Why Go to Disneyland

YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE

Anaheim is home to the one that started it all: Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney opened his first park here in 1955, and the original still has a magic all its own, even if you've been to other Disney parks. Kids light up meeting Mickey and friends, adults rediscover classic rides, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lets you step right into a galaxy far, far away. Next door, Disney California Adventure and the Downtown Disney District keep the fun going late into the night.

There's more to Anaheim than Disney, too. Nearby Knott's Berry Farm offers thrill rides and old-fashioned fun, Yorba Regional Park is great for a peaceful picnic, and baseball fans can catch the Angels at home. When you want a break from the crowds, the beaches of Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and Long Beach are all within about 25 miles.

A Disneyland trip goes so much better with a plan. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I'll handle park tickets, Lightning Lane strategy and the right hotel so your family spends more time on rides and less time in lines.

BEST FOR

Families, Disney fans, couples and multi-generational groups

BEST MONTHS

Mid-January to February and September to mid-November

EXPLORE

Disneyland Park: The original park, with Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle and Galaxy's Edge.
Disney California Adventure: Cars Land, Avengers Campus, Pixar Pier and World of Color.
Downtown Disney District: Shops, restaurants and entertainment between the parks and hotels.
Harbor Boulevard & Disney Way: Many walkable hotels just outside the resort.
Downtown Anaheim: The Anaheim Packing District and local restaurants a short ride away.

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SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE

Disneyland

North America › West Coast › USA › California

Where the magic began: two parks, classic rides and Disney dreams in Anaheim.

Family

Theme Parks

Entertainment

Shopping

SIX18 INSIDER TIP

Book a Park Hopper ticket and Lightning Lane Multi Pass, arrive before opening for rope drop, and save World of Color for your California Adventure evening.

Experiences Worth Exploring

THINGS TO DO

Walk through early in the day, then grab your castle photo from Main Street before the crowds.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

Step inside the castle that started it all and follow Sleeping Beauty's story through charming dioramas and storybook scenes.

Ride after dark, when the Blue Bayou glows and New Orleans Square is at its most atmospheric.

Pirates of the Caribbean

The legendary boat ride through bayous, battles and pirate treasure, the last ride Walt Disney personally oversaw.

From September through January, look for the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay starring Jack Skellington.

Haunted Mansion

Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize in this beloved dark ride, with a holiday overlay from fall through the new year.

Ride Rise of the Resistance early or with Lightning Lane, and try blue milk at the Milk Stand.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Walk into Black Spire Outpost, fly the Millennium Falcon on Smugglers Run and join the Resistance on Rise of the Resistance.

Use Lightning Lane during busy afternoons; lines are shortest right after opening or late at night.

Space Mountain

A thrilling coaster in near-total darkness, zooming through the stars in Tomorrowland.

The resort's flagship Craftsman-style hotel, with a private entrance into Disney California Adventure.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Disneyland Resort / Anaheim

Hotel Tags

Walt Disney's original resort hotel, with themed pools and a short walk through Downtown Disney to the parks.

Disneyland Hotel

Disneyland Resort / Anaheim

Hotel Tags

The former Paradise Pier Hotel, reimagined in 2024 with Pixar-themed rooms and a short walk to the parks.

Pixar Place Hotel

Disneyland Resort / Anaheim

Hotel Tags

A modern full-service hotel across from the parks, with a pool and a short walk to the entrance.

JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort

Anaheim Resort District

Hotel Tags

A stylish hotel on Disney Way, an easy walk to the parks with resort-style amenities.

Westin Anaheim Resort

Anaheim Resort District

Hotel Tags

Curated Accommodations

WHERE TO STAY

November in Disneyland

High 73°F · Low 51°F · Rain 0.9 in

Holiday season begins at the resort in mid-November.

The best times to visit Disneyland are mid-January through February and September through mid-November, outside major school holidays. Summer, spring break and the holiday season are the busiest. Southern California weather is mild year-round, and the holiday decorations from mid-November into January are magical, though crowds peak.

Best Times to Visit Disneyland

WHEN TO GO

Where to Dine

DINING

Disneyland's dining ranges from Mickey-shaped snacks to elegant table-service restaurants, with Downtown Disney and Anaheim adding plenty of choices.

Classic eats: Monte Cristo sandwiches at Blue Bayou, Dole Whip, Mickey beignets and churros.
Character dining: Character meals at the Disney hotels are a highlight for kids.
Must-try: Dole Whip, churros, blue milk at Galaxy's Edge and a Mickey-shaped pretzel.

PLAN YOUR TABLE

Want reservations handled before you land? Your SIX18 advisor can book standout dinners as part of your trip.

Plan my trip

Driving & Parking

If you drive, park in the Mickey & Friends or Toy Story parking areas and take the shuttle or tram to the parks.

Anaheim Resort Transportation

ART shuttles connect area hotels with the parks and the Anaheim Convention Center.

Disneyland Monorail

The Disneyland Monorail connects Tomorrowland with Downtown Disney.

Walking

Both parks, the Disney hotels and Downtown Disney are all within walking distance, with many nearby hotels a short walk away.

Airport Transfers

Rideshares, shared shuttles and private transfers connect the airports with the resort. Plan for heavy traffic from LAX.

Flying In

John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is the closest major airport, about 15 miles from the parks. Long Beach (LGB) and LAX are also common choices, with LAX the longest drive in traffic.

Most visitors fly into John Wayne, Long Beach or LAX and take a rideshare or shuttle to the resort. Once you're here, you won't need a car: the parks, Disney hotels and Downtown Disney are all walkable, and ART shuttles serve nearby hotels.

Getting Around Disneyland