Disneyland Resort, California, USA
Highlights
- Disneyland Park
- Disney California Adventure Park
- Downtown Disney (Shopping, Dining & Entertainment)
Key Information
Timezone: -8 hoursCurrency: US Dollars
Language: English
Flight Time: 10 -11 hours
Airport(s)/transport
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- John Wayne Orange County / Santa Ana Airport
Where Magic Began: The Disneyland Resort
Experience the park that started it all. Opening its gates on July 17, 1955, in Anaheim, California, Disneyland is the only theme park designed and built to the completion of Walt Disney himself. Today, it remains a timeless masterpiece where nostalgia meets cutting-edge innovation.
Two Parks, One Incredible Destination
The Disneyland Resort has evolved into a multi-day destination featuring two distinct theme parks located just steps away from each other across a pedestrian esplanade.
- Disneyland Park: A perfect blend of “Walt-era” classics like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and immersive new worlds like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, home to the groundbreaking Rise of the Resistance.
- Disney California Adventure Park: Celebrate the spirit of California through high-octane thrills. Explore the neon glow of Cars Land, team up with Super Heroes at Avengers Campus, or stroll the whimsical Pixar Pier.
Planning Your Visit
With over 100 attractions, rides, and shows across the resort, roughly double the offering of Disneyland Paris, you won’t want to rush.
Expert Tip: To truly soak in the atmosphere and experience the majority of what both parks have to offer, we recommend a 3 to 5-day visit.
Ready to walk in Walt’s footsteps? Contact us today to start planning your Southern California getaway!
Seasonal Magic & Festivals
There is always a reason to celebrate at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Depending on when you visit, you can immerse yourself in limited-time events:
- Spring: Sip and savour your way through the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival.
- Autumn: Experience Halloween Time, where the parks transform with pumpkin decor and the famously spooky Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Oogie Boogie Bash: On select nights in the fall, Disney California Adventure hosts this separately ticketed, after-hours event. It’s the ultimate Halloween party featuring immersive treat trails hosted by villains, the Frightfully Fun Parade, and rare character sightings. Note: Tickets for this event are in high demand and typically sell out months in advance, so early booking is essential!
- Winter: Experience the multicultural magic of the Festival of Holidays and the breathtaking “It’s a Small World” Holiday lighting throughout November and December.
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Disneyland Resort Promotions & Offers
Kids’ Summer Ticket Offer from £38 per day
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park in Anaheim is a masterclass in “then and now,” seamlessly bridging the gap between 1950s nostalgia and cutting-edge adrenaline. The park’s foundation is built on timeless classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, which utilise grand-scale practical effects to immerse guests in the Golden Age of piracy and ghostly manors. In the heart of the park, Fantasyland continues to enchant with the hand-painted charm of Peter Pan’s Flight and the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the world’s first tubular steel coaster that paved the way for every modern thrill ride that followed.
Contrasting this vintage magic are the high-tech spectacles of the modern era, most notably found in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Here, Rise of the Resistance stands as a marvel of engineering, combining trackless ride vehicles and massive animatronics for a cinematic escape mission. Thrill-seekers can find high-speed intensity in Tomorrowland’s Space Mountain, an indoor interstellar race through total darkness, or the rugged, unpredictable plunges of Indiana Jones Adventure. Whether you are navigating the “wildest ride in the wilderness” on Big Thunder Mountain or battling the First Order, the park offers a perfect balance of historic wonder and futuristic excitement.
Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure (DCA) is a high-energy tribute to the spirit of California and the cinematic worlds of Pixar and Marvel. The current highlights of the park include:
- Avengers Campus: Home to WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure and the thrilling Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (a drop-tower epic with a rock-and-roll soundtrack).
- Cars Land: A stunningly immersive recreation of Radiator Springs, anchored by Radiator Springs Racers, a high-speed slot car race through the desert.
- Pixar Pier: A vibrant boardwalk featuring the Incredicoaster, the high-speed Toy Story Midway Mania!, and the iconic Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel.
- San Fransokyo Square: A reimagined dining and shopping district themed after Big Hero 6, where you can meet Baymax and Hiro.
Whether you’re exploring the craft beer and culinary delights of the Food & Wine Festival (each spring) or braving the supernatural during Oogie Boogie Bash in the fall, DCA offers a modern, high-intensity complement to the classic Disneyland experience.
Where to Stay
While the resort features three distinct official hotels—the nostalgic Disneyland Hotel, the rustic Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and the vibrant Pixar Place Hotel—your options don’t end there.
Unlike the sprawling layout of Walt Disney World in Florida, the Anaheim resort is wonderfully compact. In addition to the on-site Disney hotels, there are numerous “Good Neighbour” hotels within short walking distance or a quick shuttle ride away, offering flexibility for every budget. A sample selection of available hotels and accommodation are below.
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Disneyland Hotel
Deluxe ResortRates from £395 /ntOffering a sophisticated blend of mid-century nostalgia and modern luxury just steps away from the theme parks. Featuring themed pools and subtle Disney touches throughout. -
Grand Californian
Deluxe ResortRates from £539 /ntOffering a private entrance to Disney California Adventure Park, the resort provides guests with an upscale, rustic atmosphere -
Pixar Place Hotel
Deluxe ResortRates from £395 /ntvibrant, contemporary retreat that celebrates the artistry and humor of Pixar Animation Studios through colorful decor and playful character nods. It offers unique amenities like a rooftop pool deck. -
Tropicana Inn & Suites
★★★Rates from £245 /ntLocated directly across the street from the main pedestrian entrance to the Disneyland Resort. Its unbeatable location and heated pool make it a favorite for families prioritizing park access and value. -
The Anaheim Hotel
★★★Rates from £200 /ntA mid-century modern hotel located directly across from the Disneyland Resort. It offers a relaxed, retro atmosphere, pool and onsite dining -
Hotel Lulu
★★★★Rates from £125 /nt“California-cool” boutique hotel located just two blocks from the Disneyland Resort, offering a relaxed and modern escape from the theme park bustle. With its signature Lulu’s Kitchen, poolside craft cocktails, and stylishly minimalist rooms. -
Howard Johnson
★★★Rates from £175 /ntFamily favorite famous for its Castaway Cove pirate-themed water park and iconic mid-century modern architecture. Located just an eight-minute walk from the Disneyland gates, it offers a perfect mix of nostalgic charm and high-energy fun. -
Portofino Inn & Suites
★★★★Rates from £140 /ntKnown for its unique Kid Suites that feature bunk beds and private spaces for children. Located within walking distance of the parks, it offers a Mediterranean-inspired design and practical amenities like a heated outdoor pool.
Holiday Ideas
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California Dreaming: The Ultimate 8-Day Disney Escape
Highlights: Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Park (CA)This 8-day California escape is dedicated to the ultimate Disney fan, offering a deep dive into the world-class immersive attractions and storytelling of the Disneyland Resort. From the legendary charm of Disneyland Park and the cinematic thrills of Disney California Adventure to the vibrant dining and shopping hub of Downtown Disney, every moment is designed to maximise your time in the magic. With four full days of park access—and the flexibility to add more—you’ll have ample time to master the Avengers Campus, explore the far reaches of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and witness spectacular nightly fireworks. This journey is more than just a holiday; it is an invitation to walk in the footsteps of the man who started it all and experience the timeless, unparalleled enchantment of Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom.
From £1,749Per person, based on two adults sharing.
Extra guests from £849 pp. (sharing same accommodation) -
Southern California Highlights: Hollywood Glamour & Theme Park Magic
★ Includes FREE Excursions!
Highlights: Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Park (CA), Hollywood Sightseeing, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Warner Bros Studio TourThis 11-day self-touring itinerary offers a quintessential California adventure, seamlessly blending the cinematic glamour of Los Angeles with the enchanting magic of Disneyland. The journey begins in the heart of Hollywood, featuring immersive tours of celebrity estates, the Walk of Fame, and behind-the-scenes access at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The experience then shifts to a deep dive into the world’s most iconic theme parks, highlighted by four full days of wonder at Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure®, alongside the historic charm of Knott’s Berry Farm. Balancing structured highlights—from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ to Avengers Campus—with flexible time for optional excursions like whale watching or coastal exploring, this itinerary provides a comprehensive escape into the most legendary storytelling destinations in Southern California.
From £2,249Per person, based on two adults sharing.
Extra guests from £1,249 pp. (sharing same accommodation)
Travel Advice
Visa & Entry Requirements
Most UK passport holders do not need a full U.S, VISA to visit on holiday. The USA operates a VISA waiver programme (ESTA). You will need to apply for an ESTA before travel. This costs $21 USD per person. Visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ to apply.General Travel Advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office have advice for staying safe and well abroad. To find out more about your holiday destination, including entry requirements visit the Travel Aware website.LGBTQ+ Traveller Safety
U.S.A. has a LGBTQ+ safety index score of 292 and graded as B+. (A - F scale, A grades being ranked as most safe and F grades being least safe. Read more about LGBTQ+ travellers safety index by Asher & Lyric).Average Weather in Disneyland Resort
Jan
18℃
Av. Rain 76mm
(UK: 7℃ | 90mm)
Feb
18℃
Av. Rain 76mm
(UK: 7℃ | 70mm)
Mar
19℃
Av. Rain 71mm
(UK: 10℃ | 90mm)
Apr
21℃
Av. Rain 25mm
(UK: 13℃ | 40mm)
May
22℃
Av. Rain 10mm
(UK: 16℃ | 70mm)
Jun
24℃
Av. Rain 3mm
(UK: 19℃ | 50mm)
Jul
27℃
Av. Rain 0mm
(UK: 22℃ | 40mm)
Aug
28℃
Av. Rain 0mm
(UK: 21℃ | 70mm)
Sep
27℃
Av. Rain 5mm
(UK: 18℃ | 80mm)
Oct
24℃
Av. Rain 15mm
(UK: 15℃ | 90mm)
Nov
24℃
Av. Rain 31mm
(UK: 10℃ | 100mm)
Dec
19℃
Av. Rain 66mm
(UK: 8℃ | 80mm)