Top Ten Disneyland Planning Tips

It’s no secret, a successful trip to Disneyland® Resort requires a lot of planning. My family and I have traveled to the Happiest Place on Earth countless times as a young couple, as a family with a newborn, and now, as a family with two under five. I’ve compiled my top ten tips to help you maximize the magic your next visit.

1: Choose your dates

With Disney’s park reservations still in effect, the first step to planning your trip is to check the availability calendar for both parks, Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park. You’ll want to be sure the parks are available and can be reserved for the days you want to visit.

2: Research your hotel accommodations

There are many hotel options around Disneyland. Depending on your budget, desired amenities, and location, you can choose between staying on-property or at one of the nearby Good Neighbor hotels, like a Marriott or a Westin. When choosing hotels, consider whats important for you and your party– you may want to stay closeby for the convenience of naptime, or stay farther out to save on parking. Hotel options include:

• On-property hotels: Disney offers 3 on-property hotel options– Disneyland® Hotel, Disney’s Pixar Pier® Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa. Staying at an on-property hotel allows you early admission to the parks, which is currently 30-minutes before opening.
• Good Neighbor hotels: Alternatively, you can stay at one of the major hotel brands conveniently located around the parks.

3: Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Lightning Lane Multi Pass, formerly known as Disney Genie+, is a paid service that allows guests to gain access to shorter lines for popular attractions. In addition, Lightning Lane Multi Pass includes unlimited digital downloads of pictures taken with Disney PhotoPass® Service from the day. Pricing for Lightning Lane Multi Pass is variable and starts at $25.00 USD per ticket per day. If you not ready to add on Lightning Lane Multi Pass when purchasing your tickets, you can also purchase the service through the Disneyland app on the day of your park visit after park entry.

4: Purchase your park tickets and make your park reservations

Once you’ve confirmed park and hotel availability, it’s time to purchase your tickets! If you’re traveling with kids, we recommend at least a 2-day ticket so you have time to roam both parks. You may choose to do one park per day or get a Disneyland Resort Park Hopper® Ticket so you can visit one park in the morning and the other in the afternoon. You can also add Lightning Lane Multi Pass to your ticket purchase at this time. Look out for special offers from Disney, or inquire about ticket deals with Like Magic Travel. And for the most important tip, don’t forget to make your park reservations once you have your tickets.

5: Book your reservations

If you plan to do a premium experience like Bippity Boppity Boutique or a sit-down meal like character dining, plan to make your reservation 60-days in advance. Though some restaurants take walk-ins, reservations are highly recommended as availability is limited and wait times can be long. But if you don’t see availability for what you’re looking for right away, check back often as guests tend to adjust their plans and drop reservations.

6. Plan your transportation

If you’re flying into Disneyland, John Wayne Airport is super convenient to the parks. If you’re traveling by car, parking can get pricey around Disneyland whether you park at the hotel or the parks. To save on costs, you could choose a hotel within walking distance or choose one that offers a shuttle service.

7. Pack wisely

With two kids under five, we like to travel with a double stroller so we can cart the kids from one destination to the other quickly. It also tends to get a little chilly at night, so pack some additional layers to stay warm. Last but not least, check the park’s guidelines regarding prohibited items (e.g. large strollers and wagons) and bag restrictions, and plan accordingly.

8. Download the official app

Download the Disneyland app, which provides useful information, park maps, real-time wait times, and more. It can enhance your overall experience and help you navigate the park efficiently.

9. Stay informed

Keep an eye on Disneyland‘s official website and social media channels for updates, special events, temporary closures, or any changes that may affect your visit. Some attractions tend to close for refurbishments and seasonal changes during low season, like January, August, and September.

10. Be flexible

Flexibility is key at Disneyland because crowd levels, weather, and ride availability can change throughout the day. Having a flexible plan allows you to adapt to unexpected situations, ensuring you make the most of your visit and enjoy a stress-free experience.

Enjoy the magic of Disneyland and have a fantastic time!