Answer: For your two-week September trip, planning transport wisely for the first few days in LA and Anaheim can save you both time and money. LA is very spread out, and driving in heavy traffic can be stressful, so careful consideration is key.

Answer: When it comes to walking distance to Disneyland, the Anaheim Marriott is indeed farther than several other Marriott-branded (and Marriott-adjacent) options. It’s walkable in theory, but not ideal—it’s roughly a 20–25 minute walk to the Harbor Blvd security entrance, which can feel long after a full park day. For early summer and a $300/night target, you have several much better, closer options within the Marriott family or very close to it.

Answer: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure (DCA) have recently introduced new turnstiles at the park entrances, Downtown Disney Monorail Station, and the Grand Californian Hotel entrance to DCA. These turnstiles are designed to allow guests to scan themselves in without requiring a cast member to perform the scan, streamlining the entry process.

Answer: Both the JW Marriott and Westin Anaheim Resort are excellent hotels near Disneyland, and since your price difference is minimal, the decision mostly comes down to location, amenities, and your specific family needs, especially with two small children.

Answer: For a 4-day trip with 2 adults and kids aged 5 and 12 staying near Disneyland, a balanced itinerary can help you enjoy both Disney and LA area attractions without feeling rushed. Since your 12-year-old loves Marvel, incorporating Universal Studios makes sense, and a movie studio tour can round out the experience.

Answer: Here is a detailed summary of the top tips, tricks, and observations from a 2-day Disneyland/California Adventure trip that can help with planning your own visit:

Answer: For a hotel experience similar to Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando, staying within the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim offers a few excellent options that provide convenience, themed experiences, and premium amenities. Being on-property gives you early park access, easy walking distance to the parks, and immersive Disney theming.

Answer: Yes, you can ship packages to Disney Hotels in Anaheim, including those purchased from the US Disney store. Disney provides a package delivery service to guests staying at their resort hotels, which allows you to receive items directly at your hotel during your stay. However, there are some important details to be aware of to avoid confusion or extra charges.

Answer: Disney California Adventure offers a system called Genie+ to help guests reduce wait times for popular attractions. Traditional FastPasses have been retired, and Genie+ is now the main way to access shorter lines for many rides.

Answer: For Disneyland Resort, both early entry and lower overall crowd levels help you do more rides — but they don’t help you equally. Early entry is a very powerful tool, especially for Disneyland Park, because most people do not wake up early and those 30 minutes often feel like having the park nearly to yourself. However, an entire low-crowd day still benefits you for many hours beyond rope drop. The best choice depends on which park you’re talking about and what your goals are.

Answer: The Grand Californian Hotel entrance to Disney California Adventure (DCA) has indeed been undergoing refurbishment to install new ticket scanners and potentially expand the entrance area. This update is part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to modernize guest entry and improve crowd flow between the hotel and park. During this refurbishment, the usual direct entrance from the hotel into DCA is closed, so guests will need to use alternative routes.

Answer: Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland is a special ticketed event held on select nights in October, including October 31st. These tickets are separate from regular Disneyland admission, so your friend will need to purchase a special event ticket for that evening.

Answer: Great question! Yes — there are a few local and national gift-basket companies, florists, and specialty services that can deliver gift baskets or food trays to hotels in the Anaheim / Disneyland area. Below are several options to consider, plus some tips and caveats.

Answer: Disneyland staying open until midnight is definitely exciting, but it can be a challenge for families with kids who usually go to bed earlier. Here’s a detailed take on what to expect and how to plan for success.

Answer: Visiting Disneyland in California offers some experiences and attractions that are unique compared to Disneyland Paris, so it’s possible to focus on those if you only have a day. Since your kids are 10 and 7, you can prioritize rides and shows that they can enjoy, while keeping the day manageable for adults who may not want to spend all day on theme park rides.

Answer: Traveling from a hotel on South Harbor Blvd in Anaheim to John Wayne Airport (SNA) with a young child can be managed affordably if you know your options, while still ensuring safety requirements such as a car seat are met. Here’s a detailed overview.

Answer: If you’re arriving in Anaheim in the late morning and your hotel room isn’t ready yet, there are several ways to spend your day before heading to the Anaheim Packing District in the evening. Here’s a detailed guide to make the most of your time without feeling rushed.

Answer: When purchasing Disneyland tickets, it’s important to understand the differences between prices listed on the official Disneyland website and authorized third-party sellers like Undercover Tourist. The discrepancy you’re seeing is likely due to a combination of factors including dynamic pricing, seasonal demand, and how “savings” are calculated.

Answer: Finding accommodations near Disneyland that accept multiple dogs and allow them to be left unattended during the day can be challenging, but there are options beyond Airbnb that may help reduce costs while keeping your pets safe and comfortable.

Answer: Ordering delivery to Disneyland Hotel Villas in Anaheim is a smart idea, especially after a full day in the parks with young grandchildren. Anaheim has a variety of meal delivery options through major apps, and several local restaurants cater specifically to hotel deliveries. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose.

Answer: Visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with young kids and a DAS pass can definitely feel overwhelming, but with a bit of structure, you can hit all the key rides and experiences while keeping the day manageable and fun.

Answer: It sounds like you had a well-planned, stress-free trip to Disneyland and California Adventure. Using ride-shares from John Wayne Airport is a convenient choice, especially to avoid rental cars and parking hassles near the parks. Here’s a detailed summary and tips based on your itinerary:

Answer: Planning your first Disneyland trip with kids is exciting but it can definitely create analysis paralysis with all the hotel options in Anaheim. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help guide your decision.

Answer: “Downtown Disney” in Anaheim is a lively shopping, dining, and entertainment district located just outside the entrances to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. It’s designed for guests who want the Disney experience without purchasing a theme park ticket, making it perfect for your day of arrival if you have a few hours to explore.

Answer: For a Disneyland visit on July 31, it is highly recommended to purchase your tickets as early as possible. July is peak summer season, and weekends or holidays can see the parks reach capacity. Early ticket purchase ensures you have guaranteed entry and can also help with planning your day efficiently.

Answer: Disneyland and Downtown Disney have significantly expanded vegetarian and pescatarian options in recent years, making it much easier to enjoy meals without meat. Most quick-service locations and table-service restaurants now offer plant-based entrees, seafood dishes, or customizable meals.

Answer: Welcome back! Visiting Disneyland in early November is a great time — the parks are generally less crowded than during peak summer or holidays, and you can still catch plenty of entertainment around Sleeping Beauty’s Castle even if the Christmas decorations aren’t up yet.

Answer: Anaheim is excellent for Disneyland, but it is not centrally located for sightseeing in Los Angeles. Whether you should use Anaheim as your base or switch hotels depends on how much time you plan to spend in Hollywood, Santa Monica, and other LA attractions. The distances may not look far on a map, but LA traffic can make day trips long and tiring.

Answer: Starting in 2026, Disneyland Resort is changing its policy for hotel guests. Previously, staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel gave guests early entry into the parks, allowing them to access attractions before regular park opening hours. This early entry perk is being discontinued. Instead, hotel guests will receive a single Lightning Lane pass per day as a replacement benefit. This pass allows one expedited entry to an attraction via the Lightning Lane queue, which can significantly reduce wait times for that ride.

Answer: The Honda Center in Anaheim is a large arena designed for sports and entertainment events, including ice shows like Stars on Ice. Seating in the second level, especially around rows 6 or 7 from the top, is generally considered a good balance of price and view. You will have a full view of the ice, though the details of individual skaters may be less clear compared to closer floor-level seats.

Answer: Celebrating a special milestone at Disneyland, especially with a personal connection to the park, can be incredibly nostalgic. For your two-night stay and considering your husband’s memories of Disneyland’s early years, there are several experiences and dining options that can help evoke those feelings.

Answer: Driving from Disneyland in Anaheim to Universal Studios Hollywood on a weekday morning requires careful planning because Los Angeles traffic can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours. May 28 falls on a Wednesday, so you are likely hitting the tail end of morning rush hour if you leave too late.

Answer: The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim is generally considered a solid mid-range option, especially for families or groups who need larger rooms with multiple beds. The property offers clean, comfortable rooms and standard amenities you would expect from the Holiday Inn Express brand, including free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. The ability to accommodate 2 queen beds plus a sofa bed in one room is indeed rare in the Anaheim area, which makes this hotel particularly appealing for families or larger parties.

Answer: Choosing the best day to visit Disneyland in August depends on a few factors: crowd levels, ticket prices, and personal convenience. You mentioned considering Friday, August 15, or Monday, August 25.

Answer: If you are not staying at a Disney hotel, the decision to “rope drop” Rise of the Resistance versus paying for the Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) option depends on your priorities for the day, park strategy, and tolerance for early mornings and potential wait times.

Answer: Your proposed schedule of flying from San Francisco to Orange County (SNA) in the morning, heading straight to Disneyland for a single day, and staying overnight at a nearby hotel is definitely doable and has been done by many visitors as a “Disneyland overnight” trip. However, there are a few considerations and potential drawbacks to keep in mind.

Answer: Visiting Walmart and Target in Anaheim is a smart idea if you want to pick up Disney merchandise at a lower price than the park shops. The Walmart on Euclid Street is indeed well-known for having a large Disney section, especially for apparel, toys, and small souvenirs. However, not all Walmarts in Anaheim carry the same selection, so if your goal is Disney items, this location is often recommended by locals and visitors alike.

Answer: Arriving early on June 15 gives you a great opportunity to start your Anaheim trip with something relaxing or scenic before diving into theme parks. Since you’re flying into LAX, it makes sense to rent a car only for the days you’ll be exploring outside of Anaheim or doing beach trips, as traffic around Disney and Anaheim itself can be busy and parking is expensive.

Answer: For your one-day Disneyland/California Adventure visit with your family, it’s important to balance maximizing rides for your 7-year-old nephew while keeping your sister and mom comfortable. Both dates you mentioned have pros and cons. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Answer: Traveling from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to the Anaheim Convention Center using OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) is possible but not very straightforward, as SNA is not directly connected to most public transit lines. OCTA does operate bus routes in the area, but you’ll need to plan carefully.

Answer: You're correct that 70–80°F in Anaheim feels very different from the same temperatures in a humid climate like coastal Georgia. The key difference is the low humidity in Southern California, typically around 30–40% this time of year. This means the air feels much drier, and your body cools more efficiently through sweating, so temperatures can feel more comfortable and less “sticky” than what you’re used to. A 70°F evening in Anaheim can feel slightly chilly, especially with a light breeze.

Answer: Visiting Disneyland on a Tuesday in late October can be a relatively pleasant experience compared to weekends and peak holiday periods, but a few key points can help you plan your day and decide whether a Lightning Lane (previously called Genie+ or FastPass) is necessary.

Answer: Visiting Disneyland with a special needs child and a DAS pass does make planning a bit different, but it’s absolutely manageable. Since your top priority is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Galaxy’s Edge, careful sequencing is key, along with factoring in downtime and less stressful attractions.

Answer: Great question — you’re right to think ahead about fire risk, but as of now, Anaheim and Disneyland are not significantly affected by the wildfires. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the situation, risk factors, and what to watch for when you visit in April.

Answer: For a one-night stay in Anaheim with a late arrival from LGB, you’ll want a hotel that is convenient, comfortable, and has an on-site restaurant or bar serving casual food late into the evening. The drive from Long Beach Airport to Anaheim typically takes around 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic, so arriving around 9:15–9:30 pm is realistic.

Answer: For a Disneyland trip at the end of April, choosing a hotel that balances proximity to the park, comfort, and quietness is key—especially since you’re looking for a more relaxed experience as older adults who still want to enjoy the “kids at heart” atmosphere.

Answer: Taking two small children with you as the only adult at Disneyland can pose some challenges, but it’s definitely manageable with planning. The main concern, as you noted, is seating configurations on rides—especially for single adult with two kids. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Answer: Your second day at Disneyland appears to have been another well-organized and fun-filled day, balancing thrill rides, family attractions, and downtime effectively. Starting early and using rope drop again allowed you to access popular rides like Space Mountain and Rise of the Resistance efficiently.

Answer: Traveling from Anaheim to Universal Studios Hollywood can be a bit of a trek, as the distance is roughly 35-40 miles depending on your route, and traffic in Los Angeles can add significant time. Since you’re traveling with a group of 6 and one member has an invisible disability, comfort, convenience, and minimizing stress are key considerations.

Answer: Maximizing Early Entry (EE) at Disneyland Resort takes a bit of planning, especially with kids aged 7 and 12. Since you have early entry at DCA twice and DL once, and also have multi-day Genie+ and Park Hopper access, you can leverage these for the best strategy.

Answer: Visiting Disney California Adventure Park for just one day means careful planning is key, especially if some rides are showing as closed or “no reservation slots left.” Here’s a detailed overview to help you maximize your day.

Answer: For a family of 5 traveling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Anaheim, private transportation or shuttle services are the most convenient options. Since you prefer not to take buses and want a reputable company that can pick you up directly at the airport, here are some suggestions and tips:

Answer: Planning a busy day at Disneyland on a Tier 5 day in October with a wheelchair and scooter involves several considerations to maximize your time and comfort. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Answer: Disneyland crowds can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including school schedules, holidays, special events, and even local sports events. Over the years, Disney has optimized operations to handle large numbers of visitors efficiently, meaning the park can feel busy almost any day, but there are occasional windows of lighter crowds.

Answer: Purchasing Disneyland California tickets from the UK can sometimes be tricky due to credit card restrictions or international payment issues. Many UK-issued cards are occasionally declined on the U.S. Disney Resort website, so it’s good to have alternatives lined up.

Answer: For a budget trip to Disneyland during the 70th anniversary, location, convenience, and price are all key factors. Considering your options and preferences, here’s a detailed breakdown to help with your decision.

Answer: Great question. While there aren’t many fishing “tours” that are last-minute or completely walk-on (charter companies generally recommend or require reservations), there *are* a few more flexible options near Anaheim, plus some good public fishing spots you can hit up in a pinch.

Answer: Yes, there are several ways to get from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Anaheim without a car, including shuttles, buses, trains, and ride-share options. The best choice depends on your budget, comfort preference, and timing.

Answer: For a visit to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim from November 7th to 14th, purchasing tickets in advance is generally recommended rather than waiting for last-minute “flash sales.” Historically, Disneyland rarely offers significant discounts for multi-day Hopper tickets close to the visit date, especially for peak or holiday-adjacent periods like early to mid-November. Buying early also ensures park reservation availability, which is required for entry under current systems.

Answer: It sounds like your first day at California Adventure and Disneyland was very well planned and executed! Starting early with rope drop and taking advantage of Early Entry (EE) and the Lightning Lane/MaxPass (LLMP) system clearly paid off, allowing your family to hit most of the major attractions efficiently.

Answer: Visiting Disneyland Resort over Memorial Day weekend can be busy, so planning ahead is key, especially for two generations of adults and avoiding intense rides.

Answer: Yes, there are ways to enjoy a more focused, VIP-style experience at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, although Disneyland does not currently offer a dedicated “Star Wars VIP Tour” that is entirely separate from other VIP tours.

Answer: Anaheim is generally considered a safe city, especially in areas near Disneyland, Anaheim GardenWalk, and the Resort District, which are heavily patrolled and well-lit. Most visitors and locals frequenting these areas experience little to no safety issues.

Answer: Visiting Disneyland in California requires balancing crowds, weather, and convenience, especially when traveling with kids. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you decide between April and summer, as well as airport options.

Answer: Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland Hotel is extremely popular, and reservations typically open 60 days in advance for Disneyland Resort hotel guests. If you’ve missed that window, it can be challenging to secure a table, especially on a Saturday, which is one of the busiest days.

Answer: The Kings Inn in Anaheim offers a free shuttle service to Disneyland, and the shuttle pick-up is organized from their designated parking areas. For the Toy Story parking lot shuttle, here's what you need to know:

Answer: Arriving late at night into LAX with a large party and multiple suitcases makes transportation planning a bit more complex, but there are several viable options for getting to Anaheim without breaking the bank.

Answer: Traveling from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Disneyland Hotel is relatively straightforward, and you have a few reliable options depending on convenience, cost, and comfort for your group of five (3 adults, 2 kids).

Answer: Great question. For January 7–9 at Disneyland Resort, the entertainment schedule is pretty quiet—this is a low season period just after the holidays and before bigger seasonal shows ramp back up. Here’s what my research shows for those dates, plus key notes to help you plan.

Answer: Hi there,

Answer: It’s true that using Uber or Lyft to Disneyland can be a bit tricky. Guests cannot be dropped off right at the park entrances due to security and traffic control, so rideshare drop-offs are at designated areas on the outskirts of the resort. From there, you typically have a short walk to the security checkpoints before entering the parks.

Answer: John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is smaller and much easier to navigate than the major airports like LAX. For an older couple not renting a car, both taxis and Uber/Lyft are convenient options, but there are some differences to be aware of.

Answer: For overnight parking near Disneyland when the Disney lot is not an option, you have several alternatives within walking distance or a short ride from the park. Since your third party only needs parking from late Tuesday night until Wednesday morning, the solution can be flexible and economical.

Answer: The Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites is located very close to Disneyland and South Harbor Boulevard. For a convenient supermarket, you have several options within a short drive, though walking distance is limited depending on how much you want to carry with kids right after a long flight.

Answer: Visiting Anaheim with young kids during rainy weather can still be fun with plenty of indoor options. Here are some ideas to keep the little ones entertained and dry:

Answer: When planning a Disneyland visit in August, it’s important to keep in mind that this is peak summer season, so crowds are generally high throughout the week. While no crowd predictor can guarantee accuracy, there are several tools and strategies that many visitors find helpful for estimating busier versus slightly quieter days.