Wow, Jaquan! Get ready. That first dose of magic packs a punch! I’m so excited to hear that you’re starting your Disney Parks experience with the original Disney park -
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California - even though there are parks much closer to you in your home state. Great choice!
Let’s cover the basics. There are two main airports to fly into: SNA (John Wayne Airport) and LAX. SNA can be slightly less convenient for flights, but LAX is much less convenient for getting from the airport to the resort. Whichever you choose is more about what you’re comfortable with, but know that the drive time from LAX to the parks during morning and afternoon weekdays can be very long.
Next, go to the
Disneyland Resort Hotels page to check out lodging. These resort hotels will be an amazing experience, combining Disney magic with amenities and convenient locations that can’t be beat. If you decide to book a Disney Resort Hotel, consider purchasing your tickets at the same time to make it a
Disneyland Resort Hotel Vacation Package to receive a few extra magical perks. If you’re looking for great accommodations at a better price point, be sure to look at the Disney Good Neighbor Hotels, which are off-property but very close. The filter function on the page can really help find the right hotel for you!
Now go to Disneyland.com and either sign in if you have an account, or create one! Then hover over “Ticket & Parks” and click “Buy Theme Park Tickets.” If you’re spending multiple days in the parks, maybe you don’t need to pay extra for park hoppers - a single-park ticket will suit you. I know many choose to purchase a single-park ticket for each park and a third ticket, that’s a park-hopper, to check off any must-dos you didn’t get to the day before. Lastly, if this is your first trip, your list of must-dos will be very long. I’d consider purchasing a
Lightning Lane Multipass for you and your fiancée, so you spend less time in line and experience more attractions throughout the parks.
Next, download the
Disneyland Mobile App and start checking out the various table service restaurants. Some of my favorites are Cafe Orleans, Carthay Circle, and Hearthstone Lounge. There are many great quick-service restaurants as well, but keep in mind that the quick-service restaurants aren’t always very quick. Use your Disneyland Mobile App to order food ahead and pick it up at the designated time.
There are other experiences you can reserve for an extra cost that may be worth considering. Some of the
park tours give you a special look at the park that most guests don’t get to see. There are also
dining packages that grant you special access to some of the nighttime spectaculars, like Fantasmic, World of Color Happiness, and the parades. These reservations can be hard to grab, so be sure to be ready to make your reservations 60 days before the date you’re hoping to reserve, right at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
Jaquan, I know it’s a lot. Just remember that this is the Happiest Place on Earth, and you’re going to have a great time. I hope you make so many magical memories, and if you have any other questions, keep bringing them to us at planDisney.
I hope you have a magical day.
Corey