Disneyland CA Tips and Reviews

Tips for Planning a Trip To Disneyland

Like Walt Disney World, Disneyland is the type of destination that requires some advanced planning. You’ll need to decide when to go, where to stay, how many days to visit, which parks to visit, what restaurants you’ll visit, and which rides you’ll want to experience.

We recommend making your plans as early as possible, to make sure that you get the best deals and can find the best availability. If you are flying, there are several airports to consider in the area. While LAX is the largest, it can be easier to fly into one of the smaller, regional airports.

In addition to the three on-site Disneyland hotels, there are many hotels within walking distance of the theme parks. This post also contains a list of some of the most popular options.

17 Must-Ride Disneyland Rides

When it comes to the Disney Parks, for me, it’s all about the rides. If I could go on every single ride (except the spinning ones) on my trips, I would. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to go on every ride during a quick vacation. So it’s important to look at all of the rides and decide which are the top choices for your trip.

This post lists our top seventeen must-ride Disneyland rides, which include rides at both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. We also recommend looking at the height requirements before going if you are traveling with kids.

Guide to Disneyland Pixar Pier at California Adventure

One of the most unique lands at Disneyland is Pixar Pier, located at Disney’s California Adventure. This area of the park has gone through several theme iterations but is now all about Disney’s Pixar.

Read our guide to Pixar Pier to learn about the location, the rides, the food, and the shops in this colorful and vibrant area of the park.

Major Differences Between Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Guests who are most familiar with Walt Disney World may not know what to expect when they visit Disneyland. The parks are very similar, but Disneyland is much smaller. Some rides are the same, some are slightly different, and some are brand-new.

This guide will help guests prepare for the differences between the two parks before traveling to Disneyland. You may also want to experience some of the rides that are a bit different in Disneyland like it’s a small world and Pirates of the Caribbean.

How Many Days In Disneyland: Planning the Best Itinerary

Because there are only two parks at Disneyland, it can be hard to figure out the perfect itinerary. You’ll want to see everything but won’t want to go for too long. This post can help you choose the best itinerary and choose how many days in Disneyland is best for your family vacation.

HoJo Anaheim exterior from across the street

Review of the Howard Johnson Anaheim and Water Playground

Looking to stay at a family-friendly hotel within walking distance of Disneyland? The Howard Johnson Anaheim and Water Playground is a fantastic option. It’s a bright, fun resort, and offers a small water playground that kids can splash in at the end of a long day. The newly-renovated rooms are colorful and comfortable, and you can even see the Disneyland fireworks from some of the balconies.

The Best Disneyland California Adventure Rides

When I first visited Disneyland, I was most excited to visit Disney’s California Adventure. This unique park offers rides and lands that are different from what is offered at Walt Disney World in Florida. Read our overview of the best Disneyland California Adventure rides, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout and the Incredicoaster.

Guide to Cars Land at Disneyland Resort

Fans of Disney’s Cars franchise absolutely have to make the trip to Cars Land, which is located in Disney’s California Adventure. This land is one of the most realistic-looking renditions at all Disney Parks and offers shops, food, and attractions.

Disneyland Packing List: What To Pack for Disney

So, you’ve planned your trip and booked your tickets and hotel. Now, you are probably wondering what to pack. Here is our recommended Disneyland packing list, so that you can be completely prepared for your trip.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Disneyland

While we don’t think there’s ever a wrong time to visit, we’ve put together our thoughts on the best time of year to visit Disneyland.

Disneyland World of Color Tips and Dessert Party Review

The Disneyland World of Color show, which takes place in the Paradise Bay body of water by Pixar Pier in Disney’s California Adventure Park, is a unique show featuring lights, water fountains, and projections. It’s very popular, which means you’ll need a strategy to see it from the best vantage point.

Guide to Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane

Recently Walt Disney World and Disneyland converted the free FastPass system (in addition to the paid Maxpass at Disneyland) to a fully paid Disney Genie+ program. Here’s what you need to know about the Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Guide to the Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure at Disneyland

Disneyland has recently introduced its newest land at Disney’s California Adventure. Avengers Campus features some of the most popular Marvel characters and superheroes in recent years in an immersive land offering attractions, food, and entertainment.

Because it’s so popular, you’ll want to be prepared in advance for your Avengers Campus visit. Read our guide to Avengers Campus to learn what to expect and how to plan your trip.

The Best Souvenirs to Buy at Disneyland

Disneyland is filled with shops selling themed gifts and souvenirs. Be mindful of your budget as you shop, and be sure to read our post about the best souvenirs to buy at Disneyland before you go. It can help you figure out which gifts you’ll actually want and use after your trip.

12 of the Best Rides At Disneyland For Adults

I’ve always loved amusement and theme park rides. As a kid, I’d beg my father to take me on the most thrilling rides and hoped that as I got older, I wouldn’t lose that love. Luckily, while I can’t really handle spinning rides anymore, I still love thrill rides. If you are like me and are planning a trip to Disneyland, check out this list of the best rides at Disneyland for adults.

Stay Near the Magic at the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

As the name of this hotel would indicate, the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance is located a quick walk away from the entrance of Disneyland. It’s close enough that you can easily walk, even if you decide to take a break at your hotel during the day. The hotel is located on South Harbor Boulevard, near other hotels and restaurants in Anaheim. See our full review at the link.

Ultimate Review of Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel: An In-Depth Look

Recently, Disneyland unveiled its highly-anticipated reimagining of the Paradise Pier Hotel. Themed after all of the popular Disney/Pixar Movies, Pixar Place Hotel offers fun theming, a close location, great amenities, and on-property benefits to guests visiting Disneyland.

Grand Californian Hotel Review

When you visit Disneyland on a family vacation, you have plenty of options for lodging. Whether you choose to stay at one of the three on-property resorts or stay somewhere off-property (at a good neighbor hotel), you are sure to find something that suits your family and your budget.

The price ranges of these options do vary, and the grandest of all is Disney’s Grand Californian Resort, located right on property sandwiched between Disney’s California Adventure and Downtown Disney. This gorgeous resort is a splurge but can be a great treat and extremely convenient.

If you are considering splurging for a stay at the Grand California, here is everything you need to know.

Park Hopping Guide at Disneyland

When you travel to Disneyland, you’ll have the opportunity to experience two different theme parks – Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Some guests choose to experience one park per day while others opt to hop between parks for one or more days.

In addition, some guests may wonder if they can leave Disneyland and come back later in the day (yes, you can!). Perhaps you want to go back to the hotel and rest for a while, or go to lunch at Downtown Disney. Whether you want to park hop or want to stay at the same park but return later in the day, this guide will help you determine the best way to enjoy the Disneyland parks.

Guide to Genie+ at Disneyland

Over the years, Disneyland Resort has offered several programs to help you save time in line. The two latest programs (FastPass and MaxPass) were replaced with the new Genie and Genie+ program in late 2021.

Genie+, which allows you to schedule times to arrive at the lightning lanes, can be a little confusing. In addition, this program comes with an additional fee, so you need to seriously consider whether or not it is worth it for your next Disneyland vacation.

If you are traveling to Disneyland, you may want to consider adding on Genie+. This post will help you learn how to use Genie+, how it can help, and whether or not this paid service is worth it.

The Best Disneyland Resorts For a Family Vacation

Choosing the right hotel is important when you go on vacation with your family. You’ll want to work within your budget, but location and amenities may also be important to you. Visiting Disneyland California is no exception.

Unlike Walt Disney World, Disneyland only offers three official on-property hotels. These Disneyland resort hotels are very conveniently located and also come with benefits (including Early Theme Park Entry). Many nearby hotels are great for families and are within easy walking distance.