Hi there, Cindy! Welcome back to planDisney. Sounds like you are planning a magical visit to the Happiest Place on Earth this spring!
I'm happy to help you with your planning question! Let's break down your options so that you can choose the path that's best for you and your family:
1)
Vacation Package with Hotel Accommodation + Multi-Day Theme Park Tickets: when you are navigating through the Disneyland website, it is built to offer you a vacation package that includes multi-day tickets and hotel accommodation. Package pricing is all-inclusive, cannot be broken out into individual components, and everyone on the reservation must purchase the same ticket options. The benefit here is the bundled pricing and some leeway on the cancellation policy if you are thinking about a trip but not quite ready to commit. To make the reservation, you will put down a $200 deposit with the final payment due 30 days out from your arrival. This is also an important date for your calendar because this is the last day you would be able to cancel and receive a full refund, including your deposit. If you decide to cancel between 5 and 29 days of your arrival, you will receive a refund minus the deposit, and if you are within 4 days, the full price of the package is non-refundable. I personally love the vacation packages as they come with a few extras, including 10% off many restaurants and retail locations throughout Downtown Disney District!
2) Hotel Accommodation + single-day One Park Per Day or Park Hopper Ticket: if you decide this is the best plan for you, the best way to do this is to book the room and purchase the tickets separately, just as you thought! The difference here would be that you need to pay upfront in full for both the hotel accommodation and the tickets. The hotel follows the same cancellation policy as above - you must cancel 5 or more days out from your arrival to receive a full refund. The tickets are non-refundable, but they are valid through December 30, 2023, so you have plenty of time to visit the magic if for some reason you need to change your dates! To book your room, simply choose "No Ticket" when you get to the "Add Theme Park Tickets" page. For your
tickets, just purchase them as you would if you were a regular day guest.
In either case, I would recommend booking your reservation separate from your family's if the hotel accommodation and ticket needs differ between the two groups. Have you thought about where you might like to stay? Part of what I love about the Disneyland Resort is that there are so many hotel options in the area either on property or at
Good Neighbor Hotels, providing options for all different budgets. When it comes to the hotels on property, there is just nothing like leaving your park day behind and strolling through Downtown Disney District on your way "home", waking up to Mickey waffles, and enjoying the magic morning til night! My personal favorite is the
Disneyland Hotel for its modern design and nostalgic theming. You can't beat the views at
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and its location is just steps from Disney California Adventure Park! I'm staying at the
Paradise Pier Hotel for the first time this month, and I'm looking forward to the 1920's boardwalk theming and the rooftop pool!
Cindy, I know this was a lot to take in. Just know that you've got a friend in us if you have any more questions!
Magic awaits!
Tara