Updated November 2026
The Disneyland Resort covers about 500 acres, with two theme parks, three hotels and Downtown Disney, and Disneyland was the first Disney park when it opened in 1955. It's far smaller than Disney World, but tickets, park reservations, Lightning Lane and the app still trip up first-time visitors. Here are the things to know before your Disneyland trip, from when to go to where to store your bags.
As soon as you pass the main entrance gates, you will find a re-creation of the main street of a stunning little town. This is where you will come across a picturesque city hall, the cinema, quaint shops, and a variety of turn-of-the-century vehicles. This is a great stop for a photo op to reminisce about simpler times and should never be missed.
If you plan a trip to Disneyland, book your hotel and tickets early to ensure that you get great deals, and make your park reservation as soon as you have tickets. Every guest age 3 and up needs a ticket and a park reservation for the same park and date. Ticket prices change by date: for 2026, 1-day, 1-park tickets run from $104 to $224 per adult. Our tips for discount Disneyland tickets can help you pay less. If you choose weekends or public holidays, you should expect to pay a little more. Remember that Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually have cheaper non-peak tickets if you have a very tight budget.
It is always best to book your stay at a local resort for the best trip to Disneyland. You will find three on-site hotels creatively themed with Disney’s magical touch: the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel and the Grand Californian Hotel. Since January 5, 2026, each registered hotel guest also gets one Lightning Lane entry during the stay. There is also excellent security for all hotel guests, and you can easily find on-site parking to hop between activities. There are also off-site hotels to save more money. However, staying close to Disneyland is vital to avoid losing time. Otherwise, you will get stressed about getting around instead of enjoying every second in paradise.
If you cannot stand waiting in long queues, it is always best to go to Disneyland as soon as it opens. Then you will have the shortest wait by being one of the very few people inside. The park turnstiles typically open half an hour before the posted time. Then you can enter the ropes until the park officially opens when the cast members put the ropes back and announce, “rope drop.” When the rope drops, you can be one of the first to run through to all your favorite attractions. Disneyland Resort hotel Early Entry ended in January 2026, so rope drop is now the best free way for everyone to beat the lines. If you are riding a Good Neighbor hotel shuttle, it now drops off at the Downtown Disney shuttle area, so leave a few extra minutes.
Disney Genie+ is gone. Disneyland now sells Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which started at $35 per ticket per day in 2026, and Lightning Lane Single Pass for the biggest rides. They are optional, and on slower days you may not need them. If you don't mind riding apart, single rider lines are a free way to save time on rides like Radiator Springs Racers.
The Disneyland app holds your tickets, park reservations, Lightning Lane passes, wait times, mobile food orders and PhotoPass photos. Set it up and link your whole party before you leave home.
Having a locker can be lifesaving, especially if you travel with children and have a lot of luggage. You want to travel light in the parks to avoid walking for hours with a lot of weight. However, always bring jackets or a sweatshirt and sunscreen to ensure you do not feel uncomfortable in the open space. Lockers are available outside the main entrance and inside both parks for a daily fee.
Now that you know the most essential Disneyland vacation tips, it is time to start booking your most incredible adventure. A trip to Disneyland can feel stressful because there is a lot to see, but there are plenty of ways to save a lot of money while still finding the best resort for your loved ones to enjoy. Read our 6 tips for planning a Disneyland trip and our guide to Disneyland on the cheap, or let Fun Park Go plan your Disneyland vacation for free.
Prefer to book yourself? Get Away Today has discount Disneyland tickets, and promo code FunParkGo takes $10 off Get Away Today vacation packages.
Buy tickets and make park reservations early, download the Disneyland app, decide whether you want Lightning Lane, arrive before opening for rope drop and pack sunscreen, water and layers.
Child tickets are for ages 3 to 9, and guests 10 and up pay adult prices. Kids under 3 are free. Disney can ask for proof of age, so buy the ticket that matches each guest's age.
Disneyland tickets are tied to the guest who first uses them, and Disney may ask for photo ID, especially for resident tickets and Magic Key passes. Bring ID for anyone who might be asked.
Most first-timers want Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Indiana Jones Adventure, Tiana's Bayou Adventure and the nighttime fireworks, plus Radiator Springs Racers next door at Disney California Adventure.
Yes. You can bring snacks and meals in soft-sided coolers or bags, but no glass containers (except baby food), no loose or dry ice and no hard-sided coolers.
Standard parking is $40 per day in 2026. Many nearby hotels are within walking distance, which can save you the parking fee.
Affiliate disclosure: The Get Away Today links in this post are affiliate links. Fun Park Go may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and park rules can change, so confirm them with Disney before you go.
