Should you start with Disneyland or California Adventure?

The general consensus in most Disney and travel forums is that Disneyland should be your first choice, and moving on to California Adventure afterward. If you are trying to get everything done in one day, staying in a hotel on-site the night before is a good idea.



People Also Ask

Theme Parks – Frequently Asked Questions Can I visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in one day? A: Yes. It is possible to visit both Disneyland Resort theme parks in one day using either a Park Hopper Ticket or Magic Key pass.

MORE DETAILS

You can't do everything at Disneyland in a single day, and you shouldn't feel pressure to. You can ride all the rides without much difficulty many days, but you'll miss out on some other attractions, entertainment, and characters. You'll want to know what your priorities are before you get to the park.

MORE DETAILS

We'd say to spend two-thirds of your time at Disneyland Park and one-third at Disney California Adventure.

MORE DETAILS

Disneyland has tons of rides and entertainment, and doing everything at a comfortable pace requires a 2-day touring plan. Our time-saving Disneyland offers step-by-step strategy for park's most popular attractions and experiences, including Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge!

MORE DETAILS

If it's your first time visiting, we recommend you begin the trip at Disneyland Park for a feel of the original Disney magic across its nine themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland, Mickey's Toontown, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge®.

MORE DETAILS

California Adventure Park is 100% worth visiting on your trip to Disneyland, California, due to its unique themed lands, rides, attractions, shows, restaurants, and special events throughout the year. Read on to find out more about reasons to visit California Adventure!

MORE DETAILS

In 2019, the monthly average attraction wait time was 25 minutes, while in 2022, it was 30 minutes. In 2021, when the parks reopened after being shut down due to the pandemic, the Register reported that the monthly average attraction wait times was 21 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

Disney California Adventure Park is within short walking distance to Disneyland Park. The Main Entrances for both Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park face each other.

MORE DETAILS

Crowds at Disneyland vs California Adventure Disneyland is always a little more crowded than Disney California Adventure, but it is also a bigger park and has more rides and attractions.

MORE DETAILS

Disney California Adventure Park: Up to Two Days No matter when you're visiting, though, you'll definitely want to arrive early to make sure you can grab FastPass tickets for rides and minimize wait times.

MORE DETAILS

Did you know that there are actually two amazing Disney Theme Parks in Anaheim, though? While Disneyland remains the most popular in influence and attendance, Disney's California Adventure makes a really excellent option as well, offering all the Disney fun you'd expect at any Disney theme park!

MORE DETAILS

Best Age to Go to Disneyland 7-9 Your kids are still excited to experience all of the Disney magic. By 9 your child can probably ride all of the rides at both Disneyland and California Adventure. We typically do Disneyland more and at the age of 10 we do a special 10-year-old trip to Disney World with each of our kids.

MORE DETAILS

While people of any height may enjoy many of the rides at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, the rides require children under 7 to ride seated next to someone who meets a certain height requirement (see Autopia) or is at least 14 years old.

MORE DETAILS

Magic Kingdom is definitely the better park when it comes to food, attractions, character meet and greets and entertainment over Hollywood Studios. Hollywood Studios has become more a half day park, unless you are a major Star Wars fan and want to spend plenty of extra time doing galactic activities.

MORE DETAILS

The price of a one-day ticket now ranges from $104 to $179, based on the day. Days are separated into seven tiers, with all but the cheapest tiers increasing in price as of Tuesday.

MORE DETAILS

How many days should you spend in Disneyland parks? Though there are just 2 parks at Disneyland Resort, there are still plenty of attractions and things to do. Ideally, you should plan on spending a total of 3-4 days in the parks to cover most everything, including rides, characters, shows, and fireworks.

MORE DETAILS

Many guides suggest that you start with Magic Kingdom first, followed by Epcot and then Hollywood Studios. This leaves Animal Kingdom as the last Disney theme park to visit on your trip.

MORE DETAILS

Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, especially Monday-Thursdays. On weekends, Sundays are usually less crowded than Saturdays. Regular weekends tend to be less crowded than holiday weekends.

MORE DETAILS

Disneyland offers the classic Disney experience, whereas California Adventure offers more adult-oriented thrills.

MORE DETAILS

In-park dining requires a theme park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date for each person ages 3 and older. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the parks.

MORE DETAILS

Peak Spring Break season. Most schools are out of session on the weeks before and of Easter Sunday (April 31). Grad Nite. The event tends to make Disney California Adventure more crowded, so avoid going on these dates if you can.

MORE DETAILS