How to Prepare for Disneyland (2025)

Knowing how to prepare for Disneyland allows you to have a smooth, successful and exciting trip; we share everything you need to know before you go.

Getting ready for Disneyland is an exciting experience for many but knowing how to prepare, what to pack and how to plan your trip can be a challenge. These tips will help you plan your trip to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

How to prepare for Disneyland Resort California

The Disneyland resort is home to the first-ever Disneyland, opening in 1955. It is the only Disney park that Walt Disney stepped foot in – it is the park where it all began. 

In addition to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park has grown in popularity over the years, with new areas such as Cars Land, this park now draws visitors to the resort as well. The resort also includes a Downtown Disney area and three Disney hotels; Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. 

How to prepare for Disneyland Resort

Download the app – Download the resort app, browse the restaurant menus, look at the different rides available and choose which rides, shows and restaurants you want to visit before your visit. Plan your day out using the timings on the app and stick to them once you are in the park. 

Get walking – No matter whether you are visiting for one day or 5, a big part of how to prepare for Disneyland is to get walking. Disneyland is exhausting so make sure you start walking way before your trip to get your feet used to walking for long periods of time. 

Study the maps – Ghose apps you downloaded, they and the website have detailed, interactive maps of both parks. Take time to look at rides which are near one another so you have an idea of how long it will take you to get from one ride to another. 

Start checking wait times – On the lead up to your visit, start checking the wait times for rides on your app. Check throughout the day to get an idea of which rides are busier in the morning and which seem busier in the afternoon. 

Choose your MUST DOs – Choose the rides, shows and parades that are on your MUST list. These are the rides you are going to head to as soon as you get into the park! It is worth noting that 40 inches is the height requirement for many of the rides. 

Watch Disney movies – A fun way for how to prepare for Disneyland, should come easy to many. Before your visit, remind yourself of your favorite Disney moments by watching Disney movies! It is worth watching old and new movies as rides are based on both. 

Choose your hotel – There are three on-site hotels but also lots of hotels around the area. It is worth spending a little more to get a nicer, more modern hotel, as some hotels and motels have been there since the park opened and are in desperate need of a renovation. 

Make a budget – After looking at prices, make sure you decide on what your budget for your trip is and begin to plan how you will spend it. Using the Disney app and the guides below, work out where you are going to eat each day, depending on your budget.

When to go to Disneyland Resort

Disneyland is on many California bucket list so you will want to avoid the crowds. The best time to visit will, of course, depend on when you can have time off but there are a few things to factor in before booking.

When preparing for how to prepare for Disneyland, firstly you need check the Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar. There are big changes being made at the moment and you don’t want to miss your favourite new land or attraction because of the dates. 

Best months – There are some great months to visit Disneyland and some bad months to avoid.

Great choice :

• May, September and November – these are the best months to visit if you want to avoid the crowds, there are no major events or holidays and children are all at school across the world. 
• January – Unless a new area has opened (as it did in 2020), January is often a great time to plan a trip. Children are back at school after Christmas and few tourists are visiting California at this time of the year.
• December – The first few weeks of December is an ideal time to visit and enjoy the festivities but check the blockout days for annual pass holders; often the few days after these dates are quieter. It can be busy but holidays in Disneyland are unbeatable! 

Avoid: 

• June – (pass holders are trying to visit before they are blocked out for July and August)
• October – (Halloween celebrations draw in crowds from the US and the world)
• April – (the Easter holidays sees locals and tourists enjoying their spring break in California, meaning big crowds)
• February – (with the Super Bowl and President’s Day, expect a peak in crowds during this month)

What day? Generally, a weekday will always be better. We like this Disney Crowd Calendar so make sure you check the dates whilst you are there too and avoid the busier days – the calendar even compares the crowds to Universal Studios Hollywood too.

What to pack for Disneyland Resort

1. A reusable bottle – free water is available all over the park, either from the water dispensers or you can ask the servers in the restaurants. 
2. Disney Merchandise – Whether you want a Disney top or Mickey ears, save money by buying them before your visit. You can get a selection online or in the local target stores.
3. Food – Bring in snacks for your visit to keep your energy up and save money on food at the park. 
4. Comfortable shoes – Always important but a good pair of comfortable shoes help for those long days around the park.
5. Driving license – If you are staying in LA, you will find it easier to get around via a car. Rent a car for your trip to avoid expensive cab fares. 
6. A cooler – you can bring in coolers to the park, so take advantage of this and bring in plenty of food to see you through the whole day at the park. 
7. Poncho – It is worth bringing a small, foldable poncho to help you keep dry if the heavens do open. No one wants to walk around Disneyland soaking wet! 

How much is a trip to Disneyland Resort?

This all depends on what you are looking for but here are some average prices to help you plan your trip:

Price of Disneyland Tickets:

We browse many websites for the cheapest tickets and always find Undercover tourist offers great deals, consistently across the Disney parks. These prices are their average ticket prices:

Ticket type	Price
2-day park hopper	$281.56
3-day park hopper	$342.24
2-day, 1 park ticket	$228.55
2-day, 1 park ticket with Maxpass	$268.24

Hotels Near Disneyland

• All-Star Movies (Walt Disney World) – $120
• Paradise Pier Hotel (Disneyland) – $400
• BoardWalk Inn (Walt Disney World) – $450
• Disneyland Hotel (Disneyland) – $455
• Contemporary Resort (Walt Disney World) – $500
• Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (Disneyland) – $700
• Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance – $400

Food at Disneyland

Disneyland offers different options for different budgets when it comes to dining. Here is a rough guide to the expected price range of some of our favourite restaurants – it is fair to say there are cheaper quick service options than table service. 

$ – $14.99   $$ – $15 – $34.99   $$$ – $35 – $59.99   $$$$ – Over $60

Restaurant name	Type of service	Where?	Price
Alfresco Tasting Terrace	Table Service	Disneyland California Adventure Park (Pacific Wharf)	$$
Oga’s Cantina	Table Service	Disneyland Park (Star Wars: Galaxy Edge)	$$
Alien Pizza Planet	Quick Service	Disneyland Park (Tomorrowland)	$
Award Wieners	Quick service	Disney California Adventure Park (Hollywood Land)	$
Cafe Orleans	Table Service	Disneyland Park (New Orleans Square)	$$
Carthay Circle Restaurant	Table Service	Disney California Adventure Park (Buena Vista Street)	$$$
Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures	Table Service	Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa	$$$$
Docking Bay 7	Quick Service	Disneyland Park (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge)	$
Flo’s V8 Cafe	Quick Service	Disney California Adventure Park (Cars Land)	$
Frozen Dining Package	Dining events	Disney California Adventure Park (Buena Vista Street)	$$$$
Galactic Grill	Quick Service	Disneyland Park (Tomorrowland)	$
Goofy’s Kitchen	Table Service	Disneyland Hotel	$$$
Hungry Bear Restaurant	Quick Service	Disneyland Park (Critter Country)	$
Pacific Wharf Cafe	Quick Service	Disney California Adventure Park (Pacific Wharf)	$

How to prepare for Disneyland F.A.Q

When is the best time to visit Disneyland?
The best times are midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) during off-peak seasons like late January–March and mid-September–mid-November for lower crowds and shorter wait times.

How far in advance should I buy tickets?
Buy tickets as early as possible, especially if you need park reservations (required for each day of your visit). Booking at least a few weeks in advance is recommended.

Do I need a park reservation?
Yes, both a valid ticket and a park reservation are required for entry. Check the reservation calendar before purchasing.

Should I download the Disneyland app?
Absolutely. The app lets you check wait times, join virtual queues, use Genie+, mobile order food, and access maps.

What is Genie+ and do I need it?
Genie+ is a paid service that gives you access to Lightning Lanes for faster entry on select rides. It’s worth it on busy days to save hours of waiting in line.

What should I pack for a day at Disneyland?
Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, portable charger, poncho (in case of rain or water rides), snacks, and comfortable walking shoes.

Can I bring food into Disneyland?
Yes, small snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. Full coolers and glass containers are not.

How early should I arrive at Disneyland?
Aim to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before park opening to enjoy lower wait times for popular rides.

How do I make dining reservations?
Dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance through the Disneyland website or app. Popular spots fill quickly, so book early.

What is rope drop and should I do it?
Rope drop is arriving before the park officially opens so you can enter immediately when it does. It’s one of the best strategies to experience big rides with minimal waits.

Do I need to plan my rides in advance?
Having a priority list helps. Know which rides you want to do first, especially big ones like Rise of the Resistance, Indiana Jones, or Space Mountain.

How do I save money at Disneyland?
Bring your own snacks, share meals (portions are large), use free water refill stations, and consider multi-day passes for better value.

Is there a dress code at Disneyland?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Costumes are allowed for kids under 14, but adults can only wear DisneyBounding (inspired outfits, not full costumes).

Should I stay at a Disneyland hotel or off-site?
On-site hotels give perks like early entry, but off-site hotels nearby are usually cheaper and still within walking distance; there are some great Disneyland Hotels California to choose from.

Do I need a stroller for kids?
Yes, if your child is under 6 or tires easily. Rentals are available at the park, but bringing your own is often cheaper.

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Have a great time at Disneyland California, we hope this post has helped you to get ready for Disneyland! Let us know what your favourite thing to do in Disneyland is, in the comments below!