Need Help Planning Your Disneyland Vacation? A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Hotel Stay and Theme Park Tickets
Disneyland Hotel swimming pool area. Photo courtesy of Disneyvacationclub.com
Disney's Pixar Place Hotel lobby. Photo dvc-members.com
The Disneyland Hotel exterior. Photo blogspot.com
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa lobby. Photo redweek.com
Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim at Theme Park Entrance. Photo hotelnewsresource.com
Candy Cane Inn. Photo by noguiltdisney.com
Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Convention Center. Photo by familyvacationcritic.com
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is one of the world’s most beloved vacation destinations. Whether it’s your first visit or you're a seasoned Disney fan, planning a Disneyland trip can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming due to the many factors to consider. From choosing the right dates to booking tickets and making restaurant reservations, there's a lot to plan to ensure your vacation goes off without a hitch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, including tips on the best time to visit, where to stay, how to navigate the app, and more.
Step 1: Plan Your Travel Dates
Choose the Time of Year
One of the most important factors when planning a Disneyland vacation is deciding when to go. Disneyland Resort is open year-round, but the experience can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular times to visit and the pros and cons of each:
Peak Seasons (High Crowds)
Summer (June to August): Schools are out, and families flock to Disneyland during summer vacation. Expect long lines and higher prices for hotels and tickets.
Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter): Disneyland is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and the park often holds special events and festivities. However, crowds are significantly larger during these times.
Spring Break (March to April): Another busy time with large crowds, especially with school vacations coinciding.
Off-Peak Seasons (Lower Crowds)
Winter (January to early February): After the holiday season, the parks tend to be less crowded. The weather can be cooler, but it’s still pleasant for visiting.
Mid-Weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday): If you can avoid weekends, mid-weekdays are often quieter, even during busier seasons.
Late April to early June: The crowds start to thin out before summer vacations begin.
Disneyland & Disney California Adventure Special Events
Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure- January 17, 2025- February 16, 2025
Anaheim Ducks Days at Disney California Adventure- January 24, 2025
Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland- February 8, 2025 & February 15, 2025
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival- February 28, 2025- April 21, 2025
Season of the Force at Disneyland- March 28, 2025- May 11, 2025
Disney Jr. Let's Play! Party- Summer 2025
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration- May 16, 2025- Summer 2026
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort- August 22, 2025- October 31, 2025
Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure- August 22, 2025- November 2, 2025
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort- November 14, 2025- January 7, 2026
Disneyland After Dark (separate ticketed events on select nights from January through June). These events typically begin at 9 pm and run until 1 am.
Sweethearts' Nite- January 21st, 23rd, 28th; February 4th, 6th, 9th, 11th, 13th
90s Nite- March 4th, 6th
Star Wars Nite- April 8th, 10th, 22nd, 24th, 29th; May 1st, 4th, 6th
Pride Nite- June 16th, 18th
Oggie Boogie Bash- A Disney Halloween Party- August 17th, 19th, 21st, 24th, 26th, 28th, 31st; September 2nd, 9th, 11th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 28th, 30th; October 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 26th, 28th, 31st
If you're planning to visit Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure on a Disneyland After Dark event date, be aware that the park will close early for regular guests, and you'll need to exit by 8 p.m. Be sure to plan accordingly. If you have a 1-park-per-day ticket, consider spending the day at the other park to make the most of your ticket and time (especially since you’ve likely spent a significant amount on your tickets).
Check the Weather
Anaheim has a warm Mediterranean climate, so it's generally pleasant year-round. However, keep in mind that the weather can fluctuate slightly depending on the season:
Winter (December to February): Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to low 70s, but it can get cooler in the evenings. Pack layers and a light jacket for nighttime. The best chance of rain is usually in the Wintertime (though Southern CA usually only gets less than one foot of rain a year).
Spring (March to May): This is typically a nice time not only weather wise but crowd level wise to visit the Disneyland Parks. Temperatures will range from the mid-70s to 80s and there are usually lower crowds while school is still in session.
Summer (June to August): Temperatures can reach the 80s and 90s, but humidity is relatively low. Make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Don't forget your water bottles as you will need to stay hydrated.
Fall (September to November): Temperatures range from the mid-70s to low 80s, and the parks can be less crowded after schools are back in session. This is usually my personal favorite time to visit Disneyland not just because the crowds can be lower at this time, and the weather is nice, but all the fall and Halloween festivities are taking place.
Step 2: Book Your Disneyland Hotel or Off-Property Resor
Good Neighbor Hotels: These hotels are approved by Disney and offer amenities such as proximity to the parks and discounts for Disney tickets. For a list of the Good Neighbor Hotels and to check availability please visit Hotels near Disneyland | Anaheim Hotels | Disneyland Resort
Budget-Friendly Options: There are many budget-friendly motels and hotels near Disneyland that provide good value without compromising on convenience.
Off-Property Hotels
If you want to save on accommodation costs, consider staying at one of the many off-property hotels in the surrounding Anaheim area. Many off-site hotels offer free shuttle services to Disneyland Resort, so you won’t be far from the parks. Some popular options include:
The three on-property hotels, each with its unique theme, amenities, and dining options.
Disneyland Hotel
Theme: Classic Disney charm with a nostalgic vibe and magical details.
Average Cost: $500–$800 per night (prices will vary).
Amenities: Pool with a water slide modeled after the Disney monorail, fitness center, spa services, and proximity to Disneyland Park and Downtown Disney.
Dining: Includes character dining at the all-you-care-to-enjoy, Goofy's Kitchen, the Jungle-Cruise themed Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar with tropical cocktails and exotic bar offerings, the Tangaroa Terrace for American Fare with a Polynesian twist-inspired quick service meals, The Coffee House to get your morning cup of Joe and a pastry, the Broken Spell Lounge where you can enjoy cocktails and small bites while sitting in the enchanted forest inspired by Disney's film, Sleeping Beauty, and the Palm Breeze Bar at The Villas where you can enjoy artful cocktails and treats all while being surrounded by incredible Disney artwork.Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Theme: Arts and Crafts style with a luxurious touch, inspired by California’s incredible national parks.
Average Cost: $700–$1,200 per night.
Amenities: Direct access to Disney California Adventure Park with a hotel guest only entrance, an expansive pool area, full-service spa, fitness center, and concierge services.
Dining: Includes character dining at the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures where you can dine along-side your favorite Disney Princesses, the upscale Napa Rose (fine dining) where you can enjoy rare wines and delicious Californian cuisine, Storytellers Café is set in Californian folklore and offers a home-style buffet, at the GCH Craftsman's Grill you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in this casual dining environment or if you can't wait to get into the parks pick up a grab n' go snack or treat, Hearthstone Lounge located just off the main hotel lobby where you can enjoy your favorite drink and cocktail while enjoying the rustic lodge-like ambiance, GCH Craftsman Bar where you can enjoy the beautiful California weather while sitting poolside and sipping on a cocktail or enjoying one of their delicious appetizers, and the Grand Californian Great Hall Cart where you can grab a seasonal treat or beverage.Disney's Pixar Place Hotel
Theme: Pixar Animation Studios theme with a fun, contemporary vibe.
Average Cost: $400–$600 per night.
Amenities: Rooftop pool with views of Disney California Adventure, fitness center, and easy access to the parks.
Dining: Includes Great Maple Modern American Eatery where you can enjoy your good ol' American food whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner all made with the highest quality and seasonal ingredients, and Sketch Pad Cafe quick service dining open for breakfast, lunch and dinner for casual bites and drinks while taking in sketches of your favorite Pixar pals.
These hotels offer a range of experiences, from the more upscale Grand Californian to the family-friendly Disneyland Hotel and the more budget-friendly Pixar Place Hotel all within walking distance to the Disney parks and Downtown Disney and all offering Disney hotel guest perks. However, on-property hotels can be expensive, especially during peak seasons and special Disney events.
Disneyland Resort Hotels
There are three hotels located on Disneyland Resort property: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney's Pizar Place Hotel. Staying on property has its perks, such as:
Proximity to the Parks: You’ll be within walking distance or a short ride away from Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Early Park Entry: Guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels get early access to the parks (30 minutes before general opening).
Exclusive Amenities: Enjoy Disney-themed rooms, pools, and dining experiences.
Step 3: Purchase Disneyland Tickets
Types of Tickets
Disneyland offers various types of tickets, so you’ll want to choose the right one based on your plans:
1-Day Tickets: Perfect for a short visit, where you can visit one park for the day. With a 1-Day, 1-Park Disneyland ticket, you can enter and exit the same park as many times as you like within the day. However, you cannot switch to the other park during the same day (from 12 AM to 12 AM) but you’ll likely want to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, so consider the Park Hopper option or multi day ticket.
Park Hopper Tickets: These tickets allow you to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day. Ideal for guests who want to experience everything the resort has to offer.
Multi-Day Tickets: If you’re staying for several days, consider purchasing a multi-day ticket. These are more economical and let you experience the parks over multiple days.
To ensure entry for yourself and your group, it's essential to make park reservations in advance. If you plan on park hopping or visiting both parks in one day, be sure to reserve the park you’ll start your day in. Park reservations are free of charge, and you can modify both the park and date selections before your visit. You can make reservations after purchasing and linking your theme park ticket to the Disneyland app, up to 180 days in advance. When you make a reservation, it will be connected to your ticket. For multi-day visits, you'll need to reserve a park reservation for each day you plan to visit, again making the park reservation for the park you plan to start that day in. Make sure everyone in your party has both a ticket and a reservation, as one person's reservation won't allow others to enter the park with them.
You can download the Disneyland app on either your Apple App Store or the Google Play store or by clicking on the appropriate link below.
Disneyland App Links:
Purchase Tickets in Advance
It’s highly recommended your purchase your theme park tickets in advance. You can purchase Disneyland tickets for Disneyland theme parks directly through the official Disneyland website, the Disneyland app, or authorized sellers like Costco or AAA. Tickets can be purchased in advance, up to 180 days in advance, often for specific dates, and should be done before your trip to ensure availability, especially during peak times. You can also bundle tickets with a Disneyland Resort hotel stay for added convenience, often through the official website. Avoid purchasing tickets from third-party sellers or unauthorized websites, as these may lead to scams or tickets that aren't valid. Be cautious of anyone offering "discounted" tickets to Disneyland, especially for 1- or 2-day passes, as these tickets typically aren't discounted. If you buy a ticket from an unauthorized seller and it doesn't work, Disney will not be able to provide a refund or exchange it for a valid ticket.
Disneyland ticket prices follow dynamic pricing, meaning the cost varies depending on the date you plan to visit. A 1 to 5-day standard 1 park per day theme park ticket starts at $103- $206 per person/per day depending on the day you want to visit. The most expensive days are typically during peak times, such as Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and weekends. To save money, consider visiting during the week (Monday-Thursday) and during off-peak seasons, when schools are in session and crowds are thinner.
To purchase regular day Disneyland tickets, you can click on the Disneyland website link below.
Disneyland typically offers special ticket discounts for Southern California residents twice a year—once from early January to mid-May and again from September to mid-November. These offers typically include 2–3-day tickets with the option to add a Park Hopper and to purchase Lighting Lane Multi Day pass for an additional fee. Currently, Disneyland is offering a 3-day, 1-park-per-day ticket for $67 per person, per day, which totals $199 per person. The tickets are valid from January 1 through May 15, 2025, subject to restrictions, park reservation availability, and block out days.
Upgrades like the Park Hopper ticket and Lightning Lane Multi Pass are available for an additional cost. Please note that this offer is exclusively available to Southern California residents in ZIP codes 90000 to 93599, and proof of residency (such as a valid government-issued photo ID) is required for purchase and admission.
Tickets are valid only from January 1, 2025, to May 15, 2025, and can be used on any dates within that range, they can be used consecutively or nonconsecutively. These tickets give you the freedom to visit the Disneyland parks as you want within the timeframe from January 1, 2025, to May 15, 2025. They are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and cannot be resold for commercial use. The offer excludes separately priced activities and events. Additionally, this promotion cannot be combined with other discounts or offers and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Disneyland may pause or end sales at any time. Before purchasing, be sure to check for park reservation availability for your desired dates. Availability may change until your reservation is finalized.
If you're planning to attend one of Disneyland's After Dark events, keep in mind that a separate special ticket is required. These events, such as Oogie Boogie Bash and 90's Nite, are incredibly popular and tend to sell out quickly, so it's important to act fast once tickets go on sale. Purchasing tickets as soon as they're available will give you the best chance to secure your spot. One advantage of these events is that with your event ticket, you can enter the park before the official start time, usually around 6 p.m. However, if you have a regular day ticket, you’ll need to leave the park early to make way for event guests. Special event tickets typically range from $149 to $179 per person, depending on the date and event.
To purchase Disneyland After Dark special event tickets, you can click on the Disneyland website link below.
