Tell the guard to open up the gate! Greetings, Elaine, and welcome back to
planDisney!
I can’t wait for you to visit the
Disneyland Resort for the first time in forever in just one week! I’m so glad you brought your question my way, and I’d love to help you start mapping out
your arrival plan.
First, I took a look at the
Entertainment Schedule for your arrival day, and it looks like both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park both open at 8:00 AM. Typically, the Disneyland Resort “opens up the gates” about 30 minutes before the official park opening time. Though you won’t be able to head to the attractions just yet, you will be able to enjoy some shopping on Main Street, U.S.A. or on Buena Vista Street, depending on your starting park. So, the gates should open at about 7:30 AM on your arrival day. Now, let’s backtrack a bit to help you figure out what time you should actually arrive at the Disneyland Resort. You’ll want to factor in the time it will take you to park, get through security, and wait in line at the Front Entrance turnstiles. So, I recommend adding in an additional 20-30 minutes from the time you arrive at
your parking destination, with your goal being to arrive at the gates by 7:30 AM.
Then, once you’ve entered your starting theme park, head in the direction of the first attraction you want to “rope drop.” You’ll be able to walk all the way up to the ropes and wait there until 8:00 AM, when you can immediately head to your first attraction.
If you do happen to have a later start one day, not to worry! Disneyland Park is open until midnight most evenings now, and Disney California Adventure Park is open until 10:00 PM most evenings, so you’ll have plenty of time to catch up throughout the day, if you’re able to hang in there! The Disneyland Resort truly comes alive at night, and closing down the parks is one of my favorite things to do. I can’t wait for you to experience
the return of some of our favorite nighttime spectaculars, including World of Color in Disney California Adventure Park, and the Main Street Electrical Parade and Disneyland Forever fireworks in Disneyland Park! Plus, we welcome back Fantasmic! on May 28 – what a treat for you to get to experience it, too!
If you need a place to rest and recharge during your Disney days, I highly recommend visiting
GCH Craftsman Bar at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The setting is so tranquil and relaxing! The
Baked Nachos and Prickly Pear Rose are at the top of my list there. Then, head to the lobby of the hotel and sit beside the gorgeous, grand fireplace in a rocking chair. It doesn't get much better than this!
I hope you get to stuff ALL the chocolate in your face, Elaine, ‘cause for the first time in forever, nothing’s in your way, even all that morning traffic! You’ve got this!
Wishing you a magical visit!
Kristin