Disneyland is Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom, opening in 1955 with two parks and a Downtown Disney shopping and dining district. It’s attraction-dense and can quickly fill three or more days for first-time visitors. Planning is crucial for a successful trip, whether you’re visiting on a budget or not. Read on to discover tips for making the most of your Disneyland vacation.
Book Early
If you plan to visit Disneyland during the holidays, your planning and booking should start ASAP. It includes booking a car service from Lax to Disneyland and buying tickets. Tickets and reservations are available up to four months in advance. Early entry is available thirty minutes before the official park opening each day for guests staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel (or on-site hotel with a valid ticket and park reservation). It lets you get in line for some of the most popular attractions first. You can also use this time to snap a photo of Sleeping Beauty’s castle without a crowd. Plus, rides behind the castle tend to have low wait times after Rope Drop.
Book a Park Hopper
A visit to Disneyland is a must for Disney fans. The parks are so much fun, and the memories you make will last a lifetime. However, planning a Disneyland trip can be difficult. Fortunately, several tips help you plan your vacation and save money. Disneyland is a popular destination so it can get crowded. It’s best to arrive early and use strategies like rope drop to minimize wait times. Also, consider using the Disneyland app to keep up-to-date on wait times and show schedules.
Book a Hotel
Whether staying at a Disney-owned hotel or a good neighbor’s property, booking your stay well in advance is always intelligent. It will give you the best chance of getting a room on your preferred dates. The Disneyland Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels on the planet. From Sleeping Beauty headboards that light up to old pictures of Walt building his dream, this hotel pays homage to what made Disney so special. Guests at the Disneyland Resort hotels get 30 minutes of early entry into the parks with their hotel key and theme park ticket. It’s an extra perk that makes a trip to Disneyland even more magical!
Book Fastpasses
The most popular attractions tend to book up fast. It is essential to have a plan and book them as soon as the window opens. You can also use points to offset some of your hotel and park tickets. We recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which offers a sizable sign-up bonus. It’s also good to familiarize yourself with the new Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, paid fast passes.
Book a Meal Plan
Adding a meal plan to your Disney hotel package can help you save money on meals. These plans offer a set number of pre-paid vouchers you can redeem at the restaurants. These plans are available at most buffet and table service restaurants in the resorts and parks. The plans are also included in some of the larger packages. These packages may offer excellent value depending on your dining preferences and financial situation. However, you must carefully plan your meal options and understand how the credits are used. We expect to see confused guests in the quick service lines trying to determine how to use their credits.
Book a Tour
The happiest place on Earth is not immune to long, stressful lines for popular attractions. If you want to add even more magic and reduce stress, consider joining a knowledgeable Cast Member on a guided tour of Plaid. Your VIP guide will handle your itinerary throughout the day, allowing you to skip line waits for rides and shows and provide priority seating for entertainment and dining reservations (within the parameters of availability). Plus, they’ll share an earful of tips and stories all along the way!
