Greetings, Kim, and welcome back to planDisney! I'm thrilled to help you plan a Bibbidi Bobbidi Brilliant vacation for you and your loved ones at the Disneyland Resort.
I think you’ve picked the perfect time to visit, Kim! Southern California typically has beautiful, sunny weather in September. By the second week of the month, most schools will be back in session, and the busy Labor Day holiday weekend will have passed. Plus, you’ll be visiting during
Halloween Time, which means there will be festive decorations, special entertainment, and spooky fun to enjoy! The
Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will be underway, too.
As for planning, here's a bit of information about tickets and reservations that may be helpful to you. To enter a Disneyland Resort theme park, each Guest (ages three and older) must have both a valid theme park ticket and park reservation. Your ticket will ultimately allow you to pass through the gates at the main entrance, but it must be paired with a park reservation that indicates the date you will visit. Think of the park ticket as a car and the reservation as the key that turns it on – you need both for the car to go.
Park reservations are what to consider for timing, as they’re limited in number and subject to availability. It’s best to secure reservations early (up to 180 days in advance), especially if your heart is set on a specific date or park. While I think your friend will be fine waiting until July, I can't guarantee that all dates will be open to reservations. I will say that, as a
Magic Key Holder, I visit the parks often and usually don't have a problem securing a reservation, especially a month out. But for a big trip like this, securing reservations early is a good idea to ensure everything goes as smoothly as a Magic Carpet Ride. Remember that you can also easily adjust park reservations if your plans change.
Kim, do you already have your accommodations sorted out? If not, you might be interested in a special hotel offer that applies to your travel dates. You can book early to
save up to 30% on select stays of 4 or more nights at a Disneyland Resort hotel (subject to availability and restrictions). Staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel provides an extra dose of Disney magic, and you'll enjoy added benefits like
early theme park entry. When you book a hotel, you can conveniently add theme park tickets, too.
Also, Kim, as an Orange County local, I'll tell you that it can still feel pretty hot in September. Plan on bringing something to help you stay cool, like a small personal fan or cooling towel. You can also find these for sale inside the parks. Of course, a
Dole Whip is a great way to beat the heat, and indoor attractions such as the
Enchanted Tiki Room and
Mickey's PhilharMagic can provide a comforting break from the outdoors.
Kim, I hope this information helps your plans come together as perfectly as a fairytale ending! Please reach out if you have any other questions – we at planDisney are always happy to help!
Your pal,
Kriss