Hey there, hi there, Austin! I'm sending you a hello all the way from Southern California. Welcome to planDisney!
I'm happy to share that I think you will be very excited to learn that planning a Disneyland Resort vacation will most likely be much more relaxed than what you are used to at Walt Disney World. I would be happy to give you some general tips for planning and enjoying a Disneyland Resort Vacation.
First up, I definitely recommend booking a
Disneyland Resort Hotel Package. This will bundle up your resort hotel and tickets and get you a major headstart on your planning. I don't have the pixie dust to know when spring 2024 packages will be available, so keep checking the website. You can't go wrong with any of the Disneyland Resort hotels, but Disneyland Hotel has my vote for favorite. There's just something sentimental to me about all the pictures and memorabilia of Walt and the history of Disneyland Resort.
Other important numbers to remember:
-Currently, theme park reservations can be booked 120 days out.
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Advanced dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance.
Then, you always have the little extras you could book as well. By then I am crossing my fingers the parks will be back to fully operational and some of our very missed extras will be back.
Other than that, just get ready to soak up the parks and walk down the same Main Street, U.S.A., that Walt himself walked down.
From any of the three resort hotels, you will be just a short walk through
Downtown Disney District to the Esplanade which is home to both park entrances. And you will be able to park hop between the two parks in a matter of minutes. I know that's quite a different experience than Walt Disney World.
While I recommend checking out the table service dining locations and trying to get a few reservations if you want. Also, know though that if you don't get reservations you aren't necessarily out of luck. Between the
mobile walk-up list option in the Disneyland app and simply speaking to a Cast Member at the location, I've been able to get quite a few reservations the day of. My favorite place to dine is
Lamplight Lounge. It has such a fun ambiance with the Pixar decor and the views of Pixar Pier are my favorite. It's my family's favorite place to take an. afternoon break from the parks.
I think you may also be surprised about how many attractions you can fit in during a day at the parks, and even more with
Disney Genie+. Don't skip out on attractions that you also have at Walt Disney World, as they all have their differences!
Austin, I hope this information is helpful to get started. I personally think Disneyland Resort vacations can be more laid-back in terms of planning and strategizing. However detailed you want to make your trip plans, don't forget about us! We'd be happy to answer any other questions along the way.
Carrie