Thinking about a 1st trip to DisneyLand. Many questions!

[irlandaise]

As far as park hopping… I wouldn’t recommend it full time. If I were you, I would focus on one park each day to start and then park hop on your last park day.

Adding PH on the last day may not save them any money. "No matter how many days your Disneyland Resort multi-day theme park tickets are good for, the current difference in price* to upgrade from one-park-per-day tickets to Park Hopper tickets is the same. Whether you are upgrading a two-day ticket, a three-day ticket, or even a five-day ticket, the additional cost to upgrade all of the days of your ticket to Park Hopper is the same, assuming you upgrade to a new ticket with the same number of days as the original." (https://plandisney.disney.go.com/qu...disneyland-ticket-park-hopper-one-day-549217/)

They could buy a separate one-day hopper ticket on the last day, but because one-day tickets are the costliest per day, that may not save them any (or much) money over adding PH to a multi-day ticket. @mikewdw, you'll want to cost that out. As others have noted, it's so easy to hop at Disneyland that most people enjoy having the flexibility. BTW, the standard recommendation is for at least three days at the parks. Even if you have hoppers, you need to reserve a starting park, so consider DL-DCA-DL for three days.

Crowd patterns are very different at DL! Yes, summer vacation matters, but so do the blockout days for local residents who have annual passes (Magic Keys). Local attendance is a much bigger factor at DL than at WDW. You can get an idea about when many MK holders are blocked from coming to the parks by reviewing this calendar page:

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

What is your price range for hotels? There are many along Harbor Blvd. that are just fine and an easy walk to the DL entrance. The Candy Cane Inn is a little further down the street but has its own shuttle. (Don't let the kitschy name turn you off; it isn't decorated like candy canes and it's very highly respected among DL visitors.)

I think the most important thing to note is that although Disneyland does require planning, it requires much less than WDW. So don't stress out; gather information and then plan to have a wonderful time at the original Disney park!

 

[OlliePop27]

Yesterday and today were the most crowded I’ve seen the parks in a long time. I get that yesterday was a Federal holiday, but considering the lowest two MK are blacked out, and the lowest allegedly houses the majority of MK users, I’m stunned.

It is important to remember DL closed early twice this week plus the holiday. Any early closures of DL ALWAYS mess up crowds. I believe that is a big reason why Thursday in particular was so crazy. People avoided earlier in the week and all came on Thursday.

 

[LKing]

You have received some great advice. Here are my two cents:

Basic plan --- fly in. 4-5 days at DL and maybe 1-2 days on other outside activities ( tours, other sights to see etc). Really enjoy trip but also save money on things not worth the cost for the level of enjoyment

If this is a once in a lifetime trip and then you are going to be back at WDW, I would definitely spend the 4-5 days.
As far as things to do outside of the parks, my recommendations would be the following.

1. California beaches
2. Disney Studios Tour - reservations open a few months in advance.
3. Warner Brothers Studio Tour
4. Academy Motion Picture Museum/Petersen Automotive Museum/LACMA/La Brea TarPits - All within a couple blocks of each other. The Grove/Farmers Market is also very close.
5. Hollywood Walk of Fame (horribly grungy but something that you should see if you aren't coming back to LA), hike to the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory
6. Other regions to explore: The Natural History Museum, the California Science Center with the Endeavour (should be open by next summer), George Lucas Museum (opening in 2026), Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and USC are all within a few blocks of each other.
7. If you like sports, SoFi, Intuit Dome, Dodger Stadium, and Angel Stadium all offer tours. Personally, I think SoFi's tours are the best.
8. Santa Monica/Venice Beach - kind of iconic but very urban and can be grungy.

Other #1. #5, and #8, none of the above are cheap. Accommodations and transportation will need to be taken into account. There is another forum called California & the West where you will find more discussions and tips about exploring other areas.

Trip dates --- I know around Memorial Day is not the least crowded time but my wife and I are both teachers so we a set in a summer vacation timeline . Would later in the summer be better?
Onsite hotel vs off site - is cost/convenience worth it?

My opinion is to save money on accommodations so you can spend it on other things. The offsite hotels near Disneyland are much more convenient than off site hotels at WDW.
Regarding dates, I am local and visit Disneyland regularly. We didn't hit summer crowds until this week. If you visit in early June, I think you will be fine. July is also a good month to visit.

meal plan (if available) - what type at DL

Disneyland Resort does not offer meal plans.

Transportation there -- if off site is vastly cheaper what about transportation to parks?

Several off site hotels are closer than the Disneyland Hotel or Pixar Place Hotel. For those off site hotels, you can just walk. Some hotels that are farther away offer a shuttle. Others are close to ART stops or the Toy Story parking lot. Guests can walk to the Toy Story parking lot and take the bus to the park. Hotel Shuttles, ART, and Toy Story busses, all drop off just outside of the park entrance.

Must see shows/fireworks/experiences

We have a few discussion threads on this topic. Here is a general list of what is available in the parks in June, 2025. Some entertainment will be gone or replaced with new entertainment by next summer. I am going to assume that Paint the Night will still be happening. If so, "must see" entertainment includes:

• Paint the Night
• Fantasmic
• Wondrous Journeys Fireworks
• World of Color (DCA)

Park hopper tickets? --- would it be worth if for new visitors or should we stick with one park per day?

If you are staying 4-5 days, I think park hoppers will be worth it. It is unfortunate that you can't just add it for a couple of your park days.
LLMP - I agree to add that by the day. Do one day in each park without LLMP. Learn the layout of the parks and the attractions that you want to book LL for. Learn how and when to book attractions, how to modify, etc. so that you can optimize your LL days.

Regarding LAX. There are large threads about that as well. My opinion is to save money on the flights so that you can use it for other activities. Los Angeles County has twice the population of the entire state of Alabama. You are traveling to a large, very diverse, metropolitan area. LAX is a large airport. Take your time, get your bearings and you will be fine.

 

[LKing]

It is important to remember DL closed early twice this week plus the holiday. Any early closures of DL ALWAYS mess up crowds. I believe that is a big reason why Thursday in particular was so crazy. People avoided earlier in the week and all came on Thursday.

I agree, although Thursday was also Juneteenth. I was in the parks on Monday this week and again yesterday (June 20). It was very crowded in both parks yesterday. Based on wait times today, it looks like today will be crowded as well.

OP this is for 2025 but might give you an idea of what to expect in 2026. https://www.disboards.com/threads/disneyland-resort-calendar-2025.3963816/

 

[irlandaise]

If this is a once in a lifetime trip and then you are going to be back at WDW, I would definitely spend the 4-5 days.
As far as things to do outside of the parks, my my recommendations would be the following.

1. California beaches
2. Disney Studios Tour - reservations open a few months in advance.
3. Warner Brothers Studio Tour
4. Academy Motion Picture Museum/Petersen Automotive Museum/LACMA/La Brea TarPits - All within a couple blocks of each other. The Grove/Farmers Market is also very close.
5. Hollywood Walk of Fame (horribly sketchy but something that you should see if you aren't coming back to LA), hike to the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory
6. Other regions to explore: The Natural History Museum, the California Science Center with the Endeavour (should be open by next summer), George Lucas Museum (opening in 2026), Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and USC are all within a few blocks of each other.
7. If you like sports, SoFi, Intuit Dome, and Angel Stadium all offer tours. Personally, I think SoFi's tours are the best.
8. Santa Monica/Venice Beach - kind of iconic but very urban and can be grungy.

Other #1 and #8, none of the above are cheap. Accommodations and transportation will need to be taken into account. There is another forum called California & the West where you will find more discussions and tips about exploring other areas. https://www.disboards.com/forums/california-the-west.131/

Everyone please note that LKing has included links to those places. Very helpful! Another list to save for future use!

 

[mikewdw]

What would be the best 3 off site hotels within walking distance? I can't see prices for next june for the 3 onsite. But from what I have read does 800-1000 a night sound about right for on site hotels?

 

[LAS2AMS]

What would be the best 3 off site hotels within walking distance? I can't see prices for next june for the 3 onsite. But from what I have read does 800-1000 a night sound about right for on site hotels?

The hotels within walking distance are older, mostly motel style properties with minimal amenities. You can get a standard room with extra bedding for around $250/night during the spring. The nicer properties are a mile further (20 minute walk, less if you take the bus to the Toy Story parking lot - free to anyone to use). Many will go as low as $150-200 per night. There’s also the ART bus system which serves the hotels for a small fee.

Yes, the lowest you should expect to pay is $550-850 for the onsite hotels with a discount (requires 3or 4 nights min usually).

 

[LKing]

Yes, the lowest you should expect to pay is $550-850 for the onsite hotels with a discount (requires 3or 4 nights min usually).

They are both teachers so need to visit during school holidays. Do the on site hotels go as low as $550 during the summer?

@mikewdw , what type of sleeping arrangement are you looking for for a family of five adults? Would two queens and a rollaway work?

 

[bakofarmgirl]

if you look right now, theres a special offer for the 70th and it shows for example 6/29-7/1 dlh at 458$ and gch at $616

 

[mdmost]

What would be the best 3 off site hotels within walking distance? I can't see prices for next june for the 3 onsite. But from what I have read does 800-1000 a night sound about right for on site hotels?

Courtyard Theme Park Entrance is a 10 minute walk to security. It doesn't really work for 5 adults though. It's 2 queens and a bunk bed but that's only going to work if the adult kids are short. Huge upside is each room has 2 showers with one separated by a locked door which also includes the toilet. Maybe look at the Fairfield that's right next to it. Maybe you can get some adjoining rooms. JW Marriott and Westin are a much longer walk.

Have you thought about looking into a DVC rental at Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian?

 

[LAS2AMS]

if you look right now, theres a special offer for the 70th and it shows for example 6/29-7/1 dlh at 458$ and gch at $616

The lowest rate (70th) I see for GCH comes out to be around $860/night with tax, which is in expected range. The DLH rate is for a small DVC studio. It’s about the size of a cruise ship cabin, no way you’d get five adults in there (just one bed).

 

[LAS2AMS]

They are both teachers so need to visit during school holidays. Do the on site hotels go as low as $550 during the summer?

They’ve been at their lowest price point in years. Not sure if that will hold true next year. Room rates throughout Anaheim (and the rest of the country) are pretty low. The Anaheim Hilton and Marriott can be had for about $110/night over the 4th of July, which is incredible (gotta book a “members rate” via Priceline, Expedia, etc)

 

[bakofarmgirl]

The lowest rate (70th) I see for GCH comes out to be around $860/night with tax, which is in expected range. The DLH rate is for a small DVC studio. It’s about the size of a cruise ship cabin, no way you’d get five adults in there (just one bed).

the dlh rate i saw was for 2 queens which is larger than a cruise cabin, not saying itd fit the 5 adults the OP has

 

[LAS2AMS]

the dlh rate i saw was for 2 queens which is larger than a cruise cabin, not saying itd fit the 5 adults the OP has

I’m getting a completely different rate. It shows that room category sold out. Odd.

 

[LKing]

Interesting. If I search those dates for a party of 4 for the DLH, I get $535. If I search for a party of two for any hotel, I get the $458 DLH rate for the same room configuration.

 

[BGinCali]

Interesting. If I search those dates for a party of 4 for the DLH, I get $535. If I search for a party of two for any hotel, I get the $458 DLH rate for the same room configuration.

There is an extra fee for any adult over the first 2 for most rooms, I believe it is currently $35 per night per adult. This is a bit more than that difference ($7.00), so not sure if a quirk or that rate has increased.

 

[LKing]

@mikewdw California parks have longer hours than the Florida parks. Disneyland is usually open from 8 am - midnight and DCA is usually open from 8 am - 10 pm. The couple hour time difference from AL to CA might impact your schedule on the first day or two.

You mention that you are early rope droppers. For planning purposes, in California, the parks alternate which has early entry for onsite guests. DCA is EE on Su, M, W, F and DL is EE on Tu, Th, Sa. EE is at 7:30 am.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Interesting. If I search those dates for a party of 4 for the DLH, I get $535. If I search for a party of two for any hotel, I get the $458 DLH rate for the same room configuration.

Regardless these are last minute rates that are significantly less than what you would typically expect to pay.

A couple weeks ago we looking into going to WDW for Fourth of July. All-Star Movies was $119 (All-Star Sports was $109) and Grand Floridian was in the mid-$500s. These reflect the typical lowest rate of the year (late August/ early September) when normally 4th and Christmas season are the highest.

I suspect the decline in international tourism (especially Canadians to California) + economic uncertainty are placing downward pressure on pricing, giving some great last minute deals.

*At this point* I wouldn’t expect this next year.