FAQ: Disneyland, California
Benefits of Staying On Property vs. Off Property
On Property (Disneyland Resort Hotels)
Proximity to Parks: Staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel means you’re just a short walk or tram ride away from both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, which is super convenient.
Early Entry: Resort guests get early park entry into Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on select days (30 minutes before the park opens to the general public), which can be a big advantage for popular attractions.
Immersive Experience: The hotels are themed with Disney’s signature style, which adds to the magic of your trip. You’ll have access to Disney benefits like character dining, merchandise, and more.
No Need for a Vehicle: If you're staying on property, you can get around easily without needing a vehicle. The resorts are well-connected to the parks, and Disney provides transportation options for other locations (e.g., Downtown Disney, Disney Springs).
Extra Magic Hours: As a resort guest, you can also enjoy extra perks like access to exclusive events and special offers (check the Disney website for current perks).
Off Property
Cost: Staying off property can be more affordable, especially if you look for hotels just outside the Disneyland area. This could allow you to stretch your budget further, possibly giving you more money for souvenirs or other activities.
Transportation: Some off-property hotels provide free shuttle services to Disneyland, while others might charge a small fee. However, you'll need to consider the time it takes to get to the parks and the hassle of parking (if driving).
Flexibility: You might have more options for food, entertainment, and activities outside the park, depending on where you stay.
Do You Need a Vehicle?
If you stay on property, you won’t need a vehicle unless you plan to explore areas beyond Disneyland (like the beach, other Southern California attractions, etc.). (You can also opt to take public transportation or ride share for these activities.) For everything Disneyland-related, the resort area is very walkable.
Meal Plan?
Disneyland doesn’t offer an official meal plan like Walt Disney World, but they do have a Mobile Ordering systemand dining packages for specific experiences. Here are a few things to consider:
Mobile Ordering: This can save time, as you can order your food ahead of time through the Disneyland app and pick it up at your convenience.
Character Dining: You can book reservations for character meals (e.g., Goofy’s Kitchen or Mickey’s Toontown), which can be a fun way to meet characters and eat at the same time.
Dining Packages for Shows: If you’re planning to watch shows like “Fantasmic!” or “World of Color,” you can book dining packages that include reserved seating.
You might want to budget for food ahead of time, but a formal meal plan is not offered. Instead, look for dining packages or consider reserving meals at some of the more popular sit-down restaurants if you want to reduce wait times.
Disability Access Service (DAS)
This service helps guests who cannot tolerate long wait times by allowing them to schedule a return time for attractions.
Application: You can apply for DAS by visiting Guest Relations once you arrive at Disneyland, or you can pre-register online before your trip (up to 30 days in advance). You’ll need to explain the needs of your child, and a Cast Member will guide you through the process.
How it Works: Once you have DAS, you can request return times for attractions, which allows you to wait for the ride in a more comfortable location, like sitting or walking around, instead of waiting in the regular queue.
Additional Accommodations: If needed, you can also request quiet spaces or other accommodations. Disneyland is very responsive to accessibility needs.
Specials & Discounts
Disney often has special offers or discounts for ticket packages, hotel stays, and more, depending on the time of year. Here are some things to look for:
Seasonal Promotions: Disney frequently runs limited-time promotions for hotel stays or park tickets. Check the official Disneyland website and sign up for the newsletter to get updates on sales.
Group Discounts: If you're traveling with a larger group, you might be eligible for discounts.
Special Days: If you can travel during a less busy time of year, you might find lower prices and fewer crowds.
Package Deals & Making Payments
You can package your trip through Disney's website to combine park tickets, hotel stays, and even dining packages. They also offer payment plans for packages:
Disneyland Vacation Packages: These packages often include hotel stays, park tickets, and some perks, like early entry or a character meal.
Payments: Disney typically allows you to make a deposit at the time of booking and then pay off the balance in installments leading up to your trip. This is great for budgeting.
Taking a Couple of Off Days for Relaxation
It’s good to balance the intensity of theme parks with some downtime. Here are some ideas:
Hotel Pools & Resorts: Many Disneyland hotels have great pools and relaxing areas. You can also enjoy Downtown Disney, which has shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Exploring Beyond Disneyland: If you feel like taking a break, consider exploring nearby beaches like Huntington Beach or Newport Beach, or take a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm for a more low-key day.
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time to visit Disneyland depends on what you're looking for:
Least Crowded Times: January, early February, mid-April to early May, and late September through mid-November (excluding holidays) tend to be the least crowded times.
Weather: Southern California typically has mild weather year-round, but summer can get hot, and the holidays can bring larger crowds.
Special Events: Keep an eye on holiday celebrations (like Halloween or Christmas) if you’re looking for a more festive experience, but be prepared for larger crowds.