If you’re used to planning Walt Disney World vacations, you’ll quickly realize that Disneyland does things a little differently. And that’s part of the fun! We frequent Disneyland as well as Disney World, and I can tell you that planning a trip to Walt’s original park is a unique experience all its own.

Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, while Walt Disney World is the Most Magical Place on Earth—and we truly love both! Nothing can quite compare to Cinderella Castle in Florida, but Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle is beautiful in its own way. Here’s everything you need to know to start planning your Disneyland vacation—and why we think every Disney fan needs to visit at least once.

Let’s jump right in!

Overview
The Disneyland Resort, located in Anaheim, California, is home to two theme parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. The parks sit directly across from each other, separated only by the esplanade, so park-hopping couldn’t be easier.

In addition, you’ll find Downtown Disney, filled with shopping and dining options. The entire resort covers just over 500 acres, which makes everything easily walkable compared to the vast size of Walt Disney World.

Airports
If you are flying into California, John Wayne Airport–Orange County (SNA) is the closest to Disneyland and usually the easiest to navigate. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is another popular option and often comes with lower airfare, though it’s larger and more hectic.

Other nearby airports include Ontario (ONT), Long Beach (LGB), and Burbank (BUR). Keep in mind that Disneyland does not provide a free shuttle service, so you’ll need to arrange transportation such as Uber, Lyft, or a car service.

Monorail
Disneyland has its own monorail that runs from Downtown Disney directly into Disneyland Park, with a stop in Tomorrowland. To ride, you’ll need both a valid Disneyland Park ticket and a Park Reservation.

The monorail doesn’t always open early enough to make it practical for rope drop, but it’s very convenient at the end of the day when you’re finishing up in Tomorrowland and want a quick ride back to Downtown Disney. It’s also much sleeker and more modern than the Walt Disney World monorails, so we definitely recommend taking a ride at least once during your visit.

Hotels
There are three Disney Resorts on property:

• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (including the Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian)
• Disneyland Hotel (including the Villas at Disneyland)
• Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel

All three are close to the parks, with the Grand Californian being the closest. Both the Grand Californian and Pixar Place Hotel even have their own entrance into Disney California Adventure.

Guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels enjoy Early Entry—30 minutes before official park opening on select days—as well as access to some Park Reservations that are often held back for resort guests. Update: Early Entry will be ending for 2026 for Disney Resort guests and will be replaced with one Lightning Lane per person, per reservation.

That said, many off-site hotels are also walkable (some are right across the street) and can be much more budget-friendly.

We’ve stayed on property for each of our Disneyland trips, and honestly, it’s hard to choose a favorite:

• Disneyland Hotel – Retro and charming, with slightly larger-feeling rooms. The headboards even light up and play “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes”—such a magical touch.
• Grand Californian – Gorgeous theming that feels like a cross between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the upscale elegance of the Grand Floridian. Rooms feel smaller and the price is higher, but the dedicated entrance into Disney California Adventure and occasional live piano music in the lobby make it unforgettable.
• Pixar Place Hotel – Formerly Paradise Pier, this resort recently underwent a full transformation. Before the refurb, I wouldn’t have recommended it over a nearby off-site option. But now, with its incredible Pixar theming, it’s one of our top picks. It’s also typically the most affordable of the three, which makes it an easy favorite.

We also love staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Villas. Some of the rooms offer incredible views of Pixar Pier inside Disney California Adventure. It was such a special experience to pull back the curtains and see the park right outside our window. With the sliding door closed, the room stayed quiet and peaceful, but once we opened it, we could enjoy the music and the fun screams from the rides. We even had a few meals out on the balcony while soaking in the sounds of the park—it was pure magic.

And here’s the best part: you don’t have to be a Disney Vacation Club member to book these villas, and I can help you with that!

DINING
Advance Dining Reservations at Disneyland open 60 days in advance on a rolling basis, whether you’re staying at a Disney hotel or off-site. Unlike Disney World, you’ll need to log in daily to book each reservation separately. Keep in mind that some restaurant hours aren’t even loaded into the system right at 60 days out, so it’s smart to check back regularly. Also, remember that Disneyland operates on Pacific Time, which matters when you’re making reservations.

Table-service reservations can be tough to get since Disneyland doesn’t have as many sit-down options as Disney World. The good news is that their Quick Service options are excellent—much better than Disney World’s—so you’ll still have plenty of great choices even if you can’t snag every reservation you want.

Be sure to download the Disneyland app, set up your Disney account (the same one you use for Disney World will work here), and add your credit card for faster checkouts. Not everyone in your group needs the app, but at least one person should have it ready to go.

We highly recommend using Mobile Ordering through the app for Quick Service and some snack stands. Time slots fill up quickly, so order early when possible. If your plans change, you can adjust your pickup time or cancel without penalty—as long as you haven’t pressed “I’m here, prepare my order.” Once you tap that, your card will be charged and your food will be made.

TOURING
You could probably see most of the parks in two days, spending one full day at each park. That said, we recommend three days if possible to make the most of your visit. Park-hopper tickets can be convenient since the parks are so close together, but they aren’t necessary and skipping them will save you money.

We personally love visiting at the end of September, when crowds are usually lower and the Halloween decorations are amazing. Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure is far superior to Disney World’s Halloween parties. If your trip falls during Halloween, don’t miss it.

Currently, entry to the Disneyland parks requires both ticket media and a Park Reservation. Make sure your tickets are linked to the Disneyland app so you can make reservations through the app or website.

Disneyland also offers a paid line-skipping service called Lightning Lane:

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP): After purchasing, you can book the next available Lightning Lane time for an attraction via the app. You cannot search for specific times.
• Lightning Lane Single Pass (LLSP): Certain top attractions not included in the LLMP can be purchased individually. Prices range from $7 to $20+ per person, per ride and vary by date. You can search for times when purchasing LLSP, but once bought, you cannot modify or cancel the selection.
• Lightning Lane selections can only be booked once you have scanned into a park.

Currently, only two attractions use Individual Lightning Lane Selections: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland Park and Radiator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure.

Other Tips and Notes

• Disneyland now utilizes MagicBand+. If you have bands from Walt Disney World, you can use them at Disneyland. You can also use the Disneyland app on your phone, but they will give you a ticket as well. Older MagicBands or MagicBand2 do not work at Disneyland.
• Disneyland does not offer the Disney Dining Plan.
• Park-hopping starts at 11:00 am for both parks.
• The only attraction currently using a Virtual Queue is World of Color-ONE in Disney California Adventure. The queue opens at Noon PDT. You must have entered either Disney California Adventure or Disneyland Park (with a park hopper ticket) to join. If successful, you’ll receive a notification through the Disneyland app to enter the viewing area at one of the two marked entrances (Blue or Yellow) about 45 minutes before the show. The Virtual Queue is optional, but the viewing area is much better if you use it.
• Quick Service options at Disneyland are much better than at Walt Disney World, and we often found ourselves choosing quick service there.
• Disneyland does not have as many themed table-service restaurants as Disney World, and their signature/fine dining does not offer the same atmosphere as Disney World’s. Our opinion: we’ve tried both Napa Rose and Carthay Circle multiple times and weren’t overly impressed, though both receive great reviews.

Restaurants We Recommend: Disneyland Park

• Blue Bayou Restaurant (Table Service – Reservation Required)
  Louisiana-inspired cuisine in an incredible atmosphere that feels like you’re dining in the Bayou. Located right next to Pirates of the Caribbean, you can watch the boats float by as you dine. The food is good but pricey, though the atmosphere is truly one of a kind.
• Cafe Orleans (Table Service – Reservation Required)
  Our absolute favorite table service, mainly for their Monte Cristo Sandwich, which is the same as at Blue Bayou but less expensive, plus their Mint Juleps and Pommes Frites. We also love the salads and shrimp & grits.
• Carnation Cafe (Table Service – Reservation Required)
  Classic American comfort food. We especially enjoy their breakfast over any other meal.
• Plaza Inn (Table Service – Reservation Required, Character Breakfast)
  Currently our only character meal recommendation. The food is decent, but the real stars are the characters, and there are plenty of them.
• Churros
  Disneyland churros are famous for a reason and can be found all over both parks.

Quick Service & Snacks

• Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe – One of my favorites! I love the Mary Poppins theming and the food, particularly their salads and pastries. This is also where you’ll find some of our favorite snacks, including the Matterhorn Macaroon and the Raspberry Mickey Macaron.
• Little Red Wagon (Stand/Cart – Menu on App) – Disneyland has the best corn dogs, hands down. This popular little wagon is a must-try—you can’t visit Disneyland without one!
• Mint Julep Bar (Stand/Window) – They serve the best non-alcoholic Mint Juleps and Mickey-shaped beignets with dipping sauce.
• Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante (Quick Service) – Classic Mexican food with plenty of family-friendly options.
• Ronto Roasters (Stand/Window) – The Ronto Wrap is a favorite, and their Ronto Morning Wrap is also delicious.
• The Tropical Hideaway (Stand/Window) – Home of Dole Whips and a variety of savory snack options.

DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

• Lamplight Lounge (Table Service – Reservation Required) – This is the most adorable lounge/restaurant! We’re specifically referring to the downstairs restaurant that requires a reservation. They also have an upstairs area with a slightly different menu for walk-ups, but we prefer the restaurant below. Lamplight Lounge is themed to all things Pixar, and it’s incredible. It has more of a lounge vibe than a traditional restaurant, with amazing views of Pixar Pier and the Incredicoaster. The food is delicious—our favorites are the Lobster Nachos and the Brussels Caesar—but the brunch is also excellent. They also have unique cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. The entire family will enjoy Lamplight!

DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

• Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats (stand/window) – This cute spot offers lots of frozen treats, and everything we’ve tried has been good.
• Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff (window/counter inside the store) – They serve yummy frozen drinks with plenty of options, plus lots of sweet snacks.
• Churros (carts) – The churros in Disneyland are famous for a reason! They are available throughout the park.
• Corn Dog Castle (stand) – The corn dogs are great, but our favorite is the Cheddar Cheese Stick, prepared just like a corn dog. It’s delicious!
• Cozy Cone Motel (stands/carts) – There are five Cozy Cone stands in the park, and they’re all good. Our favorite are the churros with caramel sauce.
• Flo’s V8 Cafe (Quick Service) – Our favorite quick service spot in California Adventure. The food is decent, but the atmosphere is so fun. After grabbing your food, head to the left for great views of Radiator Springs Racers while you eat. It’s especially amazing at sunset! We love the Cobb de Ville Salad, and the fried chicken is also good.
• Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums (stand/cart) – These huge cookies are delicious and are Audrey’s favorite treat!

AVENGERS CAMPUS

• Pym Test Kitchen (Quick Service) – The newest quick service in Avengers Campus. Highly recommend visiting! They have fun, creative food options everyone in your family will enjoy. I really liked the chicken sandwich, and Audrey and I loved the Proton PB&J Punch. It’s super sweet but delicious.
• Shawarma Palace (stand/cart) – We were impressed by how good the wraps are here. The breakfast wrap, Impossible Breakfast Sha-warm-up, comes with spiced maple syrup on the side and quickly became a favorite we ordered multiple days. Ed loved the New York’s Tastiest Chicken Shawarma wrap.

Downtown Disney

Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Table Service – Reservation Required) – We really enjoy the food at this little bowling alley, even though we don’t usually bowl! The atmosphere is fun and lively. You can often walk up and find availability.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel

GCH Craftsman Grill (Quick Service) – They have some great quick options if you’re staying in the area. I loved their Chia Parfait and their Charcuterie Pizza.

Disneyland Hotel

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (Table Service/Lounge – Reservation Required) – This spot gets quite busy, and for good reason. They offer great food and drinks in a fun, immersive atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. The lounge is open to all ages until 8 pm, then restricted to guests 21 and older.

Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park has so many fun dark rides that aren’t available in Disney World, and a few attractions here are even better than their Florida counterparts. You’ll see plenty of entertainment and characters popping up throughout the day, so keep your eyes open. The park also offers a nighttime fireworks show, sometimes only on weekends, so check the schedule before your trip. Fantasmic! has returned on select nights—don’t miss it! During less busy times, it is usually offered only on weekends.

Areas to Explore

• New Orleans Square – Beautifully themed with great restaurants. Live music often plays in front of Cafe Orleans.
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – A must-see for any Star Wars fan. It has two rides, restaurants, and snacks, nearly identical to Disney World’s version.
• Mickey’s Toontown – Recently reimagined and reopened, featuring the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Very cute and fun for all ages.

Rides and Attractions

• Alice in Wonderland – Cute indoor/outdoor ride.
• Autopia – Better than Disney World’s Tomorrowland Speedway.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Smoother than the Florida version.
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – Easier to aim and pull the guns.
• Casey Jr. Circus Train – Cute, mostly for little kids.
• Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes – Fun and interactive; Cast Members are entertaining.
• Disneyland Monorail – Runs from Downtown Disney to Tomorrowland. Requires a park ticket and Park Reservation.
• Disneyland Railroad – Lots to see along the route.
• Gadget’s Go Coaster – Similar to Disney World’s Barnstormer; great for beginners.
• Haunted Mansion – Same ride as Disney World, but the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay during Halloween and Christmas is a must-see.
• Indiana Jones Adventure – Jerky but very fun; similar to Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom.
• “it’s a small world” – Includes Disney characters; outdoor queue.
• Jungle Cruise – Classic Disney fun.
• Mad Tea Party – Teacups are adorable and all outside.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – Fun coaster; can be jerky.
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Almost identical to Disney World, but with a much better queue.
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Fun simulator, identical to Disney World.
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – A classic not in Disney World.
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – Indoor dark ride.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – One of our favorites; Disneyland’s version is the best.
• Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – Neat experience inside the castle.
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – Reimagined indoor dark ride.
• Space Mountain – Smoother and longer than Disney World’s version.
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Worth the hype; nearly identical to Disney World.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats – Relaxing and full of Disney story scenes.

Rides That Are Not Must-Dos for Us

• Astro Orbitor – Ground-level version, not as good views as Disney World.
• Dumbo – Smaller than the Disney World version.
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – Claustrophobic; updated version of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
• King Arthur Carrousel – Classic but not exciting; little ones enjoy it.
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Similar to Disney World; not a favorite for us.
• Peter Pan’s Flight – Inferior to Disney World; no Lightning Lane and very crowded.
• Tom Sawyer Island – Nice but not essential.
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin – Makes us nauseous; spins a lot.
• Star Tours – Similar to Disney World; video-based ride, can cause nausea.
• Adventureland Treehouse – Similar to Swiss Family Treehouse; optional.
• Walt’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Original version; enjoyable but not essential.

Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Disney California Adventure

Do not miss Cars Land and the newest addition, Avengers Campus! Both lands are incredibly detailed and offer attractions, dining, and fun experiences. Even if you’re not a fan of Cars or Marvel characters, you’ll still enjoy the lands.

Rides and Attractions

• Animation Academy – Always fun! An Animation Cast Member guides you in drawing a Disney character, and you get to keep it.
• Golden Zephyr – Soar high in a silver spaceship, similar to Astro Orbitor.
• Goofy’s Sky School – Looks innocent, but it’s intense and fun! Similar to the former Primeval Whirl in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
• Grizzly River Run – Like Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom but spins more and gets you wet!
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! – Formerly the Tower of Terror, now much more fun and intense. You’ll float, bounce, laugh, and scream the whole time.
• Incredicoaster – An intense roller coaster themed to the Incredibles. Highly recommended for coaster fans.
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind – Cute ride where you spin around as if inside Riley’s mind. Fun for the entire family.
• Jessie’s Critter Carousel – Toy Story–themed carousel.
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish – Gentle up-and-down ride with floating jellyfish.
• The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – Nearly identical to Disney World’s version; still enjoyable.
• Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters – Dancing cars that move in unison; very cute.
• Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree – Similar to Alien Swirling Saucers in Disney’s Hollywood Studios; fun little whipping motion.
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Nearly identical to Disney World’s, now includes a Coco scene.
• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! – Cute walkthrough ride through the Monsters, Inc. story.
• Pixar Pal-A-Round – Iconic Ferris wheel at Pixar Pier. Choose non-swinging gondolas if you’re prone to motion sickness.
• Radiator Springs Racers – Disneyland’s version of Test Track, much more fun! Includes racing another car.
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – Great for kids to climb and explore.
• Silly Symphony Swings – Swing ride with fun music.
• Soarin’ Around the World – Nearly identical to Soarin’ in EPCOT, ends in Disneyland Park.
• Sorcerer’s Workshop – Interactive space to explore and make your own animation reel.
• Toy Story Midway Mania! – Nearly identical to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Turtle Talk with Crush – Interactive show, great for younger kids; same as EPCOT.
• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure – Newest ride in California Adventure. Similar to Toy Story Mania, but you sling webs. Fun for the whole family, and a high-score challenge adds extra fun.

Entertainment in Avengers Campus

Don’t miss the live entertainment in Avengers Campus, including:

• The Amazing Spider-Man
• Ancient Sanctum with Dr. Strange
• Avengers Assemble
• The Eternals at Ancient Sanctum
• The Warriors of Wakanda

Check the Disneyland app while in the park to make sure you catch everything. We loved grabbing a snack and soaking in the atmosphere of Avengers Campus.

Final Thoughts

That’s our complete guide to the Disneyland Resort, along with our favorite experiences. It’s a very special place—familiar if you know Disney World, but different enough to feel like an entirely new kind of trip. We highly recommend visiting the Disneyland Resort to see where it all started!

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