Hi Karlita! Welcome to planDisney, and happiest of holidays to you!
You've picked a magical time for your first visit to the Happiest Place on Earth! Disneyland Resort during the holidays is special. What an unforgettable way to experience the magic!
The holiday season is one of the most popular times of year to visit, so while I absolutely have a recommendation, I also want to share a few tips to help you make the most of your day.
If I were choosing between your dates, I would lean toward December 18. Crowd levels may be a bit lighter since some schools are still in session. By December 27, many schools are on holiday break, and families are often celebrating the season with a visit to Disneyland.
For
tickets, you have a couple of great options. My personal recommendation is a Park Hopper ticket so you can experience both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day. Disneyland Park is meaningful because it was Walt Disney's original park, and you can feel his vision and imagination throughout the park.
Here's a fun first-visit tip! As you enter Main Street, U.S.A., look for the Disneyland Fire Station. If you glance up to the window on the side of the building, you'll see a lamp shining in the window. That is Walt's apartment! When Walt was in the park, the lamp was lit to let Cast Members know he was there. Today, the lamp remains on as a tribute to the magic he created and continues to inspire.
Your other option is a One Day One Park ticket, which gives you access to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure. You would choose your park when purchasing your ticket and making your park reservation.
To maximize your time, especially during the busy holiday season, I recommend
Lightning Lane Multi Pass. It allows you to access select attractions through a shorter Lightning Lane entrance. Using the Disneyland app, you book return times for eligible attractions and enjoy other experiences while you wait. It's the best tool for fitting more magic into your day!
Before you arrive, spend time exploring the
Disneyland app and make a list of your top three to five must-do attractions or experiences. Having priorities in mind can make a big difference and ensure you experience the things that matter most to you.
Let's talk food because Disneyland has some incredible options! For quick-service dining, mobile ordering through the app is a fantastic time-saver. If you're hoping for a more relaxed dining experience, consider a table-service restaurant. These reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and some locations fill quickly. For a memorable first visit, I recommend Blue Bayou Restaurant. Dining along the waterways of Pirates of the Caribbean is a unique Disneyland experience, and the atmosphere is magical!
To finish your day with perfection, consider reserving a Dining Package with reserved viewing for one of the Nighttime Spectaculars. Having a reserved viewing area gives you a fantastic view and saves valuable time you would otherwise spend holding a spot.
One final first-visit tip! Stop by
Guest Relations and pick up a complimentary First Visit button. It's a fun keepsake to remember the visit!
Karlita, I could talk about planning a first Disneyland visit all day, but I've run out of room! If you have any other questions, please come back and see us. We'd love to help make your first visit as magical and memorable as possible!
See ya real soon!
Kimberly