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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.

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Everything You'll Need to Know for a Trip to Disneyland

Want to visit the famous Anaheim theme park but don’t know where to begin? Consider your Disney vacation sorted. You’re in for much more than a visit with Mickey Mouse and a handful of rides, because Disneyland Resort is actually home to two separate theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. They’re located directly across from each other but host a different set of enjoyable rides, shows, and lands, some of which you won’t find at other Disney Parks worldwide. If you’re curious about stepping inside Sleeping Beauty Castle or Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge, experiencing the world of Cars , and riding every glorious Disney attraction on your next trip to the California parks, we’re here to help you discover the Happiest Place on Earth. Here’s everything you’ll need for a first visit to Disneyland — besides a pair of Mickey ears, of course.

The Sleeping Beauty Castle

The original Magic Kingdom is known for its classic attractions and quintessential “main street” charm, but hosts plenty of electrifying rides throughout its themed lands. Disneyland Park is also home to the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, which sits in the center of the park.

Attractions and Rides

From Jungle Cruise and It’s A Small World to Pirates of the Caribbean, there are a multitude of famous family-friendly attractions at Disneyland, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on thrills. With Star Tours’ Star Wars simulations, the rollicking Indiana Jones Adventure and Disneyland’s multiple mountain-themed coasters, it’s home to many of Disney’s most exciting rides.

Star Wars : Galaxy Edge

Today’s most-discussed attractions and rides are tucked away inside Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland’s newest land. Here, you can encounter the Resistance while eating otherworldly food, adopt a plush Tauntaun after visiting Oga’s Cantina, or be apprehended by Stormtroopers before stepping foot on the land’s two rides — Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, which allows flight crews to operate the famed starship and Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance, a monumental battle opening in January.

Restaurants

Disneyland offers all the theme park staples — ice cream, corn dogs, and plenty of churros — but sit-down restaurants like Plaza Inn and River Belle Terrace are first-rate. Foodies should hit New Orleans Square for mint juleps and Mickey Mouse beignets or try indulgent tableside offerings at Cafe Orleans or Blue Bayou Restaurant.

If you want a cocktail with all those treats, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Alcohol is only served at one place inside Disneyland Park: Oga’s Cantina, which is located within Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge.

Disney California Adventure Park

Compared to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park is significantly newer. Themed to highlight the landscape, culture, and history of California as a whole, it channels San Francisco’s waterside roots, Hollywood’s golden era, and the state’s national parks throughout several different lands, with its newest, Cars Land and Pixar Pier, infusing silver screen attractions within the coastal design.

If you’re visiting both parks in one day, note that admission is per individual park; you’ll need an upgraded “park hopper” ticket to visit both.

Disney California Adventure Park's Film Attractions

Disneyland’s sister park has two colorful lands that revere cherished animated films. Cars Land brings the movie’s awe-inspiring Route 66 scenery to life with shops, restaurants, and multiple rides, including the joyous Radiator Springs Racers. At Pixar Pier — formerly Paradise Pier — guests can ride a coaster, carousel, or spin ride that pays homage to films like Incredibles , Toy Story 2 , and Inside Out while taking in food, shopping, and entertainment honoring the iconic movie studio.

And, in 2020, a new Marvel-themed area at Disney California Adventure Park will allow superhero wannabes to interact with the Avengers like never before.

Disney California Adventure Rides

There’s plenty to ride at Disney California Adventure Park, but highlights include virtual hang gliding on Soarin’ Around the World, the frenzied arcade shoot-out of Toy Story Midway Mania!, and the soaking wet joy of Grizzly River Run’s roaring rapids ride. Its newest thrill, Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!, pairs the popular Marvel characters with a frenetic drop ride soundtracked by Star-Lord’s vintage tunes.

Disney California Adventure Park Dining

There are fantastic quick-service meals throughout the park, but Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land is the most visually pleasing place to devour pretzel bites and stuffed bread cones. Pacific Wharf’s eateries and Pixar Pier’s Lamplight Lounge make for popular sit-down options, but the glamorous Carthay Circle Restaurant remains Disneyland Resort’s finest in-park dining option.

Disney California Adventure Park Drink Options

Unlike Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park serves beer, wine, and cocktails throughout its restaurants, stands, and food kiosks. You can’t go wrong with wine at Mendocino Terrace, colorful concoctions at Lamplight Lounge, or craft cocktails at Carthay Circle Lounge.

Nighttime Entertainment

Both parks offer nighttime entertainment so noteworthy that park-hopping guests will struggle to choose just one. Disneyland Park’s nightly fireworks are ever-popular, but so is Fantasmic!, a waterfront retelling of Fantasia with beloved Disney characters, special effects, and pyrotechnics. (Pro tip: watch the show performed on Disneyland’s Rivers of America, and stay put for a unique view of fireworks.)

Disney California Adventure Park offers World of Color, where lighting, projections, and special effects combine to feed the show’s stunning display atop dancing water.

Disneyland Resort operates three on-property hotels: the seaside-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier, the park-influenced Disneyland Hotel, and the craftsman-style Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. There are many “good neighbor” hotels nearby, but Disneyland hotels come with perks, including Extra Magic Hour Early Admission for additional time in the parks.

Downtown Disney

Disneyland Resort’s theme parks and hotels are located around Downtown Disney, a strip of shops, restaurants, and entertainment that’s open to the public. It’s home to many themed eateries and specialized Disney boutiques including World of Disney, a massive shop that’s ideal for last-minute souvenirs. Park guests can even hop on the monorail from Downtown Disney for an extra-special entrance into Disneyland Park.

Must-Do Disneyland Perfect Itinerary for First Timers (2024)

If it’s your first time visiting Disneyland, what makes the park so magical? What are the must-do Disneyland things to experience? If you only have one day to tour this California theme park, how do you know where to start? I’ve included my definitive list of “must do Disneyland” attractions and rides, in a one day Disneyland itinerary.

Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab.

This article was originally published February 23rd, 2015 and has been updated and republished with a new date.

Must-Do Disneyland List of Attractions

As a first time Disneyland visitor, you’ll want to get the best feel of what makes this Disney park the “Happiest Place on Earth”. The recommended attractions and rides will give you the best experience for a single day at Disneyland.

You’ve never been to Disneyland before but wondering how to do Disneyland in one day? I’m sharing my insider tips in this ultimate guide on the must-do Disneyland attractions for a first time visitor. These ideas will give you a great feel of the park and allow room for plenty of magic.

Be sure to read this planning guide for tips on taking a first Disneyland vacation . The following article offers my suggestion of a one day Disneyland itinerary. After you’ve experienced these things, everything else is just a Disney bonus!

Disneyland in a Day

Can you do everything at Disneyland in one day? Nope, not by a longshot. Rides, attractions, and shows will keep you busy. You’ll want to mix in character greetings and dining. Add live entertainment including parades and nighttime spectaculars and that’s a jam-packed day.

This Disneyland itinerary doesn’t include everything, of course. You’d need a lot more than one day at Disneyland to experience it all.  Each guest will have to pick and choose carefully which of the items on this single day must-do Disneyland list you’ll want to experience.

I’ve served up suggestions for families with younger kids including Disneyland with babies and toddlers. There are tips here for thrill ride fans and foodies.

Please note that some attractions or rides may not be open or operational during your visit. Always check the Disneyland calendar ahead for your date.

Choosing the Best Day for Your Vacation

Disneyland fluctuates the hours their park remains open throughout the year. Before you book your reservation, check the Disneyland calendar to ensure you’ll have a full day in the park. Often times the parks close early due to special events or during off-peak seasons. Fireworks, parades and some shows may not operate during weekdays.

The other thing you’ll want to be aware of is the refurbishment calendar. Disneyland lists on their website which rides will be closed on certain dates. Double-check ahead of time to see what attractions will not be operating during your visit.

If it’s expected to be a crowded day at Disneyland , use this itinerary to plot out your day ahead of time. Figure out a loose plan on where you’ll eat and view menus online before your trip to speed things along.

DISCOUNT DISNEYLAND TICKETS – My travel partners at Get Away Today offer both discounted Disneyland tickets and Anaheim-area hotels to fit any budget! Many hotels include exclusive discounts like free parking, complimentary breakfast or even free nights, just for booking through Get Away Today.

Disneyland tickets purchased now are good through January 12th, 2025 . Purchase your multi-day tickets through Get Away Today today and lock in the best pricing of the year.

When you’re ready to book your Disneyland vacation, my friends at Get Away Today are ready to help! Mention code REWRITTEN to receive an extra discount off your SoCal vacation package (when booking 2+ nights with two or more tickets).

Maximizing One Day at Disneyland

When planning a first Disneyland vacation, it’s important to know how to best stretch out the day. There are ways to maximize your time in the parks, which is especially important when you only have a single day at Disneyland.

To squeeze in as much Disney fun as possible, you’ll want to arrive to the park before opening and stay until they close. These are a few more thoughts on boosting a one day visit to the parks!

Disney Genie+

The complimentary FASTPASS service is gone and Maxpass is no longer. Take advantage of the line cutting Disney Genie+ for around $30 per person, per day.

Guests can book their return times online. If trying to maximize time in the parks, purchase a Disneyland ticket with Disney Genie+ bundled in.

As a bonus of purchasing Disney Genie+, you’ll also receive unlimited Photopass and ride photo downloads!

Need more help with using this new line cutting system? Read these beginning tips for using Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane from my friend Leslie at Trips with Tykes .

Individual Attraction Selections

With time constraints, you won’t want to waste a moment waiting in unnecessary lines. Consider booking “individual Lightning Lane” for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland. Radiator Springs Racers is available at Disney California Adventure.

The cost per ride for the “Individual Attraction Selection” is between $7-25 per person. This can be done on the “Tip Board” through the Disneyland app upon entry into the parks. On a day when you’re trying to see and do as much as you can, this extra charge is worth the cost.

Carry a Full Charge

Frequent use of your smart phone to access the Disneyland app is going to drain your battery…FAST! You’ll be using your device for Disney Genie+, scheduling Lightning Lane attractions, mobile ordering and more.

Purchase a Fuel Rod in advance then swap it out for a full battery inside the park. There are kiosks all over (locations found on the Disneyland app).

Single Rider Lines

Certain attractions feature a separate entrance line for those riding individually. This can save an exceptional amount of time versus the usual stand-by line. Guests using the Single Rider line essentially fill in empty space on ride vehicles. This means, the Cast Members will seat you with other guests that are not in your own party.

Single Rider is best used with older kids and adults, who don’t mind not riding with their own group. You cannot request to sit with your family if using the Single Rider option.

I’ve mentioned in each section below which rides offer Single Rider. Take note that the Single Rider lines aren’t always in operation, so just ask a Cast Member at the entrance.

Dining is a Must-Do Disneyland Activity – But Where to Eat?

Of course, eating at Disneyland is a must. But where are the best places to eat in Disneyland, especially when on a time constraint? Keep reading through each section in which I cover the top dining spots within the individual Lands. These are extra tips:

Full Service Dining

I’ve made a few suggestions in each section for a full table service meal. At most, choose just one of these for the day, then mobile order the rest of your food. Or save your full service meal for another day outside of the parks and dine at one of the hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

Mobile Order

Mobile ordering is a must. If you’re trying to squeeze as many attractions into your single park day, quick service dining is where it’s at. Mobile ordering is done via the Disneyland app on your smart device. It’s an easy process in which you purchase and pay for food online. Then you’ll bypass the stand-by queue to pick up at designated restaurant windows.

Character Dining

If you only have one day in the parks, is character dining a must-do Disneyland activity? Honestly, no. Character dining combines character greetings with a meal but the process is generally much more drawn out than a regular meal.

If you’re tight on time, you’ll want to skip the only in-park character dining, Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park (located at the Plaza Inn restaurant).

Consider instead to book your character meal on an off-park day. There are several character dining locations inside the hotels of the Disneyland Resort that are a better option.

• Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast/Brunch – Storytellers Café inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Goofy’s Kitchen – inside the Disneyland Hotel

READ MORE: Are you on a restricted diet or have special dietary needs? Get the tips on where to find healthy food at Disneyland .

What to Skip at Disneyland

As I mentioned earlier, if you only have a single day, you’ll need to be selective on the attractions you visit. Naturally, everything at Disneyland is wonderful. But when it comes down to it, you can’t do it ALL in one day!

Within each section of this article, I’ve included attractions you’ll likely want to skip. Save the list for your next multi-day vacation.

These are the Disneyland must-do rides and attractions for anyone that has just one day in the parks. In each section, I share Disneyland tips and tricks for going to Disneyland this year.

This itinerary only covers Disneyland park itself, not Disney California Adventure. To follow this itinerary best, purchase a Disneyland One-Park Per Day Ticket and not a Parkhopper!

Start Your Day on Main Street U.S.A

When you enter Disneyland Park you’ll pass through the tunnels (there’s one on each side of the entrance) and be deposited into the hub. Follow Main Street U.S.A towards Sleeping Beauty Castle and the various Lands will branch out from here.

I MPORTANT!! While I do mention Main Street USA first in this article, I do NOT recommend that you do these attractions first thing in the morning. I’d suggest visiting Fantasyland first, then returning to Main Street later in the day.

Arrive at “rope drop” before the Park actually opens. The first two hours at Disneyland are very important when it comes to lighter crowds. At rope drop, you’ll be able to enter Main Street U.S.A. and visit some of the shops.

Must-Do Disneyland Attractions on Main Street USA

Disneyland Railroad – Hop aboard on Main Street U.S.A. and take the grand circle tour around the Park, a total of 1.2 miles. Not to be missed is Primeval World, a large diorama that takes you back to the prehistoric times and features dinosaurs and volcanoes!

Main Street Window Displays – Take a peek at these at the very end of the day, just before leaving the park. These charming scenes are reflective of classic Disney films. You’ll find them in the outside windows around the Emporium.

Main Street Vehicles – No thrill rides here, just a good ol’ fashioned ride down Main Street U.S.A. to get you in the mood of the Park. Take a ride in a horse-drawn car, jitney, fire engine or omnibus.

There’s rarely a line for the Main Street Vehicles, making them a fun option to hitch a ride (ideal for guests without strollers). The Main Street Vehicles don’t run in the evening or nighttime hours.

Best Souvenir Shops on Main Street

Silhouette Studio – Get into the vintage Victorian vibe by having the artists hand cut your silhouette out of paper for the perfect souvenir.

The Mad Hatter – It’s the place to find a hat for every occasion! What better way to start your Disney vacation than with a pair of Mouse Ears that reflects your personality? We bought my son’s Pluto hat here. He continued to wear it on nearly ever Disneyland trip for the next 6 years.

Top Places for Character Greets on Main Street

With the changes at Disneyland since reopening, character locations have shifted. The best way to find character meet ‘n greets is through the Disneyland app.

Simply press the navigation icon, then click the dropdown arrow at the top of the screen. Find “Entertainment” to see which characters are meeting where during specific times throughout the day.

Characters meet ‘n greet at various locations just inside the parks, on Main Street U.S.A. Occasionally, characters will greet on Main Street from the stairs at the railroad station.

Here, you’ll find popular favorites including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald, and Chip ‘n Dale. Other characters also appear here throughout the year.

Best Places to Eat on Disneyland Main Street U.S.A.

Jolly Holiday (quick service) – If you only have one day to spend in the park but still need breakfast or lunch, grab something quick. The Jolly Holiday offers mobile ordering for pastries, cinnamon rolls and sandwiches.

Carnation Cafe (full service) – Serving up classic American comfort food, this is where Walt used to eat. In fact they still serve his favorite chili. Time it right and you can sit outside on the patio and catch the parade going by!

Gibson Girl (snack) – The perfect spot for ice cream, use mobile ordering here to get a waffle cone sundae.

What to Skip on Main Street When Time is Tight

If you only have one day to see Disneyland, these are the things you’ll need to skip on Main Street USA.

Emporium – This expansive souvenir shop has a lot of great goodies. But many can be found in World of Disney at Downtown Disney. I highly suggest saving your shopping for a day when you aren’t inside the theme park.

The Disney Gallery

Parades – I do love the parades, but if you’re trying to see and do more things you’ll need to skip. In fact, I recommend avoiding Main Street and Fantasyland completely when parades are taking place. The walkways and shops will be heavily congested during those times.

The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln

Market House (aka: Starbucks) – There’s no mobile ordering here and the line is always lengthy. If you must get your coffee fix, consider the Downtown Disney Starbucks location which offers mobile ordering through the Starbucks app.

Main Street Cinema

Fantasyland at Disneyland

Head straight across the drawbridge and into the most whimsical Land in the entire Park! Or take one of the two side pathways that lead into Fantasyland on each side of the Castle. There’s a lot packed into this small area but I’m including the top must-do Disneyland attractions.

I suggest visiting Fantasyland either first thing in the morning or late at night after the fireworks spectacular. This is when crowds will be the most reasonable.

I’ve made suggestions in this section based on whether you have young kids in your group. If visiting with babies, toddlers and preschoolers, you’ll want to reserve a large amount of time to touring Fantasyland.

For families with older kids or adult-only vacations, save some of your day for thrill rides in other Lands.

Fantasyland Attractions Not to Miss at Disneyland

Peter Pan’s Flight – Arguably the best Disneyland dark ride but I add to this list with a caveat. The line for Peter Pan’s Flight is always 30+ minutes. If you’re pressed for time, consider skipping this one.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – The story behind the iconic castle comes to life with three-dimensional displays. The attraction is beautiful done and guests move at their own pace to view the dioramas inside the castle.

Mad Tea Party – From the festive lanterns hanging over head to the bright colors and patterns of the twirling teacups, this is one bright spot in Disneyland that can’t be missed! If you suffer from motion sickness at theme parks on spinning rides, add to the list of attractions to skip.

Matterhorn Bobsleds – This is the only roller coaster in Fantasyland. Guests zip inside fast moving bobsled-type cars through the mountain, past a frightening Yeti! This ride is offered on Disney Genie+ and Single Rider option, to save you time.

Fantasyland Must Do Disneyland Attractions with Young Kids

Dumbo the Flying Elephant – If you have little ones with you, this is a must do Disneyland classic attraction. Kids can maneuver up and down with a knob inside the vehicle.

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – Newly refurbished and with a happier ending, this dark ride is delightful.

“it’s a small world” – This happy and colorful attraction carries a message that simply uplifts your heart. Curmudgeons give this one a bad rap because the song by the Sherman brothers is slightly catchy. Younger kids will love it’s a small world , but everyone should aim to ride it. Take advantage of shorter lines with Disney Genie+.

Dining in Fantasyland

Red Rose Taverne (quick service) – This Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant offers up a wide variety of meals, including burgers and salads. The Grey Stuff Gâteau is the well-known dessert served up here. Use mobile order to avoid wait times in line!

Best Places to See Characters in Fantasyland

There are several locations in which characters meet inside Fantasyland. The mall in front of “it’s a small world” hosts a variety of popular Disney characters, including Bert and Mary from Mary Poppins .

Fantasy Faire is the place for classic Disney princesses including Cinderella, Aurora and Rapunzel. Guests can pass through the Royal Hall for personal photos with princesses.

There is also a live princess character show outdoors at the Royal Theatre. Guests may meet and greet with them after the presentation.

Fantasyland Attractions to Skip

I have a hard time suggesting that you skip some of these rides because they are iconic! However because of time constraints and the lack of Disney Genie+ to line skip, you may need to miss them on this trip.

Alice in Wonderland – If you can make one extra Fantasyland ride happen, choose this one. It’s charming and well done, with excellent effects. But the line is usually long so only ride when the queue is short.

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

Casey Jr. Circus Train

King Arthur Carrousel – Young kids in particular will want to ride the merry-go-round. Do it if you have the time!

Fireworks spectaculars – No need to stop and watch the fireworks. You can catch the overhead show most anywhere in the parks. There are projections shown on both Sleeping Beauty Castle and “it’s a small world” façade, but I recommend not stopping to watch as the crowds will make it difficult.

Important to note that the Fantasyland rides close down when fireworks are taking place. Aim to be elsewhere in the park when fireworks are happening.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – This in-park “salon” offers make-overs for princesses and princes, complete with hair-dos and nail polish. The process can be time consuming so consider a DIY Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the hotel room.

Storybook Land Canal Boats – Guided boats glide past the royal city of Agrabah from Aladdin , King Triton’s underwater oasis from The Little Mermaid and even the land of Arendelle from Frozen . But the wait time is often lengthy, so it’s best to skip on this visit.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

This newest Land takes guests to the edge of the galaxy and beyond. For adults or families of older children (who meet the height requirements), Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge should be your first stop of the day.

If you have a very young kids in your group, read this article about doing Star Wars land with preschoolers and toddlers . Lots of tips on how to fit this area into your one day itinerary when traveling with youngsters.

Must-Ride in Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Like nothing you’ve ever experienced in a Disneyland theme park, this ride/experience is a must-do Disneyland attraction. This ride is NOT part of the Disney Genie+ service.

There is a stand-by line for this attraction that is generally the lengthiest wait time in the park. The only way to skip the regular queue is to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane, highly recommended when you only have one day to experience.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Always wanted to fly Han Solo’s “hunk of junk”? This interactive attraction lets guests participate as either a pilot, gunner or engineer on the Millennium Falcon.

Use Disney Genie+ to shorten your wait time in line. The Single Rider line option is another good choice, though you will miss part of the important pre-ride sections.

Where to Eat in Star Wars Land

Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo (quick service) – Indoor and outdoor dining at this lunch and dinner location. Unique dining that’s more upscale than the typical fast food restaurant. The Batuu-bon dessert is both creative and delicious. Definitely use mobile ordering here for quick dining.

Milk Stand (snack) – Want to try Blue Milk and Green Milk just like Luke in the Star Wars movies? Try the plant-based drink, only available in Galaxy’s Edge. Get one of each and share (they both taste different). Mobile ordering is available for very fast service.

What to Skip in Galaxy’s Edge

Oga’s Cantina – Yes, sipping cocktails at the Galaxy’s Edge is pretty cool. But it’s also a more leisurely experience that you don’t want to rush. And while it is a “kid-friendly bar”, you don’t get to pick and choose where you want to sit. So you might end up standing at a counter-height table instead.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities , Black Spire Outfitters , Toydarian Toymaker and Creature Stall – I’m recommending you skip all the souvenir shops within Galaxy’s Edge. The reason being is that you can visit the Star Wars Trading Post in Downtown Disney, which has most, if not all, of the same items.

Savi’s Workshop and Droid Depot – While these high-end Star Wars souvenirs are awesome, they’re also time consuming activities. Guests can build a custom lightsaber in Savi’s or a droid at the depot. Best for only the most die-hard fans.

Tomorrowland at Disneyland

This “Land of the Future” at Disneyland is popular and often crowded. Fortunately many of the attractions in Tomorrowland offer Disney Genie+ so you can line-skip and get to most of them in one day. Before you blast off, check out these must-do attractions and what you should avoid during this single day visit.

Tomorrowland Must Do Disneyland Attractions

Space Mountain – This is the fastest coaster in Disneyland Park. It’s also completely indoors and in almost total darkness! Lots of sharp twists and turns, this one will make you feel like you’re riding a rocket through the stars. This ride also offers Disney Genie+ to save time.

Star Tours – The Adventure Continues – A 3D motion simulator that takes guests on an adventurous ride through the galaxy. C-3PO mans the controls of the Starspeeder in this Star Wars ride that mixes the classic with the new. Use Disney Genie+ and your wait time will be faster.

READ MORE: Concerned that your child might be nervous on the Disneyland roller coasters? Read this Complete Guide to Everything Scary at Disneyland .

Best Rides for Young Kids in Tomorrowland

Autopia – Though you’re only driving about 7 miles per hour, you’ll feel the freedom of the open road! This attraction dates back to opening day in 1955, before there was a center guide rail keeping your car on the road. If your child meets the height requirement, this is a must-do Disneyland classic. Plus it offers Disney Genie+ so your wait time should be minimal!

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – Guests of all ages can wield a laser to hit moving targets inside the attraction. The quirky music, flashing lights and spinning vehicle (that you control) add to the competitive fun of scoring points. Disney Genie+ available so you don’t have to wait in the long line-up.

Places to Eat in Tomorrowland

Alien Pizza Planet – Tomorrowland isn’t my first choice for dining but if you’re here, this is what’s available. Indoor dining and the place to grab those adorable Toy Story Alien macarons. The pizza here isn’t the greatest, but the pasta and salad options are decent.

Galactic Grill – All outdoor dining with burgers, fries and veggie wraps. Look for seasonal offerings here throughout the year.

What to Skip in Tomorrowland

Disneyland Monorail – This 2.5 mile loop offers an unique aerial view that can save time walking. Use this only if you need to get to and from the Disneyland Hotel or deep into the Downtown Disney District. You’ll need a valid ticket to get back inside the Park.

Star Wars Launch Bay

Astro Orbitor – Similar to Dumbo, with a spinning “rocket ship” that goes up and down. The line is usually long and best to be skipped.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – It’s a charming trip under the sea to see characters from the film series. However without any line cutting strategy, this ride is slow to load and best to skip.

Churro carts – The churro cart in Tomorrowland often sells the best specialty treats. But the seemingly mile-long wait times are a hindrance on your schedule…mobile order your dessert instead!

Frontierland

Get ready for the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness”! Frontierland is a sprawling land that includes the Rivers of America and its own island. There are two grand attractions, and several other things to add in if you have the time.

Don’t Miss These Rides in Frontierland

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – When this first opened, my parents literally dragged my brother and I to get on the ride! We were scared of what looked like a runaway train. Of course, we’ve come to love it. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is my favorite Disneyland Mountain and a must-do Disneyland ride!

Mark Twain Riverboat – If you need to sit and rest your legs at this point in the day, add in this river boat tour that takes you around the Rivers of America.

The ride features narration by an actor reading as the author Mark Twain, whom this paddle wheel steam engine riverboat is named after. The line to get on is generally short.

Disneyland Dining in Frontierland

Rancho Del Zocalo (quick service) – The Mexican food platters here are large enough to share and offer a nice variety. The bonus is its beautiful outdoor seating under the glow of the glass lanterns, especially pretty at night.

River Belle Terrace (full service) – Make the advance dining reservation for this restaurant if you’re able to coordinate dinner with a nighttime viewing of Fantasmic! .

The River Belle Terrace has an outdoor patio that overlooks the Rivers of America, where Fantasmic! takes place. Consider purchasing the special dining package to ensure a front row seat.

Golden Horseshoe (snack) – Yes, you can order the usual theme park fare here (chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks). But the highlight of the menu is the sundae. Mobile order the Chocolate-Chunk Cookie Sundae, which is large enough for two.

The Golden Horseshoe is one of the original buildings from 1955. Aim to sit in the upper right reserved box, where Walt Disney used to sit himself!

Best Souvenir Shopping in Frontierland

The Westward Ho Trading Company is the place for all things trading pins. This extensive shop offers up lots of selection. A Cast Member has an outdoor table set up for trading here as well. Get a head-start on your collection by purchasing a lanyard ahead of your trip.

Frontierland Seasonal Can’t Miss Attractions

If you’re visiting Disneyland during Halloween Time, stop in Frontierland to see the decorations. First, you’ll see the Halloween Tree, dedicated to sci-fi author Ray Bradbury. This is best viewed at night, when the tree glows orange with lights and tiny jack o’ lanterns.

The second fall seasonal feature here is the Dia de los Muertos area in El Zócalo Park. This photo worthy location features traditional Day of the Dead spirit with skeletons, overhead flags and brightly colored flowers.

Things to Skip in Frontierland

Shootin’ Exposition

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island – If you have little kids that need to burn off excess energy, this is a great place to climb and play. However, expect to add at least an hour to your schedule getting across the water and exploring the island.

Sailing Ship Columbia

Fantasmic! – This nighttime show on the Rivers of America combines water feature, character interaction and daring special effects. Fantasmic! is also crowded and time consuming. If possible, plan to visit another area of the park when this show takes place.

Adventureland at Disneyland

This jungle-themed area is always jam-packed. And with reason: there’s a lot to experience in Adventureland! The pathways are narrow here as well. Use Disney Genie+ when you can to help speed things along.

What to Do in Adventureland

Indiana Jones Adventure – Experience the Temple of the Forbidden Eye just like Indy in this rugged, action-filled trip. For guests that meet the height requirement and aren’t scared of a few thrills, this is a must-do Disneyland ride. Use Disney Genie+ for this popular attraction.

The Enchanted Tiki Room – “Let’s all sing like the birdies sing!” 200+ Audio-animatronics perform before your eyes in this tropical paradise. The show is lively, the music is charming and you may find yourself singing along (go ahead, everyone else will be singing too!).

Jungle Cruise – Another 1955 original, this one evolved over the years from a serious African jungle tour into a slightly silly romp through the rain forest, complete with jokes from the skippers.

Each skipper puts their own spin on the tour along with incorporating classic gags from years’ past. There’s no way to skip the queue here. Try some of these tips for things to do while waiting in line at Disney .

Where to Grab Snacks in Adventureland

Tiki Juice Bar (snack) – Dole Whip, Dole Whip Floats and Pineapple Juice! Get this classic Disneyland treat and use mobile ordering to grab your treats to go.

Bengal Barbeque (snack) – If you’re looking for healthy food at Disneyland , the proteins and veggies skewers here offer a hearty bite. Use mobile ordering to get in and out.

What to Skip in Adventureland

Adventureland Treehouse (formerly Tarzan’s Treehouse) . If you’re particularly fit and can get up and down the stairs quickly with ease, add in this attraction. The view at the top overlooking Disneyland is pretty nice.

Tropical Hideaway (quick service) – I adore this dining oasis alongside the Jungle Cruise. Yummy bao and lumpia snacks with specialty Dole Whips with beautiful waterside seating.

The downside is there’s no mobile ordering, the line is often long and it can be hard to find a table. Use the Tiki Juice Bar to get a Dole Whip fix instead.

New Orleans Square at Disneyland

Wander through the streets of New Orleans Square to get a charming glimpse at the Disney details. It’s Mardi Gras all the time in this quaint area of the park.

As you stroll through, look for the entrance to Club 33 , Disneyland’s exclusive members-only restaurant and lounge. Here’s what not to miss in New Orleans Square!

Can’t Miss Rides in New Orleans Square

Pirates of the Caribbean – Truly one of the best amusement park rides, the detail and special effects are incredible. New additions based on the movies have been added to enhance the story line. Floating through the foggy battle scene, you will feel completely transported. It’s a must-do at Disneyland!

Haunted Mansion – Appropriately spooky, the Haunted Mansion has just the right amount of fright and fun.

From around mid-September to early-January you can see the Haunted Mansion Holiday version, inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas . Use Disney Genie+ year-round for this ride.

Where to Dine in New Orleans Square, Disneyland-Style

Tiana’s Palace Restaurant (quick service) – The New Orleans feeling is alive here! After choosing your meal, take a seat outside to enjoy the live music of a Dixieland Band. Gumbo is on the menu, along with other Creole favorites. Mobile ordering is available here for fast service.

Mint Julep Bar (snack) – Treat yourself to Mickey Mouse shaped beignets and a mint julep from the Mint Julep Bar. Use mobile order and choose the seasonal treats.

Top New Orleans Square Souvenirs

There are two unique Disneyland souvenirs, found only in the New Orleans Square area. There are other shops here including the Cristal d’Orleans and Pandora. But aim not to use your time shopping when you only have one day to experience the theme park.

Take a seat in one of the chairs across from the Blue Bayou entrance and have your portrait drawn by a street artist. There are several versions including caricature or a more realistic pastel artist’s rendering.

Choose one of the hand painted parasols from the cart in front of Café Orleans. These personalized sun umbrellas are a Southern tradition, recreated here in California.

You Might Want to Skip This in New Orleans Square

Blue Bayou – While this is Disneyland’s signature restaurant, it’s also a more leisurely meal. Situated inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, this dining location is a challenging reservation to snag. If you have the time to do one sit-down meal, this could be the one.

Consider MouseDining to help you secure Disney park advance dining reservations. This free service will notify you when coveted ADR become available in Disney’s system.

Critter Country

A little slice of the country, right here at Disneyland! There are several spots you don’t want to miss here including rides and quick dining restaurants. Critter Country is a bit out of the way, but can be reached by two directions – through New Orleans Square or via Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Character greeting – Guests can usually meet ‘n greet with Winnie The Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger in the area just outside of the ride.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Lighthearted, bouncing fun featuring Pooh Bear, Tigger and their friends. Take this whimsical dark ride only if you have babies, toddlers or preschoolers in your group.

Eating in Critter Country

Harbour Galley (quick service) – This waterfront dining spot is oft overlooked. But with mobile ordering for seafood favorites like the famous Lobster Roll, you might reconsider. Walk around the backside to dine alongside the Rivers of America and catch a fun peek at riders coming down Splash Mountain.

Hungry Bear (quick service) – It’s burgers and funnel cakes on the menu at this dining location. Choose to sit on either the upper or lower patios with a pretty view of the Rivers of America. Definitely use mobile ordering for this popular restaurant.

What to Skip in Critter Country

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes – Hop aboard one of these free-floating canoes (no track!) as you and other guests paddle around the Rivers of America. It’s a unique way to get in your workout and the lines to get onboard are usually short.

However, the activity takes about 15 minutes total and if it’s hot weather at Disneyland , you’re going to be super sweaty afterwards!

Mickey’s Toontown

Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland has reopened after a major overhaul. There are tons of new spaces for children and families to play and relax together, including grassy lawns and play areas.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – This newest Disneyland attraction is a gem! Arrive just after rope drop to minimize your wait time.

Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin – A wacky dark ride based upon the film that combines a spinning vehicle that you control yourself. Use Disney Genie+ if the lines are long. You’ll skip the fun queue that sets up the attraction but necessary if time is tight.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GadgetCoaster – The ideal first coaster for young kids at just one minute long. Skip this brief thrill unless you have preschoolers in your group.

Where to Eat in Toontown

There are only two locations for dining in Toontown. Daisy’s Café serves up theme park favorites, including hot dogs. Or grab a snack picnic basket from Good Boy Grocers to take a rest on the lawn while you dine.

What to Skip in Toontown

Meet Mickey and Minnie – Guests can still catch their favorite characters at their respective houses. Check the time for these meet ‘n greets before jumping in line. Other Disney characters mingle in the grassy area near the houses, which might offer a shorter wait.

What If You Have More Time in Your Itinerary?

Is there more time in your Disneyland day? Add in some of the missed attractions or mix some of these extra ideas:

• Photopass photographers – Throughout the park, there are professional photographers available to take photos in popular locations. If you purchased a Disneyland ticket with Disney Genie+ , all Photopass images taken that day are available for free, unlimited downloads!
• Look for Hidden Mickeys – As you wait in queues and while you walk through the park, look for these insider finds. The book Disneyland’s Hidden Mickeys will offer you some guidance towards spotting them.

• Watch a Parade – Disneyland park offers the most fantastic parades you’ll ever see! If you have the opportunity to watch, try and do so.
• Pressed Penny Machines – If time to shop for souvenirs is limited, try this fun and relatively inexpensive memento. There are pressed penny machines over the entire resort. Check out this UP! inspired Pressed Penny Keepsake Book from Etsy.

Extending Your Trip for Longer Than a Day

As you can see from this extensive article, there’s A LOT to see and do inside Disneyland park. If you’re able to stretch out the single day visit into a multi-day vacation, I highly recommend it. You’ll be able to experience many more things, at a more leisurely pace.

I highly recommend purchasing a discounted Disneyland ticket at 2-days or longer. One day tickets are the worst value and are not discounted. Multi day park tickets offer guests a better value, as the cost per day reduced the longer you visit.

READ MORE: For more information about the best ticket to purchase, read this article with everything you need to know about Disneyland tickets .

If cost is a concern, you can place your Disneyland vacation on layaway with Get Away Today . Use the time ahead of your trip to pay in installments.  Use the Promo Code REWRITTEN and receive an extra $10 off any 2-night or longer Southern California package. (Hotel and 2 ticket minimum purchase to qualify for the discount).

Author and owner Julie Bigboy shares first hand knowledge on a variety of subjects, including family travel, positive parenting, and simple living. Her work can be found on The Points Guy, SheBuys Travel, MiceChat and Disneyland With Kids, among others.

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Disney California Adventure: The Complete Guide

Joshua Sudock / Disneyland Resort

Planning Your Trip

Things to do, what to eat and drink, where to stay, getting there, money saving tips.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Disney California Adventure Park

The sister park to the original Disneyland, Disney California Adventure opened in 2001 as a celebration of the Golden State. While it still retains some California-centric nods (especially the lovely, retro Buena Vista Street just inside the front gate), it has morphed into a more eclectic collection of lands and attractions that draw on many of Disney’s brands. When it expanded in 2012 and added Cars Land, Disney California Adventure especially embraced the Pixar films, characters, and stories while the 2021 opening of Avengers Campus brought the Marvel universe to the park.

Part of the Disneyland Resort, which also includes Disneyland Park, the Downtown Disney dining, shopping, and entertainment complex, and three on-property hotels, there is much to consider when visiting Mickey and the gang. Which rides and attractions should you experience? What eateries should you check out? Where should you stay? Let’s get to it.

Best Time to Visit : Because so many California locals visit the park, weekdays generally attract fewer visitors than on weekends. The time of year with the least amount of guests (and the lowest ticket and hotel prices) is mid-January to mid-March. It’ll be a bit busier, but still relatively quiet, in September through early November, and mid-April to mid-May.

The peak season coincides with summer school vacations, from late June to early August, as well as Thanksgiving, Easter, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the crowds will be greater and the wait times for rides will be longer during the busier times of the year, the park will be open longer and offer more nighttime shows and other presentations.

Sunny California is relatively temperate year-round. Although it is rare (but getting less so), it can be brutally hot in the summer. It can get a bit nippy in December through February, especially at night. Perhaps the best time to visit Disney California Adventure, in terms of weather, is March, April, or May when springtime conditions are typically ideal.

Note that regardless when you plan to visit the parks, you will likely need to make a park reservation in advance. Disneyland introduced the reservation requirement when it reopened after the pandemic in 2021. It appears that the requirement will become permanent.

Getting Around: The compact Disneyland Resort is quite easy to navigate. Unless you plan to explore Southern California, there is no need to have a car. Disney California Adventure is just across the plaza from Disneyland Park and adjacent to Downtown Disney. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel overlooks Disney California Adventure, and hotel guests have their own dedicated entrance into the park. While it is a pleasant walk, visitors should ride in style at least once aboard the historic Disneyland Monorail that travels between Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park and the far end of Downtown Disney near the Disneyland Hotel.

Travel Tip: Guests staying at one of Disney’s three on-property hotels used to be able to access the parks before the general public during the resort’s “Extra Magic Hours” program. Disneyland suspended the program during the pandemic. Before making reservations, check to see whether it has reinstated the benefit.

In fall 2021, the Disneyland Resort replaced its Fastpass and MaxPass ride reservation and line-skipping programs with Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane Select. Learn how the digital park planning services work and how they can you help you better enjoy your Disney California Adventure visit.

Among the most popular attractions at Disney California Adventure is Radiator Springs Racers , the tour-de-force E-Ticket ride in Cars Land. It is set amid the spectacular Cadillac Mountain range and Ornament Valley at the end of Route 66 in the meticulously themed area. Try to time your visit to Cars Land at dusk so that you can witness the glorious neon lights that illuminate Radiator Springs as the doo-wop song “Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream)” plays in the background–just like in the original “Cars” movie. For high-speed thrills, head over to Pixar Pier and take a ride on the launched, looping thrill machine, Incredicoaster. There are thrills (and laughs) aplenty also at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, the faster-than-freefall attraction that was previously known as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

There are plenty of other highlights throughout the park, including the world’s first flying theater ride, Soarin’ Around the World ; the interactive, video game-like Toy Story Midway Mania ; and the wacky superhero training experience, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure.

Filled with stirring scenes projected onto water screens, magnificent dancing fountains, lasers, pyrotechnics, and more, World of Color is one of the best nighttime spectaculars at any Disney park.

Younger kids–and really, everybody–should check out Turtle Talk with Crush. Featuring real-time animation and improvisation that is often wildly funny and charming, it’s an under-appreciated gem.

• Check out other must-see attractions in our picks for the 17 Disneyland Resort rides you can’t miss .
• If you’re really into thrills, check out the resort’s 13 most screamtastic rides .
• Disney California Adventure is magical after dark. Check out these tips about ways to enjoy the park at night .

We have more articles for you to peruse, including how to enjoy Disney California Adventure if you hate thrill rides as well as a review of The Little Mermaid Ride . 

Dining in California Adventure

There are plenty of wonderful places to eat, drink, and be Mickey at Disney California Adventure, starting with the Carthay Circle Restaurant . The elegant spot may just offer the best fine dining experience at any U.S. theme park. The Carthay Circle Lounge on the ground floor offers a wide variety of mixed drinks and small plate dishes for sharing. Another great table-service spot is Lamplight Lounge . Featuring an eclectic menu, its whimsical dining room celebrates the artists who create Pixar films.

For quick-service refueling, head over to Flo's V8 Cafe where punny items such as the Ka-Cheeseburger and the Cobb de Ville Salad are on the menu. For quirky fare, consider the Pym Test Kitchen at Avengers Campus. It has ridiculously oversized and undersized dishes such as the Not So Little Chicken Sandwich, which is a humongous chicken breast served on a tiny bun.

Dining in Disneyland

Because the resort is so compact, you could easily leave the park and head across the plaza for a meal at Disneyland (if your ticket allows you to visit more than one park in a day). Among our favorite restaurants in the park is Blue Bayou where you can savor cajun fare as the Pirates of the Caribbean boats float past. Or you could grab a Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters in  Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge .

You wouldn't need a two-park ticket to duck out for a meal at Downtown Disney or the resort’s hotels. Good choices there include Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, which specializes in locally sourced, seasonal fare, and Catal Restaurant at Downtown Disney, which serves Mediterranean dishes.

Making a Reservation

Because the full-service restaurants are so popular, advance reservations are all but required. We have compiled all the ways you can make reservations , including online, by phone, and in person. For quick-service restaurants, consider using the resort’s mobile food and beverage ordering service . Your meals will be ready when you arrive at the counter. There are no character dining experiences at Disney California Adventure. But you can break bread with Goofy and others elsewhere in the resort.

Courtesy of Disneyland Resort

You could stay off property and save money at one of the many lodging options in the area . But the resort’s three hotels, especially the Grand Californian and the historic Disneyland Hotel, would allow you to revel in the Disney ambiance 24/7.

While it has been expanded and modernized, the Disneyland Hotel nonetheless maintains a delightfully retro charm. The monorail-themed water slide topped by a replica of Disneyland’s original entrance sign characterizes the hotel’s vintage allure. The Grand Californian, with its towering lobby evocative of a rustic lodge and Arts and Crafts-inspired architecture, offers an elegant alternative. Its full-service spa could help soothe and revitalize you after a long day at the park. The Paradise Pier hotel, which Disney acquired from a third-party operator, is the most pedestrian and affordable of the three properties.

Among the airports near the Disneyland Resort are Los Angeles International (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and San Diego International Airport (SAN).

If you're flying into LAX, you can get to Disneyland and California Adventure via public transit, shuttle services, ride-hailing services, and rental car. We break down all the different options in our comparison guide .

• Consider the time of year. Disney uses variable pricing for its park tickets and charges more to visit during peak seasons such as early summer and around Christmas; conversely, you'll find the lowest ticket prices in February and other low-attendance periods. If you’ll be staying on property, hotel rates are lower during the slower seasons as well.
• Multi-day tickets cost less per day than single-day tickets. On the other hand, Park Hopper tickets, which allow guests to visit both Disney California Adventure and Disneyland on the same day, cost more than one park per day tickets
• Check Disneyland’s official site for special deals and offers. The resort often offers money-saving hotel and ticket combo packages and other promotions.
• If you or somebody in your family is a member of the military or a veteran, you could save money on park tickets and get discounted rates on Disneyland Resort hotels. You can find details on Disneyland’s special offers page .

Mid-January to mid-March is the best time to visit for low prices and small crowds. It's busier, but still quiet from September though early November, and mid-April to mid-May.

Disney California Adventure typically opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. but hours are subject to change.

Disney California Adventure is located next to Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

Disneyland vs. Disney World: Which Is Better?

A Pixar-Themed Hotel Is Coming to Disneyland

Best Disneyland Hotels

Top 13 Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Thrill Rides

Disneyland Guide: Planning Your Trip

Walt Disney World Guide: Planning Your Trip

Top 11 Best Table Service Restaurants in Disneyland

Best Southern California Family Vacations

The Complete Guide to Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

What Kind of Ticket Would I Need to Ride the Hogwarts Express?

Universal Orlando Tickets: Prices, Discounts, and Where to Buy

Disney World on a Dime

Islands of Adventure: The Complete Guide

Disney California Adventure Visitors Guide

Disney Vacation Club: Is It Worth It?

The Top Tips For Visiting Disney California Adventure

Best & Worst Days of the Week to Do Disneyland & Disney California Adventure

Wondering which days of the week to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for the lowest crowds? This guide covers which dates have the lowest and highest wait times, plus commentary about weekdays vs. weekends, Halloween & Christmas seasons, how SoCal ticket deals impact daily attendance, and more.

When it comes to choosing the best and worst times to visit Disneyland, there’s a lot to consider. If you’re planning a  trip  that will encompass multiple days–including weekdays and weekends, we recommend consulting our Disneyland Crowd Calendars to choose travel dates instead of this. That gets updated fairly regularly, with each individual month receiving a refresh right before it begins for optimal accuracy.

If you’re more concerned with the quality of the overall experience, we also have something more holistic and practical, see our  Best & Worst Months to Visit Disneyland . Again, though, that’s for choosing vacation dates. If you’re a Californian or are “only” doing a few days at Disneyland and want to pick the optimal ones, this covers which days of the week to do each park…

For much of the last three years, conventional day of the week wisdom for Disneyland has been irrelevant or flat out wrong. Capacity constraints and the introduction of park reservations were big factors. Even though park reservations are longer needed to limit attendance for regular ticket holders most of the time, they’re still being used to redistribute crowds and normalize numbers.

This is most significant with Magic Key Passholders. Prior to 2019 when the Flex Pass debuted, Annual Passes did not require reservations–they just had blockout dates. For the last few years or so, all  Magic Key APs have had both blockout dates and reservations. (With that said, it’s possible that ‘good to go’ days will be added to Magic Keys in 2024, further complicating the calculus.)

Even if you know absolutely nothing about Disneyland and have never visited in your life, you could probably guess which days local Annual Passholders would naturally gravitate to the parks. If not, the answer is Saturdays and Sundays. Those are the days people have off work and school, so those are the days they were proportionately more likely to do Disneyland, all else being equal. A few years ago, Saturdays and Sundays (plus Friday nights) were the busiest days of the week. You might find resources that indicate that’s still the case, but those are outdated. At least, for much of the year.

Even before, Annual Passes had more blockout dates that increasingly attempted to push locals away  from weekends. That worked to an extent, and organic demand was manipulated and crowds were spread out throughout the week.  Emphasis on ‘to an extent.’ There was no perfect way to manage attendance with surgical precision, and weekends still were busier. That’s the natural end result with theme parks that are more reliant on locals than tourists most of the year. Visiting patterns could only be shifted so much via blockouts.

In the last few years, park reservations have offered much more surgical precision than in the past. These work in tandem with Magic Key Annual Passholder blockouts to further limit the days that many locals can visit. Typically, park reservations for weekends fill up first for Magic Keyholders. And again, this is on top of blockout dates, during which they’re unable to visit entirely.

These blockouts have gotten more aggressive, with half of the tiers of Magic Keys being blocked out most (or all) weekends and another tier having weekend blockouts during the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Only the top tier doesn’t have weekend-specific blockouts, but it is blocked the entire two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

These Magic Key blockouts and reservation limitations have actually been  too effective  and  too aggressive . The end result is that, on average, the busiest days of the week have now flip-flopped. Saturdays and Sundays are now less busy on average, whereas Mondays and Tuesdays have become the two busiest days of the week.

So if you’re planning a multi-day Disneyland vacation and want the short and sweet answer about when to visit that will be true more often than not, the answer is to visit Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Thursdays through Sundays and avoid Mondays through Wednesdays.

Based upon average wait times over the course of the entire year, Fridays and Sundays are objectively the best days to do Disneyland and DCA, followed closely by Thursdays and Saturdays. Mondays through Wednesdays are pretty much equally bad. If you want the relatively quick answer without reading all of the confusing caveats, there you have it.

With that said, there’s more nuance to the recommendations than that, and these generalizations don’t always hold true. That’s because you’re visiting on actual  days and not an  average  of all days. These exceptions become particularly important during

The next biggest predictor of whether the above is true is blockouts. In a nutshell, the more blockouts, the more likely it is that the above will hold true. When Saturdays and Sundays are aggressively blocked out to Annual Passholders, the weekends become even more attractive to everyone else. When they are not blocked out, the weekends become less attractive.

We’re not going to run through the entire calendar to tell you when this is or isn’t the case. That would probably end up being more confusing and ultimately counterproductive. Instead, refer to Disneyland’s Magic Key Blockout Calendar . In particular, you should look for the blockouts on the Believe, Enchant, and Imagine tiers.

When the Believe is blocked out on weekends, those will be good days for you to visit; when the Imagine tier is blocked out on Thursday or Fridays, those will be good days. Conversely, the Mondays through Wednesday will be even worse during those same timeframes.

It’s not just Magic Key APs, though. The other really big factor is discount tickets for Californians. These are typically offered twice per year, one in the winter and spring for Southern California residents and another in the summer and fall for all Californians. These are almost always blocked out on weekends–either Saturday and Sunday or Friday through Sunday.

Those discount Californian tickets in tandem with the Magic Key blockouts further exaggerate the difference between weekdays and weekends. During these deals, Fridays can become much more attractive if they’re blocked out.

The other major wrinkle here is that crowds noticeably increase during the last couple weeks that these tickets are valid. Californians scramble to use these tickets before they expire, resulting in a surge of crowds in the last couple of weeks (usually late May and late September, as that’s when the ticket deals wrap up).

You might  think  that this wouldn’t happen because Disneyland still uses reservations to control park attendance and prevent overcrowding. But you’d be wrong. While your logic would be sound, what we’ve actually observed in practice is that Disneyland “magically” finds more capacity and refills the reservations during these timeframes.

Other contributing factors are whether school is in session and if it’s California’s tourist season. In order for Mondays through Wednesdays to truly be bad, there needs to be an ample pool of people to visit the parks during those times. If school is back in session for Southern California districts and out of state tourists are less likely to visit, there might not be much of a difference between weekends and weekdays.

A good illustrative example is late January through mid-February, after MLK Weekend but before Presidents’ Day. School is in session during the week for Los Angeles and Orange County  and  it’s the least popular time of the year for tourists to visit Southern California. During this stretch, there’s far less demand for weekdays  and  there are fewer weekend blockouts. Consequently, there’s minimal difference between weekdays and weekends. In fact, weekends might be busier.

Conversely, if many schools throughout California, the West, or the entire country are out of session, there are more than enough tourists to create a meaningful difference between weekdays and weekends. These are also the times of the year when Mondays through Wednesday are the absolute worst days to visit–tourists often arrive over the weekend and make their park days Mondays through Wednesdays.

Yet another variable to consider is Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party during September and October. On dates when this event occurs, Disney California Adventure closes early. As a result, DCA offers less value to tourists and they tend to flock to Disneyland on Halloween Party days.

The converse is also true: on non-party days, tourists disproportionately do DCA, and Disneyland is less busy. We usually recommend Park Hopper tickets at Disneyland Resort because Park Hopping is so easy, but that’s doubly true during Oogie Boogie Bash season. The optimal approach is going against the grain–doing DCA on party days until about 4 pm, and then Park Hopping over to Disneyland for the rest of the evening. Then start at Disneyland on non-party days.

Speaking of Halloween, the heart of both that and the holiday season can be a big exception. These times of year are tremendously popular with locals who will flock to the park on weekends. Conversely, outside of the holiday weeks and school breaks (which includes fall breaks in October–don’t forget that one), it’s not tourist season in California. The end result is another inversion of the new-normal, and busier weekends than weekdays during the off-peak weeks.

Confused yet?! An illustrative example of times when weekends are likely to be worse would be mid-November or early December–windows when there are no adjacent holidays or school breaks. By contrast, the Monday or Tuesday of Thanksgiving week will almost certainly be busier than the Sunday immediately before that Monday, or the Sunday after it. (Does that make a bit more sense?)

Finally, there is one more caveat we have to add. Disneyland often only has nighttime spectaculars with pyro on Friday through Sunday nights. This means a couple of things, with the obvious being that you should do one of these days if you want to see the nighttime spectacular ‘with fireworks’ instead of ‘with projections.’

The other is that there’s a ton more congestion around Main Street USA on these nights, as far more people want to see the ‘with fireworks’ version. So even though weekends are typically less busy, you will encounter the worst ‘feels like’ crowds of the entire week on and around Main Street around the fireworks. (Conversely, rides have lower wait times shortly before, during, and after the fireworks on those nights because a large number of guests are congregating in a few areas for fireworks.)

We recognize that this is a lot to digest. That’s because there are a ton of different variables that impact day of week recommendations, and no hard and fast rule throughout the entire year despite what can be gleaned from averages. So we figured we’d run through the factors with some ‘teach you to fish’ guidelines rather than doing the fishing for you.

With that said, there are a couple more things we’re going to discuss…

How Much Does Day of the Week Matter?

Over the course of the entire year, the average wait time difference between the worst day (Monday) and best day (Friday) is 5 minutes. That may not seem like much, but a 5 minute difference on every attraction adds up. Over the course of the day, it can amount to an extra few rides–at least, in theory.

However, it’s not usually a 5 minute difference. As noted above, there are some weeks of the year when the differences are virtually nonexistent, and others when the gap is much more pronounced. It largely depends upon the degree of blockouts and whether weekdays have school breaks.

Beyond that, there are also  time of day differences. For example, the average Friday isn’t going to see consistent crowd levels throughout the day. It’s going to start slow (especially if school is in session!) and get progressively busier as locals get off work and head to the parks. So you might encounter incredibly low crowd levels to start the day, but moderate to high ones by the end of the night.

There’s also typically much more of a difference in crowds between weeks rather than within them. Accordingly, choosing a good time to visit Disneyland is significantly more important than how you allocate your days within the week.

Even more important is arriving early, which is the simplest way to beat crowds at Disneyland. Due to guest demographics, wait times increase over the course of the day–Disneyland crowds tend to be much more late-arriving than Walt Disney World crowds. And as mentioned above, that’s even more pronounced when school is in session and it isn’t California’s tourist season.

Just as crucial is having savvy strategy. Picking a great day or week to visit can make touring the parks significantly easier, but so too can having a good itinerary that zigs when others zag. Then there’s the option of buying your way out of crowds with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes , which is another good fail safe option. (Unlike Walt Disney World, Genie+ works pretty flawlessly at Disneyland.)

Choosing the best days of the week–and avoiding the worst ones–at Disneyland is pretty low priority in the grand scheme of planning and comes after all of those things. Honestly, if I were doing a Southern California vacation that included, for example, days at the best beaches near Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood , I might prioritize traffic (generally lower on weekends) or crowds at those destinations (generally higher on weekends) over Disneyland day-of-week crowd trends. In other words, there are a lot of moving parts to consider!

With all of that said, these best & worst Disneyland day of week recommendations can be useful for those boxed into less than ideal travel dates due to school or work schedules. Same goes for anyone who realistically won’t have the option to arrive early or stay late. There’s a reason those times are most advantageous–because it’s simply not feasible for many families with small children.

Ditto anyone who doesn’t want to pay extra for Genie+ on principle, or because it’s not in their vacation budget. For anyone this describes, carefully choosing days of the week for each park can relieve some pressure and result in shorter wait times. The bottom line is that choosing the best days of the week and avoiding the worst ones can matter, but usually not  that much.

Moreover, day of the week recommendations are pretty easy to disrupt. We already covered some of the reasons for this above. Other factors that cannot be planned around include bad weather (Southern Californians are terrified of rain) or inordinate attraction downtime. Either of those things can be enough to turn a “bad” day into a “good” one in terms of wait times, or vice-versa.

We realize that a lot of this is conditional to the point that it almost might be useless. (Sorry!) With that in mind, I’ll let you in on a few of our favorite “secret” times to visit Disneyland. (They are not really secrets, but that sounds cooler, right?!)

The first is rope dropping the parks on Friday. As mentioned above, this is typically the slowest day of the week and it is disproportionately less crowded early in the day. Do as many high-priority rides as possible first thing, and then switch gears as the crowds start to materialize. Do less popular attractions, a table service dinner, or perhaps an evening outside the parks.

Second, do Sunday nights. In a way, this is the “opposite” of the Friday advice. Instead of locals arriving late to start their weekend, they are leaving early to wrap up their weekend and prepare for the upcoming school or workweek. This really only “works” if you’re able to stay until the bitter end, but those final few hours between around 9 pm and midnight are pure bliss!

Finally, our absolute favorite days to visit Disneyland are when it’s rainy. If there’s any amount of precipitation in the forecast, disregard all other day of week advice, drop everything you’re doing and head to Disneyland. That line about Californians being terrified of rain might read as a joke, but it very much is not.

We try to make a point of visiting when it’s raining–this is one big way that Disneyland is very different from Walt Disney World. Floridians and tourists are totally nonplussed by any weather short of a hurricane. They remain undeterred, and continue visiting in full force. Meanwhile, Californians will stay home if there’s even a slight drizzle. Obviously, you can’t really plan for this–and it’s very infrequent–but if it’s even sprinkling a bit, you should get to the parks!

Honestly, these last few random time of day tips are probably better and more reliably good advice than the entirety of the day of the week recommendations. But we’ve had a lot of people ask about this, and the problem is that it’s not as straightforward as the averages imply (or even as is the case at Walt Disney World) due to those pesky locals!

Ultimately, simply by virtue of researching and reading a post about the best and worst days of the week to visit Disneyland, you’ve done more to prepare and plan than 95% of guests–no thanks to this post itself, but because you’re almost certainly not reading just this strategy. While the advice here is theoretically useful, it’s pretty far from make or break.

You’re much better off using the other resources on this blog to choose good months or weeks to visit. If that’s not an option (or even if it is), remember to arrive early or stay late. Failing that, use our itineraries to prioritize attractions in the best order. Don’t want to do that for some odd reason, spend the money on Genie+ and buy your way out of lines. If you’d rather not spend money and go with the flow during a midday-only visit…I guess this is the best advice for you!

Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets . Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings . For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews . For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney . For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide . Finally, for guides  beyond Disney , check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and many other SoCal cities!

Your Thoughts

Which days are your favorites for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure? If you’re a local, have you noticed a shift from weekends being busier to weekdays being busier in the era of Magic Key (and other ticket) reservations? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Hi – I’ve been studying your advice religiously and was pleased to read weekends are generally quieter as had planned to be in the parks on May 5th as it’s my birthday but then you mentioned “Bats Day” (whatever that is). How bad will ”Bats Day’ be? We are travelling from the UK and have 4 day park hoppers (window 1st – 6th May) and I was excited to be in the park for my birthday but now I’m worried – should I ask for Genie+ as a birthday present lol – will that save the day?

I always tell people that ask , the best time to go is when it’s raining. That’s hard to plan for of course in SoCal, especially since you need reservations. But it’s definitely worth trading a bit of discomfort, for an empty park.

Since they are returning to 1 park per day for early entry, what is the strategy if you do not have hoppers? (we will have 4 1-park per day tix) Avoid the early entry park because more people will be heading to that park? Or the reverse? (we are WDW regulars and used to rope drop early entry days and then hop to a non-early entry park – back when it was 1 park rather than all.)

Disneyland currently only lets guests at Disney resorts and villas access to Early Entry, as opposed to before when a lot more guests had access via multi-day tickets and non-Disney hotel packages. While I’d personally try and go to the same park if you’re using Early Entry and the other park if you aren’t, Tom’s right that there’s currently so few guests with access that it probably won’t matter at all, and definitely not as much as everything in this post.

UPDATE: Genie is $35 for Wednesday 10/11. Is this what we are in store for thru the end of the year? The parks are INSANE.

Genie is $35 for Wednesday 10/11. Is this what we are in store for thru the end of the year? The parks are INSANE.

This aligns pretty well to our recent trip. We were there Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in early December. Sunday had the lightest crowds of the three days by far, and Monday was easily the most packed. Weekends are certainly not what they used to be.

Tom, I have followed much of your advice through the years at WDW and it has been very helpful. We are finally making a trip out to DL in June 2024 the 1st to the 8th for a full week, mainly because since I am coming from the east coast and this trip is a one shot deal and I want fireworks every night and that is only possible after Memorial Day weekend I learned from doing research. With that being said I will try to take this daily advice but I planned for a week long at DL and DCA so I could do it all and not have to worry about crowd levels and missing a ride due to wait times. We are WDW pros thanks to you so I feel confident we will get it all done in CA at DL and DCA but any additional advice you have will be appreciated.

I am not Tom, but I am going to chime in and say with a trip of that length you probably don’t have to strategize at all. The last time I was at Disneyland we did 3 full days with Park Hopper (no Genie+) and did everything we wanted, including many of the big rides multiple times. Granted, this was during the mid-May shoulder season and your trip is more squarely in “summer vacation” territory, but you also have over twice the amount of park time we did. The only way you are not getting on every ride during that time is if something is closed for refurbishment or you decide just not to do it.

One thing you didn’t mention is that the vibe/clientele of the park is very different on days when the lowest 2 tiers of magic keys are vs. aren’t blacked out. When only full-price tickets and the most expensive passes are allowed, certain types of people and groups just don’t end up showing up nearly as much, but you do get more families and people with tickets there on vacation. Even if the AMOUNT of people is the same between weekdays and weekends, the type of people and feel of the park is nicer on weekends for sure. It’s like how EPCOT becomes a drinking festival on Friday nights sometimes, but at a smaller scale.

I’m going to start my visit this weekend and am struggling to finalize my last day. I have a four day hopper with Genie, and for the first three days, I’m visiting Saturday-Monday, October 14-16. That’s a sure thing. I’m currently reserved for my last day to be Saturday, October 21, but part of me wants to switch to Tuesday the 17th (currently scheduled to be a rest day). Wed-Fri will be spent doing Horror Nights or Knott’s Scary Farm. I can see that two of the three tiers of Keyholders you said to look at are blocked on Saturdays, and that all tiers appear to have availability on Tuesday.

In favor of Saturday, I like the idea of having a rest day on Tuesday, because otherwise I’m doing theme parks & Halloween events for seven straight days in a row, and then resting the last day before flying home. But realistically going from Scary Farm on Friday to DL the day after would be a lot too, and I’m almost certainly not going to be able to stay til SF close AND ALSO do DL at opening.

If Tuesday is going to be much less crowded, then it might be nice to switch over to that. But that would also mean I would have to start two days at DCA instead of one, and I’m a bit low on DCA at the moment. There’s also the aforementioned seven parks/Halloween events in a row drawback.

I did not get tickets to OBB.

I’m skeptical that I’ll be at my most energetic for either final Disneyland day just based on where either day is timewise in my schedule, so this is me trying to find the best option under the circumstances.

I don’t feel like there’s a perfect option, but based on the above, do you think it would be better for me to make my final DLR day Tuesday the 17 or Saturday the 21?

If it were me, I’d do Tuesday.

This is one of those times when the crowd calendar overrides the day of the week calendar, and this coming weekend is going to be fall break for many school districts in California. It hopefully won’t be as bad as this weekend, but it should still be pretty bad.

There’s a good chance it’ll still be very busy on Tuesday, so you might end up cursing this recommendation…but I think it’ll be even worse Saturday. Neither are particularly great options, though, so you could also just do whichever you’d prefer and not worry about the crowd ramifications. It’s going to be some degree of packed either way.

I don’t know what truly is going on but genie + is progressively being priced at $30 and has sold out these last 2 days. When it hasn’t, by noon selections are pushed out to 11 pm. The standby lines are levels not previously seen as they look like Disney World wait times at the height of vacation times. I have the top pass and only buy genie when visiting with a guest so most of the times I am only getting on a big ride by waiting over an hour. With the daytime parade ending this week and no Fantasmic in the near future there is little to pull crowds away for entertainment purposes except for fireworks/projections. Visiting has been a pretty miserable experience for awhile now and seems to be getting worse. For some reason genie + has ruined the experience for those not wanting to pay significantly more for their visit. I don’t see how they fix it but I wish they could.

Ouch! It’s the worst weekend of fall break, so I’m not surprised, but it certainly doesn’t help that the entertainment slate is depleted and about to get worse. I know it comes down to staffing (partially), but I’m still surprised (and disappointed) they don’t have more entertainment to help absorb the crowds.

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The Family Vacation Guide

How Many Days Do You Need For Disneyland California?

posted by Caitlin Lloyd on March 25, 2022 // last updated on March 28, 2022

Whether you’re planning a fun-filled trip for all the family or taking your Disney-loving partner to their favorite amusement park in a surprise proposal, it’s no secret that there are lots of activities to cover at Disneyland California.

From the different attractions to spectacular event programs, you’ll want to make sure you plan your trip smartly, allowing enough days to cover everything you want to do.

If trip length is one logistical nightmare you just can’t get your head around – you’re in luck. This article will tell you all you need to know about the best ways to spend your days at Disneyland California.

Do you need help planning your ultimate family trip to Disneyland California ? Our top tips will provide you with everything you need to know!

Read on to discover the magic! 

Planning Your Disneyland Trip

Young children , where you’re staying, your priority rides, visiting for one day, visiting for three days, visiting for five days, how to make the most of your time at disney california, common mistakes to avoid, final thoughts.

Planning your Disneyland trip is the surest way to make time to ride all of your favorite rides. Whether that’s checking out the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge or riding classics like the Indiana Jones Adventure, a robust plan can help keep you on track. 

Disneyland California consists of three separate areas, the main resort itself, Downtown Disney, and the Disney California Adventure. As these aren’t all in the same location, you will want to decide beforehand if you wish to visit each one and for how long. 

With the current guidelines in place in California, you will also want to plan to get your Covid-19 vaccines if you haven’t already. Although you won’t need to show proof upon entry, you must follow the Covid guidelines that are in place. 

We’ve covered all you need to know about being vaccinated to go to Disneyland California , so be sure to read through our guide before your trip. 

How Long Will You Need?: Factors To Consider

Before you book your trip to Disneyland California, you will want to consider various factors. Specific aspects of your trip can truly impact the length of your stay, especially when it comes to younger children and what rides you are planning on trying. 

Here are a few of the most important factors to consider and how they will impact the length of your stay at Disneyland! 

If you have younger kids, you will generally want to spend more time at the Disneyland theme park. Young children will want to run around and see everything there is, as opposed to older kids who may have a smaller list of favorite rides and attractions. 

As Disneyland California also includes a separate Disney California Adventure area, you will need to consider where your younger kids will enjoy the most. If you plan to take your children to both, consider staying an extra day or two. 

You may also need to book a longer stay if you or your partner is pregnant. It can be extremely dangerous to rush around while pregnant, so a more extended stay will remove the need to do so. It will also give you or your partner more time to take regular breaks – which is highly sought after when pregnant! 

Got a little one joining you on your trip? We’ve written a brilliant guide to give you the rundown on which rides babies can ride at Disneyland .

When planning how long you want to stay at Disneyland California, you will want to consider where you’re staying. The closer you are to the theme park, the less time you will need to stay as travel won’t be an issue. This is why the Disneyland Hotel is so popular. 

However, if you are staying outside of the Walt Disney Company resort, you will need to take travel times into consideration. This will only add an extra day or two to your whole trip, but it will need to be considered before you book your stay. 

The length will also be impacted depending on whether a trip to the Disneyland Resort is the primary purpose of your travel. If you are on a more extensive Southern California vacation, then you may not have enough time to visit the entirety of Disneyland. 

Whether you’re planning to stay for a couple of days or you want to make it a week-long holiday, we have a guide to some of the best hotels near Disneyland, Anaheim to inspire you ahead of your trip! 

Or, if you’re looking at staying on-site to get the full Disney experience, we have a fantastic guide that will tell you everything you need to know about Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel !

As you might expect, some rides at the Californian Disneyland Resort are far more popular than others. This is especially true with the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge experience and the beloved Space Mountain facing some of the largest lines at Disney World. 

When deciding the length of your stay, keep in mind which rides are your top priority and how popular you expect them to be. The more popular the ride is, the longer the line times will be, which may mean you will need to book an extra day. 

You should also try to decide whether or not you wish to visit the nearby Disneyland California Adventure as this is separate from the resort. If you do, then walking distance will come into play which again may lead to you needing to book an extra night at your chosen hotel. 

Want to pick out your must-see rides before visiting? Our park breakdown of how many rides are in Disneyland and California Adventure will save you plenty of time!

Although you may be tempted to visit for more than one day, you may not need to. A one-day trip is a perfect option if you only want to visit a single Disneyland Park and you live near the Southern California resort. 

It is also perfect if you have been to Disneyland before and are just visiting to try some new rides or experiences. As long as you don’t have the potential need to rush and plan your trip well, then a one-day visit may be the best option for you. 

• It will generally be cheaper than a multiple-day visit to Disneyland
• Perfect if Disneyland is just an extra adventure when visiting California with kids
• Enough time to experience your favorite rides 
• You may not have enough time to visit all the rides and attractions you had planned
• It can cause you to feel rushed when trying to decide what rides to experience 
• Not enough time to visit both Disneyworld and the Disney California Adventure

Ticket Options

There are fewer options for one-day visits to Disneyland than other lengths of time. The main way to access Disneyland for a single day would be to purchase the Standard Park Ticket . This lets you choose the exact number of days you plan to visit Disneyland, with 5 days being the longest option. 

A three-day trip to Disneyland is the best option if you want to visit both parks with a park hopper ticket. It is slightly cheaper than 5 full days at Disneyland whilst still offering you enough time to experience thrill rides and Disney experiences. 

Three days at Disneyland California is also a great option if you are on vacation for 7 days, as you can still experience a range of Californian tourist hotspots. 

If you can’t decide whether you would like to spend a single day at Disneyland or the entire 5 days, this is the perfect middle ground! 

• It offers enough time to visit most of Disneyland attractions
• Three days is the perfect middle ground between a single day trip and a 5 day holiday
• It can be a great way to experience Disneyland without dedicating yourself to a full 5-day visit 
• It will be more expensive than only booking a one day Disneyland Vacation
• You still might not have enough time to experience everything Disneyland has to offer 

A few ticket options are available when planning a 3 day Disneyland vacation. 3 days is a long enough stay for you to make use of the Park Hopper Ticket. This allows you to visit any linked Disneyland attraction in South California. 

If you are a resident of South California then you can also purchase the South California Resident Weekday Ticket. This ticket offers Californian residents 3-day access to Disneyland with the only limit being you can only access one park per day. 

On top of this, you can also choose to purchase the Standard Park Ticket . This lets you select how many days you wish to spend at Disneyland, with 3 days being an option. Remember that the more days you choose, the lower the cost per day! 

Want to understand more about how much Disneyland California tickets cost ? Our guide will tell you everything you need to know ahead of purchasing your tickets. 

The longest stay possible at Disneyland California is five days. This will offer you enough time to enjoy every ride Disneyland has on offer as well as a range of nice extras such as Downtown Disney and their world-famous fireworks show. 

If you have young children who want to create a memory of a lifetime, then you would be hard-pressed to find a better alternative than five days at Disneyland. 

Just keep in mind that a five-day ticket is a lot more expensive than a single-day trip, so keep this in mind if you plan to visit Disneyland in the near future! 

• The perfect length of time to experience everything Disneyland Resort California has to offer
• The lowest cost per day ratio 
• Offers young children the experience of a lifetime 
• It can be expensive for larger families with younger children 
• It can be too long if you only want to check out a few new rides

There aren’t as many options for a five-day trip to Disneyland as there are for three days. The main ticket that people will opt for is the Standard Park Ticket which gives you the option to choose how many days you spend at Disneyland. The 5-day standard ticket offers the cheapest price per day option.

Children under the age of 3 don’t need a ticket, so keep this in mind when determining how much your Disneyland vacation will set you back.

The best way to make the most of your time at Disneyland California is to have fun. A plan is always recommended, but sometimes the best times are experienced without expectations. This is especially true if you have younger children. 

As long as you get to experience the top rides and are satisfied with your journey to Disneyland, you can’t ask for more. We recommend checking out both the resort and the Disney California Adventure, as they offer unique experiences that you are sure to remember! 

When booking your trip to visit Disneyland, you are almost guaranteed to make mistakes unless you plan efficiently. This can lead you to miss out on more rides than you would if you took your time and figured out a schedule that works for you. 

Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make when booking their park reservations! 

Over-Packing Your Schedule

Disneyland is packed to the brim with fantastic rides and experiences for children and adults of all ages. This can lead you to over-packing your schedule as you try to experience every attraction they offer. 

However, unless you plan to stay for 5 days, experiencing everything at Disneyland can be extremely difficult. The best way to avoid this issue is to select a few rides or attractions you are most interested in. This will help you manage your time and ensure you experience your favorite rides. 

If you are struggling to pack everything into your visit, consider spending a little more for an extra day ticket. The more time you have at Disneyland, the easier it will be to experience most of its rides and attractions. 

Not Factoring In Mealtimes

This will depend on what you choose to eat, but if you are the sort of family who likes to sit down when eating, you will definitely need to factor in mealtimes. 

Mealtime length also goes hand-in-hand with the next mistakes people often make (underestimating waiting in line). Disney food stalls and even indoor eating will generally have lines in Disneyland due to the site’s popularity as a whole. 

Meals are a large part of any vacation, so we wouldn’t recommend skipping out on your lunch just to get to a ride a little earlier. We highly recommend including mealtimes into any schedule you set up to ensure you have enough time to eat and appreciate all Disneyland has to offer. 

Underestimating Waiting In Line

One of the most common mistakes people make when booking a trip to Walt Disney World is underestimating the line times. This is especially a problem when it comes to the most popular rides available at the resort. 

Before you head off onto your next Disney adventure, take the time to determine which rides are your main priority. You may also want to look online to figure out which rides are currently popular and whether or not you can expect long lines. 

Also, keep in mind that the lines will generally be pretty long in Disneyland, so try to organize your schedule around this!

How many rides can you do in a day at Disneyland?

Although it is possible to hit every ride in Disneyland Resort California, it is challenging and may cause more stress than is necessary. Ideally, try to pick a few of your favorite rides that you must ride and spread it across a couple of days! 

What day of the week is best to go to Disneyland?

In general, weekdays are far quieter than weekends at Walt Disney World. Monday to Thursday is perhaps the least busy period during the week, so if possible, try to book your Disneyland tickets for one of these days if you want to avoid busy crowds. 

What is the cheapest month to go to Disneyland?

The cheapest time to visit Disneyland will be during school periods and between the period of Easter to May. Early February and early October are also some of the cheapest times to visit Disneyland as these are classes as off-peak seasons. 

When booking your visit to Disneyland, try to compare a few months in advance to ensure you can find the cheapest ticket prices. 

We hope this article has given you a little clarity on how many days at Disneyland you should spend. Whether you’re a Star Wars fanatic or you have a child who loves Frozen, what matters is being able to see all of your favorite sites and rides.

It doesn’t matter if you’re spending 1, 3, or 5 days – there’s no correct answer, you should simply aim to list the attractions you wish to visit and let that take center stage in your plans.

However long you choose to stay – you’ll definitely want to go back!

Are you visiting the Golden State and looking for more family days out? We’ve compiled a list of the best theme parks in California to help you plan your trip!

More about our TFVG Author

Caitlin Lloyd

Caitlin is one of The Family Vacation Guide's long standing contributors. She enjoys taking vacation to busy, vibrant cities and has stretched her traveling legs out towards Europe in recent months, enjoying new experiences in Barcelona in Spain, and Nice in France.

About Caitlin Lloyd

Disneyland Crowd Calendar

Our Disneyland Crowd Calendar will help you avoid the crowds and long lines at Disneyland. Theme park attendance fluctuates significantly throughout the year, so choose the optimal dates for your next magical vacation by avoiding crowds during peak season.

With this Disneyland crowd tracker, you will be able to compare crowds at different times of the year to determine the best period to visit Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure theme parks in 2024 and 2025. It is updated once a month with data for the following 12 months.

We hope our Disneyland Crowd Calendar will help you optimize your next magical Disneyland vacation!

Want free help deciding when to travel? Get personalized advice from The Vacationeer !

• Disneyland » [3]
• California Adventure » [3]
• Disneyland » [4]
• California Adventure » [4]

Calendar updated through March 2025

ALL Guests are required to have a park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date. Some parks, restaurants, experiences, hotels, and other features may be modified, unavailable, or be subject to limited availability, capacity, or closure.

Our 2024/2025 Disneyland Crowd Calendar uses a 1-5 rating system for Disneyland’s two theme parks – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure

(1) Green – Light Crowds Expected

(2) Blue – Below Average Crowds Expected

(3) Yellow – Average Crowds Expected

(4) Orange – Above Average Crowds Expected

(5) Red – Heavy Crowds Expected

About Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort is usually referred to as simply “Disneyland.” The park opened in 1955 under the direct supervision of Walt Disney,  16 years prior to the opening of Disney World. The resort was the first Disney theme park location and the only one that was open while Walt Disney was still alive.

Disneyland Resort is located in  Anaheim, California , and is owned and operated by  The Walt Disney Company .

It’s home to two theme parks ( Disneyland Park  and  Disney California Adventure ), three Disneyland hotels , and Downtown Disney , the entertainment, dining, and shopping area of the park.

Speak with a Disneyland expert to plan your trip!

What are Crowd Calendars?

Crowd calendars  predict how many people will be at a theme park on any given day throughout the year. Since most people would rather avoid the crowds and long wait times for attractions (obviously), a crowd calendar can help you narrow down your vacation periods to the times of the year when the park is less crowded and more manageable.

In order to formulate this crowd calendar, we compile attendance data from recent years to help us determine which days will have the shortest lines and longest lines at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. 

When is Disneyland LEAST Crowded ?

Disneyland is the second most visited theme park in the world (18 million visitors per year compared to roughly 58 million at Disney World). Therefore, don’t expect that you will have the park to yourself at any given time of the year. But i f long lines are a major concern, then there are some less busy time periods you should aim for.

Disneyland’s less crowded times are:

• Early January through the mid-February
• The day after President’s Day (February) until Spring Break (mid-March)
• The middle of April until Memorial Day Weekend (late May)
• After Labor Day through the beginning of October
• The second week of November (after Halloween and before Thanksgiving Week)
• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, especially Monday-Thursdays.
• On weekends, Sundays are usually less crowded than Saturdays. Regular weekends tend to be less crowded than holiday weekends.

When is Disneyland  MOST Crowded ?

Disneyland is typically most crowded around holidays, weekends, or really just about any time schools are out of session. Here are some of the time periods to avoid, if possible:

• Any school holiday weeks (February Vacation, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s).
• Weekends, especially around holiday weeks and three-day holiday weekends (MLK Day (3rd Monday of January), Presidents Day (3rd Monday of February), Memorial Day (last Monday of May), July 4th, Labor Day (1st Monday of September), and Columbus Day (2nd Monday of October).
• The park is busy right after the Disneyland Annual Passholder blackout dates come to an end. Check Disneyland’s website for blackout dates .

Questions? Do you want a free Disneyland quote? Contact the Disney travel agents at The Vacationeer !

When is the Best Time to Visit Disneyland?

There isn’t really a right or wrong time to visit. The best time to go to Disneyland will really depend on your own set of interests.

If you wish to visit when crowds are expected to be lower, then plan your trip mid-week if possible. Lines tend to be shorter Tuesdays through Thursdays during off-peak periods.

Which months are less crowded at Disneyland?

Lines will be shorter:

• mid-January through mid-March
• mid-April through mid-May
• mid-September through mid-November

The disadvantages of going to Disneyland during the off-season are:

• Some of the nighttime entertainment may be scheduled for weekends (and not during the mid-week)
• Certain rides may be shut down for maintenance
• The park hours are usually shorter during off-peak times and longer during the summer and other peak times, and 4. there are fewer events, fireworks, shows, and parades during the slow season.

With that said, the most crowded periods aren’t always the “worst” times to visit Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland’s two theme parks do tend to be more crowded during the summer months (June, July, August), and that can mean longer rides for rides, food, and even to speak with Guest Relations .  However, the parks extend their hours every day from late May until early September. You can also expect the theme park to operate with longer hours during holiday periods and school breaks, as well as host more shows, parades, and fireworks.  So there are plenty of trade-offs to consider when deciding when you should visit Disneyland; it just depends on your priorities. 

Check the Park Hours section for a list of the hours, events, entertainment, and refurbishments. 

Do you need some help with planning and booking your next Disneyland vacation? We trust the travel agents at The Vacationeer for all of our trip-planning needs.  Contact them for a free, no-obligation price quote for your next Disneyland vacation.

Disneyland Weather

Disneyland benefits from Anaheim, California’s warm and relatively dry climate. The city averages just 14 inches of rain per year compared to the US average is 39 inches. Here is a chart of what you can expect for weather at Disneyland .

                                                Month                    High / Low  (°F)                Rain

Disneyland Dining Reservations

Disneyland has a number of restaurants in the Downtown Disney District .

Depending on which Disneyland restaurant you choose – and the date/time of your visit – it may be wise to make dining reservations in advance to guarantee you will be seated. Dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance for most Disneyland restaurants.

You can book dining reservations online , call (714) 781-DINE, or let the  Disney Travel Agents at The Vacationeer make the dining reservations for you.  Click  HERE to request a free, no-obligation price quote .

Skip the Crowded Lines with Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane Passes

Disneyland has retired its FastPass and MaxPass systems and replaced them with Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane passes. These paid add-ons allow the user to bypass the normal standby lines and instead use the much quick Lightning Lane entrance.

• Disney Genie+ : For the price of $25 or more per day, per ticket, Disneyland guests can reserve the next available time on a variety of attractions and experiences via the Lightning Lane entrance. You’ll be able to make one selection at a time, and make your next selection once the previous selection is used. Disney Genie+ also provides you with Disney parks-themed audio experiences and unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads.
• Individual Lightning Lane Selections: Guests can also purchase Lightning Lane access passes on up to 2 highly demanded attractions. For example, Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park is not available with Genie+ but it is available on a pay-per-ride basis with a Lightning Lane pass. Pricing varies by date, attraction, and park.

Note: Your Lightning Lane selections are made on the same day of your visit.

If you need help planning and booking your magical Disneyland vacation, please contact the Disney Travel Agents at  The Vacationeer .

Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge . Call  833-4MY-TRIP   (833-469-8747) for a free, no-obligation Disney vacation quote!

The MagicGuides Disneyland Crowd Calendar keeps you updated on the crowd expectations. Check back often so you won’t miss out!

If you enjoyed our Disneyland Crowd Calendar page, be sure to check out our other articles. Our Disneyland Map , Disneyland History , Disneyland Daily Income Estimates , Disneyland vs Disney World , Best Age for Disneyland , Disney Dining Plan Calculator , and Disney World Planning Timeline  may be helpful.

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a magical Disneyland vacation!

Related Posts:

Huge Disneyland expansion to add new rides, restaurants and hotels wins OK

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Disneyland’s multibillion-dollar plan to reimagine and expand the world famous theme park has won the unanimous approval of the Anaheim City Council, opening the door for one of the region’s largest employers to add new attractions, shops and restaurants.

With a promise from Disney to invest $1.9 billion to $2.5 billion, the plan approved Wednesday marks a historic moment for the park, promising to give Disneyland its most substantial makeover since the 1990s , when it took action to add a park, California Adventure, and a downtown dining district.

The council voted 7 to 0 following an hours-long meeting that started Tuesday evening and ended in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with more than 200 people — including residents, Disney employees, city officials, business associations and union groups — weighing in on a plan expected to affect the city’s future for years.

“Tonight is a decision that has weighed very heavily on [my] mind,” Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said during Tuesday night’s meeting. “As someone that has been quite the vocal critic in the past of some of these projects, I’ve been really surprised in doing my due diligence and reading thousands of pages of documents that this project will bring a benefit to our community, not just in the near future, but decades to come.”

The plan is expected to pose a significant change not just to Disneyland but also to Anaheim as its political and financial future has been tied to the entertainment giant.

“When Disneyland grows, Anaheim thrives,” Aitken said in a statement. “Last night’s vote to approve the DisneylandForward Plan will benefit Anaheim for decades to come.”

The City Council decision also drew the attention of California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, who said the investment would drive billions of dollars in revenue for the state and local community.

“Disney is making it clear that California is its home because we provide the welcoming and supportive environment where businesses want to expand and create more jobs,” the statement read.

In Anaheim, the meeting drew so many speakers that some complained there weren’t enough seats in the council chambers, and instead had to wait outside in the cold night air until they could address the council.

Known as DisneylandForward , the plan will give Disney the flexibility to redesign the resort, including Disneyland, California Adventure Park and the Downtown Disney business district into what Disney Global Development Vice President Rachel Alde described as a more “immersive” experience.

Although previous zoning rules restricted hotels, shops, dining, and attractions in their respective areas, the council’s action means the entertainment giant will be able to add attractions alongside, or as part of, those areas where hotels, shops and restaurants are located.

Disney’s investment could also mean millions of dollars more in tax revenues for the city, but some residents and members of the council also aired concerns about other effects that the park’s expansion could have, including raising housing and living costs in the Orange County city. During the meeting, however, elected officials said Disneyland’s promise to also invest more than $100 million for road improvements and affordable housing in Anaheim showed a commitment to the community.

“I do believe the success of [Disneyland] provides a really important way for us to build affordable housing, for us to invest in making our parks in every single district better” Aitken said. “It gives us those resources for police and fire and helps us improve infrastructure.”

Company Town

‘The fairy dust fades away’: Why the people who play Disneyland’s costumed characters are unionizing

Character performers at Disneyland Resort have filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, per the Actors’ Equity Assn.

April 17, 2024

Councilmember Carlos A. Leon, said that although there were concerns, the plan included a major business investment in the city without costing taxpayers a cent.

“This proposal includes $1.9 billion of private investment into our city without bonds being issued, without taxpayer dollars or anything from the general fund being used,” he said. “I don’t know of any other private investment of that magnitude that can compete.”

The council’s vote provides initial approval of the expansion plan, with a second, procedural vote expected May 7. If approved then, the plan would require 30 days for changes to take effect.

The council’s action will lead to a series of amendments to zoning rules so that the entertainment giant can add new attractions alongside hotels on the west side of Disneyland Drive as well as rides and new shopping, dining and entertainment to the southeast on what is currently Toy Story Parking Area at Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard. The park will not expand outside its current 100-acre footprint , according to the plan.

Exactly what attractions or hotels would be built by Disney is still unclear , but Disney has hinted that attractions being built in parks in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai represent a possible “inspiration” for Anaheim.

In Tokyo, Disney is looking to build a Rapunzel-inspired land with gondolas. In Hong Kong, a themed section based on “Frozen” has been recently opened to resemble the Norwegian-inspired kingdom of Arendelle, with rides and a restaurant inside a castle.

Disneyland plan for long-term major development in Anaheim clears crucial hurdle

The Anaheim Planning Commission voted Monday night to approve the DisneylandForward project, which would clear the path for major park development.

March 11, 2024

Tuesday’s meeting drew hundreds of residents — both supporters and opponents of the project — some of whom stayed until early the next morning for the opportunity to speak and witness the council’s final decision. For those in favor, the project is seen as a jobs creator that will boost the local economy.

Kevin Rafferty, a Disneyland employee and longtime Anaheim resident, said that his parents met while working at Disneyland and that he and his wife met the same way.

“I’m so excited for what the future could look like for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim,” he said. “Plus [the project] will provide millions of dollars in tax revenue and thousands of new jobs.”

But Disney’s plans, including a proposal to privatize public roads, also raised concerns from some who worried about the traffic impact on the community.

“We have to live with traffic jams on a daily basis, with road closures and detours at the will of Disneyland events as a bonus,” said Trangdai Glassey, who lives near the park. “People come to Disneyland to have fun, but the local residents bear the brunt of endless problems: air pollution, daily traffic congestion and noise pollution.”

Some residents also worried that the expansion could increase rents and the cost of living in Anaheim.

Disneyland touts a lifetime ban for disability cheats. That’s not what’s worrying some park-goers

Disney ‘reset’ elements of its Disability Access Service program, or DAS, that has become Orlando’s and Anaheim’s most popular service, a spokesperson said.

April 15, 2024

The proposal includes a new 17,000-space parking garage, as well as three pedestrian bridges over Harbor Boulevard and two bridges over Disneyland Drive. The plan also asks the city to give Disney control over several adjacent public streets, including Magic Way, Hotel Way and parts of Clementine Street.

Disney executives have contended that the streets they are requesting to take over are already used mostly by visitors making their way to the park. It has proposed paying $40 million to Anaheim for the roads — part of a $90-million investment for street improvements near the park, including a plan to widen Katella Avenue.

In all, Disney has pledged to give the city more than $100 million for street improvements and affordable housing as part of the plan.

Travel & Experiences

He built a mini-Disneyland in his backyard — and you can walk through it this spring

Fans can’t get enough of Castle Peak and Thunder Railroad in Anaheim Hills, David Sheegog’s miniature love letter to Disneyland and Disney animation.

March 13, 2024

Disney has contended that every billion dollars invested already could generate $253 million in economic output for the city, according to a report cited by the company.

According to a city staff report, an economic study on the effect of the expansion stated construction on new sections of the resort and theme parks would produce $11 million in tax revenue annually. Once it was operational it could yield $15 million annually.

But there was plenty of skepticism in the community. An online petition opposing Disneyland’s effort to take over some streets generated more than 500 signatures. Others were concerned that Disney, which already plays a dominant, outsized role as a power broker in the city, could increase its influence and impact in Anaheim.

At Disneyland’s Pixar Place Hotel, hang out with Bing Bong and fall in love with animation

Everything you need to know about the recently unveiled revamp of the Paradise Pier Hotel on Disneyland Drive.

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Some residents grew skeptical about city plans involving Disney after an internal report found a “potential criminal conspiracy” involving COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, former Mayor Harry Sidhu and the former head of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce.

An FBI affidavit accused Sidhu of being part of a “cabal” of public figures that included a Disney power broker .

But Disney executives defended the plan, saying it could mean thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue for the city.

During the meeting, City Councilmember Natalie Rubalcava also raised concerns about whether the development agreement could block future taxes against Disney, but city staff said the city could impose new taxes, as long as they were imposed citywide.

Hotel transient occupancy tax revenue is Anaheim’s largest source of funding, a city spokesperson said, bringing in $236.3 million so far for the 12 months that will end in June.

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Salvador Hernandez is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, he was a senior reporter for BuzzFeed News, where he covered criminal justice issues, the growing militia movement and breaking news. He also covered crime as a reporter at the Orange County Register. He is a Los Angeles native.

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Disneyland vs disney world: all differences & which to visit.

Disneyland and Disney World are both great vacation spots, but each resort caters to different types of travelers and trips. Which should you choose?

• Disneyland has two theme parks, while Disney World has four. The latter requires a longer stay to see everything.
• Disneyland is walkable, but Disney World requires visitors to travel via car, monorail, boat, and bus.
• Disneyland is typically slightly cheaper than Disney World, making it a good option for shorter trips or budget-conscious travelers.

There are six Disneyland parks worldwide, and two of them reside in the United States — but while Disneyland California and Walt Disney World Resort have notable similarities, they also have some major differences . Disney's California-based location is the first of its theme parks to open worldwide, but Walt Disney World has caught up in terms of popularity. This might be because the Florida resort is larger than the California one, allowing it to offer more accommodations and attractions.

This doesn't necessarily mean Walt Disney World is better than Disneyland; both locations are worth checking out, and each will appeal to different types of travelers. Whether someone chooses Walt Disney World or Disneyland will largely depend on what they're looking for from their vacation. It's worth learning what makes each resort unique before purchasing tickets to Disneyland or its Florida-based counterpart.

All Disney Castles At Every Disneyland Park

Disneyland has 2 parks & disney world has 4 parks (plus 2 water parks), disney world is larger & better for a longer getaway.

Probably the biggest difference between Disneyland California and Walt Disney World is the size of each resort , as the latter is much larger than its California-based counterpart. According to Travel + Leisure , Disneyland clocks in at around 500 acres, while Walt Disney World Resort is around 25,000 acres. That's a massive difference, and it shows in the number of parks at each location. Disneyland only has two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park . Meanwhile, Walt Disney World has four theme parks on its premises: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

This distinction can be helpful when planning a trip to Disney, as visitors will want to choose the location that better suits the amount of time they plan to spend there.

With four parks to cover, Disney World could be the better choice for a longer getaway . The parks at Disneyland California are easy enough to cover in a day or two. However, it's impossible to see all of Disney World in that time. This distinction can be helpful when planning a trip to Disney, as visitors will want to choose the location that better suits the amount of time they plan to spend there. Walt Disney World Resort also features two water parks — Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach — which require additional time to visit. They are great for summer trips, though.

Disneyland Is Walkable, But Walt Disney World Isn't

Walt disney world requires more travel planning.

The size difference between Disneyland and Disney World is important to note, as the latter resort also requires more travel planning. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are right next to one another, and they aren't far from the Downtown Disney District and Disney's Anaheim-based hotels. This means that Disneyland is a largely walkable trip , though children, elderly visitors, and people with disabilities may require additional accommodation. While walking all over Disneyland will take time and energy, it's often doable — and that's not the case for Walt Disney World .

The separate parks at Walt Disney World Resort are much further from one another, so visitors will need to plan their travels accordingly. Bringing or renting a car can be a smart choice when visiting Disney World. Of course, the resort also has buses, boats, and monorails that carry guests from one place to another. This takes extra time and must be added to any Disney World itinerary.

Disney World Has More Than 20 Disney Hotels Neary (& Disneyland Only Has 3)

The florida resort offers a wider range of options.

Disney World's larger size also allows the Florida resort to have more official Disney hotels than Disneyland California. Disneyland California has three Disney hotels nearby: the Disneyland Hotel, the Pixar Place Hotel, and the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. These are all within walking distance of the parks, but they do limit one's choices when it comes to finding connected hotels. With Disney often offering perks through its accommodations, it's always good to find a hotel that falls under its umbrella.

Disney World has more than 20 hotels near its theme parks — and while they aren't necessarily within walking distance, they offer a wider range of themes and price points for visitors to choose from. Hotels like Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Art of Animation Resort allow visitors to stay in a connected hotel at a lower price point. Meanwhile, lodgings like the Grand Floridian Hotel & Resort and Disney's Riviera Resort offer the opportunity for a more luxurious, pricier stay.

Disneyland Is Slightly Cheaper Than Disney World

Ticket prices are slightly cheaper & disney world warrants a longer stay.

Disneyland and Disney World are both fairly expensive to visit, but the Florida resort will typically cost visitors more money . Ticket prices for both parks vary depending on the time of year and demand, but as of this writing, a standard one-day ticket to Disneyland starts at about $134 per adult. The equivalent ticket starts at around $149 for Disney World (via Disneyland.com / DisneyWorld.com ). This may not seem like a huge difference, but depending on how many people are visiting and how many days they're staying, it can add up.

There's also the fact that Disney World offers more for guests to see, meaning they'll have to stay longer. While visitors can purchase a one-day park hopper ticket or a two-day ticket for Disneyland, they'll likely need to purchase more days if they want to see all the parks at Walt Disney World . This can make Disneyland better for those on a budget, if only slightly.

Should You Visit Disneyland California Or Walt Disney World Resort?

The resort visitors choose depends on their vacation preferences.

The decision to visit Disneyland California or Walt Disney World comes down to each traveler's preferences , as both parks cater to different types of vacations and guests. Those hoping to travel for a shorter period of time or maintain a budget may prefer Disneyland. It offers many of the same experiences and attractions, but it's possible to cover the parks in a couple of days. It can also save travelers some money, even if it's still on the pricier side of vacations overall. It's certainly better for shorter trips than Disney World, which is impossible to cover over a long weekend.

Travelers looking for longer getaways with more variety may be better off at Walt Disney World , as there are numerous parks and hotels to fill up a long trip. The options alone are much greater at Disney World, and there's more to see over a lengthier period of time. Of course, Disney World also requires more planning and traveling, so anyone looking to avoid the more tedious aspects of vacationing may prefer Disneyland . Diehard Marvel fans may also prefer the California parks, as they contain Avengers Campus.

Source: Travel + Leisure , Disneyland.com

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Best Disney California Adventure Restaurants RANKED! We Have Tried All.

Disney California Adventure has become the foodie's park at Disneyland. We are diving into the best restaurants at Disney California Adventure to share the breakout locations that you should add to your day at the theme park.

In this guide, we will offer our ranking of the top Disney California Adventure restaurants divided into quick service and table service, our favorites from each location, and our thoughts on what makes them stand out. Disney California Adventure is home to some of the best restaurants at the Disneyland Resort like Lamplight Lounge and the Carthay Circle Restaurant as well as the recently completed Big Hero 6-themed San Fransokyo Square dining area with several quick-service options.

We eat at all of the Disney California Adventure restaurants frequently so that we can provide you with the best guidance for your vacation. Keep reading for our list of the best Disney California Restaurants ranked! We have tried every restaurant at Disney California Adventure.

For restaurants beyond Disney California Adventure, see our overall ranking of the best Disneyland restaurants , our ranking of the best Downtown Disney restaurants , and the best foods at Disneyland .

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Buying tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient since all their tickets are sent electronically. You can take their vouchers and head straight to the gate without needing to wait in any ticket booth lines. They also offer layaway plans so you can pay off your vacation over time.

In this planning guide:

Best Disney California Adventure Restaurants Ranked

For this list of the best Disney California Adventure restaurants, we will be weighing a few different factors, including quality of food and standout menu items as well as ambiance, theming, and the overall experience provided. We will also be including special dining experiences on this list that are not offered in a traditional restaurant setting like the World of Color Dessert Party and the Festival Marketplaces for special events.

Below, we will share our top 3 table service recommendations and our top 7 quick service recommendations for the best Disney California Adventure restaurants. 

Best Disney California Adventure Table Service Restaurants Ranked

Disney California Adventure is home to two of the best table-service restaurants at the Disneyland Resort with spectacular theming and food. Because of their popularity, reservations at these locations go extremely quickly, so you need to be ready to make them 60 days in advance when the reservation window opens up.

For our best tips on how to get Disneyland dining reservations, see our article on our top 5 tips for Disneyland dining reservations .

1. Lamplight Lounge

Lamplight Lounge is a table-service restaurant located in Pixar Pier that is themed to all things Pixar. Around the restaurant, you'll find a variety of Pixar drawings, artwork, and artifacts celebrating beloved characters and stories. The theming for this location is truly impressive and what makes it one of our top picks, as there are new details to discover around every turn!

There is both an upstairs and downstairs dining area at the restaurant, and one of our favorite aspects of Lamplight Lounge is the waterfront open-air deck that provides stunning views over Paradise Bay. A favorite spot of ours is the padded couch-style seating areas with tables in the middle that provide a comfortable place to enjoy your food and soak in the view. Mickey Visit's founder Gavin recently enjoyed this seating area during a trip to Disneyland with his 85-year old grandmother . The ambiance of this outdoor deck is truly beyond compare and a big reason it's one of our favorite dining locations at the resort!

Lamplight Lounge has a brunch and lunch/dinner menu offering gastropub cuisine. You've likely heard of their famous Lobster Nachos, and this is a favorite appetizer among guests. We also enjoy the Potato Skins here, and for Brunch, the Avocado Toast (which can also come as the New York Avacado Toast with New York Steak) or the Indulgent French Toast.

One of the most fun parts of Lamplight Lounge is the assortment of specialty drinks offered here that all have names inspired by filmmaking. You can enjoy drinks like “The Sequel,” “Over Budget,” “A Little Perspective,” and more. All of these drinks are also beautifully made so they are a visual treat as well! One of the specialty beverages is the Cinnamon Toast Cocktail which is perfect to enjoy with brunch.

Lamplight Lounge is also home to one of the coolest secret spots at Disneyland: a secret dining room known as “The Office!” This secret dining room is located behind a vault door and seats up to 13 people. There are black and white sketches of Pixar animators on the walls as well as games that you can take down and play, and you can even enjoy a private patio with views of the Incredicoaster launch! While you can't reserve this room, you can ask if it's available when you check in with a larger party and see if you get lucky, and the room is sometimes offered as a surprise for guests.

You can see our full review of Lamplight Lounge for everything you need to know!

2. Carthay Circle Restaurant

Carthay Circle Restaurant on Buena Vista Street is an upscale table-service restaurant that is the most elegant dining destination you will find at Disney California Adventure. The restaurant is inspired by the original Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, where Walt Disney's first feature film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered. The design and decor of the Carthay Circle Restaurant beautifully capture the grandeur of the Golden Age of Hollywood and contain rare artifacts and references to the early Disney era.

The beautiful design of the restaurant is sure to take your breath away—see the pastoral scene from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs painted on the ceiling of the main dining room with chandeliers below.

In addition to the indoor seating offered at Carthay Circle restaurant, there is also outdoor seating on the open-air terraces overlooking Buena Vista Street.

Carthay Circle Restaurant offers a menu courtesy of Chef Andrew Sutton, who is the Culinary Director of the award-winning Napa Rose. The Signature Thick Cut Pork Chop is the star of the show and our favorite item—it's moist and immaculately seasoned, and it falls right off the bone. Lighter eaters could even share this dish between two people and have plenty to enjoy!

If you are looking for a lighter meal, we recommend trying the Carthay Circle Lounge, which is a perfect place to enjoy a drink and some appetizers like our favorite Moroccan Roasted Chicken Meatballs.

You can see our full Carthay Circle Restaurant review for our experience dining here!

3. World of Color Dessert Party

While this is not technically a table-service restaurant, the World of Color Dessert Party in Paradise Gardens Park is still a sit-down experience that will allow you to enjoy premium reserved seating at the show as well as a plate of sweets and drinks. This is a popular option with visitors as it is the only one that offers seated viewing for the show.

The dessert plate includes a selection of desserts and cheeses (see the picture below for the cute treats!) as well as an assortment of beverages and a World of Color cocktail. During Christmas at Disneyland , the dessert plate features holiday-themed treats like a Mickey gingerbread cookie.

We think the World of Color Dessert Party is worth the splurge if you are planning on seeing the show. See our thoughts on the experience here in our full review of the World of Color Dessert Party !

Best Disney California Adventure Quick Service Restaurants Ranked

Disney California Adventure has a great variety of quick-service restaurants across the parks for guests who are looking for a delicious grab-and-go meal. San Fransokyo Square, the dining area that was recently rethemed to Big Hero 6, has a few of our favorites that we will list below.

Most of the below locations (except for the Festival Marketplaces) offer mobile ordering , which allows guests to use the Disneyland app to order ahead and select a return window to pick up food. Because these are all popular choices for visitors during their visit to Disney California Adventure, we recommend putting in your mobile order as early in the day as possible so that you don't end up with a return window that is later than you'd like.

1. Flo's V8 Cafe

Flo's V8 Cafe is located in Cars Land, one of the best themed lands at the parks. Flo's V8 Cafe is straight out of Radiator Springs from the Cars movie and is a Route 66-inspired diner that serves classic American comfort food. The outdoor dining area modeled like a gas station is a fun place to sit when Cars Land is all lit up with neon lights at night , and you can even get a view of the Radiator Springs Racers cars whizzing by if you face the attraction.

Flo's V8 Cafe has some standout items that we love including Ramone's Low and Slow Club, Flo's Famous Fried Chicken, and the milkshake offerings. This quick-service location offers something that everyone in your party will enjoy, and you can't top the theming.

Flo's V8 Cafe is the perfect place to soak up the ambiance of Cars Land and enjoy a great meal! We consider this to be one of the best quick-service restaurants overall at Disneyland. 

2. Pym Test Kitchen

Another one of our favorite quick-service locations in Disney California Adventure is Pym Test Kitchen, located in Avengers Campus. This fun location offers “size-defying fare” as Ant-Man and the Wasp have led a team of research chefs in creating a menu with innovations large and small. The theming and concept of this quick-service location make it a fun choice, and inside the restaurant, you can watch as pretzels travel on a conveyor belt through a quantum tunnel on the ceiling turning from regular-sized to big.

Our favorite items truly capture the fun theme of Pym Test Kitchen producing “inventive-sized” food that is extra big or small, like the ginormous Quantum Pretzel (pictured below) and The Not So Little Chicken Sandwich (a huge chicken cutlet on a small piece of bread). Look how fun the chicken sandwich is! 

The fun presentation of these items, along with the quality of the food, make this a great choice if you are looking for a quick and easy meal in Avengers Campus! Pym Test Kitchen serves a breakfast menu as well as a lunch and dinner menu. If you're planning on visiting this area of the park during your next visit, see our guide to Avengers Campus for everything you need to know!

3. Smokejumpers Grill

Next on our list of favorites is Smokejumpers Grill located in Grizzly Peak, a popular aviation-themed quick-service location that offers a menu of American classics and recently added breakfast items.  Smokejumpers Grill offers “Pilot Classics” like burgers, chicken, salads, and plant-based options, and it's one of our favorite places to mobile order a meal at the park.

We especially like the Grilled Chicken Salad and the Chipotle BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburger here as well as the milkshakes offered. One of the recent seasonal milkshake offerings, the Raspberry Cheesecake Shake, has received rave reviews from visitors and is one of the best new seasonal menu items we've tried recently. See the shake below!

The convenient location of Smokejumpers Grill right off Buena Vista Street, combined with its filling and delicious offerings, makes it one of our top quick-service picks at Disney California Adventure. 

4. Festival Marketplaces

While the Festival Marketplaces don't fall under a single quick-service restaurant, they are a crucial part of Disney California Adventure during special events that occur at the park throughout the year like Lunar New Year , the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival , the Festival of Holidays , and even Pixar Fest .

These Festival Marketplaces are located around the park and offer portion-sized tastings of various foods related to the special event. For many visitors, getting a Sip and Savor pass to try different marketplace offerings throughout the day is their go-to choice for meals at Disney California Adventure during festivals. 

The Festival Marketplaces often feature returning favorites, from the Beef Brisket Slider at Winter Sliderland during the Festival of Holidays to the Mickey-shaped Macaron made with SNICKERS bar pieces from Nuts About Cheese at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Each year, there will also be a wide variety of inventive new menu items to try from the marketplaces as well.

While some foods at the Festival Marketplaces are better than others (see our recent reviews of the Lunar New Year foods, Disney California Adventure Food and Wine foods , and Festival of Holidays foods), we always find that this is a really solid and rewarding option for food if we are visiting during a special event. There is so much to try, and the format of the Sip and Savor pass makes it convenient for you to split portions with other members of your party so you can explore as many different offerings as possible. I've found that some of the best foods I've ever had at the park have been from Festival Marketplaces.

See our most important tip for ordering from Festival Marketplaces to keep in mind during the festivals!

5. Lucky Fortune Cookery

Lucky Fortune Cookery, located in the recently reimagined San Fransokyo Square, is a quick-service restaurant offering Asian cuisine. When we first tried the new menu offerings here for the opening of San Fransokyo Square, we really enjoyed the Karaage-inspired Crispy Chicken Sandwich and the Baymax Macaron and these have been some of our favorites since. Another favorite of ours is the Teriyaki Chicken, which is a long-time menu item at Lucky Fortune Cookery. See the Beef Birria Ramen from the location below! 

San Fransokyo Square provides plenty of outdoor seating that is not too far away from the character meet-and-greet where you can see Hiro and Baymax from Big Hero 6 . The area is filled with fun details throughout as you can see in our photo tour of San Fransokyo Square.

You can see our full San Fransokyo Square food review for our thoughts on everything we've tried!

6. Corn Dog Castle

No list of the best Disney California Adventure restaurants would be complete without Corn Dog Castle, the quick-service location in Paradise Gardens Park where you can enjoy this Disneyland food staple.

This fun medieval-themed stand offers Original, Hot Link, and Cheddar Stick corndogs. Corn Dog Castle is an option that never disappoints, and it's one that we have enjoyed consistently over the course of several Disney California Adventure trips for a snack or a meal!

7. Cocina Cucamonga

Also located in San Fransokyo Square, Cocina Cucamonga is one of the best Disney California Adventure restaurants that offers Mexican food like street-style tacos as well as a selection of specialty drinks. Our favorites at this quick-service location include the QuesaBirria, which is extremely popular with visitors, and the Tacos Dorados de Papa. 

A new item that was introduced during the opening of San Fransokyo Square that we also really enjoy is the San Fransokyo-style Street Corn (pictured below with the QuesaBirria), which can be enjoyed with a meal or by itself as a delicious snack. 

Cocina Cucamonga also often offers some seasonal items as part of the festivals that take place in the park throughout the year, like the Strawberry Horchata, which is a recent offering for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. We recommend trying some of these seasonal items as they become available!

There are so many great options for dining in Disney California Adventure, with each restaurant on our list of favorites offering a unique experience and delicious food. Whether you decide to dine at a table-service restaurant or enjoy one of the park's quick-service restaurants, be sure to give these locations a try during your next vacation!

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You can find more information on planning your vacation in our guides:

• Disneyland Character Dining 2024: Meal Reviews, Tips, Rankings
• Disneyland Genie+ 2024: Tested Tips to Experience the MOST!
• Top 14 Best Disneyland Souvenirs to Bring Home
• Disneyland Crowd Calendar – Best Times to Visit Disneyland in 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Disney California Adventure offers a variety of different food options, from the upscale table-service Carthay Circle restaurant to San Fransokyo Square’s quick-service restaurants, the Festival Marketplaces that are available during special events throughout the year, and more. See our guide above for the best Disney California Adventure restaurants ranked. 

You can take food into Disney California Adventure as long as it does not have pungent odors, is not stored in a glass container, and does not require additional processing, refrigeration, heating, or reheating. You can see our guide to bringing food to Disney for everything you need to know. 

The most expensive dining experience offered at Disneyland California is 21 Royal, a private luxury $18,000 dinner held in a space envisioned by Walt and Lillian to host VIPs above Royal Street in New Orleans Square. See our full article on 21 Royal for more details. 

Pacific Wharf Cafe, which was part of Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure, was turned into Aunt Cass Cafe as part of the Big Hero 6 reimagining of the area into San Fransokyo Square. It still offers favorites like soup in a bread bowl but also now offers new menu items for guests to enjoy as well. 

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 Emily Midgley

Emily Midgley is a writer from San Diego, California. She was introduced to Disneyland when she was two and has been in love with all things Disney ever since! At Mickey Visit, she will keep you updated with the latest news from the Disney Parks and provide helpful planning content for your vacation. Her favorite rides at Disneyland are Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Space Mountain, and Rise of the Resistance. She loves Marvel (especially Guardians of the Galaxy) and lives and breathes anything to do with Star Wars.

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Southern California City Council Gives a Key Approval for Disneyland Expansion Plan

Disney has received a key approval to expand its theme park offerings in California as it seeks to build new, immersive lands for visitors

Jae C. Hong

FILE - Visitors pass through Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., April 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Visitors to Disney's California parks could one day walk through the snow-covered hamlet of Arendelle from “Frozen” or the bustling, critter-filled metropolis of “Zootopia” under a park expansion plan approved by the Anaheim City Council.

Disney would spend at least $1.9 billion over the next decade to transform its 490-acre (488-hectare) campus in densely-populated Southern California . It would be the biggest expansion of Disney’s Southern California theme parks in decades, aiming to create more immersive experiences for guests. Disney would also be required to spend tens of millions of dollars on street improvements, affordable housing and other infrastructure in the city.

The council unanimously approved the project early Wednesday at the end of an hourslong meeting that began Tuesday evening. A second council vote for final approval of Disney's plan is required in May.

The plan wouldn’t expand Disney’s footprint in tourism-dependent Anaheim but would help it add rides and entertainment by letting the company relocate parking to a new multi-story structure and redevelop the massive lot, as well as make other changes to how it uses its properties.

Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and the Downtown Disney shopping area are surrounded by freeways and residential areas in the city 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles, so the company sees the plan as vital to creating to continue to create sizable new attractions.

“We are thrilled that the City of Anaheim has agreed to work together on this legacy project," Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock said in a statement, adding the company awaits the final vote in May. "We look forward to our bright future together!”

Photos You Should See - April 2024

A significant share of public testimony to the city council focused on Disney's plans to buy a public street near the theme park and turn it into a pedestrian walkway and its intention to add a crosswalk on another neighboring street.

Resident Cassandra Taylor said she looks forward to the new rides the expansion will bring but is concerned about Disney's plans to privatize a city street, adding she first heard of the idea last month in a newspaper article even though she had attended two informational presentations.

“They might have a pedestrian walkway planned now, but once it is theirs, they could just as easily remove it,” Taylor said. “It will be theirs and theirs entirely. Voters will have no say in its future use.”

Over the last two decades, Disney investments have included Cars Land, Pixar Pier, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus in Southern California. The company has not committed to which stories it plans to feature given that the new development will take years.

It’s the first time Disney has sought a major change to its California theme parks since the 1990s, when the company obtained approvals to turn Disneyland, its original theme park dubbed “the happiest place on Earth” and built in 1955, into a resort hub. It later built the Disney California Adventure theme park and the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment area.

Disneyland was the second-most visited theme park in the world in 2022 with 16.8 million people coming through the gates, according to a report by the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM.

Anaheim is Orange County's most populous city and home to 345,000 people, a major league baseball team and a national hockey league team. Hotel revenue typically makes up about half of the city's revenue and is expected to climb to $236 million this year, according to city estimates.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom welcomed the vote as a way to create more jobs in the state of 39 million people.

“We look forward to cultivating more Disney magic and building opportunities for all as this investment drives billions of dollars in revenue for our state and local communities,” Newsom said in a statement.

For Anaheim, the plan would translate directly into much-needed cash for police, fire, libraries and other community services, said Mike Lyster, a city spokesman.

“Whenever Disney invests in Anaheim, we see city revenue grow and our economy expand," Lyster said. “This is a milestone vote for our city.”

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Published: Apr 17, 2024

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement following last night’s unanimous vote by the Anaheim City Council in favor of the Walt Disney Company’s $1.9 billion DisneylandForward plan, with the final vote set to take place on May 7th:

“Disney is making it clear that California is its home because we provide the welcoming and supportive environment where businesses want to expand and create more jobs. We look forward to cultivating more Disney magic and building opportunities for all as this investment drives billions of dollars in revenue for our state and local communities.”

DisneylandForward is estimated to generate $1.9 Billion in economic output and create over 7,800 jobs over four years through new construction in California. Annually, the plan will generate $508 million and employ over 3,600 workers through operation.

Last year, Governor Newsom met with Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, celebrated Disneyland’s first-ever pride night, and received a briefing on the DisneylandForward plan and their investment in the region for decades to come.

In May 2023, Governor Newsom praised  the Walt Disney Company’s decision to keep good-paying jobs in California instead of building a nearly $1 billion office complex in Florida.

California’s economy is the 5th largest economy in the world. California, which has the most equitable tax system in the  entire country , is #1 in the nation for new  business starts , #1 for access to venture capital  funding , and #1 for tourism  spending .

Disney California Adventure Park

Disneyland Resort

08:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Watch Your Favourite Stories Come to Life Before Your Eyes…

Can't-miss attractions, incredicoaster.

Join the mad dash to catch Jack-Jack as he wreaks havoc throughout this high-speed chase!

Radiator Springs Racers

Get revved as the Radiator Springs crew shifts this high-octane ride into overdrive!

Soarin' Around the World

Take flight on a breezy airborne adventure above the wonders of the world!

Savour the Flavours

Lamplight lounge.

Soak up waterfront views as you enjoy gastropub-style dishes and signature libations.

Flo's V8 Cafe

Go with the Flo and dig into comfort food filled with finger-lickin’ good fun!

Carthay Circle Restaurant

Indulge in award-worthy fare amidst a Golden-Era backdrop worthy of top billing.

Maximize Park Time

Download the disneyland app.

View menus, park maps and much more with the official mobile app for the Disneyland Resort.

Mobile Order

Order meals from your phone—it’s quick and easy from anywhere in the parks!

Explore More at Disney California Adventure Park

Avengers campus.

Team up with the Avengers at a campus they've created to recruit the next generation of super heroes!

Gear up for fun in a fantasy world fuelled by the characters and adventures of Cars .

Hop aboard truly incredible attractions, see favorite Pixar pals, dine, shop and play!

San Fransokyo Square

Step into a vibrant, diverse locale full of neighborhood restaurants and small businesses—home to Big Hero 6!

Buena Vista Street

Find dining, shopping and more with a nostalgic twist—at Disney California Adventure Park!

Grizzly Peak

Tackle the great outdoors like never before, with attractions and more!

Hollywood Land

Lights, camera… get ready for your close-up as Tinseltown stories come to life before your eyes!

Paradise Gardens Park

Visit this boardwalk-inspired land filled with tons of attractions, eateries and retro-style fun.

Shopping at Disney California Adventure Park

Explore our stores.

Disney-themed merchandise is available for purchase at nearly every corner of Disney California Adventure Park.

The Perfect Disney Gift

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