how to be a tour guide at disneyland

Disneyland VIP Tour- Everything You Need To Know About A Private Guided Tour

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Are you looking for a way to take your Disneyland experience to a new level? Imagine gliding past long lines, having a personal Disney expert craft your day, and gaining access to hidden corners of the park that few ever get to see. I’m talking about a Disneyland VIP Tour! 

The VIP experience at Disneyland is like stepping into a fairytale within a fairytale. It’s an exclusive adventure designed to make you feel like a true Disney insider. While Disneyland is already a world of wonder, the VIP tour takes that wonder and amplifies it to a level that’s hard to put into words. Imagine having the park at your fingertips, with a knowledgeable guide to lead the way, ensuring your day is filled with unforgettable moments.

In this post, we will explore this extraordinary experience in depth. Whether you’re a Disney fanatic planning your dream trip or a curious adventurer considering the Disneyland VIP tour route, this blog is your ultimate guide. I’ll take you through what you can expect, from the perks of going on a Disneyland VIP Tour to how to prepare for your day of enchantment. I’ll share tips for making the most of your Disneyland VIP Tour adventure, and we’ll dive into the behind-the-scenes magic that makes Disneyland the iconic destination it is. We’ll also discuss what you can expect to pay for your Disney Parks VIP tour. 

Check out my YouTube Video about my VIP Tour experience!

So, join me on this journey as we prepare you for a day filled with pixie dust, exhilarating rides, delicious treats, and memories that will last a lifetime. The magic begins now!

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Disneyland VIP Tour Podcast

Here’s an episode I did on my podcast with a review of my Disneyland VIP Tour!

If you’re looking for Disneyland planning tips, and the latest Disneyland park news you’re in the right place! I also talk about Disneyland park history, the storytelling behind the attractions, and my latest Disney park adventures. I’m here to help you plan your Disney vacation with a little extra magic mixed in. Join me!

On this episode of Mix In Some Magic, I'm reviewing the VIP Tour at Disneyland! I got to experience this tour for the first time last week. In this episode, I'm covering everything you need to know about it, including how much it actually costs and if I think the price is worth it!

Thanks for listening!

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Disneyland VIP Tour

The Benefits of Going VIP

If you’ve ever visited Disneyland, you know that the lines, the crowds, and the hustle can sometimes take some of the magic out of the experience. That’s where going VIP comes in. In this section, we’ll unravel the benefits of opting for a VIP tour at Disneyland.

 Skip the Lines: No More Waiting!

One of the most enticing perks of a VIP tour is the power to bid farewell to those long, winding lines that seem to stretch to infinity and beyond! With a VIP pass in hand, you’ll be whisked away to the front of the line for most attractions—no more waiting in the scorching sun or the chilly night air. You’ll have more time for what matters most – experiencing the magic of Disneyland.

Imagine strolling past the “60-minute wait” sign with a confident stride, feeling like a Disney celebrity as you’re escorted directly onto the ride via the lightning lane or a side entrance. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush of Space Mountain or the nostalgia of the Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ll enjoy more rides and attractions in a fraction of the time.

 Personalized Itinerary: Tailored to Your Wishes

Disneyland isn’t just a place; it’s an experience, and no two experiences are quite the same. With a VIP tour, your day is as unique as you are. Your expert VIP tour guide will work with you to craft a personalized itinerary based on your preferences.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, a character enthusiast, or a little bit of everything, your tour will reflect your desires. Want to meet Mickey Mouse? No problem. Are you craving a Dole Whip float? They’ve got you covered. Dream of exploring the secrets of the Haunted Mansion? Your wish is their command. The VIP tour is your ticket to a Disneyland day tailor-made to create memories that matter to you.

 Expert Guides: Disney Enthusiasts by Your Side

Navigating the sprawling wonderland of Disneyland can be overwhelming, even for seasoned visitors. That’s where your expert cast member guide comes in. Each VIP tour is led by a seasoned Disney enthusiast who knows the parks inside and out. They’re like your own Disney encyclopedia, providing insider knowledge and fascinating facts at every turn.

These guides aren’t just experts on the parks; they’re also skilled in ensuring your day runs smoothly. They’ll keep track of reservations, handle logistics, and offer valuable tips to maximize your experience. With a VIP guide by your side, you can relax and savor the magic, knowing that every detail is taken care of.

 Exclusive Access: The Disneyland Few Get to See

Beyond skipping lines and personalized itineraries, a Disneyland VIP tour opens doors to exclusive areas of Disneyland that are off-limits to the general public. Imagine visiting the Disneyland Dream Suite, a lavish apartment nestled above Pirates of the Caribbean, or stepping backstage to see how the magic is made. These behind-the-scenes glimpses add an extra layer of enchantment to your VIP adventure, giving you a deeper appreciation for the artistry that brings Disneyland to life.

Preparing for Your Disneyland VIP Tour

Your VIP tour at Disneyland promises to be a day filled with enchantment and wonder. But before you embark on this magical adventure, there are some essential preparations to ensure you make the most of every moment. In this section, I’ll guide you through the steps to prepare for your VIP tour.

Booking Your Disneyland VIP Tour: What You Need to Know

The journey begins with booking your VIP tour. You’ll need to call Disneyland to book your tour. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Advance Reservations : VIP tours can be in high demand, especially during peak seasons. It’s advisable to book your tour well in advance to secure your preferred date.
• Group Size : VIP tours accommodate up to 10 people. If you have a large group, you’ll need to book two tours, so you have two VIP guides on your private tour. 
• Tour Duration : VIP tours come in various durations; there is a 7-hour minimum, though. Prices for private tours are based on an hourly rate, so you can add more time if you like. Choose the length that suits your preferences and schedule.
• Special Requests : If you have specific attractions or experiences you want to include in your tour, communicate these preferences when booking. The more your guide knows about your desires, the better they can tailor your itinerary.
• Pricing : VIP tours are an additional expense beyond park admission. Pricing varies based on when you’re booking your Disneyland VIP Tour. Peak season(like holiday times) will cost more than the off-season. Prices range from $500- $900 per hour. 

Packing Essentials: Must-Haves for a Day at Disneyland

Packing for your VIP tour requires a blend of practicality and readiness for a day of Disney magic:

• Tickets and ID : Don’t forget your VIP tour confirmation, park tickets, and identification. Keep them in a secure, easily accessible place.
• Comfortable Footwear : You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable, well-broken-in shoes. Consider cushioned insoles for extra comfort. Check out my  top shoes to wear at Disneyland ! 
• Weather-Appropriate Attire : Check the weather forecast for the day and dress accordingly. Layers are often an excellent choice to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.
• Backpack or Bag : Bring a small backpack or bag to carry essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, and personal items.
• Phone and Charger : Your phone will likely be your camera, communication tool, and entertainment all in one. Don’t forget a portable charger to keep it powered up.
• Sun Protection : Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat will help protect you from the California sun.
• Rain Gear : If rain is in the forecast, a compact, lightweight poncho can be a lifesaver.
• Autograph Book and Pen : An autograph book and pen are essential if you or your little ones are into character meet-and-greets.

 Meeting Your Guide: A Friendly Face in a Magical Place

Your VIP guide will be your key to unlocking the Disneyland magic, so it’s essential to know how to connect:

• Meeting Point : Your tour confirmation should include details about where and when to meet your guide. Typically, you’ll meet at a designated spot near the park entrance or at the Grand Californian Hotel. Just look for the cast members in plaid vests! 
• Ask Questions : Don’t hesitate to ask your guide any questions you have about the day’s plan, attractions, or anything else Disney-related. They’re there to make your day as enjoyable as possible.
• Personal Preferences : When you meet your guide, reiterate any personal preferences or must-do experiences you discussed during the booking process. This helps them tailor the tour to your wishes.

A Day in the Disneyland VIP Tour Life

Now that you’ve prepared for your Disneyland VIP tour, it’s time to dive into what your day will look like. Get ready for a magical adventure unlike any other Disneyland visit.

 Exploring the Parks: Rides, Attractions, and More

As the day unfolds, your VIP adventure takes you on a journey through the heart of Disneyland. Your guide will lead you to a curated selection of rides and attractions tailored to your preferences. Feel the exhilaration of soaring through the skies on Soarin’ Around the World, take a whimsical trip through the Hundred Acre Wood on the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, or embrace your inner pirate on Pirates of the Caribbean.

But your experience isn’t limited to just the attractions like “it’s a small world”. Your guide will ensure you don’t miss out on the smaller, often overlooked gems scattered throughout the parks. Hidden secrets, charming nooks, and photo opportunities galore await you.

 Dining Like Royalty: Exclusive Culinary Experiences

As your VIP treatment continues, it’s time to refuel with a touch of Disney dining magic. VIP tours include dining reservations wherever you like! Just tell the cast member when you make your reservation, and your VIP concierge will make them for you. 

Of course, your guide will also help you navigate the park’s various quick-service options, ensuring you savor the best snacks and treats Disneyland has to offer. From churros to Dole Whip floats, the options are as delicious as they are diverse.

 Behind-the-Scenes: Secrets and Stories

One of the highlights of a VIP tour is the opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn about the inner workings of Disneyland. Your guide may share captivating stories about the park’s history, point out hidden details, and even take you to exclusive backstage areas.

Ever wonder how animatronics work or how the park’s iconic parades come to life? Your guide is a treasure trove of knowledge, ready to reveal the secrets that make Disneyland the enchanting place it is.

 Customized Surprises: Your Tour, Your Way

While your day follows a planned itinerary, there’s always room for surprises. VIP tour guides are known for their ability to add spontaneous moments of magic to your tour. Whether it’s arranging a special character meet-and-greet or securing a prime spot for a parade or fireworks show, your guide is dedicated to making your tour a special experience. 

 FAQs: Answering Your VIP Tour Questions

You may have questions about your upcoming Disneyland VIP tour. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How far in advance should I book my VIP tour? : It’s advisable to book your VIP tour as early as possible, especially if you have specific dates in mind or a large group. Tours can book up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Can I choose the attractions I want to visit on the VIP tour? : Yes! Your dedicated tour guide will work with you to create a personalized itinerary that includes your preferred attractions and experiences around Disneyland Park. 

Is food included in the VIP tour cost? : While some VIP tours include bottled water, most do not include full meals. Be sure to check the details of your specific tour when booking.

What is the cancellation policy for VIP tours? : Cancellation policies can vary, so reviewing the cancellation terms is crucial when making your reservation. Typically, you must cancel within a specific timeframe to receive a refund.

Can I use my Disney rewards or discounts for VIP tours? : Disney rewards and discounts typically do not apply to VIP tours due to their exclusive nature. Be sure to check with Disney directly for any specific promotions or offers.

Do I need a park hopper ticket for my Disneyland VIP tour?:  That’s up to you, but I think to take full advantage of the VIP service, you’ll want to have a park hopper ticket on your Disneyland VIP tour to give you access to all the attractions at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. 

Is a Disneyland private VIP tour worth the money?:  The answer to this question depends on you. There’s no doubt that a Disney private VIP tour is the most efficient way to spend your Disneyland day. For many people, the cost of private guides and short lines you can access with a Disneyland VIP Tour is well worth the money. Other guests might disagree. 

Your VIP tour at Disneyland is not just a day at the park; it’s an immersive, enchanting adventure filled with magic and wonder. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible memories you’ll create, the attractions you’ll conquer, the delectable Disney cuisine you’ll savor, and the insider stories you’ll uncover.

These VIP tours offer a level of priority access and personalization that few other theme parks can match. They turn a day at Disneyland into an unforgettable, tailor-made journey that caters to your interests, creating cherished moments you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.

Why Every Disney Fan Should Consider VIP Tours

If you’re a Disney fan, you might wonder if a VIP tour is worth the investment. Here are a few compelling reasons why it’s a must-do for enthusiasts:

• Maximized Magic : VIP tours allow you to make the most of your day at Disneyland by skipping lines, accessing exclusive experiences, and receiving insider insights from your guide. It’s the perfect way to spend a day at Disneyland! 
• Personalization : Your VIP tour is crafted to match your preferences, ensuring you get to enjoy your favorite rides, meet beloved characters, and explore hidden gems. Want to ride Rise of the Resistance 10 times in a row? You can do it! 
• Exclusive Access : VIP tours grant you access to behind-the-scenes areas and experiences that regular park guests rarely see, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your visit.
• Time and Convenience : With a VIP guide handling logistics, you can relax and enjoy the magic without worrying about reservations, schedules, or navigating the park.
• Creating Memories : Disneyland VIP tours create many magical moments you’ll cherish forever, from front-row seats for parades to personalized surprises. It’s a wonderful way to spend a family vacation! 

As you embark on your Disneyland VIP adventure, remember that the magic is not just in the attractions and experiences but in the joy and wonder you bring to it. Whether this is your first time at Disneyland or you’re a seasoned Disney fan, these tours unlock a world of enchantment that will leave you with a heart full of Disney magic and memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy your journey, and may it be filled with pixie dust and dreams come true!

Make sure to check out my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on  Apple Podcasts ,  Spotify , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic.” Follow me on  Instagram  for lots of Disney tips and fun!

I'm Melissa, your Disney vacation aficionado and full-time mom to four. Whether it's sipping Diet Dr. Pepper or sharing unbeatable Disney planning tips, I'm all about adding a touch of magic to everyday life. Let me help turn your Disney dreams into reality with insider advice and customized planning strategies. Join me on this magical journey and make every Disney adventure unforgettable! Read more...

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I did a Disneyland VIP Tour – and it was the best $4,200 I’ve ever spent at Disney

Last updated on Feb 28, 2024 by Adam Bryan . This post may contain affiliate links.

I did a Disneyland VIP tour and it was the best money I’ve ever spent at a Disney Park.

Yes, I know, it’s expensive af, but let me start by saying that you have no idea how bad I’ve always wanted to do one.

Plus, pair that up with seeing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a place I’ve been dreaming about visiting for years, and it was basically eating at me to go ever since it opened.

So I decided to bite the bullet.

Disneyland VIP Tour Review

Here’s a quick rundown on how it works:

• Instant access to 30 plus attractions which basically means you get unlimited access to all Fastpass attractions and priority access to about 15 additional attractions.
• Reserved viewing experiences for popular shows, parades, and fireworks in a special reserved viewing section.
• Faster access to character meet and greets.
• 7 hour minimum per tour
• Max 10 guest per 1 tour guide which asl includes children under 3 years old

So here’s how my Sunday with a VIP tour guide went at Disneyland (in May 2019).

And of course it was peak season so just my luck it was $600 an hour. So let me say that first just to get it over with.

Thankfully 2 of my friends came with us so I didn’t feel like I paying that much just for my wife and I.

We met our tour guide Samantha outside of California adventure and proceeded directly to Disneyland park.

Then we finally made it to Galaxy’s Edge. Seeing the Millennium Falcon was everything.

Then with a 5 minute wait, we headed right into the Millennium Falcon.

Riding it twice and being both pilots was a dream. I honestly could’ve went home right after.

Then we did some exploring around Galaxy’s Edge and got some snacks like Green and Blue Milk…

…sweet and spicy popcorn….

…and the coolest Coke bottle you’ll ever see, period.

Then it was time to ride some more rides with our “unlimited Fastpasses!” Our tour guide even rode with us which was pretty cool.

Then once we knocked out all the major rides like Indiana Jones, Big Thunder, Matterhorn, and Hyperspace Mountain, we went over to Disney’s California Adventure to to the same.

The best part was honestly being able to rides Radiator Springs Racers stress-free.

Then once we finished up at the park, we headed back to Disneyland as the sun went down.

Last but not least, we got to watch the fireworks in a reserved, roped off seating area on benches. No standing necessary.

And to make things even better, during the Fireworks, our tour guide went to Galaxy’s Edge and got us a reservation to ride Smugglers Run one last time.

Just a perfect way to end the day.

How much is a Disneyland VIP Tour?

A Disneyland VIP tour ranges from $450 to $900 an hour for a minimum of 7 hours.

The pricing for a Disneyland VIP Tour varies by season and crowd levels.

• Hourly rate is $450 – $900 per hour, per tour guide
• 7 hour minimum
• Park admission is an additional fee
• 2 hour cancellation fees is charged when tours are cancelled within 48 hours.

Is a Disneyland VIP tour worth it?

That 100% depends on you.

Would I do it for 3 days at that peak season rate? Hell no!

But if you only have one day at Disneyland and it’s a weekend and you really really really want to ride a certain ride or explore a new attraction, then yes.

Because in all honesty, there’s only one thing a VIP tour really saves you and that’s time.

No waiting, short lines, and even access to Star War Land, I mean come on, it’s a fantastic offer.

But if money is an issue, bring 9 people with you, split the cost , and it can be quite affordable, especially during offseason (like February).

So in conclusion…

I’ve been to Disneyland quite a few times and I must say, just those 7 hours alone was probably one of the best visits I’ve EVER had.

Great VIP tour guide, awesome company, and nonstop rides at both Disneyland and California Adventure and you got yourself the perfect day.

Update: My Tour in February 2022

So I went on another VIP Tour on February 1, 2022 and I must say, it was a pretty similar experience. But instead of only four of us, there was 8 of us total. But that really didn’t slow us down as we were able to knock out every major ride with a couple hours to spare for repeats.

One difference between this tour and the previous one is that no rides were off-limits. We got to ride Web Slingers in Avengers Campus back to back and entered using the Individual Lightning Lane entrance.

The only thing that was semi-limited was that you are only able to ride Rise of the Resistance once, but honestly, once is enough, especially if you get to bypass that 90+ minute wait.

But if there was one thing that truly separated this experience from my previous VIP tour, its the price.

Since it was off-season and not a Friday or weekend, my hourly rate was $400 (with a 7 hour minimum still).

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more Disney Parks travel info!

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About Adam Bryan

Hey what's up, I'm Adam, founder of Urban Tastebud Disney and I spend most of my days eating (and researching, but mostly eating) around Disney Parks to create useful travel planning content that will help you maximize your time and money at Disney.

Reader Interactions

July 26, 2019 at 11:21 am

Sounds like you had a blast…but if you really want to save money and time. All you have to do is be the first group at the park… then you really have time to ride all your favorite rides 2-3 times each (we always do). Then in our group we like pretty much every fantastic ride so we ride each ride by town. Oh and in between these rides we definitely stop at our favorites again like Space mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones etc. and little ride nearly all rides at the park. Oh and easier waiting in the lines when you have a person who is handicapped. When your handicapped you cant cut lines, but you do get to sit down and be called to your ride spot and take the elevator. Oh and while your waiting on say that one ride you go grab the fast passes to your favorites before hand and match the times. Your done and have immediate access to the next ride… but we only pay the ticket and food or merchandise. Lastly, we do have time for the parade and some people stay…I dont because that is a prime time to go ride rides…just have a map or you will get lost and cut off multiple times due to the parade. Overall, Disneyland is starting to become a 2 day thing. Because lines are ridiculous. But we like our ways of getting around them.

February 07, 2021 at 8:47 am

Seriously that’s just insane, terrible advice from a 1%’er or just an idiot that doesn’t know how to plan his day at Disney

DARREN HUNTER

February 14, 2021 at 4:01 pm

This is a dumb article.

Ramiro Licea

February 08, 2021 at 12:09 pm

Oh and Yes this is what everyone does.

January 31, 2021 at 12:28 pm

I could not read this. My 9 year old has better grammar than this author.

February 01, 2021 at 7:15 am

I could not read this paltry remark. My 7 year old has better insults than Sarah’s 9 year old.

John bremburger

February 01, 2021 at 6:05 am

This was a very nice first world story with people who have some intense first world problems.

February 01, 2021 at 7:10 am

No problems were mentioned at all – very petty comment to make – envious much?

Looks like you learned a new adjective and your goal was to use it twice in one day. Congrats!

February 01, 2021 at 7:12 pm

Stfu rich cunt, youre just mad because your precious hege funds are in trouble and your daddys gonna be broke

February 14, 2021 at 8:27 am

Hilarious how a complete stranger can push your buttons and cause you to toss out obscenities on a site devoted to Disney. Emotion much?

Fred Rubble

July 08, 2021 at 5:31 pm

I can tell by your language you are both trash and obviously uneducated. I would bet money you do not even know what hedge fund really is or the tax implications and advantages to owning or investing one. However I can see that you will never enjoy the success of having money to spend and are full of vitriol towards perfect strangers who simply advised about a good time they had. We are nothing more than sad that you will live a pathetic existence full of failure and hate. Have fun with that!

July 27, 2021 at 6:44 pm

Jeez. You people are a bunch of whining, petty jerk offs. Oh wait. I get it. Disneyland is in OC. You’re just behaving OC-typical.

June 06, 2022 at 7:27 am

Sounds like someone is jealous!!

February 08, 2021 at 3:11 am

Well, you basically have two options. You can continue to angrily respond to everyone pointing out that no matter how well off a person is, this is an insane amount of money to throw at an amusement park (as if your replies will somehow change that fact)….or you can go spend several thousand yourself on this experience. I guarantee you no one here will be upset if you choose to throw away your money that way.

February 14, 2021 at 6:02 pm

I didn’t see anger in the commenter’s comments, just a response to people attacking the author. And that someone gets to the point where they are lashing out and say “STFU…cunt” wow…..complete overreaction.

I respectfully disagree there are 2 options he has – and you know that as well. It’s just your way of marginalizing their comments to two negative responses.

Whether or not it’s an insane amount of money, calling someone out for their grammar/spelling is rude. As far as the insane amount of money, I’m still interested in hearing what options are out there – even if I choose not to spend my money that way.

Why do people want to get snarky about how someone else spends their money?

April 15, 2021 at 7:57 pm

I have to agree with that

December 03, 2021 at 6:39 am

I’m doing this trip..and if you had the money you would to! Don’t hate, participate…

February 01, 2021 at 5:01 pm

Quit trying to sell this over priced experience. We need to send disney a message. “Make your shit parks more affordable” the end.

September 24, 2023 at 7:19 pm

If it’s a shit park, why do you care what it costs? According to you, even if it was $5.00 it would still be a shit park.

Andrew V Rossetti

February 01, 2021 at 8:16 pm

Never been to Disney yet, but that seems like a real good way to go! Thanks for posting

February 16, 2021 at 4:27 pm

February 03, 2021 at 9:15 am

Thanks for posting. I am considering a Disneyland trip with my kiddos someday in the future and I appreciate all the tips people write in their articles. Thanks again!!

February 16, 2021 at 4:31 pm

no problem!

July 03, 2021 at 4:16 pm

Alot of jealous people commenting i see. Good for you man for experiencing a good day at Disneyland!

February 04, 2021 at 2:16 pm

To all readers Sadly this will not happen at Disneyland Park in California with all the new restriction guidelines We’ll have to make a reservation then you’re limited to guests being parks You’ll have to make reservations to get on rides a lot of changes I don’t know how it is in Florida but in California it’ll be way different

February 16, 2021 at 4:32 pm

Yeah that’s kind of a bummer. They did bring back the tours for Orlando so helpfully sometime in the next couple years it returns to Cali

February 07, 2021 at 10:51 pm

My family & I have been to Disney countless times, know the parks & always have a blast. We sprang for the VIP last time (first time) it was worth every penny! I would do it again in a heartbeat. We had 10 in our group & it was amazing. We hit every experience & ride in both parks in our time in one day. Our guide was amazing, the kids still talk about him.

February 12, 2021 at 6:53 pm

How much did you tip your guide? On an hourly or daily rate?

February 16, 2021 at 4:30 pm

We tipped off the hourly rate and a little bit extra since our tour guide did an awesome job

October 28, 2021 at 3:28 am

Would you say you tipped roughly an extra hours worth?

MarkClusters

February 13, 2021 at 3:03 am

Cant you just buy a fast pass ticket for all the rides? It’s not clear to me wbat the added value is of dragging this guy along.

February 16, 2021 at 4:29 pm

Yeah that’s usually how everyone (myself included) does it since it’s honestly the better option. However, since we were flying in from Orlando and Star Wars Land was very new and busy, this was the best way to practically guarantee entrance at that time.

April 18, 2022 at 4:02 pm

The lightening lane pass is only available on certain rides and does not include the new one in the Star Wars area (Resistance). So your guide will get you to the front of the line for ALL rides with a maximum wait time of 15ish minutes.

August 31, 2023 at 11:38 pm

No, that won’t work. Genie+ limits you to once per ride, requires a timed return time, and limits you to holding one Lightning Lane entry at a time (until 2 hours have gone by). With all the scheduling restrictions and limited availability, you might get to use 3 or 4 Lightning Lanes in a day, and you’ll be having to adhere to a schedule to be at certain rides at certain times (often backtracking across both parks). VIP Tour solves all of that – go to any ride you want, in whatever order you want, as many times as you want (except ROTR – limit once). We did 17 rides across both parks in 7 hours, including Cars and Guardians twice each. There is no substitute for a VIP tour. It’s the only way I do Disney nowadays.

February 20, 2021 at 3:30 pm

Wow, what a mouth on the jealous chick! I think this is a great option …… I’ve done it three times with two families….. I’m sure it will change now …..plan on doing again ….great fun and time well spent , anyway between two families, you almost spend as much anyway ! We all had all year passes , by the way ……🤪

March 10, 2021 at 1:28 pm

Great article! Totally makes me consider doing a tour which I never considered before, thanks!

April 04, 2021 at 8:27 pm

While the tour guide makes between $15-17/hour. Gotta love Disney. 🤣

April 05, 2021 at 2:57 am

I really wonder what kind of people would spend $4200 to have a guy lead you around in Disneyland. Yes, you save a bit of time because the guy probably knows the place better than you. But you lose the sense of discovery. You lose the privacy and intimacy of your household. And you lose a disgusting amount of money.

Katherine Wong

April 21, 2021 at 6:40 am

Disgusting to YOU. How anyone chooses to spend their money is their business. What someone thinks is exorbitant is chump change for another. As for the other commenters saying the 1% blah blah, “hedge fund manager”, my husband is a mechanic. We scrimp and save for these experiences. Pre-pandemic Disneyland was a local-infested, freaking zoo. Wish people would add, in my opinion to their inane analyses on the way people live their lives. Live and let live. Or, live and let die.

April 27, 2022 at 4:58 pm

What are you implying by “ local-infested, freaking zoo”?

April 28, 2022 at 4:06 am

Still I find it weird that somebody would like to spend their day at Disneyland with a complete stranger, let alone pay for it. It’s not as if you need to find your way around in a strange country where you don’t speak the language and you risk your life if you end up in the wrong neighbourhood. It’s a f***ing theme park. You get a little map at the entrance.

April 15, 2021 at 10:13 am

For the price I was expecting to read that you learned a lot about the park, history or some behind the scenes gems. Here’s my pro tip, which is much cheaper: go early, avoid the magic morning park, buy a MaxPass (when available again), use the mobile app to preorder food as much as possible. Your feet will thank you.

John Marbles

April 15, 2021 at 10:57 am

For that price I would expect a blowjob by Minnie Mouse herself.

April 21, 2021 at 6:43 am

You like ’em dry…and with a side of hantivirus to boot, eh?

July 08, 2021 at 5:26 pm

Crude but funny!

garthbiscuit

April 16, 2021 at 1:35 am

My preferred way of visiting Disney World is the following. I pay a professional journalist 250K to spend a whole week at the park. He will taste all the food items, ride all the rides and even interview other guests. Then he will write everything down in a nice booklet, which is then printed on fancy looking silky paper. This way, I can enjoy the park, reading the booklet in bed or on the toilet! I don’t even have to leave my house. And best of all, no waiting lines!

April 16, 2021 at 2:59 pm

Thanks, Adam. I loved the article, and hope to take the tour, with my family, some time in the future. Just wondering how you tipped your guide?

April 17, 2021 at 4:36 pm

You had to pay for tparking??, that’s laughable, sad really. No behind the scenes tour, or maybe a peek inside the apartment above the fire station.

April 21, 2021 at 6:42 am

Some people just go for the rides, ya know?

Sander Theys

April 29, 2021 at 1:16 pm

As a european: why the hell do you have to tip the guide? You just gave him 4200 dollar to spend a day at disneyland. I really dont understand that whole tipping thing…

Windsong Conlon

December 11, 2021 at 2:58 am

I wonder that the hourly wage is for the tour guides. If it’s only $20 an hour then it’s just $140 pay for 7 hours. A $500 tip means everything to them if that’s the case. But I really don’t know.

May 08, 2021 at 2:54 pm

Did they check your ID when entering? I know it’s only open to CA citizens but a few people in our party aren’t from California.

June 19, 2021 at 7:52 pm

Love this!! Thank you for the review!! Definitely considering this for our next trip to Disney!!

Not A Cheap Ass

June 20, 2021 at 4:21 pm

Don’t listen to all these cheap ass people who live in liberal, broke ass, CA. The VIP IS 100% worth it. No need to get there early as hell or having to run around getting passes to ride what you want to ride. With the VIP, you do what you want, when you want.

October 11, 2021 at 1:20 am

Hates liberal, broke ass CA, drops over $4,500 to spend an entire day there. You really showed them my guy

Emil Cheaffers

July 09, 2021 at 1:41 am

I really don’t get why you would want to spend your day with a total stranger, breaking the intimacy of spending quality time with your family. I would not do this even if it was free. The only explanation I can think of why people should do this is when they are a bit retarded and not able to read the little park map you get at the entrance. You don’t want to get stuck in Alice’s maze for 9 hours straight.

December 11, 2021 at 3:02 am

The tour guides are fun! At least that’s what I’ve heard 😉

August 26, 2021 at 11:54 am

Any idea if Webslingers or Rise of the Resistance is included?

September 10, 2021 at 1:40 am

So for a few days Rise of the Resistance was included but they backtracked on that. Web Slingers is probably still too new to be included

November 09, 2021 at 9:08 pm

Hello! Thank you for sharing. Your VIP tour guide followed you guys the whole 7 hours? Or let you guys walk around on your own and meet up later? How soon do you let the VIP tour guide know to reserved seats for the fireworks? The roped off seating area on benches sounds awesome. You mentioned 7 hours with the tour guide – from what time to start and end?

December 22, 2021 at 6:16 pm

Hey Sandy, the tour guide follows you the entire time. The only time they ever left us was when they didn’t want to go on the ride with us. For the fireworks, we told our guide during the tour that we wanted to end the day watching fireworks so she made sure to get us back in front of the castle just before they stared. It’s a 7 hour minimum and you can choose any time slot. I just prefer afternoons/evenings so we started our later in the day. Hope this helps!

December 29, 2021 at 12:01 pm

Great article. I think you just sold me on this. Definitely doing this next time. Totally worth it to knock out all the big rides and then some in one day for both parks. Cost per person is reasonable if you max out the # in your group, seems like a great deal to me. My time is worth way more than waiting in line for over an hour.

Those haters can go fly a kite. And I like having first world problems.

Happy new year!

February 14, 2022 at 11:38 pm

We are going for a VIP tour in the morning and CAN NOT Wait! Thank you for your article.

February 15, 2022 at 1:31 am

Great! We did it last month and now we can’t get enough of this kind of activity. Yesterday I paid $7500 for the Walmart VIP Shopping Tour. This tour guide helped me picking the best produce and pointed me straight at the cash register with the shortest line. Money well spent, I would say!

Erin Holmes

February 22, 2022 at 11:02 am

I did it too! It was so worth the money. Not sure how I’ll ever do it again without the VIP!

Deborah Williams

March 28, 2022 at 11:48 am

Thank you for the info! Our VIP Tour (for Disneyland only) will be at the end of April and we are very much looking forward to it! Few perks have been added to the VIP Tour now that I’d like to share: free valet parking up to 2 cars at Grand Californian Hotel, free lockers, free manual wheelchair, free dinner/parade/fireworks reservations (even if your tour has concluded, you still get the reservations). I am waiting to hear back if we get complimentary ponchos for Splash Mountain so will report back. Also, not all Tour Guides will have a tour that day and will be assistants for those that do! So if you have merchandise, popcorn buckets, etc and don’t want to carry any more, an assistant will come and get your things and hold for you until tour has concluded. I saw a video of someone sharing their VIP Tou experience and the tour guide waited in line for popcorn for the guests! The guests still ad to pay but I mean waiting in line for a churro if I need to visit the ladies room? Yes please!!

April 11, 2022 at 9:17 am

How munch is it total for 5 people? And is it only for one day?

September 02, 2022 at 12:40 am

Thanks for writing about your experience, as I was curious what the VIP tours entail. If money is no object, then it sounds well worth it especially not having to stand in those endless long lines Disneyland always seems to have.

John Galbraith

September 02, 2022 at 1:22 am

I don’t think those lines disappear just because you’re dragging a complete stranger along.

November 12, 2022 at 1:05 pm

My wife and I went on the VIP Disneyland California tour November 1st 2022. We have been visiting Disneyland from Ireland every year (except 20 & 21 since 1992. I will compare it with Universal VIP, Universal gives you breakfast & lunch, you get genuine immediate access to attractions, no wait in the lightning lane for 10 minutes, also you can still use your VIP pass after the tour has finished for the remainder of the day. Universal is very much less expensive, although you are in a group of about 15. Universal also gives you access to a special lounge. Disney is really out to make as much profit from people as possible, the guide was pleasant, but I felt the value was poor.

January 31, 2023 at 5:27 pm

My family and I still talk about how great our Universal VIP tour was. Well worth the money for sure

January 27, 2023 at 4:28 pm

I was wondering how much you ended up tipping your guide? There are 4 of us that will be with our guide so similar to your first tour.

Thanks in advance!

January 31, 2023 at 5:26 pm

Hi! So if I remember correctly, it was around $100

February 27, 2024 at 3:53 pm

Yikes…$100 seems kinda low. For a 7-hour tour (at $700/hour), I tipped $500.

March 05, 2024 at 5:52 pm

ISMAEL GOMEZ

May 10, 2023 at 1:12 am

well just love your pictures and story… We are doing this for our 45 anniversary because we always wanted to do this And we just love Disney… And if people cry about cost,,, Stay home……..

February 27, 2024 at 3:52 pm

This is one of those clickbait “articles” that gets its dateline constantly updated so it appears “fresh”, when it is actually many years old. The VIP tour price quoted ($425-600) is woefully outdated. I took 2 Disneyland VIP tours last year (2023) and have one scheduled for June 2024. On my last tour (September 2023), I paid $700/hour on a Thursday. Based on recent quotes, the price is now $600-900 per hour, but I’m sure that will continue to rise. Regarding all the comments about it being outrageous, all I can say is: I found it to be a good value – the freedom to enjoy the attractions in any order with minimal waiting resulted in a stress-free 7 hours where we rode 17 rides in DLand and DCA (all the E-tickets plus a few other faves). Well worth it.

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• Disneyland Resort

Disneyland VIP Tours Are Back! Here’s Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Roden · October 26, 2021

Here at MickeyBlog, we are so excited to share the news that bookings have resumed for Private VIP Tours at Disneyland Resort.  It doesn’t get more magical than having your very own private Disney expert take you through the theme parks and to the front of the lines of some of your favorite attractions!

What’s Included in a Disneyland VIP Tour

For those unfamiliar, the Private VIP Tours run for 7-hours at Disneyland Resort.   Included in the booking is hassle-free white-glove service and hospitality. There’s also some additional premium benefits worthy of mention: 

• Theme Park Reservations – Guests are still required to make theme park reservations for the day of your VIP tour. But, don’t worry, if you don’t already have a reservation the VIP tour office will help you out! 
• Private VIP Tour Guide – One VIP guide is assigned per group of ten. If a group of more than 10 you will need to purchase 2 tours providing you with 2 tour guides. 
• Front of the Line Access – Enjoy your favorite attractions without the wait times! 
• Complimentary Disney PhotoPass- Guests booking a VIP tour will get unlimited PhotoPass downloads to capture your experience as a Disney MVP. 
• Parking is Included – Guests arriving from off-property will be able to park at Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa as part of your package! 

How Much Does the VIP Tour Cost? 

This depends on the time of year you book. Prices start at $425 per hour and go up to $700 per hour per tour.  Guests should remember that there is a 7-hour daily minimum per tour. 

Guests should note that park admission is not included in the rate. Cancellation fees may apply when tours are canceled with only 4-days of arrival. 

UPDATED: Health and Safety Recommendations From The State of California 

If you’re planning on booking a VIP tour in the near future, it’s good to be up on the latest health and safety recommendations.  According to a piece published by Disney today, Private VIP Tours will be required to follow the healthy and safety measures at Disneyland Resort.  

At the moment,  the State of California is recommending that all guests be fully vaccinated or that you must obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering Disneyland Resort. For more information on Disneyland’s health and safety policy and procedures please visit: Disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr to view important details. 

Image Credit: Disney

For more information on Disneyland VIP tours or to start planning your Disneyland getaway, you can fill out my form below for your FREE no-obligation quote. 

For other VIP Tour information, including valuable know before you go details, click here .  Readers are also encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Disneyland news and updates!

Thinking about a visit to Disneyland? Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels.  

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner?  As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical.  Best of all my services are absolutely  FREE .  Get in touch at  1.800.801.4025  via email at  [email protected]   or follow along on  Facebook

Melissa Roden

As an agent with MickeyTravels and a Blogger with MickeyBlog I enjoy sharing, tips, tricks and advice to help readers and clients get the most out of your time with Disney. When I'm not helping clients plan their perfect holidays or nab those hard-to-get discounts you can find me enjoying a Dole Whip at Disney World with my daughter! Reach out for a FREE, no obligation quote at 1.800.801.4025 or find me on Facebook !

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What Is a VIP Tour at Disneyland?

Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth, offers an even more magical experience with its VIP Tours. These tours provide a premium, personalized adventure that goes beyond the usual park visit. But what exactly is a VIP tour at Disneyland? How does it differ from regular admission, and is it worth the cost? Let’s delve into everything you need to know about Disneyland’s VIP tours.

A VIP Tour at Disneyland is a premium, personalized park experience. It includes your own tour guide, expedited access to attractions via Disneyland’s Lightning Lane, reserved seating for events, and a custom itinerary based on your interests. The cost ranges from $450 to $900 per hour, with a minimum commitment of seven hours. The price does not include park admission or access to all rides.

What is a VIP Tour?

A Disneyland VIP Tour is a bespoke experience designed to make your visit extra special. With a VIP tour, you get your own personal tour guide, often referred to as a “plaid” due to their distinctive attire. Your guide will take you on a customized journey through the park, sharing insider tips, fascinating stories, and assisting with your needs throughout the day.

Benefits of a VIP Tour

The benefits of a VIP tour are numerous. They include:

• Expedited access to attractions : VIP tours offer access to attractions via Disneyland’s Lightning Lane, allowing you to bypass long queues and maximize your time in the park.
• Reserved seating : You have access to premium viewing areas for parades, fireworks, and other spectacular events.
• Personalized itinerary : Your tour guide will help craft a plan that suits your interests and preferences, ensuring you get the most out of your Disneyland experience.
• Insider knowledge : Your guide will share insider tips and stories about Disneyland’s history and hidden gems.

Cost and Inclusions of a VIP Tour

The cost of a Disneyland VIP Tour ranges from $450 to $900 per hour, depending on the season, with a minimum commitment of seven continuous hours. It’s important to note that the tour price does not include park admission, which must be purchased separately. The tour can accommodate up to 10 guests, making it a suitable option for large family gatherings or group outings.

While the tour does not include front-of-the-line access to all rides or cover food expenses, the VIP tour can offer a unique and exclusive Disneyland experience, especially for those with limited time in the park.

How to Book a VIP Tour

You can book a Disneyland VIP Tour by sending an email to [email protected] or calling (714) 300-7710. Given the popularity and limited availability of these tours, it’s recommended to book well in advance to secure your preferred date.

Making the Most of Your VIP Tour

To get the most out of your VIP tour, consider these insider tips:

• Plan ahead : Work with your VIP planner to create an itinerary that includes your must-do attractions and shows.
• Utilize your guide : Your guide is a wealth of knowledge. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek advice on the best way to navigate the park.
• Remember to tip : It’s customary to tip your guide, usually around $20 per person in your group.

A VIP tour at Disneyland offers a unique experience that goes beyond the regular park visit. While it comes with a premium price tag, the personalized service, expedited access to attractions, and insider knowledge can make it a worthwhile investment for a truly unforgettable Disneyland adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i book a vip tour on the same day of my visit.

No, due to the high demand and limited availability of Disneyland VIP Tours, it is recommended to book them well in advance to secure your preferred date.

Does the VIP Tour cover both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park?

Yes, the VIP Tour covers both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Your guide can help you navigate both parks efficiently.

Are VIP Tours available every day?

Yes, VIP Tours are typically available every day. However, availability may vary depending on the season and specific park events.

Is there a discount for annual pass holders or Disneyland Resort hotel guests for the VIP Tour?

Unfortunately, Disneyland does not offer discounts on VIP Tours for annual pass holders or Disneyland Resort hotel guests. The VIP Tour is a premium service with a set price.

Can VIP Tour guides accommodate guests with special needs?

Yes, Disneyland VIP Tour guides are trained to accommodate guests with special needs. Be sure to communicate any specific requirements or needs when booking your tour.

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Leah is an expert on Disney World and Universal Studios, and she loves sharing her tips and tricks for visiting the parks with others. She knows both parks' ins and outs and can help you make the most of your visit.

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Disneyland VIP Tour 2024 Service Review and Guide

Disneyland VIP Tours provide for easy access to all of the Disneyland Resort attractions and special treatment at shows with reserved seating.

Save on your stay! Disneyland COMBO Hotel + Ticket Discounts Save big when you book your Disneyland tickets and hotel through our recommended travel sponsor that's worked with Disney for over 30 years! Get the best deal for your vacation so you don't break the bank! Book now >

On one day of our trip we were with a large group of close friends and family touring both Disneyland and California Adventure. We went on every single attraction that we wanted to and the most that we waited for any attraction was 20 minutes. How did we do this you are wondering? With the amazing Disneyland VIP Tour service!

Disneyland VIP Tour 2024

The Disneyland tour guides, often called plaids by the public, are a Disneyland staple. Walt Disney first established the tour guide program in 1958 to help welcome Disneyland park guests into what was then a revolutionary foreign idea to them. Since then the types of tours have greatly expanded and the VIP tour was introduced.

Disneyland VIP Tour Guide Benefits

I am sure that you are thinking, “that's great, but why should I get it?” Well here is why. The VIP tour guide will cater for your every need. You will be VIP for the day, being waited on hand and foot. Your tour guide acts as a “concierge” as many of us adoringly called our guides. Anything was possible with a phone call.

The biggest perk of the guide is the special access to the Lightning Lane line and skipping the line all together. When you are with a tour guide they will almost immediately escort you on every attraction. It was really cool to see them join us on the rides (I'm sure that this a huge perk to the job)…as seen above.

Another benefit of the tour program was we had our choices of reserved seats for the fireworks, World of Color, Fantastmic!, and both parades. At meal time your guide will find and reserve perfect restaurants for your family or group.

VIP tour guides are able to get access to a ride on the Lilly Belle, an exclusive train car on the Disneyland railroad that is very hard to get a spot on.

You also get unlimited PhotoPass downloads from the day! This includes any attraction photos, character dining experiences, and magic shots!

Tour guides can also show off the Disneyland Pet Cemetary located behind the Haunted Mansion. Regular Haunted Mansion Cast Members can sometimes take guests out to see it like in the video below, but it is so much nicer with your guide.

Once you book your tour (details below), your tour guide will get in touch with you to figure out the details of the day or entire trip and decide on what attractions your family should ride and where to eat.

Disneyland VIP Tour Details 2024

Your Disneyland VIP tour includes a few perks that start before you even enter the park! Make sure you're prepared with what you want your day to look like when you talk to the VIP Tour Coordinator. Make your reservation as far in advance as possible because these tours are quite popular!

Planning Details

• The VIP Tour Coordinators will contact you to help you plan your day including start times,  special celebrations, specific family priorities for the day and special dining needs.
• They will also book your Disneyland dining reservations and get your VIP reserved seating set up for the shows you select.
• The minimum length of your VIP tour is 7 hours and allows for flexibility for any spontaneous decisions along the way.
• Tours are available only during normal park operating hours.
• Complimentary strollers, wheelchairs, and lockers are offered to VIP tour guests.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult throughout the entire tour.

Reservations 

• Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Disney Special Activities at [email protected] or (714) 300-7710.
• Tours in other languages besides English may be available with advance notice.
• Starting at $3,500, this cost covers the tour for you and up to 9 other guests with a minimum of 7 hours. Additional guests past the maximum of 10 will require a second tour guide at an added cost.
• Theme park admission to either park is not included in this price. If you plan on seeing both parks on your tour then you must get Disneyland park hopper tickets.
• Cancellation notice of 48 hours is required to avoid a cancellation fee equal to 2 hours at the booked rate per each VIP Tour Guide.

Disneyland VIP Tour Tips

While in line or walking around, the guides will provide back stories and interesting factoids about the park if you ask….make sure to ask, the stories are really fun and enhance your entire day. It is customary that if you stop for a snack to offer to buy the guide food. Often times they will refuse anything, but still offer. At meal times it is your choice to decide if you want your guide to join your or not. Also, throughout the day guides may slip away while you are on an attraction or having a meal. Don't worry, they just went off to “clock in” and check on other pieces of your day. Final super important tip, make sure to tip about 15-20% for your tour guide. It makes sense since they just spent the day catering to your every need. 

Our Experience

As we said above, the tour guides made our Disneyland vacation. The ability to cut lines and sit in areas with perfectly unobstructed views is simply amazing. The only problem with the experience is that it is highly addicting. It was a very special experience that I am very happy to have enjoyed.

If you end up deciding to have a Disneyland VIP tour guide make your day magical at Disneyland then you will be the envy of all of the “regular” Disneyland visitors . Remember not to gloat to much when you are cutting them in line, you have been there too. 

Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a VIP Experience that rivals the Disneyland VIP tours in both cost and content. At Universal Studios you'll pay less than $400 for the entire day and receive tons of great extras with the experience.

Everyone has been raving about this new tour. You can learn more and get a discount on my discount Universal Studios tickets page .

Ready to Plan Your Vacation? Check Out Our Ultimate Vacation Tips on MickeyVisit.com!

Anxious to plan your trip to see the new changes at the Disneyland Resort? We have a team of writers covering the most sought after Disneyland and Walt Disney World planning tips. Sign up for our newsletter over at Mickey Visit for exclusive discounts on tickets, hotels, and dining along with ultimate guides to planning your vacation.  Join the Mickey Visit FREE newsletter here>

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22 comments add your comment

I wonder what guests would pay WED Graduates and ITF Veterans for an Inside Knowledge Tour of attractions they have worked on? One way to employee our Disney Seniors and Veterans. I remember my first Tour Guide in 1958, on my 3rd visit to Disneyland. The price was much lower back then, as was everything else.

I don’t know, but boy would that be awesome. I have friends in the VIP Tour/Guest Services department who have received special tours of the Haunted Mansion and other attractions. They have a chance to win these tours by winning raffles in their department.

I think 355 per hour is way too much. Then you ask for a20$ per hour tip. Who gets the 355 per hour? Disney will not get my season pass money next year wither. Shiesters

Kindly contact me to arrange conceirge services at Disneyland from the 13th to 17th August 2014

Regards Farzana

Sorry for the late reply, but we aren’t the people to ask about that. Contact Disney directly as said above.

I was pretty much horror stricken while reading this review. Had my former beloved overlords at the Mouse House finally taken one shortcut too many and gone to the Dark Side? Of course profit is important, but the guest (all guests rich or not) should enjoy the parks in equal fashion. See, back in the late 80s early 90s I worked in Guest Relations as a V.I.p. tour guide and so much of this article was contrary to Disney S.O.P. (standard operating procedure). Tips??? No Disney theme park employee is allowed to accept tips. The exception: if a guest offers 3 times despite your refusal, you can accept the tip, if you explain it will be donated to the United Way. But that’s a minor detail. I knew it has been over 20 years. A lot can happen in that time. I was hoping that Disney hasn’t gone through a huge shift in policy since the early 90s, but I’d learned from my Grandmother, to expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised if/when it doesn’t happen. So I called Disneyland Guest Relations to find out what in the name of Walt was going on! Guess what I learned? Disney policy hadn’t changed at all. You can rent a V.I.P. Tour Guide, but that doesn’t entitle you to backdating attractions! EVERY tour I had thought a guide could backdoor them onto rides and thought the person booking the tour was not bein

Thanks for the comment. We never “backdoored” any attraction except for Toy Story Midway Mania if I remember correctly.

Thanks for clarifying Gavin! Disneyland and WDW offer very different guided tours and I was very nervous that Disney had finally fallen to allowing guests to buy their way to the front of the line. I hope you read the continued comment. I hope its clear that I didn’t think there was.any intent to misinform readers (I can’t say that about all sites). I wish I hadn’t used my Kindle to post the comment. Some of.the autocorrect words are laughable and worse, it posted the portion you commented on before it was completed. My own fault for not writing in a traditional format. That premature posting meant that I wrote the 2nd half was a mad dash to clarify not only my initial point but explain my own intent as well as express my admiration for the work done on this site. I had hoped to have it posted before it was read by the editors. I know that typos abound, but it was a calculated risk as I hoped that if read as a whole my comments wouldn’t sound too snarky and I especially hoped it wouldn’t sound like I was scolding you. If I did, I hope you’ll accept my apology. I’ll be writing in external word processing programs and pasting the completed text from now on!

Continued…. Truthful when they were told so over the phone. I had a White House Press coordinator and her family that had to stand in line with the unwashed masses. Ironically, Jamie Lee Curtis refused a guide and any other perks her celebrity status would afford her. She explained (turning a truly horrible day into a magical one for a jaded tour guide whose pixie dust was way past its expiration date) that she wanted to have a “normal everyday guest experience in the park” with her daughter. She assured me that she could blend into the crowd, I asked her jokingly to prove it, she put on sunglasses and her entire look changed. I could’nt stop smiling and agreed she could blend. I said something about having a lot of experience considering her father is Tony Curtis and she was raised in the spotlight… (why use one.word when 50 will do just as well). She smiled.and said simply, “actress”. Btw-when I saw the pirates movies, I wondered if someone I told the story to .was on the cast of writers when Jack Sparrow simply says “pirate” when Elizabeth Swan gets angry when he behaves piratical – lying, stealing etc. See, celebrities get a VIP Guide who can backdoor them onto a ride, but it’s NOT for the celebrities benefit, it’s for the safety of the guests in line. Imagine Michael Jackson standing in line for the Haunted Mansion for a moment. No, imagine him standing in line when he was still alive! I saw him walk through the utilidors next to the cast member’s cafeteria. He was with body guards, Disney execs, record company execs and there was a mad dash to get to him! By Disney employees who are taught to never approach celebrities and never ask for autographs etc..if that had been in the park itself, I’d be concerned for his safety and.the other guests. It was that moment that MJ went from freakishly to tragic figure. He was a man trapped.in a prison of fame, a tower of isolation created not by him, but by Joe Jackson and Barry Gordy. Anyhow… Ive distressed enough… So back.to the.article.- I called Disneyland Guest Relations and asked about this article and the nice host I spoke to.assured me that Disneyland had not gone.through a change.of philosophy regarding guest experience. He assured me that no amount of money will buy a backdoor pass. HOWEVER, they offer a guided.tour called Walking in Walt’s Footsteps. The tour includes some backstage experiences. It sounds like the reviewer simply misidentified the tour as being a VIP Tour. While it may seem to be a minor error, it’s one.of.those errors that make cast members cringe when told “…but I read on the internet/in the newspaper/in my guidebook that..”. As a Guest Relations host, one of the main duties was distributing information and correcting misinformation the guests had gathered when planning their trip. I’d never heard of us being called Plaids, but had heard the term “Grounded Sky Witches” more than once. I was told that the term came from the fact that the G.R. costume resembles a flight attendant uniform. Some of us had a reputation for being “cranky” which was caused by our inability to fly. I’m sorry to tell you that a great deal of this review is incorrect, however I’m pleased to say the rest of the site is fantastic! I’ve read many of the other articles which seem to be examples of solid reporting, fact collection and summation/conclusion. This article’s errors seem to be an anomaly in an otherwise fantastic website. I can’t imagine that the author was motivated by malicious intenet or desire to mislead readers. It seems that the site is maintained by kindred spirits, and even located in The City I call home. I’m sorry rather selfishly because I had hoped to approach the web masters about writing some articles for this blog. I don’t know how receptive they will be to the idea of me contributing articles after I assaulted one of their posts. I wrote this directly in the comments box on the site, using a kindle and the on-screen keyboard so it’s not as polished as I would like.. it’s in two parts because I accidentally submitted the article before I intended. I really love this site. I visit several on a regular basis and this site often has material I haven’t seen elsewhere. More than anything, I enjoy the passion for the parks.and.all things Disney. It’s infectious and it really does deliver my doctor’s recommended Disney Dose.

I was at Disneyland for the 4th of July weekend and I just want to tip my hat off to Andrew, our guide for doing such an excellent job. He covered everything and kept a smile on his face the entire time.

Wow Lonnie, that is worth mentioning. The 4th of July Weekend was crazy in the parks this year.

You need to update the costs…

The cost of Disney’s VIP Premium Tour Service varies between $360-500 per hour depending on the season. Please call Disney Special Activities at 714-300-7710 for the current pricing.

DISNEY VIP Tour Guide Service

For all those wondering about the Disney’s VIP Premium Tour, I searched endlessly and found very limited up to date or recent info and chose to write this informal but informative review for those considering it. This post will focus on the Disney Owned and Operated VIP Premium tour that only they offer. This is not referencing the many knock off tour companies in Orlando and California that use “VIP tour” in their titles but can NOT offer direct unlimited priority access to attractions, shows, and Disney reserved seating. Please forgive spelling typos and grammatical errors (not proofreading) as this is not meant to be fine poetry but useful information for those interested. My goal will be to provide info on what to expect and what not to expect as well as make comparisons between VIP Premium tours at Disneyland (Anaheim) as well as Walt Disney World (Orlando). I have participated in both of these and recently completed my first Disneyland trip this Christmas 2015 for which I booked a Premium VIP tour. I have gone to WDW in Orlando over 100 times with my family since we have family in Orlando and did the premium VIP tour there approximately 2 years ago so some procedures may have changed at WDW but the Disneyland VIP tour info is as recent as it gets! We also chose to stay on property even though we have family in Orlando and for those with family and in-laws know why! I will try to address certain topics and compare the two when appropriate. The first thing to remember is this review is referencing the Disney VIP Premium Tour Only and not the other hundreds of tours Disney offers. This is the ultimate premium VIP experience and as you can imagine is NOT CHEAP but is convenient and every person who reads this review will need to determine if the experience is worth the money. This info is not meant to be gospel but the info presented here is based on my personal recent experiences and may not reflect current offerings but is current for me. Here we go…

COST: This will vary depending on the time of year you visit and obviously the holiday times are the most expensive and you do pay by the hour (6 hr minimum at both DL and WDW). I paid $550/hr on our recent Disneyland (DL) Christmas trip and about $400/hr on our past WDW Christmas trip. However, like all things at Disney, prices change and usually if not always go UP!. The WDW website now lists the cost to vary between $400-$600/ hr. This buys you and your group of up to 10 people a private VIP guide (wearing plaid) . If you have more than 10, a separate guide will be required and same costs apply for each guide! So if you like someone enough to share a tour guide that may average out cheaper per person but you may not get as much done having a full group of ten or separate families who may not agree on what to do next. Either way it’s beyond EXPENSIVE, but to me worth it for my family of 5 to do alone. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said standing in a 2hr line for a 2 min ride “Oh what I would pay to get priority access”, but it has to make sense for you.

SEPARATE ADMISSION REQUIRED?: YES, in both DL and WDW separate admission is required and is in addition to the cost of the tour, so buy those park tickets. If you plan on park hopping you better buy park hopper tickets and not single park, single day tix or you will be stuck in that one park. Be aware.

RIDE ACCESS: Be aware this is not instant “front of line” access despite the cost. As a general rule, most if not all attractions that offer Fastpass (FP) access allow you priority access. This means your guide can get you through the fast pass line as many times as you want to go. Know however, there may still be a short wait, but my recent experience at DL took a 110 minute standby wait to 5 min with our VIP guide. Ride access also varies between DL and WDW. In DL, most of Fantasyland is not available for premium access due to size of exits we were told and for $550/hr this was disappointing. (we could not get premium access to some of our favorites like Peterpan, Snow white, Mr. Toads, Winnie the pooh, Dumbo etc. mostly the small kiddie rides. ) At WDW, most of Fantasyland was accessible) This was a big difference between the two parks. All of the big rides at DL and WDW (FP access) are included and save a ton of time. Some rides you just enter the FP line with your guide where other rides you and your guide enter through the exit (even faster access) It really depends on the particular attraction.

RESERVED SEATING: This is another nice feature which is included in the VIP tours at both DL and WDW. There are special reserve seating areas for the Nightime Fireworks and other BIG shows specific to each park as well as the Parades. The key to this is to remember you have to arrange this seating for the specific shows you want to see when you call the Disney VIP number to book your tour. The reserved seating of the VIP tour is a nice perk for several reasons…first- since it is reserved seating you don’t have to start finding a viewing spot along the parade route or in front of castle for fireworks an hour and a half or longer before the show!! This gives you a ton more time to continue to ride attractions with your guide… second- in many cases the Disney cast members and characters know where the VIP sections are and tend to acknowledge you and make an effort to wave or smile at your kids or party. third… if certain shows involve picking someone out of the crowd to help or participate in a show, you can bet it usually is a VIP tour party individual that is selected. (coincidence? I think not)This may not always be the case but still another great photo opportunity if it happens. REMEMBER to book or at least request this reserved seating at the time you book the tour.

WHEN TO BOOK: As with Dining reservations or FP reservations, it pays to call or reserve as much in advance as possible to ensure availability. DL books VIP tours 90 days in advance and last I knew WDW books 6 months in advance. Confirm these dates on the websites as this may have changed. I called exactly 90 days out to book our Christmas DL VIP tour since Christmas can be so crazy. Also reserve seating is on a first come first serve basis so you don’t want to book a tour a week before Christmas and then act surprised or worse get upset that all reserved seatings are booked! PLAN AHEAD.

HOW LONG IS TOUR? There is no set time as far as a maximum number of hours but there is a minimum for each day. Current minimum is 6 hrs at both DL and WDW.

IS FOOD INCLUDED? No, food and beverages are NOT included with the VIP Premium tour. It is also up to you whether you want your guide to join you or not while eating. If they do, you are not expected to pay for their meals but we chose to do that since we considered them more a part of the family for the day rather than just a human FastPass ticket. One thing to keep in mind, especially during the busier times of year and holidays is that even with Dining reservations it can take at least an hour to an hour and a half to eat a sit down meal. Keep this in mind if rides are your priority. It can wind up being the most expensive sit down meal you’ve ever had at $550/hr plus the cost of your food and the meter keeps running while you eat. I’m lucky in that our kids are picky with food and one has a Gluten allergy so we usually hit the quick service or counter ordering locations to avoid wasting time sitting for a long meal on the clock. I’m not suggesting to NOT make dining reservations and if the princess dinner or lunch in the castle is a must for you then by all means, do it…after all, you dictate the pace and priority of the day. It’s your tour and you’re paying a lot of good money for it.

CHARACTER GREETINGS: Nothing eats up more time if you have young ones wanting to meet, take pictures or get autographs with the Disney Characters . Thankfully, many of the more popular characters now offer a FP meet and greets or are present at “character” meals. The character meals are nice because you kill two birds with one stone. You feed yourselves and the characters come to you!!! No waiting in a random line that suddenly appears where the character is standing. On our recent DL trip, we had a private meeting with Mickey and Elsa and Anna. This was nice and did not feel rushed through. No other characters were accessible on the tour. Thankfully my kids are getting tired of the meet and greets and have started and never finished about a dozen autograph books. Parents know what I am talking about here. WDW seem to have better access to characters and bypassing lines than DL. If there is a certain character you must meet and don’t want to wait in the endless line, ask the VIP cast member when you call to book the tour.

OTHER VIP TOUR PERKS: Even though WDW and DL now offer a Disney Photopass service which is where their photographers take the shots and then give you a card to view them later is convenient, you are at the mercy of where these photographers are located. Plus you don’t own the pics and have to pay for them. For me, family photos and memories are priceless and the more , the better. Having a VIP guide allows me to actually be in the pics with my family rather than looking at years of photos where I only exist behind the lens and not in the picture!!! Your guides can also assist with having purchases you make in the park get stored at the exit to pick up or transported back to your hotel. Beats carrying them around all day. VIP Guides can not get you employee discounts on items and meals so don’t ask.

CLUB 33: For those Disney Veterans and those who know about it, the highly coveted reservation or ability to eat at the exclusive private club 33 in DL is not accessible from the tour. Sorry, I tried too. I did not ask to see the Cinderella suite in WDW Cinderella castle or Walt’s private apt in DL, or the Disney Dream Suite in DL so I can’t say if the guide would have accommodated. I doubt it but it never hurts to ask.

TIPS FOR GUIDE: This topic continues to be a confusing one. When at WDW, our VIP guide said tips could not be accepted. This was NOT the case this Christmas trip to DL. Our guide was happy to accept one and in my opinion earned it. We had him for a full day tour for 2 days back to back. What is appropriate? Up to you, but I heard a one hr rate tip is good and a 2 hr rate tip is for an excellent experience. I went between and paid a 1 1/2 hr rate tip for our guide. Yes, this can be a $500 -$1000 tip but if you’re fortunate enough to be booking the Premium VIP tour, just go with it and reward your guide..

At the end of the day, each person has to decide if this VERY EXPENSIVE VIP experience is worth it. We were able to ride everything we wanted to in DL and had reserved seats for all the shows and parades at Peak Christmas time. This would have never been possible without our VIP guide. A prime example of this is where we completed three of the big rides and were done in 25 mins. Total wait time otherwise would have totaled over 270 minutes without our guide.!!!! Is it worth it? You decide! Hope this was helpful and informative. Walt and his creations are timeless and truly amazing. Enjoy them how you wish and Thanks for reading.

Visited December 2015

Awesome addition with new information! Thank you for taking the time.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a comprehensive and informative review. It is really hard to find accurate information about the VIP tours.

Happy to help. This information is always changing though, so be sure to ask lots of questions at the time of your booking.

Say you book a VIP tour from 9 am to 3 pm. You want to watch the parade at 3:30 pm and the fireworks show later that night. Will the plaid worker still be able to make arrangements for preferred seating for these shows or must you be with the plaid worker during that time in order to enjoy that perk? TIA

This is a good question. You should be able to have them make the reservations for you, but this is a question better answered via their phone line.

As a former Tour Guide from the 1970’s I am really disappointed in the expectations of those posting on this site. I am guessing none of you ever heard Walt’s words…”everyone is a VIP, no one should receive special treatment”. It is a sad day when dollars and cents will allow anyone to move into a position before another guest. Then again, the 10-ride ticket book (including admission) was less than $10 in my day! I do wonder how you feel when you step in front of a child or international guest standing in line for an hour to see It’s a Small World for the first time?

My goodness. Bless your heart

Pricing is incorrect for 2023. I just took a VIP tour and the price range is now $500-900 per hour (with the high end applying to peak times such as Christmas), with a 7 hour (NOT 6 hour) minimum. So, no, you are not getting a VIP tour for anywhere near $2550.

Currently $500-900/hr in Fall 2023

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Guided Tours at Disneyland (Updated for 2024!)

If you’re looking to enhance your visit to Disneyland Resort, I highly recommend adding a Guided Tour to your visit!

A Disneyland Guided Tour is a great way to learn more about Disneyland, and even see some areas that are usually off limits to Guests.

Right now, Disneyland Resort is offering three tours: Walt’s Main Street Story Tour, Happiest Haunts Guided Tour, and Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort. While Walt’s Main Street Story Tour is available on most days of the year, the Happiest Haunts tour is available during Halloween Time, and the Holiday Time tour is only available during the winter holiday season.

Keep reading to learn more about these tours at Disneyland including what you can expect on the tour, how to book your tour, and what they cost.

All About Guided Tours at Disneyland Resort in California

Table of Contents

Walt’s Main Street Story Tour

According to the Disneyland website, on this tour Guests will “Experience Main Street, USA through Walt’s eyes while uncovering the history and secrets of this iconic thoroughfare.”

This is a 90-minute tour led by dedicated tour guide. Guests will also learn how Main Street, USA ties into Walt’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri. The tour is offered daily at various times between 9am and 5pm.

The tour ends with a visit to Walt’s apartment over the Disneyland Fire Station in Town Square, including refreshments and photos on the apartment’s patio – which has never been open to Guests before now. Guests will also receive complimentary PhotoPass downloads taken during their tour.

The cost of the tour is $160 +tax per Guest ( prices are subject to change at any time ). Theme park entry and reservation are also required. For more information, visit the Disneyland website .

*Note the popular long-running tour “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” is no longer being offered.

Happiest Haunts Guided Tour

If you enjoy all things spooky, this may be the best tour for you. 

This 2-hour walking tour through Disneyland Park gives a history of Halloween tales specific to Disney, expedited access to Pirates of the Caribbean, a photo op with the Hitchhiking Ghosts, a complimentary pin and treat, and reserved viewing area for Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular. 

This tour has not been announced yet for 2024. If the tour returns, tickets should go on sale during the summer.

Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour

As you may already know, the winter holidays are a very special time to visit Disneyland. The Holiday Time tour gives Guests the opportunity to experience some of the holiday fun in a new way!

This is a 2.5 hour tour that is only offered during the Holidays at Disneyland Resort. 

Your tour guide will share fun facts and anecdotes about holiday decor and traditions, and includes a ride on “it’s a small world” Holiday and reserved viewing for A Christmas Fantasy parade. The website also promises Guests will receive “delicious holiday treats.”

The cost of the tour in 2023 is $110 +tax per Guest ( prices are subject to change at any time ). Theme park entry and reservation are also required. For more information, visit the Disneyland website .

This tour has not been announced yet for 2024. If the tour returns, tickets should go on sale during the late summer.

Disneyland Resort VIP Tours

If the standard guided tours do not interest you, perhaps you can create your own private tour! But you have to have deep pockets for it!

Any Guest can book their own personal Disneyland VIP Tour for a group of up to 10 people, for the cool price tag of $500 to $700 per hour, with a minimum of 7 hours. So doing the math, that’s $3500 to $4900 as a starting price. That may sound high (and it is!) but if you split the cost between 10 people, it makes the cost a bit more manageable. 

Personal VIP Tours get you a lot of perks. VIP Guests get expedited access to most attractions, so you don’t have to worry about spending most of your day in lines. You’ll also get reserved viewing for any parades, shows, and nighttime spectaculars (if they are included in your time frame). And before your visit, your VIP concierge will help you with any dining reservations you desire.

Be aware that separate theme park tickets and park reservations are required! Park admission or reservations are not included in the price of a VIP Tour.

To book a VIP Tour you can call (714) 300-7710 or email Disney Special Activities at [email protected] , or visit the Disneyland VIP Tour website for more information.

On the Day of Your Tour

• All tours start inside Disneyland, so make sure you choose Disneyland as your starting park if you have a park hopper ticket and your tour starts prior to 1pm.
• At the designated time, go to the Disneyland Tour Gardens which is on the west side of the park, between City Hall and the entrance. You will need to give the host/hostess your name and your tour confirmation number. The person who booked the tour may also need to show their photo ID. You’ll be given further instructions once you check in.
• Your entire party needs to be present when checking in. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. 

Disneyland Tour Additional Information

• Most tours can be booked 30 days ahead of time. Same-day bookings may be available, but it’s best to book in advance if there’s a tour you really want to do during your visit!
• The theme park reservation system has made booking tours a little more difficult. Be sure you check for both theme park availability AND tour availability before booking anything! Note that park hopping is not allowed until 11am. 
• There are no tour discounts for Magic Key holders.
• Guests ages 2 and under do not need a tour reservation. 
• Guests under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the tour.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy for guided tours, and 48-hour cancellation policy for VIP tours. If you cancel after that time, you forfeit the entire cost.
• Tours are subject to cancellation for any reason. All offerings are subject to change.

Need Disneyland Park Tickets?

I highly recommend Undercover Tourist for the best prices on multi-day Disneyland tickets!

About Mindy

Mindy Marzec is a life-long Disney fan who grew up in Los Angeles. She started This Fairy Tale Life to share Disneyland travel tips for adults. When not at Disneyland, you can find Mindy at home snuggling with her cats and re-watching Thor: Ragnarok for the billionth time.

Ultimate Guide to a Magical Tour of Disneyland

Greetings fellow Disney enthusiasts! If you’re dreaming of a magical adventure at the happiest place on Earth, look no further than Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. As a Disney fanatic myself, I’m thrilled to share with you the ultimate guide to planning an unforgettable tour of Disneyland .

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, this guide is packed with valuable information to ensure you make the most of your Disneyland experience . From iconic attractions to insider tips, we’ll cover it all. So put on your Mickey ears, and let’s dive into the world of Disney magic!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

• Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California is the dream destination for Disney lovers.
• This guide will provide you with everything you need for a magical tour of Disneyland .
• Discover the best attractions, hidden gems, and insider tips for an unforgettable Disney adventure.
• Explore Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park for unique experiences.
• Plan your visit carefully, considering the best times to go and how to make the most of your trip.

Disneyland Park: The Original Magic

When it comes to Disney magic, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the enchantment of Disneyland Park . As the original Disney theme park, Disneyland Park holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans of all ages.

Opened in 1955 and masterfully designed by Walt Disney himself, Disneyland Park is spread across a sprawling 40 hectares. Within its gates, visitors can explore nine themed areas that transport them into a world of imagination and wonder.

Step into the magical land of Fantasyland, where beloved fairy tales come to life. Experience the thrill of Tomorrowland, where futuristic adventures await . Embark on exciting journeys in Adventureland, or embark on a galaxy-spanning adventure in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

But it’s not just the immersive themed areas that make Disneyland Park a must-visit destination. The park is also home to a plethora of iconic attractions that have captured the hearts of millions.

Take a daring ride on Space Mountain and feel the exhilaration as you zoom through space. Explore the eerie halls of the Haunted Mansion and encounter the supernatural. Or hop aboard Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a new and exciting experience that brings the beloved characters to life like never before.

Disneyland Park truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking classic Disney adventures or thrilling new experiences, this park guarantees an unforgettable journey for visitors of all ages.

• Explore the nine themed areas that make up Disneyland Park.
• Immerse yourself in the magic of Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and more.
• Discover iconic attractions like Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
• Create lifelong memories with your loved ones in the original Disney theme park.

Disney California Adventure Park: A World of Fun

Disney California Adventure Park , located adjacent to Disneyland Park, offers a different Disney experience with its eight themed lands. From Cars Land to Pixar Pier , there are thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and delicious dining options to explore.

One of the must-visit attractions in Disney California Adventure Park is the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! This exhilarating ride takes you on a high-speed journey with Star-Lord and his gang as they battle against the Collector. Hold on tight and prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure.

For those who are fans of the beloved movie Frozen , the Frozen – Live at the Hyperion show is not to be missed. Experience the magic of Elsa, Anna, and Olaf as their story comes to life on stage with stunning visuals, enchanting music, and captivating performances.

Disney California Adventure Park is a must-visit destination for those looking for even more Disney magic during their Disneyland vacation or Disneyland trip . Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a lover of entertainment, or a foodie, this park has something for everyone.

When to Go and How to Plan Your Visit

Planning your visit to Disneyland is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience. While the park is open all year round, there are better times to visit than others. Winter is generally a quieter time with mild temperatures, making it a great option for those looking to avoid crowds. However, certain attractions and shows may have limited availability during this time.

Summer , on the other hand, is the busiest season at Disneyland. With kids out of school and families on vacation, expect larger crowds and longer wait times for popular attractions. It’s essential to plan ahead and arrive at the park at least an hour prior to the official opening to maximize your time.

To fully experience the magic of Disneyland, consider purchasing multi-day tickets . This allows you to explore both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park without feeling rushed. Plus, it provides flexibility to revisit your favorite attractions and catch shows you might have missed on your initial visit.

If you want to skip the long lines and make the most of your time, consider adding Disney Genie+ to your Disneyland vacation package. Disney Genie+ offers a convenient way to access popular attractions through Lightning Lane entrances, minimizing wait times and maximizing fun.

Another pro tip for planning your visit is to make dining reservations in advance. Restaurants can get busy, especially during peak times, so securing reservations ahead of time will save you the hassle of waiting for a table and ensure you don’t miss out on any culinary delights Disneyland has to offer.

Whether you’re planning a Disney vacation with your family, friends, or going solo, careful planning and consideration of the best time to go will enhance your overall Disneyland experience . Now that you know the ins and outs of timing and ticket options, you’re one step closer to a magical adventure at Disneyland!

Must-See Attractions and Insider Tips

With so many attractions to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. But fear not, I’m here to guide you through the must-see attractions and provide some insider tips for an unforgettable Disneyland vacation .

Classic Disney Experiences

When visiting Disneyland Park, make sure to experience the iconic rides that have delighted guests for decades. Take a thrilling plunge on Splash Mountain, journey through the haunted halls of the Haunted Mansion, and blast off into space on Space Mountain. These attractions are a testament to the timeless magic of Disney.

Disney California Adventure Park Thrills

If you’re looking for excitement, head over to Disney California Adventure Park, where you’ll find a world of fun waiting for you. Don’t miss the heart-pounding adventure of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, the high-speed thrills of Incredicoaster, and the immersive race through Radiator Springs on Radiator Springs Racers. These attractions will leave you wanting more.

Utilize Disney Genie+ and Guided Tours

To make the most of your time at Disneyland, take advantage of Disney Genie+. This service offers faster access to popular attractions, minimizing wait times and maximizing fun. Additionally, consider joining one of the guided tours, such as Walt’s Main Street Story Tour. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the park’s history, hidden secrets, and behind-the-scenes magic.

Now that you know the must-see attractions and have some insider tips, it’s time to plan your magical Disneyland vacation . Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Dining and Entertainment Options

When it comes to a Disneyland vacation, the fun doesn’t stop at thrilling rides and enchanting attractions. Disneyland is also known for its delectable dining options that cater to every taste and budget. From quick snacks to character dining experiences, there is something to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

One of the must-try treats at Disneyland is the famous Dole Whip. This refreshing pineapple soft-serve is a fan favorite and perfect for a hot day in the park. Another iconic treat is the Mickey-shaped beignets, fluffy pastries dusted with powdered sugar that are simply irresistible.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, head to the Blue Bayou Restaurant. Located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, this restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere with its dimly lit ambiance and views of the passing boats. Indulge in delicious Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes while immersing yourself in the enchanting world of the Pirates.

Aside from dining, Disneyland also offers a variety of entertainment options to enhance your magical experience. Catch one of the parades, where beloved Disney characters come to life with lively music, colorful floats, and sparkling costumes. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time, so you don’t miss out on these magical performances.

In addition to parades, Disneyland presents enchanting shows and nighttime spectaculars. From the classic “Fantasmic!” to the mesmerizing “World of Color,” these breathtaking performances will leave you in awe. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be dazzled as Disney magic unfolds right before your eyes.

Plan your day accordingly to make the most of the dining and entertainment options at Disneyland. Consult the park schedule, which can be accessed through the official Disneyland website or mobile app, to ensure you don’t miss any of the magical experiences. Whether it’s dining on delectable treats or immersing yourself in captivating shows, Disneyland has something to delight every visitor.

Disneyland is the ultimate destination for a magical vacation and a truly unforgettable trip. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan the perfect Disneyland experience . From the iconic Disneyland Park to the thrilling Disney California Adventure Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

By following our tips and recommendations, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your Disneyland vacation. Don’t forget to explore the must-see attractions, utilize Disney Genie+ for faster access, and indulge in the delicious dining options. And let’s not forget the incredible entertainment options that will leave you in awe.

So, gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime at the happiest place on Earth. Disneyland offers a variety of packages and tours to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, Disneyland has it all. Create memories that will last a lifetime and experience the magic of Disneyland!

When is the best time to visit Disneyland?

The best time to visit Disneyland is during the winter months, as it tends to be quieter with mild temperatures. However, if you prefer the hustle and bustle, summer, Halloween, and Christmas are the busiest times.

What should I do to avoid long waits at Disneyland?

To avoid long waiting times, it is recommended to arrive at the park an hour prior to the official opening. You can also purchase multi-day tickets to fully experience the magic of Disneyland and consider adding Disney Genie+ for skip-the-line access. Additionally, making dining reservations in advance can help you avoid long waits for meals.

What are some must-see attractions at Disneyland?

Some must-see attractions at Disneyland include classic rides like Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain. In Disney California Adventure Park, make sure to visit Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, Incredicoaster, and Radiator Springs Racers.

Are there any guided tours available at Disneyland?

Yes, Disneyland offers a variety of guided tours that provide a deeper understanding of the park’s history and secrets. Some popular tours include the Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour and the Walt’s Main Street Story Tour.

What dining options are available at Disneyland?

Disneyland offers a wide range of dining options, from quick snacks on the go to character dining experiences. Don’t miss the famous Dole Whip, Mickey-shaped beignets, and dining at unique locations like the Blue Bayou Restaurant.

What entertainment options are available at Disneyland?

Disneyland hosts a variety of entertainment options, including parades, shows, and nighttime spectaculars. Be sure to check the schedule and plan your day accordingly to catch these magical performances.

Is there a separate ticket for special events at Disneyland?

Yes, Disneyland occasionally hosts special ticketed events, such as seasonal celebrations and themed parties. These events typically require a separate ticket in addition to your regular park admission.

Can I take a behind-the-scenes tour of Disneyland?

Yes, Disneyland offers behind-the-scenes tours that take you on a journey to discover the magic behind the park. These tours provide a unique perspective and insight into the inner workings of Disneyland.

How can I make the most of my Disneyland experience?

To make the most of your Disneyland experience, plan your visit in advance, prioritize must-see attractions, utilize skip-the-line options like Disney Genie+, and take advantage of guided tours for a deeper understanding of the park. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the dining and entertainment options to truly soak up the magical atmosphere.

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Everything you need to know about visiting Disneyland

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Disneyland is one of those rare places that offers fun and entertainment for everyone, from bright-eyed kids to well-traveled adults. A visit is on every kid's wishlist and planning a trip to The Happiest Place on Earth is a rite of passage for every parent.

From figuring out the type of tickets to buy, knowing where to stay and how to get around, and avoiding long lines, a lot goes into creating a seamless experience on your trip to Disneyland. Lucky for you, we've done all the research to help you make those decisions.

Here's everything you need to know about booking a trip to Disneyland.

How to start planning a Disneyland vacation

Although a Disneyland vacation won't require as much planning as Disney World , a little organization can create a more enjoyable experience.

If the planning process is still overwhelming, you can actually hire professionals to do it for you, free of charge. TPG's Summer Hull and Richard Kerr have both utilized Mouse Counselors to plan their Disney vacations and both of them swear by it.

The planning service is free because the planners make their money via commissions paid out by Disneyland. All you have to do is submit a request for a quote and they'll plan your entire vacation. They'll even look for discounts, so you get the best deal possible.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Choosing the best hotel for your Disneyland vacation

There are many hotel options for your Disneyland vacation, depending on your budget and needs. You can pay a premium to stay on-site (which includes some added perks), or you can stay at a more budget-friendly off-site hotel within walking distance of the park that lets you book with, or earn, points.

Below is an overview of the best hotel options near Disneyland.

Disneyland hotels

Disneyland operates three on-site hotels. The main benefit of staying at a Disneyland resort is proximity to the parks, Early Entry (admission to the parks 30 minutes before it opens to the public), preferred dining reservation access, character wake-up calls and more.

Rates at Disneyland properties tend to be quite a bit higher than at off-site hotels. Disney does offer seasonal discounts and sales during lower-demand times of the year that can reduce the cost.

Operating since 1955, the Disneyland Hotel is the first and oldest property within the Disneyland Resort. The hotel had a minor renovation in 2021 and is next to the Downtown Disney shopping district.

Standard rooms typically go for around $500 to $650 per night.

If you want a slightly more upscale experience in a better location, look no further than Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa . The hotel is behind California Adventure Park and offers guests an exclusive entrance to the park.

While rates at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa start at around $700, they can creep up as high as $1,000 per night for a standard room during peak times.

Across from the Grand Californian, Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel is the cheapest Disneyland hotel option. Rooms are usually priced in the $400 to $450 range and the resort also has a private entrance to Disney California Adventure Park. The hotel is currently undergoing construction and will reopen as Pixar Place Hotel in the coming months.

Disneyland Good Neighbor hotels you can book with points

There are currently 58 designated Good Neighbor hotels near Disneyland. These are hotels recommended by Disneyland for offering convenient locations and overall value. Many of these hotels can be booked with points; at some, you'll even find special deals and packages.

Related: Where to stay at Disneyland: On vs. off-property hotel comparison

Hyatt has three hotels near Disneyland and all of them are designated Good Neighbor properties. As of August 2023, all three properties are Category 4 hotels, with standard awards requiring 15,000 Hyatt points and off-peak awards available for 12,000 points. Alternatively, use an annual free night award from your World of Hyatt Credit Card.

The Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort Convention Center is the closest to the park entrance, just a block away. I stayed here three years ago and found the rooms spacious enough to accommodate three kids and two adults. Our room had a small living area separate from the bedroom and a pull-out couch for an extra person.

Everyone gets free breakfast regardless of Hyatt elite status , which is great for families. Overall, this is a solid choice for a Disneyland hotel.

The nearby Hyatt Place is a block farther, and it's a good option if you want a slightly cheaper limited-service hotel offering free breakfast. Room rates tend to be $20 to $50 cheaper than the Hyatt House when paying cash.

If you want a more upscale experience and don't need to be within walking distance of the park, the Hyatt Regency Orange County is the way to go. The hotel is in the Anaheim Resort area, about 2 miles from the hotel. For families needing more space, you can also opt for a Kids Suite starting at 21,000 points per night. The Kids Suite offers a king bed, bunk beds for the kids, and a microwave and fridge for those late-night snacks.

The Hyatt Regency Orange County operates a shuttle to Disneyland every half-hour. The cost is $6 per person per day and free for kids 3 and under. You can often find package deals that include shuttle service for four as well as parking and a Disney-centric welcome amenity.

Related: Here's how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation

IHG has five hotels near Disneyland, three of which have the Good Neighbor designation. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim Resort Area is a Good Neighbor property and is the closest of them all; it sits about a 10-minute walk from the park entrance. Award rates fluctuate wildly and can sometimes be as high as 50,000-65,000 points per night, so it's sometimes a better value to book this property with cash.

Marriott has 11 Good Neighbor hotels near Disneyland. The closest properties to the park entrance are the Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort and the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance . The Fairfield Inn charges anywhere from 34,000 to 59,000 points for an award night.

Depending on the date of your stay, you can redeem your up to 35,000-point certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card or the annual up to 50,000-point award from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card. This could be a great redemption, considering the hotel can go for more than $250 per night at peak times.

The Courtyard is a higher-end hotel with a water park requiring 68,000 to 98,000 points per night.

Hilton has a whopping 12 Good Neighbor Hotels in the Disneyland area, although quite a few are not within reasonable walking distance.

For the best location, you'll want to consider the Home2 Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort or the Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim Resort. These two hotels occupy a single shared building, which is nearly right across from the park entrance.

The Home2 Suites tends to be the better value of the two even though it usually costs a bit more, as it includes free breakfast. Additionally, a standard two-queen studio room at this hotel sleeps up to six, offering two queen beds, a sofa bed and a full kitchen. Even though the award rate is steep at 60,000, it could be worth it since most families will need just one room. That being said, TPG values Hilton points at 0.6 cents each, so it's generally not a good idea to redeem points unless standard rates are at least $360 per night.

The SunCoast Hotel is the next closest option, less than a mile from the park entrance. It's a doable walk, or you can opt to take the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) bus that stops outside the property. The SunCoast is a Tapestry Collection property offering beautiful, light-filled rooms with bright pops of color to give you that Disney vibe.

Related: I spent 6.5 hours on hold to buy Disneyland tickets — was it worth it?

Types of Disneyland tickets

There are multiple types of Disneyland tickets available. The type of ticket you should get depends on factors like which park(s) you want to visit and for how long, how often you plan on visiting Disneyland and your budget.

Disneyland tickets fall into seven tiers (Tier 0 through 6). Tier 6 is unrestricted, and the remaining tiers are subject to increasing blackout dates . Before you purchase a ticket, be sure to check the theme park calendar for park reservation availability.

Let's take a look at each option.

Single-day tickets

Disneyland's single-day tickets range from $104 to $179 per day and provide admission to one park only (either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure). Disney classifies children as those aged 3 to 9 (and offers a slight discount on child rates); it classifies adults as those 10 and older. Children 2 and younger do not need a ticket.

Related: How to make a reservation at Disneyland

Ticket prices vary per day based on demand. You can search the ticket calendar to see prices on the day(s) you plan to visit.

Multiday tickets

Multiday tickets are a good option if you want to visit Disneyland parks for several days, with per-day prices being discounted the more days you add on. Two-day tickets cost $285 (an average cost of $142.50 per day), and five-day tickets cost $83 per day.

Multiday tickets get you into both Disneyland and California Adventure — but not on the same day. You'll need to stick to a single park per day.

Park Hopper

Park Hopper tickets allow you to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the same day. You can add this option to any multiday ticket for $60 per ticket or single-day tickets for $65. These tickets are ideal if you want ultimate flexibility in the attractions you visit in a day. The 1-Day Park Hopper tickets are especially ideal if you want to experience both parks on a short timeline.

Note that Disneyland currently only allows guests to park hop at 11 a.m. or later.

Magic Key (annual pass)

Disneyland also offers Magic Keys, which are annual passes. Passes are limited in number, so not all pass types are always on sale. Prices range from $449 to $1,599.

Related: Everything you need to know about Disneyland tickets and pricing

Disneyland ticket discounts

While Disneyland tickets can be pricey, there are several ways you can save money. Some discounts are exclusive to members of specific groups and may be limited to certain times of year, while others are open to the public.

Here's a look at common Disneyland ticket discounts:

California residents: California residents living within qualifying zip codes can sometimes purchase special multiday discount tickets for as little as $83 per day. Disneyland tends to offer these tickets to Southern California residents in spring and to all California residents in summer and early fall, but these offers are not guaranteed. Proof of residence and a valid government ID are required for purchase.

Military discounts: Qualifying military personnel can purchase three-day Disneyland Park Hopper Tickets for $245 and 4-day Park Hopper tickets for $280.

There is a limit of six discounted tickets and blackout dates apply. These tickets are available to active or retired military members, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard.

AAA: AAA members can save on multiday Disneyland tickets, including Park Hopper tickets. However, the savings are not as big as advertised because AAA tacks a fee onto the final purchase page. Membership fees vary, ranging from $56 to $119.

CityPASS: CityPASS offers Disneyland ticket discounts ranging from $5 to $26 , depending on your ticket type.

Undercover Tourist: Undercover Tourist is a tried and true way to save on Disneyland tickets. The site currently offers discounts ranging from $7 to $33 per ticket.

Get Away Today: Get Away Today is another travel agency that specializes in Disneyland travel and offers discount tickets as well. Get Away Today will always price-match the best deals you may find elsewhere.

Related: How to use points to buy Disney tickets

Best time to visit Disneyland

The best time to visit Disneyland depends on a variety of factors.

For the best experience, you'll want to avoid school holidays, weekends and major ride openings. Late summer and early fall tend to be less crowded, but the weather in August and September can be excessively warm (although never as hot as Walt Disney World in Florida).

A great way to plan the best time to visit Disneyland is to check your desired travel dates against the IsItPacked crowd calendar . The calendar considers all of the previously mentioned factors to generate a crowd forecast.

Related: 9 things families should know before visiting Disneyland

How to reduce your time in line at Disneyland

Disneyland may be The Happiest Place on Earth, but it's not immune to long, stressful lines. That's especially true on weekends, holidays and when it comes to popular attractions.

Start at the back of the park and move your way up front

If you arrive just before the park opens, a good strategy to avoid crowds is to start at the back of the park and move your way forward. Many visitors (especially those with kids) will get caught up in the crowd-control mechanism near the entrance — character meetings, retail shops — before making their way to the rides closest to their path.

You can beat the crowds by moving in the opposite direction. The same goes with mealtimes: Plan to eat before or after the noon rush, and you won't encounter crazy long lines. You might also find shorter wait times at your favorite rides while most guests are preoccupied with lunch.

Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes

Disney Genie+ (along with a related service, Individual Lightning Lane) allows Disneyland guests to skip the standby line on many of the park's most popular attractions. The Disney Genie+ service starts at $25 per person per day and allows you to make Lightning Lane reservations throughout the day. You can make your first reservation after you enter the park and then subsequent reservations as you redeem each one or after two hours pass (whichever comes first).

Related: How I maxed out Disneyland's Genie+ and rode 26 attractions in a single day

You'll also get unlimited photo downloads from all attraction photos and those taken by PhotoPass photographers; and you'll receive features like audio tales and AR photo lenses to help you pass the time waiting in line.

There are a few attractions that do not participate in the Disney Genie+ service, but most of these attractions nevertheless have Lightning Lanes. You need to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane reservation (sold separately) to skip the line for these select attractions. Pricing ranges between $15 and $25 per person per attraction, and you can purchase up to two attractions per day. The current list of attractions participating in each program is available on Disneyland's website .

Related: 10 line-busting tips for less waiting and more playing

Early Entry

Guests staying at Disneyland resorts can enter either park 30 minutes before they open to the public. This is worth taking into consideration when making your hotel reservations since an extra 30 minutes before park opening means virtually no lines.

Use the Disney app

The Disneyland mobile app is key to a seamless Disneyland experience. Aside from storing your park tickets, the app helps users book restaurant reservations, make Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane reservations, order meals to-go on mobile and see wait times for rides.

The Disney app can be an invaluable tool in avoiding lines for rides and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy your limited time at the park.

Use the Ridemax app

If you want to avoid lines like a pro, consider downloading and subscribing to Ridemax . The app creates a custom itinerary for you based on the rides you choose and the amount of time you plan on spending at the park, to minimize wait times. A 90-day subscription costs $14.95, while an annual one costs $24.95.

There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if it is not as helpful as you'd hoped, you can get a full refund.

Related: The best restaurants at Disneyland

How to save money on your Disneyland trip

There are many ways to save money on your Disneyland trip, whether it's getting discounted park tickets or deals on your hotel bookings.

We'd be remiss to start the money-saving portion of this guide without mentioning points. Whether it's your airfare, hotel or park tickets, you can use points to offset a large chunk of your Disneyland vacation. Disneyland has lots of point hotels starting at just 12,000 points per night for off-peak awards at any of the area Hyatt hotels.

With the 60,000-point sign-up bonus from the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening), you could cover up to five nights at one of these hotels.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another great option for earning and redeeming miles towards a Disneyland trip. The card currently offers 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

All you have to do is charge your Disneyland hotel or vacation package to the card and then redeem miles toward the expense. And if you don't quite have enough miles now, you have up to 90 days after purchase to save and redeem miles toward a travel expense.

Check for package deals

You can save a lot on your Disneyland vacation by booking a package deal through a site like Get Away Today . For example, a four-night stay in September in a one-bedroom suite at the Element by Westin Anaheim Resort Convention Center with three-day park hopper tickets for a family of four will cost $3,297.88 when booked with Disney directly.

Through Get Away Today, the same package deal costs $2,682.53.

Costco is currently offering Disneyland travel packages that include savings on on-property Disneyland hotels and a Disney gift card:

• Stay two to four nights and receive a $185 Disney Gift Card
• Stay five nights and receive a $205 Disney Gift Card
• Stay six nights and receive a $225 Disney Gift Card
• Stay seven or more nights and receive a $245 Disney Gift Card

Buy Disney gift cards on sale

Buying Disney gift cards can save you about 5-10% on the cost of food and merchandise at Disneyland hotels. Sam's Club, Staples, Target and Safeway occasionally discount the price of Disney gift cards by about 5%. Add cash back bonuses and savings from a card that earns bonus points at grocery and office supply stores , and the savings will stack up.

I've personally had success using my Chase Ink Plus Business card (card no longer available) to buy Disney gift cards at Staples, stacking the savings with 5% cash back through Dosh (Note: I will earn a $10 referral if you sign up with my link and make your first qualifying purchase).

The information for the Chase Ink Plus Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bring your own swag

If you're taking your kids to Disneyland, buy all your swag ahead of time. Everything is incredibly overpriced at the park, and there's no reason to spend $30 on mouse ears when you can find equally cute ones on Etsy or Amazon for $5.99. The same goes for all trinkets and toys that end up in a forgotten pile somewhere.

Related: 7 Reasons why Disneyland is better than Disney World

You might feel sentimental about bringing back a $40 snow globe, but trust me: The memories you make are more important (and lasting) than the overpriced merchandise you buy at the park.

Related: How much does a Disneyland vacation cost?

How to get around Disneyland

Unlike the sprawling Disney World resort, Disneyland is easy to get around on foot. But if you get tired after a day of park hopping, you can take various modes of transportation around the park. The Disneyland Railroad offers an 18-minute ride with stops at Main Street, New Orleans Square, Mickey's Toontown and Tomorrowland.

The high-flying Monorail is great if you want a faster way to get around the park. The Monorail makes the 2.5-mile journey through the area in just 13 minutes, stopping in Tomorrowland and the far end of Downtown Disney.

For a slow, fun ride, you can hop aboard one of Disney's Main Street Vehicles near City Hall and Central Plaza. They include the Jitney, a horse-drawn streetcar, the classic fire engine and omnibus.

Over at California Adventure, the Red Car Trolley makes four convenient stops throughout the already walkable park.

Related: The essential guide to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland

The best credit cards to use at Disneyland

You may be surprised to find that the Disney Visa Card isn't among the best cards to use at Disneyland, though it can be a good option if you're looking to finance a Disney vacation. The best cards for booking Disneyland packages will be ones that earn bonus points on travel , like the Chase Sapphire Reserve . You'll earn 3 points per dollar and use your $300 annual travel credit to offset part of the expense.

When it comes to spending at Disneyland theme parks, you'll want to use a card that earns bonus points on dining . The Citi Prestige® Card (card no longer available) is a great option, as it earns 5 points per dollar spent in this category. The American Express® Gold Card is also a great choice, earning 4 points per dollar at restaurants.

The information for the Citi Prestige and Disney Visa card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

While it's not as large as its Florida counterpart, Disneyland does require some planning. This guide should make the process of planning your Disneyland adventure a little easier.

Additional reporting by Leslie Harvey.

2024 Disneyland Planning Guide

Our Disneyland vacation planning guide covers what’s new & next in 2024, when to visit to avoid crowds, best restaurants, hotels in Anaheim, money-saving ticket tips, Halloween & Christmas in the parks, and more. It’s a great resource for first-timers to Southern California or lifelong WDW fans. (Updated March 4, 2024.)

Let’s start with all of the latest updates. Disney has released the Full Seasonal Events Calendar for 2024 at Disneyland , which includes the following:

• DCA Food & Wine Festival (now through April 22, 2024)
• Star Wars Season of the Force (April 5 to June 2, 2024)
• Pixar Fest (April 26 to August 4, 2024)

Disney has also shared that Halloween 2024 at Disneyland will start early (August 23), which likely means Oogie Boogie Bash Party dates beginning earlier. Conversely, Christmas 2024 at Disneyland will start later than normal (November 15), which is unexpected given the popularity of the holiday season. Those are the big things for the 2024 calendar at Disneyland, but there’s a ton more to cover…

From a planning perspective, the big newish thing is Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, which are essentially paid FastPass, for those who were familiar with that. It’s important to understand how this works and whether you should buy Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes before you visit Disneyland.

Everything you need to know, including ride priorities, where it’s NOT necessary to buy Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, and much more is covered in our Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Disneyland and DCA . That’s regularly updated to include the latest price increases and additions to the Lightning Lane ride roster–both of which have changed in the last few months.

We’ve used Genie+ and Lightning Lanes many times, and cover our experiences and strategy there. If you’re a Walt Disney World regular, the good news is that Genie+ is much easier to use at Disneyland. We’d recommend definitely recommend that guide to get a sense for how to use it and priorities–and would also advise having savvy strategy for Early Entry (if eligible) and rope drop plans. Other than that, you don’t need to overthink things. Genie+ makes visiting Disneyland and DCA so much easier.

Regardless of whether you end up buying the Genie+ paid line-skipping, you’ll want to make the decision ahead of time, and plan your strategy accordingly to either get the most mileage out of Genie+ or have an efficient itinerary that finds alternatives for beating the crowds. (Our strong recommendation is to purchase Genie+ for at least one day. If cost is an issue, trim the ‘fat’ from your vacation budget somewhere else.)

Disneyland has been relatively busy in the last couple of years, which is precisely why we recommend buying the Genie+ service to save time waiting in line. It hasn’t been all bad–and it does appear that “revenge travel” is starting to exhaust itself. However, not nearly to the same degree as Walt Disney World. It’s still varying degrees of busy–just slightly less busy than last year.

Our expectation is that pent-up demand continues to die down in 2024. The holiday season hasn’t been bonkers busy across the board–there was a post-Thanksgiving and early December lull for pretty much the first time in the post-reopening period. It  feels like Disneyland is on the precipice of returning to a pre-2020 level of normal crowd dynamics, but we’ve thought this before only to have things get crazy again.

To that point, choosing less busy dates is incredibly important and that’ll continue to be the case even if pent-up demand fizzles out. Our totally free 2024 Disneyland Crowd Calendars offer day by day guides as to when the parks will be least busy and busiest. These crowd calendars are influenced by a variety of factors, including marketing, discounts, park hours, new attraction openings, special events, Anaheim Convention Center events, and even weather (good or bad). We strive to keep our Disneyland crowd calendars updated to reflect changes in attendance trends.

We’re able to keep on top of all the changing crowd patterns and additions because we are Magic Key Passholders who reside in Southern California. Typically, we visit Disneyland and DCA at least once per week to refine this guide and provide you the best info.

In addition to park visits, we do frequent hotel stays, lots of eating, and field testing of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes as well as other itineraries and strategy for beating lines at the parks. Emphasis on typically since this past year has been a bit atypical and slower-paced for us as we our family grew in size. Suffice to say, expect more posts like Baby Bricker’s First Visit to Disneyland in 2024!

But enough about us. Suffice to say, we’re at Disneyland and DCA frequently, and have planning updates and news to share on a regular basis. If you want to receive updates when discounts are released, new things are announced, etc., sign up to receive our free Disney email newsletter , which covers Disneyland plus Walt Disney World and the international parks.

Before we get to the nuts and bolts of Disneyland vacation planning, let’s start with quick background. Disneyland is “Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom.” It’s the castle park that debuted in 1955 and paved the way for other such theme parks around the globe. Disneyland is the only park that Walt Disney himself set foot in and had an active role developing. Beyond its historical legacy that makes it a California institution, Disneyland is incredibly attraction-dense, with enough rides to fill two full days or more (if you’re so inclined).

Directly across from Disneyland is Disney California Adventure (DCA), the second gate of Disneyland Resort. DCA is ostensibly inspired by the Golden State, but is more just a catch-all park with some attractions having a vague California connection and others being driven by Marvel, Pixar, and other Disney franchises.

In addition to the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks, Disneyland Resort is home to Downtown Disney and three official hotels. Downtown Disney is a shopping, dining and entertainment district just outside the two parks. The aforementioned resorts are Pixar Place Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel–which is directly connected to DCA. The entirety of Disneyland Resort is walkable, with no transportation aside from your feet needed to get anywhere within the property.

Now let’s dig into planning, starting with what’s new and next at Disneyland Resort…

What’s New & Next at Disneyland

Beyond the aforementioned substantive additions, there are smaller ‘experience improvements’ at Disneyland. Specifically, the start of Park Hopping has been moved forward to 11 am; this makes it easier to switch parks for lunch.

There are also a handful of new on-site perks for hotel guests, the best of which is Early Entry. See our Guide to Early Entry at Disneyland for what you need to know about this pre-park opening access to Disneyland and DCA. (Note that Early Entry is now every other day for each park as of 2024; it was previously in both parks every day of the week.)

Additionally, PhotoPass digital photo downloads of on-ride photos are now free for all guests on the Disneyland app. This includes attraction photos captured on Radiator Springs Racers, Space Mountain, Incredicoaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, and more.

In terms of new rides, the biggest relatively recent addition is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its two attractions, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The latter is Disneyland’s biggest blockbuster addition since 1995, a modern masterpiece of Imagineering that is immensely popular and well-worth the multi-hour waits.

Over at Disney California Adventure, the most recent expansion is the Avengers Campus Marvel Land. This features one ride, one restaurant, meet & greets, and shopping. It’ll also showcases a Stuntronics Spider-Man, which is a sight to behold.

The Magic Happens daytime parade is also back, and not to be missed. We recommend catching the parade’s first performance from the end of Main Street on the back side of the flagpole. Alternatively, the west side of Main Street will offer shade; welcome reprieve from the sun and heat during the summer months.

Then there are the nighttime shows. Mickey’s Mix Magic is back, and has a couple of separate runs in the first half of the year. In between, fan-favorite Magic Journeys will be shown during the heart of the spring break season. In Summer 2024, Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular returns for Pixar Fest.

Also coming back from another year-plus hiatus is Fantasmic, which will be presented in modified form on the Rivers of America once again. See the 2024 Disneyland Entertainment Schedule for the dates of what’s returning and what’s missing.

Two of the biggest additions for 2024 at Disneyland are at the hotels. Late last year, the brand-new Discovery Tower opened at Disneyland Hotel. This is the new Disney Vacation Club wing, which can also be booked by cash-paying guests. Although they’re all technically part of the same resort, there’s a night-and-day difference between the DVC and hotel towers. See our Photo Tour of the Villas at Disneyland Hotel for more on the new tower.

In early 2024, Disney Imagineers completed an overhaul of Paradise Pier Hotel into Pixar Place Hotel. So here, it’s a matter of the same “bones” of the hotel, but with a fresh coat of paint ( and much more ). This project was truly transformative, breathing new life into the aging tower hotel. (In other hotel news, special offers are currently available:  2024 Discounts on Hotels of Disneyland Resort .)

If you’re curious about the specifics of other additions on the horizon, consult our What’s New & Next for Disneyland in 2024 . This gives you an idea of when you might want to visit if you’re still choosing dates, trying to find the best time in terms of special events, new rides, and more.

More is coming in 2024 and beyond, but those are the main things to know. Now, let’s get down to business: what you need to plan a Disneyland vacation…

When to Visit Disneyland

The single most important part of planning a trip to Disneyland is determining when to visit. As mentioned above, crowds are a big component of this, but should not be the sole determining factor. Weather, seasonal events, pricing, and other variables are all important.

To that point, our we also have the Best & Worst Months to Visit Disneyland list, which ranks every month of the year. Even more to the point, this covers our 3 favorite weeks of the year to take a Disneyland trip. That’s more qualitative, and thus can more useful than crowd calendars for many Disneyland planners.

Again, our crowd calendars and month by month ranking resources have been updated to take into account changing attendance patterns brought on by Magic Keys, make-up travel, discounted SoCal tickets, returning entertainment, and more. Crowds have already changed, and we will continue to monitor and update accordingly in the future. Just be warned that crowd calendars are less reliable right now due to pent-up demand, capacity limits, and everything else.

As for seasonal events, we have two favorite times to do Disneyland. We highly recommend Halloween, which is our #2 time of the year at Disneyland. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Disneyland at Halloween for reasons why, and assistance planning a trip during that specific timeframe.

We’re already looking forward to the return of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party , which will be back for Fall 2024 ( and probably late summer! ). That’s a hard ticket event, meaning that tickets to it cost extra; you do not need  to attend Oogie Boogie Bash to have a great time during the Halloween season at Disneyland, but we recommend it to anyone who is willing and able to splurge–especially fans of rare characters ( and villains! ).

Our favorite time of year at Disneyland–by a wide margin–is the holiday season. Unlike Halloween, there is no Christmas hard ticket event, meaning that everything is included with the price of regular admission. This means holiday fireworks, special parades, decorations, attraction overlays, entertainment, and so much more.

You could literally spend multiple full days focused exclusively on the seasonal offerings at Disneyland during the holiday season. Read our Ultimate Guide to Disneyland at Christmas to learn more about what makes this time of year so special–and see photos of the parks in all of their Christmas glory!

Finally, before solidifying your travel dates, you’ll also want to check out our 2024 Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar to make sure any must-do attractions won’t be closed for renovations during your visit.

We typically do not recommend relying heavily on the refurbishment calendar. While Disneyland provides advance notice of most major multi-month closures, that’s not always the case. Some are scheduled last minute for necessary repairs or preventative maintenance. Short projects are sometimes scheduled at the last minute, and unannounced downtime (due to breakdowns or other issues) can also impact attractions.

Our biggest piece of advice with regard to refurbishments is not to visit in January or February if a high number of ride closures will negatively impact your trip. Winter is typically Disneyland’s refurbishment season, with many attractions going down for annual maintenance after the holidays.

Where to Stay

There are a ton of options in terms of where to stay near Disneyland: Good Neighbor Hotels, official Disney resorts, nearby hotels within driving distance, sprawling resorts in nearby beach towns, and more. In  Best Hotels Near Disneyland , we cover our top 10 picks for hotels within walking distance of the parks, with 5 family-friendly budget options, 3 luxury resorts, and 2 Disney-owned hotels. That’s a concise resource if you don’t want to comb through our more comprehensive hotel info.

For most vacation planners, the decision comes down to choosing among Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa ( our favorite! ), Disneyland Hotel (second favorite), and Pixar Place Hotel, or one of the cheaper hotels on Harbor Boulevard. We cover the pros and cons of each choice in our Where to Stay at Disneyland: Off-Site v. On-Site Hotels post.

If you’re looking for something more thorough, we’ve stayed at every on-site Disneyland hotel and most of the Good Neighbor Disneyland hotels and other off-site hotels within walking distance of the Disneyland Esplanade.

All of these are covered in our Rankings & Reviews of the Best & Worst Hotels Near Disneyland . This post ranks ~60 hotels near Disneyland at which we have stayed, along with room photos, pros & cons, and other useful information. That also details how to score a good deal on a hotel that’s close to Disneyland.

Fair warning: those comprehensive rankings can be overwhelming. We do a lot of hotel stays in Anaheim and report on them; most of that’s overkill for planners–you just need to know which ones are the ‘hotel hell’ options (bottom of the list) to avoid at all costs and the best ones to book (top of the list). If you’ve already booked accommodations, you might also want to search the list to see where your selected hotel ranks!

Park Tickets

Our Money-Saving Guide to Disneyland Tickets is a huge resource with recommendations on what type of Disneyland tickets you should buy, including how many days, whether you should get Park Hopper, and where you can buy Disneyland tickets to save some money.

There are some great offers right now–we recommend bundling park tickets and your hotel stay to save even more, especially with the 3rd and 4th night free specials at hotels near Disneyland . These package deals can save you a lot of money.

For the vast majority of guests visiting Disneyland, we recommend the Park Hopper ticket option. This allows you to bounce back and forth between the two parks throughout the day, which is easy to do given that their about a football field apart.

The practical upsides of this is starting at the park that opens first and ending your night at the park open later (Disneyland is often open 2 hours later than Disney California Adventure). You can also eat in the park with the dining options you prefer, grab a beer in DCA (there’s no alcohol in Disneyland outside of Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars Land), and enjoy the nighttime spectaculars in both parks.

If you’re a local or just a big diehard Disney fan planning to make multiple trips in a single year, Magic Key Annual Passes are also an option. Some tiers of these APs have already sold out, but others remain available for purchase. See our Guide to Magic Keys at Disneyland: 2024 Prices, Perks, Blockout Dates & Discounts for more details.

Prior to moving to California, we were Disneyland AP holders while living in Indianapolis, Indiana followed by Orlando, Florida. We’d make several long weekend trips out to Disneyland each year, and the APs more than paid for themselves.

With that said, Annual Passes were  much  cheaper when we lived in the Midwest–a fraction of the current price–and we blogged about Disney by the time we moved to Central Florida. So our circumstances are a bit unique. Nevertheless, if you live in Nevada, Utah, or even Northern California…and can do a few long weekends each year, Magic Keys might make sense for you, too!

Disneyland Strategy & Itineraries

There are over 75 attractions between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. On a normal day, the average guest will only experience 10-11 of those. It would thus take you at least 6 days to experience everything in the two theme parks, assuming you didn’t want to re-ride anything. Obviously, not many people are devoting over a week to their Disneyland vacation.

As such, we’ve developed a few step-by-step Disneyland touring plans, each of which will enable you to efficiently experience the parks, while also enjoying their leisurely offerings and atmosphere. More to the point, you’ll be able to do 20+ rides per day–and skip the ones not worth your time.

Here are our best and recommended itineraries:

• Disneyland 1-Day Itinerary – Only have one day to visit Disneyland? This is a step-by-step plan of attack for which attractions you should do, where you should eat, what to see, and more. This covers all of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including Rise of the Resistance.
• Disneyland 2-Day Itinerary – Same idea, but spread over two days. We recommend most guests allocate two full days to Disneyland.
• Disney California Adventure 1-Day Itinerary – Unlike Disneyland, DCA is easier to fully experience in a single day. This touring plan includes strategy for beating the crowds at Radiator Springs Racers, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Web Slingers Spider-Man Adventure, and more!

We are currently working on additional multi-day itineraries for trips of 4+ days at Disneyland Resort. For now, if you plan on spending more time at DCA, consult our Disney California Adventure Ride Reviews & Guide . The article reviews every attraction at Disneyland, giving each a numerical score out of 10, plus highlights key attractions that we consider the best ones, which should be prioritized if you have limited time.

Our Disneyland Ride Reviews & Guide does the same thing for the castle park, in case you want to spend 3+ days there. (Which you totally could, especially now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open!)

Dining at Disneyland

Food is half the fun at Disneyland. Both parks have great restaurants, iconic snacks, decadent desserts, and great drinks. We typically go all-out when visiting the parks, doing breakfast at one of the hotels (or sometimes in the park), followed by a mid-morning snack, counter service lunch, and table service dinner.

The stereotype that all Disney food is unhealthy food like burgers and hot dogs is entirely false. Disneyland has inexpensive unique dining options as well as expensive fine dining. Good dining can help define a trip! To that end, we highly recommend checking out our List of the 23 Best Restaurants at Disneyland . Those are the places we dine the most, and recommend to friends visiting the parks. You’ll find several hidden gems on there, as well as explanations for why we’ve snubbed several hotspots.

If you want advice, food photos, and more about all restaurants, see our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews . (Honestly, we think that’s probably overkill for 95% of you. The ‘best of’ list above covers where you should do meals, and there are more lists below for bars, snacks, and desserts.)

Beyond full meals, we have a few resources that can help you plan memorable meals at Disneyland. If you have kids, we highly recommend consulting our Disneyland Character Dining Guide , which covers the best character buffets in the hotels and parks.

Looking for the best quick meals? Our Top 10 Disneyland Counter Service Restaurants list ranks the best meals in the castle park, while our Top 10 Disney California Adventure Counter Service Restaurants list offers the same for DCA.

Want to have fun with your food at Disneyland? Our Top 10 Delicious Desserts at Disneyland covers delicious treats, including some hidden gems, plus brand new items and recently-added restaurants in Downtown Disney!

If you’re into drinking, we also have posts about a few of our favorite lounges: Trader Sam’s , Lamplight Lounge , GCH Craftsman Bar , and Carthay Circle Restaurant . The last one is particularly noteworthy because–in addition to the lounge downstairs–the restaurant upstairs is the best in-park restaurant in either park.

Transportation

Should you fly or drive to Disneyland? Rent a car or use public transportation? What about getting around Southern California? There are a ton of questions you might have, and our Guide to Disneyland Transportation covers everything you need to know, answering these questions for you based on our first-hand experiences visiting Anaheim as tourists and living nearby as locals.

If you’ve already decided on flying to California but aren’t sure of the pros & cons of each option, check out our Guide to Airports Near Disneyland. That covers the strengths and weaknesses of the 5 airports in Southern California that are relatively convenient to Disneyland.

In a nutshell, our strong recommendation would be flying into SNA (or even LGB) over LAX. Even if the flight is a little more expensive, it’s worth it. Not only is SNA closer to Disneyland, but LAX has tons of chaos, construction, and crowds.

We like LAX and its eclectic energy, but it’s more than a little overwhelming for a first-timer. If you’ve never been to Southern California or a large city like Los Angeles, it can be a bit much and start your trip off on the wrong foot. Meanwhile, SNA is laid back and quiet. If there were a list ranking the best airports for napping, it would be near the top and LAX would be near the bottom.

In addition to this, SNA is much closer to Disneyland than LAX, which makes it easier to simply take an Uber or Lyft from the airport to wherever you’re staying near Disneyland. In most cases, we’d recommend rideshare over renting a car at the airport, as the vast majority of hotels near Disneyland now charge for parking. So not only will you be paying to rent the car, but also to park it.

The vast majority of hotels near Disneyland are within walking distance, so you won’t need a vehicle during the theme park portion of your trip to Southern California. If you’re staying at one of the hotels we recommend in Anaheim, it’s literally counterproductive to drive to Disneyland since the parking structures are all farther away than most of the nearby hotels.

If you’re venturing beyond Disneyland to one of the destinations discussed below–and we strongly recommend that you do–while visiting Southern California, our advice would be to book a rental car in Anaheim. There are numerous rental car companies within walking distance of Disneyland, and most offer one-way rentals to the nearby airports. Walk over to one of those on your checkout morning, pick up your rental car, and continue your California adventure!

We do not  recommend relying on rideshare if you’re heading to Los Angeles. However, if you’re doing Laguna Beach or another coastal community, a rental car may not be needed at all. Many coastal towns have free trolley service that is fantastic. Simply take an Uber or Lyft from Disneyland to wherever you’re staying in the beach cities.

Southern California BEYOND Disneyland

If you want to venture beyond theme parks, you’re in luck. Southern California is one of the best places in the world to visit! Thanks to Los Angeles, San Diego, and the beach cities in between, there’s a ton to do in the area.

In addition to this site, we have non-Disney blog: TravelCaffeine with resources for on an eclectic mix of the places where we’ve lived or visited extensively. California is one such emphasis, as we’ve spent a ton of time exploring our home state. If you’re planning on heading to LA after Disneyland, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles .

While LA is one of the greatest cities in the world, we’re particularly partial to Laguna Beach. It’s home to the best stretch of coast in California, has small-town charm and personality, and tons of things to do. To that point, see our  Ultimate Guide to Laguna Beach, California for extensive advice. If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of visiting Los Angeles, then Laguna Beach is for you!

In addition to these planning resources, we also give away a free eBook, 101 Things to Do in Southern California over on TravelCaffeine, so be sure to download that totally free resource!

If you’re thinking of visiting other theme parks in Southern California, we also have guides to those…

Universal Studios Hollywood Trip Planning Guide – In just a few years, USH has transformed and improved dramatically. The opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was what really put the park on the map as a vacation destination, but many other additions have made this a great park in the last few years. Our favorite new attraction is Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, a new family-friendly dark ride. (Read our review of it in Universal’s New Dark Ride Rivals Disney’s Best! )

The blockbuster new addition is Super Nintendo World. We love this land, and rate two of its biggest components in our Ride Review: Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge and our Review of Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World . For practical planning advice, check out our comprehensive  Strategy Guide for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood . That offers tips & tricks, how to beat the crowds, and a ton of other advice for making the most of your time in this incredible new land.

Aside from that, the Studio Tour is our favorite attraction, which is a 45-minute plus tram tour through the working backlot of Universal’s studio. If you are only interested in this Studio Tour, you might broaden your potential options beyond just USH, and also consider the Warner Brothers Studio Tour and Sony Pictures Studio Tour as alternatives.

Guide to Knott’s Berry Farm – An Orange County institution that proudly proclaims itself as “America’s 1st Theme Park.” Really, Knott’s is a tale of two theme parks. It has modern roller coasters and other fare for thrill-seekers. Thematically, this leaves a lot to be desired.

Then there are the quainter areas, reminiscent of Frontierland at Disneyland. We love these areas–and the park’s annual Boysenberry Festival. All things considered, we love both Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood, and together with Disneyland Resort, these four gates make for a great theme park vacation in Southern California!

Other Disneyland Planning Resources

Now that we’ve covered the essentials to ensure you have a great trip to Disneyland, we have a bunch of other resources that will guide you through the planning process to make your visit to Disneyland more enjoyable, helping you save time and money. Armed with all of this knowledge, you will have a much better vacation.

What to Pack – Packing for Disneyland is comparable to packing for any vacation, but with a few twists. Here’s our list of “unordinary” items to pack that will help enhance your Disneyland trip!

Guide to Downtown Disney – We sort of gloss over it here, but Downtown Disney is a massive area within Disneyland Resort’s security perimeter. You can easily leave either park and get to one of these restaurants for a meal…or some of the best ice cream you’ll ever have…in under 10 minutes.

Our 101 Best Disneyland Tips – This is not nearly as structured as our other advice, but these tips offer great advice and sometimes obscure little things that will help you visit the parks like a local. This is more granular advice than what you’ll find in our other planning articles, but we’ve had a lot of positive feedback from readers who really got a lot more out of their trips because of those tips.

Renting DVC Points to Save Money on Accommodations – This is written from a WDW perspective, but there are also Disney Vacation Club villas at the Grand Californian. Booking there can be a challenge (it’s incredibly popular), but you can save a ton of money if your timing is right and you get lucky.

Best Credit Cards for Disney Travel – Leveraging credit card rewards can be a great way of getting free airfare or hotel rooms, and there are several options near Disneyland that you can book for free thanks to signup bonuses.

Tips for Buying Discount Disney Gift Cards – Want to save at least 5% on every single thing you buy at Disneyland? These hacks are for you. Some are relatively simple and straightforward (like using the Target RedCard) while others require a bit more effort.

In general, there are a variety of ways you can save money on a trip to Disneyland. If you’re looking for the best way to save on an entire vacation package, many of our favorite hotels near Disneyland can be booked via Get Away Today at a discount . If you bundle tickets into your hotel stay, you’ll get an even better deal. You can check package prices here .

Between this blog and TravelCaffeine.com , you should be totally covered with what you need to know if you’re thinking about visiting Disneyland Resort and Southern California sometime in 2024. We can’t encourage people enough to give Disneyland a try, especially Disney fans who are biased towards Walt Disney World as their “home” park. Disneyland is a totally different, much more relaxed experience. It’s intimate in both size and feel, and is oozing with history and incredible attractions.

I could go on for pages and pages about why I love Disneyland, and why everyone owes it to themselves to visit Disneyland, but hopefully this is a good-enough jumping off point. If you’ve never been to either Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, it’s a good place to start as we attempt to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each in an unbiased manner. If all of this is still overwhelming or you want personalized recommendations for Disneyland Resort, click here to get a vacation quote from a no fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner .

Your Thoughts

Are you planning a Disneyland Resort visit in 2024? Debating between Halloween and Christmas? Have you already visited Galaxy’s Edge and done Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance? What about Avengers Campus? Are you excited for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or the reimagined Toontown? Thoughts on Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, where to stay, best restaurants and snacks, or anything else covered here? Have you previously visited Disneyland? Have any tips of your own to add? Any questions you still have that this guide did not answer? We really appreciate reader feedback and your thoughts, so please share in the comments below! 🙂

Written by Tom Bricker

We’re headed to California in June. Family of five with three young boys. Love Disney World, never been to Disneyland. Plan to do 2-days in the parks June 18th and 19th with non-hopper tickets. Seems like Disneyland is closing at 8pm on the 18th for an event. Will crowds be down that day like they are in DW for these kind of events? Other factor is Juneteenth is on June 19. Bottom line, which day should we Disneyland and which day should we do DCA? Thank you for any and all advice!

I have been going to the Disneyland Resort with my daughters since they were four and six and I have enjoyed reading your blog as a planning guide that entire time. Now they’re 17 and 15! My question is I’ve always wondered if you have an opinion about what park to start at if you have a Park hopper tickets, and now since we need to reserve what park we start at, is there a preference one over the other? Maybe depending which has early entry is? We are not staying at a hotel that will have early entry, so should we try to not go to the park that has early entry or just ignore that? Any other comments about where to start your day with a hopper? Thanks and congratulations on your new family! You’ll discover how wonderful Disneyland is in a whole new way and as the years go by it only gets better!

Early Entry doesn’t move the needle that much since it’s such a small pool of guests.

Personally, I’m a big fan of starting at Disneyland if you’re into the Fantasyland dark rides, because it’s so easy to knock out a half-dozen of those in an hour, which is such a satisfying feeling. I also think that, due to greater ride density, Disneyland wait times build slower over the course of the morning, whereas DCA can get busy quickly.

That’s my very subjective take, though. If you want to do Radiator Springs Racers, Avengers Campus, or other high-profile rides in DCA, maybe that’s a better option than Disneyland for you.

It looks like we have a chance to visit Disneyland for the first time (as hard core WDW people) in April. Unfortunately it’s a very busy weekend (Apr 5-8) but I’ll take what I can get. We will buy Genie+ of course.. we will skip Galaxy’s Edge as we’ve done that many times in FL. Do you have a 2 day Itinerary for DL + DCA for people who are used to WDW? In other words – what are all the OG and unique to DL rides, and top 3 snacks/dining experiences? I’m thinking Lamplight Lounge for one meal and some snacks. It’s weird to feel like a noob with Disney since we are so familiar w/ WDW.

We have visited WDW many times. Most recently first week of December 2022. It was fantastic!! Thanks for your recommendation on the week. Thinking about a first time trip to Disneyland this year. Would like to catch some other area sights as well. How many days should we plan as first timers to the parks? Best place to stay when we likely won’t be back for a while. Thanks!

Thanks for the updated guide. Full of lots of great information as usual, and it’s nice to see more pictures of Sarah and Megatron! (And Tom of course.) We’re planning to go around November 10-12. Do you think Dapper Days combined with the start of the holiday season plus Veteran’s day will make it extra crowded? If so, any touring tips besides rope drop? We’re hopefully staying at the Grand so will have early entry.

Thank you so much for all your help. Had a great Disney experience thanks to you!

I’m wondering if you have a 1 day itinerary article that covers both Disneyland and DCA with park hopper. We only have 1 day to visit during this trip and we’re traveling with an infant so it does cut out on a bunch of high priority rides. We’re also diehard WDW people and have rode those attractions SEVERAL times so we’re ok with cutting out things like Galaxys edge, Toy story mania… there are a few rides we want to do without the baby, ie radiator springs racers and can utilize single rider or rider swap for those, but are most interested in original dark rides for a more nostalgic experience. Thanks for being such a great resource for planning research, your blogs have been more then helpful!

Hello, My name is Jenna Taylor, and I’m a travel writer. I was simply conducting some research for content ideas when I came across your site.

What can I do to obtain a do-follow link on your site? Would you be willing to accept a guest post on your blog? If that’s the case, can you please let me know how much you would charge?

Please let me know what you think and please contact me if there are any additional specifics!

Tom, appreciate all your work to put these guides out. Your site was a big help when our family first started going to Disney World back in 2015.

We’re looking at our first visit to Disneyland sometime in summer 2023. I saw mentioned in a few different places that weekends are worse than weekdays. Looking back at summer 2022, Friday-Sunday showed significantly lower wait times than Monday- Thursday (per Thrilldata). I’m assuming that had to do with Magic Key blackouts – would that pattern be expected to repeat in June/July 2023?

Excellent information and orientation! Kind regards.

Hello! So, I am one of those people who hate to compose trip itineraries. I LOVE to go, but hate to plan the details. Do you offer this as a service? My husband and I are planning to take our oldest 2 granddaughters (ages 6 & 8) to Disneyland in July 2023. We will be arriving on a Sunday, leaving on a Thursday. Your information on lodging, flying, the airport, and transportation is fantastic.

You will have an amazing time! One tip I don’t see that often that we have found very helpful every time we go with our now 9 year-old is that we generally take a break from the parks sometime after lunch, go for a swim, relax a bit have a snack or get an early dinner and then head back to the parks a bit refreshed. Also, stay hydrated, sunscreen and i usually pack some lollipops for long lines;) Have a wonderful time!

If you’re looking for an itinerary planning service, check out Melanie B on Instagram (the_disney_rn). I’ve never needed an itinerary other than Tom and Sarah’s tips, but I know many people love them! Melanie always has amazing advice as a local Disneyland fan, so I’m sure her itineraries would be super helpful to you 🙂

If I buy a five day hopper with genie plus through getaway today does it include photo pass service for every day or for just one day or what?

The best plan is to purchase Disneyland tickets at Ralph’s, Smart and Final, Raleys, Target, Cardenas, Superior and Super A. The tickets are sold through ScanIt where you find the giftcards. Scan the QR code, select your tickets, enter your email and a barcode is generated for purchase at the register. Reservations are really open right now!!

Also, Target is offering a $20 instant rebate right now if you buy their current promo in their stores!!

A really good option is to purchase your Disneyland tickets at the grocery store – Ralph’s, Smart and Final, Raleys, Target, Cardenas, Superior and Super A. The tickets are sold through ScanIt where you find the giftcards. Scan the QR code, select your tickets, enter your email and a barcode is generated. Purchase in store. You get your credit card grocery points this way – I get cash back for grocery!!! Plus at Ralph’s you get FUEL rewards. Disneyland currently is running their $83/day through September. Get in the grocery store! Reservations are really open right now!!

Do you have any recommendations or information about parking options for day visitors? We will be in the Anaheim area visiting family and I am hoping to do a 1 day visit to Disneyland. We will be staying about 20 minutes away at the Hyatt House in Cypress, as that is the location that is near the people we are visiting.

If you are doing a 1 day visit to Disneyland, your best bet would be to park at at the Mickey and Friends parking structure. That’s the main structure for the parks and it’s the best option for park visitors.

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The Ultimate 2024 Disneyland Guide: Planning & Touring Tips

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: February 13, 2024

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The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California has now been reopened for nearly three years, and operations have returned to normal for quite some time. But things are still, practically speaking, quite a bit different in 2024 at the Happiest Place on Earth – some of them permanently so.

If you haven’t been to the parks in awhile, it’s important to get up to date! As a guest, that means you need to come prepared for things to work in very new ways. Many of the old pre-2020 Disneyland tricks and hacks won’t work anymore. You need to have a few new tools at the ready to have the best vacation experience. That’s where this Disneyland guide comes in.

If you are planning a trip to Disneyland in Southern California in 2024, this complete Disneyland planning guide will walk you through all the basics of what to expect this year – new requirements, changes from what you might have experienced in previous years, new ride and land openings, revised touring strategies, and more. I’ve been there first hand all along the way, visiting Disneyland and Disney California Adventure numerous times each year, including another recent trip in February 2024.

I’ll continue to update this annual guide regularly to reflect more changes. So be sure to bookmark and come back to it if your trip is several months down the road from now.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

What’s New, Returning Soon, or Closed at Disneyland in 2024

Before we get to all the operational changes and new park touring tips, let’s briefly dive into what’s new to see and do at the resort in 2024. And of course, we have to discuss the flip side as well – what’s closed this year for refurbishment or for good.

A little over a year ago, Disney finally brought an important technological feature to its California parks. MagicBands had been in use at Walt Disney World for about a decade, but now the third generation MagicBand, MagicBand+, works at Disneyland too.

The uses for MagicBand+ at Disneyland are more limited. As a result, fewer guests have chosen to use them than do in Orlando. I’ve found some value in using mine, but they certainly aren’t essential – especially for infrequent visitors. That said, they are a fun and sometimes useful accessory or souvenir.

To explore what MagicBands do at Disneyland as you decide whether they are a must-have or can-skip item for your 2024 trip, check out my guide to Disney MagicBands and the new MagicBand+ .

Nighttime Spectaculars: World of Color – ONE & Wondrous Journeys

In 2023, Disneyland celebrated 100 years of Disney company history during the Disney100 celebration. While this event has come to a close, a few remnants have been left behind in 2024. Most notable of these is the World of Color – ONE nighttime spectacular.

This show runs nightly in Disney California Adventure. For access to some of the better standing viewing areas, be sure to log into the Disneyland app at noon to secure a virtual queue reservation. If you want a seat to view the show, however, you’ll have to spring for the World of Color Dessert Party package.

Related : Get details on the best spots to view World of Color from my pal Jessica at The Happiest Blog on Earth.

The other nighttime spectacular for the Disney 100 celebration was the well-reviewed Wondrous Journeys in Disneyland park. In fact, it might just be my favorite Disney nighttime spectacular ever. It hasn’t run since last summer, but Disneyland recent announced that it will be returning for a limited engagement run from March 22-April 14, 2024. So if you have a spring break trip planned this year, I highly recommend adding a viewing to your agenda!

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

The year 2023 brought a brand new attraction to Disneyland – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Runaway Railway has already been in Orlando in Hollywood Studios for several years, but now it also has a home in Toontown in Disneyland park. The indoor dark ride is family-friendly and has one of the very best queues that Disney Imagineers have ever created.

Check out my complete ride guide and wait time tips article on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway for all the latest details.

Toontown Renovation

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway isn’t the only new offering of note in that area of the park. In fact, the remainder of Toontown around the attraction reopened in early 2023 after a significant facelift. The land has several new and reimagined play areas and much more green space. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin returned, and the Gadget Go-Coaster got a new theme as Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Gadget Coaster.

Related: Best Non-Ride Things to Do with Preschoolers at Disneyland

There were some unfortunate hiccups in 2023 with the durability of some of the new play areas, but all seems to be repaired well as of my first 2024 visit. Just be aware that if you are used to retreating to Toontown during the heat of the day to escape crowds (as I often did when my kids were little), you’ll find the crowds have followed you into Toontown now!

Magic Happens Parade

The Magic Happens Parade parade had only just debuted when the parks closed unexpectedly in March of 2020. The parade ran from February through October in 2023, and a lot of guests wondered what would become of it after that. But as of February 2024, Magic Happens is back again!

This edgy parade has an energetic vibe and soundtrack and is a much-needed addition to Disneyland park. The parade goes between Main Street U.S.A. and it’s a small world twice daily. The first showing is in the daytime, and the second is usually after sunset, where elements on the floats light up, making for an extra magical show.

Tiana’s Palace Restaurant

The counter service restaurant French Market in New Orleans Square closed for good but reopened in September 2023 with a new theme and new menu. The restaurant is now called Tiana’s Palace, featuring Princess and the Frog, leading the way in that section of the park for the refurbishment of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure later this year.

The food is some of the very best quick service that Disney has to offer, and has already become one of my favorites (and I’m Southern, so I’m a tough judge of Cajun and Creole cuisine!). Thankfully, it has mobile order (more on that later!) to dodge the long lines.

San Fransokyo Square

Last year, an often overlooked part of Disney California Adventure received a refresh. The Pacific Wharf area (in between Cars Land and Pixar Pier) is now themed as San Fransokyo, the hybrid West-Coast-Meets-Asia city featured in Big Hero 6.

Like Pacific Wharf, the area is mostly seating and quick service eateries, but there are a lot of new menu items that make it much more of a foodie destination, especially at times when DCA is in between food festivals. And Baymax is a frequent character meet and greet in the area as well. Definitely a major improvement to this area of the park worth seeing!

Disneyland Hotel DVC Tower

As of late September 2023, a new tower debuted at the original on-property Disneyland resort hotel – the Villas at the Disneyland Hotel. This property features a variety of studio and one to three bedroom Disney Vacation Club (DVC) units plus a Steamboat Willie splash pad.

Related: Disneyland Hotel vs. Disney’s Grand Californian: Which Hotel is Right for Your Family?

Our family took a trip last fall to stay in the new Villas and were very impressed by the addition. Rooms feature one of several different characters (we had a Tiana-themed studio unit), and the accommodations feel luxurious while matching the hotel’s classic Disney vibe. Rooms aren’t that much pricier than the Disneyland Hotel regular rooms, so if you need the extra space or can make use of the kitchen, definitely give it a look. If you aren’t visiting at a peak time, I recommend looking into renting DVC points as a way to save big on these accommodations.

Adventureland Treehouse

What used to be the Swiss Family Treehouse and later became Tarzan’s Treehouse has now returned to its roots (pun intended). The newly renovated treehouse reopened at the end of 2023 and is inspired by the Swiss Family Robinson movie once again.

I didn’t get a chance to walk into it on my most recent visit (I’m saving it to experience with my kids!), but the exterior is breathtaking. For classic Disney fans, the treehouse seems to blend the old with the new in a highly satisfying way.

Pirates of the Caribbean Genie+ Lightning Lane

For a limited time in 2024, there is a new attraction offering Lightning Lane access via Genie+ at Disneyland . Pirates of the Caribbean is temporarily available for booking with Genie+ while several other attractions nearby in Disneyland park are down for refurbishment (more on that below).

This means that savvy Genie+ users will need to adjust their Genie+ strategies to take the addition into account. So far, this isn’t an attraction that runs out of Lightning Lane times that early thanks to its high capacity. I recommend securing more popular Lightning Lanes like Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and even Big Thunder Mountain first.

And as you might imagine, the addition of Pirates to Genie+ also means that guests who are used to riding this attraction through reasonable standby lines will have to adjust their strategies too. Regular lines are quite a bit longer now for Pirates, and the queue stretches through New Orleans Square in ways that unfortunately block access to visitors just walking by.

Disney hasn’t announced how long Pirates will be offering Lightning Lane, but we expect it could be until the end of summer (when Haunted Mansion reopens again). Stay tuned and watch for an end date if you have a trip during the second half of 2024.

Pixar Place Hotel

Last but certainly not least of all things new in 2024….Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel just completed the final stages of a renovation to become the Pixar Place Hotel. This property was in dire need of a major refresh so I was super excited to see the finished product when I stayed at Pixar Place just a week after its January 31, 2024 reopening.

I must admit I was very pleasantly surprised by the transformation after being pretty hard on Paradise Pier in the last few years. It really feels like the property got a complete gutting – far more than the regular refresh that Disney hotels often get.

Rooms are quite large with completely renovated and bright bathrooms. Two queen rooms have a couch that turns into a daybed to sleep families of 5. Bold and bright Pixar themed character and colors are everywhere.

The rooftop pool and splash pad are ideal for younger kids. Bonus that Bing Bong often hangs out in the lobby for a free and unique character meet and greet.

That said, Pixar Place Hotel is certainly not cheap by any means. I paid $405/night plus tax and some peak dates are already listed at $500+ a night. But Pixar Place is running about $150 a night less than the Disneyland Hotel. For visitors who want the benefits of an on-property stay like Early Entry, this is definitely the hotel where you can get them for a little less. The price is now much more in line with what the hotel has to offer.

Closures & Coming Soon

Disneyland is always evolving and changing, so you can also expect some closures and construction this year too. There are always a number of short term attraction closures on calendar, so always be sure to check official Disneyland sources before your trip for those. But more major things to watch include the following:

Downtown Disney

Disneyland’s shopping and entertainment district, Downtown Disney, is a serious construction zone in places right now. For now, La Brea Bakery is gone and has been replaced by a temporary location for Earl of Sandwich. A lot of other new restaurants are coming including Porto’s Bakery and Din Tai Fung, so keep watching Disney news for other announcements.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

The attraction formerly known as Splash Mountain took its last rider last year. But the log flume drop will live on in a new form! Disney is re-theming and re-doing the attraction to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The opening date won’t be until well into 2024, so expect construction walls on that end of the park.

Haunted Mansion Area Refurbishment

This year has also brought construction walls all around the Haunted Mansion. The queue and gardens area to the left of the mansion is getting an expansion, and the area next to Tiana’s Palace Restaurant will eventually have more open space as well. Additionally, a new shop is going in to the right of the mansion (closer to where Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be).

Essential Tips for Disneyland Planning & Touring in 2024

So now that all of those dates are out of the way, how do you plan your Disneyland vacation differently in 2024? And how do you approach touring the parks in new ways? Here are all my very best practical tips.

Plan Earlier!

Remember the days when you could wake up and decide to go to Disneyland for the day? Or if you are not a local but are within a few hours driving distance, the days when you could decide mid-week to head down to Disneyland for the weekend? While I won’t say those days are long gone, they are certainly fewer and farther between.

With an ever-increasing number of folks traveling again, the demand for Disneyland has continued to exceed supply many times of year. That means you need to plan early to be able to go at all – to find theme park reservation availability, to lock in a hotel that doesn’t cost and arm and a leg, and to book flights to Disneyland if you are coming from longer distances.

How early is early enough? Thankfully, supply and demand have normalized a bit so you don’t need to plan quite as early as you might have in 2021 and 2022 especially. But even still, I’d say you need to plan at least a couple of weeks in advance from drive markets. I’d recommend a month or more if you are coming by air or hope to go at peak times like the holidays. If you want to snag the best pricing and availability for hotels, at least several months in advance is necessary.

Secure Theme Park Reservations ASAP

In the last couple of years, we’ve all gotten used to the fact that an increasing number of activities require advance reservations to take part. While a lot of those activities have dropped their reservations requirement (and indeed Disney World dropped theirs in January 2024!), Disneyland is one place keeping them around for the indefinite future for now.

Be sure to read my comprehensive guide to Disneyland reservations as you are planning your Disneyland trip to make sure you get the reservations part right. The bottom line is that you need to a) check to make sure there are reservations available for the days you want to visit and the ticket type you plan to buy before planning a trip and b) book those reservations ASAP.

While reservations open 120 days in advance for regular theme park tickets, it’s certainly not necessary to book them quite that early. But earlier is better, especially if you plan to go at a high demand time like Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays.

Practically speaking, reservations at at least one park usually remain open for almost all dates more than a few days in advance now (especially if you have park hopper tickets, where reservation availability is more generous). Sometimes, there are still reservations available the night before or even same day! No, that shouldn’t make you complacent. Availability can really fluctuate.

There are a lot of factors that might cause the parks to book up more quickly at some times of year. Ticket specials (especially SoCal resident deals), Disney adjusting allotment of space to annual passes (now known as Magic Keys), or the draw of seasonal offerings like Food and Wine Festival or Oogie Boogie Bash can all cause one or both parks to fill farther in advance. For example, last year I noticed most dates in October booked up in Disney California Adventure weeks in advance for one park per day tickets due to the popularity of Halloween offerings there.

Buy the Right Ticket Type

Before making park reservations, guests of course need theme park tickets. So what are your options for regular tickets? Disneyland offers both single day or multi-day tickets (up to 5 total days). There is an optional park hopper add on for both of these as well that costs a $65-75 extra, depending on length of ticket.

Related: Disneyland Park Hopper Tickets: Worth it or Waste of Money?

Over the course of the past year, I have heard a lot of stories of guests who bought the wrong ticket in the first place or who changed their minds about what ticket was right for them after more research. In most cases, however, you really can’t afford to do this right now. You need get your ticket purchase right out of the gate because Disneyland doesn’t make it easy to change or upgrade tickets from afar.

For this reason, I also highly recommend buying multi-day Disneyland tickets from Trips With Tykes partner Get Away Today. Get Away Today is the only place that offers refundable Disneyland tickets if you get this ticket purchasing step wrong (free if you purchase their Peace of Mind Plan or otherwise a per ticket fee). Plus, their tickets are discounted off of regular Disney direct prices! Book discounted Disneyland park tickets from Get Away Today here . (And also be sure to peek at their discounted Disneyland hotels and vacation packages too – use code TYKES10 for $10 in additional package savings.)

So what else do you need to watch for in terms of tickets? Here’s what can trip up many guests and what to know:

• One day tickets are the most complicated, with 7 different prices, corresponding to 7 different tiers (inexplicably numbered Tiers 0-6). Only Tier 6 tickets can be used every day on the calendar. Other tiers have blockout dates. Be sure that the tier you purchase will allow you to go on the day you want (as well as any day you might switch to if your vacation plans are not yet firm).
• Multi-day tickets thankfully do not have tiers at all, so you are eligible to book any day on the calendar with them.
• Multi-day tickets expire 13 days after first use. This makes them great for a multi-day vacation for out-of-towners. Locals who can bunch up several single day visits in a two week window might find some value as well, although usually the SoCal ticket specials (when offered) are better for anyone who lives nearby.
• Park hopper tickets and single-park-per-day tickets each have their own separate reservation availability calendar , regardless of the number of days you purchase on these tickets. Make sure you are checking the reservation calendar that matches the ticket type you intend to buy. The single-park-per-day reservation calendar usually fills up first. If you are booking more last minute, paying extra for park hopper will likely open up more days on the reservation calendar to you.
• Magic Key (annual pass) reservations are a totally separate system. Magic Key dates open up 90 days in advance, and many popular dates become booked very quickly. Magic Keys are not always on sale (or only some types are available), so they may not be an option for many guests to even purchase.

Consider New Hotel Options

A lot of Disneyland visitors have their favorite hotels they’ve stayed in year after year, and loyalty and familiarity are certainly good things. But whether it’s been a while since you’ve investigated the choices or you are coming to Disneyland as a first timer, I’d encourage all Disneyland visitors to shop around and look at the hotel options anew.

The 2020 closures brought a lot of changes to the hotel market. Multiple new hotels have opened, some of which have some pretty tempting perks and value propositions. Additionally, the prices of a lot of hotels have gone up quite a bit in these inflationary times. As I’ve been monitoring prices closely, I’ve noticed some hotels have had much more substantial price increases than others and some have changed their included benefits. The relative prices have shifted considerably, and a hotel that used to be a deal or value may not be anymore relative to its current benefits.

If you want to get a peek at what my top hotel picks are in 2024, check out this fully updated guide to hotels within walking distance of Disneyland .

Additionally, Disney is always tweaking its benefits for on-property hotel guests. This changes the incentives for some guests deciding between a Disneyland owned hotel or an off-property Good Neighbor Hotel nearby. Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning from pre-2020 times have both been gone for quite awhile, but Disneyland began offering guests at on-property hotels 30 minutes of early entry.

As of early 2024, however, this Early Entry benefit has changed yet again. Disneyland opens early on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and DCA opens early on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. You can get a lot done in 30 minutes, but query carefully whether this is a benefit you will fully use before paying several hundred dollars more per night to stay on-property, especially given the new alternating park schedule.

Finally, one important thing to keep in mind – conventions and other special events have largely returned to the Anaheim area making hotel demand higher than ever at some times you might not expect . Walking distance hotels especially seem to book up quickly in 2024 as a lot of travelers don’t want the hassle of shuttles or harder-to-find (and increasingly expensive) ridesharing to the parks. So earlier really is better when it comes to being able to plan a Disneyland vacation with your preferred logistics.

Park Hop at 11:00 AM!

For guests who purchase Disneyland’s park hopper ticket add on, the year 2023 brought a welcome policy change for the better. When the parks initially reopened back in 2021, park hopping was only allowed at the Disneyland Resort starting at 1:00pm. As of February 4, 2023, the park hopping time at Disneyland has been moved up to 11:00am.

It’s still not quite like the good old days when there was no time restriction on park hopping, but at least this frees guests up to make lunch reservations in whatever park they prefer. It also helps with using and redeeming Genie+ Lightning Lanes more strategically (more on that below).

Adjust Your Disneyland Dining & Restaurant Strategy in 2024

For a long time after the parks first reopened, things simply weren’t up to speed on the Disneyland dining front. Finally almost all restaurants are open (and at full capacity) in 2024, but the dining scene has changed quite a bit.

Some menus are still pared back to a more limited number of choices at some restaurants. Reservations at table service restaurants are also harder to get, and quick service restaurants have increasingly moved towards encouraging guests to mobile order.

Table Service Restaurants

For table service restaurants, my best advice is to book early (and often). Reservations didn’t used to be incredibly hard to get at Disneyland except for a very few popular restaurants, but they are much more challenging in 2024. You may not be able to secure your top choice, so consider making backup reservations for restaurants you are happy with when you see they are available – because those too may soon be gone!

When do you need to plan to book dining reservations? Officially, Disneyland table service reservations open up exactly 60 days in advance, usually at 6:00 am PT. Some restaurants, however, will not open up availability at that time, releasing all availability several days later or releasing additional times in dribs and drabs.

How do you navigate the uncertainty? My best advice is to at least set an alarm to try first thing in the morning 60 days in advance. After that, I would suggest saving yourself dozens of fruitless refreshes and sign up for a Disney dining reservation monitoring service.

I highly recommend the site Mouse Dining , which is a great tool to help you snag a hard to find reservation by notifying you of cancellations or Disney adding capacity. Mouse Dining has both a free and a paid version, and I’ve had personal success using it to snag reservations many times.

If you are serious about a specific hard-to-get restaurant you’ll likely need the paid service to be competitive. This version sends instant text alerts. If you are more casually looking for openings at one of several places, the free version which sends email alerts can usually get the job done. A lot of guests book multiple or extra reservations to hedge their bets and cancel some as their plans firm up. Snagging those cancellations is possible, especially with some assistance.

All hope is not lost for the last minute planners either! Disneyland recently changed its cancellation policies for table service reservations, allowing guests to cancel until 2 hours in advance with no penalty. This means it’s possible to snag a same day reservation off of these cancellations.

Additionally, most table service restaurants have walkup availability too. You can join a same day walkup wait list on the Disneyland app on the day of your visit.

Quick Service Restaurants & Mobile Ordering

If you don’t want a fancier or longer meal, head for one of Disneyland’s quick service restaurants. Actually, don’t physically head there. First, you need to open the Disneyland app. The new normal for these dining locations is that you need to mobile order your food on the app. Disneyland thankfully still has regular lines with cashiers to enable walk up orders, but they are in smaller numbers than before. Mobile ordering will still save you time almost all the time.

To use mobile ordering, the app will first display a list of available time windows for you to return to each restaurant to pick up your order. The closer you get to peak mealtimes, the more other guests start to place their mobile orders. And the farther out the return times become (although this thankfully has improved somewhat).

The bottom line? It’s essential to order on the early side, especially if there is a particular popular restaurant that is a must-do for you (like Tiana’s Palace!). You can always cancel an order with no penalty before your pickup window if you change your mind. You can also modify your pickup window if you are running late. See the quick and easy guide to Disneyland mobile ordering that my friend Casey at Disneyland Daily has created with step-by-step instructions.

Master the Disneyland App

Speaking of the Disneyland app, it’s important for more than just mobile ordering. It’s a backup for your theme park ticket, your ticket to Lightning Lanes (more on that later), your park map, the way to access your PhotoPass images, and more. Disneyland has even been testing it to check out of stores by allowing guests to self-scan merchandise in the app.

It’s essential that you download the app, know your login and password, and load a credit card to your account. Every adult doesn’t need to have it, but the most tech-savvy adult in your party (or at least the one managing the Disneyland vacation planning) should. If more than one adult will be using it, it is sometimes easiest for both to log in to the same account so that both phones get alerts.

Note that Disney gift cards are a permitted method of payment in the app as of a few years ago. So if you’ve acquired Disney gift cards at a discount , you can use them to save on food too. The only problem is that the app doesn’t store the gift card each time, so be prepared to enter the 16 digit code anew for each purchase (hot tip: copy and paste the number in your phone’s text notes so you don’t have to fish out the card each time).

My friend Jessica from the Happiest Blog on Earth has even more detail and information in this detailed guide to the Disneyland app .

See Characters Up Close & Get Hugs Again!

One of the favorite parts of a Disneyland vacation for many visitors – especially young kids – is seeing favorite Disney characters. These encounters were highly modified for a long time. But in 2024, hugs and close encounters are fully back for character meet-and-greets!

There are still characters that pop up in the distanced spots (especially on the Disneyland Railroad balcony overlooking Town Square in Main Street U.S.A.). So if you don’t want to wait in a long line to see a character, this is a helpful alternative I’m glad has stuck around. Check the Disneyland app under the Entertainment menu option to see the many locations where characters will appear in the parks, both near and far.

Disneyland character dining has returned entirely to its pre-2020 modes of operation as well. Characters come by tables again in addition to sometimes doing a parade or dance a few times per hour. Some restaurants will also take a character photo with guests to start the meal. See all the details in my complete guide to Disneyland character meals .

Have a New Strategy for Lines & Crowds

If you don’t want to be standing in line for rides (who does?), you’ve got a LOT new to learn in 2023. Fastpass, MaxPass , Extra Magic Hour, Magic Morning, even virtual queues for rides…. most of the tricks and hacks we used to use to shortcut lines in the good old days are GONE.

In their place are a few brand new tools that you absolutely need to know about. Whether you use them or not, they will affect how long the lines are and what rides you should do and when.

So what are these new options? The most important ones to know about are Disney Genie+ and paid Lightning Lane . Disney Genie+ is a pretty close cousin to MaxPass and allows guests Lightning Lane access for up to 20 eligible attractions. Paid Lightning Lane is a separate Fastpass-like offering for 3 additional super-popular rides with a separate fee.

If you want short waits most like the Fastpasses of old, these are upcharges that you should seriously consider. The flip side of course is that they can make standby lines for everyone else much longer. See my complete FAQ for Disneyland’s Genie+ and Lightning Lane and then read these additional advanced Disneyland Genie+ strategies for all the details.

For those of you who like to shortcut lines by going during less busy times, is it even possible to find a less crowded day to go to Disneyland in 2023? With the theme park reservations requirement, there are fewer really slow days at Disneyland. That said, midweek dates are still usually going to be less crowded than a holiday weekend – except for when a SoCal resident special is live.

Disneyland crowd calendars can help, but I find them less reliable than before, especially many months in advance. Personally I’d say that it’s less important to try to game the dates you are going to go to hope to luck into low crowds rather than just pick what works best for your travel schedule.

How else can you minimize your Disneyland wait times in 2023? This is an ever changing target, but here has been working of late:

• Rope dropping still works. Starting early is vital to a successful touring plan. Get in the front of the line to enter the parks up to an hour before park opening and you’ll be in prime position for your first ride of choice – and probably also your second and third. Although early entry means that on-property guests have a half hour head start on all other guests, there aren’t enough on-property guests to make lines long by the time everyone else is let in at rope drop. And because early entry is in alternating parks, rope drop in the park not offering early entry is a level playing field for all.
• Use single rider lines when available. Single rider lines are back but not necessarily for all the rides that offered them in 2020 and in quite the same way. But they are a great benefit, especially if you are flying solo or have older kids who are ok riding alone.
• Know when paid Lightning Lanes may sell out for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. While most rides offering Genie+ or paid Lightning Lane don’t run out of reservation times until late in the day, paid Lightning Lane for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge can still go very fast on high crowd days. Check out the latest strategies and trends in my Guide to riding Rise of the Resistance .
• Hop in line for one last ride a minute or two before closing time. As long as you are in line before the park officially closes, you get to ride. Lines are often very short at this hour as many guests head for the exits. Squeeze in one last ride, especially if you are a night owl!
• Ride during the fireworks or parades. Now that fireworks, parades, and other shows are back at Disneyland, a lot of guests won’t be on rides in the minutes that lead up to and during the shows. Fantasyland attractions close during fireworks nights (usually weekends only), but you can head elsewhere in the park to find shorter ride lines.

Final Thoughts

Disneyland is undoubtedly different in 2024, but still exudes much of the same joy that we all expect from the Happiest Place on Earth. And now you should be armed with all the information you need to adjust accordingly and take maximum advantage of the new rules.

Where to Book Your Disneyland Vacation & Save Money!

Save big on your Disneyland vacation with trusted Trips with Tykes partner, Get Away Today. Get Away Today sells park tickets at a discount, helps you find great deals at both on-property and off-property hotels, and provides expert customer service from representatives who visit Disneyland all the time.

For park tickets, don’t purchase direct from Disney and pay more! Book discounted Disneyland park tickets from Get Away Today here . Tickets purchased now are valid through December 31, 2025. Both park hopper and single park per day tickets are available, as well as tickets that include Genie+.

To take advantage of hotel and other package discounts from Get Away Today, explore and book Disneyland vacation packages here . Be sure to use code TYKES10 for $10 in additional savings.

Current Get Away Today Specials & Deals :

• Southern California Resident Offer : SoCal residents can get three day tickets for as low as $75 per day for visits on weekdays from January 2 -June 2, 2024. Can be used on non-consecutive days.
• Extra Day Free Tickets : Get 5 days at Disneyland for the price of 4 with this extra day free special for longer vacations.
• 3rd or 4th Night Free : available at select Anaheim area hotels exclusively through Get Away Today bookings (can be combined with all ticket discounts).

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John McFarland

Sunday 29th of May 2022

Thanks for all of the helpful information. My wife and I are trying to plan a trip for us, our 4 kids (all under 9, with the youngest being almost 3) and probably a few grandparents. We are excited!

Like you, my wife and I are planners and since, this will most likely be our only Disney trip for the foreseeable future, I want to do all that I can in the pre planning stages to help set the trip up for most success (knowing that there will be unforeseen things, ride closures, melt downs, and other unexpected issues.) With all that being said, we are looking at trying to go to Disneyland one of the three following dates, so I wanted to see if you had any insight and advice on these dates and any other thoughts that can help us plan a truly magical trip for our family.

1) November 14-17, 2022 - this is currently our first choice, as it will be Christmas season but probably without the thanksgiving to New Years crowds? It seems park hours, shows, rides, and everything should be going strong as it’s the start of Christmas season at Disneyland. Thoughts?

2) September 5-9, 2022 - this is our second choice, as it seems to be less crowded. - in your experience what do park hours and entertainment look like in what in theory is off season? - saw that D23 is 9/9-9/11, which in theory will bring crowds before and after, right?

3) October 10-13 - 3rd choice, but know that due to Fall Breaks, tends to be more crowded then the other two options. - if crowds are comparable then would rather see Christmas then Halloween at Disneyland.

I know that this become a long post and you probably get a lot of “please help me plan my trip” comments, but any advice and insight you can share would be greatly appreciated! Again, thanks for all that you do and all the helpful posts! And, thanks in advance for any advice you can give my wife and I.

Save money, experience more.

Disneyland Planning Guide 2024: Start Here to Plan Your Disneyland Trip

We cover everything from finding the best hotel near Disneyland to the most recent Disneyland updates to advice on saving money on Disneyland tickets. Our guide to planning a trip to Disneyland is laid out in the order of steps you would go in as begin planning to make it as simple as possible for first time guests and well-seasoned park goers!

You can read all about what Disneyland is like right now and the  Disneyland reservations system in our guides.

Common Questions:

• Where to find best discount Disneyland tickets?
• Where to find cheap Disney World tickets?
• How to find discount Universal Studios Hollywood tickets? 
• What should I bring to Disneyland? 
• Which are the best hotels near Disneyland?
• Which airport is closest to Disneyland?
• When is Disneyland least crowded?
• Should I go to Disneyland or Walt Disney World?
• How much does Disney FastPass cost in 2024?
• How do I navigate Disneyland with a wheelchair?

Before jumping into planning and reading the pieces of the guide below, I invite you to join our newsletter . It will help you along the way with more information, discounts, and more tips.

In this planning guide:

When to Visit Disneyland 2024

Your first step to planning a Disneyland vacation is to first decide on when you would like to visit the park! There are special events to consider throughout the year along with your own schedule to consider. In order to help you decide when is the best time to visit Disneyland consult our Disneyland crowd calendar which includes crowd predictions along with monthly events for the entire year.

Visiting Disneyland during the summer is often the most obvious choice for guests due to summer vacation for school aged kids. This is a great time to visit Disneyland as you will enjoy longer operating hours and newly introduced events or entertainment. Our guide to summer at Disneyland covers the pros and cons of a summer vacation at the resort. Spring at Disneyland can be another great time to visit, especially if you're looking for discounts for on-site Disney hotels and cheaper airfare.

Also consider the Disneyland Park hours and Disney California Adventure park hours when planning.

The holiday season is also another popular time to enjoy the parks as Disneyland goes all out for both Halloween and Christmas . You can enjoy seasonal ride overlays, an abundance of decorations, seasonal treats and themed entertainment. Picking what time of year to visit Disneyland will alter your resort experience in regards to the type of entertainment you may experience at the park, decorations, crowds, weather and even prices.

Prices will always be higher during holiday weeks like spring break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Labor Day, etc. Crowd levels also usually coordinate with these higher prices. Our guide to experiencing crowds at Disneyland help you prepare for surviving anything. Be sure to read our top Disneyland tips here .

You may also want to take into account the usual yearly refurbishments that may take place at Disneyland when picking your trip dates- these are just the yearly ride closures for usual maintenance or closures for seasonal overlays that happen each year.

You may also consider visiting for a birthday or anniversary which are great milestones to celebrate on Disney! In fact, Disney will help you celebrate those special birthdays and anniversaries .

Regardless of what time of year you pick, there is always a pro/con to each and every day of the year is just as magical as the rest!

Disneyland's New Reservation System 2024

Once you've picked your dates for your Disneyland vacation your next step is to purchase your tickets! You can save nearly $20 per ticket for travel when you book with our recommended travel partner  Get Away Today . They offer the best discounts while providing top notch customer service. They have worked with Disney for over 30 years selling millions of 2-5 day discount Disney tickets and give our Mickey Visit readers (who book through links on our website) an exclusive discount rate on tickets. I highly recommend going that route for your Disneyland theme park tickets. You can read more about the different ticket options, how many days you need and more in our discount Disneyland guide. 

If you're looking to do Disneyland on a budget, I've got you covered in our budget tips for Disneyland guide. Our list of budget tips will help you save money on park tickets, hotel, dining, and includes information on how to save 5% on Disney gift cards!

It's not enough to just have your theme park tickets to Disneyland, you also need to make a reservation for each day of your visit once you've purchased your tickets! This is extremely important because reservations can run out as your trip dates get closer and since this new reservation system has been implemented it hasn't been uncommon to see guests without a reservation be turned away at the gates… even if they have tickets.

Theme park reservations are available on a 90 day rolling basis for one day tickets and Magic Key Holders and a 120 day basis for multi-day ticket holders (available via our travel partner) in order for Disney to access guest availability and you should reserve your park days the instant you purchase your park tickets. You can easily change these later if you need to but better to book them once you've picked your dates. Our guide to the Disneyland theme park reservation system can walk you through how to make a reservation.

What Disneyland Hotel To Stay In

There are two types of hotels to choose from when visiting the Disneyland Resort. You can either stay at an on-property hotel that is owned by Disney or stay at a Disneyland Good Neighbor hotel, a third party hotel approved by Disney. There is a large price different between these two but the on-property Disney hotels all place you within the “Disney bubble” of being able to access Disneyland by walking through the popular Downtown Disney District which connects the entrance to the theme park and the hotels.

Downtown Disney contains plenty of shopping, restaurants and live entertainment. It's a great place to spend your arrival day to get your family in the Disney mood before their full day at the parks.

The are three Disney owned hotels with three different price tiers: Paradise Pier Hotel , the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Each of our reviews for these hotels detail the perks each offer along with the theme, dining and Disney details the hotels offer. You can also set aside a day of relaxation at the newly imagined Tenaya Stone Spa inside the Grand Californian with a full body massage, foot treatment, facial, and more! Plus they even offer fitness classes , some inside the parks before they open.

You can also bundle your Disneyland tickets and hotel into one Disneyland all inclusive vacation package. You can find more information on exclusive discounts, the best places to find powerful discounts, and when to book your package in our Disneyland vacation packages guide.

For guests that are looking to save money or prefer the variety the off-site hotels offer at Disneyland, there is a plethora of options near Disneyland! This is actually one of the best perks Disneyland has over Walt Disney World. Due to its close proximity of being centrally located in the city of Anaheim it's a breeze to use a hotel nearby and walk to the theme park each day. In fact, some of the off-site hotels are actually fewer steps to the entrance gates than some of the Disney owned hotels.

Our comprehensive guide to hotels at Disneyland covers our favorite hotels near Disneyland plus includes a detailed list of our personal reviews of these hotels with tips on how to save money by booking through our trusted travel partner. If you're the type of family that plans to spend numerous hours in the park and little time at your hotel, you can save hundreds by staying off-site at a no frills (but clean!) hotel and spend that money saved inside Disneyland instead.

Traveling to Disneyland

The Disneyland Resort sits in the middle of numerous nearby airports giving you plenty of options to fly in to the resort. My personal two favorites are Long Beach Airport and John Wayne Airport due to their close proximity (less than 20-30 minutes away!) and their small size. It makes traveling a breeze and I always chose to pay a bit more to fly into Long Beach over Los Angelas Airport which is a much larger airport. LA is also much further away and you will have a longer car ride to Disneyland with plenty of traffic to hold you up.

You can read more about the airports and transportation options to and from the airports in our Disneyland transportation guide. 

Where to Eat on Your Disneyland Vacation

The Disneyland Resort provides a wide variety of different types of food. You will find classic amusement park food mixed in with upscale restaurants. The food quality is outstanding and whether you are eating a corn dog or pork shank, it will be the best you have ever had.

Disneyland classifies their dining options in two categories: table service and quick service. Table service is defined as restaurants where you are seated with a typical waiter/waitress and offer advance dining reservations you can reserve 60 days in advance. You can book a reservation on the  official Disneyland website or call the reservation hotline at (714) 781-3463. Most of the restaurants are Disneyland that are considered table service book up in advance so its highly recommended you book reservations for the ones you're interested in.

Quick service refers to walk up locations which typically also offer mobile ordering you can use with the Disneyland app or just a regular walk up line. This is a quick grab and go option and also tends to be more cost effective. Most of the quick service locations at Disneyland offers really great food!

One popular experience that you shouldn't overlook, especially if you have kids, is the character dining at Disneyland! You can find character dining inside the park and at the Disney owned hotels offering a variety of experiences from Princess dining to dinner with Goofy! You can read more about each experience offered in our full guide to character dining at Disneyland .

Another popular dining experience at Disneyland is the option of reserving dining experiences that come with reserved seating for popular nighttime entertainment! These experiences are called dining packages and are offered for the popular nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland. This is a great way to combine a great dining experience while also taking the hassle out of saving a spot for a popular show in advance.

Read through our full guide to dining at Disneyland to see a review of all the different restaurants at Disneyland, tips on saving money on food and how to get the best dining reservations.

Disneyland 2024 Packing List

Once you've made all your theme park reservations, dining reservations and have all those finer details made the next big question becomes…. what should I pack? You want to be prepared for your Disneyland vacation but you also don't want to be so overburdened in the parks you're tipping over backwards with a giant backpack! Our Disneyland packing list helps cover everything you should bring so you come prepared.

Disneyland will have you covered with essentials if you do find you forgot something crucial but you will pay a higher price. It's good in a pinch especially if you forgot something you need immediately in the moment like headache or stomach medicine. Yes, you can even find medicine at Disneyland!

If you want to avoid that giant backpack from tipping you over, you could always rent a locker ! Disneyland offers daily locker rentals which is a great solution if you find yourself wanting to store the extra snacks or lunch you brought, the jackets you no longer need or the extra souvenirs you bought.

Disneyland has a great selection of souvenirs which can easily run your wallet down before you have a chance to blink. But there's some souvenirs that are more timeless than others and help preserve the memory of your trip. Read through my top recommendations to the best Disneyland souvenirs to see what are the most unique souvenirs you can find at the parks that are longer lasting memories than the typical t-shirt.

A great idea for Disneyland souvenirs that doesn't break the budget and that kids love are to collect the pressed pennies around the Disneyland.

Another popular item to collect and trade at Disneyland are Disney pins which you can trade with other guests and inside the Disney shops. Our guide to Disney Pin Trading gives an overview of this time honored tradition.

And if you find yourself wanting to purchase something that's too large to pack into your suitcase, Disneyland also gives you the option to ship your souvenirs back home. This is especially helpful since purchasing lightsabers has become a popular option! You can also find shipping options from many of the local stores in Downtown Disney which is a good option if you find yourself splurging on the big Lego set!

Disneyland 2024 Park Ride Touring Plans

Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks: Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park . Disneyland is the original theme park which is home to all the classic rides such as Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mad Tea Party plus the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is also the theme park where you can find the popular Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge! California Adventure Park opened in 2001 and is now home to favorites such as Cars Land, Pixar Pier plus the new addition of Avengers Campus.

You can orient yourself with our map of Disney California Adventure and map of Disneyland Park .

The great thing about Disneyland and one of the biggest differences from Walt Disney World is how easy it is to park hop! Disneyland and California Adventure are located mere steps away from each other making it incredibly easy to walk between each other throughout the day if you wanted. So in the case of visiting Disneyland, I highly recommend you purchase a park hopper ticket .

One of the biggest questions we get from guests about to visit Disneyland is: how do we beat the crowds? There are two quick and easy methods to doing this that can work well for families of all dynamics. Arrive early or stay until park closing. Or you can hit the hotel in the afternoon for a nap and do both! Crowds will always be dramatically more manageable- even during peak travel times- in the morning and end of the night. Nighttime doesn't require much strategy, just stay until after the fireworks end and hang in there until the park closes. Most families will leave after the fireworks and the lines will decrease significantly- even on holidays! And don't forget about using single rider lines!

For more detailed touring plans, we've put together a step by step touring plan to managing Disneyland in the morning . This guide will give the best list of rides to go on first along with what time to arrive so you have a clear plan when you arrive. We have a similar touring plan for California Adventure in the morning giving you a specific game plan to follow so you don't miss out on any of the newly added attractions and popular rides.

Disney Genie+ is a paid program at Disneyland that replaced the previous FastPass/MaxPass program at the parks. This paid service includes access to quicker lines to 15 attractions in both parks plus the option to pay for access for certain individual attractions. Essentially for certain attractions there's two line options: a standby line and a Lightning Lane.

The Genie+ program gives you access to the Lightning Lane which is significantly shorter than the standby line. It costs $20 per person, per day and include your access to ride reservations plus all your photo downloads for the day. Disneyland has professional photographers stationed around the park to take your picture in front of iconic areas like the castle, the main entrance, Main Street, U.S.A., etc. You can also purchase these photos separately through their service called Disneyland PhotoPass .

You reserve a return time in advance via the Disneyland app to use the Lightning Lane and you can book a return time every two hours or after you have redeemed your last booked Lightning Lane reservation. There is also the option to purchase access to the Lightning Lane to select popular attractions individually but these attractions aren't included in the general per day purchase.

I highly recommend you read more about the Disneyland Genie+ program in our guide so you're prepared before your visit. Our guide features the basics of what this paid service can do, the free service that's included for all guests plus tips on how to best maximize its use and get your moneys worth!

Don't forget to spend some time in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge featuring two great themed rides such as the chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon and the infamous e-ticket ride Rise of the Resistance which is said to be one of the best rides Disney has ever done! Explore Star Wars themed shops, dining plus the chance to build your own droid and lightsaber .

Avengers Campus is the newly added Marvel themed land which opened in California Adventure in 2021 featuring a Spider-Man themed ride, opportunities to meet Marvel characters, an Ant-Man focused food eatery and brewery plus a built to scale Quinjet.

It's also a good idea to check the  Disneyland Height Requirements to get the full information on ride height requirements plus the ability to do rider switch – this allows parents with children that don't meet height requirements to only wait in line once so they both can ride!

First time visiting Disneyland or feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry, everyone feels that way their first trip to the Happiest Place on Earth because there's just so much to see and do! Have your family pick a few must see rides and make those priority knowing you won't be able to do it all. Our first timer guide for Disneyland can also help you with those essential tips to make sure you know the basics.

Fireworks and Nighttime Entertainment at Disneyland 2024

One of the aspects that makes Disneyland so special is the nighttime spectaculars with the most infamous being the Disneyland fireworks shows . Fireworks take place nightly during peak seasons (Spring break, summer, Halloween and Christmas) and on weekends. Each time of the year will feature a different fireworks show as some are changed out seasonly depending on what event is being celebrated at the parks. These fireworks are a must see Disney experience with state of the art projections, lighting effects and some featuring original musical scores.

Aside from fireworks, the biggest nighttime spectacular show in Disneyland is Fantasmic! which debuted in 1992 and has been a beloved part of Disneyland entertainment ever since. Fantasmic! includes fireworks, live performers, water effects, pyrotechnics, music, watercrafts, decorated rafts, animatronics, and projections on the Rivers of America in Frontierland. Our full  guide to Fantasmic! includes everything you need to know including tips on getting the best spot.

The big nighttime spectacular over at Disney's California Adventure is World of Color! This breathtaking show uses nearly 1,200 fountains capable of shooting water 200 feet up into the air equipped with LED rings to create vivid colors and beautiful water screens. Guests can watch the water dance along with perfectly timed pyrotechnics and momentous music as they enjoy memorable scenes from their favorite Disney and Pixar films. Our extensive guide to World of Color gives you an idea of what to expect and helps you figure out how to get the best spot!

You can also find plenty of unique daytime entertainment around Disneyland such as the Disneyland marching band, the Dapper Dans along with the The Tale of the Lion King, the adaptation of the Lion King, coming to the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland this year.

Disneyland Parades 2024

Parades at Disneyland change seasonally with the popular A Christmas Fantasy parade running during the holidays with the Frightfully Fun Parade taking place during the ticketed Halloween event Oogie Boogie Bash at California Adventure. During the summer the current parade will often switch out with various options which we detail, along with our best tips for getting a good viewing spot, in our Disneyland parade guide . 

Disneyland Characters 2024

Characters at Disneyland are another great piece of Disney magic that you cannot miss on your trip! You can meet a variety of beloved Disney characters like the classic Mickey and Minnie Mouse to Pixar characters in California Adventure to Marvel heroes and Star Wars favorites. Character autographs are a big part of meeting characters and its one of the most exciting parts for kids to collect during their trip. This also makes for a great memory and souvenir!

If you want to meet a variety of characters at once, you can enjoy character dining in Disneyland and the Disney resort hotels. These meals offer a buffet selection that guests can enjoy while characters roam throughout the restaurant interacting. This is a great way to meet popular characters without waiting in lines or searching for them in the park.

Tips for Families at Disneyland

Families traveling to Disneyland can find plenty of options at Disneyland to make their visit more comfortable as Disney considers how to best serve their guests needs in the best way they can.

You can begin your planning by seeing which hotels we recommend for kids at Disneyland plus find the best dining options with the best kids meals !

If you're traveling to Disneyland with an infant I highly recommend reading through our guide to traveling with babies to Disneyland so you're prepared for everything you need to know. This guide covers information information on the Baby Care Centers plus tips on rides that you can bring babies on, how to survive hot days, and more. Baby Care Centers are two centers located in both theme parks that offer private nursing rooms with chairs, changing rooms, kid-sized toilets, feeding areas and a fridge to store breast milk. Parents with toddlers can also find plenty of toddler friendly activities and rides in the park- especially in Fantasyland!

There's also plenty do for all ages whether you take advice directly from an eight year old on how to enjoy Disneyland or cruise our list on the best things teens will love in Disneyland and California Adventure ! If you're looking for an adult only day, there's also a variety of activities adults will enjoy at Disneyland if you get a break away from the family.

Pregnant mothers can also find tips on which rides they can enjoy along with how to manage comfort in our guide to being pregnant at Disneyland.

Parents traveling alone with their kids to the park can also read my best tips on taking your kids to Disneyland by yourself based on my own trial and error of years of visiting the parks. On the flip side, if you're traveling with a large family or group you can read our guide on navigating Disneyland in a large group effectively. Or perhaps you're traveling to Disney alone and planning your solo Disneyland trip for the first time!

Most of all, be realistic on your trip to Disneyland with your kids and manage expectations with your family . Disney has something for everyone, even those in your group that be a bit less enthusiastic about a day in Disneyland .

We also cover tips on how to stay safe at Disneyland in our lost Children in Disneyland guide with full information on Disneyland's lost child protocol and tips to keep everyone together. If you're looking for tips on traveling safety, our guide to traveling safe with kids has you covered with our best tips on traveling safely and effectively with small children- especially if this is will be their first trip!

And don't forget to plan a creative way to announce your Disneyland trip to your kids!

Disabilities at Disneyland 2024

One of the best things about Disneyland is the strides towards inclusivity it has taken by ensuring that the theme park goes above and beyond for guests with disabilities. Disneyland strives to make their parks accessible for all guests and offers accommodations that may go overlooked for many guests that may benefit from them.

All of the attractions at Disneyland are wheelchair accessible with each attraction having varying degrees of accessibility from staying in the wheelchair on an accessible boat on “it’s a small world” or transferring directly to the ride vehicle. Disneyland offers a variety of assistive listening systems to handheld captioning devices for guests with hearing disabilities. There is also sign language interpretation available for select live experiences and character interactions on certain days of the week.

DAS (Disability Access Service) is a tool that Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have provided its guests for those who cannot wait in a normal line queue for a variety of medical reasons. DAS grants qualifying guests a return time (equal to the standby wait) for the attraction, one at a time, and then guests can access the Lightning Lane to ride. Guests that have a mobility disability can access rides without using DAS since all line queues are wheelchair accessible.

Disneyland also offers an extensive range of dietary accommodations at their restaurants for guests that may have allergies or certain dietary preferences like vegetarian/vegan diets . Disneyland is also a size inclusive park with many ride vehicles fitting larger sized guests, our guide offers some insight on what to expect with ride vehicle size at Disney.

Read more about disabilities at Disneyland in our comprehensive guide so you're prepared for any accommodations you or your group may need.

Universal Studios Hollywood 2024

If you're looking to add a day at another theme park to your Disneyland trip, many guests decide to add on a day at Universal Studios Hollywood which is a great addition to your Southern California vacation. You can also bundle your Disneyland tickets with a day at Universal Studios Hollywood making the process of adding a day to this park easier than ever.

The popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter along with the infamous studio tour to see real movie sets, the Jurassic World ride, the Simpsons focused area plus the new Pets ride. Universal Studios Hollywood is also known for its movie quality stage shows with the show Waterworld being a fan favorite at this park.

Beach Day at Disneyland 2024

Many families pair their Disneyland trip with a visit to a local beach to enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather. Disneyland is a close drive away or ride share away from some of the most beautiful beaches in California. Our full guide to planning a beach day for your Disneyland trip covers beach recommendations, transportation advice and tour reviews.

Top Disneyland Lists 2024

Looking for top must dos at Disneyland? Our top lists give you simple check lists to add to your Disneyland planning guide so you don't miss out on anything at the Happiest Place on Earth.

• Top 8 Must Do Rides at Disneyland
• Top 8 Must Do Rides at California Adventure
• Top 8 Disneyland Rides to Do at Night
• 10 Overlooked Details of Magic, History, and Tradition at the Disneyland Resort
• Top 9 Relaxing Places at Disneyland
• 10 Underrated Rides at Disneyland- Don’t Miss these Gems!
• 12 Movies To Watch Before Your Disneyland Vacation
• Top 5 Historic Disneyland Restaurants You Can't Miss
• Top 12 Disneyland Christmas Must Sees

Let Us  Help You Plan Your Disneyland Vacation!

That should be everything that you need to plan your Disneyland vacation. If you still have questions about planning, see our Ask Us page .

Keep reading our blog to keep you updated on everything you need to know to prepare for a Disney Parks vacation! We have a team of writers working hard to keep you updated weekly on events in the parks and tips for navigating the magic. Subscribe to our  free deals newsletter to receive helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest priced Disney tickets anywhere.

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Park Strategies

Updated April 10, 2024

Today, I’m sharing the basics of Disneyland to get you started on planning.

If you haven’t visited in a while, this post will be helpful to you, too. If your last trip was before Covid, buckle up. It’s a whole new world.

MagicBand+, Disney Genie, Early Entry, Park Reservations, and so much more are new or different now.

There’s a lot to know.

Let’s get started.

Who to Book Your Trip With

Park reservations, crowd calendars, dining reservations, MagicBand+, changes since Covid, Disney Genie, etc etc all require a decent amount of familiarity to get it right.

I can help you with many parts of planning, but I recommend booking your trip with an experienced agent who can handle some of these things for you and advise on all of them. Commission is built into every Disney package purchased, regardless of who you book with. So, you do not pay a penny more than if you book with Disney directly.

I recommend booking with Love of the Magic Vacations for many, many reasons. I share all about this agency in this post . And, you can get a free quote from them at this link .

An Overview

Disneyland Resort is comprised of 2 theme parks, 3 Disney hotels and Downtown Disney . Disneyland is a fraction of the size of Disney World. Check out the layout of the resort  including details on parking, lockers and more.

Disneyland is the original park and it opened in 1955. In addition to Main Street, it includes 7 lands:

• Adventureland
• Critter Country
• Fantasyland
• Frontierland
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• New Orleans Square
• Tomorrowland

Recent photos of Disneyland can be found here .

Disney California Adventure or DCA  opened in 2001 and enjoyed a grand “re-opening” in 2012 with a major transformation, which has brought the once troubled park to life.  In addition to Buena Vista Street, it includes 6 lands:

• Grizzly Peak
• Hollywood Land
• San Fransokyo Square
• Avengers Campus

Recent photos of DCA can be found here .

Transportation to the Disneyland Resort is fairly easy if you know what you’re looking for. There are 6 large airports that are all realistic options within 1.5 hours of Disneyland. You can get to the parks via car, shuttle, train, or car service. I highly recommend Lanksy Enterprises for transportation from the airport to your hotel.

For Walt Disney World Fans

There’s a lot to know if you’re familiar with WDW, but not Disneyland. Let’s go over a few differences:

• We don’t have a dining plan. We often walk up to counter service restaurants, order food and eat it. Don’t be scared of us. It works. Dining at the Disneyland Resort is fun.
• If you’re looking for Value Resorts at Disneyland, consider staying off-site at a good neighbor hotel . We only have 3 Disney Hotels and 2 of them are 4 Star and all three are $300+ a night.
• We have Early Entry, which allows you into the park before other guests. Read about it here .
• Everything is in walking distance . No one hour trek from park to hotel and park again. You can leave one park and be at the next in 2 minutes because the two park entrances face each other. Most hotels are in walking distance. Downtown Disney is just outside the esplanade between the two parks. You can easily leave the park, run back to your hotel and be back in the park in a short amount of time. IT’S GLORIOUS.
• The weather here is lovely. We rarely see rain. Seriously. And, regardless of when you visit – even if it’s in the summer – you’ll likely need a sweater for early morning or late night. Know how to dress ahead of time. It’s quite different compared to WDW.
• To thoroughly appreciate the history and nostalgia that Disneyland offers, consider taking my one hour scavenger hunt along Main Street to see lots of key Walt-related stops. First time Disney World fans love to see where Walt left his mark on our beloved Disneyland.
• Our characters often roam the park and some do so without handlers. The character experience is so authentic and fun at Disneyland.

This post covers everything you need to know for how to tour each park, allowing you to see and do everything your heart desires during your visit. Follow my plans to ensure you won’t wait more than 20 minutes for any attraction.

I test my strategies monthly – and edit as needed – which provides you the very best plans for your visit.

Disney Genie

All new at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World!

Be sure you know how Genie works, as it’s different from FASTPASS, MaxPass, and FastPass+.

Here’s the scoop on Genie.

You have two options when choosing where to stay at Disneyland:

DLR Hotels – Disneyland hotels have many perks including always-good Disney service, Extra Magic Hours, on-site DLR Hotel dining, and package delivery from the parks to your hotel. One (The Grand Californian) is super close to the entrance of the parks and Paradise Pier and The Disneyland Hotel are a bit further.

Off-Site Hotels – Off-site options are typically much less expensive than DLR Hotels with many averaging around $120 a night.

Attractions

Each park has a different feel to it. I’d simplify it into this:

Disneyland is old school and sweet with lots of history and fairytale-esque rides. Main Street feels like a walk back in time and the entire park has a nostalgic element to it.

Disney California Adventure feels newer and more character focused. Buena Vista is lovely and provides the nod to Americana that Main Street at Disneyland does. You’ll find “bigger” rides that teens will enjoy more at DCA, however, there is still plenty to do for little ones.

Beware: Some attractions are very “dark” (figuratively and literally) and can scare young children. Research those before you visit.

The food at Disneyland is one of my favorite parts of my visit. There’s so much to enjoy! I have compiled every bit of Disneyland Resort dining into one post . This covers both parks, Downtown Disney, character meals, dining in the DLR Hotels, park snacks, off-the-menu options, cocktails, DLR recipes, my recommendations, and a mock budget so you can estimate your costs. Check that out for all things dining.

Disneyland Dining has several yummy options including Jolly Holiday Bakery , Hungry Bear Restaurant, The Plaza Inn, Blue Bayou and more. The park includes several table service options and many counter service ones, too. Character dining can be found at breakfast at The Plaza Inn.

California Adventure Dining feels a little more adventurous to me food-wise with options like Asian fare, high end Carthay Circle and delicious smoothies. California Adventure also serves a wide range of alcohol compared to Disneyland.

Character dining can be found at Disneyland and each of the Disneyland Resort Hotels. In addition to the expected Disney service at each of these experiences, you can also:

• Interact with characters up close for more time than at the parks.
• Take fun photos with the characters.
• Gather autographs.

I encourage you to enjoy one (or more) character dining experiences during your visit.

Halloween Time and Holidays at Disneyland are two big seasons that take over the parks from the beginning of September until the beginning of January.

A few quick notes on these seasons:

• Halloween Time is just as popular as Christmas is now at the Disneyland Resort.
• We have a Halloween Party called Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure. It’s the best after hours event I’ve ever attended at a Disney Park. Don’t miss it.
• Each September brings an overlay to the Haunted Mansion, transforming it into a Jack Skellington’s Nightmare Before Christmas theme, where “two holidays collide”. This overlay lasts through the end of Holidays at Disneyland in early January of the following year. The Haunted Mansion typically takes up to 3 weeks to change from one theme to the other, so account for that timing when scheduling your trip. Mid-August is typically when the attraction closes for the changeover.
• “it’s a small world” changes into “it’s a small world” Holiday during Holidays at Disneyland. That transformation takes 2-3 weeks, so account for it, too, during your planning. Look for it’s a small world to go down the second half of October in preparation for Holidays.
• Halloween Time typically starts the second week of September and lasts through Halloween night, October 31.
• Holidays at Disneyland typically starts the second week of November and lasts through the first week of January.

Visit these posts, which are updated each season, as soon as Disney releases information.

Halloween Time

Holidays at Disneyland

What does it do, do you need it, and why?

Lots to learn about MagicBand+ at Disneyland. Start here .

Additional Info

• Many people talk about Disneyland at “capacity”. The truth is that this rarely happens. A few days a year – usually around the holidays – Disneyland Park will close due to “capacity restraints”. This means there’s too many people in the park to allow more in. When it happens, it’s usually around 1:00pm and will last until around 5:00pm. When it does, you’re welcome to visit DCA if you have a park hopper. If you do not, you can wander Downtown Disney.
• Need info in Spanish? I recommend this site . Liz is super helpful.
• Venturing outside of Disneyland? There is SO MUCH to do in Southern California. Take a look at all of your options in this post .
• Know how to meet characters and how a character meal can add to your experience.
• Know all about World of Color and what your options are for seeing this unique show, only available at DCA.
• Know all about parades and fireworks , too. And, Fantasmic!
• The Disneyland Resort is very accommodating for guests with disabilities. Visit this post for so much information on this including mobility devices, how to work with each attraction, where to find alternate attractions, and so much more.
• Be prepared for crowds . You have many options when the parks become overwhelming.
• Toddlers and princess fans require extra planning.
• Bringing a baby to the parks? Are you expecting during your visit? Check out this post for lots to know including where the baby centers are, how to find a quiet place to nap, where to nurse, and more. Know where to rent a stroller off-site , too if you choose not to bring your own.
• Know what to expect with your visit to  Downtown Disney .

Relax and have fun. Disneyland is such a magical place! Let me know how I can help you plan.

Season of the Force 2024 at Disneyland

Single Rider Lines at Disneyland and Disney World

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

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How Much Does A Guided Tour At Disneyland Cost?

Published: October 31, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Drona Mckinley

• Budget Travel

Introduction

Welcome to the magical world of Disneyland, a place where dreams come true and memories are made. Disneyland Resort, located in California, is one of the most iconic and beloved theme parks in the world. With its enchanting attractions, thrilling rides, and immersive experiences, Disneyland attracts millions of visitors each year.

While exploring the park on your own can be a delightful adventure, Disneyland offers an additional option for those who wish to enhance their experience – guided tours. These tours provide an opportunity to go behind the scenes, gain insider knowledge, and enjoy VIP treatment.

However, you might be wondering, how much does a guided tour at Disneyland cost? In this article, we will explore the factors that influence the cost of these tours, the different types of tours available, and provide you with tips on how to save money while still enjoying the magic of a guided tour.

Before delving into the details, it’s important to note that guided tours at Disneyland come at an additional cost on top of the regular park admission. The tour prices vary depending on the type of tour, duration, and the perks and experiences included. It’s essential to consider your budget and preferences when choosing the right tour for you.

Now, let’s dive into the factors that affect the cost of guided tours at Disneyland.

Factors Affecting Guided Tour Cost

There are several factors that influence the cost of guided tours at Disneyland. Understanding these factors will help you determine which tour best fits your budget and preferences. Here are the main factors to consider:

• Duration: The length of the tour plays a significant role in its cost. Shorter tours, such as the “Discover the Magic” tour, may be more affordable compared to longer tours that span a full day or multiple days.
• Group Size: The size of the tour group can impact the cost. Small group tours tend to be more personalized and intimate, but they may come at a higher price point.
• Inclusions: The experiences and perks included in the guided tour package can greatly affect the cost. VIP access to popular attractions, reserved seating for shows and parades, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with beloved Disney characters can all add to the price tag.
• Private vs. Group Tour: Disneyland offers both private and group tours. Private tours provide a more personalized and customized experience but come at a higher cost. Group tours, on the other hand, offer a more budget-friendly option while still providing a guided experience.
• Time of Year: The cost of guided tours may vary depending on the time of year you visit Disneyland. Peak seasons, such as holidays and summer, often come with higher prices due to increased demand.

It’s important to consider these factors and prioritize what is most important to you when selecting a guided tour. If personalized interactions and exclusive access are a priority, you might opt for a private tour, even if it means a higher cost. On the other hand, if staying within a certain budget is crucial, a group tour might be a better option.

Now that we have explored the factors that influence the cost of guided tours at Disneyland, let’s take a closer look at the different types of guided tours available. From magical experiences with Disney princesses to thrilling adventures behind the scenes, there is a tour tailored to suit every Disney fan’s dreams.

Types of Guided Tours Available at Disneyland

Disneyland offers a variety of guided tour options, each providing a unique and immersive experience. Let’s explore some of the popular guided tours available:

• Guided Tour: This is the classic guided tour option, offering a comprehensive overview of Disneyland’s history, attractions, and hidden gems. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes you through the park’s iconic lands while sharing fascinating stories and insider information. This tour is a great choice for first-time visitors or those looking to gain a deeper understanding of Disneyland’s magic.
• VIP Tour: If you’re looking for the VIP treatment, the VIP tour is the ultimate experience. With a private tour guide at your side, you can enjoy expedited access to popular attractions, reserved seating for shows and parades, and personalized itinerary planning to make the most of your visit. This exclusive tour ensures you get the most immersive and tailored Disneyland experience with the utmost convenience and luxury.
• Disneyland Resort Express: This guided tour is perfect for those staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels. It provides transportation to and from the park, as well as a guided tour of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. You’ll get insider tips, learn about the best attractions, and have the convenience of transportation to enhance your overall experience.
• Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps: This tour takes you on a journey back in time, exploring the history and legacy of Disneyland. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit attractions that were personally touched by Walt Disney himself, hear captivating stories, and gain a deeper appreciation for the park’s roots. This tour is a must for Disney enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
• Culinary Tours: For foodies and culinary enthusiasts, Disneyland offers guided tours that focus on the delicious side of the park. These tours take you on a gastronomic adventure, introducing you to the diverse dining options and iconic snacks Disneyland has to offer. You’ll sample delectable treats, learn about the culinary creations, and discover hidden gems for your next dining experience.

These are just a few examples of the guided tours available at Disneyland. Each tour offers a unique perspective and tailored experiences to enhance your visit to the park. Whether you’re interested in learning about Disneyland’s history, enjoying a VIP experience, or indulging in culinary delights, there is a guided tour that will cater to your preferences and make your Disneyland experience even more magical.

Now that we’ve explored the different types of guided tours available, let’s move on to discussing the cost comparison of these tours, so you can make an informed decision that suits your budget and desires.

Cost Comparison of Different Guided Tours

When it comes to guided tours at Disneyland, the prices can vary depending on the type of tour and the experiences included. Here is a general cost comparison of different guided tours available:

• Guided Tour: The cost of a guided tour at Disneyland starts at around $109 per person, with discounts available for Disneyland Annual Passholders. This tour provides a comprehensive overview of the park and its attractions, making it a great option for first-time visitors.
• VIP Tour: The VIP tour offers a more exclusive and personalized experience, with prices starting at around $425 per hour for a minimum of 7 continuous hours. This price includes up to 10 guests. Additional fees may apply for larger groups or special requests. The VIP tour provides expedited access to attractions, reserved seating for shows, and the flexibility to customize your itinerary.
• Disneyland Resort Express: This tour is available exclusively for guests staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels and is included as part of a package. The cost of the package may vary depending on the hotel and room type selected.
• Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps: The cost of the “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” tour is around $109 per person. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and legacy of Disneyland, visiting attractions that were personally touched by Walt Disney.
• Culinary Tours: The cost of the culinary tours at Disneyland varies depending on the specific tour and experiences included. Prices can range from around $79 to $109 per person. These tours allow you to indulge in the delicious food offerings and culinary delights at the park.

It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change and may not include tax or other additional fees. It’s always recommended to check the official Disneyland website or contact guest services for the most up-to-date pricing information.

When comparing the costs of these guided tours, consider the duration, inclusions, and level of personalization offered. The VIP tour, while more expensive, provides exclusive benefits and a customized experience tailored to your preferences. On the other hand, the guided tour and Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps tour offer a more affordable option for those seeking a comprehensive overview of the park’s history and attractions.

Ultimately, the choice of guided tour will depend on your budget, preferences, and the level of exclusivity you desire. Whichever tour you choose, you can be sure that Disneyland’s guided tours will enhance your experience and create unforgettable memories.

Now that we have compared the costs of different guided tours, let’s explore the additional fees and expenses you might encounter during your Disneyland visit.

Additional Fees and Expenses

When planning a guided tour at Disneyland, it’s essential to consider any additional fees or expenses that may arise. While the cost of the tour itself is a significant factor, there are other potential expenses to keep in mind. Here are some additional fees and expenses you should consider:

• Park Admission: The cost of park admission is not included in the price of a guided tour. You will need to purchase separate park tickets to enter Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. The price of park admission varies depending on the day, season, and type of ticket.
• Meals and Snacks: Unless specified, meals and snacks are typically not included in the guided tour price. You may need to budget for dining expenses throughout the day. Disneyland offers a wide range of dining options, from quick-service restaurants to fine dining experiences, catering to various budgets.
• Souvenirs and Merchandise: It’s hard to resist the temptation of the souvenir shops at Disneyland. From Mickey ears to plush toys and collectible pins, there are endless options to bring a piece of Disney magic home with you. Consider setting aside a budget for souvenirs or be mindful of your spending to avoid overspending.
• Transportation and Parking: If you’re driving to Disneyland, keep in mind that there may be parking fees. Alternatively, if you’re using public transportation or a ride-sharing service, factor in transportation costs to and from the park.
• Extras and Add-Ons: Disneyland offers various extras and add-ons, such as personal photos with Disney characters, special event tickets, or premium viewing experiences for nighttime shows or parades. These extras often come at an additional cost, so be sure to consider your priorities and budget accordingly.

It’s important to create a budget that encompasses not only the cost of the guided tour itself but also these additional fees and expenses. This will ensure that you have a realistic understanding of the total cost of your Disneyland visit and allow you to plan accordingly.

Now that we’ve covered the additional fees and expenses, let’s move on to some tips for saving money on guided tours at Disneyland. With careful planning and savvy decision-making, you can enjoy the magic of a guided tour without breaking the bank.

Tips for Saving Money on Guided Tours

While guided tours at Disneyland can add a special touch to your visit, they can also come with a higher price tag. However, with some savvy tips and tricks, you can enjoy the magic of a guided tour while saving money. Here are some tips to help you save on guided tours at Disneyland:

• Look for Discounts: Keep an eye out for any available discounts or promotions on guided tours. Disneyland often offers special deals for annual passholders, hotel guests, or during off-peak seasons. Check the official Disneyland website or contact guest services for information on current discounts.
• Consider Group Tours: Group tours are often more budget-friendly compared to private tours. While you may not have the same level of customization, you can still enjoy a guided experience and unique perks at a more affordable price.
• Opt for Shorter Durations: If a full-day or multi-day tour exceeds your budget, consider opting for shorter durations. Disneyland offers tours that range from a few hours to half a day, allowing you to get a taste of the guided experience without committing to a longer tour.
• Prioritize Your Must-Do Experiences: Determine which experiences and perks are most important to you and focus your budget on those. For example, if you’re primarily interested in VIP access to attractions, consider booking a VIP tour and skip add-ons that are less essential for you.
• Bring Your Own Snacks: To save on dining expenses during the tour, pack some snacks or bring your own water bottle. This way, you can satisfy your hunger without having to purchase food from the park’s restaurants or snack stands.
• Research and Plan Ahead: Take the time to research the different guided tour options available and compare prices. Look for reviews and feedback from previous participants to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Planning your tour in advance will also help you budget accordingly.
• Consider Alternative Experiences: If the cost of guided tours is still beyond your budget, there are other ways to enhance your Disneyland experience without the additional expense. Take advantage of FastPasses to skip long wait times, explore the park with a detailed map or audio guide, or watch entertaining shows and parades which are included in the park admission.

By utilizing these money-saving tips, you can enjoy the benefits of a guided tour at Disneyland while staying within your budget. Remember, the most important thing is to make the most of your Disneyland experience and create cherished memories, regardless of whether you choose a guided tour or explore the park independently.

Now, let’s wrap up our discussion on guided tours at Disneyland.

Guided tours at Disneyland offer a unique and immersive way to experience the magic and wonder of the park. While the cost of these tours can vary depending on factors such as duration, group size, and inclusions, they provide valuable insights, behind-the-scenes access, and VIP treatment.

When considering a guided tour at Disneyland, it’s important to weigh the costs against the benefits and your own budget. Remember to factor in additional expenses such as park admission, meals, souvenirs, and transportation when determining the overall cost of your Disneyland visit.

By exploring the different types of guided tours available, considering your preferences, and using money-saving tips, you can select the tour that best suits your interests and budget. Whether you opt for a classic guided tour, a VIP experience, or a culinary adventure, these tours will enhance your Disneyland experience and create lasting memories.

Remember to research and plan ahead to get the best value for your money, take advantage of any available discounts or promotions, and prioritize your must-do experiences. Even if a guided tour is beyond your budget, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of your Disneyland visit, including utilizing FastPasses, exploring on your own, and enjoying the shows and parades included in park admission.

At the end of the day, the magic of Disneyland is not solely dependent on taking a guided tour but is found in the joy, laughter, and wonder that fills the park. So, whether you choose a guided tour or discover Disneyland at your own pace, embrace the enchantment and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Now, get ready to embark on your Disneyland adventure and let the magic unfold!

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• Behind the Scenes: The Real Deal on Disney VIP Tour Guide Salary

As one of the most popular and well-known entertainment companies in the world, Disney offers a range of exciting job opportunities. One of these positions is a Disney VIP Tour Guide. In this blog, we will explore what the job entails, and provide a detailed overview of the Disney VIP Tour Guide Salary.

What is a Disney VIP Tour Guide?

A Disney VIP Tour Guide is a specially trained cast member who offers private tours of the parks to guests. VIP Tour Guides offer personalized experiences and are often sought after by guests who are looking for a more exclusive and tailored Disney experience.

VIP Tour Guides are responsible for a range of tasks, including:

• Providing guests with a personalized itinerary that caters to their interests and preferences
• Guiding guests through the parks and providing information about the various attractions and experiences
• Providing access to FastPass+ and other exclusive experiences
• Coordinating with other cast members to ensure that guests receive the best possible experience
• Assisting guests with any issues that may arise during their visit to the parks

Disney VIP Tour Guide Salary

The Disney VIP Tour Guide Salary varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, and demand. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Disney VIP Tour Guide is around $50,000 per year. However, this can range from $38,000 to $75,000 per year depending on the factors mentioned above.

One of the factors that can influence the salary is the location of the guide. In areas with a higher demand for VIP Tour Guides, such as Disneyland in California or Disney World in Florida, the salary can be higher than in less popular locations.

Experience is another key factor that can influence the salary of a Disney VIP Tour Guide. Newer guides may start at a lower salary and work their way up as they gain more experience and become more in demand. Experienced guides who have built a reputation for themselves may be able to command a higher salary.

In addition to their salary, Disney VIP Tour Guides may also receive other benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and access to Disney parks and attractions.

How to Become a Disney VIP Tour Guide

Becoming a Disney VIP Tour Guide is a highly competitive process. The first step is to visit the Disney Careers website and search for available positions. The website offers a range of job opportunities, including those for VIP Tour Guides.

To become a VIP Tour Guide, candidates must meet certain qualifications, including:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A friendly and outgoing personality
• Strong knowledge of Disney parks and attractions
• The ability to provide excellent customer service
• A willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays
• A clean background check and drug test

Once a candidate meets these qualifications, they will need to go through a rigorous training process to become a VIP Tour Guide. This includes both classroom and on-the-job training, as well as a certification process.

Tips for Success as a Disney VIP Tour Guide

If you are interested in becoming a Disney VIP Tour Guide, there are several tips that can help you succeed in the position:

• Develop a strong knowledge of Disney parks and attractions. This includes not only the rides and shows but also the history and culture of Disney.
• Focus on providing excellent customer service. VIP Tour Guides are responsible for creating a personalized experience for guests, so it’s important to be friendly, helpful, and attentive to their needs.
• Build relationships with other cast members. As a VIP Tour Guide, you will be working with a range of other cast members, so it’s important to develop strong relationships and work as a team.
• Be flexible and adaptable. The needs of guests can change quickly, so it’s important to be able to adapt to changing circumstances and provide solutions to problems.

How to Find a Disney VIP Tour Guide

If you are interested in hiring a Disney VIP Tour Guide for your next trip to the parks, there are several ways to do so. The first is to contact Disney directly and request a VIP Tour Guide. This can be done by calling the Disney VIP Services hotline, which is available to guests staying at Disney resorts or who have purchased VIP packages.

Another option is to work with a third-party company that specializes in providing VIP tour services for Disney parks. These companies can offer a range of services, including personalized itineraries, access to exclusive experiences, and more. However, it’s important to research these companies carefully and make sure that they are reputable and reliable before booking a tour.

Becoming a Disney VIP Tour Guide is a highly competitive and rewarding career choice. These specially trained cast members offer personalized tours of the parks to guests, providing a unique and exclusive Disney experience. While the salary can vary depending on a range of factors, including experience and location, Glassdoor estimates the average salary to be around $50,000 per year.

If you are interested in becoming a VIP Tour Guide, it’s important to develop a strong knowledge of Disney parks and attractions, provide excellent customer service, and build strong relationships with other cast members. If you are interested in hiring a VIP Tour Guide for your next trip to the parks, contact Disney directly or work with a reputable third-party company.

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I used to be a VIP tour guide at Disneyland. Here are 5 things you should never do in the park.

• I worked as a VIP tour guide at Disneyland so I know which offerings aren't worth visitors' time .
• The Pixar Pal-A-Round looks cool and relaxing but I'd much rather go on the monorail.
• Avoid busy areas like the Mickey & Friends parking structure and Fantasyland.

In the five years I worked as a VIP tour guide at Disneyland, I got to know the park very well.

As an all-knowing theme-park expert who ensured guests had the best experience possible, I quickly learned which attractions weren't worth visitors' time.

Here are five things I recommend avoiding at Disneyland .

I recommend skipping the Pixar Pal-A-Round

Nothing beats a sky-high view of the park, but the Pixar Pal-A-Round isn't as relaxing as it looks.

This 150-foot-tall ride isn't your average Ferris wheel. You have the option of riding in a swinging or non-swinging gondola but, in my opinion, both options are uncomfortable. No matter if I was swinging or stationary, the nearby screams of the Incredicoaster, a roller coaster situated next to the Pixar Pal-A-Around, tainted the otherwise peaceful scenery. 

If you want a relaxing alternative, I recommend the Monorail , a 13-minute-long transportation system that gives passengers scenic views of the park.

Steer clear of Fantasyland, a stroller central

It's nearly impossible to avoid crowds at Disneyland but Fantasyland is the one place that's guaranteed to be packed for the majority of the day. 

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I quickly learned that this area is a hub for parents and animation-loving children, and as a result, is often filled with tons of strollers and babies learning how to walk. It's adorable for a moment but can quickly become frustrating as you try to comfortably make your way through Fantasyland. 

Traffic jams here are worse than on the I-10 during rush hour. Try to avoid Fantasyland until the end of the day, when it's slightly less crowded, or, if you want to move through rides and attractions quickly, steer clear of this area altogether.

Don't shop for merch until you're on your way out of the park

Trust me, I understand the urge to make a beeline for the gift shops . There might be that one piece of merch that you have to have or even a new limited-edition popcorn bucket.

Treat yourself to all of the goodies but don't buy them right when you enter the park. There are few things worse than lugging your merchandise around and then eventually feeling pressured to purchase a locker or leave the park to store your new items in your car.

Figuring out how to comfortably carry and store your merch can take away precious time in the park so if you're planning on buying items, especially bulky objects like lightsabers and drink sippers, save it for the end of your day.

Avoid the Mickey & Friends parking structure

No matter where you park at Disneyland, there will likely be many cars already there. However, you do have a few options when it comes to parking .

If you drive a standard-sized vehicle, a $30 parking voucher will get you into the Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, and Toy Story lots. Out of the three, I've found that Mickey & Friends is the most well-known and crowded parking structure.

I recommend the Toy Story lot, which is also a designated parking area for oversized vehicles and buses and allows for a shorter walk to the entrance gate. This lot is less popular among guests so you might even find the parking spot of your dreams.

Don't wait at City Hall for a minor issue or question 

Please don't spend an hour standing in line at City Hall for a birthday button.

Disney's City Hall, a guest-relations center, offers assistance regarding disability services, Disneyland app troubleshooting, itinerary planning, and day-of park issues, so it's usually very busy.

Since this center is typically bombarded with guests with high-priority issues, I recommend going somewhere else for general questions or minor matters.

There are so many guest relations locations throughout the park staffed with employees who can help you. Simply go on the Disneyland app and search "guest relations," and the locations will appear on the map.

City Hall is so small and gets busy fast, so why wait forever for something that could be a quick fix elsewhere?

Watch: 40 awesome things to do at Disney

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Your Ultimate Guide for How to Do Disneyland in a Day in 2024

Due to the global pandemic, travel looks different right now depending on where you're going from/to. Please check for travel restrictions and adhere to all local guidelines before planning a trip to any destination you may read about on this site.  Please note: this post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something by clicking the links, I will get a small compensation, at no extra cost to you.

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Given price increases and time constraints, you may only have one day to visit Disneyland and California Adventure. Don’t worry, because you really can do more than you may think with just one theme park day. In this guide, I’m sharing exactly how to do Disneyland in a day including visiting both parks, checking off a ton of rides, trying some of Disney’s best snacks, and everything else you need to know to have the most magical day!

And have faith (and trust and pixie dust) because I’m writing this with direct experience doing this exact Disneyland Resort itinerary. To celebrate my engagement, my family went to the parks. Most of them are locals (I actually grew up going to Disneyland A LOT), so we wanted to do as much as possible in just a day. I’m happy to report we visited both parks, only park-hopped once, went on 20 rides, saw 2 shows, and walked through the Animation Academy! So strap on your planning hat, and get ready to dive in.

Prep before your day in Disneyland

Before you get to the park, you already have your work cut out for you ( just keep saying Hakuna Matata and it’ll all come together ). Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through the process for buying tickets, making park reservations, and what to expect for that process…because it’s a bit complicated post-panini.

And a note moving forward, if you’ve never been to Disneyland Resort, there are two parks (unlike the 4 in Walt Disney World in Florida) — Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. They are quite literally across a quad from each other so you can walk back and forth within minutes. No monorails, skyliner, or driving necessary.

If you’re wondering what you’ll find in each Disneyland Resort park, open this post about Disneyland versus California Adventure in a new tab to read once you’re done here.

Buying Tickets: Reservations, Cost, and Extras

The first step in planning your day in Disneyland Resort is to purchase tickets. The process is a bit different than in the past because now you need park reservations. Meaning, you can’t just show up anymore.

As you choose your tickets (for this itinerary you want a park-hopper ticket), you’ll notice a few things. First, adding the park-hopper option adds $65 to the base price of your ticket. Womp womp. A necessary evil if you only have one day to see both parks.

Second, prices fluctuate based on the day you choose to visit. That’s because crowd levels change and so does the ticket price. For example, weekend tickets can be $50+ more expensive than a weekday ticket. Times of year also affect prices.

To purchase a ticket, you’ll need to select the day you want to visit. That’s part one of your reservation. That means you are locked in on a date.

The last choice you make is which park to start your day in. While you used to be able to run around from park to park willy nilly, now, you have to choose a starting park. Once it hits 11 am, you can then park hop freely back and forth at your leisure.

For this itinerary, I recommend starting your day in Disney’s California Adventure (DCA). This is typically the less popular morning park, which means you can cross off a lot of rides before the crowds set in.

As you finalize your tickets, you’re offered some extras — a parking voucher for $30 per car and Genie+ service for $25 per ticket. If you’re driving, you might as well pre-purchase parking. It’s not necessary, but you’re going to have to pay it eventually.

Now what about Genie+…

To Genie+ or Not to Genie+

Before we decide if it’s worth it or not, what even is it? Genie+ (not to be confused with the free Genie service) is a paid reservation system for accessing shorter queues, called Lightning Lanes (previously, Fastpass lines). What this means is that not everyone can just jump in Lightning Lanes. If you pay for the service, you pay for shorter waits.

On the other hand, the free Genie service is an in-app planner to help you plan out your Disney day. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a do-it-yourself type planner, but I found the Genie service more confusing than it was worth.

However, Genie+ in my opinion is absolutely necessary for maximizing your time in the parks, especially if you only have 1 day. As someone who grew up going to Disneyland with the paper Fastpass system, I have a lot of opinions on Genie+. Generally speaking, it’s beyond helpful, but knowing this used to be free is a pain point. Plus (and I’m warning you now), the person making Genie+ reservations is going to be on their phone an annoying amount. I was not pleased spending my one day staring at my phone and obsessing over securing reservations.

Regardless, if you want to get on the most rides and not spend a ton of time in line queues, you need it.

It’s an add-on to your ticket for $25 per ticket. You can add it after you have purchased tickets too, so if you’re on the fence, you can wait.

I’ll share how to use Genie+ when we get to the itinerary because you can’t make any reservations prior to entering the park. Scanning your park ticket for entry is like opening the starting stall gates at a horse race. Once you do that, the reservations are on!

A final note on Genie+ is that it gives you access to PhotoPass souvenirs. Instead of paying separately for ride photos and those taken by Cast Members, you get it included! Woohoo!

Syncing Up Your Team on the Disneyland App

Once you have tickets and all the extras you’ve opted for, you’ll want to add everyone’s tickets to the Disneyland app. This will make everything easier because the app is like your control panel for the entire experience. On the app, you can scan your tickets, make Genie+ reservations and dining reservations, input your parking space, mobile-order food, and see the day’s schedule for shows and ride wait times.

To add your ticket to your app, click the hamburger menu on the bottom right, then Tickets and Passes. Tap “Link Tickets & Passes” and input your ticket numbers, which you should have received in an email upon completing your ticket purchase.

You’ll want to do this for every person in your party. The way we did it was that I (as the person making all reservations) had everyone’s ticket on my app and each individual had their own ticket on their app. That meant that I could make reservations for everyone, but it also meant that everyone had access to their own ticket and reservations once I made them. That way if we got separated, everyone still had their own tickets.

Dining Reservations

The last order of business in your planning is to secure dining reservations, if you’d like. Dining reservations open 60 days in advance around 6am PST and they can definitely book up. If you’re interested in dining at a specialty restaurant, I recommend securing those reservations.

Some options that tend to go quick are Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Blue Bayou restaurant, which is inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

If you only plan to eat at quick service spots like we did, there’s no need to make any reservations. There’s also a ton of options for dining, so if you miss out on reservations, don’t sweat it. You’ll still be eating well!

General Strategy for Disneyland in a Day

Rope dropping to close.

Before we dive into the itinerary breakdown, I have to let you know that one day in Disneyland is best accomplished by being there from the parks’ open to close. You’ll maximize your time and be able to do the most!

When you’re there at park opening, that’s called rope dropping. Technically, this name comes from the fact that you can enter the park before park opening (around 15 minutes ahead of time), but only up to a certain point at which there is literally a rope blocking off the park. At official park opening time, the rope “drops” and you are free to explore the entirety of the park.

To get there in time for rope drop, I recommend being at the parking structure 45 minutes before park opening or even sooner. That’s because parking, going through security, and making your way from the structure to the park entrance all takes about 30-45 minutes.

The other side of this strategy is to be there until the park closes. Check the app for the most updated park hours and note that one park may be open later than the other. For example, when we visited, California Adventure closed at 10pm, but Disneyland closed at midnight.

Minimize your need to park hop

While the two parks are right across the way from each other, the act of park hopping does take time, especially when you’re deep in one park and need to make your way all the way out and into the next park.

If you minimize your need to park hop, you save on precious time. For this itinerary, I have you park hopping once. However, there are some things you may want to prioritize that we didn’t that would warrant a second and third park hop (to go back and forth). I’ll outline these in the itinerary below, but they are seeing Cars Land’s neon turn on, which happens at sunset each day, and watching the World of Color show.

Appoint one reservation master

I’ve mentioned it a bit before, but the best way to tackle a Disney trip is to appoint one reservation master. One person to make all reservations for everyone in the party. It’s easier to stay organized this way and ensure everyone is on the same schedule.

To do that, be sure to follow the steps above on syncing up your team on one person’s Disneyland app.

Disneyland in One Day Itinerary

Before we dive in to the actual itinerary, I had to let you know that I created a free downloadable version that you can always reference no matter if you lose service upon entering a forbidden temple or after descending a certain haunted, stretching elevator.

Morning: Arrival + Rope Drop

Let’s start this magical day off right by rope dropping! You’ll want to check the opening time of your first park on your reservation and plan to arrive to the parking structure (I like the Mickey and Friends lot) 45 minutes early or even an hour early, if you can manage.

Once you’ve parked, be sure to input your parking spot in the Disneyland app so by the time you leave the park in a midnight haze, you won’t need to rely on your memory to recall where you parked.

Make your way to the security lines then head to the parks — either by walking or by the free trams.

You’ll get dropped off at Downtown Disney, the outdoor shopping center. If you have loads of extra time until park opening, you can grab a coffee or bite to eat here.

If you followed my recommendation, you’re headed to Disney’s California Adventure first. Head there about 15-30 minutes before park opening.

Make first Genie+ reservations

Once you (and everyone in your party) scan your ticket into the park, you’ll be able to make your first Genie+ selections. Do that first! Once you make your selection, you start the clock that counts down when you can make your next selection. It’s 2 hours OR once you’ve redeemed your first selection, whichever comes first.

If you get confused (because it can be mighty confusing), the app will always tell you when you can make your next selection. Once you redeem a Genie+ reservation by entering the Lightning Lane, check the app again to see if you’re able to make a new selection.

But, which ride should you make a selection for?

I personally would choose Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! or if you aren’t into freefall rides, go for Soarin Over the World, Toy Story Midway Mania, or Web Slingers.

Once you scan in for Guardians, make your second reservation for Toy Story Midway Mania.

Knock out some rides

Depending on when your Genie+ reservation is for, you will likely have some time to kill. Check the app for wait times to decide where to go. A couple strategies are going straight to Web Slingers where the wait shouldn’t be long yet (we waited 20 minutes, first thing in the morning), or go to Pixar Pier to knock out all those rides.

We found that even an hour after park opening, we could do all of our desired Pixar Pier rides with minimal (> 15 minute) waits including Incredicoaster, Pixar-Pal-A-Round (Swinging), Silly Symphony Swings, Goofy’s Sky School, and Ariel’s Undersea Journey.

When it’s time for your Genie+ reservation for Toy Story Midway Mania, be sure to redeem it and make a new selection.

We found that we could get all of this done by about 11 am.

Cars Land, Animation Academy, Turtle Talk with Crush, and Avengers Campus

It’s time for some tough choices. Because you only have a day, things are going to get missed. It’s just a fact. We opted to skip all of Cars Land’s rides — the wait times were long and we didn’t want to pay for a Radiator Springs Racers Lightning Lane ($25 per person, not included in Genie+).

Depending on your preferences, you can do some of Cars Land or experience Avengers Campus. They have characters that come out for meet and greets as well as some shows like Spider-Man swinging, the Dora Milaje, and Doctor Strange.

If you need a more chill experience with air-conditioning (I hear ya, it’s hot in LA), try Animation Academy where there’s a character meet and greet with Anna and Elsa from Frozen. Plus, you can enter the Sorcerer’s Workshop, which includes the Beast’s Library, and Animation Academy, where you can learn to draw a Disney character.

Finally, in this space is Turtle Talk with Crush, a super hilarious live Question and Answer with Crush, from Finding Nemo. The dialogue is live and fed off of audience questions so it’s different every time and tailored to both kids and adults. You’ll be laughing, guaranteed.

A note here on Genie+ selections, you don’t need to be scanned into Disneyland to start making Genie+ selections since you’ve already scanned your ticket into California Adventure. That means once you’ve selected all the rides you’ve wanted for California Adventure, you can start making reservations for rides in Disneyland. I recommend snagging Indiana Jones first, because they tend to go quick!

Lunch in DCA

For lunch, I recommend either Pym’s Test Kitchen or Pacific Wharf Café. At Pym’s Test Kitchen, the idea is that every menu item is either ridiculously large or small, meaning it’s been shrunk or enlarged. Try the Quantum Pretzel, which can feed 4 people as an appetizer, the Teeny Pym-ini, a mini panini sandwich, and the Celestial-Sized Choco-Smash Candy Bar, which can feed literally 10 people — it’s massive and so sweet with layers of brownie, peanuts, nougat, and carmel!

At Pacific Wharf Café, they serve up Boudin Sourdough Bread, a San Francisco staple. Their soup bowls are top tier where my favorite is the broccoli cheddar!

12 PM — Virtual Queue for World of Color opens

Once you’ve finished lunch, it’s time to park hop! We actually had a show reservation for Rogers: the Musical, so we stayed a bit later for that. It’s no longer playing as it was an extremely limited run, but if you have any remaining reservations, do those, then park hop!

Rides in Disneyland

Of course, if you have Genie+ reservations, those take priority! Otherwise, here are some rides to check out in Disneyland.

I recommend going in a circle around the park or following the wait times. I like to start in Tomorrowland and make my way counterclockwise. That means you’d be starting with Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, Star Tours, and the Matterhorn. I recommend a Genie+ reservation for Space Mountain, if you can secure one and even Matterhorn.

I’d skip Fantasyland until the evening, just because this area clears out a bit when kids go to sleep. That goes for Toontown, too.

Check out Big Thunder Mountain, Enchanted Tiki Room (when you need an AC break), Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones (preferably with a Genie+ reservation), Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Splash Mountain is undergoing a much-needed theme-change to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It’s set to open late 2024, so check back in next year.

Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

You can’t miss Galaxy’s Edge, the newest Star Wars themed land. It’s located at the back left of the park behind Frontierland and Critter Country.

There are two rides: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance. You can get a Genie+ reservation for Smugglers Run, but to access the Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance, you have to pay extra for it ($25 per person). I’d say it’s one of the best rides ever made so whatever you need to do to get on, I fully endorse. Another strategy is waiting until it’s near the ride’s closing time to hop in line, which may be different than park hours, so check your app, or ask a Cast Member. You can also wait for the ride to come back on after a temporary breakdown — it’s dicey, but it worked wonders for us!

Also in Galaxy’s Edge, you can download the Disney Play app, which will let you hack into technology around Batuu, translate the signs, and more!

Don’t miss Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, tasting blue or green milk, and trying Cold Brew Black Caf, which is topped with Cocoa Puffs, and makes for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Don’t forget about your reservation at Oga’s Cantina, if you had one. You can also try a walk-up to see inside. It’s very fun!

Dinner in Disneyland (dining reservation time or go to a quick service spot)

For dinner, there are lots of great spots in Disneyland for all price points with a range of foods. As always, if you made a dining reservation, go do that! If not here are some recommended spots:

• Alien Pizza Planet — Disneyland (Tomorrowland) — pasta, pizza, and salads
• Bengal Barbeque — Disneyland (Adventureland) — meat skewers and veggie kababs
• Red Rose Taverne — Disneyland (Fantasyland) — try the Grey Stuff ( it’s delicious )!
• Ronto Roasters — Disneyland (Galaxy’s Edge) — ronto wraps (pita stuffed with meat and veggies)
• Hungry Bear Restaurant — Disneyland (Critter Country) — American food

Evening for more rides, and parades, and fireworks

After dinner, you have time to cross off more rides. We made our way to New Orleans Square to cross off those rides (Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion).

Be on the lookout for parades, shows, and fireworks on the daily schedule and make your way to the appropriate area when it’s time (or preferably before as space fills up).

I also recommend this as a time to get your snacking on. Why not try a dessert like a Disneyland churro (it’s heaps better than Walt Disney World churros, I promise), Mickey ice cream bar or ice cream sandwich. Also at Mint Julep Bar, try Mickey beignets!

Optional evening at California Adventure

There are a couple night events that may bring you back to California Adventure and those are seeing Cars Land’s neon signs light up around sunset and the World of Color show.

For Cars Land, you’ll need to make your way back there before sunset so you can ensure you’re on time.

For World of Color, you’ll want to try for the virtual queue system to get a good spot. That opens at noon each day on the Disneyland app. If you can’t find it, search World of Color and you should see the option to join the Virtual Queue.

World of Color is typically a late night show because you can only see the lit up water when it’s dark. Showtimes will vary because of that as sunset changes by the season.

Even if you choose to park hop again, you’ll want to end your night at Disneyland because it may be open later and there are some spots that clear out at night!

Before park close – Toontown, New Orleans Square, or Space Mtn

Before the park closes, within the last 2 hours, I recommend riding Space Mountain if the wait time has gone down and you were unable to secure a Lightning Lane Genie+ reservation. If you haven’t done Rise of the Resistance, assuming it’s still open, the wait time may be lower.

This is also the perfect time to check out Fantasyland and Toontown. Specifically in Toontown, the wait for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (the newest attraction) is likely going to be the lowest you’ll see all day. Toontown was recently revamped so there’s lots of fun details, new food, and classics like Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin.

It’s also a great time to circle through New Orleans Square. This area is especially nice at night and who wouldn’t want to ride the Haunted Mansion at night?

For the ultimate end to the night, hop on the Disneyland Railroad just outside of Toontown or next to the Haunted Mansion to be taken back to the front of the park, so you don’t need to walk!

You can get some final shopping in in Downtown Disney, then catch the tram back to your parking deck, where you (thankfully) already know your parking spot because it’s saved in the Disneyland app from this morning! Phew!

Tips for One Day in Disneyland Resort

Check close time for rise of the resistance.

This might come as a surprise and a bit odd, but Rise of the Resistance sometimes closes for the day before park closing. Be sure to check the app for that day’s hours for the ride to be sure you give yourself enough time to ride!

Downtown Disney District shops may stay open later

One way to get in some shopping without sacrificing your park time is to check the hours for shops at Downtown Disney District, which is outside the parks. For example, the World of Disney shop may close an hour later than park closing. That means, you can exit the park then go straight there to do some shopping before leaving for the day.

Did I mention a day in Disneyland is the longest day ever?

Related read >> Your guide to Loungefly (Disney’s best souvenir imo)

Get breakfast before you arrive

While Disney food can certainly be tempting including Mickey waffles and breakfast chimichangas, it can really save time to eat breakfast before you arrive. Of course, if trying Disney food is a top priority for your visit, disregard this and go crazy!

Use the app to track your parking spot

I’ve mentioned it before, but the Disney app really is like a Genie. Don’t forget to track your parking spot before leaving your car in the morning. It makes it so much easier to find it later on in the wee hours of the night when you’re beyond exhausted.

To do that, hit the “hamburger” menu on the bottom right, scroll all the way down, and select “Car Locator.” That’s where you’ll input your parking spot and that’s where the information will stay for safe keeping for later!

If you need some downtime or AC…

I don’t know if you’ve heard the news, but Los Angeles is HOT, especially in the summers, although beware of September and October, too. Factor that in with the crowds of other people all sweating and walking over 10,000 steps, you’re likely going to get warm.

If you need an AC reprieve, I have a couple recommended spots.

• Animation Academy — California Adventure (Hollywood Land)
• Enchanted Tiki Room — Disneyland (Adventureland) — bonus points for being able to buy Dole Whip before entering

Lightning Lanes you have to pay for

One of the most confusing parts of Genie+ ( as if it’s not confusing enough ), is that there are a few Lightning Lanes that Genie+ won’t get you into. Those are separate, paid Lightning Lanes — meaning, you have to pay additional $$ to skip the queue.

Those rides are:

• Rise of the Resistance — Disneyland (Galaxy’s Edge)
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — Disneyland (Toontown)
• Radiator Springs Racers — California Adventure (Cars Land)

You can’t purchase these ahead of time, so the day of, you can monitor wait times and decide if you want to pay to skip the queue. When you do this, you will get a reservation time and have to redeem it similar to Genie+ reservations. That also means that reservations can fill up, so don’t dilly dally if you really want to go on something.

It costs $25 per person each time you want to do this for each ride, so yeah, it adds up.

Honestly, I’d say the only one that’s worth it to pay for is Rise of the Resistance and here’s why.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway can easily be done at the end of the night. The wait times drop significantly as kids start going to bed for the night. We walked on as our last ride of the night. Yeah, it broke down, but still!

As for Radiator Springs Racers, this one can usually be made faster by making use of the Single Rider Line. If you use this line, your party will be split up. They’ll take one person at a time to fill extra empty seats. Also, in my opinion it’s pretty rude to take up a Single Rider Line with a huge party. As a true single rider, nothing quite grinds my gears than knowing I have to wait for a party of 8 to fill one empty seat at a time. Up to your discretion though.

Visit Fantasyland late when kids leave or during parades

I’ve been talking about this, but one tip is definitely to visit Fantasyland when kids get tired and families leave. That opens up Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (a favorite of mine), the newly refurbished Snow White ride, Pinocchio, and if you’re lucky Peter Pan’s Flight, which has a famously long queue.

You can also use this time to ride Alice in Wonderland, the teacups, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Storybook Land Canal Boats, It’s A Small World, and walkthrough Sleeping Beauty’s Castle (beware of the dragon!).

Alternatively, you can visit this area when parades are going on! Lots of families will flock to the viewing areas and out of Fantasyland and Toontown.

Disneyland park definitions

• Genie service — the free park planner within Disneyland app
• Genie+ service — paid, limited access to faster queues
• Lightning Lane — the faster line (previously Fastpass lines)
• Single rider line — a queue designated for Single Riders (parties will be split up)
• Virtual queue — a wait system within the Disneyland app for select shows and occasionally rides (usually upon their debut opening)
• DLR — abbreviation for Disneyland Resort
• DCA — abbreviation for Disney’s California Adventure

Condensed Disneyland in a Day Itinerary

Don’t worry, I know that was a lot and to ease your worries on the day, I’ve created this free downloadable version so you’ll always know what’s coming next on your itinerary.

• 7 am — arrive at parking structure
• 7:45 am — enter California Adventure and reserve Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT Genie+
• 8 am — Web Slingers
• 8:30 am — Redeem Guardians Genie+ reservation and reserve Toy Story Midway Mania Genie+ reservation
• 9 am — Pixar Pier rides + Toy Story Midway Mania when it’s time for Genie+ redemption
• 11 am — Cars Land rides including Radiator Springs Racers single rider line or paid Lightning Lane
• 12 pm — Virtual queue opens for World of Color
• 12:30 am — Lunch at Pym’s Test Kitchen or Pacific Wharf Café
• 1:30 pm — PARK HOP and Disneyland Attractions (ex: start in Tomorrowland and move counterclockwise)
• 4 pm — Stay Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Cold Brew Black Caf pick me up
• 6 pm — Dinner at Alien Pizza Planet or Ronto Roasters
• 7 pm — More Disneyland attractions, parades, fireworks show
• 7 pm (alternate) — Park hop to DCA for Cars Land neon lighting and World of Color
• 1 hour before park closing — Fantasyland and Toontown
• Park close — Catch Disneyland Railroad to exit and shop at Downtown Disney District

What to bring for your day in Disneyland Resort

No matter how much it would be nice to be hands and bag-free, a trip to Disneyland warrants a packed day bag. Here’s what to bring to Disneyland:

• Portable charger with cords attached (a must for the reservation master)
• Cool towel (a life-saver in that LA heat)
• Reusable water bottle
• Anti-friction stick (your thighs will thank me later)
• Mini deodorant
• Snacks (I like these mini Clif bars )
• Hand sanitizer

How much does it cost to Disneyland in one day?

Ticket — $170

Parking — $30

Souvenirs — up to you!

More time in Southern California? Check out these posts:

• How to spend 5 days in LA
• Pros and cons of Disneyland versus California Adventure Park
• LA’s top Instagrammable spots
• Once in a lifetime things to do in LA
• Your guide to Universal’s CityWalk in Hollywood

My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance  – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing .
• Travel Card  – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide  – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com  – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com , the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel  – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea  – Check out Resort Pass , which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

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Alanna Koritzke

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures, my goal is to share travel inspiration, budget tips, detailed guides, and fun travel stories!

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How to Maximize a Trip to Disneyland

When my family  took a trip to Disneyland this past August, I was initially a little apprehensive about going after the pandemic. Don’t get me wrong, I love theme parks and we’re all big Disney fans, so you’d think I’d be very excited to return.

There were some big changes since our last visit, such as getting rid of the legacy FASTPASS and MaxPass systems. If I wanted to ensure my family and I made the most of our holiday, I had to relearn the best ways to go about our visit.

In This Post

Buy tickets and make a reservation, get to know the disneyland app, pay more to save time, how to maximize genie+, other tips & tricks.

As you’re planning your trip, the first order of business is to head to the Disneyland website and sign up for an account. Once you’ve created one, you can view your tickets and park photos, as well as easily manage all of your resort, park, dining, and activity reservations on the dashboard.

If you purchase tickets directly from Disney, they’ll automatically show up under your profile. If you purchase them from a third-party vendor, you can link your tickets on your online account or by using the Disneyland app. 

Note that buying a ticket alone will not get you into the Disneyland parks. After you purchase a ticket, decide on which dates and parks you’d like to visit, and then make a reservation.

Park reservations are subject to availability, so if you’re visiting during a busy time of year and go without a reservation, you could be denied entry if all the reservations are booked for the day.

If you purchase your tickets directly through Disney, you will already have made a reservation when you completed the purchase. If you purchase your tickets from a third-party vendor, you’ll need to link the ticket to your profile first, and then make a reservation separately.

The Disneyland app is your best friend when you’re at the park. Be sure to take some time to familiarize yourself with the app, as it will come in handy once you’ve finally arrived and are ready to make the most of your holiday.

Other features of the app allow you to make mobile dining orders, manage Genie+ return times, receive notifications for rides that are down, view a map of the parks, and see current attraction wait times and height restrictions.

As you’re planning out your day, use the app to see which attractions are available, the entry requirements, and where they’re located in the park. By visualizing where everything is and checking the height requirements, you can avoid disappointment in advance and save everyone from needless running around.

You’ll likely read about Genie+ during your preparations, which is a paid service that gives you access to shorter lines in Disneyland and California Adventure Park. Using Genie+ will afford you and your family more time enjoying the attractions and less time standing in long lines, but it comes at a cost.

Before diving into the intricacies of Genie+, you’ll need to understand the differences between Genie and Genie+.

What Are Genie and Genie+?

Disney Genie is a feature of the free Disneyland app that displays your daily itinerary, including any reservations you have, and gives up-to-date suggestions on which attraction to visit next, based on your preferences and location in the park. It also displays height restrictions and wait-time estimates for all attractions, which helps you plan your day accordingly.

On the other hand, Genie+ is a paid ride reservation system that allows you to use separate, shorter lines. In the past, this was a free service, but, unfortunately, that’s no longer the case.

If you wish to skip the longer queues, Genie+ will cost you $25 (USD) per person per day, if bought in advance. Same-day purchases are variable in price, and start at $25 (USD), depending on the demand for the day.

Should you be travelling with a group of people, you can easily link tickets across profiles. To link tickets, go to the “Tickets and Passes” section of the app, and scan the tickets of the other members of your group.

This way, if you’re trying to book a Genie+ reservation, one person can book it for the whole group, rather than everyone scrambling to book for the same or similar return time.

How to Use Genie+

The Genie+ service allows you to choose the next available arrival return time at 11 participating attractions at Disneyland and eight participating attractions at California Adventure Park. You can only have a Genie+ booking for one attraction at a time, and only one booking per day can be made for each attraction.

A return time is a specific period for you to come back to an attraction and not have to wait in the standby queue. Rather, when you arrive at your scheduled return time, you’ll get to use the express queue, known as the Lightning Lane entrance (previously known as the FASTPASS line), therefore skipping the regular queue.

In Disneyland, Genie+ reservations can be made on the following attractions:

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Haunted Mansion
• Indiana Jones Adventure
• “it’s a small world”
• Matterhorn Bobsleds
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

At California Adventure Park, Genie+ can be used on the following attractions:

• Goofy’s Sky School
• Grizzly River Run
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
• Incredicoaster
• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Soarin’ Over California
• Toy Story Midway Mania!
• WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

To give you an idea of just how much time can be saved with Genie+, most wait times were less than 10 minutes using the Lightning Lane entrance during our visit, as opposed to waiting upwards of 60 minutes or more in the standby queue. This allowed us to visit other areas of the parks, when we would have otherwise had to stand in line.

Genie+ is activated the minute you enter the park. So, as soon as you walk through the gates, be sure to book the Lightning Lane for your first attraction.

Once you’ve booked an active return time, you can only book the next one in one of the following situations:

• Two hours have passed since you last booked.
• You’ve tapped into the Lightning Lane for an attraction.
• Your return time window has passed.

Generally speaking, a good strategy is to book the closest available return time, tap into the attraction, and then  book the next one right away. Doing this will minimize your wait times, and help you pack the most into a day.

Although Genie+ officially gives you a one-hour window to return, grace periods of five minutes beforehand and 15 minutes afterwards are given. So, you could potentially go a bit earlier to your ride and score the next Lightning Lane reservation a little quicker.

Cast Members usually start scanning guests into the parks 30 minutes prior to the park’s official opening time. If you go early, you could squeeze in an extra two or three rides with short standby queues, before utilizing your first Genie+ return time.

When we visited, we literally walked off of one ride and onto the next. The later you arrive, the later the return times will be, as more people will be competing for them.

Consider staying at a nearby hotel, such as the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance , to make the morning commute easier. Guests staying at a Disneyland resort also have an early entry benefit, where they can enter Disneyland parks 30 minutes earlier than guests staying elsewhere.

Genie+ reservations are subject to availability, so it’s best to prioritize high-demand attractions first, as they’re likely to sell out before the end of the day.

In Disneyland, consider prioritizing the following attractions with Genie+:

While in California Adventure Park, consider prioritizing the following attractions with Genie+:

• Soarin’ Over California

Individual Lightning Lane Purchases

Genie+ does not include the high-demand attractions Radiator Springs Racers at California Adventure Park or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland. Rather, these rides require separate, individual Lightning Lane purchases, regardless of whether you’ve purchased Genie+ or not.

If these rides are on your hit list, then I would highly recommend making the purchase. Standby queues for these rides can be more than 90 minutes, which really eats into your day.

Pricing for each Lightning Lane varies, and can only be purchased once you’ve entered the park. Prices start at $12 (USD), but we paid $15 (USD) for Radiator Springs Racers and $20 (USD) for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance during our stay.

There are a limited number of passes available each day, so don’t wait too long if you’re on the fence about it. On the days we were there, Lightning Lanes were sold out by 4pm, and these weren’t even on busy days.

Individual Lightning Lanes are not subject to Genie+ time restrictions, which means they can be booked at any time during the day for the next available return time. Note that they can be purchased once per ride, per day.

If you choose not to purchase an individual Lightning Lane for these attractions or they’re sold out, the next best way to catch them is either at the beginning or end of the day. As long as you can make it into the standby queue by closing time, you’ll get on the ride.

The standby queues have usually thinned out the the latter part of the evening, so wait times tend to be shorter.

Genie+ and PhotoPass

PhotoPass is Disney’s photo-taking service. If you’ve ever been to Disney World or Disneyland, you’ll notice that there are Cast Members located at certain locations and attractions throughout the parks snapping photos for guests.

At Disney World, you either need to pay to download these photos individually, or purchase a Memory Maker package for unlimited digital downloads. At Disneyland, purchasing Genie+ includes unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads for the entire time in the theme parks.

It’s a great benefit that comes along with Genie+, as this service normally costs $69 (USD) per day at Disney World.

Be sure to take advantage and allow Cast Members to capture those special moments for you. All you need to do is let them take your photo and scan your PhotoPass code on the app.

If the photo is taken as part of a ride, take note of the eight-character Attraction ID on the photo monitors at the end of the ride to link them to your PhotoPass.

Once you’ve planned out your visit to Disneyland and California Adventure Park, there are a few other considerations that will help you and your family maximize your time.

Use Single Rider Lanes

If your kids are older, you don’t have a Lightning Lane, or don’t mind riding separately, it may be quicker to hop into a single rider lane, which is available on select rides. I’ve seen single rider lanes move quite quickly compared to the standby queue, so you might wind up saving some time this way.

Rider Switch Service

Sometimes young children may be too scared or too small for a ride, so someone has to stay behind to watch them while the rest of the group rides. Disneyland offers a Rider Switch service, where the supervising guest can hop onto the ride once the other riders return, without having to wait in line again.

Better yet, when the supervising guest goes on the ride, they can bring another two guests with them, potentially allowing some group members to ride twice!

This service is only available on select rides, which can be found on  Disneyland’s website .

Alternatively, if this service isn’t available for a particular ride, you could book a Genie+ Lightning Lane for the non-rider(s) and allow other members of the group to use it. All you need to do is scan the non-rider’s ticket for that booking.

Ride Breakdowns and Multiple Experiences Passes

If a ride is down during your return window, you’ve hit the jackpot. Not only can you immediately book a new return time to any other available ride, but the Genie+ system automatically issues you a Multiple Experiences pass that can be used on almost any ride in the park, aside from rides with a paid Lightning Lane. 

If this happens, you’ll get a notification through the app, which will display the following:

Tap on it, and you’ll be shown which ride it replaces and the tickets involved.

The Multiple Experiences pass is valid for use any time at either park for one ride, without any time restrictions, right through to the end of the day. You could wait for your originally booked ride to open up again, or ride a second time on one for which you’ve already redeemed a Genie+ reservation.

Virtual Queue for World of Color

You’ll notice in your Disneyland app that there is a Virtual Queue section. Initially, I had no clue what function this served.

On the day we visited California Adventure Park, I clicked it out of curiosity, and discovered it was a way to reserve seating for the World of Color outdoor evening spectacular.

You can join the virtual queue beginning at 12pm daily, subject to availability. Approximately 45 minutes prior to the show, guests with a Virtual Queue will be sent a notification from the app to proceed to the viewing area.

Although it’s not required to view the show, I would recommend joining the queue, as it will grant access to reserved viewing areas which offer a closer and much better view. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite make it in time, so we watched the show from behind the reserved area.

Beating the Heat

We visited Disneyland at the end of August, and while temperatures weren’t scorching, it was still hot. Break up your day with indoor attractions, as they have air conditioning and offer a nice retreat from the heat.

For example, in Disneyland, visit the Enchanted Tiki Room for a musical presentation, or take a sketching class at the Animation Academy in California Adventure Park.

When you’re outside, be sure to pack a cooling towel that can be wrapped around heads and necks. Of course, bring a water bottle, and look out for one with a misting function, too.

Aside from keeping them cool, my kids had fun with them, which also helped to distract from the heat.

Planning a visit to Disneyland may not be as challenging as planning a visit to Disney World, but there are still plenty of things you can do beforehand to prepare and ensure a smoother experience. Read up on the parks, check out the app, and prioritize your attractions.

If you need assistance planning the flights, accommodations, or purchasing your tickets, check out my previous post . Whether it’s your first time visiting Disneyland ever or just since the pandemic, hopefully these posts will help your visit be a magical one.

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Accessing Attraction Queues

The Disneyland Resort offers a variety of programs that assist Guests in accessing attraction queues. Some of the programs listed below are available to all Guests and help maximize the time spent in the parks.

Some of the programs described below provide accommodations that may be required for specific types of mental or physical impairments. Guests with disabilities can learn more about these programs, including how they operate and whether they may be eligible, through a personalized conversation with Accessibility Services.

Some of these options are available only at select attractions. We encourage all Guests to be familiar with the programs described below because they may provide valuable assistance in navigating attraction queues.

Here are a few tips and techniques to manage waiting in queues:

• Encourage other members of your party to help create space around you in line to make it more comfortable.
• In a theme park environment that requires additional walking or standing, bring additional support tools like a mobility device such as a wheelchair, ECV, walker with a seat or a cane chair.
• Bring a sensory toy or a calming item—such as a stress ball, favorite device or activity like a tablet, video game, comic book or another item that may be calming or distracting while waiting in a queue.
• Grab a snack or drink to enjoy while waiting in a queue. Just be sure to finish it before boarding the attraction.
• Break up your day with other offerings at the Resort that don’t require waiting in a queue, such as enjoying entertainment.
• Don’t forget other items to keep yourself comfortable. Some items to consider include a sweater or jacket, sun protection or hat.

Below is a list of programs that provide specific types of accommodations that Guests with disabilities may be eligible for, although some are available only at select attractions. For more information about how these programs operate and whether you may be eligible for them, we encourage you to have a personalized conversation with an Accessibility Services Associate.

Rider Switch

Single rider, disney genie service, location return time.

Disability Access Service

Stroller as a Wheelchair Tag

Navigating Queues with Service Animals

Rider switch is a program available to all Guests. With Rider Switch, Guests can wait with member(s) of their party who aren’t riding due to any of the reasons listed below. Once the first Guest returns the waiting Guest can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again!

Rider Switch is available for Guests who meet one of the following:

• Does not meet the boarding requirements
• Has a service animal that cannot board the attraction or does not want to use a provided kennel
• Meets boarding requirement and does not want to ride but cannot wait outside queue on their own

Rider Switch is available at all attractions in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

How to Use Rider Switch

• Upon arriving at the selected attraction, approach the greeting Cast Member with your entire group and inform them you are interested in the Rider Switch option. Members will be divided into 2 parties: “Party 1” will board the attraction first, while “Party 2”—a maximum of 2 people from the rest of your party—waits. 
• A Cast Member will scan the admission media or tickets of Guests in Party 2. 
• After Party 1 completes the experience, any Guests from Party 2 who have waited to ride should return to the appropriate attraction entrance as directed by the issuing Cast Member to have their admission media/tickets re-scanned by a Cast Member for the Rider Switch entitlement. At this point, the riding Guests of Party 2 may enter the appropriate attraction return line and board without waiting in the regular queue. Meanwhile, Party 1 waits with the non-riding Guests.

Review a complete list of Disneyland Resort Attractions offering Rider Switch.

Single Rider is available for a Guest who meets one of the following:

• Visiting the park on their own
• Prioritizing shorter wait times rather than riding with their party

Review a complete list of Disneyland Resort Attractions offering Single Rider.

How to Use Single Rider

A Cast Member can direct you to the designated queue, where your party will be separated to fill remaining seats that aren’t occupied by Guests utilizing stand by lines. Please note:

• Immediate boarding or choice of seat is not guaranteed
• Single Riders must meet all boarding requirements
• Special seating requests may not be accommodated
• Participating attractions and wait times may vary
• This service is subject to availability, and not available at every attraction

Disney Genie Service is a program available to all Guests.

Our complimentary Disney Genie service creates your best Disney day inspired by your top interests. It also grants you planning features, including a personalized itinerary creator. It will save you time by seamlessly mapping out your day, with updates that continue from morning to night—just like a favorite navigation app. You’ll receive attraction and dining recommendations inspired by what you told Disney Genie service you’re most interested in doing and seeing.

The “My Day” tab is where you’ll find Disney Genie recommendations and plans you’ve made, including dining reservations and Disneyland Resort hotel reservations. It will begin populating at 7:00 AM on the day of your visit.

The “Tip Board” lets you view estimated wait times, order food, make dining reservations and request to join an available virtual queue.

Genie+ Service and Individual Lightening Lanes are available for purchase to enhance the complimentary tools.

Location Return Times may be available for Guests who:

• Utilize a mobility device such as a wheelchair or ECV
• Are unable to navigate stairs, steep ramps, turnstiles or low lighting
• Require assistance navigating narrow walkways with a sighted guide or a service animal

How to Use Location Return Times

Speak to a Cast Member at the attraction

• A Cast Member will assist in assigning a return time that is comparable to the current standby wait
• A Cast Member provides directions on where to return to
• Guest returns at the designated time to the auxiliary entry location

Location Return Times are not offered in Disney California Adventure Park. The following experiences in Disneyland Park offer Location Return Times:

• Alice in Wonderland
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• Chip ‘n’ Dales GADGETcoaster
• Indiana Jones™ Adventure
• Jungle Cruise
• King Arthur Carrousel
• Mad Tea Party
• Toad’s Wild Ride
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
• Space Mountain
• Storybook Land Canal Boats

Disability Access Service (DAS)

Disability Access Service (DAS) is one of our programs offered at the Disneyland Resort theme parks intended to accommodate those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.

There are 2 ways for Guests to have a conversation with a Cast Member to determine eligibility for DAS––live video chat or in-person at an Accessibility Services window during a park visit. 

Please Note: Guests visiting from April 9 through June 17, 2024 will continue to visit Guest Relations locations for any accessibility-related conversations and tools.

“Stroller as a Wheelchair” Tag

“Stroller as a Wheelchair” tags are available for a Guest who meets one of the following:

• Is a child with a disability who uses their stroller as a mobility device in lieu of a traditional wheelchair
• Is a child with additional medical equipment who needs a safe way to transport their equipment while in a queue
• Is an adult with a mobility disability who uses a stroller as a mobility device to assist with walking

How to Use “Stroller as a Wheelchair” Tag

• Please visit Accessibility Services for a personalized conversation about this tool. If appropriate, a “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag may be issued.
• Guests who are issued a “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag may enter the queue with their stroller. Select attraction queues may require the use of a  Location Return Times .

Service Animals are welcome in all attraction queues.

Location Return Times may be available at select attractions if the Guest cannot navigate narrow walkways with their service animal.

Due to the nature of some attractions, service animals may not be permitted to ride. Please ask a Cast Member at these locations about available options.

Learn More About Services for Guests with Service Animals

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Disneyland tickets: prices, tiers & where to buy.

Purchasing tickets to Disneyland can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Here’s a breakdown of everything to know about tickets.

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Where to buy disneyland tickets, how much disneyland tickets cost, should you buy a park hopper ticket, how far in advance you should reserve disneyland tickets, should you buy disneyland's genie+ service.

Disneyland is the perfect California vacation spot for families, friends, and solo travelers — but purchasing tickets can prove an overwhelming task for anyone who hasn't done it before. While there's plenty of information available on the theme park's website, newcomers may not know where to find deals, how far ahead tickets should be purchased, or whether certain add-ons are worthwhile. There's also the distinction between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, which may be clear to regular visitors but less obvious to those traveling there for the first time.

When planning a trip to Disneyland in California, travelers will want to get the biggest bang for their buck. That means being smart about when and where they purchase tickets to the theme parks. Fortunately, breaking down the different types of Disneyland tickets and other important offerings will help visitors make the most of their trip.

Purchase Them Directly Through Disneyland Or Through Third Parties

Disneyland tickets can be purchased directly from Disneyland.com , where visitors can also book accommodations and find the answers to the most common questions about the parks. With so much information available on the resort's website, those new to Disneyland might want to utilize it while booking their vacation . However, anyone with a Costco membership who's located in the U.S. may be better off looking for discounted Disneyland tickets through the retailer. They aren't always available, but Costco offers deals through Costco Travel . Members can also find hotel deals and event tickets there.

Anyone searching for deals on tickets can also check MouseSavers.com for discounted rates. While MouseSavers doesn't sell discounted tickets on its website, it links to deals and promotions elsewhere, making it an invaluable resource. According to MouseSavers.com, Undercover Tourist is also a legitimate seller to snag discounted Disneyland tickets from. It's worth noting that visitors will need both tickets and reservations, whether they're purchasing the former directly from Disneyland or from a third party. Reservations can by signing into one's Disneyland account.

The cost of going to Disneyland depends on what type of tickets are purchased , and there are different prices based on the number of days a person is visiting and each visitor's age. Those planning to spend one day at Disneyland will need to look up ticket costs based on the date. One-day ticket prices are split up into six different categories, from Tier 0 to Tier 6. The higher the tier is for a given day, the more a single-day ticket will cost. Visitors can view the Disney Ticket Calendar to see which days fall under which tiers.

In terms of age, children's tickets are slightly cheaper than adults' — and children who are two years old or younger don't need to pay to get into Disneyland parks. Since single-day and multi-day tickets vary depending on age, here's a breakdown of what constitutes an adult ticket vs. child's, according to Disneyland:

• Ages 10 or older: Adult
• Ages 3-9: Child
• Ages 2 and under: No ticket necessary

Standard Multi-Day Tickets

Standard multi-day tickets for Disneyland cost the same amount regardless of when they're purchased , and they grant visitors access to one park per day. Guests can determine which ticket is used for which park, but standard tickets don't allow them to move back and forth between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Find the princes for multi-day tickets for adults and children below:

Park Hopper Tickets

Disneyland also gives visitors the option to purchase Park Hopper tickets , which enable them to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day. Park Hopper tickets also allow visitors to travel back and forth between the two theme parks on the same day, which isn't possible with standard tickets. Single-day Park Hopper tickets are subject to the same tier system as single-day standard tickets. Multi-day Park Hopper prices can be found below:

So Cal Disneyland Tickets

Southern California residents have access to discounted three-day, one-park-per-day tickets if they meet the right criteria. To qualify for this local offering, visitors must reside in Southern California and have a zip code in the 90000 to 93599 range. They'll be asked to show a valid government I.D. with one of these zip codes in order to purchase these tickets and gain entry into the park. Such tickets also require reservations and are dependent on availability, as there's a limited number of So Cal resident reservations each day.

Disneyland's So Cal resident tickets can be used on nonconsecutive days , so visitors don't need to book all three days at once. Up to five tickets can be purchased, per eligible person per day. As of this writing, these tickets expire on June 2, 2024. The prices for So Cal resident Disneyland tickets depend on which days they include, as those offering weekends cost more than tickets that are only applicable for weekdays:

Paying extra for Park Hopper tickets can be worthwhile if visitors are only spending one day at Disneyland and want to see both parks. However, if they're spending multiple days at the resort, the cheaper option is to purchase a regular multi-day ticket. This will allow them to visit Disneyland Park one day and Disney California Adventure Park the next. While it makes jumping back and forth impossible, it winds up costing visitors a bit less to see both spots.

Those wondering how far in advance they should purchase Disneyland tickets should assume that earlier is better. Reservations aren't typically difficult to come by, but busier times of year and holidays will require more planning . In general, visitors can use the one-day ticket tiers to determine how busy the theme parks are likely to be at a given time. According to Disneyland's website, reservations for select dates and parks can be made on a rolling basis determined by Disney. For all dates, availability can be found when making a reservation on a Disney account.

Anyone planning a trip to Disneyland is likely to come across the Disney Genie and Disney Genie+ services, which are offered as add-ons to ticket purchases and vacation packages. Disney Genie is a free app that offers recommendations so that visitors can plan their trips to the Disneyland theme parks. It also enables users to make an itinerary to utilize while at the parks. This is useful, but the Disney Genie+ service takes things up a notch . It features the recommendations and planning services of the Genie service, but it offers other compelling perks for $30 per ticket per day.

Per Disneyland's website , benefits of purchasing Disneyland's Genie+ service include:

• Special Genie+ Lightning Lane Entrances: Anyone using the Genie+ service can use it to select the next arrival time for Genie+ Lightning Lane Entrances for certain attractions. Lightning Lane Entrances allow visitors to enter theme park rides and attractions quicker, without waiting in line. Genie+ users can select one Lightning Lane Entrance at a time, and they're limited to using it once per attraction.
• Unlimited Disney PhotoPass Digital Downloads: Genie+ users can download and share the digital photos taken using Disney's PhotoPass all day. This perk is great for those looking to hold onto their Disneyland memories.
• Disney PhotoPass Lenses: Purchasing Genie+ allows users to use Disney-themed lenses when taking photos on their phones.
• Audio Features: Through Genie+, visitors can listen to park history and behind-the-scene facts about the parks during the course of their visit.

As for whether Genie+ is truly worth it, that depends on what visitors are hoping to achieve with their trip to Disneyland . Those who want photographic memories of the parks will no doubt appreciate the digital downloads and PhotoPass lenses. The Lightning Lane entrances are also a useful perk, though visitors may want to compare the price to individual Lightning Lane passes before making a decision on how they want to approach their Disneyland visit.