I've noticed that many people have been reaching out to me, seeking advice on planning their Disney vacation. Given my frequent visits (I used to go to Disneyland every day for over 5 years), I understand the ins and outs of Disneyland and DCA.
First, it's important to clarify that I'm not a Disney agent or travel agent. The demanding nature of the job and the constant on-call availability for answering questions doesn't appeal to me.
For those with limited time for planning, I recommend going through a travel agency. They can handle the research for you, and you won't incur any expenses as they receive compensation from hotels and package deals. However, if, like me, you prefer to customize your experience, doing it independently might be a better fit.
If you're in need of a travel agent who plans everything for you, I recommend Uriel Martinez Jr., a Travel Advisor at Nicks Easy Travel LLC. You can contact him at 915.209.9278 or [email protected], and visit www.UriEvasImmersiveTravel.com.
When it comes to accommodations near Disneyland or Disneyland California Adventure, I have some recommendations:
Nearby Hotels:
- -Marriott
- – Candycane Inn (kid-friendly and within walking distance to the park)
Economy:
- Ramada Maingate at the Park
Moderate:
- Anaheim Comfort Inn & Suites
- Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn
- Best Western Plus Park Place Inn & Mini-Suites
- Castle Inn & Suites
- Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort
- Grand Legacy at the Park
- The Anaheim Hotel
- Tropicana Inn & Suites
Deluxe:
- Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
- Suites Springhill Suites Marriott at Anaheim Resort Convention Center
For those planning frequent Disney trips, I highly recommend Disney Vacation Club (DVC), which my family joined in 2019. It freezes room prices for over 20 years and offers various benefits like timeshares, point rentals, trading, and selling. For more information, contact Brooke Del Carlo, a Disney Vacation Club Guide, at 888-382-2917 or [email protected].
When planning, I start by checking crowd levels on Undercover Tourist's website and explore their ticket deals. They also provide theme park calendars http://www.undercovertourist.com/…/crowd…/march-2024/
For flights, Google Flights and Southwest Airlines' calendar are my go-to sources. Always use incognito mode to avoid price hikes. My secret weapon for car rentals has been reliable for over 15 years—feel free to DM me for details.
For affordable Airbnbs or rentals, I recommend looking in Orange for Disneyland. A friend, Rosy, has a fantastic Airbnb www.airbnb.com/h/creating-memories-adventures-and-more
For daily planning and activities, follow:
- Rosie on Facebook GothicRosie's Info Page a
- Casey at Disneyland Daily SoCal Daily
Additionally, I manage a group for Disneyland Annual Passholders Disneyland Magic Keyholders (APs)
To explore food and rides, I watch 360 videos on YouTube from accounts like:
- AllEarsNet www.youtube.com/@AllEarsNet
- DFBGuide www.youtube.com/@DFBGuide
- Provost Park Pass www.youtube.com/@provostparkpass
- Attractions360 www.youtube.com/@Attractions360 Justin Scarred www.youtube.com/@justinscarred
When it comes to navigating Disneyland, here are some tips based on my experiences:
- Parking: Always take pictures of where you parked to make it easier to find your car later.
- First Stop: Start your day by riding the train going back to Toontown. The new Mickey's Runaway Railroad is a must-try, offering a super fun experience with the latest technology. Don't miss the play area for the little ones to get out their wiggles.
- Next Adventure: Head over to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Interact with the characters and enjoy rides like Smuggler's Run and The Rise of the Resistance.
- Mealtime: For a satisfying meal, check out the Hungry Bear Restaurant. It provides a great view of the Mark Twain, kayakers, and the passing train – a cool spot to dine.
- Big Rides: Make sure to experience iconic attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain (when not under refurbishment), and Indiana Jones. Consider going on Pirates at night when there are shorter lines.
- Nighttime Magic: Save the big rides for nighttime when lines are shorter. On this trip, we took advantage of Castmember passes and park-hopped to Disney California Adventure (DCA).
- Avengers Campus: If you haven't explored Avengers Campus, give it a try. Enjoy the Pym Lab courtyard for dining, where you might spot Spider-Man and catch impromptu shows featuring the Avengers.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout: Hang out at Avengers Campus while your kids go on the Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout. If you're not a fan of drop rides like me, it's a perfect opportunity to relax.
- Cars Land: Visit Cars Land and enjoy Radiator Springs Racers and Incredicoaster. Use the rider switch pass to your advantage, allowing your husband to go twice with each kid while you enjoy a meal, perhaps a huge corndog.
- Character Interaction: One of the highlights is interacting with characters throughout the parks. This adds a special touch of Disney magic to your experience, creating lasting memories captured in pictures.
Feel free to explore and make the most of your time at Disneyland, creating magical moments with family and friends.
 
 
 
 
