The Ultimate Guide to Disneyland Travel

Planning and Packing:

Most people who go to Disneyland would probably agree that the best way to do well is to plan ahead. That's why it's so important to ask a travel advisor for help. You've come to the right place.) This includes where to stay, what tickets to buy, your park strategy and what to pack! Choosing when to go to Disneyland is important, but it's not as important as planning to go to Walt Disney World. Since the parks are much smaller, wait times generally seemed to be a fraction of the times spent waiting in line at Walt Disney World. Even on the July 4th holiday weekend, most lines ranged from complete walk-ons to only about 75 minutes. If you don't like crowds, plan your trip during off-peak times (avoiding holidays and summer vacations) to save even less time waiting in crowds.

One of the best parts of Disneyland travel is that everything is so compact! To give some perspective, Disneyland only covers about 500 acres in California versus Walt Disney World, which covers 30,080 acres in Florida. Staying in one of the Disneyland Resorts is a great way to get to the parks right away. The Grand Californian Hotel has a secret entrance for guests only into Disney's California Adventure Park. Guests at these resorts also get special benefits, like early entry into the parks for people who want to have special access and shorter wait times in the mornings. However, Disneyland has a wide range of "good neighbor" hotels within Anaheim, most within a 2-mile radius of the parks. Many are within walking distance, with only a 5–15-minute walk from your stay to the front of the park! Some of note are the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort for guests looking for a luxury experience for their Disneyland travel. Additionally, there are the Westin Anaheim Resort and the Anaheim Marriott for guests looking for extra Fora perks to add to their stay.

Once you've locked in the perfect place for your stay, the next thing to think about is Disneyland tickets. Since Disneyland is so compact, you could easily visit each of the 2 parks in one full day. However, for guests looking for some special flexibility, I highly recommend purchasing park-hopper tickets. This ticket type allows guests to "hop" between parks to their hearts' content after 11 am on the day of their park reservation. You can spend the morning at Disney's California Adventure riding all of the best rides like the Incredicoaster and Guardian of the Galaxy before the lines get long. Then, go to Disneyland to watch the classic castle-view fireworks in the evening. Another element I highly recommend adding to your ticket purchase is Lightning Lane Multi-pass. While this pass could use an entire article itself, ultimately, it allows guests to reserve "fast-passes" to select rides throughout both parks so that you can maximize your time in the parks with less waiting in line. Park-hopper tickets with Lightning Lane multi-pass allow you to skip lines in both parks on the same day!

Finally, the last thing to pre-plan before your Disneyland travel is packing. Besides your best Disney backpacks and Minnie-ears accessories, some important things are portable phone chargers, comfortable walking shoes, and water bottles that can be reused. Since everything will be done on your phone (park tickets, Lightning Lanes, checking wait times, booking last-minute dining reservations and ordering food from your phone), a fully charged phone is a must. Hydrating, having comfy shoes and having a fully charged phone are the best ways to ensure a stress-free day in that dry California heat!

Dining:

You may also want to plan your dining. Disneyland always adds new great snacks to their menus, so read the latest Disney news (or ask your travel advisor for the best food suggestions). Dining reservations open 60 days in advance of your trip if there is a must-do restaurant on your Disneyland bucket list. If you want to eat in the cool air, I suggest Blue Bayou, which is inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The ambiance is incredible and the Southern Creole-style cooking is perfect for Princess and the Frog lovers. One of our favorite bars is in the Disneyland Hotel, near the parks. It's called Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar. This is a must-see bar for those who love tropical cocktails paired with the infamous dry humor of the Jungle Cruise skippers. Downtown Disney is also close to the parks. There are many other restaurants, including Paseo, a fancy Mexican restaurant, and Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes, which serves casual beers and bites. There is truly something for everyone here! But my personal recommendation is to save some room for the many quick-service snacks around the parks to explore. There are many great foods to try when you visit Disneyland. You can try traditional Mickey-shaped ice creams and the famous Dole Whip. New dishes like the California roll sandwich at Aunt Cass Cafe, and special foods like the rock candy margaritas at Pixarfest's pop-up market Elemental Table.

Here are some final need-to-knows that will ensure you have an absolutely magical time traveling to Disneyland!

• Work with a travel advisor to make the most out of your Disneyland vacation!

• Download the Disneyland app for your tickets, park maps, live wait times and mobile food ordering.

• Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy popular attractions with shorter lines.

• Take advantage of Lightning Lane Multi-pass to skip lines for select attractions.

• Pack portable phone chargers, comfortable shoes and reusable water bottles you can re-fill in the parks!

By planning ahead and being flexible, you can have a great time at Disneyland. You will make memories that will last a long time. Disneyland travelers should always have a game plan, but allow a little room for some pixie dust magic and spontaneity. Whether you're traveling solo, with family or as a couple, Disneyland promises an enchanting experience for everyone.

This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to California. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Catherine Orlans' guide, Pet-Friendly Hotels Near Disneyland.