Planning a trip to Disneyland for the first time can be overwhelming. When to go, where to stay, how long to stay are commonly asked questions. Then there will be things you might miss. Well this page is going to hopefully help you not to stress out. Don't worry if you are still feeling overwhelm. RMH Travel host a planning Facebook Group that will hopefully answer your questions. In fact you were probably guided here from the group because you asked a commonly asked question when it comes to planning a Disneyland vacation. But if you weren't direct here from there and would like to join, click here.
When to go?
Most often the question is put, when is the best time to go to Disneyland? Well that is a loaded question...when is best for one family may not be best for another.
There are several factors you have to consider. Most people would say they want to go when the crowds are low, but there is some draw backs to that. What are they? Well, Disney knows when its harder for families to travel, so they strategies too. When they know the parks will be emptier they schedule maintenance for their rides, they limit park hours, they offer discount on 1 day tickets, and finally they don't have fireworks. Some people schedule their vacation based only on the crowd calendar and then are disappointed when their favorite ride is down or that there are no fireworks schedule. They also feel the park is still crowded, and relatively speaking, it is because with less rides open there are less places for people to be, and with shorter park hours there is less time to ride what is open. With that said here is a crowd calendar I created that averaged out the crowds of the parks for the last 8 years to predict how crowded the park will be in the future...check out our crowd calendar. And here is some interesting facts to consider when choosing when to visit.
There are several factors you have to consider. Most people would say they want to go when the crowds are low, but there is some draw backs to that. What are they? Well, Disney knows when its harder for families to travel, so they strategies too. When they know the parks will be emptier they schedule maintenance for their rides, they limit park hours, they offer discount on 1 day tickets, and finally they don't have fireworks. Some people schedule their vacation based only on the crowd calendar and then are disappointed when their favorite ride is down or that there are no fireworks schedule. They also feel the park is still crowded, and relatively speaking, it is because with less rides open there are less places for people to be, and with shorter park hours there is less time to ride what is open. With that said here is a crowd calendar I created that averaged out the crowds of the parks for the last 8 years to predict how crowded the park will be in the future...check out our crowd calendar. And here is some interesting facts to consider when choosing when to visit.
- From Memorial Day to Mid August it is consider Summer time at Disneyland Parks and they have nightly fireworks and start operation on summer hours with longer park hours and more shows schedule.
- Christmas Time is consider the week before Christmas until the Friday after New Years this is very premium (packaged) time to visit Disneyland, they have longer park hours, extra shows and of course nightly fireworks.
- Spring Break is the week before and after Easter they have nightly fireworks and longer park hours.
- Fireworks are displayed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights year around, weather permitting. Park hours are also generally longer on these days thru out the year, because they attract more of a crowd. So week days would be less crowded but you will miss fireworks, of these three days I find Sunday to be best if you want to catch the fireworks off season.
- September and parts of January and February are consider the lowest crowd times and the park hours are general 10-8 and more rides are down for refurbishment.
Overview of the Parks
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Disneyland Resort (DLR) is made up of 2 them parks, 3 Disney owned hotels (soon to be 4), and Downtown Disney. Everything that is officially part of Disneyland Resort is consider within walking distance. See the map above to show you an aerial view of the Resort.
Disneyland (DL) is the original park built by Walt Disney himself and opened in 1955. There are 8 lands (in 2019 9 lands) and over 55 attractions:
Disney California Adventure Park (DCA) opened in 2001 and had a "re-opening" in 2012. There are 7 lands and over 40 attractions:
On average, it takes 3 to 4 days for a family to be able to enjoy all the attractions at both parks. Most family spend 2 days at Disneyland and 1 day at California Adventure Park. Some feel it is essential to park hop as the parks are close to each others, other find that it was a waste of $50 per person (what the current price for park hopping is). For first timers that are going for several days, I often tell them, you can leave off the park hopper for now and always add it later to your tickets if you feel you want the feature.
Disneyland (DL) is the original park built by Walt Disney himself and opened in 1955. There are 8 lands (in 2019 9 lands) and over 55 attractions:
- Main Street, U.S.A. (has 6 attractions)
- Adventureland (has 4 attractions)
- Critter Country (has 3 attractions)
- Fantasyland (has 15 attractions)
- Frontier land (has 7 attractions)
- Mickey's Toon town (has 8 attractions)
- New Orleans Square (has 3 attractions)
- Tomorrowland (has 13 attractions)
- Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (hasn't offical said how many attractions coming in 2019)
Disney California Adventure Park (DCA) opened in 2001 and had a "re-opening" in 2012. There are 7 lands and over 40 attractions:
- Buena Vista Street (has 4 attractions)
- a bug's land (has 6 attractions) (will be closing in Sept 2018 to make way for Marvel Land opening in 2020)
- Cars Land (has 4 attractions)
- Grizzly Peak (has 3 attractions)
- Hollywood Land (has 11 attractions)
- Pacific Wharf (has 1 attraction, and lots of yummy food)
- Pixar Pier (has 12 attractions)
On average, it takes 3 to 4 days for a family to be able to enjoy all the attractions at both parks. Most family spend 2 days at Disneyland and 1 day at California Adventure Park. Some feel it is essential to park hop as the parks are close to each others, other find that it was a waste of $50 per person (what the current price for park hopping is). For first timers that are going for several days, I often tell them, you can leave off the park hopper for now and always add it later to your tickets if you feel you want the feature.
Where to Stay?
You have two options when choosing where to stay at Disneyland:
Disneyland Resort Hotels-There are 3 hotels Grand California Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Disney Paradise Pier Hotel. Staying at one of these three hotels have many perks including amazing Disneyland service, Extra Magic Hours, yummy character dining options, and package delivery from the parks to your hotel. (so you don't have to carry those packages around!) And Grand California Hotel & Spa has its own private entrance to Disney California Adventure Park. These hotels are consider Deluxe, or 4 star hotels and the price to stay at them is very high end. Click here to learn more about these hotels.
Off-Site Hotels- Off-site options are typically much less expensive than Disneyland Resort Hotels. Some are just as close to Disneyland entrances as the Disneyland Hotel or Disney Paradise Pier Hotel, and the hotels are more budget friendly. To learn all about the different hotel options, please click here.
Still overwhelmed with which hotel choice to choose from, I can help you out. Fill out my easy to use quote form, (you have to be in the US sorry for those not in the US) and I will be happy to put together a package for you. I work with Disney directly to get the best packages for my clients. My prices will never be more than their price is and sometimes I have special extras that Disney doesn't even offer. To learn more about why you should use my services, please click here.
Disneyland Resort Hotels-There are 3 hotels Grand California Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Disney Paradise Pier Hotel. Staying at one of these three hotels have many perks including amazing Disneyland service, Extra Magic Hours, yummy character dining options, and package delivery from the parks to your hotel. (so you don't have to carry those packages around!) And Grand California Hotel & Spa has its own private entrance to Disney California Adventure Park. These hotels are consider Deluxe, or 4 star hotels and the price to stay at them is very high end. Click here to learn more about these hotels.
Off-Site Hotels- Off-site options are typically much less expensive than Disneyland Resort Hotels. Some are just as close to Disneyland entrances as the Disneyland Hotel or Disney Paradise Pier Hotel, and the hotels are more budget friendly. To learn all about the different hotel options, please click here.
Still overwhelmed with which hotel choice to choose from, I can help you out. Fill out my easy to use quote form, (you have to be in the US sorry for those not in the US) and I will be happy to put together a package for you. I work with Disney directly to get the best packages for my clients. My prices will never be more than their price is and sometimes I have special extras that Disney doesn't even offer. To learn more about why you should use my services, please click here.
Dining Options
Disneyland Resort has over 30 restaurants to choose from while staying at the resort, click here to view all of them. You can book your dining choices 60 days in advance of when you wish to travel. To book a reservation, you can do it online or call 714-781-DINE(3463). Please note that Disney ask for a credit card to hold the reservations. There are so many great choices.
Character Dining
Currently they have 4 Character Dining options. Goofy's Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel is the only character meal that is open for both brunch and dinner. The other character meals are for breakfast only. They are Minnie's Breakfast at the Plaza Inn inside Disneyland, Surf's Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends (starting July 10, 2018 it will be Donald Duck's Seaside Breakfast) is located at Disney's PCH Grill inside Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, and finally Chip 'n' Dale's Critter Breakfast (starting July 10, 2018it will become Mickey's Tales of Adventure Character Breakfast) and it is located at Storytellers Cafe inside Disney's Grand California Hotel & Spa Hotel.
Signature Restaurants
The most popular dining spot at Disneyland is the Blue Bayou Restaurant because it is located inside Pirates of the Caribbean ride. At Disney California Adventure Park Carthay Circle Restaurant is consider the top spot to dine. (I certainly love to get The Carthay Circle Manhattan). Please note that alcohol is not served inside Disneyland park (unless you are part of Club 33) but is served at other locations. At Disney California Hotel and Spa a very romantic spot to dining is the Napa Rose. (it is rumored that the chef that caters Club 33 also oversees Napa Rose). At the Disneyland Hotel Steak House 55 is the signature restaurant.
Club 33-is a private club that cost thousands of dollars to join, and has a LONG waiting list to join, and what you get is to eat at this exclusive restaurant which is discreetly located above Cafe Orleans and The French Market restaurants in New Orleans Square. You have to know someone that is a member to get invited. NO I am not a member.
Dining Packages
Disney offers several Dining packages where if you eat at one of their restaurants you will get exclusive or VIP seating for certain shows and events. Currently packages:
There are many dining options, Disney is really great at catering to those with food allergies, its always nice to give them ahead up when make your reservations if you have any food issues.
Character Dining
Currently they have 4 Character Dining options. Goofy's Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel is the only character meal that is open for both brunch and dinner. The other character meals are for breakfast only. They are Minnie's Breakfast at the Plaza Inn inside Disneyland, Surf's Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends (starting July 10, 2018 it will be Donald Duck's Seaside Breakfast) is located at Disney's PCH Grill inside Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, and finally Chip 'n' Dale's Critter Breakfast (starting July 10, 2018it will become Mickey's Tales of Adventure Character Breakfast) and it is located at Storytellers Cafe inside Disney's Grand California Hotel & Spa Hotel.
Signature Restaurants
The most popular dining spot at Disneyland is the Blue Bayou Restaurant because it is located inside Pirates of the Caribbean ride. At Disney California Adventure Park Carthay Circle Restaurant is consider the top spot to dine. (I certainly love to get The Carthay Circle Manhattan). Please note that alcohol is not served inside Disneyland park (unless you are part of Club 33) but is served at other locations. At Disney California Hotel and Spa a very romantic spot to dining is the Napa Rose. (it is rumored that the chef that caters Club 33 also oversees Napa Rose). At the Disneyland Hotel Steak House 55 is the signature restaurant.
Club 33-is a private club that cost thousands of dollars to join, and has a LONG waiting list to join, and what you get is to eat at this exclusive restaurant which is discreetly located above Cafe Orleans and The French Market restaurants in New Orleans Square. You have to know someone that is a member to get invited. NO I am not a member.
Dining Packages
Disney offers several Dining packages where if you eat at one of their restaurants you will get exclusive or VIP seating for certain shows and events. Currently packages:
- Frozen Dining Package
- Fantasmic! Dining Packages
- Fantasmic! On the Go Package
- Paint the Night Parade Dining Package
- Sonoma Terrace paint the Night Reception
- Plaza Inn Dining Package (current day parade)
- Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience
- World of Color Dessert Party
- World of Color Dining Packages
There are many dining options, Disney is really great at catering to those with food allergies, its always nice to give them ahead up when make your reservations if you have any food issues.
Magical Extras
The most popular extras beside Dining packages which you can read about above, is for little girls ages 3-12 and a visit to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland. They also have boy packages but they aren't as popular. For older clients, Disney offers several tours, check them out here. During the fall season, Disneyland also has special night time Halloween Parties, to learn more about this event, click here. Disney California Hotel & Spa is a full spa and does offer Spa treatments, you can learn more about them by clicking here. There are random magic extras and of course when they are announce, I post them on Disneyland Planning Facebook group. If you haven't join it yet, I suggest you do.
Make a plan or go with the flow?
There are so many ways to go to Disneyland. Some people need a plan. I am honestly a more go with the flow type of person. But I provide my clients that book vacations with me, a great excel sheet that helps them to customize their vacation for their families. (My prices are the same as booking with Disney. If you would like a free quote, please click here.) Even though I am not providing a detail tour here, and the reason is because I honestly feel that every family would need their own. Also, the ones that are posted on other sites...let me tell you I have followed them and so it seems does EVERYONE else, talk about crowded! But I will give you all a few tips on how to make your own plan.
- Check out Disney website and look over all the attractions. Note which ones have FastPass options and which ones have height requirements.
- Start early-The earlier in the day the less crowded the park is. Its a given. Disney sometimes lets you partly in 30 minutes before the park offical opens and you can line up and start planning even more.
- Use FastPass system. Disney now has the MaxPass, which allows you to select FastPass from your phone, it cost extra. Check out our FastPass for more information.
- Relax! Its supposed to be a vacation. Things will probably go wrong, kids if they are with you will have a melt down. But, overall hopefully you will make amazing memories.
- And the last tip I am going to post here that is a BIG money saver for many. Disney allows you to bring in a cooler the size of 6 pack, inside the cooler or outside the cooler you are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks. Just no glass, knives or alcohol.
Walt Disney World Pros...First Time to Disneyland
Disneyland is a different kettle of fish from Walt Disney World. Yes they have some things in common but deep down they are as different as apples and oranges. Here are some common questions I have come across when a family is booking Disneyland for the first time instead of Walt Disney World.
- Dining plans- Disneyland does NOT offer any type of dining plan, they do offer dining vouchers for their character meals that you can buy in advance and it does give you a bit of a discount. (you may buy as many as you like but usually they need to be bought in connection with a package deal)
- Booking dining - Most WDW pros know the 180+10 rule about booking dining and they are up at 5:45 am EST the day they can book dining hoping to get that premium dining option, or to get dining at ALL. Disneyland does not have 180+10 rule, they have a simple 60 days in advance rule, and except for holiday times or the hopeful first dining slot, you usually don't have to be up at 6:45 am PST exactly 60 days in advance to get your dining choice.
- FastPass+ - There is no scheduling FastPass 60 days in advance, or 30 days. At Disneyland they have machines near rides where you can get return times, and this feature is free. Or they have MaxPass which cost $10 per person per day. MaxPass allows you to book your FastPass from your phone, but you have to have your ticket activated ie be inside one of the parks. With MaxPass you are allowed to only select 1 attraction at a time (in either park), but if the attraction you selected is more than 90 minutes away, you may selected a second FastPass at the 90 minute mark. The app of course tells you this. I kind of feel that its like selecting that 4th FastPass at WDW. Its all done from your phone, and has many of the same properties except for when you select a FastPass choice that is more than 90 minutes away. Learn more about FP.
- EMH - Disneyland only offers Deluxe hotels, so they have made deals with 'Good' Neighbor Hotels. Because of this Disneyland also has two types of Magic Hours, both are in the morning only. One is for their hotel guest only and its call Extra Magic Hour (this one allows guest to visit Disney California Adventure Park 1 hour prior to park opening on Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri and they may visit Disneyland 1 hour prior to park opening on Tue, Thru & Sat, and they are allowed to go daily for the length of their stay). The second program Disney offers is for those who purchase 3 day or more park tickets (this includes the Southern California CityPass), this is call Magic Morning and it allows those with this ticket a one time entrance to Disneyland on either Tues, Thru or Sat.
- No Bus - Everything is within walking distance (except for some of the good neighbor hotels).
- Rides - Rides at Disneyland and WDW are different even if they have the same name, they are different. Some are not MAJORLY different, just the ques are different and some are very DIFFERENT. RMH Travel did a blog about all the rides at both parks in 2017 (so some rides are missing) comparing the rides from WDW and DL.
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