Hi there, Kristina! Welcome to planDisney! I am excited that you're planning a visit to the Disneyland Resort!
I love visiting
Disneyland, but, one of my favorite parts is the planning. It's exciting choosing when to go, where to stay, and all the magical experiences you'll enjoy along the way. You've come to the right place to get started!
The first step is deciding when to visit. Do you love warm summer days and pool breaks between attractions? Would you rather stroll through the parks in a cozy sweatshirt during the winter months? Maybe spring flowers and beautiful landscaping make you happy. Thinking about the atmosphere you want is a great place to begin.
Next, I recommend looking at seasonal celebrations and special events. Are you a Halloween-loving ghoul? Do limited-time foods and festival booths jump to the top of your must-do list? Disneyland is
always celebrating something, and those offerings can help guide your dates.
Once you've decided on the when, it's time for the where! If this is your first visit, I recommend staying at one of the
Disneyland Resort Hotels.
Disneyland Hotel is classic Disney. The lobby and rooms are filled with nostalgic touches, and the light-up Sleeping Beauty Castle headboards are one of the details Guests never seem to outgrow. The Monorail-themed waterslides are a huge hit, Trader Sam's is right outside the door, and Goofy's Kitchen makes it easy to fit a character meal into your plans. You're a short walk from Downtown Disney and have convenient Monorail access.
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel offer the same perks, but with more flexibility in accommodation layouts. The newer tower features colorful Disney artwork, and the room options range from studio rooms to spacious multi-bedrooms with kitchens and laundry facilities. For larger families or anyone who enjoys having extra space, this is usually my first recommendation.
Disney's Grand Californian feels like a relaxing mountain lodge in the middle of the magic. Every time I walk into the Craftsman-style lobby, I want to sit down and stay awhile. The private entrance into Disney California Adventure is incredibly convenient, and dining options like Storytellers Cafe, GCH Craftsman Grill & Bar, Hearthstone Lounge, and Napa Rose are fantastic. If you're celebrating something special or looking for a more luxurious retreat, this would be my pick.
Pixar Place Hotel is bright, playful, and full of personality. Pixar fans will love the artwork and themed details throughout the hotel. The rooftop pool area is designed to bring families together with Finding Nemo-inspired touches, a waterslide, and fun play spaces. It's a great choice for families who love Pixar and want a cheerful, energetic atmosphere.
If staying onsite doesn't fit your plans, don't worry! There are plenty of nearby Good Neighbor Hotels that offer convenient access and budget-friendly options.
Once you've selected your dates and hotel, you're ready to book! After that comes my favorite part: all the magical extras that make a Disneyland vacation unforgettable. I could talk about dining, Lightning Lane strategies, entertainment, and can't-miss snacks all day long, but I want you to ease into the magic with your reservations in hand first!
Kristina, once you've narrowed down your dates and accommodations, come back and
see me! I'd love to help with dining recommendations, itinerary ideas, and all the fun details that make the countdown that much more exciting.
Magic awaits!
Kimberly