Top 8 Tips for Planning your Next Disneyland Vacation
It’s never too early to start planning your next Disneyland vacation! As a travel agent I love planning and researching all aspects of my and my guest’s vacations. Today, I’ve got some top tips for how to save and make your Disneyland trip as magical as possible!
1. Plan your Disneyland Resort vacation even further in advance to find dates that work for your schedule at the best price points.
Did you know that later this month, guests purchasing or holding theme park tickets will be able to view the theme park reservation calendar and book visits out even further – for dates up to 180 days in advance? This will help you have greater visibility into the theme park ticket options at a variety of price points on the calendar for the days you’d like to visit, including select days with tickets priced at $104 per day.
Something else to consider is that when you book a Disneyland Resort vacation package through Walt Disney Travel Co., you have to put down an initial deposit (plus any travel protection costs). But did you know that the remainder of the payment isn’t due until 30 days before your visit? If you book early, you can plan ahead and budget for your trip accordingly.
Related – Guide to Staying at the Disneyland Hotel
2. Consider multi-day tickets to get the most out of your visit.
If you’re planning to visit The Happiest Place on Earth for more than one day, you can save by purchasing 1-park per day tickets. That way, you can spend a whole day dedicated to one theme park and all that it has to offer and then take your time to explore the other park the next day! And if that’s not enough, visit for three days and enjoy your favorite park twice!
Bonus Tip: Be sure to look for any seasonal ticket offers available for the dates of your trip.
3. Save time by using Disney Genie+ service.
Purchasing Disney Genie+ service can help you spend less time waiting in line at some favorite attractions, including two new additions on the way! Disneyland is bringing two family-friendly rides to the bundle – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming soon, and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will be joining next month! And once you’ve left the resort, the fun continues with Disney PhotoPass Lenses available through Disney Genie+ service for 45 days – even more opportunity to take the magic home.
4. BYO: Bring your own reusable water bottle, snacks and stroller.
When spending a full day in the theme parks, it’s important to stay hydrated and fueled up! And while there are lots of fun treats to choose from (churros, anyone?), you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks for whenever hunger strikes! Just make sure you check the latest park guidelines on allowable items and rules, and leave glassware at home.
Also, consider bringing your own reusable water bottle and top off at the water refill stations located throughout the parks (the newest location is located in San Fransokyo Square in Disney California Adventure park).
And if you have little ones with you and don’t want to rent a stroller during your visit, you can bring your own. Just make sure it meets our stroller requirements, and that you can fold it up before you hop aboard parking lot trams or buses.
5. Plan your meals ahead of time with mobile food ordering on the Disneyland app.
Use the mobile order feature on the Disneyland app to easily plan ahead to grab a bite from some of our quick-service restaurants. You can mobile order to enjoy great food at more casual dining locations that tend to be priced lower than choices at table-service restaurants. Some of my favorite lower-priced items include the Bengal Barbecue’s Tiger Tail garlic-herb and cheese breadstick in Disneyland park, or the delicious Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Crinkle-cut Fries at Smokejumpers Grill in Disney California Adventure park!
And another tip for parents and families – place a mobile order earlier in the day (say, over breakfast) for your group’s can’t-miss meals and snacks for later in the day.
6. Check hotel options both on-property and off-property for good deals.
Many guests choose to stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort to fully immerse themselves in Disney during their visit and for special perks like close proximity to the theme parks and 30-minute early entry at a select theme park. Before you book, be sure to check out special hotel offers and discounts that may be available during your trip. Guests choosing to stay on Disney property can save up to 15% on select nights at certain Disneyland Resort hotels this fall!
And if you’re looking for other accommodation options, Good Neighbor Hotels, located close to the Disneyland Resort, are wonderful choices with a variety of options that may work better with your budget. Plus, many of these Good Neighbor Hotels are within walking distance and/or may offer transportation directly to the theme parks!
7. Carpool, rideshare or take public transportation.
Don’t need to drive yourself? Even better to save on parking! Save your mileage for Autopia and get dropped off at one of our guest pickup and drop-off locations in Downtown Disney District and off Harbor Boulevard.
Disneyland Resort is also conveniently located and accessible by public transportation. Learn more about how you can take bus and train service to Disneyland Resort, and score some planet-friendly environmental points, too.
8. Take home memories with complimentary Disney PhotoPass attraction photos.
I love getting off Incredicoaster and seeing the hilarious faces my friends and family make in our attraction photo. As a thank you to guests, complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads are available from select rides such as Space Mountain and Radiator Springs Racers.
Looking for more tips and help with planning your Disneyland vacation? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
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