Disneyland Vacation Planning Tips
Disneyland: Here are answers to frequently asked questions about getting the most from a visit to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, in Anaheim, Calif.
First time visitor? Get started with our introduction to theme park vacations.
Disneyland defined theme parks when it opened in Anaheim, California in July, 1955. Walt's original park remained the world's most popular for decades, and in 2001 the resort added a second park, the much-maligned Disney's California Adventure, as well as the far more popular Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment area. Even with the second park, there's not enough here to fill a week's stay, but visitors have many other attractions to choose from in Southern California, including Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, the Getty Center and SoCal's beaches.Expect mild weather year 'round in Southern California, with rain early in the year followed by gloomy conditions in late May and June and the hottest part of the year in late summer and early fall. No matter what time of year, bring a sweater or sweatshirt for the chilly evenings. Weekends are the busiest days of the week at Disneyland, with thousands of locals filling the parks.
- How is Disneyland different from Walt Disney World?
- Disney World veterans will find the Disneyland Resort far more intimate than Disney's Orlando resort. The two theme parks and Downtown Disney are within walking distance of one another, and the parks themselves are much more compact. That said, there are more attractions in Disneyland Park than Disney World's Magic Kingdom, and some, notably Pirates of the Caribbean, are far more elaborate in California.
First-time visitors will be able to take in the Disneyland Resort with a three- or four-day visit, as opposed to the full week or more a first-timer would need to see Disney World. That leaves a visitor with a few extra days to visit some of Southern California's other attractions, including Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Legoland and the beaches.
- Where should I stay?
- Check out our Disneyland hotels page for reviews and reservations at all the hotels located within walking distance of the Disneyland resort. Unlike as at Disney World, there's no particular location advantage to staying "on property" at Disneyland, as some of the Harbor Blvd. hotels are actually located closer to the parks' front gates than the on-property hotels.
- How do I get tickets?
- If at all possible, buy your tickets in advance, to save yourself a nasty wait in the ticket queues on your first day. Disney sells tickets on its website and through its Disney Stores, and many indepenent brokers also offer tickets. Check with the human resources department of your company, the student service desk at your school or your union's local office to see if it sells discount theme park tickets, as well.
You'll want to buy a multi-day pass, rather than single-day passes to each park. You get a better price per day, plus you can go from park-to-park each day. A one-day ticket limits you to getting into only one park on that day.
Important: Unlike as at Walt Disney World, unused days on Disneyland multi-day passes do expire within a certain period after the passes' first use. So don't buy "extra" days expecting to use them on a future visit. If you are considering a visit to Knott's Berry Farm, Sea World San Diego or the San Diego Zoo in addition to Disneyland, consider the "Southern California Attractions CityPass" which offers a three day Disneyland pass, along with one day tickets to Knott's, SeaWorld the San Diego Zoo.
- What should I do first?
- Check out our "Inside Scoop" articles for the Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure for specific advice on what to see first in each park.
No matter which park you visit, arrive early and use Disney's Fastpass system to get the most number of rides out of your day. Fastpass is a ride reservation system that allows each ticketholder to get a pass to return to a particular ride later in the day, when they will not need to wait in the regular queue.
You get Fastpasses at a distribution center next to the entrance of each ride. Stick a valid park admission ticket in the machine, and it gives you a Fastpass ticket for that ride. Fastpass is not available for all rides -- just a few larger, more popular ones. You can send one person in your party ahead with everyone's park admission tickets to get Fastpasses for your group -- you don't all have to go together to get them. Once you get a Fastpass, you may not use your admission ticket to get another for a different ride until either the return time for the first ride has passed or two hours have gone by, whichever comes first.
Remember, there's nothing keeping you from waiting in the stand-by line of a ride for which you have a Fastpass. Wait in the stand-by line, ride the ride, then go again with no wait when your Fastpass time arrives.
If you are visiting with kids who are too small to go on some rides, the rest of the group can go by doing a child swap. Ask the attendant at the attraction's entrance. Basically, one adult waits with the kids who can't ride while the others go. When they get back, the adult who watched the kids rides with no wait.
- How can I make restaurant or character dining reservations?
- Call Disney's preferred seating hotline up to 30 days in advance at (714) 781-DINE. You'll want to call in advance for reservations at the Blue Bayou, Storyteller's Cafe and Goofy's Kitchen.
- After I get home, how do I contact Disneyland (about something I lost, a compliment, a complaint, etc.)?
- Call Guest Relations at 714-781-4773, or write:
Disneyland Guest Relations
1313 S. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92803-3232
- How do I get a job at Disneyland?
- Visit Disney's careers Web site at http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/disneyland or call the casting office at (800) 766-0888.
If you are interested in Walt Disney World, we also have a
Disney World Vacation Tips page.
One bad part about DL being so small, though, is that everything is harder to find. I've been going to DL every year for the last six years and didn't know that there were any dark rides in Fantasyland. Also, its hard to find the lines for attractions. The line for Space Mountain is the last place you'd expect it. Still, this is a very nice park.
Well, actually, right now the line for Space Mountain is in a sort of "fantasyland." Meaning, it doesn't exist. Space Mountain will be closed until 2005, while Disney completely rebuilds the attraction.
But yes, this is a far more intimate park than Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Which is why I like it. There are hidden details everywhere. Including some that, perhaps, should not be so hidden.
From Ben Mills
Posted December 6, 2003 at 2:55 PM
Okay, I've got a question. You say that a first-timer needs three or four days to take in the Disneyland Resort. Does that amount still apply to someone more experienced in theme parks, who has already done WDW? Is it possible to reasonably do the resort in two days? What about the mythical one day?
I think you could do it in two days.. many of the DCA offerings can be found at WDW (Millionaire, Muppets, Tough to be a Bug, Playhouse Disney, much of the Animation building, and they are direct copies...)
At Disneyland, I would still do Pirates and the Haunted Mansion, there are enough differences to make you ride them. You could pass on iasw and Star Tours. The Tiki Room is a completely different show.
So 1 and 1/2 days for Disneyland, and about a 1/2 day for DCA.
If you've not been to a Disney theme park before, and you're visiting during a popular time, such as summer or the holidays, I do think you'd need three days -- four if you've got small kids and napping in the middle of the day, or if you're spending a lot of time at Downtown Disney in the evenings. In either case, DCA is one day, at most.
Mr. Mills,
I think that, even if you have been to WDW, you should still see everything there, if you can. There are a few differences in the rides, and some that aren't anywhere else.
If you want a great trip and day at Disneyland Park in Anaheim here's how u should do it step by step:
1. Arrive as early as possible
2. Head straight for Indiana Jones
3. Splash Mtn.
4. Back track to Pirates and Haunted Mansion visit those.
5. By this time u have hit all the major rides on the west side of the park
6. pick up a fastpass of any of the attractions u just visited, it is fun to go on 2 times.
7. Visit Fantasyland and see Matterhorn and all the dark rides.
8. Roger Rabbit has a really long line, pick up a fastpass, head to Tommorowland
10. See Honey i shrunk the audience, and Star Tours, and Autopia if possible
11. Go back to Toontown, and see Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin and the Go Coaster for fun
12. Visit any attractions for a 2nd time or ones that u missed
13. Make sure to see fireworks and Fantasmic! to end your day!
Make sure you use the Fastpass System wisely, remember you can only get one fastpass. For example: you get FP for Indiana Jones, it says 10:30-11:30, and lets say u want a fastpass for another attraction, you have to wait until 10:30-11:30 and get a 2nd FP in other words u have to wait for the time listed on your first FP u received. Take Care!!
How are the crowds during the week in early June? We're planning to visit the second week of June. Would it be better to go mid-week, or would starting our visit on Sunday be okay at that time of the year? I really hate big crowds...
Most schools in Southern California let out for the year in mid-June. The SoCal annual passes are not blacked out on Sundays in June until the 27th. They are blacked out on Fridays and Saturdays, and Thursdays starting the 17th. Deluxe passes are blacked out on Saturdays only in June.
I'd go midweek, and avoid Sundays.
Are you serious, Robert? I've found for the past few years that Sundays aren't as packed. Interesting observation, Robert.
I do see Saturdays as debacles though.
Everyone, I have just returned from an overnight trip to California Adventure on Sunday, January 11th, and Disneyland on Monday, January 12th. I can tell you that I have never seen such short lines and it wasn't crowded at all! We have southern california annual passes, and comparing our visits to our friends and relatives who always go on days which are blocked out for us, I can tell you that the days blocked out on the southern california passes are the busiest days, so avoid them! Anyway, the lines at Disneyland on Monday, January 12th were only about 5 or 10 minutes all day, and they weren't even giving out fastpasses most of the day. Also, we go to Disneyland/California Adventure four times a year with our family, and I recommend 1 day for Disneyland and 1 day for California Adventures, because if you don't spend a whole day in one park, on an average day, fastpasses will be needed in order to avoid lines, and if you change-over from one park to another, you won't be able to collect enough fast-passes in each park to shorten your wait in line. Even in the crowded summer days, we never wait in line for longer than 20 minutes, because we always use fast-passes for the busier rides. Why do the rest of you stand in those 2-hour lines in the summer? Just skip the matterhorn, it doesn't have fast-passes.
Hi everyone, I am hoping I can get some help from those of your who are informed. We are planning a trip to Disneyland in May 2005. I am wondering if this is a good time to go, for crowds, deals etc. Also I am wondering about the beaches in the area that aren't too crowded that are great for the kids. We are also planning on going to Universal, but I don't know how long a drive it is, and if we should rent a car or take other transportation. Any info would be helpful.
From simon yang
Posted February 12, 2004 at 11:26 PM
need help !! my 1st trip to CA...i'm planning goto disneyland sometime ...from 2/24/2004 to 3/4/2004...is one day enough?...i appreciate any helpful hints !!
Hey Romanie Smith,
I grew up in the L.A. area. I can tell you that May is a great time to go. You can almost guarantee sunny weather the whole time and no crowds (except during Memorial Day Weekend). The best way to get around is to rent a car. You need a car to get around L.A. Taking a bus and/or taxi will be way too expensive and inconveniant. The beaches nearby that are kid friendly are Huntington Beach and Newport Beach about 20-30 min drive from Anaheim depending on traffic. Besides Memorial Day Weekend and depending on how warm it is, you can expect minimal crowds at the beaches in May. Universal Studios is 45 min. to an hour drive depending on traffic.
Mr. Alvarado-
You forgot something - a great park south of Disneyland called, Legoland! Probably the best untalked about park in all of California!
...there is always the Santa Ana zoo too. :-/
We recently spent five days at Disneyland Park and California Adventure, and took a day trip down to San Diego to visit Legoland. Some of the things we learned were:
1) You can have two fast passes simultaneously if each one is for a ride in a different park.
2) You don't have to use your fast pass during the stated time period. You can use it anytime after the return time too. (We originally thought they expired.) You can also get another fast pass once the return time for one pass has passed.
3) Soaring Over California is better when you seat in the upper seats, as you don't see feet dangling above you. You can request to be put into the upper seats when you are divided up into rows just prior to entering the ride. You may have to wait an additional five minutes if the top seats are already full, but it's worth it.
4) Legoland is really geared to younger kids - like 8 and under. If my 8-year-old had not been to Disneyland, or more specifically, had not ridden California Screamer prior to going to legoland, he might have enjoyed the rides. But they were really lame compared to the scarier ones at DL and CA. The price - average $40 per person for a maximum of 7 hours (10am-5pm) was not worth it. We left aftfer 2 hours.
5) One day is definitely not enough!!! We went back to CA every day for five days in a row and enjoyed the rides everytime. They can all be experienced in one day - at California Adventure - but you'll want to repeat your favorites. I'd say a minimum of 2 days for DL park, preferably 3 to be able to fully enjoy it.
6) The light parade we caught on a Friday night in CA was really magical. It's not too long. Stand near the lake at the end of all the rides to hear the music coincide with the floats.
7)The Matterhorn Bobsleds was really a lame ride, though it sounded and looked really scary. It was uncomfortably bumpy too.
8) A meal at The Rainforest Cafe will not cost much more than at one of the walk-ups in the parks, and will be a whole lot better!
9) Taking your own food will save a lot of money - the food costs were outrageous! You'll want to have a pull-along cooler though.
10) Don't skip the shows on Disney history. They really add a level of understanding that enhances the visit in my opinion - even for the kids.
11) Weekdays are the time to go, Monday - Thursday.
I will post more later - gotta go to bed now!
Melanie
Hey everyone... I just got back from California!... We loved it there so much we are planning for next year already...
My 1 tip for Disneyland is is you have someone who can't walk for long distances at one time is to drop them off in the Grand Californian hotel. The bellmen are really nice and don't mind that you are dropping off people at there. They don't ask to see a room key or anything. And if you want to Valet, you can have a really nice buffet at "Storyteller's Cafe" and the Valet/Parking is FREE!
2005 Disneyland and Hong Kong Disney will be having celebration at the SAME time... Does anyone have any scoop on the events or specials that we can take advantage of?
I hope my "Tip" helps someone... and remember not to sweat the small stuffs.. U R in da Happiest place on earth...
Hi I'm planning to go to DL on Tues,May 25th and DCA on May 26th. Are those to good days to go? I know memorial weekend is just around the corner and I want to make sure I get a chance to really know every ride in those two parks.
Thanks,
Abby
Most Southern California schools do not release for the summer until mid-June, so weekdays between Spring Break and then (avoiding Memorial Day and various press events, of course) tend to be good times to visit the park.
Getting to every ride in both parks in two days, though, would be tough, even if the park were deserted. But you should be able to hit most of the highlights.
Hi! I am thinkin gabout visiting the Disneyland Resort in 2005. I know it'll be crowded ("Disneyland's 50th), so I was wondering if someone could tell me at what time of year is the Park LEAST CROWDED? Thanks a lot- I'd appreciate it!
The best times to visit are on weekdays during the school year (September - June in California), where there is no holiday during the preceeding or following week.
February is typically the rainiest month. I like visiting between late September and early November (skipping Halloween week, though that crowd mostly goes to Knott's). Late April to early May, between Spring Break and Memorial Day, is also nice.
Hi! I am planning a vacation at Disneyland next summer. I have a question- well, two actually. One- From exactly what day to what day is the duration of Disneyland's "Happiest Celebration". Question two- Will all the rides be open in summer 2005 for the 50th celebration?
It starts May 5, 2005 and runs for 18 months, I'm told.
Space Mountain will not be open during Summer 2005, and it remains to be seen when Buzz Lightyear will open. Given how rapidly the current management team is working to rehab other attractions before May 2005, I'd be surprised to see significant planned rehabs during that summer.
We are going to Disneyland from July 25th to July 29th. Is Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln still open? I saw something that made it appear that it was closed permanently.
Hi! I am going to Disneyland this august, and I would like to know if two or three days is enough to "see it all"? Also, are you allowed to carry a cooler with snacks into the park (the food is grossly overpriced)? Thanks A lot!
No coolers are allowed in the park, though you can store them in a locker just outside the front gate, where there is also a picnic area. Several restaurants are within walking distance of the park on Harbor Blvd. as well.
Two to three days should be plenty of time to see all the major attractions at Disneyland and California Adventure, even during the busy summer season. Just arrive early -- before park opening -- and go to the most popular rides first: Tower of Terror and Soarin' in DCA and Indiana Jones and Splash Mountain in DL. Parents with young kids will want to hit Dumbo first, then proceed around Fantasyland. (Leave Small World for last in Fanstasyland as it has the highest capacity in the area and doesn't build up a line until later in the morning.)
Hello again! I would like to know if you could tell me a "day plan" for two days at Disneyland and DCA in August (how to avoid the longest lines, etc.)
From P Farrell
Posted July 30, 2004 at 5:59 PM
So do you have to have anything special, like a Mickey Mouse Club card or something, to get a Fastpass?
No, but Disneyland is reducing the number of attractions with FastPass available. As of now, it is on at Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain, Pooh, Roger Rabbit, Autopia and Star Tours, and reportedly will be going away from Pooh soon.
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