Sleeping Beauty Castle; quarter view; day; bridge; flowers
  • On Feb 26, 2025
    Calie from Canterbury Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Me and a friend are planning to spend a week at Disneyland in late September 2026 to celebrate my birthday. As international guests, are we better off using a travel agent or booking ourselves? We want to stay at the Disneyland Hotel.

    Hi, Calie! Oh boy! What an exciting and very special visit you have planned to the Happiest Place on Earth! I love celebrating my birthday immersed in the magic - and September is one of my very favorite times of the year in Disneyland. You're in for a real treat, Calie. I'm so thrilled for you.

    I get that planning a Disneyland vacation can be overwhelming sometimes, Calie, especially as an international Guest, and an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who specializes in planning trips to Disney parks could be super helpful for you and your friend. These travel experts have in-depth training specifically in Disney destinations and can assist you in purchasing theme park tickets, securing park reservations, making dining reservations, and much more. What I also love about these amazing individuals is that their pixie-dusted services come at no additional charge to you than if you booked it yourself. That's an amazing value!

    But a travel agent isn't necessary, and you absolutely can pull off planning an incredible vacation without one. You've got your planDisney pals helping you every step of the way by answering any question you have throughout your planning process. We're Disney Guests, just like you, who can provide helpful tips and heartfelt advice, as well as share our experiences to help you have a magical Disney vacation!

    Another resource that could be super helpful for you if you're booking on your own is the friendly Cast Members on the Disneyland website who are ready to talk you through any issue or question you may have, in real time. I like to use the "Help" chat feature located on the right-hand side.

    Lastly, I recommend keeping your eye on the Special Offers, Deals & Discounts page on the Disneyland website, especially for the Disneyland Hotel, if you'll be acting as your own travel agent. (My family absolutely loves the nostalgic, yet modern, Disneyland Hotel. It's such a perfect pick to really experience all the history of Disneyland!)

    Don't forget, Calie, sometimes part of the magic of a Disneyland vacation is the dreaming and planning along the way, as you anticipate the incredible memories you'll be making with your friend. At least this has been my experience. Then, when you've finally arrived, after months of imagining, and you're walking down Main Street with Sleeping Beauty Castle in the distance, there will be nothing left but to celebrate your wonderful life, in a magical place, with friends from all over the world wishing you "Happy Birthday." (They'll know it's your birthday because you picked up a complimentary Celebration Button from City Hall, like your planDisney pal suggested.)

    Well, Calie, I hope this information has been helpful! And remember, if any other planning questions come up, anything from how to utilize the Disneyland app to where to find the best seasonal treats, please don't hesitate to reach out to me! I can talk Disneyland all day.

    From the bottom of my heart, I wish you the most magical visit, Calie!

    McCayla
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Meet the Panelist: McCayla, Washington

Hello from the Pacific Northwest! I'm McCayla, a wife and mom dreaming of adventure in the great wide somewhere, yet also completely content watching Toy Story from the couch. My love of Disneyland began as a little girl on Peter Pan's Flight and only grows with each visit. But even when I'm not physically at the Happiest Place on Earth, I truly feel that same joy when I can help others (YOU!) experience the magic of Disneyland Resort too.

Learn More About McCayla

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