How do I plan my first Disneyland trip?
Choose your dates, decide how many days, pick a hotel near the parks, then buy tickets. Disneyland has two parks that are close together, so a short trip can work well.
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California has two parks across a plaza from each other: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. A first visit works well in two to four days.
The two parks
- Disneyland Park: the original park, with Sleeping Beauty Castle, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
- Disney California Adventure: Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs Racers, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Soarin' Around the World, Toy Story Midway Mania and World of Color.
How many days
Three days is a comfortable first visit. Two days can work if you choose priorities.
Tickets
Ticket prices depend on the date. After the October 6, 2026 increase, one-day, one-park adult tickets run from $104 to $224. Multi-day one-park tickets did not change: $335 for two days, $425 for three, $480 for four and $520 for five. Park Hopper costs extra. See the budget guide.
Lightning Lane
Disneyland sells Lightning Lane Multi Pass at about $34 to $35 per person in advance, and from $38 on the day, according to 2026 reporting. Resort hotel guests get one free Multi Pass entry per stay. Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers use separate Single Passes. Reservations open after you scan into the park. Consider skipping it on slower days.
Where to stay
Hotels close to the parks save time. Daily Early Entry for Disneyland hotel guests ended January 5, 2026, so compare hotel prices against walking distance. See 2026 changes.
Make each day easier
- Arrive early. Lines are shortest in the first hour.
- Book dining up to 60 days ahead.
- Charge a battery pack. The app drives everything.
- Take an afternoon break.
- Stay for Fantasmic or World of Color, and see the later showing if you want smaller crowds.
Compare with Disney World. For help, request a trip.
Check Disney's own pages
Disney prices, policies and availability change, so check Disney's own pages before you book.
