Welcome to planDisney, Tricia!
There’s something truly special about starting the new year at the Disneyland Resort, and I’m so glad to help you begin planning for a magical January 1, 2026 visit to the Happiest Place on Earth!
Let’s start with the essentials: theme park tickets. Historically, Disneyland tickets become available up to 180 days in advance, though this window can shift slightly. The great news? Tickets for
January 1, 2026 are already on sale! You can head to the
Theme Park Tickets page on the Disneyland website to view current options and pricing.
Once you’ve secured your tickets, I highly recommend looking into the
Lightning Lane Multi Pass. It’s a great way to save time by skipping the standby line at select attractions, especially handy during busy holiday periods like New Year’s week. You can purchase the Multi Pass in advance or on the day of your visit. Once inside the park, open the
Disneyland app to start reserving return times for your top-priority rides.
Having visited during this time myself, I’ve learned a few January tips that can help you make the most of your day. New Year’s Day tends to start off quieter in the early morning hours, so be sure to arrive early and knock out big-name attractions like Indiana Jones Adventure or Space Mountain before midday crowds roll in. Later in the day, consider mobile ordering your meals to avoid long food lines. In my opinion, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café is a great pick for a cozy midday break. And if you plan to catch a nighttime show, find a viewing spot for “Believe...In Holiday Magic” at least 30–45 minutes ahead of time, especially if you're near Sleeping Beauty Castle or “it’s a small world.”
Tricia, I hope this helps you feel one step closer to your Disneyland adventure! If you have more questions along the way, we’re always here at planDisney and ready to help.
Wishing you a magical and well-timed start to 2026!
David