More questions from a first timer

[sam_gordon]

So as not to distract from other ongoing threads...

1) It was recommended to look at "Key Blackout Dates"/Ticket Prices. Where to do that, especially considering we're discussing 2026 or 2027?
2) Taking into account we want to also do some LA touring (one day?) and/or a cruise, how many days are recommended to "adequately" tour DL? I'm thinking 3-4, but could be off base.
3) Speaking of Ticket prices, do they ever change for a day (do you get a benefit by booking early)? If we want to visit in July (of 26 or 27), can we look at July 25 costs to get an idea (assuming they'll go up some) or since we're less than a week from July, are the prices for July 25 "high" (I hope that makes sense)?
4) How important is LL at DL?

I'm sure I'll have more as I slowly start to research, but this is a decent start.

TIA

 

[irlandaise]

You're correct that Disney hasn't posted Magic Key blockout calendars yet for all of your potential visit dates, but they do have them up to July 2026:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/

By looking at the 2025 and 2026 calendars, you can get a good idea of likely blocked dates in 2027 for each level of MK.

Do at least three days at Disneyland, or four if you want to see everything and don't want to feel rushed. That's especially true (1) during really busy times and (2) when the entertainment you want to see is only offered on certain days.

 

[sam_gordon]

Oops, came up with another one... it appears all tickets are "park reservation" based? I picked three random dates for next month on disney.com and it wanted to know which park/which day.

 

[irlandaise]

Oops, came up with another one... it appears all tickets are "park reservation" based? I picked three random dates for next month on disney.com and it wanted to know which park/which day.

Yes, they want to make sure you've locked in a park reservation for each day of your ticket. Otherwise people might buy tickets and forget to make a reservation and show up at Disneyland and not be able to get in. You can usually change the reservations later if your plans change.

 

[Kit Jackson]

4 days for Disneyland sounds good. How much LA touring do you want to do? Depending on how much you have you could 4 days in Disneyland and then 2-3 days at a hotel in LA for that part of the trip.

 

[LKing]

Are you thinking of a Disney Cruise? If so, they are out of the Port of San Diego which is 1.5 hrs south of Disneyland. Most of the sites and activities to see in Los Angeles are in the other direction - an hour north of Disneyland.

Did you mention in the other thread that you are two adults with no children? What are you interested in doing at Disneyland and DCA (ie. attractions, entertainment, etc)? Are you planning on staying in one of the three Disney owned hotels or are you considering staying off site? Or is that still up in the air?

 

[LAS2AMS]

Currently, Disney sails from San Diego for a brief period from March into early May. Obviously, they’re targeting spring break travel and their ships (to no surprise) are filled to the brim with kids.

Disney does 3 and 4 day cruises (with one 7 day). Keep in mind that Carnival and Royal do the exact same itineraries (and all three do Fri-Mon, Mon-Fri schedules). Carnival has three ships here, Royal has two. All of these ships are newer and have more amenities - Royal’s Navigator has the best water slide at sea IMO. Carnival and Royal both sail from the LA area.

I price things of for a family of four. During this period, sans peak spring break, we can get a four day cruise on Carnival for less than $1K whereas Disney is north of $4K. As much as we love DCL, it’s hard to justify the price.

Sailing in the Pacific is much different than Atlantic. During that time period, it can be very chilly and the seas can be rough (but you’re really not going far so it doesn’t matter). If your intent on DCL, I suggest sticking with Port Canaveral or Everglades.

 

[sam_gordon]

4 days for Disneyland sounds good. How much LA touring do you want to do? Depending on how much you have you could 4 days in Disneyland and then 2-3 days at a hotel in LA for that part of the trip.

Honestly? Don't know. DW has been to LA once to see a show at the Hollywood Bowl, but don't think she did much touring. I had 1/2 a day on a business trip and just ended up walking along Venice Beach.

Are you thinking of a Disney Cruise? If so, they are out of the Port of San Diego which is 1.5 hrs south of Disneyland. Most of the sites and activities to see in Los Angeles are in the other direction - an hour north of Disneyland.

No, if we cruise, it would be Royal I'm pretty sure. All of our cruises so far have been w/Royal and balconies, so we're kind of spoiled by that (the balcony). I did take a look at Celebrity, it would be nice to do Disney, then do their Panama Canal Cruise, but that starts at over $2k pp.

Did you mention in the other thread that you are two adults with no children? What are you interested in doing at Disneyland and DCA (ie. attractions, entertainment, etc)? Are you planning on staying in one of the three Disney owned hotels or are you considering staying off site? Or is that still up in the air?

Yes, two adults, no kids (on the trip ).
Haven't really discussed about which attractions & shows we'd like to do.
Based on what I read here, because of price, we'd probably stay off site. Doing a quick look, the Home2Suites looks like a decent location and I'm a Hilton guy.