You are ready to head to the Happiest Place on Earth! There are a few things to think about as you are planning your trip though. The Disneyland Resort is filled with nostalgia and so much magic! There is also much to do beyond the parks. Let’s talk about the keys to visiting the Disneyland Resort!
Where to Stay
One of the first decisions you need to make when planning your Disneyland Resort vacation is where to stay. The Disneyland Resort is located right in Anaheim and has 3 options considered onsite hotels. Each of these hotels is within walking distance of the two theme parks. They also offer some exclusive benefits for staying at a Disney hotel. The three onsite hotels at the Disneyland Resort are as follows:
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- Disneyland Hotel
- Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Each property has a different theme but a great location and the Disney service guests know and love! Whether you want a beautiful, upscale Californian vibe, or to step back in time and explore Disney history, these hotels are perfect!
In addition, there are many great properties near the parks that are considered Good Neighbor Hotels. These hotels are not Disney properties but are still very close and can be booked as a part of a vacation package. Many of them are still within walking distance of the theme parks or offer shuttles to guests.
Visiting the Parks
There are two theme parks at the Disneyland Resort. Disneyland Park is the original theme park, created by Walt Disney. This park is home to classic Disney attractions, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and, of course, Main Street U.S.A.
Disney California Adventure is the second park, known for being the home of the Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier, along with several other beloved attractions.
How Many Days?
As you are planning your visit, you might be wondering how many days to spend at the theme parks. Although the Disneyland Resort is smaller in comparison to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, there is still so much to see. Because the resort is smaller, there tends to be more magic per square inch! For this reason, it’s recommended to plan for at least 3 park days during your visit. This will allow you to explore both parks and then perhaps even return to your favorite attractions! Remember, park pass reservations are required in addition to your theme park tickets.
Park Hopper vs. No Park Hopper
At the Disneyland Resort, it’s highly recommended to have a park hopper during your visit. It is very easy to walk between the two theme parks, without boarding a bus or any other kind of transportation. In addition, park hopping starts earlier at 11:00 a.m. Therefore, it’s easy to start your day in one park and move to the other later.
For example, you may want to “rope drop” one of your favorite attractions at Disney California Adventure but you have your heart set on watching the parade at Disneyland Park. Luckily, it’s less than a 5-minute walk between the two parks and with the park hopper, you can do both!
Dining
There are several great dining options to enjoy at the Disneyland Resort, including inside the theme parks. Many quick-service locations offer mobile ordering. Doing this will save you a lot of time because you can schedule ahead for your meals if you’d like to.
If you’d prefer a table-service restaurant, reservations are highly recommended. These can be made up to 60 days prior to the day you’d like to dine. While it is sometimes possible to get last-minute reservations, it’s highly recommended to secure them in advance, especially for those character meals or other popular locations!
Disney Genie+
Disney Genie+ is available at both the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. While the basic concept of shorter wait times is the same at both destinations, there are some important differences. If you would like to use this optional service while you are at Disneyland, you can add it to your ticket or purchase it on the day of your visit. You will not, however, be able to select your attractions until you are inside one of the theme parks.
When you use Disney Genie+, you may also choose to purchase Individual Lightning Lanes for the top-tier attractions in each park. This allows you to select the time that you ride. Many attractions are included when you purchase Disney Genie+ and you can continue to select return times throughout the day. At the Disneyland Resort, Disney Genie+ works quite well, with return times available for many attractions even late in the day!
The Disney Genie+ can be added for $25 per day, per person. In addition to several different attractions, Disney PhotoPass photos are included with your purchase, with unlimited digital downloads.
Planning a Rest Day
A rest day is always a good thing when you are enjoying a theme park vacation! This gives you the opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy your resort hotel. Consider planning a character meal for your rest day or enjoy some time shopping at the Downtown Disney District.
In addition, some people want to see other attractions in the area so they plan a day to do so. One example is planning a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. This is an easy day trip from Anaheim and a popular option that your Key to the World Travel advisor can assist with.
Exploring Southern California
Another great option to consider is to add some time to your vacation in order to explore more of Southern California. After you spend a few days at the theme parks, consider heading to one of the local beaches or over to Hollywood. Alternatively, head a bit further south to San Diego to see the famous San Diego Zoo or other popular tourist attractions. Your Key to the World Travel advisor is here to help you plan out all the details for a great vacation experience!
Are you considering a trip? Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.
Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.