Planning your Disneyland Trip

Here are the most common questions I get when planning a trip to Disneyland California:

 

What is the best hotel?  

The Disneyland Hotel & Grand Californian.  For offsite my favorite is Marriott Courtyard Theme Park Entrance.  Best Western Park Place Inn is the closest location of all the offsite hotels, and another great option.      

 

What type of ticket should I buy? 

I recommend at least a 3 day, hopper ticket.  To fully experience everything at both parks, 4 days is ideal.  

 

What is Lightning Lane?

It is a special lane to skip the long stand by lines on Disney attractions. You will book a ride reservation time with Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection from the Disneyland app, and when you return for that reservation, you scan your reservation to enter through the Lightning Lane. This cuts wait times down significantly to 5-10 min., and in many cases you almost walk on the rides.  

 

Do I need a hopper pass? 

If your park ticket is 2 days or less, then yes.  

 

What is the best character meal?   

For a classic character breakfast, Minnie & Friends at Plaza Inn on Main Street inside Disneyland is my top pick.  

 

What are the “must do” restaurants at Disneyland?   

Blue Bayou in Disneyland, and at California Adventure, Carthay Circle.

 

What are the best quick service restaurants?   

Disneyland:  Plaza Inn, Rancho del Zocalo, & Litte Red Wagon. 

California Adventure:  Flo’s Cafe.

 

When is the best time for low crowds?  

Typically avoid all school breaks and weekends.  Thanksgiving week, Christmas break to New Years, & holiday weekends will have the heaviest crowds.  Summer months can often bring heavy crowds as well, but not consistently.  Spring break is the one exception to my holiday rule because schools in California all have scattered breaks throughout the month.  The best way to see which days to avoid is looking at the Southern California Season Pass block-out dates.  They don’t allow pass-holders to visit on busy days.

   

Best way to book tickets?   

Using a travel agent that specializes in Disney vacations is FREE, and you get VIP service, along with special tips and tricks to plan your stay.  You will pay the same booking on your own or with an agent, so there is no reason not to use one.  Contact Enchanted Travels Agency for all your vacation needs.  Enchanted Travels agents give free VIP service, do extensive research, and check for any special discounts they can apply to your trip.  They also give Disney gifts & custom itineraries with touring tips mailed to you in a unique Disney themed keepsake box.  

 

For more detailed info of these common questions, continue reading below:

 

 

Where should I buy tickets?

The best answer:    Use a certified travel agent that specializes in Disney vacations, which will book everything for you for FREE.   Travel agents are on alert to get discounts and special package offers, and give VIP service for all your vacation needs.   To get an extra 5% discount on your vacation package, Enchanted Travels Agency recommends buying Disney gift cards from Target using a Red Card.   Disney gift cards from Target get a discount of 5% by using the Target Red Card (can do this online too).  They offer a debit red card for free, so you don’t have to apply for a Visa.   If Target is not an option,  I also buy gift cards from Sam’s Club.  Sam’s Club usually has Disney gift cards at a 4% discounted rate (it used to be 5%).   The discount price tends to fluctuate, and you have to be a member.   They also offer gift cards valued at $500, which makes using them as payment much easier than the ones sold in packs of $50.  However, the $50 cards offer a better discount at Sam’s.  Your travel agent will take any of the Disney gift card payments and apply them to your package for you. 

 

If you qualify for a military discount, they offer the best rates.  Make sure to tell your travel agent if you are a member of the military. 

 

If you purchase your Disneyland park tickets with a Disney hotel package via a travel agent, you will get your tickets at resort check-in, in the form of a collectible souvenir card.  

 

Tip:  You can consolidate all of your gift cards on to one card by visiting Disney here and transferring them all on to one balance for those trips that require a large amount of money.   I had to do this when we went on a Disney World + Disney cruise trip and had over 50 gift cards to use.    I use a sharpie pen to label the main card I plan to keep in my wallet with the total amount written on it, and any that have zero balances after the transfer I will X out with a pen and save in a box.  (I recommend always saving your transferred cards in a file, just in case you make a mistake on the transfer).   Each time you use your Disney gift card, the receipt will show your remaining balance.   

 

If you prefer to plan the trip on your own,  go directly to Disney’s website.   Online there will sometimes be ticket offers you can’t get at the ticket booth.   Once again though, you will not save any money booking on your own.  In fact, using an Enchanted Travels agent will end up saving you more money because they are on alert for any Disney room and ticket discounts, and know other tips to help save $ on your vacation.  Enchanted Travels Agency even gives a portion of their commission back to you with a Disney gift card and other special gifts.  

 

 

 

If you plan on returning to Disneyland within the year, consider buying a season pass.  You get great discounts on Disney dining, merchandise, and hotels.  If you decide to buy a season pass while you are at the park, you can visit the ticket booth and they will apply your ticket purchase to the season pass rate.  Make sure to do this while you are still active at the parks.  The credit cannot be applied after your park tickets are used up.  We currently have the Flex Pass.  Visit here for more information on season passes.

 

Do I need a hopper pass?

It depends.  If you only have one day at Disneyland/California Adventure, a hopper pass is a must to see both parks.   For a 2 day pass or more though I do not buy hoppers, and prefer to stick with one park per day so I can immerse myself in all the park has to offer.  I love exploring all the details of each land, and taking lots of photos.   Hopping between the 2 parks takes extra time and walking, and if crowds are heavy it can make the trip stressful having to run around between parks.  Popular rides will often be sold out of fast passes by the time you are able to hop over, so having a touring plan and strategy will be very important if you plan to hop.   

Hopper passes are best for families where they prefer to focus on favorite rides from both parks, each day of their trip, or for families with short trips.  If this is your first Disneyland vacation, you won’t know until you get there.  But the good news is you can always upgrade your park tickets to hopper passes at the ticket booth if you decide you want to visit both parks each day of your trip.  

 

What are Fast Passes?

Fast passes are ride reservations so you don’t have to wait in long lines.  They are available via the MaxPass upgrade option on the Disneyland app, and also at kiosks for each attraction that offers them, and are linked to your park ticket.  You will be given a time to return and have an hour to use it, which is displayed on the ticket given at the kiosk.  You can also find the reservation on your phone app.  You will be allowed to book another fast pass after the time given on your ticket, which is usually an hour or two later.   When you return to the ride attraction, you will scan your park ticket at the fast pass line.  Read more about which rides offer fast passes here.

 

 

Should I buy the $15 Max Pass option?

YES.     Max Pass enables you to book fast pass ride reservations via the Disneyland app on your phone, instead of having to walk to the kiosk located near each attraction.   On busy park days (which seem to be almost everyday now) it’s a big inconvenience to be walking back and forth between different lands just to get a fast pass ticket.   On high crowd days, Max Pass will make your trip much easier and enjoyable.   If you are hopping between parks the same day, then Max Pass is a must.   (price has gone up since this photo was taken)

 

Another perk of Max Pass is the photos.  You will have access to all the photos taken in the park that day.  Even if you decided not to upgrade your entire group to a Max Pass, you could always just pay the $15 for one person so you can have all the photos.

 

Max Passes can be bought ahead of time, or from the app once inside the park.  But you can’t start booking reservations for rides until you enter the park and have scanned your ticket.  You will need to download the Disneyland Resort App to use Max Pass.  Tip: make sure to bring a portable phone charger to the parks because you will be relying on the app.  Once inside the park, you will log in to your Disneyland Resort App and begin booking your first ride.   Here is the process:

• Download the Disneyland Resort App and and click on “Get FASTPASS” and add your party members, link their tickets, and purchase.  It is $15 per person.
• Once you are inside the park, go to the map of the park located at the homepage of your app. and click on “Show List” as pictured below.

 

 

From the list of alphabetized attractions, select the ride you want to book a reservation for with your Max Pass

 

 

Once you have booked your fast pass ride reservation using Max Pass, it will tell you the time you can book another ride.  (usually in an hour or two)   I will set an alert on my phone of the time when I can book another fast pass so I don’t forget.  When you return for the attraction reservation time, you will need to scan your park ticket or card at the Fast Pass entrance.  

 

If Max Pass breaks the budget, you can always do the old school way of booking fast passes by walking to each kiosk near the attraction, and scanning your ticket.  I have found that if we spend all our time in one park,  walking to the kiosks isn’t as big of a problem.  On heavy crowd days, I will often assign one person to get the fast passes for our whole group, so we don’t all have to walk over and waste time.    For more information on Fast Passes at Disneyland, visit here.

 

 

 

What is the best hotel near Disneyland? 

Our #1 favorite is the Disneyland Hotel Resort!

 

At Christmas time, our #1 pick is Disney’s Grand Californian Resort! 

 

The Disneyland Hotel is usually $100-200 less per night than the Grand Californian.  Both have luxurious rooms, and Disney theming.

 

Disneyland Hotel has a light up headboard orchestrated to the music at the press of a button

 

Disney’s Grand Californian refurbished room

Both are located onsite, and offer the best theming, dining, and location at Disneyland.    For my latest review of the stunning Grand Californian Resort, click here. The Grand Californian wins on location, being located directly INSIDE California Adventure Park, and it’s more serene upscale atmosphere.  But the Disneyland Hotel wins on magical room theming, and tropical pool grounds that kids will love.  It is located next to the monorail which transports you right into Disneyland Park, or you can walk through Downtown Disney to the main gate.  

 

 

 

 

 

The pools and water slides are heated,  so even during the winter months the kids can enjoy the grounds!

This is the lower level pool and hot tub (the water slides are further up)

 

Disneyland Hotel rooms offer ceiling to floor picture windows with incredible views!

 

 

 

Both hotels are perfect for families, and offer standard priced rooms that fit 5 (2 queen beds and a daybed).   For theming, my children love the Disneyland Resort with it’s Polynesian grounds, water slides and pools, and magical Disney touches in the room.  I usually go with the Disneyland Resort, but when they run discounted rates on the majestic Grand Californian, I will splurge on this posh hotel below.

 

Disney’s Grand Californian pool

 

At Christmas time, the Grand Californian would be our top pick with it’s grand lobby, craftsman style architecture, and plush holiday decor.  Another factor is the age of your children.  For babies and toddlers who needs naps and strollers, being able to walk so quickly to the Grand Californian is a huge perk since you are literally inside California Adventure.   

 

Disney’s Grand Californian at Christmas

 

If you are wondering if it’s worth splurging the extra money on an onsite hotel, the answer is yes!    In addition to the many perks of being a Disney resort guest, it is something you need to experience at least once.  The times we stay offsite, the trip is not as magical and relaxing.   When you stay inside the Disney bubble with the closer location, theming, and Disney quality,  it takes your vacation to a higher level.  But ultimately you will have to do what is in your budget, and sometimes staying onsite is not possible for us when the rates are too high.

For fun, check out the signature suites at both hotels.   It’s not in my budget but we can look at the pictures and dream!

 

How can I get the best rate at a Disney Resort?

Using a Disney travel agent will be your best strategy for room discounts.  They are the first to be alerted for any room drops or discount code offers.  Disney often offers them around 3 months before discount booking period, and off season weeks are going to save you the most.  If you are a Disney VISA cardholder, you will often have early access to these room discounts.    I try to plan my trip dates around the lowest discounted rate being offered at the Disney resort hotels.   Check here to search around which dates are better than others for discounts.  If you are a member of the military, you can get the best discounts.  

 

What is the best offsite hotel? 

There are several great hotels near Disneyland I could recommend, but this ranking is based on those in walking distance and higher quality for a lower price.

#1

My #1 pick based on location and price is the Best Western Plus Park Place Inn.   You can’t get any closer to the entrance of Disneyland and California Adventure when staying offsite than this hotel.   It is located directly across the street from the main gate,  with around a 5 minute walk to security. The rooms have been recently renovated, and have a modern boutique style to them.   They also offer mini suites that fit a family of 6, which is a big plus for our large family.  The bed was very comfortable, and with my sensitive back is an important factor in paying for a hotel stay.  There is a parking fee, but breakfast is free.   The pool is nothing exciting though, so with kids you may want to skip this one.  

 

 

 

#2

Marriott Courtyard Theme Park Entrance,  has a very fun water slide pool area for kids, and my favorite for quality of all the offsite hotels on Harbor Blvd in close walking distance.   The only negative is the price, which can sometimes be almost as much as the superior Disneyland Hotel (if the Disneyland Hotel is just slightly more in cost, stay onsite!).   Just to give you an idea of the walking distance between Best Western Park Place Inn and Marriott Courtyard, it took me only 5.24 minutes extra to Disneyland’s main gate from this hotel.  

 

 

 

#3

We loved our recent stay at the newer Hyatt House Anaheim, with suites perfect for a family needing a larger space, and some rooms have kitchens.  Breakfast was included, and the hotel was very nice and clean.  The mattress was great!   Cons are the parking fee at $18 a day, and it is the furthest walk of my top 5 offsite hotels.  Walking at a brisk pace took me an extra 8.5 minutes to Disneyland’s main gate vs Best Western Park Place Inn, so you don’t want to be going back and forth to your hotel during the day if you stay there. You will also encounter quite a few homeless along the Harbor Blvd. walk, which is why this hotel requires a room key to use the elevator.  Here is a video clip of our recent stay at the Hyatt House studio room:

 

 

#4

Another offsite hotel that has a special place in my heart on my top 5 list is the Candy Cane Inn.  This charming boutique hotel is family run, and has a very loyal Disney fan base.  It is one of only a few hotels near Disneyland with a DEDICATED shuttle, all complimentary, to and from the parks (other hotels use the city shuttle ART, which require multiple stops and fees).  They do not charge for parking or resort fees, unlike most other hotels. It was fun chatting with the regulars, and there is something just magical about it.   With the beautiful landscaped gardens, it feels like a little piece of paradise.  The free breakfast, and shuttle service were excellent, but you can also walk to the park from there.   The rooms look old fashioned, but are very clean and maintained nicely.  The mattress was actually one of the most comfortable we’ve ever had at Disneyland.   I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.  It’s about a 7 minute extra walk to Disneyland main gate vs Best Western Plus Park Place Inn.

 

 

 

 

#5

Country Inn and Suites  is a newer hotel, and a great value for your dollar but is the furthest walk of my top picks (around 20 min to the main gate).   It includes free parking and free breakfast, but does charge a resort fee.   The parking is very easy at this hotel with it’s large outdoor space, vs hotels on Harbor Blvd with very congested limited lots.  The rooms were oddly large (could have fit more beds in them), and we loved the grounds with heated pool & hot tub.  Unlike most hotels, the beautiful outdoor pool is open until midnight!  Do not underestimate the importance of the hotel pool to children.  At other hotels it was sad to see their disappointment when they arrive to find the pool closed, so we greatly appreciate the longer hours at Country Inn and Suites.  Breakfast buffet is included with your stay, and it was good food with a very clean serving & dining area.   The lobby is modern and boutique style, along with the rooms.   The con with this hotel is the much longer walk to the main gate which might be tough with younger kids who are not in a stroller at the end of a long day at the park. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best way to book a Disney resort or Good Neighbor offsite hotel?   Use a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations and can book your hotel with a ticket package through Disney.  If going on your own, you can use Hotwire to get a good rate.  If you have AAA,  government, military, senior citizen, etc, check with the hotel for any discounts.   If you don’t mind the risk of getting stuck with a non-refundable hotel that might have a longer walk, then booking a blind reservation on Priceline or Hotwire will usually be your best discount.  But if being across the street from Disneyland is a priority, do not take a chance booking an unknown hotel on Hotwire or Priceline.  I have made that mistake a few times and ended up having to drive and park at the Disney lot (which means extra parking fees too).  It’s not worth the cost savings to get stuck with a hotel you didn’t want on your special vacation.

For a more comprehensive list of the other good hotel options along Harbor Blvd. that are in close walking distance to Disneyland, visit the Disney Tourist Blog here.   For those times I use Hotwire and get a random hotel, I also love Disney Tourist Blog’s list of hotel reviews and rankings here.

 

Offsite Hotels with Shuttles:

You will be able to find some great offsite resorts deals further away from the parks.  However I personally don’t like using shuttles and prefer to stay only in hotels that are close walking distance.  Shuttles can be frustrating having to worry about what time I have to leave the park, and waiting around for it.   Embassy Suites Anaheim South is my top pick for hotels with a shuttle.    

 

 

What are the “must do” restaurants I should plan at Disneyland?

 

Blue Bayou $$$ ($28-50) is our favorite restaurant at Disneyland and not to be missed!  It is located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction  (but the entrance to the restaurant is not),  and the ambiance takes first place among all dining at Disneyland.    The New Orleans night theme set by the river under the stars and lanterns is truly enchanting.  It’s also sure to lull little ones asleep, and a perfect opportunity for their nap.  Make sure to get reservations ASAP because this restaurant can often be sold out weeks in advance.   A perk of having a Disney travel agent is they can do this for you, & are experts at finding tough to get reservations.   Lunch has a few less expensive options added to the menu, so that is usually the time we book it.  We will take any time offered to us though when it’s difficult to get a reservation.   If you can’t get reservations, check the website or dining app often because cancellations open up.   I will often check while we are waiting in line for a ride, and usually something will pop up.

 

Magical Tips: it is much easier to book multiple smaller parties than larger groups.  They will usually put your group together once you check in, but try and let them know ahead of time.    For the menu visit here.   I recommend trying the fan favorite Monte Christo Sandwich on the lunch menu, but beware if you are tummy sensitive to fried food.  I prefer the vegetarian pasta.  Surf and Turf or the salmon would be my next choice.   Also consider the Fantasmic Dining package at Blue Bayou, for reserved seating to watch the show.   I highly recommend ordering a Mint Julep with souvenir light up cube or the Lousiana Lemonade.   Kids will love the light up glass, and it adds to the beautiful ambiance!

 

Here’s a short clip giving you an idea of the ambiance, but it’s much prettier in person.  Phone camera can’t capture it!

 

 

Plaza Inn:  $ ($15 to $18) Another must do restaurant for lunch or dinner is the Plaza Inn on Main Street.   They have amazing fried chicken and pot roast!  My pasta crazed boy thinks they have the best marinara sauce he’s ever had, and requested his birthday dinner there just to have it.  This is a casual quick service restaurant so reservations are not needed for lunch or dinner.  Seating and ordering is done cafeteria style, but the restaurant decor is Victorian elegance.

Yummy fried chicken!

 

 

*Breakfast at Plaza Inn is a buffet $$ ($35) and by advance reservations only for the Minnie and Friends character meal.  The food at breakfast is average, but the character experience is our favorite of all the ones offered for little ones.   I recommend this character meal for any young children who want to meet many classic Disney characters that come to your table for pictures.  This saves you from long lines and having to find them around the park.  You are paying for the character interaction, so don’t expect the food to be high quality.  

 

 

 

Little Red Wagon $-My next must eat snack or lunch is a hand dipped corn dog from the Little Red Wagon on Main Street.  Best corn dogs ever.  

*Magical Tip for the Little Red Wagon:  although it’s not show on their menu, you do not have to order the chips and drink combo with your corn dog.  They sell them a la carte, and it will save you a few dollars that way.

 

 

 

If you are at Disneyland two days, our next favorite restaurants are:

 

Carnation Cafe  $$ ($13 to $20) is one of our favorite casual dining spots for breakfast or lunch, and reservations are recommended.  The breakfast at Carnation Cafe is located on Main Street and much higher quality food than quick service options  (their Mickey Waffles are my favorite!).   For lunch I’ve had the meat loaf and it’s also outstanding.  The lunch and dinner menu has a great selection of delicious comfort foods.   

Tip:  don’t order the “healthy” kid menu Mickey waffles.  They are whole grain, and very disappointing to children.   We order the normal adult waffles (pictured below)  and have our kids share them.  

 

 

River Belle Terrace $$ ($20 to $30) offers casual dining for lunch or dinner, in a very cute table service restaurant overlooking the river.   The menu has a southern flair, with   Fantasmic packages for reserved seating at the show.   This lovely restaurant is a family favorite!

 

 

 

 

 

What are the best snacks at Disneyland? 

 

My top treats are:

1. Mickey Beignets:  located at Cafe Orleans Mint Julep Bar in Disneyland (near the Haunted Mansion)
2. Disneyland Hand Dipped Corn Dogs:  located at the Little Red Wagon on Main Street Disneyland or Corn Dog Castle at California Adventure
3. Matterhorn Macaroon:  located at the Jolly Holiday Bakery on Main Street in Disneyland
4. Raspberry Macaroon:  located at the Jolly Holiday Bakery on Main Street in Disneyland
5. Pineapple Dole Whip Floats:  located at the Tropical Hideaway & Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland/Disneyland
6. Churros:  located at multiple carts throughout the parks but we usually go to the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land/California Adventure, or the churro cart between Matterhorn and Small World.  
7. Fudge:  located at multiple candy shops in both parks but I usually go to Pooh’s Corner next to Splash Mountain
8. Ghiradelli Ice Cream Sundaes:  located in California Adventure  (get the raspberry sundae with hot fudge!)
9. Disney Themed Caramel Apples:  located at multiple candy shops, or Downtown Disney
10. Popcorn:  located at multiple carts throughout the parks
11. Soft Serve Ice Cream:  located at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure.  Get sprinkles!  

For more details of my favorite treats, see my post here. (link coming soon)

 

 

 

What are the “must do” dining locations at California Adventure Park?

See my recent post here for details of our favorites.    Carthay Circle Restaurant is my top pick for fine dining, but for more casual dining the new it place ‘Lamplight Lounge’ is a must do as well.   Reservations are recommended, but it’s fairly easy to get a walk up table if you don’t mind sitting in the bar or patio.  Quick service favorite is Flo’s Cafe.

 

 

Best Character Meals at Disneyland:

For breakfast, Minnie & Friends at the Plaza Inn on Main St. inside Disneyland is my top pick.  The character interaction is fantastic, and there are usually some unique characters.  For dinner, I love Goofy’s Kitchen, and since it’s not in the park, you can dine there upon arriving to Anaheim.  Great way to kick off the trip!  Food is buffet quality, but the character interaction at these meals is better than anything you can get in the parks.  

 

 

What is the best one day plan for Disneyland?

See my post here for a one day plan if arriving at rope drop (park opening).   *link coming soon

If you like to sleep in, here is a day plan for arriving mid morning.

 

 

What is the best one day plan for California Adventure Park?

See my post here for a one day plan.  (link coming soon)

 

 

Can I do both parks for a one day trip?

Yes, but I strongly advise against it, especially for first timers.  2 days is a necessity to really do both parks properly, and 3 days is ideal for a first timer.   But if you only have one day for both parks, see my post here (link coming soon) for a strategic plan on doing both.

 

 

What do I need to bring in the park?

We always bring a backpack and small light shoulder purse to hold my tickets and credit cards.

Both of these we purchased at Disneyland.

• drivers license, two credit cards, any Disney gift cards/cash, hotel card, and your Disney tickets.
• backpack with some bottled waters (we don’t bring snacks because Disney’s are the best!)
• small light hip purse or fanny pack for camera, phone, cards, and tickets
• phone charger or portable charger
• sweatshirt or any weather related extra clothing needed (or keep them at your hotel if it’s close by)
• hand sani or wipes
• chapstick
• kleenex
• travel size sunscreen, sunglasses, or hat
• stroller is a must for little ones, and for children age 7 and under who will get tired of walking, bring an extra umbrella stroller

 

*We have encountered trips in the winter that required rain gear, and snow jackets.  Disneyland does sell a high quality rain poncho (pictured above) if that occurs, and umbrellas, but they can sell out on busy days.  We went to a nearby K-Mart to get rain boots, ponchos, and umbrellas  when Disneyland ran out.  Don’t bother with the cheap dollar store ponchos, and spend the extra money for a high quality one if you really want to stay dry.   We also had one trip where it was freezing cold the entire day.  We had to buy $20 gloves inside the Disney store, and $50 sweatshirts.  They are very limited on glove options, so pack your own if needed.  Make sure to always pack extra coats, gloves, layering clothes, hats, umbrellas, etc. for any bad weather on the forecast.  One day I needed a winter coat over my sweatshirt!

 

 

 

When is the best time to visit Disneyland? 

My absolute favorite time to visit is the week after Thanksgiving, or the first two weeks of December.  The Christmas decorations and castle are spectacular, and no other time of year compares to it.   October is also a fun month to visit and see all the Halloween decorations.  For lowest crowd times, it’s always better mid week than weekends, and I avoid any holiday breaks.  Lowest crowd size is early in the morning and increases hour by hour throughout the day.  Spring break is the only exception to my rule of avoiding holidays.  The schools in California all have different breaks starting in March through April, so it’s not as crowded as Christmas or summer break. Lowest crowd by month for me has been mid September and late January but off season months also tend to have more ride closures for refurbishment.   The last few years we haven’t seen anything like the short lines off season we had as kids in the 80’s and 90’s.  There really isn’t any month immune to heavy crowds anymore.   A good rule of thumb is to look at the dates blocked out on the Southern California select annual pass.  The days that are not allowed on that pass are going to be the highest peak crowd times.   Also check with your hotel for any events going on in the area before you plan a trip.  We were surprised to learn that all throughout May there are Senior grad nights, which made our “off season” week horribly crowded.  But your most consistent time for low crowds any day of the year is to get there early in the morning!  We always take advantage of the Magic Morning hour offered by our Disney resort hotel.    Look at how empty Main Street is in the early morning!

 

 

 

 

Ten Extra Magic Tips:

 

1. Book a reservation for your daughter at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Sleeping Beauty’s Castle for a princess makeover
2. Make Blue Bayou restaurant reservations 60 day ahead.  It sells out fast!
3. Book a character meal for Minnie’s Breakfast at the Plaza Inn in Disneyland.   For a character meal outside the park to kick off your trip the night before, Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel is the best option.
4. Utilize Rider Switch for children who can’t ride an attraction,  so you don’t have to wait in line twice.
5. Book the best preferred seating for the World of Color show with a meal package at Carthay Circle restaurant or Wine Country Tattoria  (you can also get a fast pass for it in a different location)
6. Book preferred seating for the Fantasmic show with a meal package at River Belle Terrace or Blue Bayou restaurant. (you can also get a fast pass)
7. Arrive earlier than opening time to take advantage of light crowds and great photo opportunities.  If staying at a Disney resort with extra magic hour, make sure to arrive earlier than the opening time.
8. Make sure to check the Disney website list of attractions here to see any ride or show closures that might affect your day plan.
9. Stop at the Mad Hatter Shop in Fantasy Land/Disneyland for a cute hat!  They will embroider your name on it!
10. Stop at the silhouette shop on Main Street for a lovely souvenir!   It makes the perfect wall decor in our home!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any questions?   Leave a comment below.  🙂