We are talking about the Disney basics, and when it comes to planning your Disneyland Resort vacation, one of the first questions you might have is how long you need to enjoy the area. Exactly how many days you might need is based on a few factors. Disneyland is less isolated in Anaheim than Walt Disney World is in Orlando, so one consideration you might have is staying longer in your Disneyland Resort or Good Neighbour Hotel and using it as a base to enjoy the greater Los Angeles area. If you are sticking with a Disney-dedicated trip, then here’s what you need to know. Disneyland is made up of only two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, and I have a few different options to help you choose.
Two Park Days
If you have two days to enjoy Disneyland as a whole, excluding your travel days, then you are perfectly in luck because this one is easy. While you might not see everything, a single day in each park is a great start, and you can avoid the additional cost of Park Hopper by dedicating your time to each park. Be sure to check which parks have early entry if you are staying in a Disney resort so you can reserve the right park on the most beneficial day. You’ll have to buckle down to get the most out of your time. Consider investing in Genie+ to fit more attractions into your available time, and it might be worth leaving time-consuming experiences like shows until the next visit.
Three Park Days
Three days will give you an added advantage, leaving the last day as either a park hopper for your favorites or giving you a second dedicated day in Disneyland Park. There is so much to enjoy here that the second day will be priceless, and a great opportunity to take time out from attractions to enjoy entertainment like Parades and Fireworks.
Four Park Days
Four park days are perfection. Now, you can have two days in each park with time to spare so that you don’t feel that push to rush everything into one day. A second day in Disney California Adventure is the perfect time to take in a show and enjoy a table service meal at Carthy Circle. Make sure that one of your DCA days is on a World of Color show night, and throw in a Dessert Party booking to add a little extra sparkle to your evening!
Five + Park Days
If you are lucky enough to spend 5 or more days in the Disneyland Resort, then you’ve got all the options available to you. Park Hopper tickets are the best way to chop and change, enjoying different aspects of both parks as suits your family. With just a short walk across the walkway, commuting between the two is much easier than at Walt Disney World, and you won’t need to worry about losing time in transit. Spending time in the Downtown Disney District is a great way to spend an afternoon instead of rushing to and from the parks. Spend an afternoon or two in the pool or get an Uber and explore the surrounding areas to enjoy everything this location has to offer.
Feature Image: Photo by Lorena Severino on Unsplash
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
