Hey howdy hey, Leah! You’ve got a friend in me at the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and I can’t wait to help you start mapping out your magical adventures at the Happiest Place on Earth!
It’s definitely a good idea to make a few
dining reservations before your vacation, since most restaurants tend to book up quickly this time of year. You can start making dining reservations up to 60 days before your visit. I highly recommend booking at least one
Character Dining experience – one of my favorites is
Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park. Not only is this all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet delicious, but it’s also a great way to meet favorite Disney Characters, all in one spot!
Other experiences you’ll want to book ahead of time include
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique,
Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers,
Droid Depot, and
Oga’s Cantina at the Disneyland Resort. My daughter recently had a royal transformation at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and it was truly magical! In
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, I recommend booking reservations for several amazing experiences, including creating your own custom lightsaber inside Savi’s Workshop, building a custom astromech droid unit at Droid Depot, or sampling exotic concoctions at Oga’s Cantina.
It’s also a good idea to plan ahead with making your
Disneyland Resort Hotel reservation. Choose between the three Resort Hotels, including the classic Disneyland Hotel, the beach-inspired Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and the luxurious Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. My heart is with the
Grand Californian and its prime location, adjacent to Disney California Adventure Park!
If you plan on experiencing any
Guided Tours during your visit, you’ll want to make a reservation. If you’re new to Disneyland Park, you can’t go wrong with the
“Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour.
Here’s a great tool to help you start planning – just insert your vacation dates in the
Entertainment Schedule, and you’ll be able to get an idea of show times, parades, fireworks, and any attraction closures. This Schedule is typically updated about six weeks in advance. Also, don’t forget to download the
Disneyland app, which is an awesome handy helper inside the theme parks!
I hope this helps you start planning your dream Disneyland Resort vacation, Leah! See ya’ real soon!
Kristin