How to Plan for Disneyland -- Anaheim, California

Disneyland

Disneyland | Disney California Adventure | Anaheim, California

2 Theme Parks
3 Resort Hotels
Downtown Disney shopping & entertainment district
Now booking through 2026

Here’s where it all began. In 1955, just beyond Los Angeles, Walt Disney invited everyone to enter into the world of his most beloved stories. Today, the pleasantly walkable Disneyland Resort includes three on-site hotels, Disney’s California Adventure park and the original iconic Disneyland. You’ll encounter state-of-the-art spectacles in a land that’s overflowing with charm. You can say without irony that it actually is “the happiest place on Earth.”

2025 Disney Travel Packages are now available. For just a $200 refundable deposit, we can set up your ideal Disney package booking. But which hotels and dates are the best choice? And when should you book?

As an expert travel agent for Disneyland who specializes in personalized itinerary planning, we’ve got key details below for you begin crafting your dream trip. Our Authorized Disney Vacation Planner will take it from there! As soon as you’re ready for pricing, let us know — we’ll find you the best resort hotel availability and talk you through the pros & cons of each.

Disneyland’s hotels sell out months in advance. WIth just three official Disney hotels — including the newly renovated Pixar Place hotel — it takes smart planning to get the best options. Disneyland’s best Good Neighbor Hotels often sell out even more quickly than the Disney-owned hotels do!

You’ve got some big decisions to make. And you’ve probably got some big curiosities…

In the FAQ below, we’ve got an ultra-concise expert guide that answers all the most important questions. Or, to keep it simple, just contact us & we’ll handle all the details!

Free expert help — just a text message away.

If Wishful Thinking sets up your booking, then you’ll have more than just our Brilliant Guide to Disneyland. You’ll have expert-level, up-to-date, authoritative assistance even during your trip — just send us a text message.

We’re happy to help. For free.

As a Disneyland-focused travel agent, we can help you choose an Anaheim hotel, score the best promotions, snag the best Disneyland dining reservations, and create a smart itinerary to make the best use of your time, including the smartest use of the Lightning Lane. These are just some of the perks of working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

During your vacation, if something goes topsy turvy — which happens far more often than you might realize — simply shoot us a text message or give us a call. We’ll leap to the rescue.

Have you got travel dates in mind? It’s best start planning now.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

"The planning & thoughtfulness before we arrived at Disneyland was the best we have experienced. Always easy -- queries were always answered quickly. During our trip, Chris went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time. As a husband & father providing this once in a lifetime experience to his wife & children, the pressure was on. Wishful Thinking ensured it was a great experience. I will forever be grateful for their help & will continue to recommend them to friends."

"Chris made our first Disneyland holiday an experience and a memory to cherish forever for all seven of us! It didn't matter that we are based overseas in a different time zone. He would promptly come back with suggestions and advice as per our requests. I didn't have to worry at all about the bookings, stay or activities. He helped us plan everything! It was our first booking with Chris and Wishful Thinking but definitely not our last! I highly recommend him to anyone who is thinking of and planning a Disney trip."

"Chris was incredibly thoughtful and was a fantastic communicator. He made the the process of booking and planning feel super smooth. We were so grateful for the reservations he was able to get us. It was especially valuable having his insight and expertise on attractions, dining, and other park details. Wishful Thinking made planning our Disneyland vacay stress-free!"

"Chris guided us to the perfect hotel for our anniversary stay at Disneyland, helping out and taking care of the little details that made our visit even more special. His help and insights were invaluable. I hadn’t used a travel agent before for our Disney visits, but I will definitely be using Wishful Thinking for our future visits!"

"Chris was amazing to work with! My friends and I do a lot of research for our trips so it was great to have an expert to bounce ideas off of. Chris was able to get into the fine details with us to plan the best Disneyland trip ever."

"Enthusiastically recommend. Booking this was overwhelming at first. We didn't know what we didn't know and finding out how to approach this was really helpful."

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Disneyland Resort | FAQ

Curious about Disneyland’s two theme parks, three Disney-owned hotels, Downtown Disney dining and shopping district, and its dozens of Good Neighbor Hotels? We know what you need to know. We’ve got clear, concise answers to some of the most common questions:

• TIMING | When is the best time to visit Disneyland? How many days do I need in each park? What’s the weather like during different times of year? When are the parks most crowded / least crowded? What are things like during Christmas, Halloween, or Easter / Spring Break? | Get the answers ▸

• HOTELS | What are the best hotels at Disneyland Resort? The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or Pixar Place Hotel? How far is the walk from the hotels to the parks? What are the perks of Disney resort guests? Should I stay at a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel instead? Which are the closest? | Get the answers ▸

• TICKETS & PACKAGES | What’s the best way to get Theme Park tickets for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure? How does Park Hopping work? Should I pre-pay to add Lightning Lane? Is it smartest to bundle tickets together with a hotel stay? | Get the answers ▸

• ATTRACTIONS, RIDES, & WAIT TIMES | What are the best rides at Disneyland & Disney California Adventure? What attractions are considered must-sees? Why do some rides have long wait times, and how can I plan my Disney day to avoid those waits? | Get the answers ▸

• DINING | What are the best restaurants at Disneyland Resort? Where will I find the best snacks? How does character dining work? Are the restaurants in Downtown Disney easy to visit during a theme park day? | Get the answers ▸

• AIRPORTS & TRANSPORTATION | How do I get to Disneyland Resort from the airport? Should I fly into LAX, Long Beach (LGB), Santa Ana / John Wayne Airport (SNA), Ontario (ONT)? What if I drive to Disneyland — how does parking work? Can I take an Uber / Lyft? | Get the answers ▸

• TOURISM | What should I see and do in Los Angeles? How many days do I need for sightseeing? Where should I stay during sightseeing days in L.A.? Should I visit Disney before or after some sightseeing in Los Angeles? How and when should I include a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood? | Get the answers ▸

• DISNEYLAND VS. WALT DISNEY WORLD | What are the main differences between Disneyland and Walt Disney World? If I’m considering a visit to one or the other, how should I decide between the two destinations? Which is easier for international visitors? Which is better for small kids — or grownups? | Get the answers ▸

• WHY WISHFUL THINKING? | What exactly is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? How is Wishful Thinking different from other travel agencies? Who processes payments, and can we set up a payment plan? What services does Wishful Thinking provide if something goes wrong during the trip? | Get the answers ▸

These are just the first batch of questions you’re likely to have. We can create a customized, no-obligation pricing proposal and help you plan every detail of your trip — for free. And after you book, you gain our wonderfully in-depth Brilliant Guide to Disneyland.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DISNEYLAND RESORT?

The weather in Southern California might surprise you — yes, it actually gets cold and rainy here. Therefore, you’ll want to be smart about timing your visit. How many days do you need? What’s it like during big holidays like Halloween, Christmas, or Easter / Spring Break? Do the USA’s school breaks impact the crowds?

Learn more about high season, low season, & smart timing

Here are answers to the most common questions about timing your visit.

Q: How many days do I need to see Disneyland / Disney California Adventure?

A: There’s no one perfect ‘cookie cutter’ itinerary — let’s create a customized plan. If this is your very first trip, and if you might not ever return, you’ll want three days at least. Probably four. The majority of Disneyland’s guests are residents of California who visit regularly, so they’ve got an entirely different agenda. If you’re flying to California with Disneyland on the vacation itinerary, you won’t want to miss out on anything. Give it three days if you want jam-packed days of fun. Four if you want to include some rest & relaxation along the way.

For those who make regular visits to Disneyland and don’t intend to see & do everything, two theme park days is common.

As for the actual number of days in each park, we strongly, strongly recommending upgrading your ticket to include the Park Hopper option so you don’t have to worry about that decision. Disneyland’s two parks are directly side-by-side — it’s a one-minute walk between the two entrances. Unlike Walt Disney World, ‘hopping’ back and forth between these two parks is astonishingly easy.

Q: What’s the weather like in Southern California?

A: If you’ve only seen the movies, you might think that Los Angeles offers non-stop months of endless warmth and sunshine. Not quite. January through February is typically cold and rainy. In March of 2023, it even kinda snowed one afternoon at Disneyland. The winter months typically are sweatshirt / coat weather, with many days of grey overcast skies.

Things typically warm up in the spring months of April and May, although it tends to really cool off in the evenings. June tends to offer cloudy mornings and warm sunny afternoons. From July through November, classic Southern California hot and sunny days are on order. December is a mixed bag — could be chilly and cloudy, could be warm and sunny.

Throughout the rest of Southern California, the weather is often impacted by its distance from the coast — even 20 minutes inland can be 20 degrees (F) warmer.

View Anaheim’s monthly average temps ▸

Q: When is it crowded at Disneyland / Disney California Adventure? How do school breaks impact crowds? What about weekends?

A: Thankfully, as a travel agent who goes the distance to see Disneyland during all the different parts of the year, we can tell you! Three major factors draw crowds:

1) Good weather: See the weather patterns above. Summer’s busy. Even during heat waves. January through early March are always less busy times of year. If if the weather’s extra cold and wet, the parks tend to be practically dead.

2) Weekends: Many of Disneyland’s visitors are local residents of Southern California, so Mondays through Thursdays are always less busy when folks are working.

3) School breaks: the actual schedule varies based on the state / local school district — the USA has no federal school break guidelines — but the school periods inspire families from across the country to visit. Therefore, Disneyland sees big waves across several weeks where the parks get very, very busy. Zooming out and looking at those patterns, here are the school break periods where you can expect the Disneyland Resort to be very busy:

Spring break | All of March into the first week of April
Summer break | From the first week of June through first week of September
End of the semester break | The last two weeks of December into the first week of January

Q: What’s it like to visit during a major holiday like Halloween, Christmas, Easter, or Independence Day?

A: It’s terrific. It’s magical. It’s very, very cool. Pick your superlative. Disney goes all out for the holidays. Disney adds incredible decorations, holiday-themed entertainment, specialty treats and snacks, parades and character cavalcades, themed fireworks shows & evening spectaculars. It’s an incredible time to see Disneyland in all its splendor, especially if you can plan to visit the parks on weekdays. Here’s what you can expect:

Halloween | From early September through October 31st, both parks enjoy spooky décor, bewitching treats, and the return of the fan-favorite Haunted Mansion Holiday, when Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” takes over the Haunted Mansion. On select nights — about 3 times per week — Disney California Adventure hosts a separately-ticketed party, Oogie Boogie Bash, which is easily one of the greatest events at any Disney park worldwide. That party alone is worth a flight to California.

Thanksgiving | Although Thanksgiving is a major American holiday — always the last Thursday in November — at Disney it tends to get kinda swallowed up by all the Christmas hullabaloo. Because schools are out, the parks are very crowded from Tuesday through Sunday. Several Disneyland-area restaurants — especially in the resort hotels — offer special Thanksgiving pre-fixe menus on Thanksgiving Day. Our top recommendation: Napa Rose.

Christmas | From mid-November through the first week of January — both Disney parks and the Disney resort hotels sparkle and shine with themed décor. Guests delight in the Festival of the Holidays at Disney California Adventure, and “it’s a small world” gets an annual remake that’ll have you jingling all the way. At this time of year, many local Californians make late afternoon / evening visits to the parks simply to see the holiday lights, catch the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and take in the atmosphere. Mornings are notably less crowded.

New Year’s Eve | Historically, New Year’s Eve is the single busiest day of the entire year at Disneyland. Post-pandemic, things have changed — Disney is more restrictive on its park attendance limits — but it remains genuinely magical to ring in the new year with Disneyland’s stunning fireworks. Do note: Disneyland Park has no bars (other than Oga’s Cantina, which historically closes early on holidays). Hard liquor isn’t on sale, while Disney California Adventure has terrific cocktails, generous pours of California wines, and festive treats as part of its popular Festival of the Holidays.

Easter | Fresh flowers and springtime pastel décor brightens up up Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A., and you’ll find Easter Bunny-themed treats and character meet & greet surprises on the days leading up to the Easter holiday.

Independence Day | The 4th of July is America’s biggest national holiday. Always one of the busiest days of the year. Expect patriotic musical performances from Disneyland’s own marching band, unique character costumes, and a jaw-dropping fireworks display. Typically, Disney presents Disney’s Celebrate America – a 4th of July Concert in the Sky on additional nights beyond the actual Independence Day holiday, so the jam-packed 4th isn’t your only chance to see it.

Q: How should I time my visit along with sightseeing in Los Angeles or a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood?

See our answers below ▸

Tell us about your travel dates & let’s start planning ▸

WHAT ARE THE BEST HOTELS AT DISNEYLAND?

Let’s explore the Disneyland Resort hotels. What are the unique perks & privileges of Disney’s three hotels? Which offer the best value & amenities? What are the best Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels? Which Good Neighbor Hotels offer the quickest walk to the Disneyland’s entrance?

DISNEY'S HOTELS | Explore the best hotel rooms, compare the accommodations & amenties

DISNEYLAND’S THREE HOTELS

This is where working with an expert Disneyland-focused travel agent really pays off: choosing where to stay. Because unlike the much-larger Walt Disney World resort in Florida, the Disneyland Resort has just three Disney-owned hotels: The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel. Let’s take a quick look at each, then answer the most common questions, before comparing the best Good Neighbor Hotels in the Disneyland area.

THE DISNEYLAND HOTEL | Get pricing ▸

The OG Disney hotel, recently updated & renovated with elegant whimsical flourishes. Three large towers — each themed after different lands of Disneyland — surround a courtyard of pools, gardens, and an iconic Monorail waterslide. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that gaze out toward the pools and the Downtown Disney area. A fourth tower featuring multi-bedroom villas (with full kitchens) opened in 2023. Dining highlights include Trader Sam’s Enchated Tiki Bar and Goofy’s Kitchen, a fun-loving character dining experience.

Disneyland Hotel room types:

Standard rooms with 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed (many also with a single day bed)
Multi-room suites
Themed Signature Suites
Villas with one, two, or three bedrooms, full kitchens, living room, dining room, balcony

DISNEY’S GRAND CALIFORNIAN HOTEL & SPA | Get pricing ▸

California mission architecture meets Frank Lloyd Wright arts & crafts style at this luxurious property directly overlooking the grounds of Disney’s California Adventure. The dramatic cavernous lobby inspires awe; spacious rooms include nature-inspired decor with touches from Disney’s “Bambi.” The fantastic on-site dining includes Napa Rose — widely considered Disneyland’s best restaurant — and Storyteller’s Cafe, offering a family-friendly character breakfast and a tasty casual dinner.

Grand Californian Hotel & Spa room types:

Standard rooms with 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed (many also with a single day bed)
Multi-room suites
Elegant Signature Suites

PIXAR PLACE HOTEL | Get pricing ▸

When Disney developed California Adventure, they bought a previously-owned hotel just across the street from the Paradise Pier area, gave it a seaside boardwalk theme, and converted it into Disney’s third hotel. In 2024, a whole new set of top-to-bottom renovations went much further, adding in a delightfully fresh, modern, re-imagined Pixar theme. A sleek new lobby, playful pool, and a stylish new restaurant opened early this year, alongside fantastic new guest room renovations and all-new character suites!

Pixar Place room types:

Standard rooms with 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed (many also with a single day bed)
Multi-room suites
Themed Signature Suites

WALKING DISTANCE | Disney resort hotels

The Disney hotels are each about 5 minutes from the entrances (depending on which entrance you use).

All three hotels are located at the opposite end of the Downtown Disney shopping & dining district from the main entrances to the theme parks. To enter, you simply pass through security then walk (about 5 – 7 minutes) through Downtown Disney. There are no resort buses to the parks. Alternatively, guests heading to Disneyland Park may skip the walk through Downtown Disney by boarding the monorail for a speedy direct trip to Tomorrowland. Guests at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa may use an exclusive entrance right into the Grizzly Peak area of Disney California Adventure park.

The Good Neighbor Hotels range from 5 minutes to 45 minutes away; expand the section below for details.

PERKS & AMENITIES | Disney resort hotels

The main perk for Disney resort guests is Early Theme Park Entry. Guests staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels can take advantage of admission to Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park 30 minutes early to enjoy select attractions, dining and shopping locations. On most days throughout the current year, resort guests may enter Disneyland early on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Disney California Adventure opens early for Disney resort guests on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (this is subject to change; check the current park calendar.)

Additionally:

ROOM FOLIO CHARGES | When dining or making souvenir / guest shop purchases, Disney resort guests may bill the purchase to your resort room folio if you’ve linked a credit card at check-in.
DIRECT-TO-ROOM SERVICE | Check-in online (at disneyland.com or the Disneyland app) to skip the Front Desk and head right to your room. Unlock your Disney resort guest room door with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.
DINING | Disneyland’s resort guests do not gain earlier access to Disney dining reservations. All tables may be booked 60 days before the dining date. However, you do enjoy additional access to visit restaurants within your own Disney resort hotel after you’ve checked-in.
LIGHTNING LANE | Guests may pre-pay to add Lightning Lane Multi Pass to their ticket, but unlike Walt Disney World in Florida, no one may book any Disneyland Lightning Lane (or Lightning Lane Single Pass) ride reservations until after you’ve scanned through the turnstiles and entered the park. (Guests who take advantage of Early Entry have an advantage over non-guests.)
MAGIC BAND+ | At Disneyland, MagicBand+ does not currently unlock guest room doors or support payments in gift shops / dining locations. It’s scannable at Disneyland’s theme park entrances, Lightning Lane queues, PhotoPass photographers and Play Disney Parks interactive elements. The original MagicBand (without the +) does not function at Disneyland.

Let’s compare pricing for your trip to Disneyland ▸

GOOD NEIGHBOR HOTELS | Explore our recommended hotels & compare walking times

WHAT IS A DISNEYLAND GOOD NEIGHBOR HOTEL?

When Disneyland began drawing guests in 1955, the Anaheim city blocks surrounding Disneyland began bursting with brand new hotels — many of which are still in operation. Before long, Disney wanted its guests to know which hotels rose to meet Disney’s high standards for hospitality, cleanliness, & service. Disney began designating the best of the best as the Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels.

Today, there are 58 Good Neighbor Hotels — and although each hotel is clean, well-appointed and reliably consistent, they’re not equally amazing. Read on below; we’ll rank our top five recommended Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND | Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels

• We can bundle them in a Disneyland Vacation Package. | Disney permits us to bundle Good Neighbor Hotel with a theme park ticket (of 2 days or more). See more information about packages in the Theme Park Tickets section below.

• We can also book them independently as an a la carte booking. | If you prefer, we can also book your theme park tickets independently and set up your hotel reservation directly with the hotel. (If you’re a Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy member and you’d like to earn/redeem points, we may be able to get you a lower price). If we select this option, review the ticket options & info above.

• Some hotels include complimentary breakfast each morning. | Expect a basic American breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, muffins, waffles, cold cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit, juices, and coffee / tea.

• Disney resort benefits are not included. | You won’t get early park admission here. Your Disneyland app won’t open your guest room door, and you can’t bill in-park purchases or dining to your guest room folio.

• None of the Disneyland-area hotels offer an airport shuttle. | All airport transportation to the Disneyland area is covered by third-parties. See our transportation recommendations below.

• Some of the Good Neighbor Hotels offer complimentary parking — and some charge per night. | If you’re driving (or renting a car), be sure to inquire about potential parking costs — even for hotel guests, it can be as high as $35 USD per night. Others don’t charge a penny. Generally, only the closest hotels to the park entrances charge for parking — to keep Disneyland’s day guests from using their parking lots!

• Good Neighbor Hotels guests endure much more sluggish security entrances. | At Disneyland, all guests pass through a security checkpoint before they may enter the Downtown Disney / theme park entrance plaza. Disney hotel guests breeze right through. Everyone else should add 30 – 45 minutes to get through security if you’re arriving shortly before / after the theme parks open. Below, we’ll note the walking distance travel time to the Disney security entrances. (We do not include the actual time it takes to make it through the security queues.)

MAP | Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels

This map isn’t exactly rendered to scale, but please note that some hotels are a 40-minute walk (1.6 miles / 2.5 km) from the theme park security entrance. Also, please note that a term like “across the street” is misleading; if your hotel is located across from the back of Mickey’s Toontown, you’re still 25 minutes or more from the park entrance, on foot. For the most accurate measure of your walking distance to Disneyland’s South Harbor Boulevard pedestrian entrance, enter this address as your destination: 1570 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802. (Or this map marker for the Downtown Disney / Disneyland Hotel pedestrian entrance.)

Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels Map, Anaheim, California

OUR RANKING OF THE TOP FIVE MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED DISNEYLAND GOOD NEIGHBOR HOTELS

We’ll start with our highest recommendation. We’re not saying that these are the only good Good Neighbor Hotels, but they’re exceptional, and at least one of these properties will be a good fit for just about everybody.

1. The Westin Anaheim Resort | Get pricing ▸

• Walking distance: 14 minutes (0.6 miles / 1 km) to the Downtown Disney / Disneyland Hotel security entrance, or 22 minutes (0.9 miles, 1.5 km) to the South Harbor Blvd security entrance

• Location: Katella Avenue, directly opposite the back of Cars Land / Pixar Pier area of Disney California Adventure, beside the historic North Hall of the Anaheim Convention Center

• Helpful to know: Although it’s one of the very few hotels to offer rooms with theme park views, its location (in the center of a block as wide as DCA itself) makes for a longer walk than you might think.

• Why we recommend it: the Westin Anaheim Resort is the nicest hotel in the area; it’s also among the newest (just opened in 2021). Tasteful, beautifully-appointed rooms are chic, classy and comfortable. Some spectacular rooms (and a cocktail lounge outdoor patio) overlook the Pixar Pier area of DCA with views of Disneyland Park’s fireworks in the distance. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn / redeem points, and Disneyland Magic Key (annual pass) holders sometimes receive their own promotional rates.

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2. Howard Johnson Anaheim Resort & Water Playground | Get pricing ▸

• Walking distance: 7 minutes (0.3 miles / 0.5 km) to the South Harbor Blvd security entrance

• Location: South Harbor Blvd, just beyond Panera Bread & Mimi’s Cafe, beside Interstate Highway 5

• Helpful to know: Some of the rooms in buildings 1, 2, and 5 directly face the interstate, which has loud traffic whirring from cars / semi-trucks (lorries) at all hours of the day. The rooms have double-pane windows and extra sound-proofing, but if available, we recommend booking a Premium room for added space, comfort, and peace & quiet.

• Why we recommend it: The HoJo (as it’s historically & affectionately known) is one of the most unique hotels in the Disneyland area. A recent refurb fully embraced its mid-century modern design kitsch; you’ll love the vintage 1960’s photographs of Disneyland all throughout the property. Rooms are spacious, recently renovated & sparkling clean, and the on-site pool has a dozen or more splash-tastic interactive features & colorful waterslides. Staff are extra warm & helpful.

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3. Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort | Get pricing ▸

• Walking distance: 16 minutes ( 0.7 miles / 1.1 km) to the South Harbor Blvd security entrance

• Location: South Harbor Blvd, beyond Katella Avenue, but before the main entrance to the Anaheim Convention Center

• Helpful to know: This is a little bit of a longer walk to the Katella pedestrian entrance, but you’ll pass by convenient intersection where you’ll find eateries, coffee shops, and both a Walgreens & CVS.

• Why we recommend it: Sheraton Park Hotel at Anaheim Resort feels like one of the most grown-up hotels in the area, especially after its 2022 complete head-to-toe refurbishment/redecoration. The vibe is far more swanky and polished than you might expect from a Sheraton; it’s a great choice for couples & friend groups who might enjoy their low-light cocktail lounge & neighboring steakhouse.

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4. The Anaheim Hotel | Get pricing ▸

• Walking distance: 7 minutes ( 0.3 miles / 0.5 km) to the South Harbor Blvd security entrance

• Location: South Harbor Blvd, essentially across the street from the security entrance, then down one block

• Helpful to know: The motel-style walkways can be a bit noisy, so this is an ideal choice for guests who like to head out early and come home late.

• Why we recommend it: The Anaheim Hotel is incredibly close to the Katella pedestrian entrance, which makes it perfect for rope-droppers. One of the few locally-owned independent hotels that regularly renovates & refreshes its (extra large) rooms, the huge outdoor pool is lined with tall palm trees that serve clssic SoCal / Hollywood vibes. Summer season DJ’s on the pool deck add extra hype, and a pizza shop just off the lobby is open ’til midnight.

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5. Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim Resort / Home2 Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort | Get pricing ▸

• Walking distance: 8 minutes ( 0.4 miles / 0.6 km) to the South Harbor Blvd security entrance

• Location: : About block away from South Harbor Blvd, behind McDonald’s and other hotels, tightly fit into a corner beside Interstate Highway 5

• Helpful to know: The hotel is located directly opposite Interstate 5’s passing traffic, but the architects wisely placed internal hallways that face the highway, insulating rooms from the whirring traffic hum. All Home2 Suites guests receive complimentary breakfast each day. But at the Hilton Garden Inn, only the guests who’ve booked a Disneyland Vacation Package reservation receive complimentary breakfast.

• Why we recommend it: The sister properties of Hilton Garden Inn and the Home2 Suites share a cafe, pool, lounge, & parking lot, and unlike Disney’s own hotels, all guests who are booked on a Walt Disney Travel Package also receive complimentary breakfast each day. Hilton Garden Inn offers standard hotel rooms, but Home2 Suites offers mini-kitchens with full-size refrigerator, microwave, & cooking necessities. These brand new hotels just opened in 2021; everything feels modern and comfortable.

Get package prices and start planning your trip to Disneyland ▸

DISNEYLAND THEME PARK TICKETS & PACKAGES

Do I need to buy Disneyland theme park tickets in advance? (Yes, you do!) Which ticket options are best? How does Park Hopping work? Should I add Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Theme Park reservations when I buy my tickets? How do Disneyland Vacation Packages work?

Learn more about Disneyland's theme park tickets & packages

DISNEYLAND THEME PARK TICKETS

As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, Disney regularly trains (and tests!) us to make sure that we really understand the customized options, pricing & policies for Disneyland tickets. Let’s start with the most crucial info, then dig into the nitty-gritty details.

How much do Disneyland tickets cost? As you’ll see below, it depends on what day you’re visiting, the number of days you’d like to enter, the ages of the guests, and potential perks & benefits you might like to add. As a Disneyland Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, we can quote and sell Disneyland tickets to any guest no matter where you live:

Get pricing for Disneyland theme park tickets ▸

What’s included? A park ticket gives you access to all park attractions, rides, shows, live performances, parades, nighttime spectaculars, and character experiences.

What’s not included? Parking, food, drinks, souvenirs. These all incur an additional cost.

Where are the tickets valid? A standard Disneyland Resort theme park ticket is valid for either Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, or both parks — depending on which option you select. They are not valid at theme parks beyond the Disneyland Resort (Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, etc). Tickets are not needed to visit / shop / dine at the Downtown Disney district or to visit / dine at any of the Disneyland Resort hotels.

Choose from 1 to 7 days. You may select single-day tickets or multi-day, and it’s always more cost-effective to buy multi-day tickets rather than pay for each visit one day at a time.

The more days you buy, the more you save. For 2024 / 2025, a single-day park ticket begins at $109. However, once you get above 3 to 5 days, the cost per day declines dramatically. The price difference between a 3-day and a 4-day ticket is just a small additional cost.

You don’t have to use multi-day tickets on back-to-back days. All multi-day tickets allow you take days off in between use. Disney will clearly communicate when the ticket’s validity expires. For example, if you have a 5-night hotel stay but a 3-day ticket, you could use your tickets on your first, third, and fifth day of your stay. It’s up to you.

Optional upgrade: Park Hopper. Want to visit both parks on the same day? With a Park Hopper enhancement, beginning at 11 AM, you can ‘park hop’ back and forth between both parks until the final park closes for the day. This is a popular add-on, and If you do add this benefit to a multi-day ticket, it will be available for all your theme park days. (In other words, you can’t purchase a 3-day ticket but only add the ParkHopper for one of those days. It’s all or nothing.)

EXPERT TIP: Adding Park Hopper to your ticket is smart at Disneyland. The two parks are just a hop, skip & a jump away from each other, and it’s extremely easy to bop back and forth on a fun-filled day. Most guests want to visit another park to catch a parade, a show at Avengers Campus, or see one of the nighttime spectaculars.

Optional upgrade: prepaid Lightning Lane Multi Pass. With this enhancement, you gain the ability to book Lightning Lane reservations and ‘skip the line’ at select attractions in both theme parks. You may add this enhancement on the day of a visit — via dynamic pricing, up to $35 per guest — or you can pre-pay to add it to all the days of your ticket for a per-day-per-guest cost of $30. At Disneyland, it also includes PhotoPass photographs to enjoy complimentary photos — shot by Disney’s own professional photographers — at select locations throughout both parks.

A Theme Park reservation is currently required for entry. Disney limits the attendance at each park each day. Therefore, to maintain control on how many guests enter each park on a given day, Disney wants to know when and where you plan to use your tickets. It’s best to book your Theme Park reservations when you buy your tickets — or when we set up your Walt Disney Travel Package — knowing that you can come back later and modify the dates (subject to availability). Better to make a plan & reserve something early, even if your plans might change.

Tickets are electronic. Tickets are a digital product, similar to an airline “e-ticket,” which are scannable via a bar code. That bar code arrives in your ticket confirmation email when you click / tap “View my eTickets.” After viewing your tickets, it’s best if you scan the tickets for yourself (and your travel party) park into the Disneyland app, which unlocks the ability to make Lightning Lane and Virtual Queue reservations for your whole travel party. Upon request, Disney’s Guest Relations Cast Members can print up a paper ticket for you to scan throughout the park.

MagicBand+. Disneyland guests may link their tickets to a wearable tech bracelet — called MagicBand+ — and scan their park tickets electronically via NFT technology. Unlike Walt Disney World, at Disneyland, MagicBand+ only works for theme park tickets, Lightning Lane entries, PhotoPass, and Play Disney Parks interactive experiences. It does not work for hotel guest room entry, resort folio charges, dining reservation check-ins, etc.

Learn about MagicBand+ at Disneyland ▸

You use them throughout day. Your tickets aren’t only used for park entry — you’ll scan your ticket (or MagicBand+) when you enter the park, and also scan it for any Lightning Lane reservations, in-park photographers, or return-times for Disability Access Service.

Everyone needs one. Everyone (3 years of age or above) needs a theme park ticket to get into either theme park. Even if you have a dining reservation at one of the restaurants within a park, you still need a theme park ticket to get in. Guests who are younger than 3 may enter for free with their (ticketed) parent or legal guardian.

Arrive when you like. With most tickets, you can enter or exit the park at any time of its opening hours; they’re valid for a full day. However, some special event tickets (like After Hours events or holiday parties) only grant entry into the parks after a specific time.

Come and go. All ticket holders can depart and re-enter as many times as they like on the same day. No matter what type of ticket you have, after you’ve entered a park, you’re free to leave and then return to that same park at no charge. It’s common for guests to exit the parks to visit nearby resort hotels for afternoon naps, a dip in the pool, or a relaxing meal.

Get Disneyland theme park tickets now ▸

PACKAGES | Bundling hotel & theme park tickets

When setting up a new booking, we can bundle together any Disney resort hotel stay with a 2-day (or more) theme park ticket. This is called a Disneyland Vacation Package, and it enjoys the most flexible and generous modification / cancellation policies.

• Only $200 per room to reserve, with time to pay off your balance. | After making your deposit, your balance isn’t due until 30 days before check-in. You can spread out your payments over time, or wait and pay the whole balance in one lump payment.

• Very easy to modify. | It’s free to change the arrival dates, the number of days of theme park tickets you’d like, the type of ticket you’d like (i.e., Park Hopper, etc.) the number of guests on your reservation, and even the actual hotel in which you stay.

• Everyone must have the same ticket type. | One of the rules of this type of booking: everyone on the reservation (over 3 years of age) must have the exact same type of theme park ticket.

• Generous cancellation terms. | You may cancel for a complete refund up to 30 days before check-in. Within 5 – 30 days of your arrival, it’s just a $200 cancellation penalty.

• Eligible for future discounts. | Disney regularly offers special promotions and incentives to visit and save. If Disney announces a promotion which applies during your travel dates, Wishful Thinking will know about it, and we can apply the new promotion to existing bookings.

Get pricing for a Disneyland vacation package ▸

A LA CARTE BOOKINGS | Buying hotel & theme park tickets separately

If you’d like to pay for your lodging and your theme park tickets separately, we call this an a la carte booking. Here are the most distinct features of this type of booking (see above for important comparisons to a Disneyland Vacation Package).

• Lodging may be booked separately. | Sometimes, the hotels near Disneyland aren’t available for a Disneyland Vacation Package. Or, perhaps you’re planning to stay in another part of greater Los Angeles. We can set up your lodging separately.

• Pay entire amounts up front. | When you do an a la carte booking, you’ll need to pay for your theme park tickets all up front. (Unlike a vacation package, there’s no ability to spread out the payments over time.) If you’ve got lodging costs, you may have the option to pay with a deposit and then pay the balance at a later date, but the best rates often require full prepayment.

• Freedom to buy different ticket types, but difficult to modify tickets, and no refund for cancellations. | Packages have a minimum of a 2-day theme park ticket, and everyone on the reservation must have the same ticket type. With a la carte bookings you can choose just a 1 day ticket. Also, each member of your party can select different ticket types. If some want 3 days in the parks but others want 2, we can set things up that way. However, if you decide to modify your tickets after purchasing, Disneyland will permit you to upgrade them to add extra days / features, but you can’t reduce the number of days. It’s also important to know: you can’t get a refund if someone doesn’t use them, and you can’t sell them to someone else.

• Not eligible for future discounts. | If you buy your theme park tickets and then Disneyland later announces a promotional price, you won’t be able to apply that promotion to previous purchases. The same typically applies for lodging reservations.

Get Disneyland ticket or package pricing ▸

DISNEYLAND’S MOST POPULAR RIDES & ATTRACTIONS

What are the best rides at Disneyland & Disney California Adventure? What are considered the must-sees? What makes one ride more popular than another? How do I avoid long wait times for the most popular attractions? Which are best for rope drop and what’s the best use of Lightning Lane? Let’s personally customize your itinerary. With our expert insights, you’ll be on your way to becoming a verified Disney nerd.

Discover Disneyland's most creative, exciting attractions & must-see rides

DISNEYLAND & DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE’S BEST RIDES & ATTRACTIONS

Naming the “best” Disneyland rides is kinda like naming the best ice cream flavors.

Your personal taste will have a big impact on what you love. Best to try them all.

But what really is helpful is to know what Disney rides are the most popular, and why. They often experience the longest wait times.

And we know how to help you avoid the waits.

Below, we’ll help you know what to prioritize. What typically gets long wait times, and why.

But first, let’s define things and answer some big questions.

Q: AT DISNEYLAND, WHAT’S AN ATTRACTION?

If you’ve never been to a Disney park, you might assume that Disney’s rides are similar to a classic amusement park or carnival. Roller coasters. Whirligigs that spin and turn. Ferris wheels and merry-go-rounds, that sort of thing. Those are rides.

At Disneyland, however, Walt Disney himself and his team of Imagineers dreamt up experiences. They leapt beyond the carnival boardwalk amusements of the early 20th century. They thought: what if you could ride through a story? What if the story surrounded you with sights, sounds, sensations… and even smells?

Perhaps you’d step onboard a boat that sails from a river dock in New Orleans all the way to the tropical islands, bringing you face-to-face with swashbuckling scoundrels who are fighting for treasure (Pirates of the Caribbean).

Maybe you’d hop on a pixie-dusted ship that rose into the sky to float over the streets of London on its way to Neverland (Peter Pan’s Flight).

Perhaps you’d take a seat within a spooky black buggy that magically glides along an endless hallway of a Haunted Mansion.

These weren’t mere rides. Disneyland wouldn’t be a mere amusement park. And so in 1955, the world’s first theme park opened its doors for the first time.

At Disneyland, many of Walt’s original ride-through-stories — which Imagineers called attractions — are still in operation, impeccably preserved.

Cherished attractions like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride have barely changed since their debut. Other brand-new, state of the art attractions have been added along the way, like the mind-blowingly immersive Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

It all follows this famous quote:

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
— Walt Disney

Today, many Disney experiences feature multi-act stories with a beginning, a middle, and an end. You might begin in a small theatre (known as a pre-show) where the story begins. Then board a ride vehicle where the story continues.

Some attractions are interactive shows that don’t have any physical ride at all. In Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, a room full of tropical birds springs to life overhead. Your new feathered friends lead the audience in a tropical serenade sing-a-long.

So now you know: a Disney attraction can be any combination of show, ride, and storytelling experience.

So in Disneyland, is everything an attraction? Not quite. Here’s what’s not an attraction:

Parades — a roving street festival that features dancers, floats, and Disney characters
Entertainment — live shows with singers, dancers, actors and/or character performers
Character meet & greets — spaces where characters interact with guests to pose for photos, sign autographs, trade hugs, etc. — often with a short line of guests waiting to meet them
Character dining — restaurants where characters come to greet you at your table as you dine
Nighttime spectaculars — shows that might involve fireworks, fountains, colored light projections, and on-stage character performers

Next, let’s explore why some Disney attractions are more popular than others.

Q: WHY ARE SOME DISNEYLAND ATTRACTIONS EXTRA POPULAR?

We could write a book about this (and many people have). To be supremely brief, here’s why:

• The ‘hot new thing’ | New attractions draw big crowds. Exactly as you’d expect.

• Extra popular stories | Disney stories are subject to trends — the same as all pop culture. Marvel stories happen to be trendy right now; Disneyland knows that and built whole attractions devoted to them. Crowds follow.

• Nostalgia | Some stories aren’t new at all, but Disney guests’ deep nostalgia draws guests to ride on every visit. Many parents dream of the day when they’ll get to introduce their kid to a Disney attraction they loved as a child.

• Creative Imagineering | Some Disney attractions are simply so well done — with immersive, multi-act stories, mind-bending illusions, or state of the art tech — that Disney guests consider them a must-see.

It’s important to know that many attractions at Disneyland were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and haven’t changed much at all. Prepare to enjoy the inventiveness, craft, and handiwork of a former era. It’s not unlike seeing famous works in an art museum. Disney’s Imagineers were true artists in the best sense. When you appreciate the history, it’s a delight to see how they pushed their creativity using the technology of their time.

• Reliving your favorite Disney films | Many of Disneyland’s attractions — both new and old — can take you back to your own childhood. Instantly.

Q: SO ARE THE MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS THE RIDES WITH THE LONGEST WAITS?

Not exactly. We’re getting a bit into Disney-nerd territory, but the reasons for wait times are highly dynamic. Let’s explore! Here’s what impacts the actual waits for each attraction:

• Location within the park | Crowds flow like traffic, and some attractions see low wait times simply because the crowd hasn’t gotten there yet.

• Ride capacity | Many first-time Disney guests don’t think about this: some attractions have space for a whole lot of people on board, while others can only accommodate tiny groups. Some attractions last as long as 15 minutes, while others are over in 3 minutes or less. When you multiply all those numbers over the course of an hour, we get an attraction’s ride capacity. Here’s an extra sharp comparison:

Pirates of the Caribbean | Riders per boat: about 23 or 24 guests | New boats depart: about every 20 – 25 seconds | Ride duration: 15:30 minutes | Estimated hourly capacity: approximately 2,900 riders per hour
Peter Pan’s Flight | Riders per ship: 2 to 3 guests | New ships depart: about every 10 – 15 seconds | Ride duration: approximately 3 minutes | Estimated hourly capacity: approximately 800 riders per hour

Therefore, when you see a long wait time at Peter Pan’s Flight, now you might understand why. It has some of the lowest ride capacity of any Disney attraction. It also checks the boxes for high nostalgia and creativity; many parents consider it an absolute must-do for their young ones, who are just as entranced today as the kiddos surely were on opening day at Disneyland in 1955. That all adds up to long wait times.

• Downtime | Unfortunately, attractions temporarily close in Disney parks for a variety of reasons. Outdoor attractions don’t operate when there are thunderstorms overhead. Technical issues, objects on the tracks, a custodial issue — you never know. When an attraction reopens again, a long wait typically builds with guests who’d been waiting to ride.

• Popularity | Finally, an attraction’s pure popularity absolutely impacts how long those waits are. But as you’ll see above, it might not be the main factor. Many of Disney’s newest attractions — like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (2023) — are built with extra high hourly capacity to absorb the crowds.

Q: WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN EACH PARK?

Those in bold text are extra popular and should be considered musts for any first-time Disneyland guest.

MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS AT DISNEYLAND PARK

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Haunted Mansion (which is adapted during fall months into Haunted Mansion Holiday)
Peter Pan’s Flight
Indiana Jones Adventure
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Space Mountain
Pirates of the Caribbean
Jungle Cruise
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
“it’s a small world”

MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Radiator Springs Racers
Soarin’ Around the World
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission: BREAKOUT!
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Incredicoaster
Grizzly River Run

Q: HOW SHOULD I PLAN MY DISNEYLAND DAY TO AVOID WAITS?

Wondering what rides to choose for your mad dash at rope drop? Which rides are the best use of Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass?

We’d love to tell you! The answer to this question is within our Brilliant Guide to Disneyland, which is exclusively available for clients who book Disney trips through Wishful Thinking.

As soon as you’ve got general travel dates in mind — a month & a year — submit an inquiry and we’ll get started! If you like the insights you’re seeing above, we’ve got even more expert tips to share with our clients.

As always, when you book a Disney vacation through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner like Wishful Thinking, you pay the same price as if you’d booked it yourself, but you gain our free, personalized, one-on-one travel planning help.

Start here to begin planning your Disney vacation ▸

DINING

What are the best restaurants at Disneyland & Disney California Adventure? When do dining reservations open, and how does character dining work? What about Dining Packages for Fantasmic!, Magic Happens, or World of Color? Which Disneyland snacks are the most popular? Should I eat at Downtown Disney during a day in the parks? Do I need to be a resort guest to dine at the Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa? As a travel agent who handcrafts your Disneyland dream experience, we can book your Disney dining for you. But first, let’s explore what looks good!

Discover everything you need to know about Disneyland dining

Q: When & how do we make Table Service Reservations?

All the Disneyland Resort table service reservations open 60 days ahead. There’s no early access for Disney resort guests, unlike Walt Disney World. At 6 AM local California time, reservations come online, and it’s easiest to book your tables using the Disneyland smartphone app. Let’s go over some important rules & things to know:

Anyone can book a Disneyland Resort table service reservation — even if you don’t have your theme park ticket or hotel reservation yet.
Reservations are free to book & free to cancel, but you must cancel them at least 2 hours beforehand to avoid a cancellation fee of $10 per guest.
Dining in a theme park? All guests (3 and older) MUST have a valid theme park ticket for that day (and a theme park reservation as well)
Dining outside the theme parks? Anyone can dine in the Downtown Disney district, the Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Californian Hotel, or Pixar Place hotel. No ticket is required.

Q: What are the top recommended Disneyland restaurants?

We’ve got a curated list of the most popular tables which are the hardest to score. Read on!

TOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TABLE SERVICE RESTAURANTS

These are the tastiest, most popular restaurants that Wishful Thinking recommends most highly:

• Blue Bayou (Disneyland) | Cajun / New Orleans cuisine, in a charming candlelight ‘waterfront’ cafe inside the loading area of Pirates of the Caribbean. A Disneyland classic.

• Lamplight Lounge (DCA) | American comfort food, glammed up a bit with a dockside setting and Pixar Studios memorabilia.

• Carthay Circle (DCA) | Upscale gourmet cuisine with a focus on California produce and wines.

• Cafe Orleans (Disneyland) | Tasty Louisiana dishes in a very cute cafe alongside Disneyland’s Rivers of America.

• Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (Disneyland Hotel) | An intimate vintage tiki bar with kooky bartenders who amp up the antics. Reserve a table to avoid a perennial long wait on the walk-up list.

Kindly note: none of the restaurants at Downtown Disney are among the Disneyland Resort’s most popular. Unlike Disney Springs, the dining at Downtown Disney is mostly about quick service locations (like the very good Black Tap Burgers or Salt & Straw ice cream). Many of the Downtown Disney restaurants are rather ho-hum. That said, new restaurants are on the way, and it’s easy to walk to each of these locations in the middle of a park day. Especially if you’re on your way to / from one of the Disney resort hotels.

CHARACTER DINING

There are four Disneyland area restaurants that offer meals where you’ll get to meet, hug, and snap selfies with Disney characters. Three of them offer huge, tasty buffets that appeal to just about everybody. The fourth is a truly gourmet experience with a multi-course high end brunch. Like all table service restaurants, reservations open up 60 days beforehand. (But it’s common to see early morning breakfast tables open up the night before, when guests decide to delay their alarm clocks!) Disney never guarantees that specific characters will appear — the Princesses, most especially, can sometimes have substitutes — but for the most part, here’s who you can expect to see at each of the Disneyland character meals:

• Storyteller’s Cafe (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa) | Buffet Breakfast / Brunch | Mickey, Minnie, Chip & Dale

• Goofy’s Kitchen (Disneyland Hotel) | Buffet Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Goofy, Donald, Chip, Dale, Pluto

• Plaza Inn Breakfast with Minnie & Friends (Disneyland park) | Buffet Breakfast | Minnie Mouse & assorted characters (it’s really different from day to day, but you can expect headliners like Daisy Duck, Pooh, Tigger, and a villain or two.) | This is the only character meal inside a park — you must have a valid ticket for Disneyland. Helpful note: if you score a reservation for a time before the park opens to regular guests, you’ll be granted early entry — even if you’re not a Disney resort hotel guest.

• Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures (at Napa Rose, inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa) | Gourmet multi-course brunch | Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocohontas, Rapunzel, Tiana

Q: What are the most popular quick service restaurants?

When you don’t want to worry about a reservation, Disneyland’s got terrific quick service restaurants — and some of them are so good that even Walt Disney World is jealous.

TOP QUICK SERVICE RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

• Bengal Barbecue (Disneyland) | Delicious grilled skewers — perfect for that kind of in-between-meals time when you want something savory but you’re not super hungry.

• Plaza Inn (Disneyland) | Legendary fried chicken and a great selection of other American old-fashioned classics.

• Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo (Disneyland) | The best food in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. American food with creative preparations and a retro space junk décor.

• Pym Test Kitchen (DCA) | The best food in Avengers Campus. MARVEL’s Ant Man-themed restaurant where the food’s been enlarged / shrunk to comical proportions.

• Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta (DCA) | Not the world’s greatest pizza or pasta, but tasty. Economical. It gets the job done when you just need to feed a bunch of hungry Mouseketeers.

• Aunt Cass Café (DCA) | Delicious clam chowder, mac & cheese, salads and soups — served in freshly-baked Boudin Bakery sourdough bread bowls. (Formerly the Pacific Wharf Cafe)

Q: What are the most popular Disneyland & Disney California Adventure snacks?

Disneyland loves to offer limited-time treats, especially during various holidays and festivals, but these are the tried & true classics that have been delighting Disneyland guests for generations:

TOP RECOMMENDED SNACKS

Dole Whip | Famous swirls of frozen pineapple joy. Served in a few locations: the Tropical Hideaway, the Tiki Juice Bar, and Tangaroa Terrace (at the Disneyland Hotel).
Mickey macaron | A raspberry delight at the Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland.
Churros | Legendary. Served fresh from carts throughout both parks.
Corn dogs | Nostalgic classics at Little Red Wagon (Disneyland) and Corn Dog Palace (DCA).
Mickey beignet | Warm, powdered sugar-coated goodness. In Disneyland’s New Orleans Square.
Cosmic Cream Orb | Whipped raspberry cheesecake cream puff delight. Found at Terran Treats beside Guardians of the Galaxy in DCA.

Q: What’s a Dining Package? How can I reserve one for Fantasmic, World of Color, or Magic Happens?

A Dining Package is Disney’s way of saying: “if you reserve this meal, we’ll reward you with a special perk: a priority viewing location for this outdoor show.” A Disneyland Dining Package is an incentive. Disney strategically uses them to fill restaurants, time slots, and restaurants that aren’t always bustling. Disney’s smart about it – they often offer Dining Package reservations during the mid-afternoon lull between lunch and dinner. Or at restaurants that are a bit off the beaten path. All in all, they’re a good idea. You get a great meal and a primo spot to watch the show without battling a crowd.

Most dining packages are only available if you’ve specifically booked a reservation for it. For others, you simply must dine in one of the designated restaurants and then inform your server that you’d like the dining package. They’re not always available every day. To learn about the offerings & availability during your visit, open the Disneyland app, search for Dining Package, and then explore each restaurant where you see an offer. As of 2024, all dinner guests at Wine Country Trattoria (in Disney California Adventure park) and Storyteller’s Cafe (for dinner only) may request a World of Color Dining Package. If your server affirms that spaces remain, you can order from a pre-fixe menu at the restaurant and enjoy the benefit.

Plan your Disney trip and get pricing ▸

AIRPORTS & TRANSPORTATION

How do I get to Disneyland Resort from the airport? Should I fly into LAX, Long Beach (LGB), Santa Ana / John Wayne Airport (SNA), Ontario (ONT)? What if I drive to Disneyland — how does parking work? Can I take an Uber / Lyft? What is the typical travel time between Los Angeles and Disneyland? Can I take a train or a bus from downtown L.A.? Read on and you’ll see why having a good travel agent can save you hours of travel time.

Learn more about getting to / from Disneyland & how to avoid traffic

Q: How far is Disneyland from the airport?

A: Depends on which airport we’re discussing — and what time of day. Traffic can add hours to a commute time in Southern California. There are many airports throughout the region, but here are the three most convenient airports for Disneyland travelers:

LAX | Los Angeles International Airport | The primary airport for the Los Angeles area, with a large number of international arrivals. With typical traffic, about a 45-minute drive, but during rush hour, that can easily swell to two hours. Try to avoid the sluggish highway commute between 5 PM and 8 PM.

SNA | John Wayne Airport, Orange County | A smaller regional airport, serving nearly all American domestic airlines. With typical traffic, about a 25-minute drive.

LGB | Long Beach Airport | A smaller regional airport, primarily serving Southwest Airlines, with a small number of arrivals on Delta, United and American airlines. With typical traffic, about a 25-minute drive.

ONT | Ontario Airport. | Also a smaller regional airport, but located further away from Disneyland. Not a bad option if you’ll begin or end your trip in Los Angeles itself. With typical traffic, about an hour from Disneyland. But although traffic is typically smoother than the roads near LAX, things could get very slow.

Q: How should I get from the airport to / from Disneyland?

Again, this really depends on which airport you choose. But Los Angeles (and all of California) relies on car culture. Public infrastructure like trains, buses, and public shuttles are severely lacking.

Post-pandemic, there are no convenient buses that bring visitors between the major airports and Disneyland. Nothing like Walt Disney World’s (discontinued) Disney’s Magical Express. You’ll have to rely on private transportation. Here are your main options:

• Rental Cars | Each airport has ample rental car companies, and it’s easy to pick up a rental car at the airports. The question, really, is whether or not you’ll need a car during your Disneyland trip. Many guests opt to stay in hotels that are within walking distance. Driving to Disneyland each day means you’ll be paying for parking (see below). But if you can imagine wanting to drive to other nearby diversions — the beach, Universal Studios – Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Los Angeles itself — then a rental car might be very useful.

• Rideshare from Uber or Lyft | The two main rideshare apps in the USA both operate for pickups and drop offs at the Los Angeles-area airports. Pricing varies widely. To predict what your fare might be, it’s best to download the app and perform an inquiry around the same time of day you expect to request your ride. Take note: ride shares in California can rarely accommodate more than 3 passengers per vehicle if you’ve all got luggage with you. Also, It’s very difficult to request a ride share vehicle with a child safety seat (which are required by law for all children who are 8 years of age or younger). If you’ve got young kids with you, it’s best to pre-schedule a private airport transfer.

• Private Airport Transfer | Especially if you’ve got young children in your party or more than 3 passengers, a private van transfer is both convenient and more cost effective. We can schedule a private transfer for any client who books a Disneyland trip. For a semi-private transfer that’s shared with a few other travel parties, we recommend Karmel Shuttle.

• Anaheim ART Bus | An affordable, regional / city bus that serves the main entrance of Disneyland Resort. Several good hotels are located near an ART bus pickup location, and the buses can be especially useful for guests who use a wheelchair. If you’ve got more than 2 or 3 people in your party, a rideshare is typically a cheaper option for transport from nearby hotels. Please note: the ART buses don’t arrive or depart very often, especially during the day, so it’s best to review the routes and maps here ▸

• Los Angeles Metro Bus | The Los Angeles-area Metro Express Line 460 bus connects Disneyland to many other bus and rail lines throughout Los Angeles County. It’s very safe, clean, and affordable, but the travel times are excessive — as long as 2.5 hours from Los Angeles to Disneyland — and buses are scheduled for very few hours of the day. We don’t recommend it.

• Trains | If you’re traveling to / from downtown Los Angeles or San Diego and you can easily carry (or roll) your luggage, you may want to consider taking the train to / from the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC). It’s a sparkling, modern train station that’s a very short distance from Disneyland Resort. The station is served by the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and the METROLINK Orange County Line. Trains only arrive and depart a few times per day, so do your research before you plan for this arrival / departure method.

Q: How does parking work at the Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney and the Disney Resort Hotels?

Disneyland Resort has several private parking lots and parking garages, and each one has a name.

THEME PARK PARKING | If you’ll be visiting the Theme Parks, select one of these lots:

Mickey & Friends Parking Structure | 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802
Pixar Pals Parking Structure | 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802
Toy Story Parking Area | 1854 S Harbor Blvd Anaheim, CA 92802

Disney runs trams to bring guests between the parking lots and the theme park entrances. Theme park rates begin at $30 per day. Advance parking reservations are not required.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY PARKING | If you’ll just be shopping or dining at Downtown Disney, this is best:

Simba Lot | 1739 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802 | Near the Paradise Pier / Pixar Place hotel entrance

For Downtown Disney parking, the first hour of parking costs $10. With purchases and / or dining receipts, validations apply after the first hour of paid parking.

RESORT HOTEL PRICING | Overnight guests of the three Disneyland Resort hotels who self-park pay $35 per night to park at their resort hotel.

Learn more about Disneyland parking area and pricing ▸

TOURISM | LOS ANGELES, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS & BEYOND

What’s the best way to plan for some sightseeing in Los Angeles, Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood and beyond? And should you see the sights before, during, or after your Disney days? We’re not just an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner — we’re also a Preferred Agency for Universal Parks & Resorts, and we know how to combine it all into a perfect sunny SoCal escape.

Explore our Los Angeles & Universal sightseeing tips

Q: Should I visit Disney before or after some sightseeing in Los Angeles?

If this is your first big trip to California, you need to see California.

It’s a massive state. More than a dozen different microclimates. Giant snowy mountains, deep redwood evergreen forests, stark serene deserts, and 840 miles of sandy, scenic beaches. Where to start?

Naturally, Los Angeles. Disneyland is in Anaheim, which is a suburb in Orange County about 25 miles southeast of downtown LA. Depending on LA’s infamous traffic, it can take anywhere from a half hour to 90 minutes to get between locations.

If this might be your only visit to southern California, aside from Disneyland you should allow at least 3 additional days to see some of the sights. It’s best to visit Disneyland (and any other theme parks) on weekdays, when the crowds are lowest. Los Angeles is the most fun on weekends. As you’ll see below, there’s an endless supply of fun things to do.

Q: Should I stay in our Disneyland-area hotel for my whole itinerary? If not, where should I stay in LA?

You may want to add an extra night at your Disneyland-area hotel if you’d like to see Knott’s Berry Farm (see below) or one of the Orange County beaches (like Laguna Beach), but to avoid long, irksome commutes each day, it would be best if we set you up with an additional nights in Los Angeles. (It would ease your access to LA sightseeing and LAX.)

We have a great shortlist of top-notch hotels in cool neighborhoods like Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Silver Lake. Get pricing ▸

Q: Is Knott’s Berry Farm worth a visit?

Short answer: If you like classic amusement parks with big roller coasters, yes. Only about a 20 minute drive from Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm is unique and charming. Great fun for a day. Knott’s Berry Farm has been warmly welcoming visitors since 1920. Now owned by Cedar Fair (of Cedar Point fame), in 2022 it was the 11th most-visited theme park in the USA. Advance tickets aren’t necessary, but it can sometimes help you save money. Save your visit for a good-weather day.

Q: What’s the best way to visit Universal Studios Hollywood?

A quick history lesson: Universal Orlando Resort is a sprawling resort with hotels, theme parks and a water park. Universal Studios Hollywood, however, is an actual, 365-day television and film production studio that happens to also have a terrific theme park.

Universal Studios practically coined the phrase “behind the scenes.” Studio walking tours first began in 1915; they began boarding tour trams in 1964. Today, some of Universal’s most beloved theme park attractions — like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the brand new Super Nintendo World — offer more than enough for a full day of fun.

Scheduling a day to visit Universal can be tricky if you’re staying at Disneyland. They’re on completely opposite ends of the greater Los Angeles area. With traffic, it can easily take 90 minutes to drive between the two locations (see a map). We suggest saving Universal for a day before or after your Disneyland days. You may want to pair it with a hotel stay nearby.

We’re a Preferred Agency with Universal Parks & Resorts — we can set up your theme park tickets, Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tours, and more. We can also arrange for door-to-door transportation and set up your nearby hotel stay.

Get Universal Studios Hollywood tips & pricing ▸

Q: What else should I see and do in Los Angeles?

Let’s start with the must-sees:

Griffith Observatory | Ascend to one the most scenic overlooks in California. Marvel at the undulating ridges that stretch in every direction, and spy the iconic Hollywood sign in the hills. The observatory’s 1920’s Art Deco architecture alone is stunning, but treat yourself to the star show inside — that is, if you’d like to wish on some actual stars. Explore more ▸

Griffith Park | Walk through the hilly scenic park that’s set the stage for countless film scenes. But don’t miss the historic carousel where Walt Disney himself sat on a bench, watched his daughters spin, and spun up his own ideas for Disneyland. (The actual bench is now in Great Moments with Mister Lincoln.)

Santa Monica Pier | A classic California photo spot. A ferris wheel, family-friendly roller coaster and touristy shops delight you as you gaze out across the big blue Pacific ocean. An excellent spot to see the sunset. Explore more ▸

Hollywood | Find the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland street: the sidewalks here form the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. As you stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll tap your Tinsletown toes on inlaid stars bearing the names of film, music, radio, and television legends. Make your way to the TCL Chinese Theater — formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theater — to the unmistakable Hollywood landmark that Disney Imagineers recreated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In the forecourt, sink your feet into the real footprints of cinematic royalty. Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Shirley Temple, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire — they’re all here. So are hundreds of Hollywood stars who have memorialized their hand and foot prints in the decades since, including Kermit the Frog, Tom Hanks, Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, and countless more.

This location is LA at its most touristy, so brace yourself for tacky street vendors vying for attention.

Also consider:

Shopping | Gawk at the huge multi-million dollar Hollywood mansions as you drive toward Beverly Hills park, then step out and snap a picture at the lily pond: here’s the iconic Beverly Hills sign. High-end boutiques and prêt-à-porter fashion is yours along Beverly Hills’s infamous Rodeo Drive. Bop over the The Grove in Melrose for an inviting outdoor shopping mall that’s a bit more down-to-earth. Keep a sharp eye — there’s no telling which Hollywood celebrity you might bump into! For a walkable, casual neighborhood full of unique local shops, Coachella-esque fashion, and tasty cafes, stroll along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice Beach.

Live entertainment | Whether it’s a Lakers basketball game, a live concert at the huge outdoor Hollywood Bowl, or a thrilling night with Gustavo Dudamel conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic, there’s an incomparable chance to see today’s stars showing off their talents. In the mood to laugh? Catch famous stand-up comedians at The Laugh Factory or some of the world’s best sketch comedy at The Groundlings. Bookmark Time Out Los Angeles for even more events and things to see in LA ▸

TV show audiences | What do The Price is Right, The Voice, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Jeopardy all have in common? A LIVE television audience! Tickets are always free, and they’re surprisingly easy to get. 1iota is a great one-stop-shop.

Dining | The greater Los Angeles area has an astonishing selection of restaurants, from once-in-a-lifetime locally-sourced gourmet dining to affordable and delicious taco trucks. Most notably, the city’s selection of Japanese, Vietnamese and Mexican restaurants are easily some of the greatest in the entire USA. California local wine culture is infamous. Get tasty recommendations at Eater ▸

Art & architecture | Architecture fans (and Instagram influencers) find gorgeous photo opportunities on the grounds of the Frank Gehry masterpiece Walt Disney Concert Hall. Art lovers should spend a few hours at The Broad or LACMA. It’s always wise to buy / reserve art museum tickets at least a few days before your visit.

Kid-friendly museums | Little explorers love the Natural History Museum’s world-famous La Brea Tar Pits & Museum — a truly unique geological and research site. The epic skeletons of giant mammoths, mastodons, elephants, and more were preserved here tens of thousands of years ago, and their ongoing excavation rewards curious youngsters with up-close experiences that no Jurassic-era movie can match. Older kids & teens dig the Grammy Museum, with permanent collections devoted to modern day music stars, red carpet fashions worn by the stars themselves, and high-tech production demos.

Want to personalize our recommendations for your travel dates & party?

Let’s plan your trip to Los Angeles & Disneyland ▸

DISNEYLAND VS. WALT DISNEY WORLD | COMPARISONS

Which is better — Disneyland or Walt Disney World? It’s a classic question that inspires debates from coast to coast! Let’s discuss the distinct features of each destination, compare the sizes and number of days you’ll really need to see the highlights. What should you expect on different days of the week or different times of the year?

At Wishful Thinking, you’ve found a travel agent who’s a Annual Passholder at Walt Disney World and also a Magic Key holder at Disneyland — so sit back and relax while we take you on a side-by-side tour.

Discover the differences between Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Disneyland is smaller.

The Disneyland Resort is 500 acres. Walt Disney World is more than 6 times that size, over 30,000 acres (as of 2023). Walt Disney World is roughly the size of San Francisco. Disneyland wouldn’t even fill Golden Gate Park.

Disneyland only has two theme parks.

While Walt Disney World in Florida boasts four enchanting theme parks, Disneyland Resort in California keeps it cozy with just two. The upside? A focused experience where you won’t find yourself quite so overwhelmed. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park offer a treasure trove of beloved attractions & entertainment. It’s got an intimate vibe that visitors cherish.

Disneyland is older — and newer.

When Walt Disney’s dream project opened in 1955, Disneyland became the first theme park in the world. But as Walt said, “Disneyland will never be complete.” Disney often uses Disneyland to try out new things before they open in Orlando. Especially when it comes to entertainment, parades, and nighttime spectaculars. Disneyland often feels more here & now.

Disneyland is easier.

Less real estate means fewer transportation headaches. Disneyland’s scaled-down size translates into smoother park navigation. It’s super easy to hop around from park to park, attraction to attraction to attraction.

Dining reservations don’t book up so far in advance. Far fewer experiences require advance reservations in order to experience them. But best of all…

Disneyland is more walkable.

The fact that you can literally walk from one park entrance to the other can feel life-changing. Compare that to Walt Disney World, where it can take an hour to commute from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom. Considering the large number of hotels that are also within walking distance, the whole thing simply feels like… well, a walk in the park.

Disneyland has only a few Disney-owned hotels.

Walt Disney World has more than thirty Disney-owned resort hotels. Disneyland has three.

Walt Disney World offers huge, expansive resorts with lakes, beaches, marinas, tennis courts, jogging paths around lagoons, multiple pools, and a wide array of room types — from simple hotel rooms to multi-room condos or lakeside cabins with full kitchens and patio grills.

Disneyland has three lovely hotels with pools, some great restaurants, and a spa. It’s a much more intimate affair.

Disneyland is more crowded on weekends and less crowded during the week.

Crowd patterns at Disneyland and Walt Disney World are like mirror opposites.

On any given day, most Disneyland guests live within the giant population centers of Southern California. Therefore, Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days. Weekdays do pick up during summer and spring break, when American kids are out of school. And from Halloween through New Year’s Day, every late afternoon and evening can bustle and buzz as annual pass holders hop into the parks after work to take in the holiday festivities.

At Walt Disney World, most visitors fly in. And guess what? Weekends are unexpectedly mellow. Why? Because most folks plan longer multi-night stays, using Saturdays and Sundays for travel. The real hustle happens on weekdays, especially in the mornings. But come afternoon and evening, it’s a whole different vibe. Nap time, poolside relaxation, and evening entertainment / dining experiences draw guests into many different directions.

Disneyland doesn’t have fireworks every evening.

Weather permitting, the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT offer fireworks every night. (Although you may need a separate ticket to a Christmas or Halloween party in order to see the Magic Kingdom’s show).

However, Disneyland tight acreage means they’ve got a lot more neighbors who live within earshot. To make nice with the community at large, Disneyland Park doesn’t set off their fireworks absolutely every evening. Weekends, holiday periods, spring break and peak summer season are when you can expect to see fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Otherwise, head to the Rivers of America, where Fantasmic! typically performs once or twice per evening. Over at Disney California Adventure, the huge Pixar Pier lagoon bursts into bright fountains of color and light with World of Color. It performs once or twice per evening, every night.

Disneyland’s in-park dining is better than Magic Kingdom.

Many who say “the food is better at Disneyland” aren’t thinking about the delicious restaurants of EPCOT. They’re thinking about the Magic Kingdom, where yes — the cuisine could really use some improvement. Disneyland’s Plaza Inn, Bengal Barbecue, & Tropical Hideaway are standouts. Even their churros are better.

At Walt Disney World, the best restaurants are located at Disney Springs and the numerous resort hotels. Citrico’s, Toledo, & California Grill are even recommended by the esteemed food critics at the Michelin guide. (Capa and Victoria & Albert’s have each earned a Michelin star).

Disneyland has far less character dining.

At Disneyland, only four restaurants offer meals where you have the chance to meet & interact with characters while you dine:

Plaza Inn | Disneyland Park | breakfast | Minnie & pals
Storyteller’s Cafe | Grand Californian Hotel & Spa | breakfast / brunch | Mickey & pals
Napa Rose | Grand Californian Hotel & Spa | breakfast / brunch | Princesses
Goofy’s Kitchen | Disneyland Hotel | breakfast / brunch / lunch / dinner | Goofy & pals

Walt Disney World, however, has character dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner within all four theme parks and six different hotels. There’s even a completely free campfire marshmallow roast sing-a-long with Chip ‘n’ Dale.

Disneyland is more MARVEL-ous.

Thanks to an exclusive licensing agreement that MARVEL struck with Universal Orlando Resort (long before Disney and MARVEL started making movies together), most MARVEL characters can’t appear within a Disney theme park east of the Mississippi River. The big exception: Guardians of the Galaxy (which is why they’ve got their own roller coaster at EPCOT).

California, however, has devoted an entire land to them: Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park. You’ll enjoy attractions themed to Spider-Man and Guardians, plus heaps of live character interactions & stunt shows from Black Panther, Iron Man, Black Widow, Ant Man & the Wasp, and more.

That said, both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have pretty much the exact same amount of STAR WARS attractions, experiences, & dining.

Disneyland has no water parks.

You’d think that the land of eternal sunshine would inspire Disney Imagineers to get splashy, but Orange County is a desert, overflowing with sandy soil and steep water use restrictions. Therefore, no Disneyland water parks.

Walt Disney World, however, has its very own water treatment facility, and daytime highs above 80º F for about 10 months out of the year. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are both fantastic ways to enjoy extra days in Walt Disney World.

Disneyland is often colder than Orlando.

Many who live outside California don’t realize just how cool the state gets in the wintertime, where the average daily highs in January stay around a crisp 63°F (17°C) and evening lows dip down to 45°F (7°C). Even as spring turns to summer, the temps really drop each evening. Disneyland guests need to pack a jacket or warm sweatshirt for most days of the year.

If warm sunny days at the pool are on your wish list, it’s best to visit from July through early October.

That said, Southern California gets far less rain than Orlando. Rainy days at Disneyland are rare from about March through December, while Walt Disney World sees tropical, daily thunderstorms almost every afternoon from May through September.

Disneyland is further from Universal.

In Orlando, it’s only about a twenty-five minute drive to get from Walt Disney World to Universal Orlando Resort, where The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers terrific atmosphere & attractions.

In California, however, Disneyland can be as far as two hours away from Universal Studios Hollywood, depending on traffic. Anaheim is far south of central Los Angeles, while Universal’s famed production lot is on the north side of the city. You’ve got to get through all of Los Angeles to get from one to the other. Although Universal Studios Hollywood is smaller than its Orlando counterpart — and has fewer Harry Potter attractions — it’s home to the popular Super Nintendo World. Wishful Thinking is a Preferred Agency for Universal parks & resorts. We can set up your tickets; we can also help you plan your logistics. You’ll want a smart itinerary to avoid all that traffic.

Disneyland is more expensive than Walt Disney World. And cheaper.

Comparing pricing between Orlando and Anaheim is complex. Certain items are more wallet-friendly while others justify a bit of a splurge.

When it comes to theme park ticket prices per day, pricing is highly variable! Disneyland uses a tier system that ranks each day based on how crowded they expect it to be. The least popular days of the year are ranked as Tier 0, and the most popular days of the year are Tier 6. In 2024 / 2025, the cost of a one-day ticket on a Tier 6 day is nearly twice the cost of a one-day ticket on a Tier 0 day. For that reason, it’s always most affordable to visit during low season.

Over at Walt Disney World, their dynamic theme park ticket pricing is more clear from park to park: a day at Animal Kingdom is often quite a bit more affordable than a day at Magic Kingdom.

However, when you add it all up, with four Disney theme parks in Orlando and just two in Anaheim, most guests end up spending less (in total) on their park tickets for a Disneyland trip. (In simple terms, a 2-day ticket is less expensive than a 4-day ticket!)

Accommodation pricing, however, adds an important dynamic. Walt Disney World in Orlando offers a much wider range of room prices. The affordable Value resort rooms at Walt Disney World are often half the cost of their counterparts at Disneyland. For that reason, many budget-conscious Disneyland guests opt for “off-property” Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels. The end result: less of that cozy “in the Disney bubble” feeling.

Suppose we were to make a head-to-head comparison: a budget-minded four-night vacation in a Disney-owned hotel with three days in the theme parks. In such a scenario, Orlando might offer an overall lower price tag. But Disneyland would reward you with the satisfying feeling that you’ve seen and done all the things you wanted to do.

In the grand scheme of things, considering all factors, Disneyland is probably best for a shorter, memorable, magical getaway. Save Walt Disney World for a time when you’re looking for a longer, more immersive vacation experience.

Plan your Disney trip and get pricing ▸

WHY CHOOSE WISHFUL THINKING AS YOUR TRAVEL AGENT FOR DISNEYLAND?

Wondering why to book your Disneyland vacation through Wishful Thinking instead of going it alone? Let’s cover what sets us apart from the other Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. From unique, personalized insights to years of on-the-ground experience, we’ve got the smarts & global travel expertise to help your Disney dreams come true.

Discover why clients rave about Wishful Thinking

Q: What makes Wishful Thinking different from other travel agencies?

Chris from Wishful Thinking was not only born in Anaheim, he’s a full-time travel agent who’s also a Disneyland Magic Key Holder. He visits the parks year-round during high and low seasons, holidays, and peak events.

Disney’s constantly changing — between seasonal events, new snacks, entertainment, and quirky additions to the Disneyland app. He knows the ins and outs of the parks, from the latest crowd patterns to practical tips for scoring the best Disney dining times.

Chris’s decades of experience in the travel industry means he knows how to customize itineraries & build travel packages for groups of all kinds:

International travelers on a road trip down the California coast
Wide-eyed honeymooners, just beginning their lives together
Single dads who want some good bonding time before the kids aren’t kids anymore
Moms who are ready to migrate the kids from from Disney+ TV time into real life ‘family island’ core memories
Retired couples who want reminisce while celebrating a milestone
Groups of friends who are visiting for Disney Pride events

Whatever Disney dreams you’ve got, as a former Disney Cast Member, Chris has has years of experience with Disney destinations, international travel and large group travel.

Hundreds of happy clients trust Wishful Thinking every year with their Disneyland vacations — and rave when they get back home.

Best of all, our assistance doesn’t end when you book – via our dedicated trip help line, you can send text messages for answers to questions, help with last-minute changes, or any unexpected issues.

Q: How does working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner benefit me?

We offer exclusive benefits that make your Disney vacation smoother and more magical.

Vetted by Disney | As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planning agency, we’re accredited and receive continual training from the Walt Disney Travel Company to stay on top of the latest policies, promotions, and changes.
Real-time updates and accurate info | Disney’s constantly changing, and we provide the latest, most accurate information that you won’t find in outdated YouTube or TikToks that leave out the important details.
Expert recommendations for customized bookings | From hotels to dining, we give you the pros and cons of each option, helping you make smart, informed choices.
Realistic, honest advice | Sometimes Disney magic comes with a wait. We’ll let you know exactly how early to arrive for a parade, your chances of getting that sought-after dining reservation, and what to expect during peak crowds.
Dining & experiences reservations | For many guests, scoring hard-to-get dining or experiences (like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique) are the stuff of near-nightmares. We can book them for you.
Deals & discounts – even after you book | We monitor promotions and apply any eligible discounts to your existing booking, something Disney won’t notify you about if you book directly.
Extra assistance for international travelers | We help Disney-bound guests from around the planet navigate thorny American travel issues like tipping/gratuities, cellular data, currency exchange/conversion rates, photo-ID requirements, and unexpected charges or resort fees that can sour a trip to the USA.

Q: Can you explain how Wishful Thinking can help if something goes wrong leading up to (or during) my trip?

We’re here to make sure your experience is stress-free.

Quick fixes for tech glitches or reservation issues | Disney’s systems can be glitchy, and we’re here to resolve & prevent issues & help you avoid phone calls to Disney’s tech support.
Smart, resourceful solutions & backup plans | With the whole of Greater Los Angeles in its backyard, the travel to and from Disneyland can be more stress-inducing than anything else. Especially for those who are flying in from abroad. We’re here to help you anticipate potential snafus, and if something goes awry (like a cancelled flight or an untimely illness), we know the area (and the policies) well enough for very smart plan B, if ever needed.
Accessible and proactive support | If anything goes awry, just send us a quick text, and we’ll handle the rest. Our clients love that we’re only a message away.

Q: How can I manage my trip payments with Wishful Thinking?

We make paying for your dream trip flexible and straightforward.

Flexible payment plans | For most Disney packages, you can secure your booking with a $200 deposit, then pay in installments until 30 days before check-in. You choose the schedule that works for you; nothing’s automated, so you can change up your schedule or payment amounts at any time.
Secure transactions directly with Disney | All Disney trip payments are processed securely through Disney, ensuring peace of mind with each transaction.

You can learn more about Wishful Thinking, read testimonials and meet Chris ▸

Ready to experience Disneyland with the best support in the business?

Start planning here ▸

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Our trip planning is free. When you book a Disney vacation through us, you’ll pay the same price as if you booked it on your own, yet enjoy the bliss of a talented Wishful Thinking travel planner.

A Wishful Thinking travel planner is:

Bright. We’re nerd-level experts on Disney’s past, present and future.

Talented. We’ve been designing travel itineraries around the globe for 15 years.

Realistic. We help you prepare for everything and set honest expectations.

Whimsical. Spontaneous fun often produces our most treasured memories.

Inspiring. We’re still kids at heart who believe in the power of dreams.

It’s never too early to start planning!

You do the wishing. We do the thinking.™

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Wishful Thinking is an affiliate of Looking Glass Travel, a Gold Authorized Disney Vacation Planning agency, and an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Disney pays us to help plan your trip, from your first wish list until your departure. We’ll even assist you during your vacation until you’re happily back home.

Our trip planning is free when you book a Disney vacation with us; you’ll pay the exact same price as booking on your own, but with these amazing perks:

Pricing insights: We don’t just tell you what the price is, we tell you why. We know how to find the calendar’s best availability & the lowest crowds.

Certified pros: Disney is always changing, and outdated info is everywhere. Disney trains and informs us throughout the year to stay on top of all the latest offerings.

Text support: Need help? From the moment you book — until you return safely home — quick, informative help is just a text message away.

World class Disney expertise: Every year, we book guide hundreds of clients’ vacations to Disney destinations around the world. Far beyond the parks, we’re nerd-level experts on Disney’s resort hotels, cruises, tours, restaurants, & more.

Reservation magic: Whether it’s character dining, holiday parties, private tours, or VIP guides, we help secure the most in-demand Disney experiences.

It’s never too early to start planning! Why do it alone when you can have free, expert-level help?

TESTIMONIALS

"We found Wishful Thinking when looking for a travel agent that had experience booking trips to Disneyland Paris, which I seemed to have a harder time finding than some of the other Disney resorts. I'm so glad that we managed to find Wishful Thinking! They had a lot of great tools and resources that helped us identify the trip we wanted to plan and what options we had when visiting the parks. We were able to plan an excellent trip to Disneyland Paris complete with a short trip to the city; both parts of the trip went smoothly, and we were able to truly maximize and enjoy our experience in both locations. I think Disneyland Paris is my new favorite park and I'll definitely be back to Wishful Thinking in the future!"

"Absolutely amazing communication! Wishful Thinking had all the answers for everything and made my trip to Disneyland Paris so easy and smooth! I could not have done this trip without Chris’s help. Thanks so much!"

"I felt like I had an accomplice on our Walt Disney World trip, but one who was as present (or as out of the way) as I needed. Clutch move: helping us move hotels and making it seamless for us. Also great: walking me through some ideal itineraries and pulling through on some key dinner reservations!"

"Chris was caring, patient and so resourceful! This was our first time traveling internationally with our daughter and during a holiday busy season (NYE). He took time to care about our safety and gave tips not just for Disneyland Paris but regarding our overall Paris travel, showing his passion of travel. We have a 2026 Walt Disney World adventure planned with my husband’s work and plan to contact Chris for planning so we can travel together!"

"Chris guided us to the perfect hotel for our anniversary stay at Disneyland, helping out and taking care of the little details that made our visit even more special. His help and insights were invaluable. I hadn’t used a travel agent before for our Disney visits, but I will definitely be using Wishful Thinking for our future visits!"

"Hands down, Wishful Thinking is my recommended travel agency for international park trips & Adventures by Disney trips. Chris's amount of information -- made accessible, enthusiastically -- is Wishful Thinking's differentiating factor. From the website to their city of Paris travel guide to social media accounts, I came to rely on and look forward to Chris's take on things. When I think fancy or potentially tricky, Chris is my guy!"

"Chris was able to explain the complexities of Walt Disney World in a way that was easy to comprehend, including Genie+, the importance of dining reservations, etc. We will 100% will use Wishful Thinking again and would enthusiastically recommend."

"Having someone to walk me through how Tokyo Disney Resort works was invaluable. I didn’t know to book a vacation before talking to Chris and I’m so glad for his advice! The trip was even better than I expected. Enthusiastically recommend Wishful Thinking."

"Wishful Thinking was SUPERB! So friendly and always available, even at the very last minute (which was when I booked the trip). Extremely knowledgeable in EVERYTHING about Walt Disney World."

"Chris was absolutely FANTASTIC! We were flying blind planning for our quick trip to Disneyland Paris, and literally helped us through EVERY STEP... absolutely recommend him!"

"We recently took a very last-minute weekend getaway to Walt Disney World. It was AWESOME and literally all because of Wishful Thinking. They helped us get Park Pass reservations, make a flexible schedule based on our preferences, and lots more. I cannot recommend them enough! And with Wishful Thinking’s help, we can’t wait to go back again soon!"

"This is our second vacation planned with Wishful Thinking. Chris really outdid himself again! He offered recommendations at Universal Orlando Resort and then let us chose from there. Offered his expertise when we asked. We had an incredible week at the Portofino Bay Hotel and fun filled days at the parks. We will definitely use Chris and his team for future trips."

"I am an experienced traveller as well as a longtime Disney pass holder who lives 30 minutes from WDW. I have been to California Disneyland many times as a child and as an adult. I have been to Disneyland Paris. I planned all these things on my own. But Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea concerned me a bit. The reservation rules, language barrier, etc. made me nervous so I reached out to Wishful Thinking for guidance, bookings, and moral support. Chris was excellent in answering questions, bookings, telling me how to book the things I needed to do on my own, and giving advice on places other than Disney parks to visit while in Japan. I would absolutely recommend Wishful Thinking to anyone planning a Disney trip, especially to Japan! Thank you!"

"Our Wishful Thinking agent was our one-stop for answers to our many, many questions about Walt Disney World. He was extremely knowledgeable and gave us down-to-earth, realistic feedback on the various options and how they might work for our family. In addition, he was full of enthusiasm! I got excited about our vacation just by hearing the timbre of his voice."

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Walt Disney World in 2025 & 2026

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Now booking through 2026

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Wishful Thinking is an affiliate of Looking Glass Travel, a Gold Authorized Disney Vacation Planning agency.

Wishful Thinking is an affiliate of Looking Glass Travel, a Gold Authorized Disney Vacation Planning agency, and an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

TESTIMONIALS

© Wishful Thinking 2025 | As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney | The official Disney web site is available at www.disney.com. | Ship Registry: The Bahamas

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