Disneyland Newbie and lost

[GrumpyBa*D]

have patience I have my hand/arm in a cast and typing is all over the place

Have not been to Disneyland since 1987. Looking to go late January. I was able to book DVC room but not enough days yet. speaking of which what is enough days? Will be going with my 81 YO mother and maybe my 20 YO son, neither of which have been there before. We have been to WDW at least 50 times and things seem so much different. Park days aren't available yet and neither are the hotels. when do they become available. I was always booked 11 months out and had annual passes.... so intimidated

 

[Kit Jackson]

I would recommend 4-5 days so you will have plenty of time to see and do almost everything you want and let you take afternoon breaks or sleep in.

This book was incredibly helpful when I planned my first trip. https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-G...guide+to+disneyland+2026,stripbooks,62&sr=1-2

 

[Tinkaboo]

DL is a whole different beast but you will love it once you are here...so easy to get around. Rezzies are 60 days out, not like WDW. You will find lots of good info here, depending on what your interests/focus are. The weather in January can be rainy. Be prepared to layer as it gets downright chilly at night. Schedule your trip over a weekend in order to have the most entertainment options, i.e., Fantasmic will probably only be on weekends at that time, same with fireworks.

I suggest updating your post with more info on what your interests are and people will jump right on to help you.

DLR is very much a "locals" park, which means it is more spontaneous than WDW, which gets a lot of one-timers and a lot of foreign visitors. Therefore, you don't need the extensive planning that WDW requires. There are less table service restaurants and more GOOD counter service options.

Good luck in your planning!

 

[Aspencreek]

I agree with Kit on the days - 4 or 5 if you can manage it. Our preferred trip length after having gone quite a few times is either 3 or 4 days with a rest day in the middle. You didn't ask about park hoppers, but with the 2 parks literally right next to each other (100 yards apart), it is a great option to add so you can jump between them.

 

[disneychrista]

I'd say most guests visit for 3-4 days. I find 3 days to be great. More than that I get overload and it is no longer enjoyable. I also do not like hopping as I find I get more done if I just concentrate on going to one park at a time instead of jumping back and forth.

Park reservations open up at 180 days. Hotels will release their availability (if I remember) in August for the entire calendar year (2026). For dining reservation it is 60 days before the date you want to dine. There is no length of stay dining reservation option at Disneyland.

I would highly suggest the River Belle Terrace premium Fantasmic package and the World of Color Dessert Party. Both of these you get actual seats at a table and not on the ground. FYI - the RBT is very competitive and must be done right at 6am on the day you want to dine/watch.