If you are a regular reader here, you know I am a frequent traveler to Walt Disney World in Florida. I’ve been so many times that it’s fairly easy for me to plan a Walt Disney World vacation because I know exactly what to do and where I want to go when I’m there.
In recent years, I finally had the chance to plan a trip to Disneyland, and while there are some similarities, you’ll need to know many things. Since my first trip to Disneyland several years ago, I’ve returned multiple times and have always loved my visits.
Disneyland, with its two theme parks and central Anaheim location, is very different from Walt Disney World. So, if you are planning a trip to Disneyland, you’ll want to do your research and some planning in advance so that you’ll be prepared.
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I visited Disneyland as part of the AWESome Retreat conference and Mastermind and received complimentary admission and some media perks. I have also received a complimentary stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim. I’ve also paid my own way several times.
Save money on your Disneyland California tickets and your Southern California vacation by booking through Get Away Today. You can also save $10 on your Southern California vacation of 2 days or more with the code FTM10.
Planning a Trip To Disneyland
Before planning a trip to Disneyland, reviewing the two parks – Disney’s California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park is a good idea. There are different shows, rides, restaurants, and other attractions in each park, and you’ll want to know how much time you’ll want to spend in each park. Disneyland also offers Downtown Disney, and there are no water parks.
Planning Your Disneyland Vacation
Unlike Walt Disney World, you probably don’t need to spend quite as much time at Disneyland Resort. The two parks are adjacent, and you can easily walk from one to the other multiple times per day. I’d probably plan for a three-day trip for our family, although you can even get quite a bit done in just one day.
Before you go, you’ll want to do some research. What time does Disneyland open during your trip? If it’s open late, and you can stay up late, you can get much more done. You’ll also want to look at dates and crowd levels.
As expected, weekends, holidays, and school vacations (including summer) can be more crowded. While I wouldn’t completely avoid those dates (sometimes unavoidable), it’s important to know so you are prepared for long waits. You can see the best times to visit Disneyland here.
Disneyland Discount Tickets
When purchasing your Disneyland tickets, you’ll want to get a discount if possible. Our friends at Get Away Today offer discounted park tickets as well as Southern California vacation packages. Use this link to purchase, and you can get $10 off a valid vacation package with the code FTM10.
You can buy a package that includes nights at an official Disneyland hotel or an off-property hotel. Sometimes, third—or fourth-night free deals are offered at select off-property hotels. Saving money on your hotel and ticket means you’ll have more for souvenirs and food!
Even if you don’t book a vacation package, buying your tickets in advance is best since you will need a valid park reservation. Get your tickets early and go right to the park entrance.
When purchasing your tickets, you’ll have several options. You can choose the park hopper, which means you can go to either park during the day. A standard ticket allows you admission to just one park.
I’d recommend getting the park hopper. Because the parks are so close together, you can go between them easily.
You’ll also select how many days you want to include on your tickets. If you’d like to experience most of the attractions, I think a three-day pass would be the best for a family. When visiting with my son, we went for three days and had a great time.
Hotels in Anaheim Close to Disneyland
There are lots of wonderful family-friendly hotels located on and off property in the Anaheim area near Disneyland. On the property, you’ll find the following hotels:
Like Walt Disney World, Disneyland also has Good Neighbor hotels. Many of these are located directly across the street from the parks, making them incredibly convenient. Most are family-friendly chain hotels, so you’ll have a good idea of what to expect. These hotels are located right across from the parks:
- Anaheim Camelot Inn and Suites
- Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground
- Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort
- Homewood Suites by Marriott Anaheim Resort Convention Center
- Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance (also offers an outdoor water park)
- Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn
- The Anaheim Hotel
- Grand Legacy at the Park
- Springhill Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center
- Westin Anaheim
During one of my trips to Disneyland, I had the chance to do a complimentary stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground. This family-friendly hotel is about an eight-minute walk from the front entrance of Disneyland. I would recommend staying there.
I’ve also stayed at the Westin Anaheim, and the Courtyard by Marriott – both were excellent. It’s best to choose the hotel with the rooms and amenities (as well as price range) that best suit your family.
Other Good Neighbor hotels are located a bit further away. Some may offer shuttles. If you book a vacation package through the Get Away Today link listed above, you may be able to get a third or fourth night free.
The hotel we stayed at during my first trip, Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, was about 20 minutes away from the parks. They offered complimentary shuttle service throughout the day, but it was on a set schedule, and you needed to book it in advance.
If your hotel offers a shuttle, check to see what the schedule and process is. Some may have a separate fee.
Wondering if you need a car during your Disneyland vacation? If you are just visiting the theme parks and are staying within walking distance, you won’t need a car. During my four-night visit with my son, we had no car and just walked to the parks and Downtown Disney.
Planning Disneyland Dining
Disneyland, like Walt Disney World, offers various dining options. While quick-service restaurants don’t take or require reservations, the table service restaurants do accept reservations. It’s a good idea to make reservations well in advance to ensure availability.
Reservations can be made 60 days in advance by calling (714) 781-DINE or by booking online. This is a much shorter window than Walt Disney World, making it easier to make more last-minute vacation plans.
There are many different dining venues, including character dining, hotel restaurants, themed dining, and Downtown Disney restaurants. Several dining packages give you priority access to some of the shows.
Mobile ordering on the Disneyland app is available at many quick service venues. Order on the app, and select an arrival window. When you are ready to pick up, indicate that on the app and then go to the special mobile order window and provide your order number.
During my visit, I made sure to get two iconic Disneyland snacks – the Mickey Shaped Beignets and a Dole Whip. Both were delicious!
If you are most familiar with Walt Disney World, I’ve found that Disneyland dining is slightly different. There are fewer must-try table service restaurants, with lots of good quick-service options. Therefore, you may not need to make as many table service reservations.
My must-try restaurants at Disneyland are the Lamplight Lounge at Disney’s California Adventure (make a brunch reservation on the weekend) and Blue Bayou at Disneyland Park.
Airports Near Disneyland
When it’s time to book your airfare, you may be wondering which airports are near Disneyland. Luckily, you’ll have some choices. While Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest and most popular, other small airports may be easier.
Long Beach Airport (LBG) is a small airport that is easy to fly into and out of. I flew through there on Jetblue and found it to be very convenient.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is another relatively small and convenient option. Other options in the area are Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Ontario International Airport (ONT). If you are visiting San Diego, you can also fly through that airport.
In the past, guests flying into LAX or SNA could take the Disneyland Resort Express, which was offered for an additional fee. Unfortunately, that service has been discontinued. See more details here.
Lightning Lane Single or Multi-Pass
To maximize your time in the parks, you may want to take advantage of the Lightning Lane Single and/or Multi-pass
Unlike the old Fastpass system, Lightning Lane is not free. It’s closest to the old Maxpass program. You can add this to your tickets, and it’s a complete option.
Once you have a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass on your ticket, you can use it to book return times through the Lightning Lanes. While you may still have to wait in a short line, it’s definitely going to be shorter.
Individual lightning lanes are a separate purchase available for the most popular attractions. Again, these are optional but will save you time. The current attractions with an individual lightning lane are Radiator Springs Racers and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Attractions at Disneyland
I love the rides at any theme park, so I was most excited to experience the attractions. There are so many different options – from kiddie rides to thrill rides.
You’ll want to research these in advance to know your must-dos. If you are a Walt Disney World fan, you’ll definitely want to do those attractions that are different. Here are my top rides at Disneyland.
Disneyland offers nine themed lands: Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, Fantasyland, ToonTown, Adventureland, Main Street USA, Frontierland, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Critter Country.
In Disney California Adventure, you’ll find Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Land, Cars Land, Grizzly Peak, Avenger’s Campus, Paradise Garden Park, and Pixar Pier. I loved the theming of Cars Land – it looks exactly as I’d expect Radiator Springs to look!
Events at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland hosts several events throughout the year. One of them is the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, which took place during several of my visits. You can visit various kiosks to purchase drinks and food samples during this festival.
We ate lunch and dinner at the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. I had some delicious food, like the Salt and Vinegar Parmesan Chicken Wings, the Shrimp Boil Tacos, and the Verlasso Sustainable Salmon Peruvian Poke with Cucumber-Lime Salad and Aji Verde Salsa. The offerings for the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival change each year.
Downtown Disney
In addition to the two parks, there’s also Downtown Disney. It offers dining, shopping, and entertainment, including Splitsville Lanes. Tickets aren’t required to visit Downtown Disney, so it’s a great place to visit on your first day if you don’t want to buy tickets to the theme parks. There are also some fantastic restaurants for lunch or dinner.
Quick Tips for Planning a Disneyland Vacation
- Book your vacation package (purchase through Get Away Today with the discount code FTM10) and decide whether you want to stay on or off the property.
- Plan your flights by looking at all of the nearby airports to get the best prices.
- Book your dining reservations 60 days out.
- Download the Disneyland app and create an account.
- Develop a Lightning Lane plan if you are thinking of purchasing it.
- Enjoy your vacation!
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