What Disneyland is and where to find it
Disneyland is a theme park owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company, located in Anaheim, California. It is the original Disney theme park, opened in 1955, and sits adjacent to Disney California Adventure Park. The two parks together make up what Disney calls the Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland occupies about 85 acres and is divided into themed lands: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, and Critter Country. Each land contains rides, shows, restaurants, and shops built around a particular theme or time period.
The park is located at 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802. You can reach it by car, by public transit (the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center is about a mile away), or through ride-sharing services. Parking is available on-site for a fee, or you can use nearby parking structures and hotels.
Key Takeaways
- Disneyland ticket prices vary by date, with peak days (holidays, weekends) costing more than off-peak days, and you can see the exact price before you buy.
- You can purchase tickets directly from Disneyland's website, at the park gates, or through authorized resellers, but buying in advance usually costs less.
- A one-day ticket covers entry to Disneyland Park only; Disney California Adventure Park requires a separate ticket or a park-hopper add-on.
- The park operates on a variable schedule that changes by season, so check the official calendar before you plan your visit.
- Disneyland charges separately for parking, food, merchandise, and attractions like character dining, so budget beyond the ticket price.
How Disneyland ticket pricing works
Disneyland uses variable pricing, meaning the cost of a ticket changes based on the date you visit. Peak dates — typically holidays, summer weekends, and school breaks — cost more than value dates, which are usually weekdays in the off-season. The park publishes a calendar on its website showing the price tier for each day, so you can see the exact ticket cost before you buy.
A single-day ticket to Disneyland Park only is the most basic option. If you want to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day, you can add a park-hopper feature to your ticket for an additional fee. Multi-day tickets are also available and usually offer a lower per-day cost than buying single-day tickets separately.
Ticket prices vary significantly by date. A value-date single-day ticket costs less than a peak-date ticket for the same park. The exact prices change and depend on demand, so the park does not publish fixed dollar amounts. You can see the current price for your chosen date by entering it on the Disneyland website's ticket purchase page.
Where to buy tickets and when to buy them
You can purchase Disneyland tickets from three main sources: the official Disneyland website, the Disneyland ticket booths at the park gates, and authorized third-party resellers. Buying in advance through the official website typically costs less than buying at the gate on the day of your visit, because gate prices are usually higher.
Authorized resellers include some travel agencies and hotel booking sites, but prices and terms vary. If you buy from a reseller, verify that they are listed as authorized on the Disneyland website to avoid counterfeit or invalid tickets. The safest route is to buy directly from Disneyland's website or at the park.
Tickets purchased online are delivered as digital tickets that you scan at the park entrance using the Disneyland app or by showing a printed barcode. You do not need to pick up a physical ticket in advance. If you buy at the gate, you receive a physical ticket or a digital ticket depending on the method you choose.
What is included in your ticket and what costs extra
Your Disneyland ticket covers entry to the park and access to all rides and attractions included in the park's regular operations. Most attractions are included at no additional cost once you are inside. However, some experiences and services cost extra and are not covered by your ticket.
Parking is charged separately and costs a set fee per vehicle per day. You can pay at the parking structure when you arrive, or you can pre-purchase parking online. Valet parking is also available for an additional fee. If you stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel, parking may be included depending on your room rate.
Food and beverages are sold throughout the park at restaurants, carts, and kiosks, and prices are set by Disneyland. You are allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the park, which can reduce costs. Character dining experiences, where you eat a meal while meeting Disney characters, require a separate reservation and cost more than standard dining.
Merchandise, souvenirs, and photos are sold separately. PhotoPass, Disney's photo service, offers digital downloads and prints for an additional fee. Some special events, like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or Oogie Boogie Bash, require a separate ticket on top of your park admission.
Park hours and how to check them before you visit
Disneyland's operating hours change by season and by day of the week. The park may open as early as 8 a.m. or as late as 10 a.m., and may close as early as 9 p.m. or as late as midnight, depending on the date. Hours are typically longer during summer, holidays, and school breaks, and shorter during off-season weekdays.
You can find the official operating hours for your visit date on the Disneyland website's park hours calendar. The Disneyland app also displays current hours. It is important to check the hours before you plan your day, because they vary significantly and affect how much time you have to experience attractions.
The park may close early for special events or maintenance, and hours can change with little notice. If you are planning a visit, check the official calendar at least a few days before your trip to confirm the hours for your date.
How to get around the park and plan your route
Disneyland is divided into seven themed lands, each connected by pathways. Main Street USA is the central hub, and the other lands branch out from it. You can walk between all areas of the park, though some lands are farther from the entrance than others. The entire park is walkable in a day, though you will not see everything if you visit only once.
The Disneyland app shows a map of the park, wait times for attractions, and dining locations. You can use it to plan which attractions to visit and in what order. Many guests prioritize popular attractions early in the day when wait times are shorter, or they use the app to check wait times throughout the day and visit attractions when lines are shorter.
Disneyland offers a Lightning Lane service that allows you to reserve a time to experience certain attractions with a shorter wait. Lightning Lane reservations are included with some tickets and cost extra for others, depending on the ticket type and date. You can reserve Lightning Lanes through the Disneyland app starting at a set time each day.
What to bring and what the park rules allow
You are allowed to bring a backpack, bag, or small purse into Disneyland. Bags are subject to a security check at the entrance. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, including water bottles. The park provides water fountains throughout the grounds, and you can request free cups of ice water at any food location.
Outside alcohol, glass containers, and weapons are not permitted. Selfie sticks, tripods, and professional cameras with detachable lenses are restricted in some areas. Costumes are allowed for guests of all ages, but full-face masks and costumes that cover your entire face are not permitted for security reasons.
Strollers are permitted and can be rented at the park if you do not bring your own. Wheelchairs and mobility devices are also permitted. The park has designated areas for nursing mothers and family restrooms. If you have questions about what is permitted, you can contact Disneyland Guest Services or check the official website before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks into Disneyland?
Yes. You can bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages, including water bottles and snacks. The park also provides free cups of ice water at any food location. Outside alcohol and glass containers are not permitted.
What is the difference between a one-day ticket and a park-hopper ticket?
A one-day ticket covers entry to Disneyland Park only. A park-hopper add-on allows you to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day. Park-hopper costs extra and is added to your ticket at purchase.
Do I have to buy tickets in advance, or can I buy them at the gate?
You can buy tickets either way, but advance purchase through the Disneyland website usually costs less than buying at the gate. Gate prices are typically higher. Buying online also lets you see the exact price for your chosen date before you commit.
How do I use Lightning Lane to skip lines?
Lightning Lane reservations are made through the Disneyland app. You can reserve a time slot for certain attractions, and when your time arrives, you enter a shorter line. Some tickets include Lightning Lane; others require an additional fee. You can make your first reservation at a set time each day through the app.
Is parking included with my ticket?
No. Parking is charged separately at the parking structure or through pre-purchase online. If you stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel, parking may be included depending on your room rate. Valet parking is also available for an additional fee.