My First Visit at Disneyland Resort
By: Kenni Rich
March 19, 2024
Wanting to visit Disneyland? Whether you are a first-time visitor, haven’t been to the Happiest Place on Earth in a while, or frequent Walt Disney World, get ready because visiting where it all started is a Whole New World. Where to begin? Below is a helpful list to help you navigate!
Parks
There are two parks that make up Disneyland property. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Unlike Walt Disney World property, both parks are located directly across from each other, which means hopping back and forth takes minutes and you will not have to utilize property transportation. At Disneyland Park you will find classic attractions like Peter Pan, Space Mountain, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. A few different attractions that you can only find in Disneyland are Storybook Land Canal Boats, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, and Matterhorn Bobsleds just to name a few. At Disney California Adventure Park, you will not only find attractions specific to the park but new lands. Cars Land and Avengers Campus are two must experience lands filled with character meet and greets, food, and attractions.
Hotels
Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier (being reimagined into Pixar Place Hotel), and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are the hotels that sit on Disneyland property. All three hotels are walking distance to both theme parks and minutes away from Downtown Disney. Perks you will enjoy staying at a Disney resort hotel are, early theme park entry, Disney California Adventure Park entry through Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for hotel guests of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, preferred access to hotel dining, next package delivery (no need to carry purchases around the theme park) and staying in the Disney bubble.
When to Visit
The best way to decide when to visit depends on what atmosphere you want to experience. Lower crowds, school breaks, or experiencing the holiday magic there is a time of year for everyone. Each month at Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland offers different pros and cons. Best recommendation is going when it works best for you!
How Many Park Days?
Now that you have decided when to go and where to stay, the next question is how many park days. I recommend at least 3 park days. I have found giving yourself 3 days is the sweet spot. This allows you spend an entire in each park then an additional day to experience Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park again. Another recommendation to maximize your time is to add Park Hopper to your theme park ticket. If you choose to add Park Hopper, beginning at 11:00am daily, you can hop as many times as you would like between both parks. What is great, is that it’s a very short walk between the two theme parks.
Work with a Travel Agent
Planning a Disney trip can be overwhelming but choosing to work with a travel agent makes the entire process enjoyable. Though many of our agents’ services vary here at Wishes Family Travel we can help you with the entire process from start to finish. Whether it’s reserving dining, Enchanting Extras, transportation, payments, Genie+ education, attraction recommendations, or personalized itineraries we become your informational highway and give you everything you need to feel prepared for your upcoming vacation.
Want to visit Disneyland? I would love to help you. Send an email to kenni@wishesfamilytravel.com.