Plan Ahead

Check out the average temperature and attendance trends

The Holiday Season starts early. Expect the parks to be decorated starting in mid to late November.

Choose a guide book or books to help you get acquainted with the parks, hotels and surrounding Anaheim area.


Get your children involved in planning your trip by giving them a part in the vacation planning such as choosing which attractions they would like to see and in what order they would like to see them.

Find out park hours, parade and firework times, and special event happenings.  Park hours are sometimes not available until 3 months prior to your travel dates.

Start a simple itinerary, add to it as you research what the Disneyland Resort and your hotel have to offer.

Be realistic about the time you have and the time it may actually take to accomplish your list.  Be flexible.

Don't make a strict schedule for your family to follow, it could make your vacation a miserable experience.  Have a basic itinerary or outline of attractions and activities you would like to see and do. 

Research your dining options and make a few dining reservations. Character Meals are fun and the most popular; the can be reserved 30 days in advance.

Make your travel and hotel reservations as far in advance as possible.

Research your hotel options.  Take into consideration that just because a hotel may have a cheaper rate it may not have all the amenities you would like during your stay. To save on travel time it may be worth it to pay a little more per night to be closer to the parks.

Airline Travel

When you purchase/reserve your airline tickets be sure to request seats. Have the seats reserved even if they can not seat your family altogether or if they are undesirable.  It is easier to be bumped from a flight without seat assignments because most airlines over book their flights.