The Ultimate Guide to Disneyland Resort
Planning a trip to Disneyland Resort in California? You've come to the right place! This guide covers everything you need to know—from the parks and tickets to hotels, dining, and expert tips—so you can create an unforgettable Disneyland vacation. Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland Resort is the original Disney theme park created by Walt Disney himself in 1955. Today, it includes two incredible parks, three themed hotels, a vibrant shopping and dining district, and endless magic.
The Two Theme Parks
1. Disneyland Park – The iconic original park with Sleeping Beauty Castle and classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain.
2. Disney California Adventure – A celebration of California with Pixar, Marvel, and more, featuring thrill rides, immersive lands, and world-class entertainment.
👉 Explore each of the two Disneyland parks in-depth here »
Disneyland Tickets & Lightning Lane Tips
Planning your Disneyland day starts with choosing the right theme park tickets. You can select from:
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1-Park per Day Tickets – Visit either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure each day.
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Park Hopper Tickets – Visit both parks in one day (starting at 11 AM).
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Multi-Day Tickets – Great for longer stays and better value per day.
Lightning Lane Access (NEW for 2024–2025)
With the retirement of Disney Genie+, Disneyland has introduced Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass options:
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Lightning Lane Multi Pass:
Reserve access to several popular attractions in advance. Choose up to three rides per day before you arrive—similar to the old FastPass+ system.
🔁 Includes rides like Haunted Mansion, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Space Mountain. -
Lightning Lane Single Pass:
Skip the line for one high-demand ride (per purchase). These are priced individually and include top-tier rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers.
Tip: Availability is limited, so book your Lightning Lane selections as early as possible through the Disneyland app!
Helpful Reads:
Let’s get your Disneyland tickets now! Click here to book »
Where to Stay at Disneyland
Disneyland offers three on-site hotels:
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Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – Upscale luxury and private entrance to California Adventure.
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Disneyland Hotel – Retro-modern Disney charm with monorail pool and character dining.
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Pixar Place Hotel – A newly reimagined Pixar-themed hotel full of colorful touches.
There are also tons of Good Neighbor Hotels nearby—many within walking distance—that offer great value and perks.
Helpful Reads:
The Ultimate Guide to Disneyland’s Good Neighbor Hotels »
Dining at Disneyland: What to Eat and Where
From iconic churros and Mickey beignets to immersive dining like Blue Bayou, Disneyland offers something for every palate. You’ll find mobile ordering, character dining, and unique seasonal snacks.
🍽️ Popular Reads:
Best Disneyland Rides & Attractions
Don’t miss these top-tier attractions at each park!
Disneyland Park Highlights:
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Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
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Haunted Mansion
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Indiana Jones Adventure
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Matterhorn Bobsleds
California Adventure Favorites:
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Radiator Springs Racers
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Incredicoaster
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Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure
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Soarin’ Around the World
Full List of Must-Do Disneyland Attractions »
Seasonal Events and Seasonal Celebrations
Disneyland goes all out for the holidays and seasonal events! Some fan-favorite times to visit include:
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Halloween Time with Oogie Boogie Bash
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Holidays at Disneyland Resort with festive decor and entertainment
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Lunar New Year Celebration at California Adventure
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Disneyland After Dark ticketed themed nights
Disneyland for Every Type of Traveler
Traveling with toddlers? Going on a romantic getaway? Budget-conscious? We’ve got you covered: