Visit Disneyland California | Your Complete Park Guide

Know before you go

Lockers: They are available in multiple sizes at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, as well as at the Esplanade between the two parks.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered throughout both parks, Downtown Disney, and inside Disneyland Resort Hotels.
First Aid: First Aid stations are conveniently located on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park and near Carthay Circle in Disney California Adventure.
Baby care centers: Each park has a Baby Care Center stocked with changing tables, microwaves, and quiet nursing rooms.
Package pickup: If you shop inside the parks, you don’t need to carry bags all day. Purchases can be sent to package pickup near the park exits, so you can grab them on your way out.

Standard wheelchairs and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent right outside the entrances of both parks.
Many rides have designated accessible entrances, and select attractions allow you to remain in the wheelchair or ECV while riding. Others provide transfer devices to make the process smoother.
Disneyland California offers the Disability Access Service (DAS), which lets eligible guests schedule return times for attractions, reducing the need to wait in traditional queues. Registration can be done in person or ahead of time through the Disneyland app.
Complimentary assistive listening devices, handheld captioning units, and audio description devices are available at Guest Relations. On certain days, sign language interpreters are also provided for stage shows and live entertainment.
Trained service animals are welcome throughout the resort.

Many attractions, including Radiator Springs Racers and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, offer Rider Switch. This allows one adult to ride while another waits with younger children, then swap without waiting in line again.
Beyond the rides, kids can burn off energy at attractions designed just for them. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure is an adventurous outdoor playground with rope bridges, slides, and climbing nets, while Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland Park offers interactive playhouses and whimsical spaces perfect for toddlers.
Both single and double strollers can be rented just outside the main entrance. Designated stroller parking is located near all major attractions.
For safety, each attraction has clearly posted height requirements. Many rides even have measurement stations near the entrance so you can check before lining up.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside, though baby food, formula, and medically necessary items can be brought in. You may also bring small snacks and sealed water bottles.
Costumes are only permitted for children ages 13 and under during regular park hours.
Smoking is not allowed inside the parks. Designated areas are located outside the security checkpoints on the Esplanade between the two parks.
Tripods, selfie sticks, wagons, and recreational scooters are not allowed inside the parks.
Balloons and plastic straws are also restricted at Disney California Adventure’s animal areas, such as near Grizzly River Run.

Disneyland Park: Blue Bayou Restaurant lets you dine under twinkling lanterns inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. You can also enjoy character dining with Minnie and friends at the Plaza Inn on Main Street. Don’t miss fan favorites like a refreshing Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar or Mickey-shaped beignets from the Mint Julep Bar.
Disney California Adventure: Sip cocktails with Pixar views at Lamplight Lounge on Pixar Pier or savor upscale Californian cuisine at Carthay Circle Restaurant. For quick bites, try a corn dog at Corn Dog Castle, churros near Cars Land, or Mediterranean-inspired plates at Wine Country Trattoria.
Downtown Disney District: This vibrant dining and shopping hub is perfect for winding down after the parks. It offers options like craft brews at Ballast Point Brewing Co. and wood-fired pizza at Naples Ristorante e Bar.

Universal Studios Hollywood: About an hour north in Los Angeles, this world-famous theme park brings movies to life with attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World – The Ride, and studio back lot tours.
Aquarium of the Pacific: Located in Long Beach, just 30 mins from Anaheim, this aquarium is home to over 12,000 animals, from sharks and sea otters to colorful tropical fish. Families especially love the touch pools, penguin habitat, and interactive exhibits.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: See behind the scenes of real working film sets in Burbank, where you can walk through Central Perk from Friends, visit DC Super Hero and Harry Potter exhibits, and even see how movies are made.
Celebrity Homes Tour: If you’re curious about Hollywood glamour, hop on a guided tour through Beverly Hills and Hollywood Hills to spot the homes of famous stars past and present.

Visitor tips

The official Disneyland app is a great way to check live wait times, join virtual queues, order meals on the go, and find character meet-and-greets across both parks. It even shows PhotoPass locations and restroom maps.
Add on a Lightning Lane Multi Pass to skip standby lines for popular rides like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure. For top-demand attractions like Radiator Springs Racers or Rise of the Resistance, you’ll have to book an Individual Lightning Lane.
Take advantage of early entry for those staying at Disneyland Resort Hotels. You get a 30-min head start in both parks.
Anaheim weather is sunny year-round, so bring sunscreen, hats, and a refillable water bottle. Refill stations are available in both parks.
Arrive 30–45 mins early for parades like Magic Happens or nighttime spectaculars like World of Color for the best views. If you’d rather ride, this is also the perfect time to hit shorter lines.
Beyond churros and turkey legs, try the Mickey-shaped beignets at Mint Julep Bar, a refreshing Dole Whip near the Tiki Room, or seasonal treats at Jolly Holiday Bakery. These are Disneyland must-dos.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Disneyland California

What’s the best time of year to visit Disneyland California?

If you want lighter crowds, mid-January through mid-March or mid-September are your best bets. For holiday magic, November and December are incredible, but expect bigger crowds.

Does Disneyland close when it rains?

Nope. Most rides stay open unless it’s heavy rain or lightning. Honestly, rainy days can mean shorter wait times. Just bring a poncho in case the weather forecast foresees rain.

Are there character meet-and-greets?

Yes, and they’re everywhere. You’ll see Mickey and Minnie on Main Street, princesses in Fantasyland, and Marvel heroes over at Avengers Campus. The Disneyland app even shows you when and where they’re out.

Can I bring a backpack?

Absolutely, as long as it’s within size limits (no larger than 24" x 15" x 18"). Security will check bags at the entrance, so pack smart.

Where can I find vegetarian or vegan food?

Almost everywhere! Try the plant-based Ronto Wrap in Galaxy’s Edge, the Impossible™ banh mi at Tropical Hideaway, or vegan gumbo at Harbour Galley.

Can I use MagicBands at Disneyland?

Yes. Disneyland now uses MagicBand+ for park entry, Lightning Lane access, and even interactive features with shows like World of Color.

Are there quiet spots to take a break?

Yes, and you’ll be glad to know about them. Try the shaded seating at Hungry Bear Restaurant, the Animation Academy in DCA, or the little garden behind Sleeping Beauty Castle.

What’s the best parade or show for families?

Magic Happens is a big hit with kids and adults alike. At nighttime, World of Color at DCA is breathtaking and tells a story through fountains, lights, and Disney music.

How do Rider Switch passes work?

If your little one isn’t tall enough for a ride, one adult waits while the other rides, then you swap without standing in line again. It’s available on major rides like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones.

Where’s the best spot to watch the fireworks?

In front of Sleeping Beauty Castle is the most magical, but it’s also the most crowded. For a less packed view, try “it’s a small world” or Rivers of America.

Are there fireworks every night?

Not always. Fireworks usually happen on weekends and nightly during peak seasons, but projections-only shows may run on weekdays. Check the app for that day’s schedule.

What’s the best way to get from the parking structure to the parks?

From Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals garages, you can take the tram straight to the Main Entrance. A shuttle bus from Toy Story Lot will take you to the entrance.

Can I visit Downtown Disney without a park ticket?

Yes, you can. Downtown Disney is free to enter and has restaurants, shopping, and live entertainment. It’s a great option if you want Disney vibes without going into the parks.