What You Need to Know Before You Go
Disneyland is a theme park in Anaheim, California, owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It is not the same as Disney Plus, the streaming service — Disneyland is a physical place you travel to and visit in person. If you are thinking about going, you will need to plan ahead for tickets, transportation, lodging, and what to bring.
The park operates year-round, but hours change by season and day of the week. Ticket prices vary depending on when you visit — peak days (holidays, summer weekends) cost more than off-peak days (weekday visits in fall or winter). You can visit just Disneyland Park, or add Disney California Adventure Park, which is adjacent to it.
Key Takeaways
- Disneyland tickets are cheaper on off-peak days and more expensive during school holidays and summer weekends.
- You can buy tickets online in advance at lower prices than at the gate, and you must have a valid ticket to enter the park.
- Plan to spend a full day at Disneyland Park alone — most visitors need eight to ten hours to see the major attractions.
- Bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, and snacks, because food inside the park is expensive.
- Arrive early (the park opens at 8 or 9 a.m. depending on the day) to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.
Buying Tickets and Choosing Your Visit Date
Tickets to Disneyland are sold online at Disneyland.com and at the park entrance. Online tickets are almost always cheaper than gate prices. A single-day ticket to Disneyland Park ranges from roughly $100 to $200 depending on the date you choose. Disney groups dates into tiers: value days (least crowded), regular days, peak days, and holiday peak days (most crowded and most expensive).
The cheapest days to visit are typically weekdays in September, October (except Halloween week), January (after New Year's), and February. The most expensive days are Christmas week, Thanksgiving week, summer Saturdays, and spring break. If you have flexibility in when you travel, visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday in the off-season will save you money and mean shorter wait times for attractions.
You can also buy a multi-day ticket, which lowers the per-day cost. A two-day ticket costs less per day than two single-day tickets. If you think you might visit multiple times in a year, Disneyland also sells annual passes, though these require a larger upfront cost.
Getting to Disneyland and Where to Stay
Disneyland is located at 1313 Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim, California, about 30 miles south of Los Angeles. If you are flying, you will land at one of three airports: Los Angeles International (LAX), Long Beach Airport (LGB), or Ontario International (ONT). From any of these, you can rent a car, take a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or use a shuttle service. Driving yourself takes 45 minutes to an hour from LAX depending on traffic.
Parking at Disneyland costs $15 for standard parking and $30 for preferred parking (closer to the entrance). If you stay at a Disney hotel, parking is included. Hotels within walking distance of the park (called "Good Neighbor Hotels") are cheaper than Disney hotels but still convenient. Budget hotels in the area range from $80 to $150 per night, while Disney hotels range from $250 to $600 per night depending on which property you choose.
If you do not want to drive, the Disneyland Resort Line is a monorail that connects the park to the nearby Disneyland Hotel and runs every 15 minutes. Some visitors also take the Amtrak train to Anaheim, which is about a 15-minute rideshare from the park.
What to Bring and What to Wear
Wear comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 20,000 to 30,000 steps in a day at Disneyland. Bring sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply it every two hours, especially if you visit during summer. A hat or visor helps protect your face and keeps sun out of your eyes while you wait in lines.
Bring a refillable water bottle. Water fountains are scattered throughout the park, and you can refill for free. Staying hydrated is critical, especially on hot days. You can also ask for free cups of ice water at any food location in the park.
Pack snacks like granola bars, fruit, or nuts — food inside the park is expensive (a sandwich costs $15 to $18, and a drink costs $6 to $8). You are allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the park. Bring a small backpack or crossbody bag to carry your belongings, sunscreen, and snacks. Leave large bags and luggage at your hotel.
Planning Your Day: Attractions and Wait Times
Disneyland Park has six themed lands: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The most popular attractions are Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and It's a Small World. These rides have wait times of 45 minutes to two hours during peak hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Arrive when the park opens (usually 8 or 9 a.m.) to experience attractions with minimal waits. Head to the back of the park first — most visitors go to Main Street and Fantasyland when ready, so Tomorrowland and Frontierland are less crowded early in the day. Use the Disneyland app to check real-time wait times for every attraction and plan your route accordingly.
If you want to experience the most attractions in one day, prioritize rides over shows and character meet-and-greets. A typical visitor can experience 8 to 12 major attractions in a full day if they arrive early and move efficiently. If you want a more relaxed pace with time for meals and shopping, plan to experience 5 to 7 attractions.
Money to Budget and Hidden Costs
Beyond your ticket, budget for food, parking, and souvenirs. A meal at Disneyland costs $15 to $25 per person for lunch or dinner (entree only). Snacks like popcorn, ice cream, or a pretzel cost $8 to $12. A family of four eating three meals in the park can spend $150 to $250 on food alone.
Souvenirs range from small items like pins ($15 to $20) to t-shirts ($35 to $50) to plush toys ($30 to $60). Most visitors spend $50 to $150 on souvenirs, though you can visit without buying anything. If you park at the resort, add $15 to $30 to your budget. If you use rideshare to get to and from the park, budget $30 to $50 for transportation.
A realistic budget for one person visiting for one day is $200 to $300 (ticket plus food and parking). A family of four visiting for one day should budget $800 to $1,200 total.
What Happens on the Day You Visit
Arrive at the parking lot or hotel at least 30 minutes before the park opens. Walk to the entrance, have your ticket ready (digital or printed), and go through security screening. Once inside, pick up a park map at the entrance or use the Disneyland app to see the layout.
Head directly to the attractions you most want to experience, especially if you arrived early. Check wait times on the app every 30 minutes and adjust your route if a popular attraction suddenly has a short line. Take a break for lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., or between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., when lines are longest. Eat dinner after 5 p.m. when crowds thin out slightly.
The park typically closes between 9 p.m. and midnight depending on the day. Plan to leave 30 minutes before closing to avoid the rush at the exits and parking lots. If you parked at the resort, expect a 15 to 20 minute wait to exit the parking structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks into Disneyland?
Yes. You can bring outside food and non-alcoholic drinks into the park. You cannot bring glass containers, alcohol, or hot food in outside containers. Many visitors pack sandwiches, fruit, and snacks to save money on meals.
What is the best time of year to visit Disneyland?
September and early October (outside Halloween week), January (after New Year's), and February are the least crowded and cheapest times to visit. If you must visit during summer or holidays, go on a weekday rather than a weekend to avoid the largest crowds.
Do I need to make restaurant reservations in advance?
Popular table-service restaurants like Blue Bayou and Lamplight Lounge fill up quickly and should be booked 60 days in advance through the Disneyland app or website. Most quick-service locations do not take reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
How tall do my kids need to be to ride the big attractions?
Height requirements vary by ride. Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Splash Mountain require 40 inches. Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion have no height requirement. Check the Disneyland app or ask a cast member at each attraction for specific requirements.
What should I do if it rains on the day I visit?
Disneyland stays open in light rain. Bring a poncho or rain jacket — ponceles sold in the park cost $15 to $20, so bringing your own saves money. Indoor attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Jungle Cruise are good options on rainy days because lines are often shorter and you stay dry.