The Ultimate Disneyland Guide
Everything you need to know before you go — straight from someone who's been hundreds of times (yes, really).
Get the Best Ticket Deals
Disneyland tickets are expensive, but there are ways to save. Here are my go-to strategies for getting the best prices.
Buy Multi-Day Tickets
The per-day price drops significantly with 3+ day tickets. A 5-day ticket costs about the same as 2 one-day tickets.
Check Authorized Sellers
Sites like Get Away Today often have deals $10-20 cheaper per ticket than Disney direct. I've used them dozens of times.
SoCal Resident Deals
If you have a SoCal address, watch for the resident ticket deals that usually drop in January and August.
Disneyland Essentials on Amazon
Best Times to Visit
Timing is everything. Here's when to go (and when to avoid) based on crowds, weather, and my personal experience.
Best Times
- • Mid-January to mid-February
- • Late August through September
- • First two weeks of November
- • Weekdays during school year
Okay Times
- • Late spring (April-May)
- • Early June
- • Early October
- • Sundays during off-season
Avoid If Possible
- • Christmas week
- • Spring break (mid-March to April)
- • Summer weekends
- • Thanksgiving week
Insider Tips Only Locals Know
These are the tricks I've learned from going to Disneyland way too many times.
Rope Drop is Everything
Get there 30 minutes before opening. You'll knock out 3-4 major rides in the first hour before the crowds hit.
Use the Single Rider Lines
Space Mountain, Matterhorn, and Indiana Jones have single rider lines that can save you 45+ minutes.
Mobile Order Your Food
Order lunch at 10:30am for a 12pm pickup. Skip the lines and eat when you want.
The Secret Fireworks Spot
Head to the small bridge between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Best view, easy exit after.
Getting to Disneyland
From LAX
About 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Take the 105 East to 605 South to 91 East to 5 South. Or use a rideshare — expect $60-80.
From SNA (John Wayne)
Only 20 minutes! This is the closest airport. Take the 55 North to 5 North. Rideshare is $25-35.
Parking
Standard parking is $35/day. Preferred is $55. I usually just do standard — the tram is quick. Arrive by 7:45am for rope drop.
Hotels with Shuttle
Many Anaheim hotels offer free shuttles. The ART (Anaheim Resort Transit) is $6/day for unlimited rides if your hotel doesn't have one.