Visiting the happiest place on earth is on the bucket list of all of us. Disneyland California is one of those places you dream about visiting your entire life. Walking in the shoes of the princes and princesses that graced our TV screens since childhood makes one filled with ecstatic joy. The Disneyland resort is about 30 minutes away from Los Angeles and houses two iconic theme parks namely Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, three Disney hotels, as well as the Downtown Disney shopping district.
If you are traveling to the most magical place on earth this vacation season, then you should definitely read our article. Given below is the ultimate guide to visiting Disneyland California. Let’s Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo shall we?
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Disneyland California
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park is the OG park that was designed and completed by Walt Disney himself and opened its gates to the public in the year 1955. The park harbors nine themed areas throughout the 40-hector land that include Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country, Main Street USA, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, New Orleans Square, and the newly reopened Mickey’s Toontown.
Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure Park was built on the original parking lot of Disneyland Park. The park opened its doors to the Disney fanatics in the year 2001, and harbours a total of eight theme lands namely Cars Lands, Pixar Pier, Hollywood Land, Avengers Campus, Pacific Wharf, Grizzly Peak, Paradise Gardens, and Buena Vista Street.
Disneyland Resort Tickets
Before arriving at Disneyland, you need to get your hands on valid park tickets, and park reservations. As the parks are quite big, it is impossible to witness their magic in one single day, therefore it is better that you opt for multi-day tickets. However, if you don’t have the time to spend more than one day in the park you can opt for a one-day park tickets.
Within one day you can try out all the classic Disneyland rides and if you opt for the Park Hopper, you can visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day. You can book your tickets to the magical realm either via Disneyland website or by going to the bookings.com page. Once you have purchased your tickets, reserve your day as soon as possible on the Disney Reservation Site.
Skipping the Queues with Genie+
If you are impatient like us and waiting in long queues to get on rides is a big no for you then you should get the Disney Genie+. With the Disney Genie+, you get access to the Lightning Lanes. Genie+ saves so much time and enables you to go on more rides in less time.
MagicBand+ For the Win
If you wish to go hands-free in the park, you can opt for the MagicBand+. It is not an essential item, albeit a convenient one, and costs around $34.99. It allows you to enter the parks easily and facilitates seamless check-in at Lighting Lanes entrances without having to whip out your phone. Moreover, if the WIFI disconnects, your Genie+ is as good as Aladdin’s when he lost his powers. When that happens, the MagicBand+ will help you save face and allow you to scan in.
Visiting Disneyland California – Tickets Price
1-Day Tickets
The price of 1-day tickets depends on the date you visit. The year is divided into tier 1, tier 2, tier 3, tier 4, tier 5, and tier 6 dates. Tier 1 dates are the least expensive ones and are typically weekdays during the off-season. Whereas the tier 6 dates are usually the weekends and holidays during peak season and are the most expensive ones.
| Tier | Ages 3-9 | Ages 10+ | Park Hopper | Disney Genie+ |
| Tier 1 | $98 | $104 | $60 | $20 |
| Tier 2 | $113 | $119 | $60 | $20 |
| Tier 3 | $127 | $134 | $60 | $20 |
| Tier 4 | $141 | $149 | $60 | $20 |
| Tier 5 | $159 | $164 | $60 | $20 |
| Tier 6 | $174 | $179 | $60 | $20 |
Multi-Day Tickets
The cost of multi-day tickets remains the same, regardless of the dates you visit the park.
| Multiday-Tickets | Ticket Type | Adult | Child | Disney Genie+ |
| 2-Day Ticket | 1 Park Per Day | $285 | $270 | $20 |
| Park Hopper | $345 | $330 | $20 | |
| 3-Day Ticket | 1 Park Per Day | $360 | $340 | $20 |
| Park Hopper | $420 | $400 | $20 | |
| 4-Day Ticket | 1 Park Per Day | $395 | $370 | $20 |
| Park Hopper | $455 | $430 | $20 | |
| 5-Day Ticket | 1 Park Per Day | $415 | $390 | $20 |
| Park Hopper | $475 | $450 | $20 |
Must-Visit Disneyland California Attractions
There are roughly 67 attractions in both parks and figuring out where to start your Disney adventures can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know where to go first. If you are visiting the park for the first time and want to bask in the classical feels of the original Disney magic, you should start your venture from Disneyland Park.
At Disneyland Park, you will come across classic rides such as “It’s a Small World”. To satiate your thriller side, you can visit Space Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure. These rides will give you an adrenaline boost, recharging you for a day of adventure and fun.
Moving on to Disney California Adventure Park, you will be sucked into a world featuring all things Pixar, California, and Superhero. Turn your guts upside down on the Incredicoaster, fly amongst the clouds in the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel, or unleash your inner Spiderman on the Web-Slinger.
Visiting Disneyland California – Satiate the Grumbling Stomach
Just like its rides, when it comes to food, Disneyland has much to offer. Whether you want to grab a to-go meal for the next ride or want to sit down and have a peaceful meal at the restaurant, Disneyland has got you covered. At the Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, you can devour the best quesabirria tacos and wash them down with margaritas as you bask in the Cali sun.
If you want to dine with a view, you can visit the Lamplight Lounge, which offers panoramic waterfront views and serves cocktails with gastropub-style food. From the Mint Julep Bar, you can grab Mickey-shaped Beignets or dine amongst the pirates at the Louisiana-inspired Blue Bayou Restaurant.
6 Tips to Do Disneyland California on a Budget
A trip to Disneyland California will not be a cheap one, but there are a few ways you can save some money:
Pack snacks – Even though the dining options in the park are amazing they are a bit on the expensive side. You can pack your own food and bring it to the park to fill your tummy whenever it grumbles in agony.
Set a treat and souvenir budget – Disneyland is a tempting place, offering things that emanate a siren call and compel one to empty their wallet. Mickey Mouse ears, pretzels, clothing, and ice creams, the temptations are limitless. However, you should set aside a budget for souvenirs and treats to avoid overspending.
Bring a Water Bottle – All the walking is going to make you thirsty and buying a water bottle each time you want to quench your thirst isn’t smart. Bring a water bottle with you and in case you run out of water you can always fill it from drinking fountains and bottle filling stations.
Board off-site – Staying at Disneyland Resort hotels seems quite tempting due to the amenities offered by them, but they are super expensive. Therefore, it is best that you find a budget-friendly boarding near the park.
5 Best U.S Credit Cards for Entertainment Purchases
Disney ® Premier Visa® Card is a must have in your wallet if you want additional discounts and cash-backs at Disneyland California. For more details consult the article Best U.S Credit Cards for Entertainment Purchases.
Top 10 Vacation Spots in USA
If you are touring the Land of Liberty this vacation season, do read our article on the top 10 vacation spots in USA to know what the country has in store for you other than Disneyland California.
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