Hiya Paul! Welcome to planDisney! We are just under a month until you step foot on Main Street, U.S.A., and I bet you can already hear that Disneyland music and feel the excitement of entering the parks!
I'm so glad to see you are aware of the new-ish
theme park reservation system as you will need both a reservation and theme park ticket to scan into the parks! While I know it can be frustrating during some of the busier times, reservations help to inform Mickey and Minnie just how many Guests to expect each day and maintains the health and safety of all visitors and Cast members. Taking a quick look at the calendar myself just now, I see what you mean about those dates being currently booked. My best advice is to grab some patience and continue to regularly check that
theme park reservation calendar. Things come up and Guests are always canceling and rescheduling plans, so reservations can open up! The calendar is updated live, so if you do see an opening, go ahead and grab it.
One thing to keep in mind is that each ticket type pulls from its own pool of reservations, so there is a
different calendar for One Park Per Day Tickets, Park Hopper Tickets, Annual Passholders, and even Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests. I do see availability for dates if you happen to have a reservation at one of the hotels on property. I realize this solution may not magically fit into everyone's budget, but I just like to make sure Guests are aware of this option!
I'm sending lots of pixie dust your way in the hopes that those reservations open up for you, Paul! I think one important thing to remember is that no matter how your Disneyland days unfold, they are always full of magic and memories. You could spend a full day exploring, eating, and shopping your way through Downtown Disney District! I also love to spend some time at the Disneyland Resort Hotels even if I'm not staying as a Guest.
Disney's Grand California Hotel & Spa has a stunning lobby where you get to take a break from the sun, often listen to music, and grab a bite at the
GCH Craftsman Bar. Over at the
Disneyland Hotel, hop into the legendary
Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar for a one-of-a-kind experience or maybe even plan to hug Goofy and eat some Mickey waffles at
Goofy's Kitchen. Be sure to wander through the lobby to see some nostalgic photos of Disneyland in its early days and take a moment for a photo op in those teacup lounge chairs in the lobby! Sometimes, my non-park days end up being full of my favorite memories because it gives us a chance to slow down and really let that magic settle in around us.
Paul, we are here for you at
planDisney if you have any more questions in your planning! Magic awaits!
Tara