Oct 09, 2023 By Sean William
Many households prioritize a trip to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, the first Disney theme park. Life's been termed "the happiest place on earth," and I've spent the past 15 years working to make this even happier—at least for my own family—there. This includes minimizing the time spent waiting in line, cutting costs to fund future adventures, and enjoying surreal events. After many trips to Disneyland, I've learned a thing or two about how to maximize your fun there. These are the nine essential tips for planning a fantastic trip to Disneyland.
If you've only ever been to Disney World, don't assume that your skills will translate to the Disneyland Resort. The FASTPASS program is similar in name, yet the hours at which dining reservations may be made are entirely different. (In fact, FastPass+ is now used in Disney World.) The hotel market is also very different. Some rides and shows share names with their East Coast equivalents, but the West Coast versions are much superior in every way. One of the reasons I prefer Disneyland over Disney World is because organizing a trip there doesn't take as much time as planning a trip to Disney World. However, a plan is still required.
Location near Los Angeles means that many people live close to Disneyland, making it a popular place for yearly pass holders to visit regularly. Locals have a considerably more significant impact on attendance than tourists do at Disney World. Stay away from Southern California during school breaks. It's wise to double-check crowd prediction sites like TouringPlans.com and IsItPacked.com before heading out. New attractions and festival opening dates should be treated with caution since novelty attracts tourists and residents.
Even though Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the biggest airport in the region, even seasoned fliers might be overwhelmed by its sheer size and complexity. If there are fewer taxing options, it isn't worth it for most families to go through with it. Travelers should, wherever feasible, use secondary, regional airports to get to Disneyland. John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County and Long Beach Airport (LGB) are much closer to Disneyland than LAX. You may save money on ground travel and time in traffic. Since they are smaller, passengers will spend less time in line for screening and luggage checks. Always compare miles and cash to see whether awards into these smaller airports are much more expensive than awards into LAX.
A vehicle rental is only necessary if you want to drive all around Southern California, and it may be a massive hassle if you do. It's essential to plan since the parking price at most hotels close to Disneyland may easily surpass the cost of the daily vehicle hire. We regret to inform you that Uber does not currently provide a car-seat service in your location. Until their eighth birthday, children in California are required by law to use a proper child safety seat or booster. The Disneyland Resort Express, one of Disneyland's most popular forms of car-free ground transportation, ended service at the start of 2020. Fortunately, many limousine services provide free car seat rentals upon request.
You can quickly go around Disneyland on foot, making it far more accessible than Disney World. Disney's California Adventure is next to Disneyland, so going back and forth between the two is a breeze. Downtown Disney, a retail, entertainment, and dining center next to the two parks, does not need a parking ticket. In addition to the theme parks, guests may stay at one of three Disney-owned hotels, all conveniently located within a short stroll of the action. The convenience of a Disneyland trip for families is enhanced by the fact that they need not take a single bus or vehicle ride.
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