How to Plan a Disneyland Trip: 5 EASY Steps

Are you considering a trip to Disneyland? Today I’m going to give you 5 easy steps to planning a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth (which should leave you happy rather than confused or unhappy with the trip you plan). It really isn’t tricky, if you follow a few key tips.

Before we get started, grab my trip calculator so you can be aware of of all the costs (because we aren’t here for any nasty Disney surprises):

Step 1: What is your budget?

This is the most important step. I get the feeling some people think that a Disneyland trip can be planned for just a few hundred dollars and while that maybe was the case when we were younger, that is not the case now.

I have a LOT of posts on your Disneyland budget (because I think that’s one of the biggest issues with Disneyland trip planning). I’ll link them here so you can learn more about what to expect:

• How Much Money for Disneyland? Your Disneyland budget
• 12 Easy Ways to do Disneyland on a Budget
• Disneyland Untangled – Making the Most of Your Trip
• Can I Buy Disneyland Tickets at the Gate?
• How Much Does Disneyland Vacation Cost for a Family of 4?

And, in case you’re also considering Disney WORLD…. Disney World On Budget: Stretching Your Dollar for Fun Disney Days

I think it’s really important to be honest with yourself about how much this trip will cost, and to be honest if waiting a year (or two) to take this big of a vacation might ultimately make it more fun (as you save up a bit more).

I’m not saying that you can’t scrimp and save at Disneyland — but there are costs associated with it, and they will be marketing to you (and your kids) at every step along the way. It’s just good to know.

Step #2: When & How Long will you stay?

Your next step (honestly, often done in cohorts on deciding your budget) is how long you’ll stay, and WHEN you are going.

First off — how long will you stay?

You’ll OFTEN see that a “5-day trip is cheaper than a 3-day trip” — and that means that a 5-day ticket is cheaper per day than a 3-day ticket. Every day that you add to your ticket saves on the per-day pricing. However, you have to remember that every day also includes more:

• Lodging
• Transportation to the parks (not a big deal if you’re walking — although your feet may start to hate you)
• Food in the parks
• More time for souvenirs

It also allows for more lounging at the pool, less early days. It just depends on what you want and how you want to price things out.

A longer trip, with a hotel further away might be what you want.

OR, a shorter trip with a hotel close to the parks (as they’re pricier) might be just the ticket for you.

Every family is different, and every choice will be different.

And now, WHEN to go?

Many families have specific dates in mind, but sometimes you have some wiggle room. You can check to see if there is a price change (or a weather change) depending on when you want to go.

Here are a few more posts on this topic you might find helpful:

• 6 Mistakes You’ll Make Planning Your Disneyland Trip
• When Is Disneyland the Least Busy?
• 4 Things to Avoid When You Plan Your Disneyland Trip
• Best Time of Year to go to Disneyland: All Four Seasons

Step #3: How to Get There?

Ok, now you need to figure out how you’ll get there. I do think most familes fly, but if you’re not too far away you can drive.

If you need to drive, I recommend using this AAA gas calculator that figures that out for you.

If you’re flying I recommend Long Beach of John Wayne airport, although you can also use LAX. It’s just much bigger and further away. Long Beach is about 35 minutes away, and John Wayne may be closer to 25? I tend to just fly into who’s closer. John Wayne is a bit cheaper for an Uber ride, so if both are very similar I pick John Wayne.

I usually fly in using Southwest Airlines << and I wish I’d gotten their credit card the first time I flew with them. I’d have so many miles.

And some more Disney trip planning tips:

• Dollywood vs Disney: A Theme Park Comparison
• Gift Ideas for Someone Going to Disney
• Knotts Berry Farms vs Disneyland? Which one is right for you?
• 6 EASY Tips You Shouldn’t do Disneyland Without

Step #4: Where to Stay?

Ok, this is a big one, because the wrong stay can leave you in a TON of traffic in the mornings, or give you that gross feeling you get from nasty beds….

I have always used Get Away Today to book my Disneyland trips. I can trust that if I book with them I’m getting a vetted hotel room that will be safe for me and my family.

For us, as we’re older and maybe have a bit more money to spend, we love to stay close to the parks.

But there are a TON of different options out there, here’s some of my favorite hotels with specific perks:

• Best Disneyland Hotels with Kitchens
• Best Hotel Close to Disneyland
• Hotels with a Disneyland Shuttle
• Best Hotels Near Disneyland with Free Breakfast
• Cheap Hotels in Anaheim by Disneyland
• Disneyland Hotels With Family Suites

But, I share my top Disneyland hotels right here.

Step #5: Plan Your Days

Ok — the bad news is that Disneyland does require some trip planning.

I think it’s important to know which rides are the most popular, so you can decide to skip them, or get them in early in the day (or get a Lightning Lane for them). My Disneyland day planner will help out:

If you’re going to use Lightning Lane, I 100% recommend making SURE you understand how the system works — as I linked to before, this post gives you the basics without overwhelming you.

Disneyland isn’t a park that you can just walk into without a real game plan, unless you’re just there to enjoy the park and a few rides. If that’s the case, you can do that. Just most people don’t.

If you’re not into early days to get more in, then I might recommend somewhere like Dollywood or a Six Flags park….

I just think it’s good to know this isn’t likely going to be that relaxing vacation you might want. It’s going to be a LOT of fun, but also a lot of checking things on your phone, walking, and some planning ahead.

I do think it’s one of the best ways to have a good time with your family of many ages though.

Got more questions about planning a Disneyland trip? Tell us in the comments and I will try to help out! This was the basics, but I have LOTS more tips where this one came from!