Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I was born and raised in California, and Disneyland was my first Disney Theme Park, so it holds a special place in my heart. I am so glad that you are considering a visit to “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
The most striking difference between
Disneyland and Walt Disney World is the proximity of all of the onsite Resort hotels and Parks. The entrances to
Disneyland and
Disney California Adventure Park are across a courtyard from each other, so it literally takes minutes to get from one to the other! The same applies to the
Resort hotels, they are so close to each other and the Parks that there is no need for Disney’s Magical Express. There is even an entrance into
Disney’s California Adventure Park from
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel! We stayed there last year, and it was less than a three-minute walk from
our room to the Park entrance. Once you arrive from the airport, there is no need for any transportation other than your feet!
There are several shuttles from the airport to Disneyland, and renting a car is also an option (be prepared for LA traffic!). Disneyland has an impressive variety of onsite hotels, ranging from
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (which is a Disney Vacation Club Resort), to the iconic
Disneyland Hotel. I watched my first Disney fireworks from our room at the Disneyland Hotel, and I was hooked! I love the retro theming of the
hotel combined with state-of-the-art amenities. You are so close to the
Downtown Disney District; you can practically touch it!
As a Disney Vacation Club Member, you are entitled to
Member discounts on guided tours, dining and more. Hopefully, your visit will coincide with
Moonlight Magic at Disneyland Park, where you and fellow Members get to be VIPs at an exciting after-hours complimentary party!
Wilma, if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to come back!
Rayna