Skip to main content
Disneyland Resort amusement park in Alhambra, CA
Photo: Thoughts of mine tfm
View of Disneyland Resort in Alhambra, CA
Photo: Chanin
View of Disneyland Resort in Alhambra, CA
Photo: Jerry Millar

Disneyland Resort

4.7(134,717 reviews)$$$Amusement Park
🕑 Full day to multiple days (most families spend 2-4 days to experience both parks without rushing)👶 Perfect for all ages, from infants to teens. Toddlers (2-5) adore the Fantasyland dark rides and character hugs, elementary kids (6-10) love the adventure rides and exploration, while tweens and teens (11+) seek out the bigger thrill rides like Guardians of the Galaxy and Indiana Jones Adventure.

About

Disneyland Resort is the ultimate family destination where Disney magic comes to life through classic attractions, immersive lands, and unforgettable character encounters. From thrilling rides like Space Mountain to gentle experiences perfect for toddlers in Fantasyland, this iconic park offers something special for every member of the family across two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure).

Highlights

  • Meeting beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, princesses, and Marvel superheroes throughout the parks
  • Classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and It's a Small World
  • Spectacular nighttime entertainment including fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle and World of Color water show
  • Themed lands including Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Avengers Campus with immersive experiences
  • Seasonal celebrations like Halloween Time and Holidays at Disneyland with special decorations and entertainment

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive 30-45 minutes before official opening to rope drop popular rides like Rise of the Resistance or Radiator Springs Racers with minimal wait times.
  2. 2.Download the Disneyland app in advance to purchase Lightning Lane passes for popular attractions and mobile order food to skip restaurant lines.
  3. 3.Bring a stroller even for older kids (up to age 6-7) as little legs tire quickly walking 8-10 miles per day through the parks.
  4. 4.Take an afternoon break at your hotel or the Grand Californian lobby to rest and recharge, then return for evening parades and fireworks when crowds thin.
  5. 5.Pack refillable water bottles and sunscreen, as both are expensive in the parks. Free ice water is available at any quick service restaurant.

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) in late January through early March or mid-September through early November to avoid peak crowds. Arrive at park opening for the shortest wait times, leave during the hot midday hours, and return in the evening for cooler temperatures and nighttime spectaculars.

What to Know

Tickets start around $104 per person per day (higher for multi-day or park hopper options), and parking costs $30-$50. The resort offers numerous dining options from quick service to character dining, with mobile ordering available to save time. Both parks are stroller and wheelchair accessible with complimentary rental options.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with special seasonal overlays that transform the parks. Halloween Time (late August through October) features spooky decorations and Haunted Mansion Holiday. The holiday season (November through early January) brings festive decor, snow on Main Street, and It's a Small World Holiday. Summer months (June through August) are the most crowded but offer extended hours.

Nearby Eats

The nearby Downtown Disney District offers family-friendly options like Naples Ristorante e Bar (Italian with pizza kids love) and Earl of Sandwich (quick, affordable sandwiches). For sit-down dining, try Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian Hotel for a character breakfast buffet.

More Activities Near Anaheim

Park

Balboa Park

4.8Free

Balboa Park is a world-class cultural destination spanning 1,200 acres in San Diego, offering families an incredible variety of museums, gardens, playgrounds, and open spaces to explore. With 17 museums including kid favorites like the Fleet Science Center and San Diego Natural History Museum, plus the renowned San Diego Zoo, beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture, and plenty of green space for picnics and play, it's an all-day adventure that appeals to curious minds of all ages.

Amusement Park

Pixar Pier

4.8$$$

Pixar Pier brings beloved animated characters to life at Disney California Adventure Park with whimsical rides, games, and attractions themed around Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Inside Out. This immersive land offers something for every family member, from gentle carnival rides for little ones to thrilling coasters for brave kids, all wrapped in the colorful, nostalgic charm of a Victorian-era seaside boardwalk reimagined through a Pixar lens.

Amusement Park

Disney California Adventure Park

4.7$$$

Disney California Adventure Park offers families an incredible mix of thrilling attractions, beloved Pixar characters, and immersive themed lands that celebrate the Golden State. From the adrenaline-pumping Guardians of the Galaxy ride to the whimsical Cars Land and the colorful Pixar Pier, this park delivers magical experiences for every age group with shorter wait times than its Disneyland neighbor.

Park

Yorba Regional Park

4.7Free

Yorba Regional Park is a sprawling 140-acre oasis perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure without the crowds of typical Southern California attractions. With playgrounds for multiple age groups, a scenic lake offering pedal boat rentals, miles of paved bike paths, and spacious picnic areas shaded by mature trees, it's an ideal spot for everything from active play to relaxed family gatherings.