Family Walking at Park; Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill; dad; mom; brothers; holding hands; mom carries boy
  • On Jan 4, 2025
    Anum from AB Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    What is the difference between park ticket and park reservation? My dates will be March 17th to March 22. If i buy a whole vacation and tickets but i don’t get park reservation can I not enter the parks, even tho i have tickets and lodging on the property?

    Howdy, Anum! Welcome to planDisney. Let's sprinkle some pixie dust and get this answered for you!

    To enter a Disneyland Resort theme park, each Guest (ages three and older) must have both a valid ticket and park reservation. Your ticket will ultimately allow you to pass through the gates at the main entrance, where you will enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy. However, for your ticket to be used, it must be paired with a park reservation, which indicates the date you will visit. Think of the park ticket as a car and the reservation as the key that turns it on – you need both for the car to go. 

    That said, I have good news for you, Anum: If you purchase your tickets directly from the Disneyland website or mobile app, you'll choose your park reservation as part of the process. By the time checkout is complete, you'll be ready to go. I took a peek at the Theme Park Reservation Availability tool for March 17 and 22, and it looks like both dates are still open. However, I recommend purchasing your tickets and securing your reservation as soon as possible to ensure you get the dates you want.

    If you have park tickets but haven't made a reservation, or if you want to change the date of an existing reservation, it is easy to do! Sign into your Disney account on the Disneyland website or the app and make sure your tickets are linked. I recently answered a question about this if you'd like some guidance. If you are on the website, visit the Theme Park Tickets and Reservations page to make any adjustments. Or, on the app, tap the plus (+) icon at the center of the bottom navigation bar and tap "Make a Park Reservation". 

    I love that your plans may include a hotel stay at the resort. My family enjoys planning short staycations at these distinctly Disney hotels a few times each year. I've found it very convenient to link my hotel reservation in the Disneyland mobile app, which can then be used to check in and unlock the door. As a Disneyland Resort Hotel guest, you'll enjoy wonderful perks like Early Entry. Remember, the park that offers early admission for hotel guests changes depending on the day of the week, so check the website to see which park is opening early, and double-check that your park reservation matches. If California Adventure is opening early and your reservation is for Disneyland, you wouldn't be able to take advantage of Early Entry that day. And that would be a Bibbidi Bobbidi Bummer! 

    You should do Mickey's Hot Dog dance, because your trip dates overlap with the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. You can't go wrong with a Sip and Savor Pass, which can be used to sample delicious foods at more than a dozen locations. While you're there, take a ride on the classic Soarin' Over California attraction and snap a photo with Chef Goofy. 

    Anum, you are getting closer to making lifelong memories at the Happiest Place on Earth. If you have any other questions, please reach out. We're happy to help.

    Kriss
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Meet the Panelist: Kriss, California

Hi, there! I’m Kriss, a wife, mom of two mini Mouseketeers, and lifelong Orange County local. As a Magic Key holder who visits the Disneyland Resort often, you have a friend in me when it comes to tips and tricks for making the most of your magical visit. Plant-based dining, navigating the parks with kids, transportation, pin trading, itineraries for various preferences – I’ve got you covered! Learn More About Kriss

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