Disneyland

Understand

"To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideas, dreams and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world." — Walt Disney, July 17, 1955

"To all who believe in the power of dreams, welcome. Disney's California Adventure opens its golden gates to you. Here we pay tribute to the dreamers of the past, the native people, explorers, immigrants, aviators, entrepreneurs and entertainers who built the Golden State. And we salute a new generation of dreamers who are creating the wonders of tomorrow, from the silver screen to the computer screen, from the fertile farmlands to the far reaches of space. Disney's California Adventure celebrates the richness and the diversity of California, its land, its people, its spirit and, above all, the dreams that it continues to inspire." — Michael D. Eisner, February 8, 2001

"To all who come to this place of dreams, welcome. Disney California Adventure celebrates the spirit of optimism and the promise of endless opportunities, ignited by the imagination of daring dreamers such as Walt Disney and those like him who forever changed—and was forever changed by—The Golden State. This unique place embraces the richness and diversity of California... Its land, its people, its stories, and, above all, the dreamers it continues to inspire." — Robert A. Iger, June 15, 2012

The Disneyland Resort is divided into two theme parks, three hotels, and a shopping and entertainment district.

The first park is the original Disney theme park Disneyland. It opened in 1955 and has been in continuous operation for seven decades. It is home to many of the beloved and classic Disney dark rides (like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Peter Pan<nowiki>'s Flight), the iconic mountains</nowiki> (e.g. Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Big Thunder Mountain) and many more. Its sister park Disney California Adventure, opened in 2001 across the entry plaza. It is themed after areas of California is somewhat geared towards teenagers and adults with more thrilling rides, like the IncrediCoaster or Radiator Springs Racers, while Disneyland has a lot of attractions for all ages. Both parks are divided into "lands" with specific theming. At the western end of the entry plaza is Downtown Disney, the shopping and entertainment district, as well as the three hotels, which are all located at its west end. The employees at the Disneyland Resort are referred to as cast members, or CMs for short.

While it is guaranteed that you will have a great time in the parks, there are two things to take into account before visiting and that will affect your experience: prices and crowds. Disneyland is the second most visited theme park in the world with 17.2 million visitors in 2023 (only behind the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World) and California Adventure is ranked at 11th place with 10 million visitors. This means that the parks can occasionally get very crowded with long lines for rides, restaurants, shows and even restrooms. If you want a calmer overall experience, try to avoid visiting on weekends and during Spring Break, summertime (July to mid-August), Christmas Week (which is by far the busiest time), and public holidays like Thanksgiving. Visits to the resort have become spread out throughout the year, and coming outside the periods mentioned does not guarantee that the parks will not be busy. Prices tend to follow the historical number of visitors to manage the amount of guests in the park. This means that in theory, during the most popular times to visit, prices for tickets and hotels will be higher. However, keep in mind that this system often makes the cheapest dates busier than one might expect. While there are a lot of advantages to coming during the off-seasons, some of the rides may be closed for refurbishment and many of the great seasonal celebrations (especially during Halloween and Christmas) will not be available.

• Disneyland Resort official website

Get in

By plane

Disneyland is within driving distance of a number of Southern California airports. Regardless of which airport you land at, it is always a good idea to consider available alternative forms of transportation before deciding to rent a car. Airport shuttles and public transit are an ideal option, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. While LAX is the obvious choice and the most popular, there are a few other options which are calmer and sometimes even make for an easier arrival.

John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana is one of the two closest airports to Anaheim. The Disneyland Resort Express, operated by Gray Line, provides hourly bus service to the Disneyland Resort from here.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) in Long Beach is the same distance as John Wayne, about 14 miles from the resort, and is the smallest (i.e. easiest to deal with) in the Los Angeles area. Depending on where you are flying from it's one of the easiest ways to get to Disneyland. The Disneyland Express Shuttle provides bus service to the Disneyland Resort from here. Interestingly, if you take the main exit from the airport, which is East Wardlow Road, eventually it becomes Ball Road, which runs directly across the north edge of Disneyland itself.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest airport in the area. Most visitors, especially those from overseas, arriving for a visit to Disneyland or to the greater Los Angeles area tend to arrive here.

Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Ontario in the Inland Empire is close to Disneyland; take I-10 (San Bernardino Freeway) west and exit into California State Route 57 (Orange Freeway) south, which leads directly into Anaheim. Then take either the Ball Road or Katella Avenue exit (3 and 2 respectively) and travel west.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in Burbank is the only Los Angeles-area airport that is directly served by Amtrak and Metrolink rail service. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner directly connects the airport to Anaheim. Metrolink's Ventura County Line and Antelope Valley Line also link the airport with Downtown Los Angeles' Union Station, with many daily departures (though with more limited service on weekends). From Union Station, transfer to the Metrolink Orange County Line or the Pacific Surfliner to Anaheim.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is also accessible from Disneyland, but in theory this option is viable only if you are flying Allegiant Air from El Paso or Stockton. From the airport, take MTS bus 992 or taxi to the Santa Fe Depot, the southern terminus of the Pacific Surfliner, then take Surliner to Anaheim. The train trip from San Diego to Anaheim lasts about two hours.

By car

As with much of the United States, by car is probably the easiest way to get to the Disneyland Resort from the surrounding area (or even San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco). The Disneyland Resort offers ample parking both for day visitors to the park as well as hotel guests. All of the surrounding hotels offer parking, but some clearly do not have sufficient parking for the number of overnight guests.

Driving to the Disneyland Resort also means braving the Southern California traffic, which at times can be overwhelming. The Disneyland website offers driving directions, as do most online map sites. Traveling from the Long Beach Airport to the Disneyland Resort can be done using surface streets instead of freeways, which can be very crowded during commute hours.

The Disneyland Resort is bounded by Katella Avenue to the south, Ball Road to the north, Walnut Street to the west, Harbor Boulevard to the east, and the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) on the northeast corner. Disneyland Drive runs through The Disneyland Resort. The Anaheim Convention Center is located south of the resort across Katella Avenue.

Parking at the theme parks is $25 for car/motorcycle, $30 for RV/oversized vehicles, and $35 for bus/tractor trailers. Guests can park at the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure and Pixar Pals Parking Structure at 1311 Disneyland Drive or at Toy Story Parking Area at 1900 Harbor Blvd. Parking at Downtown Disney is free for the first two hours and $14 for each additional hour afterwards, charged in increments of $7 every 30 minutes. Valet parking is available at Downtown Disney for $6 extra from 5PM-2AM. For hotel guests, self parking $17 per night per vehicle ($22 per night per oversized vehicle), with valet parking available at $25 per night per vehicle. A pick-up/drop-off area for the theme parks is on the west side of Harbor Boulevard north of Disney Way, past the shuttle area.

If you are arriving in Anaheim by train, a taxi is a reasonable option to get to the resort from the station. A one-way taxi ride from either the Anaheim or Fullerton train station is around $15 plus tip to the Anaheim Resort area. Taxis serve the hotels and a taxi stand at Downtown Disney near the Rainforest Café, on the south side of the North Self-Park Lot.

By foot

One of the great advantages at the Disneyland Resort is that Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and many "off property" hotels are all within walking distance. Unlike Walt Disney World in Florida, guests can walk between Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney in just a minute or two. There are approximately 12 "off property" hotels that are within a 10-minute walk. Some experienced visitors to the Disneyland Resort stay at the walking-distance hotels and find it more convenient to not have a car. It only takes five to 10 minutes to walk to the Disneyland entrance from a walking-distance hotel, and taking breaks in the middle of the day is much more convenient.

By transit

Local trains and buses are the cheapest ways to get to the park. Anaheim's main bus and train station, referred to as ARTIC, is about two miles east of Disneyland on Katella Avenue, near Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. The station is served by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner (San Luis Obispo to San Diego, via Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles) and Metrolink's Orange County Line (LA to Oceanside) rail service, as well as Megabus, Flixbus, and Greyhound bus service.

On weekdays from 6:30AM–8:45AM, a free Orange County Transit Authority bus (Route #430) meets Metrolink trains at ARTIC to take passengers directly into Disneyland. That same bus will take you back to ARTIC for free to meet Metrolink trains from 3:30PM-6PM. However, there is no service on weekends. Outside these times, the most convenient option is to get off the train at the Amtrak/Metrolink station in Fullerton and take OCTA Route #43 or the limited-stop #543, which run along Harbor Blvd every 15-20 min between Santa Ana and Fullerton, with a stop convenient to Disneyland. Other OCTA routes servicing the park include Route #50, which runs from Cal State University Long Beach to The Village at Orange and services ARTIC and Disneyland by running along Katella Avenue about every 30 min (though you will have to walk about 10 min down Harbor Blvd if you pick this bus); Route #46, which runs along Ball Road between Los Alamitos and The Village at Orange (this too requires a long walk from the bus stop to the park entrance); and Route #83, which goes from the Laguna Hills Mall to the Disneyland Resort by way of Santa Ana and I-5. Besides #430, OCTA routes cost $2 per boarding (cash, exact fare only).

The City of Garden Grove runs a tourist bus service, the Garden Grove Disneyland Resort Shuttle Service, with multiple routes that connect the Disneyland Resort to nearby hotels and destinations.

Metro Route #460 links Disneyland with Fullerton, Buena Park (with a stop at Knott's Berry Farm), Norwalk, and Downtown LA, for a cheaper, but slower option.

If you are staying at the Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel in nearby Buena Park, you can take advantage of their free Disneyland shuttle.

Several area hotels run shuttles to the park, but they may have limited schedules or drop off/pick up at other hotels along the way.

There are taxi stands at the Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian Hotel, and the passenger loading zone along Harbor Blvd.

Near the entrances to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure is a dedicated spot for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

Get around

Once in the park, everything is reachable by foot. Walking is the main way to get around the park. You can cut down on the amount of walking time by taking the Disneyland Railroad (you need a Disneyland theme park ticket), which loops around the edge of the park and stops at Main Street, New Orleans Square, Mickey's Toontown, and Tomorrowland. There's a set of old-fashioned vehicles that run along Main Street from the entrance of the park to the hub in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Disneyland has pretty good access for wheelchairs and other mobility-assistance vehicles, the only exception being the Disneyland Railroad at Main Street Station. Two attractions, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, require guests to travel up and down steps; if a guest cannot get up and down steps, there is a room with a virtual experience of the attraction. See a cast member to access these rooms.

To make getting around a breeze, the Disneyland Monorail links Disneyland's Tomorrowland with Downtown Disney (theme park admission is required to board at the Downtown Disney station). However, it may sometimes be slow and inconvenient, usually at park opening. The Downtown Disney station closes 30 minutes before park closing and the Tomorrowland station closes promptly at park closing so it is recommended to arrive five minutes prior to park closing.

From the Mickey and Friends, Pixar Pals and Simba parking structures you can board a tram to Downtown Disney/Main Entrance Plaza (World of Disney Store) and back. A bus shuttle service takes guests to the satellite parking lots (Pumbaa and Toy Story). The trams and buses run until one hour after the later park closing (usually Disneyland).

Outside of the resort, a car is again the best way to get around, though many hotels and restaurants are just across the street. The City of Garden Grove runs a shuttle service, the Garden Grove Disneyland Resort Shuttle Service to nearby hotels, Anaheim Convention Center, Outlets at Orange, Angel Stadium, Knotts Berry Farm, and the Anaheim GardenWalk.

See and do

"I think what I want Disneyland to be most of all is a happy place, a place where adults and children can experience together some of the wonders of life, of adventure, and feel better because of it." -- Walt Disney

Disneyland

Disneyland is the original Disney theme park, which opened on July 18, 1955. While the park has changed dramatically over the years, there are still many favorite classic attractions, such as the Disneyland Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, "it's a small world," and Space Mountain. Today, Disneyland boasts over 50 attractions, more than any other Disney theme park.

Main Street, U.S.A.

Modeled after an early 20th-century Midwestern town with many Victorian-esque structures, Main Street, U.S.A. is the first themed land you will see upon entering the park (presuming you don't enter via the Monorail); from here you can walk up the street towards the Sleeping Beauty Castle and the park hub, where you can continue into any of the other themed lands. There are few rides here; as this is the main entrance and exit, this area is composed mostly of shops, restaurants, and guest services.

Adventureland

Themed around tales of exotic tropical jungles in far-off lands, Aventureland is due west of Main Street, U.S.A. and has several popular attractions.

New Orleans Square

Based on 19th-century New Orleans and sitting on the shores of the Rivers of America, this is where you'll find some of Disneyland's most popular attractions and best restaurants.

Bayou Country

Past New Orleans Square on the far west side of the park is this small but colorful area with many woodland critters and a couple of popular rides.

Frontierland

A colorful imagining of the old American West, Frontierland encompasses the Rivers of America, Big Thunder Mountain, and an engaging mixture of gentle and thrill rides.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Situated in its own land, Galaxy's Edge features attractions, shops and dining options, utilizing elements and themes from the Star Wars franchise. Don't miss the other Star Wars ride in Tomorrowland.

Fantasyland

Centered around Sleeping Beauty Castle, Fantasyland has the appearance of a fanciful Bavarian village and is where you will find most of the rides based on Disney's classic animated films, which make up some of Disneyland's most iconic attractions. This area has mostly storybook-themed and gentle attractions.

Do Matterhorn Bobsleds

The oldest thrill ride in Disneyland, this bobsled-themed roller coaster takes you through icy caves and under waterfalls in a snow-capped peak meant to resemble the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Note that for this ride there are two different tracks, so ride both!

Checked Feb 2026

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Do Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

A fun and manic indoor ride that whisks you through scenes from the movie The Wind in the Willows (as well as a few memorable ones that aren't from the movie!). This attraction is exclusive to this Disneyland and is one of the few remaining rides that date back to the opening of the park.

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Mickey's Toontown

At the northern end of the park past Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown is modeled after the cartoon town of Toontown in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and has attractions geared towards young children.

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland, based on science fiction visions of outer space and the future, has many thrill rides and cinematic attractions.

Shows and events

There are many shows at Disneyland; these are just the highlights. Exact times for these events vary by day, so check the schedule and be prepared for massive crowds; if you want a good seat for a parade, you'll want to stake out a location well in advance.

• Disneyland puts on plenty of parades, all of which are a must see and will be enjoyed by all age groups. The current daytime parade is Happiness Cavalcade, which brings Duffy and Friends to the park for the first time ever, who join a special celebration alongside iconic Disney characters. After dark, the park is taken over by the Paint the Night Electrical Parade, which features an EDM inspired soundtrack and massive floats adorned with LED's.
• Everyday at sunset in Town Square at Main Street U.S.A., the Flag Retreat Ceremony begins when an honor guard lowers the flag as the Disneyland marching band plays patriotic tunes. Members of the United States Armed Forces (active or retired) are encouraged to participate in this respectful ceremony and are called up to be honored by branch.
• On weekends, Disneyland showcases Fantasmic!, performed in the Rivers of America, which showcases lighting and water projections and fireworks displays, culminating in an epic showdown between good and evil.
• Every year in June, both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure hold "Grad Nite" for recently graduating high school students, opening both parks throughout the night and into the early morning hours.
• Most nights, Disneyland puts on its famous nighttime spectacular. These are projections shows that take place at night on Main Street, Sleeping Beauty Castle, It's A Small World, the Matterhorn, and the Rivers of America. All nighttime shows include additional effects, including searchlights and characters flying through the air above the castle. On select nights, fireworks and pyrotechnics take the show to a whole other level - note: fireworks will be cancelled if winds are too high due to the risk of wildfires. The current show is Wondrous Journeys, which honors 100 years of Disney animation.
• Throughout the year, the park hosts a series of special events. These events take place throughout the year, typically during less busy times at the park, though the After Dark events always take place in early summer. Many of these events are open to regular park ticket holders, while others require a separate admission - these events are marked with an # symbol for your convenience. The 2026 special event schedule is:
• Sweethearts Nite#: Celebrate your sweetheart at the happiest place on Earth. Select nights in late January and early February.
• 70 Years of Favorites#: Guests go on a sentimental journey commemorating seven decades of unforgettable moments at the beloved theme park. March 3 - 5
• Bluey: The most popular children's television series makes its debut at Disneyland. March 22 - August 9
• Disney Channel Nite#: Celebrate with a blend of entertainment, characters, and music celebrating beloved eras of the TV channel. April 12 - 16
• Star Wars Nite#: Includes character gatherings, illustrious photo ops, and more. April 28 - May 6
• Disneyland 70th Anniversary: Set to the biggest party of the year as the park celebrates its 70th birthday beginning May 16 and running through August 9.
• Pride Nite#: Members of the LGBTQ+ community gather to celebrate who they're meant to be. Includes the best dance parties of any Disneyland event and lots of rainbows. June 16 and 18
• Halloweentime: Disneyland gets decked out in all its spooky finery. August 21 to October 31.
• The Holidays Begin Here: The park lights up with stunning holiday décor, including Small World Holiday and the Haunted Mansion's Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. November 13 to January 6, 2027

Disney California Adventure

Disney California Adventure is Disneyland's sister theme park which opened in February 2001. The park struggled at first, with poor reviews and low attendance given the lack of focus or "Disney feel". However, the park underwent a major overhaul, with new lands, new rides, and refurbished areas, and the response has been very positive. The park has a heavy California theme, with lands representing fanciful imaginings of certain parts of the state, although this is also where you'll find most of the Pixar-themed attractions.

Buena Vista Street

Based on 1920s Los Angeles, the entrance to the park is lined with Mission and Art Deco styled buildings with red streetcars running up the street to Carthay Circle, where the path splits into the other themed areas of the park beneath a replica of the classic Carthay Circle Theatre movie palace. There aren't many attractions here; as the main entrance and exit, this area is mostly shops, restaurants, and guest services.

Grizzly Peak

Representing the Northern California wilderness, this area is oriented around the man-made Grizzly Peak, a mountain shaped like a grizzly bear.

San Fransokyo Square

The newest land in the park, inspired by the city of San Fransokyo in Disney's 2014 film Big Hero 6.

Pixar Pier

The largest land in the park, Pixar Pier is set around a lake at the far end of the park and is a fanciful version of an early 20th century seaside amusement park.

Do Jumpin' Jellyfish

A mini-drop ride with "parachutes" painted to look like jellyfish.

Checked Feb 2026

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Do Pixar Pal-a-Round

A 150-foot (50 m) tall Ferris wheel with swinging and stationary gondolas, each featuring a Pixar character on the gondolas and topped by a Mickey head icon on the wheel.

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Hollywood Land

To the east of Buena Vista Street, this area is a fanciful re-creation of a Hollywood street and a studio backlot.

Do Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

An indoor dark ride based on the Disney-Pixar film Monsters, Inc.

Checked Feb 2026

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Cars Land

A faithful recreation of Radiator Springs from the Pixar movie Cars.

Do Mater's Junkyard Jamboree

A spin ride, much like the tea cups in Disneyland, with tractors as the spinners.

Checked Feb 2026

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Do Radiator Springs Racers

Based on the same technology used on Epcot's Test Track, here you board a racing car and race side-by-side with another racer through desert scenery inspired by the film.

Checked Feb 2026

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Avenger's Campus

The newest land at Disney California Adventure, with elements inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Shows and parades

Disney California Adventure is running parades right now. Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! is being held at Disney California Adventure to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Disneyland. The parade takes place on select days in the late afternoon, and travels along the parade route from Hollywood Land to Pixar Pier.

The park also hosts a nightly show called World of Color - Happiness, to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Disneyland. It features a pre-show from the Muppets and is hosted by Joy from the Inside Out films. The show is also interactive for the first time ever: before each show, guests can use the Disneyland app to select an emotion to receive extra time in the spotlight. Note: you must have notifications and location tracking turned on in the app to cast your vote.

If you don't mind the cost, buy some "Glow with the Show" mouse ears, which are remotely controlled and will automatically change colors along with the fountains. It is highly recommended that you get a Lighting Lane reservation at the Grizzly River Run area to assure access to a main viewing area. Special World of Color viewing areas are also available to those who have dinner in certain Disney California Adventure restaurants; inquire when making your dinner reservations.

Just like Disneyland, the park also offers special events throughout the year. Some are open to all guests, while those marked with a # require a separate ticket. The 2026 schedule for the park's events is:

• Lunar New Year: Coinciding with Lunar New Year - sometimes called "Chinese New Year" despite not being exclusive to China - this event moves to different dates each year to line up with the lunar cycle. Expect to see Asian inspired treats and decorations all over the park. The Year of the Horse begins January 23 and runs until February 22.
• Food & Wine Festival: featuring the best of California cuisine - or Disney's interpretation of it - and tempting drinks inspired by the state's wine region. Guests can also find local bands performing at various locations and events throughout the festival. March 6 - April 27
• Plaza de la Famillia: A combination of a traditional Mexican celebration and a celebration of the Pixar film Coco. A highlight is puppet versions of that movie's characters performing for the crowd. August 21 - November 2
• Oogie Boogie Bash#: Various villains come out to play at this spooky Halloween party. Tickets are highly sought after and can sell out within minutes of going on sale, so move fast if you want to join the fun. Select nights in August, September, and October.

Downtown Disney

How to Use Lightning Lanes

Disneyland features a ride skipping option known as Lightning Lanes, which are available at most, but not all, attractions. Unlike the now-defunct FastPass, Lightning Lanes must be paid for: the exact procedure varies on what type of LL you are using.

The first, and most common, type is the multi-pass. Access to these lanes are covered by a single fee that varies depending on the day you book them. You can also buy access when purchasing tickets online in advance of your trip. Single pass, which is used on the most popular attractions, are pay-per-ride and can only booked on the day of your trip.

To book a lane, you'll need the Disneyland app installed on your iOS or Android powered smart phone. Once in the LL section, begin selecting your rides. Though you can only book one ride within a two hour time frame, you can stack selections so you don't need to book each time you disembark an attraction. Once a ride is booked, simply show up during your assigned boarding time and scan your phone to enter.

Disability Assistance Service

Guests with cognitive and developmental issues, like autism who have difficulty waiting in a queue for an extended period, can register for DAS online. Guests can register for DAS online via video-chat between 9 AM and 8 PM daily, up to 30 days before their visit to the parks, and can also register in person at the Accessibility Services booths in the Esplanade between the parks. It is recommended that guests do it in advance of their arrival. DAS is free and available for the disabled visitor and up to three guests. Guests do not need to show a doctor's note or proof of disability, but needs to be discussed with the guest's or family member's limitations and requested accommodations with Cast Members or health professionals. Guests that try to defraud the DAS system by making untrue statements to a Cast Member can be permanently banned from the parks without a refund.

With DAS, if the posted wait time is 15 minutes or less, guests are given on-demand access to an expedited ride. If the wait is over 15 minutes, users can claim return times based on the current standby wait (minus 10 minutes) through the Disneyland app by tapping "Request DAS Return Time" on an attraction's information screen. Also, DAS users can get human assistance requesting return times at designated kiosks around the parks. At Disneyland Park, Guest Experience kiosks (marked by green or blue umbrellas) are found at City Hall on Main Street U.S.A., in the central hub, between Dumbo and Casey Jr. in Fantasyland, outside Star Wars Launch Bay in Tommorowland, near the Fantasyland tunnel into Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, and near Harbour Gallery in Bayou Country. Disney California Adventure has fewer kiosks, all located along the park's central spine on Buena Vista Street, outside Carthay Circle, near the entrance to Cars Land, and on Pixar Pier at Jessie's Critter Carousel.

When a guest's DAS return time arrives, or at any time until park closing, they are granted expedited admission to the attraction using either the Lightning Lane (for rides that offer it) or an alternate entrance (for rides that do not). DAS can be used in conjunction with individual Lightning Lane attractions and/or Virtual Queue. DAS users must join a boarding group (or purchase a Lightning Lane time) to ride select attractions when the use of Virtual Queue is required, but can request priority access once their number is redeemed. Guests can also view or cancel DAS reservations via the Disneyland app. A DAS enrollment is valid for 120 days, after which it must be renewed in person or online. Like Lightning Lanes, users can hold one DAS reservation at a time, but unlike the regular Lightning Lanes, the Disneyland app can only be used to request DAS return times at the park users are in. However, kiosks in one park can issue return times for rides in the other to guests eligible for park-hopping. Like Lightning Lanes, DAS passes can be redeemed for up to 5 minutes before the stated return time. DAS users cannot get a return time for an attraction that is temporarily closed through the Disneyland app, but they can by visiting a Guest Experience kiosk. If a ride is closed when a user's DAS redemption time arrives, their pass can be converted to a Multiple Experience pass. If a ride or attraction breaks down after a guest's DAS becomes valid (but before it can be used), the pass will still be good for that ride or attraction until closing, but must be cancelled and rebooked if guests want to ride something different.

The other main differences between DAS and Lightning Lanes are that DAS is available at essentially every attraction with a standby queue, including those selling Individual Lightning Lane access, DAS may be used to re-ride the same attraction multiple times in a day; DAS return times are tied to the posted standby wait and can be requested even after all Lighting Lane passes are gone; once valid, DAS return times do not expire until park closing; and there is no charge for DAS.

Stay safe

Disneyland is one of the safest places to be in the United States, with cast members and security keeping an eye on guests at all times to ensure your safety. That being said, things can still go wrong at the happiest place on Earth.

The biggest problem guests face is becoming separated from their children: the parks are crowded, so losing sight of a child in your care is a big risk. For teenagers, this won't be a major problem as they can largely take care of themselves. For smaller kids, however, it can be a terrifying experience. Other guests with kids recommend writing your contact details on an index card your child can show to a cast member should they become lost: use one that can fit easily in a pocket and won't get damaged easily, and make sure your kids know how to recognise a CM. In every case involving a "piglet" - to quote the phrase CMs supposedly use over their radios - they will be always be taken to the baby care center or the lost children office. If this does happen to you, notify a cast member immediately.

If you or someone in your party falls sick, you can get help at the first aid center: there are several scattered around the resort. Here, you'll find CM's who can treat minor ailments and provide medication. If your case is more severe, you may be referred to a local hospital or doctor.

In the unlikely event you find yourself in urgent danger, do not hesitate to call 911.

For info on staying safe in Anaheim, see this page.

Respect

There are many rules - both written and unwritten - that can either make your trip a magical adventure or a frustrating nightmare. Knowing at least some of these can take the stress off not just you and your party, but all others who have come to this happy place.

First things first, you'll need to go through security in order to enter the resort. Lines do get long in the morning and also before a special event, but be patient and follow the instructions from security cast members and they'll be no trouble. Just make sure to tell the CMs if you have anything that may trip the metal detectors ahead of time - this will make their job easier and reduce the amount of time any search of your belongings takes. And whatever you do, do not ever attempt to bring a weapon to the park, even toy ones: this will result in you being barred from entry - even off-duty cops are not exempt from this rule. Lightsabers and toy swords for use by children might be an exemption - this is up to the CMs. Also do not attempt to bring glass in with you, as this is also not allowed. Large amounts of outside food is also prohibited, though exemptions are made for a small amount of snacks or for dietary needs.

While it may be fun to dress up as your favorite character, resist the temptation - only children under 14 can wear costumes in the park. The exception to this is Oogie Boogie Bash, where costumes are permitted provided they do not cover your face. Costumed guests are also prohibited from posing for photos or signing autographs, or doing anything else that may confuse other guests into thinking you are a character. Also, complicated costumes will increase the amount of time you spend at security, so try to keep things simple. Some guests get around this rule through a practice called Disney Bounding: rather than wear a full costume, they'll wear one or more items of clothing that feature the colors of that character - an orange shirt for Goofy, for example, or a plain red dress for Minnie Mouse. There is a subreddit dedicated to this practice that can help you with your ideas and concepts.

Most places in the resort will not have strict dress codes with the exception of Napa Rose, which mandates semi-formal attire - a long sleeved shirt and/or jacket with slacks for men and neat dresses for women. That being said, any item of clothing featuring political slogans, offensive imagery or language, or exposing too much of your body, will get you stopped at the gate, as will offensive tattoos. CMs have discretion about what constitutes "offensive", but err on the safe side by wearing clean, comfortable clothing without any logos. If you have tattoos that might cause a problem, make sure to cover them up.

Finally, have a good attitude, and don't do anything you wouldn't want someone else doing in your own home. Don't feed or pet the numerous animals around the park - this includes cats, both Cheshire and regular. Do not pick flowers or climb on things that clearly aren't meant to be climbed on, and follow any order given to you by a CM. Contrary to some claims circulating online, cast members can say "No" to you for any reason. Never cut in line either - this will almost certainly anger or annoy everyone around you, especially on high-demand rides like Rise of the Resistance. Yes, we know that posted wait time is crazy, but acting like you own the place only makes things worse.

Go next

Disneyland is within close distance of a number of other Southern California tourist attractions. Not surprisingly, some of these attractions have the word "Anaheim" in their names.

Place Anaheim Convention Center

located directly south of the Disneyland Resort, across Katella Avenue

MapsWebsite☆ Want to go

Place The Grove of Anaheim

A concert venue located on the northwest corner of Angel Stadium's parking lot, adjacent to the Amtrak/Metrolink train station.

📍 2200 East Katella Ave☎ +1 714 712-2700⚠ Last checked Apr 2016 — confirm before you go

MapsWebsite☆ Want to go

Other theme parks

Professional sports

Beaches

The closest beaches to Disneyland are Newport Beach and Huntington Beach

Tickets

Visiting Disneyland is an expensive affair. There are two types of tickets: the base option is the One Park Per Day ticket which enables admission to only one of the two parks for a full day. For an extra fee per ticket, the Park Hopper allows you to see both parks on the same day, and to move back and forth between the parks. Pricing for a 1-day ticket is variable depending on the historical demand for the date you are visiting; cheaper for historically less crowded dates, and more expensive for crowded dates. Note that this does not mean the cheapest dates will be the least busy when you visit; often times the cheapest days are the most crowded due to more visitors having the ability to afford the tickets. Both One Park Per Day and Park Hopper tickets are also sold in increments of 2, 3, 4, and 5 days; while the ticket price increases with each day, the price per day actually decreases with each day. Multi-day tickets have a fixed pricing system, having a consistent price for any given day.

All tickets can be purchased in person at the Disneyland Main Entrance, Disneyland.com/tickets, the Disneyland Mobile App, a travel agent, or at a local Hotel or Disney Desk. It is recommended to buy tickets and book reservations in advance, since reservations to enter the park are often not available on the same day.

The prices below are effective as of February 2016, and there is no tax charged:

Children under age 3 are admitted free.

Discounts are hard to find, but California residents (bring a driver's license or utility bill to prove residency) will sometimes receive a small discount on Annual Passes. On occasion, Disneyland may offer Resident Flex tickets valid over the course of the off-season from January-May. AAA occasionally offers its members discounts, and seasonal discounts such as the "buy a day, get a seasonal pass" offer occur during non-peak seasons.

If you're planning a multi-day vacation to Southern California with visits to multiple attractions including Disneyland, you can save a lot by using the Southern California CityPass. For $329 for adults (ages 10+), $286 for ages 3–9, you'll receive a 3-day Park Hopper ticket which covers admission to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and 1 day each at Legoland California and SeaWorld San Diego. This makes for a wonderful week long vacation and a very attractive price with about $100 off standard prices. As an added bonus to purchasing the CityPass online (instead of in person at the park ticket counters), you'll also get your choice of either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Safari Park (if your schedule allows you only one day in San Diego, choose to visit the San Diego Zoo instead of the Safari Park, since it's much closer to SeaWorld).