Destinations · Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort where it all began

Walt’s original park, Disney California Adventure and Club Level stays in Anaheim.

Why Disneyland

Classic Disney, done right

Disneyland is the only park Walt Disney walked, and its compact size makes it perfect for a long weekend or a first Disney trip. Two parks sit steps apart, with Downtown Disney in between, and Walt Disney – A Magical Life now brings Walt himself to the Main Street Opera House.

I’ve planned Disneyland trips from Club Level at Pixar Place to hard-to-get Disneyland After Dark tickets, so you get the best of both parks without the guesswork.

Read my guide: A first visit to Disneyland Resort →

Stephanie posing with the Mickey ferris wheel at Pixar Pier

Pixar Pier · Disney California Adventure

Theme parks

Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure

Ideal length

3–4 nights

Best for

Long weekends, first Disney trips, Star Wars fans

Pairs well with

Universal Studios Hollywood

Where to stay

Disneyland hotels

Deluxe

Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Craftsman-style luxury with its own entrance into Disney California Adventure.

Must-do

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Rise of the Resistance, Oga’s Cantina and the Millennium Falcon, now with a Mandalorian and Grogu mission.

Classic

Disneyland Hotel

Walking distance to both parks, with a pool area and themed suites. As of 2026, Disney hotel guests receive one Lightning Lane entry per person per stay.

Must-do

Avengers Campus & Cars Land

Two of California Adventure’s most-loved lands.

Newest

Pixar Place Hotel

Pixar-themed rooms and a Club Level our clients love.

Special events

After-dark parties

Seasonal ticketed nights with exclusive entertainment.

My Disneyland

Where it all began

From the castle to the resort hotels, these are from my own visits. I know the details that make a Disneyland trip feel magical, and how to plan around them.

Stephanie with Minnie Mouse on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland

Main Street, U.S.A.

Smiles with Minnie

Stephanie and Will at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel

Disneyland Hotel

Tiki drinks at Trader Sam’s

Stephanie and Will kissing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland

Sleeping Beauty Castle

A kiss at the castle

Stephanie and Will with Bing Bong at Pixar Place Hotel, Disneyland Resort

Pixar Place Hotel

Hello, Bing Bong

Disney California Adventure

Next door, more to explore

Pixar Pier, Cars Land and Avengers Campus make the second park a must. I build both parks into your plan so you see the best of each.

Stephanie with Mrs. Incredible at Disney California Adventure

Mrs. Incredible

Super-strong smiles

Stephanie with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde at Disney California Adventure

Judy & Nick

Zootopia friends

Stephanie with Disgust from Inside Out at Disney California Adventure

Pixar Pier

Inside Out fun

Stephanie and Will at the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land, Disney California Adventure

Cars Land

The Cozy Cone Motel

Pixar Place Hotel

Club level, beautifully done

Club level adds a private lounge with food and drinks throughout the day. It’s one of the upgrades I recommend most for families.

Club level lounge seating at Pixar Place Hotel, Disneyland Resort

Quiet corners

Room to relax between parks

Coffee and snack station in the club level lounge at Pixar Place Hotel

Coffee bar

Fresh coffee on hand

Club level lounge at Pixar Place Hotel, Disneyland Resort

The lounge

Bright, Pixar-inspired spaces

Club level refreshments at Pixar Place Hotel, Disneyland Resort

Refreshments

Snacks and drinks all day

Disneyland After Dark

Star Wars Nite

A separately ticketed evening with special characters, smaller crowds and lightsabers raised before the Millennium Falcon. These nights sell out quickly, so I watch for tickets the moment they release.

Stephanie with stormtroopers at Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

Rise of the Resistance

Facing the First Order

Millennium Falcon and lightsabers at Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

Galaxy’s Edge

Lightsabers raised high

Stephanie and Will at Main Street Station during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

Main Street Station

Ready for Star Wars Nite

Stephanie and Will with BB-8 at Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

BB-8

Droid friends after dark

Experiences

What I plan for you

Park strategy

A plan for both parks with Lightning Lane selections built in.

Dining

Oga’s Cantina, character dining and the best table-service spots.

Club Level

Lounge access and perks that make short trips feel effortless.

Add Universal

Pair your trip with Universal Studios Hollywood nearby.

When to go

When to visit

Quieter times

Midweek, Jan–Feb

Shorter waits and easier dining reservations.

Seasonal fun

Fall & holidays

Halloween overlays, holiday decorations and special events.

Sample itinerary

A classic long weekend

A starting point — every itinerary is designed around you.

I

Arrive

Day 1

Check in and stroll Downtown Disney.

II

Disneyland Park

Day 2

Galaxy’s Edge, classic dark rides and the nighttime spectacular.

III

California Adventure

Day 3

Cars Land, Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier.

IV

Park hopping

Day 4

Revisit favorites across both parks before heading home.

Good to know

Questions I hear most

  • Yes — it’s much smaller and walkable, ideal for 3–4 days, with some attractions you won’t find in Florida.

  • Absolutely — it’s about an hour away, and I plan combined trips often.

  • For short trips, the lounge snacks and convenience add a lot of value.

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