Know Before You Go: Navigating Disneyland® Resort

This year, Disneyland® celebrates its 70th anniversary with fantastic experiences. The Happiest Place on Earth is a must-visit in 2025. First-time visitors may wonder how to navigate the parks.

Disneyland® Resort, with its numerous rides and attractions, can be quite challenging to navigate for first-timers. This ultimate guide will provide key spots, travel tips for Disneyland®, and ways to get around the parks, along with tips to enhance your visit.

Ready to head to Disneyland®? Let's go!

Park hours

Disneyland® Resort hours vary: Disneyland® Park is usually 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and Disney California Adventure® Park from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Some sections may close earlier during off-peak seasons. For updates, download the official Disneyland® mobile app.

Come to the resort earlier during peak seasons for shorter wait times and fewer lines.

Ways to get to Disneyland® Resort

Here are four easy ways to travel to Disneyland® Resort.

Via car

You can drive to Disneyland®. First-timers should use the Disneyland® App for directions and parking. Renting a car is also an option if you don't have one.

Ridesharing services like Lyft or Uber offer hassle-free rides to the resort.

Trains

Utilize train systems like Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® and Metrolink for quicker access to Disneyland®. Arriving at The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), trips take about 30 minutes.

Via public transportation

To access Disneyland® Resort via bus, take the Metro Rail Green Line, then transfer to Metro Express Line 460. From LAX, the "G" bus/shuttle goes to Aviation Station. From there, head to the west platform for the Green Line, then transfer at Norwalk Station to the Metro Express Line 460.

Via plane

Visitors from distant cities travel to Disneyland® Resort by plane. Here are the closest airports:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

• John Wayne Airport (SNA)

• Long Beach Airport (LGB)

• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

• Ontario International Airport (ONT)

• San Diego International Airport (SAN)

What is at the Disneyland® Resort?

Disneyland® Park

Disneyland® Park, the first theme park by the Walt Disney Company, offers unique and thrilling activities for all ages. Here are the must-see rides and attractions:

• Haunted Mansion at Smuggler's Square

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Frontierland

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Fantasyland

• Goofy's How-to-Play Yard at Mickey's Toontown

• Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway at Mickey's Toontown

• Pirates of the Caribbean at New Orleans Square

• Millennium Falcon at Smuggler's Run at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Disneyland® Park hosts thrilling fireworks and colorful character parades. Don't miss the vibrant Paint the Night parade for the 70th anniversary!

Disney California Adventure® Park

For thrills and themed rides, Disney California Adventure® Park is ideal, featuring big drops and exhilarating adventures.

• Mater's Junkyard Jamboree at Cars Land

• Radiator Springs Racers at Cars Land

• Matterhorn Bobsleds at Fantasyland

• Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! at Avengers Campus

• Incredicoaster at Pixar Pier

• Grizzly River Run at Grizzly Peak

• Jessie's Critter Carousel at Pixar Pier

Disney California Adventure® Park features top shows and parades like World of Color Happiness!, Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration, and the Frightfully Fun Parade.

Hotels

Planning a Disneyland® vacation? The resort features three hotels with high comfort and fine dining:

• Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

• Disneyland® Hotel

• Pixar Place Hotel

Hotel reservations have separate fees and are not included with Disneyland® tickets.

Dining spots

Disneyland® Resort is not just about rides; it’s also a foodie paradise with iconic food and top restaurants! Enjoy delicious breaks at these venues.

• Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

• Paseo at Downtown Disney

• Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure® Park

• Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure® Park

• Blue Bayou Restaurant at New Orleans Square

• Centrico at Downtown Disney

Most of these restaurants are located within walking distance of your favorite rides and Try Disney food items like Dole Whip, Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Churros!

Navigating Disneyland® parks and attractions.

Disneyland® Resort is massive, making navigation challenging, but there are many ways to reach your favorite spots.

Walking

Wear soft, cushioned footwear when strolling around Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking paths that connect parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney District.

Trams

Free trams run between Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures and are located at the entrances of Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park.

Disneyland® Railroad

An 18-minute scenic train ride at Disneyland® Park with stops at Main Street, New Orleans Square, and Tomorrowland is included in your park admission.

Monorail

The Disneyland® Resort monorail offers a scenic ride into Tomorrowland, with views of Fantasyland, Hollywood Land, Buena Vista Street, and Grizzly Peak Airfield.

Tips to enhance your Disneyland® visit.

Buy your Disneyland® tickets early.

Securing Disneyland® tickets and park reservations early, especially in the off-peak season, leads to cheaper tickets and fewer crowds. Know the best times to visit for a magical experience.

Grab those ticket add-ons!

Waiting in line can be frustrating, especially for rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. To skip long waits, get the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which lets you enjoy attractions without stress.

For a two-day stay, consider a Park Hopper ticket to enjoy multiple parks during your Disneyland® visit.

Use single-rider services.

Some Disneyland® rides have single-rider lines to minimize wait times, ideal for solo visitors or groups willing to split up.

Craft a personal itinerary.

Creating your own itinerary allows you to prioritize favorite rides at Disney parks, maximize time for preferred experiences, and explore new attractions.

Download the Disneyland® app.

Download the official Disneyland® app for an easy way to navigate Disneyland® Resort. Access Disney's fun and magic at your fingertips. Your phone can help you:

• Place mobile orders.

• Check dining reservations.

• Use contactless payment.

• Access show times and park hours.

Experience vibrant moments at your first Disneyland® visit!

Celebrate Disneyland® Resort's 70th Anniversary with memorable experiences. Use this guide to navigate and enjoy the park's fun and magic this year.

Get discounted Disneyland® tickets now for amazing deals and magical moments. See you there!