids can then go searching around the many kiosks and stores inside the parks that have a pin board with other pins that they can trade for. It's super fun, relatively low cost (as long as you only stick with four) and a great way to pass time between rides.

Bring your own water bottle

This sounds like common sense, but it's often the little things families forget to pack. Remember those refillable water bottles and fill them up throughout the day at the many water fountains or restaurants. Trust me, you're all going to be very thirsty with all the walking.

Get the MaxPass

I know, it sounds counterintuitive to tell you to spend money to save money, but if you consider that time is money (especially time with little kids who often have an expiration point), the MaxPass — which is $20 per day, per ticket — is worth its weight in gold. Even if you only spring for it for one day, do it. Our family of three littles — ages 8, 6 and 1.5 — never had to wait longer than 10 minutes thanks to the Max Pass which lets you get Fast Passes all through an app on your phone. That's right, you don't have to haul the entire brood across the park to get a Fast Pass for Splash Mountain or whatever other popular ride you want to forgo the hour-long line on. This means your family gets on more rides during your trip — with far less whining — which is totally a savings in my book.

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Sunny Fun One Week Southern California Itinerary + Disneyland

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: March 21, 2017

I admit that I love the west coast. From Washington to California, it’s full of fun. One of my favorite things about Disneyland is it’s close proximity to so many other activities. When you head to Southern California for vacation, you can do more than just theme parks! Here are my thoughts on how to make the perfect one week Southern California itinerary , including a visit to Disneyland!

Southern California Itinerary for 7 Days

Thank you to Visit California for hosting me on a recent press trip to the Southern California area. All thoughts and opinions are my own. (affiliate links included)

Planning to fly in and out of different airports is one of the best ways to maximize your vacation to Southern California. One way airline tickets are often the same pricing as roundtrips.

The only problem with this comes with the need for a one-way car rental. This type of car rental can add on some hefty drop fees or one-way charges. Make sure you check various booking sites and look for car rental coupons that could help you avoid those fees.

For my sample one week Southern California itinerary we’ll plan to fly into the LAX area and depart out of San Diego. In my best Disneyland tips post, I share about the airports near Disneyland. My favorite is SNA (John Wayne), but LAX has great prices and car rental deals.

Related:  Ultimate Disneyland Guide & My Best Disneyland Tips

If you’re looking to explore Southern California I highly recommend renting a car and planning for parking fees while at Disneyland. If you’re just traveling to Disneyland I would recommend avoiding a car, but this is a plan for a Southern California vacation, so a car is ideal.

Southern California Itinerary Day 1

Arrive in Southern California (LAX or SNA) – If you want to use your travel day for attractions, fly in early. If you want to take it easier on arrival, plan to arrive at your hotel around check-in time. It’s always nice to be able to go straight to your room and freshen up before kicking off your vacation.

Hollywood [OPTION 1] : Fly into LAX as early as possible. Explore some of the popular attractions of Los Angeles. My thoughts are either to spend the day at  Universal Studios Hollywood (and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hollywood) or visit a couple of spots like the Chinese Theater, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, or the Hop-On Hop-Off Double Decker Bus. Consider a GO City Card for Los Angeles and these fun things to do in downtown LA .

Save up to 40% off gate prices for Los Angeles attractions

Anaheim [OPTION 2] : If you’re not interested in the Hollywood scene and would rather take it easy on your first day, head straight to your hotel by Disneyland . I definitely recommend staying within walking distance, even better if you can stay onsite at one of the Disneyland hotels.

Use your arrival day to have fun at your hotel, take a swim in the pool. This is also a great time to deal with any ticket purchases or problems you might need to visit the ticket booths for. The booth lines are normally pretty empty in the evenings versus at night. I also recommend a stop into a local Target or Walmart to purchase some snacks for park days.

For dinner, I highly recommend driving to Buena Park and attending the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure . It’s a fun show for kids, with a little adult humor and love stories for the grown-ups. Otherwise you can walk through Downtown Disney and grab a bite to eat there.

Related:  Southern California CityPASS Card

Southern california itinerary day 2.

Disneyland Park and/or Disney’s California Adventure

If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you will have the option to enter one of the parks an hour before the general public. Be sure to check online to see which park is offering the early entry for that day. Plan to start heading towards the park entrance about 30 minutes to an hour before the opening time to maximize your time. This will let you get through security and the turnstiles early, giving you a full hour in the parks before the general public.

TIP : you can mobile order a coffee with the Starbucks app at one of the Downtown Disney locations and pick it up on your way towards the parks!

Enjoy the parks, and be sure to read my best fastpass tips so that you can maximize your park time if you like many of the popular rides. Unless you’re an avid foodie family, I highly recommend planning on quick service meals and saving your time for rides and shows.

Southern California Itinerary Day 3

Alternate Option: Thrill ride lovers might want to skip an extra day at Disneyland and instead visit Knott’s Berry Farm .

(read this post about getting cheap  discounted Knotts Berry Farm tickets .)

Again, if staying onsite at a Disney hotel, you’ll have magic morning hour early entry to one of the parks, most likely the other one from the one that was offered yesterday. Use the early morning to maximize your park time.

Depart the parks around dinner time, unless you have a strong desire to watch the evening parade or fireworks.

OPTION 1 : Stay for evening shows at Disneyland and stay another night in your Disneyland hotel, or drive late at night to your next stop.

OPTION 2 : Depart Disneyland around dinner time and head to Huntington Beach.

Check into the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa . This is a great hotel with an amazing spa that will please adults, plus some fun pools, perfect for the kids.

Enjoy a campfire on the beach, this is a great time to talk about how your trip is going. And if you prefer camping over hotels, there are some great beach camping spots in Southern California!

If you’re looking to explore more of Anaheim, check out these 10 things to do in Anaheim beyond Disneyland .

Related:  Campfire Conversation Starters for Family Night Fun

Southern California Itinerary Day 4

Enjoy Huntington Beach

No visit to Southern California could be complete without a visit to the beach. Huntington Beach is a great place to visit. The downtown area is a great spot to stroll and eat. Plus, being Surf City USA, it’s the perfect spot to try to hang ten with a surf lesson.

Southern California Itinerary Day 5

Leave Huntington Beach for a drive along the coast.

Option 1: enjoy sightseeing along the coast, including coastal towns like Carlsbad and La Jolla.

Option 2: Visit LEGOLAND California.

Plan for arrival at San Diego that evening. I recently stayed at the Catamaran Resort in San Diego . It’s located on Mission Bay, and a lovely property. The grounds are filled with lush plants, and a nicely sized pool. Plus it’s bayfront property. Waterview rooms look out on the bay and the beach chairs and tables that the resort sets up.

Their onsite restaurant, Oceana Coastal Kitchen , features an amazing view and a jellyfish aquarium in the restaurant. Highly recommend this spot for a seafood dinner, or plan to enjoy breakfast with a view.

Save money in southern California with the  Go San Diego Card

Southern California Itinerary Day 6

Depending on what you’re most interested in, this day can be filled with a lot of ideas. If you love animals, you might consider a trip to the San Diego Zoo . It’s located in Balboa Park which also features a lot of great museums, such as the Science Center and Natural History Museum. If you have little kids you can also consider visiting the carousel and miniature railroad.

If you love aquariums and want some more rides, consider visiting SeaWorld . My daughter loved the Manta roller coaster, and I have to say that the Atlantis ride was a shock for me! Consider booking a Behind the Scenes Tour if you’d like to see some of the conservancy and animal care efforts SeaWorld is working on. There are a lot of great things to do in San Diego with kids .

For some old-fashioned oceanfront fun, wrap up your San Diego Day at Belmont Park. It is like an old fashioned fair and arcade, plus is located directly on Mission Beach. It’s the perfect spot to catch an amazing sunset.

If you are a Belmont Park, consider having dinner at Draft. It’s located on site and features 69 beers on tap! Plus, a delicious menu that features some fun dishes that represent southern California well.

My friends have some other great posts to help you plan what to do:

Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

Things to Do in San Diego

Southern California Itinerary Day 7

Coronado Island

I recommend another taste of the beach for your final day of your one week itinerary to Southern California. Drive across the bridge and enjoy your final hours enjoying this beautiful coastal town of Coronado .

Depart from San Diego Airport.

Of course, there are many, many more things to do in Southern California. This is just a taste of how I would organized a one week trip itinerary to Southern California based on my family’s previous visits. This plan helps you maximize all the great big name attractions, plus enjoy the wonderful Southern California beaches.

Resources for Planning your Southern California Itinerary

Ultimate Disneyland Guide & My Best Disneyland Tips

Get Away Today – great spot to score discount Southern California vacation (use the code  StuffedSuitcase to get a $10 discount on your 2+ night booking!)

CityPASS discount cards for attractions

GO City Cards for San Diego and Los Angeles for attraction savings

Disneyland Checklist for Planning your Disney Vacation Days

Visiting San Diego, California

San Diego with Kids

Southern California Hotels & Restaurants

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Friday 5th of January 2024

Hi! I appreciate how your stories are short and point to point. I'm planning to go to Disneyland in early May. I heard it's the quietest time. We have about 3-4 days after Disneyland and I'd like to plan something along the beach. I prefer not to rent a car, and settle in one part of the beach, (or uber) most likely Laguna beach. Is there enough things to do with 7 and 9 yr old kids in Laguna beach? They won't enjoy sitting and looking at the beach at the beachside pub as much as I do. I wonder if the oceanside water is warm enough for them to go in?

Tuesday 16th of January 2024

Hi there, I love enjoying the beach after Disneyland. I haven't spent much time around Laguna Beach, but I do know they are considered a bit more upscale and have tide pools in addition to some smaller sandy beaches. I also had a great whale watching excursion from Dana Point/Wharf which is near Laguna. I think I did a sunset cruise out of Laguna as well, however that's definitely more adult oriented. I would tell you to also give a peek at Huntington Beach. I consider it one of the bigger beach towns that is good for tourists and if your kids are interested, it's a great spot to try some introductory surf lessons. Lastly, the Pacific Ocean is never very warm, in May I'd bet you'll be looking at water temps around 60F. Definitely pack a short wetsuit if possible if your kids want to play or boogie board in the waves. Of course splashing along the shore in May would be completely fine, but full on swimming in the ocean will be cold.

Monday 2nd of July 2018

Hi i was wondering how much your budget was for this trip! I basically want to copy and paste this itinerary irl! Lol wondering how much this all cost you?

Tuesday 3rd of July 2018

Hi Lorina - thanks for commenting! :) Some of these activities were part of a recent press trip, meaning I didn't pay for them. Some of the items I did long ago and the prices have certainly changed since then. I do have a great post about what the average vacation costs and also a printable vacation budget planner. Perhaps you could use that and a little research for each of the activities to determine the approximate cost of the trip. Hope that helps, wish I could give you an exact answer!

Best Day Trips in Southern California near Disneyland

Tuesday 27th of February 2018

[…] Related Post: One Week Southern California Itinerary + Disneyland […]

40 Things to do with Kids in San Diego (20 are FREE!) | Global Munchkins

Friday 5th of January 2018

[…] 7 days- A full California Itinerary […]

Tuesday 28th of November 2017

I'd say you definitely hit the essentials: at least 1 beach day, 1 theme park day, and just do as you please in between. Awesome pictures by the way and thanks for sharing!

Wednesday 29th of November 2017

Thanks Saul - so many great things to do in SoCal! I have more posts coming soon from a recent trip I was on.

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A First Timer’s Guide to Disneyland

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Park Strategies

Updated June 9, 2024

Today, I’m sharing the basics of Disneyland to get you started on planning.

If you haven’t visited in a while, this post will be helpful to you, too. If your last trip was before Covid, buckle up. It’s a whole new world.

MagicBand+, Disney Genie, Early Entry, Park Reservations, and so much more are new or different now.

There’s a lot to know.

Let’s get started.

Who to Book Your Trip With

I recommend booking with Get Away Today .

Park reservations, crowd calendars, dining reservations, MagicBand+, changes since Covid, Disney Genie, etc etc all require a decent amount of familiarity to get it right.

I can help you with many parts of planning, but I recommend booking your trip with an experienced agent who can handle some of these things for you and advise on all of them.

Click here to get started with the only agency I recommend! Consider them for Disneyland, WDW, Disney Cruise Line and more.

An Overview

Disneyland Resort is comprised of 2 theme parks, 3 Disney hotels and Downtown Disney . Disneyland is a fraction of the size of Disney World. Check out the layout of the resort  including details on parking, lockers and more.

Disneyland is the original park and it opened in 1955. In addition to Main Street, it includes 7 lands:

• Adventureland
• Critter Country
• Fantasyland
• Frontierland
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• New Orleans Square
• Tomorrowland

Recent photos of Disneyland can be found here .

Disney California Adventure or DCA  opened in 2001 and enjoyed a grand “re-opening” in 2012 with a major transformation, which has brought the once troubled park to life.  In addition to Buena Vista Street, it includes 6 lands:

• Grizzly Peak
• Hollywood Land
• San Fransokyo Square
• Avengers Campus

Recent photos of DCA can be found here .

Transportation to the Disneyland Resort is fairly easy if you know what you’re looking for. There are 6 large airports that are all realistic options within 1.5 hours of Disneyland. You can get to the parks via car, shuttle, train, or car service. I highly recommend Lanksy Enterprises for transportation from the airport to your hotel. This post shares all about Lansky.

For Walt Disney World Fans

There’s a lot to know if you’re familiar with WDW, but not Disneyland. Let’s go over a few differences:

• We don’t have a dining plan. We often walk up to counter service restaurants, order food and eat it. Don’t be scared of us. It works. Dining at the Disneyland Resort is fun.
• If you’re looking for Value Resorts at Disneyland, consider staying off-site at a good neighbor hotel . We only have 3 Disney Hotels and 2 of them are 4 Star and all three are $300+ a night.
• We have Early Entry, which allows you into the park before other guests. Read about it here .
• Everything is in walking distance . No one hour trek from park to hotel and park again. You can leave one park and be at the next in 2 minutes because the two park entrances face each other. Most hotels are in walking distance. Downtown Disney is just outside the esplanade between the two parks. You can easily leave the park, run back to your hotel and be back in the park in a short amount of time. IT’S GLORIOUS.
• The weather here is lovely. We rarely see rain. Seriously. And, regardless of when you visit – even if it’s in the summer – you’ll likely need a sweater for early morning or late night. Know how to dress ahead of time. It’s quite different compared to WDW.
• To thoroughly appreciate the history and nostalgia that Disneyland offers, consider taking my one hour scavenger hunt along Main Street to see lots of key Walt-related stops. First time Disney World fans love to see where Walt left his mark on our beloved Disneyland.
• Our characters often roam the park and some do so without handlers. The character experience is so authentic and fun at Disneyland.

This post covers everything you need to know for how to tour each park, allowing you to see and do everything your heart desires during your visit. Follow my plans to ensure you won’t wait more than 20 minutes for any attraction.

I test my strategies monthly – and edit as needed – which provides you the very best plans for your visit.

Disney Genie

All new at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World!

Be sure you know how Genie works, as it’s different from FASTPASS, MaxPass, and FastPass+.

Here’s the scoop on Genie.

You have two options when choosing where to stay at Disneyland:

DLR Hotels – Disneyland hotels have many perks including always-good Disney service, Extra Magic Hours, on-site DLR Hotel dining, and package delivery from the parks to your hotel. One (The Grand Californian) is super close to the entrance of the parks and Paradise Pier and The Disneyland Hotel are a bit further.

Off-Site Hotels – Off-site options are typically much less expensive than DLR Hotels with many averaging around $120 a night.

Attractions

Each park has a different feel to it. I’d simplify it into this:

Disneyland is old school and sweet with lots of history and fairytale-esque rides. Main Street feels like a walk back in time and the entire park has a nostalgic element to it.

Disney California Adventure feels newer and more character focused. Buena Vista is lovely and provides the nod to Americana that Main Street at Disneyland does. You’ll find “bigger” rides that teens will enjoy more at DCA, however, there is still plenty to do for little ones.

Beware: Some attractions are very “dark” (figuratively and literally) and can scare young children. Research those before you visit.

The food at Disneyland is one of my favorite parts of my visit. There’s so much to enjoy! I have compiled every bit of Disneyland Resort dining into one post . This covers both parks, Downtown Disney, character meals, dining in the DLR Hotels, park snacks, off-the-menu options, cocktails, DLR recipes, my recommendations, and a mock budget so you can estimate your costs. Check that out for all things dining.

Disneyland Dining has several yummy options including Jolly Holiday Bakery , Hungry Bear Restaurant, The Plaza Inn, Blue Bayou and more. The park includes several table service options and many counter service ones, too. Character dining can be found at breakfast at The Plaza Inn.

California Adventure Dining feels a little more adventurous to me food-wise with options like Asian fare, high end Carthay Circle and delicious smoothies. California Adventure also serves a wide range of alcohol compared to Disneyland.

Character dining can be found at Disneyland and each of the Disneyland Resort Hotels. In addition to the expected Disney service at each of these experiences, you can also:

• Interact with characters up close for more time than at the parks.
• Take fun photos with the characters.
• Gather autographs.

I encourage you to enjoy one (or more) character dining experiences during your visit.

Halloween Time and Holidays at Disneyland are two big seasons that take over the parks from the beginning of September until the beginning of January.

A few quick notes on these seasons:

• Halloween Time is just as popular as Christmas is now at the Disneyland Resort.
• We have a Halloween Party called Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure. It’s the best after hours event I’ve ever attended at a Disney Park. Don’t miss it.
• Each September brings an overlay to the Haunted Mansion, transforming it into a Jack Skellington’s Nightmare Before Christmas theme, where “two holidays collide”. This overlay lasts through the end of Holidays at Disneyland in early January of the following year. The Haunted Mansion typically takes up to 3 weeks to change from one theme to the other, so account for that timing when scheduling your trip. Mid-August is typically when the attraction closes for the changeover.
• “it’s a small world” changes into “it’s a small world” Holiday during Holidays at Disneyland. That transformation takes 2-3 weeks, so account for it, too, during your planning. Look for it’s a small world to go down the second half of October in preparation for Holidays.
• Halloween Time typically starts the second week of September and lasts through Halloween night, October 31.
• Holidays at Disneyland typically starts the second week of November and lasts through the first week of January.

Visit these posts, which are updated each season, as soon as Disney releases information.

Halloween Time

Holidays at Disneyland

What does it do, do you need it, and why?

Lots to learn about MagicBand+ at Disneyland. Start here .

Additional Info

• Many people talk about Disneyland at “capacity”. The truth is that this rarely happens. A few days a year – usually around the holidays – Disneyland Park will close due to “capacity restraints”. This means there’s too many people in the park to allow more in. When it happens, it’s usually around 1:00pm and will last until around 5:00pm. When it does, you’re welcome to visit DCA if you have a park hopper. If you do not, you can wander Downtown Disney.
• Need info in Spanish? I recommend this site . Liz is super helpful.
• Venturing outside of Disneyland? There is SO MUCH to do in Southern California. Take a look at all of your options in this post .
• Know how to meet characters and how a character meal can add to your experience.
• Know all about World of Color and what your options are for seeing this unique show, only available at DCA.
• Know all about parades and fireworks , too. And, Fantasmic!
• The Disneyland Resort is very accommodating for guests with disabilities. Visit this post for so much information on this including mobility devices, how to work with each attraction, where to find alternate attractions, and so much more.
• Be prepared for crowds . You have many options when the parks become overwhelming.
• Toddlers and princess fans require extra planning.
• Bringing a baby to the parks? Are you expecting during your visit? Check out this post for lots to know including where the baby centers are, how to find a quiet place to nap, where to nurse, and more. Know where to rent a stroller off-site , too if you choose not to bring your own.
• Know what to expect with your visit to  Downtown Disney .

Relax and have fun. Disneyland is such a magical place! Let me know how I can help you plan.

A Toddler Focused Disneyland Trip

Lansky – Disneyland’s Best Shuttle Service

Disneyland Packing List – Everything You Need to Bring on Your Trip

One of the most common Disneyland and Disney World trip questions we get revolves around the question of what things to pack. Our Disney packing list will help you decide what to bring to Disneyland including Disneyland essentials, what to wear to Disneyland, and will make sure you are prepared for your Disney vacation!

Below are all of our essential tips for what to bring to Disneyland along with links for the places to find those items for the least amount of money. Some of the below items have changed throughout the years and we have kept this list updated.

What Should I Pack for Disneyland?

First things first, you need to decide what to pack for Disneyland in your suitcase so you're prepared for your trip. This is the first step for your Disneyland checklist!

Here are the top 30 items for our Disney pack list that are essential things to bring to Disneyland.

1. Battery Pack

You will use your phone often at Disneyland between snapping pictures, using the Disneyland app for mobile ordering or to check ride times, and to store your park tickets. All this phone use can quickly drain your phone battery so it's crucial to add a phone device battery pack to your Disneyland packing list. One of our favorites is the  KMASHI battery pack . You'll be surprised at how often you will need your phone at Disneyland and you don't want to be caught with a dead phone battery when you need to book yourself a Maxpass!

2. Water Bottle

You should plan on bringing a water bottle into the parks each day of your visit for everyone in your group. The California sun can really heat up in the afternoons and you want to ensure that everyone in your group stays hydrated throughout the day. Some guests like Hydroflasks or other similar insulated water bottles that keep your water cold and don't sweat in your backpack.

3. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the most important items for your packing list for Disney! Your on-site hotel convenience store will always have sunscreen on hand in case you forget this important Disney packing list item but you can expect to pay inflated prices. Come prepared and pack enough sunscreen for your entire group.

I like the Neutrogena sport sunscreen because you'll get hot and sweaty walking about Disneyland!

Most people have great cameras on their cell phone these days so it's not always necessary to bring your own camera with you to the parks if you have a cell phone. But if you have a high end camera you want to bring with, test it out before your take it to the parks so you're familiar with how to use indoors and outdoors. And keep in mind, regardless of what camera you use, there is no flash photography inside attractions or at nighttime spectaculars.

5. Cash and/or credit card

You can find many ATMs at Disneyland and your hotel but you will often be charged credit card/transaction fees. If you want to travel with cash, take care of that before you leave for your trip at your bank. It can be helpful to have cash on hand but most of areas of the Disneyland Resort take debit/credit cards. The main exception is the balloon stands which take cash only. You might want to also consider including your name email on the inside of your wallet in case it's lost someone can return it to you.

6. Travel Documents

Ensure that you have all your necessary travel documents with you like your driver's license/state identification in a safe place so you can easily access them on your travels. We also recommend packing your proof of car insurance (if you plan on renting a car) along with your health insurance cards, Disneyland ticket and hotel confirmations, plane tickets, etc. These days most of these documents can be accessed via your cellphone through apps for your insurance companies so you could also ensure you have access to these documents digitally.

When you stop at the bank for cash if you need it, also consider getting some shiny new pennies and quarters for your Disneyland trip for the penny machines. Disneyland sells penny collector books on site so you can start your collection! Each penny machine costs 50 centers to press a penny. This is often one of the most overlooked items on our Disney packing list!

8. Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a must for traveling to Disneyland as you will often be touching many high contact surfaces and these germs then transfer to your hands. You will want to make sure you have sanitizer in your bag so you can quickly sanitize your hands on the go and before you eat. Buy travel sanitizer here .

9. Aquaphor Ointment

Aquaphor ointment is great to have to keep your hands moisturzed from using hand sanitizer and washing your hands frequently while in the parks. You can order this on Amazon .

10. Gold Bond Powder

This is another overlooked item on our pack list for Disney! You will walk an average of 5-8 miles a day at Disneyland depending on the pace of your group and how many hours you spend at the park. If you know that you're prone to experiencing chafing between your legs, Gold Bond Powder can be a lifesaver to use! Put it on in the morning before you leave the park and it will keep you comfortable. Order on Amazon here >

11. Chapstick and/or Lip Balm

Your lips can get chapped if you're not drinking enough water which is often a sign you need to start filling up those water bottles! Bring some lip balm along that has sunscreen in it to help protect your lips from being chapped and from sunburn. Buy chapstick here .

12. Travel Kleenex Packs

This is a must especially if you're prone to allergies! It's always helpful to have travel size packs of Kleenex on hand, especially if you have small kids as the toilet paper in the Disney restrooms can be rough on the nose. Buy Kleenex travel packs here .

13. Moleskin

Moleskin is a great way to cover up blisters and provide coverage for all the walking you will do.

14. First Aid Kit

While it's not necessary to travel with a first aid kit in the parks, Disney has their own safety station you can use, it's good to have anytime you're traveling. Consider adding a thermometer to this too!

15. Pain Reliever

This is another thing you might want to have in your bag so you have some on hand in case you get a headache or aches from all the walking. You will pay a higher price for things as simple as Advil in your hotel gift shop so plan ahead and put this item on your packing list.

16. Tums/Pepto Bismol

Whenever you're on vacation you're likely eating out much more often than you do at home which can cause upset stomach. This is another must for your packing list so you don't get caught off guard paying overpriced gift store prices.

17. Comfortable Bag/Purse or Backpack

It's really important to have a comfortable bag for the parks so this always makes our number one priority for our Disney packing list. I recommend testing out your bag somewhere before your visit (think a zoo or festival) to ensure it will be comfortable to wear for hours on end. Some guests also prefer fanny packs so you don't have weight on your back while walking around Disneyland. For purses, I recommend finding a purse that lets you alternate between a crossbody and shoulder strap- this helps switch the pressure on your back when you're walking. And for backpacks, we never recommend over packing your backpack full of all your Disney packing list needs- you won't be comfortable if you're weighed down by a giant backpack. You might want to also consider including your name email on the inside of your bag in case it's lost someone can return it to you.

18. Autograph Book

Plan on buying a book for autographs for your kids (or for you!) to get Walt Disney character autographs. Trust me, once your kids see the characters they will want an autograph. You can also pick up a cheap Disney themed small notebook at the Dollar Store before your trip too or purchase one when you get to Disney. I recommend using a clickable Sharpie which makes it easier for the characters to sign with and your autographs will look nicer. You might want to also consider including your name email on the inside of your book in case it's lost someone can return it to you.

19. Ziploc Bags in Various Sizes

This is a great Disneyland packing list item to have in your bag at the parks. If you bring a variety of different sizes with you on your vacation you can easily use them for leftover food, things you don't want to get wet on water rides, your trading pins, and help organize your park bag. And don't forget to put the autograph book in that Ziploc bag! Your kiddo will be devastated if all those sought after signatures end up bleeding into the pages if they get wet.

There a couple of inexpensive Ziploc bag options here .

20. Ponchos

We never recommend using an umbrella in the parks if it rains because it's just too difficult to walk around the parks and if the rain stops you're stuck carrying an umbrella. A poncho is a much better alternative and you can also use them on the water rides so you don't get soaked! You can order these on Amazon .

21. Lanyards

Lanyards are a great item for the parks so you can easily store your park tickets, FastPass reminders, gift cards, etc. and have them easily accessible. Never let your kids carry their own park tickets though, keep those in your lanyard. You can also stick your Walt Disney trading pins on you lanyards.

22. Ear Plugs

Ear plugs are helpful to have on hand if you're traveling in a big group and having a hard time sleeping if someone is watching tv or if the hotel has some issues with noise.

23. Power Strip

Not all hotels have many outlets on hand so it's helpful to have a power strip with you so everyone can have access to charging their devices at once. We recommend using a power strip that includes both plugs and USB ports  for your room which makes it easier for all sorts of different devices.

24. Glow Sticks

Before the nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland, such as the fireworks and nighttime events, cast members will begin rolling out all the overpriced glowing toys. Having some glow sticks on hand to hand to your kids when these carts come out can help you save a fortune on Walt Disney plastic toys that might not last your entire trip.  You can order these here .

25. Disney Pins for Pin Trading

You can purchase Disney pins before your trip so you arrive to the parks ready to trade with other guests and cast members. Be sure to read through our Disney Pin Trading Guide to learn how this fun process works!

26. Stroller

This is a crucial Disneyland packing list item for people with small children. It's much more feasible to bring your own or rent one from a third party to avoid paying Disney's higher prices for strollers. Go online and look through the stroller selection and find one that is easy to travel with. And make sure it is comfortable for your kiddo.

27. Kid Necessities

You know your kids best and they likely have small comforts they will need with them when traveling. Will they use an iPad on the airplane? Do they sleep with a stuffed animal or nightlight? Keeping them in their routine the best you can on your vacation can help keep everyone happy even if it's as simple as plugging in a nightlight and reading them a bedtime story like you do at home.

28. Pocket Size Travel Blanket

This is a great item to have on hand for parades and nighttime shows so you don't have to sit on the concrete. You can find a large variety of pocket sized travel/picnic blankets which are usually just a thin fabric that folds up into a pocket sized square. This can help block off your space at parades too and give your family more space. This is one of my top Disneyland packing list items- I could never visit the parks without this on my list.

29. Travel Size Shampoo/Bodywash

I don't recommend relying on using the hotel shampoo/body wash unless you're staying on property and can expect higher quality. We always include your own travel sized necessities like this on our packing list Disney in case the ones the hotels provide aren't the best quality.

30. Extra Room in Your Suitcase

But the biggest thing to remember is to not over pack things when planning out your list of what to take to Disneyland! You will also buy plenty of souvenirs and you want to ensure you have room in your suitcase to bring home all your things from your Disney trip. There are plenty of stores nearby the resort where you can get any last minute things to bring to Disneyland.

What to Wear at Disneyland

This question can be highly subjective depending on your own Disney packing priorities and your sense of fashion. And it can also be pretty gender specific depending on the type of things you usually wear! But there are some key tips for this part of your Disney packing list to keep in mind.

1.Extra Layers

Some people associate California with always being warm but this might not be the case! If you're visiting in the winter, the weather can vary dramatically from sunny to rainy but you don't want to be caught off guard. Check the weather leading up to your trip and above all pack layers. Even during the summer months the humidity in California (if you're from dryer climates, it will feel humid- if you're from more humid climates, not so much) can make the nights feel chilly. Having an extra layer with you on your vacation will make sure you're prepared.

2. Comfortable Walking Shoes

I recommend bringing more than one pair of walking shoes so you can alternate throughout your trip which helps relieve some of the stress from your feet. This is one of the most important packing list things- you will do a lot of walking at Disney and it's crucial to have comfortable shoes. This goes for the whole family- make sure your kids have comfortable shoes too. If you end up not wearing comfortable shoes, you will be kicking yourself (literally!) and next time you'll be more prepared.

3. Comfortable Clothes

You will do plenty of walking at Disneyland so having comfortable walking clothes on hand is a must. Be aware of what clothes might cause chaffing (jeans, I'm looking at you!) and which shorts might be the most comfortable. But you also want to look nice for your family photos so consider finding fun Disney shirts/tanks to brighten up your outfit with.

4. Dress Up Clothes

The upscale restaurants at Disneyland don't have a dress code but you can make meals feel like a special occasion if you dress up for the experience. Some of the top restaurants guests might dress up for include Steakhouse 55, Carthay Circle , or Napa Rose.

For women, you can also wear a cute romper with a jean jacket which is easy to go from ‘dressy' to jumping on rides with more ease than a dress.

5. Hat/Sunglasses

You don't want to be caught without sunglasses at Disneyland! And pack some for your kids too. There are sunglasses to purchase at the park but they won't be as good of quality as the UV blocker ones you can get from popular websites like Blenders.

Having a hat is crucial too to keep the sun off your face and is another packing list necessity for kids.

6. Bathing Suits

Many guests take midday breaks to take advantage of their hotel pool so don't forget to include bathing suits on your Walt Disney packing list. Bring along flip flops and any water toys your kids might enjoy. You don't have to worry about beach towels as your hotel will provide towels for the pool.

7. Disney Gear

You can find plenty of fun Disney shirts in advance of your trip on the Shop Disney website or more affordable options like Target. I'm also a big fan of looking for custom designs on Etsy for our family. You can find the infamous family trip matching shirts on Etsy too! You'll be excited you have the fun Disney gear for your trip once you arrive and see everyone else decked out in it. This is especially fun for social media fans that want to take advantage of all the Instagram walls throughout the day on their Disney vacation.

8. Makeup Necessities

For the ladies, trying to figure out how to make our makeup last all day in the sun at the theme park can be a challenge. I recommend using a face moisturizer with a high SPF in it (I love Lancome for this) so you can avoid putting too much sunscreen on your face. Use your favorite waterproof mascara and eyeliner so you don't have to worry about any running while on the water rides. And top it all off with a setting spray. My favorite setting spray is Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. I spray this to set my makeup in the morning and it keeps it looking fresh all day. Fun story: I rode Splash Mountain in the first row and got absolutely drenched. My makeup was not smudged at all because I was wearing this spray!

9. Hair Necessities

Another one for the ladies, what in the world should you do with your hair when planning for a full day at Disneyland? One thing to keep in mind, if you're from a dryer climate, is that the humidity might cause some havoc on your hair if it's not used to it making it go frizzy or flat. For those of us that have an issue with hair going flat in more humid climates, try using a curling wand which will give you better and longer results than a curling iron.

My favorite hairspray for vacation is Bumble's Be Strong Finish hairspray. I have thick hair that already fights me with holding a curl or wave but I spray this in my hair and it keeps any curls set in my hair for most of the day. I know California isn't known for humidity but coming from dryer states (like my home state of Colorado!) it can be a change for the hair.

And don't forget plenty of hair ties and a hair clip to put in your park bag!

10. Disneyland Dress Code Rules

Most of the rules on the   Disneyland official dress page are common sense but still helpful to include here when planning out your packing list. And it's also crucial to be aware that costumes aren't allowed for anyone 14 years of age and older. You don't want to spend the time finding a cool costume and find out at the last minute you can't wear it!

What Food Can I Bring into Disneyland?

Many people are often surprised to find out you can bring food into Disneyland including your own soft side cooler packed with a lunch for your family! Disneyland offers lockers a picnic area for families to enjoy their own packed meals which is great for groups that don't want to buy food in the parks. Even if you don't plan on packing your own meals, we still recommend adding snacks to your Disneyland packing list!

Here are some food tips you will want to consider for your Disney vacation!

Consider making a run to a nearby grocery store to get an assortment of snacks for in the hotel room and to bring with you each day to the parks. Trader Joe's has a great variety of assortments of trail mixes you can order on Amazon and have them sent directly to your hotel.

2. Breakfast

Some hotels provide free breakfast and if you're staying at one that does, take advantage and eat a big breakfast before you arrive so you can spend the morning focusing on attractions and save the eating for later in the day. If not, consider purchasing quick and easy breakfast items to keep in your hotel room to eat before you head out the door.

3. Case of Water

Another good grocery stop item to pick up is a case of water so you don't have to drink the tap water in your hotel room. For those soda drinks among us, I recommend picking up a case of bottled soda too so you don't have to pay the overpriced bottles of soda in the parks.

4. Chewing gum

Disneyland doesn't sell chewing gum anywhere inside the resort to discourage gum being left on the pavement and the park benches. If you need gum, you will have to get some at a grocery store or before you arrive.

For those of us that aren't always a fan of the provided coffee in the hotel room, consider bringing your own. I always research what type of coffee maker my hotel room will have so I can plan ahead. Sometimes the best bet is bringing some of the Powdered Starbucks Coffee packets to use in hot water. You can order this on Amazon .

Can you bring a reusable water bottle to Disneyland?

Yes, you can absolutely bring a reusable water bottle to Disneyland! I highly recommend doing this for everyone in your group so you can encourage everyone to drink water and save money on sugary drinks that don't hydrate you.

What Should I Bring Inside Disneyland?

One of the best lessons I learned on my first Disneyland trip with my son is that I packed way too much in my park bag and ended up feeling like a pack mule the entire day. I learned quickly that next time I didn't need to bring every little item inside the park with me and this helped me narrow down to the essentials next time.

These are the necessities you should plan to bring inside the park each day:

• Your Disneyland park tickets
• Your comfortable park bag/purse
• Sunscreen,sunglasses, and hat
• Light sweatshirt for the evening/disposable poncho for water rides
• Pocket size picnic blanket if you plan on seeing parades/nighttime entertainment
• Trading pins
• Easy to carry snacks (don't carry anything that requires an icepack)
• Phone charger, battery pack, and cell phone
• Ziplocs to store things in for water rides/store leftover snacks
• Autograph books/Sharpie
• Pennies/quarters for the penny machines
• Any required medicine you may need
• A (small) case of pain reliever/Tums

You may be tempted to pack the entire family first aid kit but Disney has a devoted first aid station in both parks so other than throwing a band aid in the park bag- you really don't need to carry this around the park with you! If you want to carry extra sweatshirts/snacks/other heavy items and you plan on buying in the park the entire day, you can rent a small storage locker so you don't have to carry these items around all day.

Plan Your Disneyland Vacation!

Keep reading our blog to keep you updated on everything you need to know to prepare for Disneyland vacation! Be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter to  receive helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest priced Disney tickets anywhere. You can find more information on planning your vacation here:

• Discount Disneyland Tickets
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• Disneyland Packing List
• Which Airport is Closest to Disneyland?
• Best Hotels Near Disneyland for Large Families

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4 comments add your comment.

lidderly so cool

I would update your 7. Pennies to bring dollar bills. I was just there last week (11/1/23) and the penny and medallion machines only took cash and card. You didn’t need to provide pennies.

Cost information: Disney100 Medallions $6. each or 4 for $20.00 (one purchase) via credit card or bills. Vending-Style Penny Press Machines cost $1. each and / or 8 play machines 8 for $5. accept credit cards or dollar bills (takes $1, $5, $10, $20 but gives no change) & they supply the penny to be pressed.

I did appreciate the rest of your advice. You saved us a lot of headaches in planning/forgetting things. So thank you!

Also, Sharpies are on the banned list and they will take them from you.

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Best Hotels Near Disneyland 2024: Disneyland Hotel Reviews to Help Plan Your Stay

The hotels near Disneyland vary greatly in price and amenities. In our guide to the best hotels near Disneyland we dive into everything you need to know to pick the best hotel for your family.

We break down the best hotels for Disneyland (split up by cheap hotels and luxury hotels), discuss the amenities of on property Disneyland hotels vs close by off site hotels, and share the best options for saving money on a Disneyland hotel.

There is quite a range of hotel options near Disneyland and we have just about seen them all! We regularly tour and stay at the various hotels around the resort.

The BEST way to save money on a hotel near Disneyland and to get additional exclusive benefits that range by hotel (free parking, complimentary breakfast, etc) is to book your trip through our travel partner, Get Away Today ! They give our readers additional discounts on tickets and hotels. You save the most when you combine. Book the lowest prices on hotels here >

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In this planning guide:

Hotels Near Disneyland – What You Need to Know

We are regularly reviewing and touring new hotels and confirming our rankings with stays at our favorites. In the last six months alone, we have stayed in six off-property hotels and the Disney-owned Grand Californian, in addition to touring nearly 20 of the Disneyland hotels in the area. We know the current specifics of the hotels better than any Disneyland hotels Reddit thread. Most of our favorite Disneyland hotels took the COVID Disneyland closure as an opportunity for complete refreshes. This post will help you to decide whether to stay on-property at a Disney hotel or one of the other great hotel options nearby.

When Walt Disney started Disneyland he didn’t have enough money to purchase all of the land around Disneyland. This led to the land being snapped up by outside parties and the opportunity for motels and hotels to open that are very close to Disneyland.

Unlike Walt Disney World where staying at an on-property hotel puts you much closer to the magic, the rooms at the off property hotels across the street from Disneyland are sometimes equidistant (or even closer!) to the theme park main gate as the official Disneyland hotels are. We talk about all of the best Disneyland walking distance hotels here .

With this called out, let’s dive into rankings of some of our favorite hotels near Disneyland. We have two categories.

First, what we’ll call the best cheap hotels near Disneyland . This category is based on my key judgments of a hotel when I am planning a park focused trip. I want to know that the hotel is safe, clean/comfortable (high quality linens, clean bathroom, and new carpet are a must), and a short walk from Disneyland. These “cheap” Disneyland hotels are what you might call the “Sleep, Disney, Repeat” hotels. Great value to add to your Disneyland trip!

Next, the ranking of the best overall hotel options near Disneyland . These are nicest hotel options for your Disneyland trip. I have mixed in Disneyland Resort Hotels and the best off-property hotels.

Best Cheap Hotels Near Disneyland

The Fairfield Inn right across the street from Disneyland! The fireworks view is stunning.

The below “cheap hotels near Disneyland” are for the groups that are really prioritizing Disneyland in the vacation. These are the best hotels for families that will be in the parks all day and aren’t worried about the best on site restaurant or fancy pool area. This is how I do Disneyland. I can count on one hand how many times we have actually made it back for a hot tub in the afternoon because there is always so much magic to be had in the parks. You can see a more complete list of the cheapest hotels near Disneyland here .

The below value for money hotels near Disneyland are:

Best Western PLUS Park Place Inn & Mini-Suites is the closest hotel to the Disneyland main gate. Within 8 minutes (we clocked it) you can be from one of the guest rooms into Disneyland Park. The hotel is clean, has comfortable bedding, and includes a free breakfast. Book the lowest prices on the hotel here >

The Castle Inn and Suites is a great family friendly hotel about a 5 minute walk down Harbor Boulevard from the Disneyland security checkpoint. The hotel was recently refreshed and the medieval theming makes the hotel great for families. Book the lowest prices on the hotel and get an extra night free here >

The Tropicana Inn & Suites is directly across the street from Disneyland and is roughly tied with the Best Western Plus in proximity to the parks. The hotel was also recently remodeled and sports fresh bedding and sleek new finishes (click link above for photos in our review). Suites and adjoining rooms are also available for large groups. Book the lowest prices on the hotel NOW >

The Fairfield Inn is located right across the street from Disneyland and features recently refreshed clean rooms, down pillows, a large pool area and hot tub, and complimentary parking when you book with our travel partner. The hotel also has adjoining rooms for those traveling with large families. You’ll enjoy a great fireworks view just outside your room. Book the lowest prices on the hotel NOW >

The Grand Legacy is conveniently located just down the street from Disneyland and is completely family friendly. There is also a beautiful rooftop bar that looks out towards Disney California Adventure. I have seen some great discount hotel rates here recently. Book the lowest prices for the hotel HERE >

Best Overall Hotels Near Disneyland

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is the THE prime hotel near Disneyland if money is not an issue. The soaring lobby, woodsy feeling, and general exclusivity in the air combined with the proximity to the parks makes this the place to stay at the Disneyland Resort. Book the lowest prices on the hotel HERE >

The Westin Anaheim Resort is just down the street from the Grand Californian. This is a luxury hotel with stunning guest room views of Paradise Pier and resort amenities. The hotel is just a short walk from Disneyland. If you are a regular traveler looking for the upscale chain amenities, this is the best non-Disney property near Disneyland. Book the lowest prices on the hotel HERE >

The Disneyland Hotel is the original hotel that opened in partnership with Disney at the very beginning. The hotel has been nicely renovated multiple times over the years to provide modern rooms in a fun setting within the magic. We love the room finishes and pool atmosphere. There is something about this hotel and the Grand Californian that keep you in the Disney magic. Book the lowest Disneyland hotel prices >

The JW Marriott Near Disneyland is a recently completed high-end resort property about a 15-minute walk from the Harbor Boulevard Disneyland entrance. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant, pool with cabanas, high end workout facility featuring Peloton bikes, and nice resort views. Read our review linked in the title for more. Book the lowest JW Marriott prices here >

The Courtyard Marriott at the Disneyland main gate is a family hotel paradise with its big rooms featuring bunk beds, a huge water play area, and a short walk away from the main entrance to Disneyland. The hotel is perfect for larger families that want to fit younger children per room. Book the best low prices on the Courtyard Marriott here >

BONUS ! The Howard Johnson Disneyland is a family hotel with a water playground, clean rooms, and immediate access to the Disneyland entrance off of Harbor Blvd. The hotel is a great option for families that want to be close to the theme park entrance (~10 minute walk), have a delightful pool playground, and updated rooms. Disneyland view rooms look directly at the park and fireworks. Book the best prices on the Howard Johnson NOW >

Disneyland “On Property” Hotel or “Off Property” Disneyland Hotel

There are three official Disneyland owned hotels.

• The Grand Californian Hotel is the best hotel in Anaheim and on property. Themed to the grand hotels of California built in the 1930s, staying here is a magical luxury experience. There's not much more that needs to be said. You can see a complete Grand Californian Hotel review and photo tour here.
• The Disneyland Hotel was the original hotel at Disneyland. The hotel was recently upgraded and now has a beautiful mixture of modern designs and nostalgic ideas. The Disneyland hotel has the best pool on property and has an awesome new water slide themed to the monorails. See my full review of the Disneyland hotel here .
• The Paradise Pier Hotel used to be owned by an outside company, but Disney purchased the hotel and upgraded it. You’ll notice that we never mentioned the Paradise Pier Hotel in our top hotel ranking because even though this is the least expensive Disneyland hotel, you can usually get a very nice (sometimes the nicest) non-Disney hotel that is right across the street and actually closer to the park for the same price or lower. If you do stay at the Paradise Pier, ask for a Paradise Pier view on the fifth floor or higher – when the World of Color show is running this is the prime vantage point. See one of our writer's reviews here of the Paradise Pier Hotel.

Let’s dive into the key question, is it worth it to stay at an official Disneyland hotel?

Pro[s] of Staying at Disney Owned Hotel

The Grand Californian has SPECTACULAR live entertainment in the lobby during Christmas at Disneyland and you'll find a pianist playing throughout all times of the year.

The only real reason to stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel is to be fully surrounded by the Disney magic your entire trip. Check in and never leave the background music or see an employee (Cast Member) without a name tag on their lapel and a smile on their face for your entire trip. This magic keeps you in the Disney bubble for your entire vacation. Compare the top two Disneyland Resort Hotels here – Disneyland Hotel vs Disney's Grand Californian Hotel .

This is where the Grand Californian is so special. With a top tier room you’ll look out on the luscious trees of the Grizzly Peak area of Disney California Adventure before walking into the theme park from the hotel’s private entrance as you can see on our map of Disney of California Adventure . At the Disneyland Hotel guests also enjoy this great theming with a beautiful pool area themed to the Disneyland Monorails and one of the premier themed experiences at the Disneyland Resort ( Trader Sam’s ). This is good living! I am always glad to stay on property, but these hotels are not always in the budget.

Some of the other benefits to staying on property are:

• Special experiences provided by the concierge such as in park scavenger hunts that can be returned for a prize or a morning power walk before the theme park opens for the day.
• Guests can take advantage of charging purchases to their room with their Disney resort i.d. card.
• Packages and gifts purchased in the park can be delivered to your room.
• Early entry

You can view all the on-property Disneyland hotel perks here.

Preferred Dine Access will offer guests the opportunity to have preferred access to a limited number of reservations at select hotel table service restaurants during the dates of your hotel stay.

Pros of Staying at an Off Site Disneyland Hotel

The hotels near Disneyland offer great value for the money and proximity to the theme parks. The key differentiator from the official Disneyland Resort hotels is the cost savings provided. Even the nicest non-Disney hotels we shared in my overall “best Disneyland hotels” list are typically a couple hundred dollars less per night than the official Disneyland Hotels.

You’ll be able to find great discounts on the hotels just across the street from Disneyland that provide a less than ten minute walk from your hotel to the theme parks.

As I started to share in the details of my list of the best cheap hotels shared above. Some of the hotels near Disneyland are actually closer to the theme parks than the official Disneyland hotels. A regular room at the Best Western Plus Park Place is closer to the main gate of the parks than a regular room in the furthest tower of the Disneyland Hotel and the Paradise Pier Hotel.

When considering proximity to the parks, also keep in mind that Anaheim offers the Anaheim Rapid Transit (ART) buses that ferry guests from their hotels to the Harbor Boulevard gate. Personally I always choose a hotel that is walkable because I prefer to be in motion but for young families the shuttle can be a great use.

Once you know your Disneyland dates, be sure to check out the discount prices on hotels near Disneyland. The hotels closest to Disneyland do sell out and you want to have the widest range of options when you are booking.

Best Disneyland Hotel Across the Street With Free Breakfast

Best Western Plus Park Place Inn and Mini Suites

The Best Western located right across the street from Disneyland is a perfect place for any family visiting the Disneyland Resort that doesn't want to splurge on either the Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. I actually recommend this hotel over the Disney-owned Paradise Pier.

The Best Western provides rooms with queen beds that sleep up to five and mini suites that sleep up to six. This hotel also has a great Disneyland hotel FREE BREAKFAST! The food is continental and a great way to start off your Disneyland day. In the room there are refrigerators, coffee makers, free Wi-Fi, and microwaves. These are amenities that you won't find at most of the other Disneyland Good Neighbor hotels.

The hotel is the closest of any of the off-property “Good Neighbor” hotels. In some cases it is even closer than the Disneyland on-property hotels. We have literally tested the distance from the Disneyland hotel's farthest rooms and the Park Place Inn's farthest rooms and the rooms at Park Place are much closer. All you have to do is walk across the street in the morning, and you are there. This is the Best Western near Disneyland.

The best prices for the Best Western Plus Park Place Inn and Mini Suites can be found at Get Away Today. They also offer exclusive bonuses when you purchase your hotel and tickets together.

Create Your Perfect Disneyland Vacation at the Park Place Inn and Mini Suites>

Pro Tip:  After you book via the link above, request a room with a fireworks view. This is a perfect way for those with young children to view the fireworks when you can't quite make it to stay out that late. Also, you will be ensured to be on the side of the hotel closest to the parks.

Best Hotel Near Disneyland For Large Families

Fairfield Inn Anaheim by Marriott at the Disneyland Resort

This hotel is located just a little ways down Harbor Boulevard from the entrance to Disneyland. The distance to the front gate isn’t too far to walk in the morning and at night.

The Fairfield Inn by Marriott provides rooms with a maximum occupancy of five people. You can pay more to upgrade your room to a Disney-themed room, but the regular rooms are quite nice. This is one of a couple properties by Marriott close to Disneyland.

There is a Seattle’s Best Coffee and Pizza Hut in the lobby and McDonalds and Mimi’s close by for any meals that you don’t end up eating in the parks. There are refrigerators in the rooms and free Wi-Fi.

The best way to book this hotel is via a Disneyland package that includes extremely discounted Disneyland tickets and hotel stay. When you book both your hotel and tickets with Get Away Today you will receive hundreds of dollars in bonuses.

Plan Your Disneyland Package With the Fairfield Inn Anaheim> 

Best Disneyland Hotel For Adults Within Walking Distance

Hilton Anaheim- Big Budget/Great Service

While it is a 0.8 mile walk from the hotel to the parks, we often stay at the Hilton Anaheim . For breakfast you will find the more upscale MIX restaurant and Starbucks in the lobby. The hotel has a heated pool and water play area.

This is a convention center hotel, which means it has lower weekend rates. The downside to this hotel is that when there are conventions in town, it can be booked months in advance. This is one of a few properties by Hilton near Disneyland.

To get from the hotel to Disneyland, walk down Harbor Boulevard and through the Grand Californian and Downtown Disney. Give 20-25 minutes to walk to Disneyland.

I recommend booking your stay with the Hilton via Get Away Today. They will not only provide incredible customer service, but they also provide the lowest priced Disneyland tickets on the web. When you purchase your hotel and tickets together you will get hundreds of dollars of package bonuses.

Book Your Hilton Anaheim Disneyland Vacation>

If you think you want a ride to and from the parks, you will want to purchase the Anaheim Rapid Transit passes for the Disneyland ART shuttle service that serves the Hilton Anaheim . This easy to use shuttle service runs frequently between the hotel and the main entrance plaza for Disneyland.

You can purchase discount ART passes  here.

If you decide to skip out on booking a hotel + ticket package and all of the incredible perks that come with it, you can still save money by booking the  Hilton Anaheim via Expedia.

Best Disneyland Hotel For Families

Howard Johnson Anaheim- Family Destination

The most family friendly hotel near Disneyland is the Howard Johnson Anaheim . The amenities are outstanding. This hotel has a water play area similar to the Hilton's, free in room wifi, refrigerators, and queen size beds. The regular rooms can accommodate up to 5 people.

Give 10-15 minutes to walk the 0.5 mile distance to the entrance to Disneyland. Read our review of the Howard Johnson near Disneyland here .

Howard Johnson is recommended as one of the best places to bring a family to Disneyland. The service is outstanding and so are the amenities.

Howard Johnson partners with Get Away Today to provide a special vacation package experience to save our readers big bucks on their hotel stay and ticket purchase. However, you won't only save money on the tickets and hotel, but you will also receive more than $350 in bonuses.

Book Your Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Disneyland Vacation>

Disneyland Hotel Discounts

Get Away Today's goal is to beat the best hotels near Disneyland pricing. They price match Disneyland hotels every single day to make sure they have the lowest prices out there for all of the hotels near Disneyland that they sell.

Check out our curated hotels near Disneyland page on the Get Away Today website . The page includes discounts on my favorite hotels near Disneyland like the three Disney-owned Disneyland hotels and the top neighborhood discount hotels near Disneyland.

You can read our editor's review on her personal experiences booking through Get Away Today here !

Save BIG on Disneyland Hotels>>

Now, let's talk about the best discounts on Disneyland hotels. You know you want to save money on these great hotels near Disneyland.

However, there is one thing that is absolutely critical for anyone planning a Disneyland vacation to know about that I want to share with you before talking more about discount Disneyland hotels.

Private Disneyland Hotels Discounts for MickeyVisit.com Subscribers

Get Away Today  provides exclusive discounts to Mickey Visit subscribers on Disneyland hotels and tickets.  You can access these huge Disneyland discounts on shopping, dining, and transportation surrounding your Disneyland vacation inside our FREE Disney deals email written to save you the most money possible. (Subscribe below)

Click to subscribe to the FREE MickeyVisit.com Disney deals newsletter to access these incredible Disneyland discounts. Throughout the course of your Disneyland vacation, these discounts will save you hundreds.

Disneyland SoCal Resident Discount

Disneyland sometimes announces additional hotel discounts exclusively for certain groups. In the spring they often offer a SoCal Resident ticket and hotel discount.

View the current SoCal Disneyland ticket discounts and hotel discounts here.

This discount only applies to the official Disneyland Resort Hotels.

Disneyland US Military Discount

Members of the US military can get a discount on most nights at the Disneyland resort. The member of the military or spouse must be present the entire length of stay and present a military ID upon check in.  For details call (855)-643-5208.

The discount is solely offered at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, and Paradise Pier Hotel.

Magic Key Disneyland Hotel Discounts

Magic Key holders to Disneyland receive special Disneyland hotel rates. Book by calling (714) 520-5006 or a travel agent. Sometimes it is a good deal to purchase a Disneyland Magic Key for one member of your party to get discounts throughout your vacation.

This discount is offered at the three Disney owned hotels.

This is rarely the best discount, but worthwhile to check when you are booking your hotel if you are a Disneyland Annual Passholder.

Discount Disneyland Hotel Newspaper Rate

You can call Disneyland directly at (714) 956-6425 and ask for the LA Times or the San Diego Union-Tribune discount. Both of these newspapers often advertise special Disneyland rates. These rates will most likely not be better than the Get Away Today rates, however it can be worth checking if you decide to stay on property.

This again only applies to on property hotels, Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, and the Paradise Pier Hotel. 

Plan Your Disneyland Vacation

• When to Visit Disneyland
• Hotels Near Disneyland With Shuttles
• What Restaurants to Experience-Reviews of the Best at the Resort
• Info on Flying to Disneyland and how to Get From the Airport to Your Hotel
• Costco Disneyland Discount Tickets
• Save the Most Money on Disneyland Tickets
• What to Do When It Rains at Disneyland
• How to Celebrate a Birthday at Disneyland
• Clarion Near Disneyland Review
• Best Western Stovall’s Near Disneyland Review
• Disneyland Sheraton Park Review Disneyland
• Disney Aulani Resort Review
• Cambria Hotel and Suites Disneyland Hotel Review

You can see more information on hotels near Disneyland and current pricing by visiting the official Disneyland website .

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Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Gavin Doyle

Gavin Doyle is a best-selling author and founder of Mickey Visit. He is an expert on helping families save money and experience more at Disney, Universal, and beyond. He has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, ABC7, Travel+Leisure, the OC Register, Orange County Register, LA Times, Yahoo! News, and more.

Education: University of Southern California Favorite Ride: Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout! at Disney California Adventure

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6 comments add your comment

I highly reccomend the Candy Cane Inn. Its within walking distance (down a beautiful path I might add) of the parks and has a beautiful pool. Plus, the back of the facade of Cars Land is fully visible, a unique view for any Disney fan.

We’ve had a good experience at the Anaheim Desert In & Suites–next to the Best Western, but better value, especially if you need a little more space.

We just got back from staying at Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn in January. It is very close to Disneyland and is just across the street. The beds were comfortable and the breakfast was very good. Will definitely stay there again.

What a good experience! You can read our review of the Best Western Plus here. As you’ll see, we completely agree with you!

I’m not sure why this page says for the JW Marriott, that you would use the Disneyland Hotel entrance as that is in the opposite direction. We are staying there this week and it is definitely the Harbor entrance which makes the most sense. Good overview of all the options!

Thank you for your comment! Yes, that was absolutely the wrong info there. Fixed.

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Anaheim-Disneyland   Travel Guide

Best Times To Visit Anaheim-Disneyland

The best times to visit Anaheim and Disneyland are March through May and September through October, when the weather is comfortably warm and school's still in session. In the summertime and around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, Disneyland tends to be more crowded. And temperatures in Anaheim will be high without the reprieve of a cooling, ocean breeze.

Weather in Anaheim-Disneyland

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Anaheim-Disneyland

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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How Much Does a Disneyland Vacation Cost?

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

For many family travelers, the words "Disneyland vacation" and "on a budget" may seem mutually exclusive. Disney vacations have a reputation, and deservedly so, for being expensive. Nevertheless, my family manages to go to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, multiple times a year without breaking the bank. On some trips, we splurge for a special occasion and stay in deluxe accommodations on Disneyland property. On other trips, we find the cheapest hotel that gives us a clean place to lay our heads. On all of our trips, we use miles and points to help offset many of the costs.

How to Calculate the Cost of a Disneyland Vacation

So, just how much should a vacation at Disneyland really cost for a typical family of four like mine? The major costs include lodging, park tickets and meals. Additional costs like parking, transportation and souvenirs may drive up the price as well, depending on your specific situation. The key to Disney on a budget lies in knowing where and when it makes sense to compromise on various trip elements.

To help you plan for your own vacation, I designed three different itineraries for a Disneyland vacation at different price points. Most travelers to Disneyland go for only a few days, unlike at Walt Disney World where a weeklong vacation is much more common. A typical Disneyland trip would likely be three nights long, so I used that as a baseline.

Some families drive to Disneyland and others fly. Those costs vary widely, so I didn't include the cost of gas or airline tickets in the calculation. Additionally, for purposes of this article, I quoted the current price of park tickets available on Undercover Tourist . No matter what your budget, never pay full Disney price for park tickets. It's easy to save money on Disney tickets by purchasing discounted Disney gift cards or by purchasing tickets through a trusted discount reseller like Undercover Tourist or Getaway Today. The discounts aren't huge, but every dollar counts.

Of course, my family has plenty of miles and points and other discount tricks to help along the way. Hopefully yours does, too. The budget below should at least show you a cash price starting point that you can lower with the right use of travel rewards.

Cost of a Disneyland Vacation on a Tight Budget

If you are doing Disneyland on a very tight budget, just how low can you go? I managed to put together a three-night trip for a grand total of $1,583.80, including all taxes and tips. This itinerary doesn't require brown bagging all your meals in the parks or staying in an RV. Here's how the numbers work:

For families on a tight budget, an easy way to save money is by staying farther away from the park. The nearby city of Buena Park, California (home to Knott's Berry Farm ), is often a popular choice, as basic but clean hotels and motels there are regularly priced well under $100 a night. But staying that far away comes with additional transportation or parking costs and often means a lot of lost time in transit.

I therefore often recommend an option for budget travelers that is a tiny bit more expensive but that comes with a lot more convenience: the Clarion Hotel Anaheim . Travel agency Get Away Today regularly offers third-night-free hotel specials at Clarion. In 2019, these packages come with free hot breakfast and free parking. (In 2020, the hotel will transition to $5 for parking and kids will eat free with at least one paying adult for breakfast.) The total hotel cost can be just over $100 a night and the included perks help save money in the rest of the budget.

Total Lodging Cost: $352

Related: Use promo code TPG10 to price Disneyland vacations via Getaway Today .

Park Tickets

Park tickets are by far the largest cost in most Disneyland vacations, but there are ways to keep costs down. For a budget traveler on a three-night trip, opt out of all the extras, including the park hopper option and the $15 per person per day MaxPass add-on that lets you book FastPasses on your mobile device. You can easily do one park per day and use the free FastPass kiosks to save time and money.

On a three-night vacation on a budget, I'd recommend only planning two (very full) park days. On your arrival and departure days, you can opt for a lower cost activity like exploring Downtown Disney or swimming in your hotel's pool. Even if you indulge in a mini-splurge like dinner and bowling at Splitsville or a character dinner at Goofy's Kitchen (located outside the park at the Disneyland Hotel ), you'll still pay far less per person than you would for the extra day in the park.

Total Park Ticket Cost: $827.80 (two-day non-hopper tickets without MaxPass for two adults and two kids)

Food can potentially be a huge variable on a Disneyland trip. Extras like drinks and snacks can really add up quickly for a family. Eating at a table service restaurant where you'd need to tip a server adds even more.

It's certainly possible to go to Disneyland incredibly cheaply by packing sack lunches like some of the locals -- but I'd argue you are missing a huge part of the Disney experience that way.

For purposes of this experiment and for ease of planning, I priced out a budget-friendly meal itinerary for a family of four where families eat both lunch and dinner at a quick service venue like Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland park, Flo's V8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure or Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney. I assumed the budget-minded family would stay in a hotel (like Clarion) that offers free breakfast.

The budget assumes each adult would order an entree at each meal (that usually includes a side) and that kids would each order a kids meal. Most kids meals include milk or a juice box as part of the cost. I assumed adults would drink tap water, so add about $5 per person per meal if you drink soda or even more if you plan to consume any alcohol. I also budgeted enough extra for a single snack per day per family member like a churro or Mickey ice cream bar.

The result? Not too budget-busting. And guests can save even more money off this total by splitting entrees, having adults eat kids meals or bringing a few snacks into the parks.

Total Meal & Food Cost: $354

Parking/Transportation, Souvenirs and Other Costs

There are a number of other potential costs in a Disneyland vacation, but those vary greatly. If you fly to Disneyland , you'll have to figure in a shuttle or the cost of an Uber from the airport. That cost is quite a bit less if your family flies into nearby John Wayne Airport (SNA) instead of LAX.

For purposes of this article, I assumed families will drive and need parking for a car. And I further assumed a budget traveler will stay at a hotel with free parking that is also within walking distance of Disneyland. From the Clarion, for example, guests could simply walk to the parks. Guests could also cross the street to Disney's Toy Story parking lot and take the free shuttle to the parks.

Of course, it's probably impossible to get away from Disneyland scott-free with no other extras. I'd budget an extra $25 per child for a souvenir or two. One of my family's inexpensive favorites is to collect pressed pennies. They cost $. 51 each to make, and folios to display them are available in the Disney gift shops for under $10.

Total Cost of Everything Else: $50

TOTAL BUDGET DISNEYLAND VACATION COST: $1,583.80

Cost of a Disneyland Vacation on a Midrange Budget

If you want to take your Disneyland vacation up a notch with an extra park day, a slightly nicer hotel and a few fancier table service meals, just how much more would that be? I priced out a typical moderately priced Disneyland trip that costs $2,735.55, including all taxes and tips, which is a little over $1,100 more than the budget option.

There are a lot of moderately priced hotels within easy walking distance of Disneyland, so vacationers who are planning a midrange vacation have a myriad choices. While many of these hotels are independently owned, an increasing number of them are now part of chains where you can use hotel points to save money. Check out TPG's guide to points-friendly hotels near Disneyland for some of the options.

If you are paying cash, expect to find a lot of more-than-adequate options around $170 to $200 a night before taxes. Some of the hotels regularly in this range include the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground , Fairfield Inn Anaheim Resort and Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center . I selected a two queen standard room at the Fairfield Inn Anaheim Resort for a typical traveling family of four. (Though using a Marriott up to 35k certificate there from a card such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card can quickly knock down your trip cost).

Total Lodging Cost: $612

A family taking a Disneyland vacation on a moderate budget can and should splurge for the full three days in the parks on a three-night vacation, assuming arrival and departure times allow for it.

As explained in the budget travel section above, there are two typical add-ons for Disneyland tickets: the park hopper option and Disney MaxPass. If both aren't in the budget, choose one to give you more flexibility and convenience. The total ticket cost comes out about the same for three-day park tickets for two adults and two children: $1,267.80 for three-day non-hopper tickets with MaxPass versus $1,277.80 for three-day hopper tickets without MaxPass.

I'd personally choose MaxPass over the park hopper option because MaxPass allows guests to ride so much more by making FastPass selections on their smartphone. If you know how to maximize it, it's easy to ride every thrill ride in either park in a single day.

Total Park Ticket Cost: $1,267.80 (three-day non-hopper tickets for two adults and two kids with MaxPass)

For guests not on the strictest of budgets, a few table service meals on a Disneyland vacation are a must-do and are part of the Disney experience. (Here are our favorite restaurants at Disneyland , and they aren't all budget busters.)

I priced out an itinerary that included a mix of quick-service meals for lunch at restaurants like Alien Pizza Planet, Hungry Bear and Flo's V8 Cafe and table service meals at dinner like Cafe Orleans, Wine Country Trattoria and Ballast Point. I didn't entirely skimp on the extras either. In addition to entrees, I included the cost of nonalcoholic drinks at dinner and the occasional shared appetizer or dessert as well.

The Fairfield Inn Anaheim Resort is one of the few Fairfield Inn hotels that does not include free breakfast, so I included the cost of breakfast at the hotel food court or at nearby Panera Bread or McDonald's in the overall food budget. There's also a bit more wiggle room in the snack budget for every family member to have a snack a day, including some more premium snack choices.

The result ends up being roughly double what the budget vacationer would spend on food, but still fairly reasonable for all the sit-down dining included.

Total Meal & Food Cost: $699

Last but certainly not least is the cost of all the little extras. The Fairfield Inn Anaheim Resort charges $24 per day for parking. It is within easy walking distance of the parks so there's no need for other parking or shuttle costs. I further assumed a family on a midrange budget would spend a bit more on souvenirs than budget travelers.

Total Cost of Everything Else: $147

TOTAL MIDRANGE DISNEYLAND VACATION COST: $2,735.55

Cost of a Disneyland Vacation on a Luxury Travel Budget

Luxury-loving travelers taking a Disneyland vacation can certainly find ways to drop tons of cash. There are splurges like a $125 per person princess character meal, VIP tour guides at $425 to $600 per hour, and much more. I didn't select these extraordinary costly options, but still managed easily to allocate $6,137.55 for a vacation of just three nights. That's roughly four times what the budget travel family paid and more than double that of the family on a midrange budget. Ouch. No wonder Disney vacations have the reputation they do.

Luxury travelers almost certainly want to stay on-property at Disneyland, as there are not any other high-end hotels within walking distance of Disneyland. The most expensive and luxurious hotel near Disneyland is Disney's Grand Californian Hotel , adjacent to Disney California Adventure park with its own private entrance.

Staying at an on-property Disneyland hotel almost always makes lodging costs exceed the cost of park tickets, so prepare for sticker shock. Standard rooms at the Grand Californian are often well over $600 per night, not including taxes. Club level rooms are almost always over $1,000 a night. I assumed an intermediate splurge of a premium view room, at a cost of $825 a night plus tax.

A more economical option is renting DVC points to stay at the Grand Californian, but finding availability is always a challenge so plan far in advance if you want to go that route. Luxury travelers could also save a bit more staying at the slightly less expensive, but still fabulous, Disneyland Hotel .

Total Lodging Cost: $2,895.75

On a splurge trip at Disneyland, both the park hopper ticket option and the MaxPass add-on feature are must-haves for flexibility and convenience. For a three-night vacation, I'd recommend a three-day park ticket with both of these features to see and do the most.

Total Park Ticket Cost: $1,457.80 (three-day hopper tickets for two adults and two kids with MaxPass)

There are so many dining experiences at Disneyland worthy of a spurge, but it's impossible to do them all in a single trip without being so full that you won't have the energy to walk around the park. So I priced out a dining itinerary that a real family would actually want to eat rather than just choosing all the nicest restaurants all of the time.

That said, a typical luxury traveler with a bigger budget will likely want to do at least one Disneyland character meal . A dining package for either of the two nighttime shows, Fantasmic or World of Color, is also a must-do. These packages include a meal at one of the higher-end restaurants like Carthay Circle that would probably be on your wish list already. These packages also come with reserved seating for the nighttime show.

For most other meals, a typical traveling family would likely alternate between table service and quick-service restaurants, often grabbing breakfast on the go at restaurants like GCH Craftsman Grill and La Brea. I also budgeted $50 per day for snacks to cover the cost of some of the more premium snack options as well as a little extra for an alcoholic drink for the adults at several meals.

Total Meal & Food Cost: $1,309

Parking at the Grand Californian is $25 per night, but there are no other transportation costs involved with a stay there thanks to its prime walking-distance location. Families on a bigger budget, though, can likely drop quite a bit of cash on souvenirs. After all, there are $200 lightsabers and $100 droids in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge alone. So I assumed a family of four would likely spring for one big ticket souvenir item like a lightsaber as well as a number of smaller items, for a total cost of $400.

Total Cost of Everything Else: $475

TOTAL LUXURY DISNEYLAND VACATION COST: $6,137.55

Bottom Line

Disneyland vacations ultimately are what you make of them. They can certainly be done at a very reasonable cost with the right preparation and without making tremendous sacrifices. But there are also so many places where a vacationer is tempted to splurge. Choose where you spend your cash wisely and use points and miles for all the rest.

For more information relevant to planning your visit to Disneyland vacation, check out these stories:

• How to Use Points for Disney Tickets
• 9 Things Families Should Know Before Visiting Disneyland
• Where to Stay at Disneyland: On vs. Off-Property Hotel Comparisons
• Skip the Lines at Disneyland: 10 Line-Busting Tips for Less Waiting and More Playing
• How to Save Money Buying Discounted Disney Gift Cards
• Best Restaurants at Disneyland
• Save Money on Disney Resort Stays By Renting Points

6 Exciting Theme Parks to Visit with Your Family on Your Next Vacation

L ooking for a thrilling adventure that will bring non-stop smiles to your family's faces? Look no further than these five exciting theme parks that are perfect for a memorable family vacation ! From heart-stopping roller coasters to immersive storytelling experiences, these parks offer something for everyone.

Get ready to scream with delight as you soar through the air on gravity-defying rides or meet your favorite characters from beloved movies and cartoons. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or prefer a more laid-back experience, these theme parks promise endless fun and unforgettable memories for the whole family.

Disneyland: The ultimate family destination

When it comes to theme parks, Disneyland is the gold standard. A trip to this iconic park is a dream come true for kids and adults alike. From the moment you step foot inside its magical gates, you are transported into a world of enchantment and imagination.

One of the things that sets Disneyland apart from other theme parks is its attention to detail. Every inch of the park has been meticulously designed to create an immersive and captivating experience. Whether you're wandering through Main Street USA or exploring Adventureland, you'll be amazed by the level of detail that goes into bringing these worlds to life.

But it's not just about the rides and attractions at Disneyland. The park also offers an array of dining options that cater to every palate. From character breakfasts with Mickey Mouse to upscale gourmet dining experiences, there is something for everyone.

And let's not forget about the shopping! With a wide variety of stores offering everything from Disney-themed apparel to souvenirs and collectibles, Disneyland truly has it all.

Related: Disney World Vs Disneyland – Which Disney Park is Better with Teens?

Moody Gardens: A Family Adventure on the Texas Coast

Moody Gardens is the perfect destination for a family adventure. Located in Galveston, Texas, Moody Gardens has something to offer everyone: from exciting attractions like the Aquarium Pyramid and Rainforest Pyramid to educational experiences such as Discovery Museum, IMAX 3D Theatre, and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat Tours.

With so much to do, you’re sure to make lasting memories with your family. And don’t forget about the gorgeous Moody Gardens Golf Course, where you can play a round or two while taking in the views of Galveston Bay! No matter what type of adventure you choose, it's sure to be an experience your family won't soon forget.

Another way to explore the sea and have an unforgettable experience with your family is to consider a bigger adventure boarding a Galveston cruise . From exhilarating water slides to delicious dining options and live entertainment, there's something for everyone on a Galveston cruise. Plus, you'll get to visit different destinations along the way, allowing you to create lasting memories and discover new cultures. So pack your bags and get ready for an exciting journey!

Related: Taking a Fall/Winter Beach Trip with Teens? – 10 Family Activities to Do in Galveston

SeaWorld: Fun-filled aquatic adventures for the whole family

One theme park that offers fun-filled aquatic adventures for the whole family is SeaWorld. Located in Orlando, San Diego , and San Antonio, SeaWorld combines thrilling rides with educational encounters with marine life. You can embark on exhilarating roller coasters like Manta or Kraken Unleashed, or cool off at Aquatica Waterpark with its array of water slides and wave pools.

But what sets SeaWorld apart is its commitment to conservation and education. The park offers interactive exhibits where visitors can learn about marine animals' habitats and behaviors while getting up close to them.

SeaWorld also has incredible animal shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and killer whales. These shows are not only entertaining but also serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting these creatures' natural habitats in the wild. By visiting SeaWorld, you're supporting their efforts in conservation projects around the world.

Note: Personally, I enjoy SeaWorld San Antonio best because it has the most thrilling attractions and shows. My favorite is the wooden Texas Sting Ray roller coaster, which is an incredible ride.

Universal Studios: Thrills and movie magic combined

Universal Studios Florida is one of the most iconic and thrilling theme parks in the world, offering a unique blend of thrills and movie magic. The park is home to some of the most exciting rides and attractions, including Harry Potter-themed lands that transport visitors to the magical world of Hogwarts. Whether you're soaring through the skies on the exhilarating Spider-Man ride or battling dinosaurs on Jurassic Park: The Ride, Universal Studios guarantees an adrenaline-filled experience for all ages.

But it's not just about heart-pounding rides at Universal Studios; movie lovers will also be delighted by the behind-the-scenes experiences offered at this theme park. Take a tour of a working film studio and get a glimpse into how movies are made or attend live shows where you can witness incredible stunts and performances right before your eyes. With immersive special effects and state-of-the-art technology, Universal Studios Florida truly brings movies to life in ways that no other theme park can.

Legoland: Building memories brick by brick

Located in multiple countries around the world, Legoland is a theme park that offers an experience like no other. With its iconic brick structures and immersive attractions, Legoland promises to create lasting memories for families of all ages. From towering replicas of famous landmarks to thrilling roller coasters, there is something for everyone at Legoland.

One of the things that sets Legoland apart from other theme parks is its focus on creativity and imagination. The park encourages children (and adults too!) to build their own creations using Lego bricks. Whether it's constructing a mini city or designing a futuristic spaceship, the possibilities are endless. This hands-on approach not only fosters problem-solving skills and spatial awareness but also provides a unique bonding experience for families as they work together to bring their ideas to life.

Legoland California also offers a range of educational experiences disguised as fun-filled activities. Kids can learn about physics and engineering while designing and testing their own Lego car at the Build & Test area. They can explore different cultures at Miniland, where famous landmarks from around the world are beautifully recreated with millions of Lego bricks. By combining education with entertainment, Legoland ensures that visitors not only have a blast but also come away with new knowledge and appreciation for the world around them.

Six Flags: Roller coaster paradise for adrenaline junkies

Located across the United States, Six Flags is a roller coaster paradise for adrenaline junkies. With its thrilling rides and heart-pounding attractions, it's no wonder that this theme park has become a go-to destination for thrill-seekers. From the mind-boggling loop-de-loops of Goliath to the stomach-dropping freefalls of X2, there's something here to satisfy even the most hardcore coaster enthusiasts.

But Six Flags isn't just about intense thrills; it also offers fun experiences for visitors of all ages. For families with young kids, there are plenty of gentle and entertaining rides like Bugs Bunny World and Wiggles World. And if you need a break from the adrenaline rush, you can cool off at Hurricane Harbor Water Park or catch one of the live shows happening throughout the day.

One thing is for sure: visiting Six Flags is an experience like no other . Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure or simply looking to have some family fun, this roller coaster paradise has something for everyone. So buckle up and get ready for non-stop excitement because at Six Flags, there's never a dull moment!

Note: My personal favorite is Six Flags Frontier City in Oklahoma City. It's one of the top things to do in OKC for families , and it has a great selection of rides and attractions. Plus, the food is really good! There are plenty of other fun places to visit in Oklahoma City too, like the Oklahoma City Zoo, Science Museum Oklahoma, and Myriad Botanical Gardens. Have fun exploring all that OKC has to offer!

Despite the endless options, there are a number of U.S. theme parks that remain at the top of the list as some of the best for families. These parks stand out for their thrilling rides, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly atmosphere that will ensure everyone has an unforgettable experience. So if you’re planning a family vacation or day trip this year, consider visiting one of these amazing U.S. theme parks to make lasting memories with your loved ones!