Disneyland Resort: What You Should Know Before Visiting

There’s something undeniably magical about stepping through the gates of Disneyland Resort – the smells of sweet churros, the joyful sound of a marching band on Main Street U.S.A., and the sight of Sleeping Beauty Castle soaring in the distance. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Disneyland offers a world where dreams come to life. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your trip – no matter your age or how long you stay.

What to Expect at Disneyland Resort

See for yourself Disney California Adventure — Enjoy history of Disney at Disneyland Park

Disneyland Resort features two distinct theme parks: the historic Disneyland Park, which first welcomed guests in 1955, and the newer Disney California Adventure, known for its contemporary attractions inspired by Pixar films, Marvel heroes, and California’s vibrant culture.

Each park is divided into themed “lands” – like Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Avengers Campus – bringing favorite stories and characters to life. Look forward to dazzling parades, unexpected encounters with beloved characters, and countless opportunities for shopping, dining, and capturing magical moments.

Disneyland caters to guests of all ages, from toddlers to thrill-seeking teens to nostalgic adults. Special events throughout the year – like Halloween Time, Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and Lunar New Year – can make your visit even more memorable, though they may also mean bigger crowds. Be sure to check the park’s 2025 calendar of events to plan around your interests.

Rides and Shows at Disneyland Resort

Let Little Mermaid attraction show how it is done — Little Mermaid attraction shows how it is done

There’s no shortage of iconic rides to enjoy. At Disneyland Park, don’t miss Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and the newly revamped Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly Splash Mountain). Star Wars enthusiasts can dive into the immersive world of Galaxy’s Edge, where they can embark on the Rise of the Resistance experience or pilot the Millennium Falcon.

At Disney California Adventure, don’t miss a spin on Radiator Springs Racers or a stroll through the playful and colorful Pixar Pier. Marvel fans will be amazed by Avengers Campus, where you can interact with superheroes and join Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure or help Doctor Strange battle mystical threats in the Ancient Sanctum.

For live entertainment, the park dazzles at night. Fantasmic! and World of Color are two can’t-miss nighttime shows combining music, fireworks, water effects, and storytelling. Pro tip: use Lightning Lane via the Disneyland app to reduce wait times for top attractions. The Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass options can save hours and help you catch every ride on your list.

Tips for Planning Your Disneyland Adventure

Early birds catch the best rides and lowest crowds — Plan your magical adventure with the Disneyland app

Start by downloading the Disneyland app, which gives you access to ride wait times, mobile food ordering, maps, character locations, and Genie itinerary planning tools. Booking tickets and park reservations early is essential, especially during holidays and weekends.

For a full experience, plan to spend 2–3 days and consider a Park Hopper ticket, allowing you to switch between the two parks starting at 11:00 a.m. daily. To skip lines, consider adding a Lightning Lane Multi Pass to your ticket and, for the ultimate hands-free experience, wear a MagicBand+ to interact with the parks in creative ways.

Packing essentials include comfortable shoes, a portable charger, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles. Staying on-site at one of Disneyland’s three hotels offers perks like early park access and Disney-themed rooms, while off-site lodging nearby can be more budget-friendly with easy walking distance.

The Disney Store Experience

Take home a bit of magic with personalized merchandise — Find exclusive collectibles only at Disneyland Resort

The Disney experience doesn’t stop at the park gates. Shopping is part of the adventure, with countless stores offering exclusive ears, themed apparel, plush toys, and collectibles you can’t get anywhere else.

Check out Disney S t ore Discounts and Coupons here!

Just outside the parks, Downtown Disney is a lively shopping and dining district featuring even more Disney Store locations, unique boutiques, and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or a personalized gift, it’s the perfect place to wrap up your visit in style.

CityPASS: Save on More Adventures Beyond Disneyland

CityPASS can give you your Disney adventure for less — Check CityPASS if you want good deals, combined with Disney adventure

If you’re planning to extend your Southern California vacation beyond Disneyland Resort, consider adding a CityPASS to your travel toolkit. With CityPASS Southern California, you can bundle admission to top attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND California, and other popular destinations – all at a discounted rate of up to 50% compared to individual ticket prices. It’s an excellent way to continue the fun without straining your travel budget.

CityPASS is designed for flexibility and ease, offering mobile-friendly tickets, multiple-day validity, and access to some of the most iconic experiences across the region. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, it’s a smart, convenient way to explore more of what Southern California has to offer – making your magical Disneyland vacation part of a broader, unforgettable adventure.