We recently took a trip to Disneyland! The park was decorated for Christmas and while it was magical, it was also chaotic. That said, we had an amazing time but we’re here to spill the tea on what we learned from the experience to make sure that it stays the happiest place on earth for you and your friends and family!
Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Disneyland in 2024
Buying Your Tickets
Gone are the days of buying your tickets at the gate, now you have to book in advance. We suggest using their website to guide you but make sure you pay attention. We accidentally booked a ticket for California Adventure Park instead of just Disneyland, which would have been fine had Disneyland not been completely sold out. Luckily we had the chance to change it, after days of refreshing and waiting for someone to cancel or switch parks.
Time is of the essence. If you only have a day at the park, we don’t recommend the park hopper because A. it’s more expensive and B. you simply won’t have time. Pick which park, Disneyland or Disneyland California Adventure Park and stick to that one. You can use their site to see which rides and attractions each park has to help you make your choice.
Prices for the parks vary from week to week so planning can save you up to $50 a person. We also don’t recommend the Genie addition. Not only is it a waste of money but also time. You’re going to spend so much time on your phone trying to figure out how it works and which ride you’re up for next.
Watching the Parade
If you’re going to watch a parade make sure you find a spot early. It gets very crowded and there are not too many options for seating, so grab a spot early. Pro tip: We would use that time to grab food or a snack and sit down to unwind before the parade starts!
Dealing With Lines
The long lines are unavoidable. Go prepared. Disneyland now lets you take in drinks and snacks! A reusable water bottle will go a long way at the park, especially one that keeps your drink cold. It might not be as hot as Texas but it still gets toasty.
Buying Merch
Wait to buy goodies on your way out. A lot of things at Disney come in souvenir cups or just bulky packaging and finding a place to store them while trying to ride the rides isn’t ideal. They’ll still be there on the way out! With luggage fees being what they are make sure to leave room in your luggage for all the souvenirs you’ll be taking home.
Stroller Rental
If you have kids and you don’t want to lug a stroller on a plane you can rent a single or double stroller at the park. They have designated stroller parking near all the rides. The strollers are $18 per day for a single stroller and $36 per day for a double stroller.
Final Thoughts
Go early. If you want to see everything and have time to actually enjoy it, go early and plan to stay late.
As we previously said, you’re going to be standing and walking all day so dress comfortably. Comfortable shoes are crucial! While California doesn’t get too cold nights can be chilly so make sure you check the forecast and grab a light jacket.
Make sure to download the Disneyland app. The app will be your best friend during your time at Disneyland. It has a map, wait times in real-time, times for any special events happening that day and more!
Bonus tip: If it’s your birthday or your first time at the park tell any store clerk and they will give you a special button!
Disneyland’s 2024 Event Highlights
Mark your calendars! Here’s a look at Disneyland’s 2024 event highlights!
- January 23 through February 18, 2024 | Lunar New Year – Festival food booths, rare characters and a procession to Disney California Adventure.
- January 30, 2024 | Pixar Place Hotel opens.
- February 2, 2024 | Magic Happens parade returns.
- January 23, 25, 30, February 1, 6, 8, 12 and 14, 2024 | Sweethearts’ Nite at Disneyland Park.
- February 17 and 24 | Celebrate Gospel brings additional entertainment and food to Disneyland Park.
- March 1 to April 22, 2024 | Food and Wine Festival
- March 22 to April 14, 2024 | “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular is back Disneyland for a special presentation.
- April 5 to June 2, 2024 | Season of the Force
- April 26 – August 4, 2024 | Pixar Fest
- March 5 and 7, 2024 | Disney Channel Nite at Disneyland Park.
- April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7 and 9, 2024 | Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Park
- May 24, 2024 | Fantasmic!
- June 18 and 20, 2024 | Pride Nite at Disneyland Park
- July 17, 2024 | Disneyland’s birthday! Expect additional celebrations at Disneyland Park.
- August 9-11, 2024 | D23
- August 23 to October 31, 2024 | Halloween Time starts early this year.
- September 5-8, 2024 | Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend.
- September 13-15, 2024 | Gay Days. Be sure to make your reservation early!
- 2024 dates TBA | The Disneyland Halloween Party — The Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure.
- 2024 date TBA | Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is expected to open in late 2024
Happy planning! We hope you have a magical time!
