Welcome to the ultimate guide to Disneyland Park. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to relive the memories, this guide will help you make the most of your trip. From iconic rides to hidden gems, dining tips and essential park info, we've got everything you need to create an unfrogettable experience. So grab your Mickey ears — because we're diving into everything you need to know about the Happiest Place on Earth, including some big events, updates and celebrations hoppening in 2026.
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FAQs
- How can I save money on Disneyland tickets? Undercover Tourist has the best deals on multi-day Disneyland tickets as well as limited-time promo tickets such as the California Resident tickets and Kids Summer Ticket Offer.
- How far in advance should I book dining reservations? Dining reservations and dining packages are available up to 60 days in advance.
- How can I skip the lines at Disneyland? There are several ways to save time, such as arriving by park opening for the shortest lines of the day, purchasing tickets with Lightning Lane Multi Pass (saves money and time over buying in the park), following an Undercover Tourist park plan, using mobile order, utilizing single rider lines and using Rider Switch if you have a child too short or scared to ride.
- When is the best time to visit Disneyland? Our best times to visit Disneyland post and the Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar can help you maximize fun with the lowest crowd levels.
- Where can I learn more about Disneyland? If you are a beginner, the Undercover Tourist Jump Start Guide will have you feeling like a local.
Overview of Disneyland
On July 17, 1955, in Anaheim, California, Disneyland opened its magical gates. Walt Disney imagined a place where stories and characters would come to life, and where both children and adults could experience magic. The park began with a few enchanting lands (such as Main Street, Adventureland and Fantasyland), and as the years passed, Disneyland grew, adding new wonders and adventures.
Disneyland turned 70 in 2025, and the 70th Anniversary Celebration continues through Aug. 9, 2026. You can enjoy special parades, fireworks, cavalcades, treats décor and more.
Disneyland revolutionized (and is still revolutionizing today!) the theme park industry, setting the standard for immersive experiences and detailed environments. Beyond just rides and attractions, Walt created a place where families could escape reality and create lasting memories together. It's a cultural icon, influencing everything from films to fashion, and inspiring generations of visitors to dream big.
Planning for Disneyland Park
Disneyland Kids' Summer Ticket Deal! Save up to $368 on Kids' Summer Tickets at Disneyland® Resort, including a FREE Park Hopper ticket upgrade on select tickets. Plus, get a FREE $20 Dining Dollars credit with each ticket purchase, which can be used to save 15% on Disney Gift Cards!
Disneyland Tickets
First, you'll want to make sure you have linked your purchased Disneyland tickets to the Disneyland app (and yes, Undercover Tourist tickets can be linked there!). Ticket holders and Magic Key (annual pass) holders require a valid theme park reservation on the day of your visit for entry. You can make a reservation in the Disneyland app. Guests with passes or tickets that include the Park Hopper option are free to hop over to Disney California Adventure after 11 a.m. and go back and forth as much as desired through June 8, 2026. What's happening June 9, 2026? The 11 a.m. park hopping restriction is going away, meaning if you have park hopping permissions, you can hop between parks at any time!
You don't want to miss out on special savings with limited-time promo tickets through Undercover Tourist, including this limited-time offer:
- Kids Summer Ticket Offer— Save up to $368 on this Park Hopper ticket with visits as low as $48 per day. Multi-day tickets do have to be used within 13 days of first visit. This ticket is for visits May 22 through Sept. 7, 2026.
You can also purchase a ticket(s) loaded with Lightning Lane Multi Pass. This allows you to schedule shorter wait times for rides throughout your day. We'll go over how to use Lightning Lane at Disneyland later.
Every Disneyland ticket from Undercover Tourist comes with FREE $20 Dining Dollars promo codes. You can use those to purchase Disney gift cards at a 15% discount (to save on food and purchases at the resort) or other discount restaurant gift cards.
Disneyland Hours
Be sure to double-check the park hours and entertainment schedule ahead of time! You can see Disneyland hours listed in the Disneyland app or on the Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar. Special events (such as Sweethearts Nite and Star Wars Nite) may cause the park to close early to regular guests. Generally, Disneyland is open until 12 a.m. It may close an hour earlier in later fall and early winter.
Disneyland Resort App
The Disneyland app is invaluable for planning your day at Disneyland. It includes park maps, wait times, mobile food ordering, show times and more. You can load your Undercover Tourist Disneyland tickets straight into the Disneyland app!
Rope Dropping and Arriving Early
The key to maximizing your day is arriving early. By doing so, you can often accomplish one to two popular attractions with much shorter waits than the rest of the day. Although waking up early on vacation doesn't sound the most appealing, the benefits mean less waiting and more rides in the day. We have a whole post on our best rope drop strategies at Disneyland that you can read through!
Parking
Parking is available at the Mickey & Friends structure and the Toy Story Lot for $40 per day. There are a few other parking options, both on and off property, you can read about in our post on where to park at the Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland Directory
Disneyland Park is divided into different themed areas, each filled with unique rides, shows and dining options. Here's a quick rundown of each land:
- Main Street, U.S.A. — Stop for some shopping, or watch a parade or fireworks show.
- Fantasyland — Relive Disney classics such as Peter Pan's Flight and Snow White, or jump aboard "it's a small world" and walk through Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- Adventureland — Dive into the jungle with iconic rides such as Indiana Jones Adventure and Jungle Cruise, and stop at the Tropical Hideaway for a Dole Whip.
- New Orleans Square — Explore the mystery of Pirates of the Caribbean and the eerie Haunted Mansion.
- Bayou Country — Go down the bayou on Tiana's Bayou Adventure or through the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh.
- Frontierland — Step into the Wild West with the thrilling Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or take a seat at the Golden Horseshoe saloon.
- Tomorrowland — Experience futuristic adventures with rides such as Space Mountain and Star Tours, or some interplanetary foods at Pizza Planet or Galactic Grill.
- Toontown — Play and explore in this cartoon-ish land with Mickey and friends, and hop on Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway or Roger Rabbit's Toontown Spin.
- Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — Enter another galaxy on the planet Batuu. Here you'll find Rise of the Resistance, Smugglers Run and Oga's Cantina.
Disneyland Attractions
From the thrilling twists and turns of Space Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure to the whimsical charm of "it's a small world" and Dumbo the Flying Elephant, there's something for everyone. Classic attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion offer immersive storytelling, while newer experiences such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway bring cutting-edge technology and excitement. Whether you're seeking adventure, nostalgia or fantasy, Disneyland's attractions deliver a magical experience that brings Disney's beloved characters and stories to life.
Disneyland offers a variety of attractions for all ages, from thrilling rides to family-friendly experiences. But make sure to check out the height requirements before planning a ride with young tadpoles.
There are new adventures coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run as of May 22, 2026. And this park like to change things up with several seasonal overlays of rides. Enjoy The Nightmare Before Christmas version of Haunted Mansion Holiday. It runs Halloween Time through Holiday Time. Take a merry cruise on "it's a small world" Holiday during Holiday Time. In May, enjoy Hyperspace Mountain, a Star Wars takeover of Space Mountain!
Disneyland Entertainment
From stunning nighttime shows to live performances throughout the day, there's always entertainment to see in Disneyland.
Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! is a nighttime spectacular that combines fireworks, water projections and live-action performances. The show is packed with high-energy moments, stunning visuals, lots of favorite characters and music. Topped with a jaw-dropping finale, Fantasmic! is the ultimate example of live Disney magic, adventure and imagination.
Nighttime Fireworks
Every night at around 9:30 p.m., Sleeping Beauty Castle is lit up for a beautiful display. Disneyland fireworks only run on certain nights (and depending on the weather), but there is always a show with projections and music. During a night with fireworks, check out the show from Galaxy's Edge. The music is replaced with familiar "Star Wars" themes to match the show.
Shadow of Memory: A Skywalker Saga
This brand-new projection show in Galaxy's Edge tells the story of the legendary Skywalker family. The projections light up the spires behind the Millennium Falcon with familiar "Star Wars" music.
Parades and Cavalcades
Disneyland's parades are vibrant, lively celebrations filled with spectacular floats, dazzling costumes and beloved Disney characters. With catchy music and high-energy performances, these parades bring the magic of Disney to life. Catch a Halloween-themed parade in the fall or a holiday-themed parade in the winter. Currently, Disneyland brought Paint the Night Parade back to its streets for the 70th Anniversary. During a non-parade time, you'll be able to catch the "Celebrate Happy" Cavalcade.
Shows and Ambiance
Alongside the nighttime shows and parades are a handful of live performances around the park throughout the day. Take a seat and join Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones as they retell the tales of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Tangled" with humor and fun (and the help of the characters). Follow the Disneyland Band down Main Street U.S.A., or catch them at the castle with Mary Poppins or Belle. Listen to the Dapper Dans, the Main Street Straw Hatters or the Main Street Piano Player on (you guessed it!) Main Street U.S.A., or The Bootstrappers over in New Orleans Square. Get your groove on with dance parties over in Tomorrowland!
Character Sightings
There are several great spots where you can meet beloved Disney characters throughout the day. Not surprisingly, Disneyland is the best park to see most of the Disney princesses, either with meet-and-greets or in passing during parades and cavalcades (check out our guide for finding the princesses at Disneyland!).
As of March 22, 2026, you can sing, dance and play games with Bluey and Bingo!
In other big character news, as of April 29, 2026, you can meet Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge!
Here are the top spots to catch some favorite characters:
- Mickey's Toontown — meet Mickey and Minnie in their houses, or Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy, Clarabelle or Pete wandering in the area.
- Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — interact with Kylo Ren and Stormtroopers, Rey and Chewbacca, Boba Fett and Fennec Shand, Mando and Grogu, Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 and more exciting characters as they roam Batuu. As of April 29, 2026, you can meet Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo!
- Pixie Hollow — say hello to Tinker Bell in the cutest themed area over by the castle. Sometimes you might even get one of Tink's fairy friends!
- Pooh Corner — find your Hundred Acre friends such as Pooh Bear, Tigger and Eeyore over by the exit of Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
- Town Square — Mickey and friends are always posing for pics at the front of Disneyland Park during the day.
- New Orleans Square — Captain Jack Sparrow is known to skulk around these parts, but you might also catch the lovely Princess Tiana passing through! If you don't see her on land, she might be cruising around on the Mark Twain Riverboat.
- Royal Hall — Princesses tend to flock to royal quarters. You can find a rotation of princesses such as Cinderella, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and Ariel. In the morning hours, you can also catch princesses saying hello right past the front gates of the park, by the Wishing Well or wandering through Fantasyland.
- By "it's a small world" — If you're lucky, you might run into Merida, Aladdin and Jasmine or even Ariel from the live-action movie!
- Wandering Characters — there are a whole bunch of characters who you might run into during your day at Disneyland! These characters include Peter Pan and Captain Hook, Belle, Ariel, Alice and the Mad Hatter, Genie and Gaston. Our favorite surprise character sighting is always the Evil Queen!
Character meet-and-greets at Disneyland are subject to change. It's always a good idea to check the Disneyland app or ask a cast member for up-to-date times and locations on the day of your visit!
Using Lightning Lane Single Pass and Multi Pass at Disneyland
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a paid skip-the-line service that allows guests to enter through a special line called Lightning Lane rather than the standby line. This add-on is toadally optional. All rides continue to operate with a standby queue (and sometimes a Single Rider line) at no additional charge. An additional benefit to the Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland is that all PhotoPass photos are included for the day!
Disneyland usually has about 13 rides on the Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Your priority rides include Indiana Jones Adventure and Space Mountain. These two run out the fastest in this park, but even they can have availability in the evening on less-crowded days. So, you can book one in the morning and ride the other at park opening, or choose a ride window a long way off when you know you have a longer wait for something else, a long meal to eat or a break from the park.
The next fastest distribution times can be Matterhorn Bobsleds and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. But watch out for Haunted Mansion and "it's a small world" during their holiday overlays. Those two rides move faster than usual during the overlays or after coming back from refurbishment. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin can also fall in this mid-level group.
Save Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, "it's a small world" and Autopia for the afternoon and early evening, as those are the slower movers of the group and often have upcoming Lightning Lane windows with a short wait.
One of the most popular rides in the park is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. It has a Lightning Lane Single Pass (separately charged entry) and a free standby line. We have a whole post on the best strategies for accessing this ride.
If you don't buy a ticket pre-loaded with Lightning Lane, you can purchase Multi Pass in the app on the day of your visit or even beforehand using the app. You'll get the best price when you buy it with your ticket, though. Make sure to book the ride you choose early (you can modify the time of your selection) in the app! You can book Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions after entering a theme park. Premier Pass is an option that allows you to ride every Lightning Lane attraction once without scheduling. You can buy that up to 7 days before your trip.
One of the benefits of staying on-site is that Disneyland Resort hotel guests receive one complimentary Lightning Lane to use at any Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction during their stay. You can read all our tips for using Lightning Lane at Disneyland, but the biggest tip is to start your day in Disneyland park and arrive at park opening.
Dining and Shopping at Disneyland
There are four main types of dining at Disneyland. The first is quick bites from snack carts and stands around the park. Here, you'll find churros, pretzels, popcorn, pickles and more. The second is called quick-service. At these locations, you can find anything from a snack to a full meal. Most quick-service spots have the option to walk up and order or to use mobile order on the app. Our favorite quick-service locations include Jolly Holiday, Rancho Del Zocalo and Docking Bay 7.
The third is table-service. There are a few table-service restaurants inside the park, and all require a reservation (or walk-up reservation if available). The Blue Bayou (located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride!) is definitely our favorite for ambience. For table-service restaurants, be sure to plan ahead and be prepared to make dining reservations 60 days in advance.
Lastly, you can make a reservation for character dining for breakfast at Plaza Inn. Character dining is just like table-service, but characters come to your table throughout your meal to say hello. Keep up with our favorite new foods each month!
Shopping
There are lots of small shops throughout the park. However, the biggest one is The Emporium on Main Street, where you'll find the most souvenirs. Don't wait until after the fireworks though, as Main Street shopping is very busy during this time. Check out Candy Palace for all your sweet treats to enjoy in the park or to take home. Check out Star Traders for all things Star Wars, and Galaxy's Edge for all in-world themed souvenirs. Pooh Corner has its own selection of Hundred Acre merchandise, and Louis' next door has a whole bunch of Tiana's Bayou Adventure-themed goodies. Get your tees, hats and jackets customized at the Mad Hatter's in Fantasylandl Pioneer Mercantile in Frontierland and EnginEAR in Toontown. (Don't froget to leave the tags on and bring your receipt!). We have a whole post on the best new merch at Disneyland that we update every month!
Disneyland Seasonal Celebrations
Our Disneyland events post has all the special events you don't want to miss. Here are a few big ones.
Halloween Time
Halloween Time transforms the park into a spooky, festive wonderland with themed decorations, seasonal attractions and Halloween-inspired treats. Guests can enjoy special events such as the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay, the Halloween Screams fireworks show and meet beloved Disney villains for a bewitching experience. You can even meet Jack Skellington and Sally in New Orleans Square!
Holiday Time
Holiday Time at Disneyland transforms the park into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations, lights and seasonal entertainment filling the air with magic. Visitors can enjoy special holiday-themed attractions, parades and exclusive treats, creating a unique and joyful experience for all ages.
Star Wars Month
The month of May immerses guests in the epic world of Star Wars with special attraction overlays, merchandise, After Dark parties and character encounters. Fans can experience new adventures on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and enjoy the Hyperspace Mountain overlay.
70th Celebration
Through Aug. 9, 2026, the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration honors seven decades of magic with special events, exclusive merchandise and a look back at the park's iconic history. Guests can enjoy limited-time entertainment, unique experiences and vibrant decorations as they celebrate Disneyland's legacy as the birthplace of Disney theme park magic.
Disneyland After Dark Events and Tours
Sweethearts' Nite
Sweethearts' Nite is a special after-hours event celebrating love and romance with exclusive entertainment, character meet-and-greets and themed experiences. Guests can enjoy a magical evening filled with festive décor, romantic rides and delicious treats in a more intimate park setting. This popular event sells out weeks in advance.
Star Wars Nite
Star Wars Nite is a thrilling after-hours event that immerses guests in the galaxy far, far away with special character encounters, themed attractions and exclusive entertainment. Fans can enjoy a night filled with iconic Star Wars moments, from stunning shows to themed food and merchandise, all in the heart of the park.
Pride Nite
Pride Nite is a vibrant after-hours celebration that honors the LGBTQ+ community with exclusive performances, character meet-and-greets and special festivities. Guests can enjoy a night of inclusivity, love and fun with themed entertainment, unique food offerings and a colorful, joyful atmosphere throughout the park.
70 Years of Favorites
In 2026, we can celebrate seven decades of Disneyland at the 70 Years of Favorites event, bringing back Videopolis, swing dancing and more.
Disney Channel Nite
There is usually a rotating or new Disneyland After Dark event for one or two nights in the year. This year we get two: 70 Years of Favorites and Disney Channel Nite. It's always fun to have a new experience to look forward to!
Tours
There are a few specialized guided tours to book at Disneyland. You can go on seasonal tours (for the holidays and Halloween) and fan-favorite tours (such as the Walt's Main Street Story Tour, where you can enter Walt's apartment!). There is even a tour in which you can ride the Lily Belle car on the Disneyland Railroad. A brand-new tour has been added to the list for the 70th Anniversary Celebration! A Story of Celebration 70th Anniversary Tour is a two-hour walking tour that explores the history of Disneyland Park, from 1955 to today. You'll visit iconic locations and learn more about Walt's vision and how it has grown over the years. You can read more about all the different tours, options and prices in our guide to Disneyland tours.
Additional Tips for Disneyland Park
Here are our main tips for your day at Disneyland Park:
- Arrive early — Arriving early helps you take advantage of shorter lines before the park fills up.
- Use the Disneyland App — The Disneyland app gives you real-time wait times, mobile food ordering and allows you to check ride availability.
- Use Single Rider Lines — For some attractions, using the single rider line is a great way to cut wait times.
- Use Lightning Lanes — This paid service allows you to skip the regular lines for select attractions, saving you time. Lightning Lane Multi Pass also gives you access to Photo Pass services and downloadable pictures.
- Prioritize must-do rides — Popular rides can have long wait times, and going at a busy time usually means you won't be able to do it all in one day. So, try to hit the ones you can't miss early and consider whether a multi-day ticket is for you. If you don;t know where to start, our Disneyland park plans can help!
- Make dining reservations — Scheduling out time in the day to sit and have a meal is a great way to keep you going on a long Disney day. Walk-up reservations are available at most restaurants, but are not guaranteed. We recommend making an advance dining reservation online or through the app up to 60 days in advance.
- Use Rider Switch — If you have tadpoles, use the Rider Switch program to enjoy attractions with height requirements while someone watches the little ones.
- Choose the Best Days to Visit — We have a whole post on when to visit Disneyland as well as a Crowd Calendar to help you determine the lowest crowds with the most fun.
First time visiting Disneyland? Let us know in the comments below what's on your must-do list! We've got you covered with discount tickets and hotel stays through Undercover Tourist to make your Disneyland dreams come true.
Related: Pop the Confetti! What to Expect at the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration
Related: Your Guide to Disneyland's Theme Park Reservation System — How to Make Your Disneyland Reservation!
Hoppy planning!
