Travel FAQ list for Anaheim

Anaheim

Question: Purchasing Disneyland tickets from the UK

Answer: Purchasing Disneyland California tickets from the UK can sometimes be tricky due to credit card restrictions or international payment issues. Many UK-issued cards are occasionally declined on the U.S. Disney Resort website, so it’s good to have alternatives lined up.

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Anaheim

Question: fishing excursion

Answer: Great question. While there aren’t many fishing “tours” that are last-minute or completely walk-on (charter companies generally recommend or require reservations), there *are* a few more flexible options near Anaheim, plus some good public fishing spots you can hit up in a pinch.

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Anaheim

Question: Strategy…

Answer: Visiting Disneyland with a special needs child and a DAS pass definitely changes the strategy compared to standard touring plans, but with careful planning, you can hit all the must-do rides while minimizing stress and backtracking. Since your top priorities are Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Star Tours, and the classic E-ticket rides like Matterhorn, Big Thunder, and Space Mountain, it helps to plan in zones and use the DAS effectively.

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Anaheim

Question: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim - Recommendation?

Answer: The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim is generally considered a solid mid-range option, especially for families or groups who need larger rooms with multiple beds. The property offers clean, comfortable rooms and standard amenities you would expect from the Holiday Inn Express brand, including free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. The ability to accommodate 2 queen beds plus a sofa bed in one room is indeed rare in the Anaheim area, which makes this hotel particularly appealing for families or larger parties.

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Anaheim

Question: Gifts in room

Answer: Great question! Yes — there are a few local and national gift-basket companies, florists, and specialty services that can deliver gift baskets or food trays to hotels in the Anaheim / Disneyland area. Below are several options to consider, plus some tips and caveats.

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Anaheim

Question: FYI Disneyland & DCA New Turnstiles!

Answer: Disneyland Resort has recently upgraded its turnstiles at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure (DCA), the Downtown Disney Monorail Station, and the Grand Californian Hotel entrance to DCA. These new turnstiles allow guests to scan themselves in, providing a faster and more contactless entry experience.

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Anaheim

Question: Drive Time: Disneyland to Universal Studios in morning

Answer: Driving from Disneyland in Anaheim to Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles on a weekday morning can be quite variable depending on traffic. Los Angeles area traffic, especially on the 5, 101, or 170 freeways, is typically heavy during weekday morning commute hours, roughly from 6:30am to 10am. The distance is about 35-40 miles, but the drive time can fluctuate significantly.

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Anaheim

Question: LA/Disney/Sequoia/Death Valley/Grand Canyon/Las Vegas

Answer: For your two-week September trip, planning transport wisely for the first few days in LA and Anaheim can save you both time and money. LA is very spread out, and driving in heavy traffic can be stressful, so careful consideration is key.

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Anaheim

Question: Lightning Pass

Answer: Visiting Disneyland on a Tuesday in late October can be a relatively pleasant experience compared to weekends and peak holiday periods, but a few key points can help you plan your day and decide whether a Lightning Lane (previously called Genie+ or FastPass) is necessary.

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Anaheim

Question: Hotel for Disney - does quality, pool and breakfast matter?

Answer: Planning your first Disneyland trip with kids is exciting but understandably overwhelming, especially when trying to balance hotel quality, cost, and convenience. Here’s a breakdown to help guide your decisions:

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Anaheim

Question: Disneyland.....April or summer and airport?

Answer: Visiting Disneyland in California requires balancing crowds, weather, and convenience, especially when traveling with kids. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you decide between April and summer, as well as airport options.

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Anaheim

Question: Transportation options to SNA with young child

Answer: Traveling from a hotel on South Harbor Blvd in Anaheim to John Wayne Airport (SNA) with a young child can be managed affordably if you know your options, while still ensuring safety requirements such as a car seat are met. Here’s a detailed overview.

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Anaheim

Question: Shipping to a Disney Hotel

Answer: Yes, you can ship packages to Disney Hotels in Anaheim, including those purchased from the US Disney store. Disney provides a package delivery service to guests staying at their resort hotels, which allows you to receive items directly at your hotel during your stay. However, there are some important details to be aware of to avoid confusion or extra charges.

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Anaheim

Question: Stay with Dogs

Answer: Finding accommodations near Disneyland that accept multiple dogs and allow them to be left unattended during the day can be challenging, but there are options beyond Airbnb that may help reduce costs while keeping your pets safe and comfortable.

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Anaheim

Question: Disneyland

Answer: For a Disneyland visit on July 31, it is highly recommended to purchase your tickets as early as possible. July is peak summer season, and weekends or holidays can see the parks reach capacity. Early ticket purchase ensures you have guaranteed entry and can also help with planning your day efficiently.

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Anaheim

Question: Hotel Recommendation within the resort

Answer: For a hotel experience similar to Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando, staying within the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim offers a few excellent options that provide convenience, themed experiences, and premium amenities. Being on-property gives you early park access, easy walking distance to the parks, and immersive Disney theming.

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Anaheim

Question: Early Entry Strategies for DL/DCA?

Answer: Maximizing Early Entry (EE) at Disneyland Resort takes a bit of planning, especially with kids aged 7 and 12. Since you have early entry at DCA twice and DL once, and also have multi-day Genie+ and Park Hopper access, you can leverage these for the best strategy.

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Anaheim

Question: Shuttle from LAX to Anaheim

Answer: Yes, there are several ways to get from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Anaheim without a car, including shuttles, buses, trains, and ride-share options. The best choice depends on your budget, comfort preference, and timing.

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Anaheim

Question: Transportation from airport to disneyland

Answer: Traveling from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Disneyland Hotel is relatively straightforward, and you have a few reliable options depending on convenience, cost, and comfort for your group of five (3 adults, 2 kids).

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Anaheim

Question: Transfer Costs from LA Airport to Anaheim hotel for 6

Answer: Traveling from LAX to Anaheim late at night with a group of six plus multiple suitcases can be a bit tricky, but there are several options to consider, each with pros and cons depending on your priorities of cost, convenience, and timing.

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Anaheim

Question: Parades/shows in January at Disneyland resort

Answer: Great question. For January 7–9 at Disneyland Resort, the entertainment schedule is pretty quiet—this is a low season period just after the holidays and before bigger seasonal shows ramp back up. Here’s what my research shows for those dates, plus key notes to help you plan.

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Anaheim

Question: Kings inn

Answer: To catch the Toy Story parking lot shuttle from Kings Inn Anaheim, here's what you need to know:

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Anaheim

Question: Uber vs Taxi from SNA to hotel for older couple -

Answer: John Wayne Airport (SNA) is one of the easiest and most compact airports in California, and it’s generally very simple for an older couple to navigate—much more so than LAX. Both taxis and Uber/Lyft are easy to find, and the walking distances are short.

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Anaheim

Question: Recommend Marriott hotel for Disneyland? Walk to parks

Answer: When it comes to walking distance to Disneyland, the Anaheim Marriott is indeed farther than several other Marriott-branded (and Marriott-adjacent) options. It’s walkable in theory, but not ideal—it’s roughly a 20–25 minute walk to the Harbor Blvd security entrance, which can feel long after a full park day. For early summer and a $300/night target, you have several much better, closer options within the Marriott family or very close to it.

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Anaheim

Question: Seating in Honda Center/Stars on Ice

Answer: The Honda Center is a large venue, but for ice shows like Stars on Ice, seating in the second level can still offer a very enjoyable experience. Since this is your first time seeing Stars on Ice, the key is balancing price with view.

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Anaheim

Question: Disney California Adventure

Answer: Disney California Adventure offers a system called Genie+ to help guests reduce wait times for popular attractions. Traditional FastPasses have been retired, and Genie+ is now the main way to access shorter lines for many rides.

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Anaheim

Question: Best priced tickts

Answer: For a visit to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim from November 7th to 14th, purchasing tickets in advance is generally recommended rather than waiting for last-minute “flash sales.” Historically, Disneyland rarely offers significant discounts for multi-day Hopper tickets close to the visit date, especially for peak or holiday-adjacent periods like early to mid-November. Buying early also ensures park reservation availability, which is required for entry under current systems.

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Anaheim

Question: Help me plan my Anaheim itinerary

Answer: For your Anaheim trip from June 15–19, here’s a detailed plan and advice to maximize your time and make travel practical, especially considering your arrival at LAX and interests in Disney, beaches, and a potential side trip.

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Anaheim

Question: Walmart and Target in Anaheim

Answer: Visiting Walmart and Target in Anaheim is a smart idea if you want to pick up Disney merchandise at a lower price than the park shops. The Walmart on Euclid Street is indeed well-known for having a large Disney section, especially for apparel, toys, and small souvenirs. However, not all Walmarts in Anaheim carry the same selection, so if your goal is Disney items, this location is often recommended by locals and visitors alike.

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Anaheim

Question: Lots of questions

Answer: Planning a one-day Disneyland itinerary on a busy Tier 5 day in October requires some strategy, especially when using a wheelchair or scooter. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you maximize your day.

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Anaheim

Question: Disneyland

Answer: If you are not staying at a Disney hotel, the decision to “rope drop” Rise of the Resistance versus paying for the Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) option depends on your priorities for the day, park strategy, and tolerance for early mornings and potential wait times.

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Anaheim

Question: California adventure park reservation slots

Answer: Visiting Disney California Adventure Park for just one day means careful planning is key, especially if some rides are showing as closed or “no reservation slots left.” Here’s a detailed overview to help you maximize your day.

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Anaheim

Question: 4 days near Disney/LA - itinerary advice

Answer: For a 4-day trip with 2 adults and kids aged 5 and 12 staying near Disneyland, a balanced itinerary can help you enjoy both Disney and LA area attractions without feeling rushed. Since your 12-year-old loves Marvel, incorporating Universal Studios makes sense, and a movie studio tour can round out the experience.

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Anaheim

Question: Ticket price query - Disneyland website v Undercover Tourist

Answer: It’s common to see discrepancies between Disneyland’s official website pricing and authorized third-party sellers like Undercover Tourist. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening in your situation:

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Anaheim

Question: Restaurant booking dates slide past

Answer: Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland Hotel is extremely popular, and reservations typically open 60 days in advance for Disneyland Resort hotel guests. If you’ve missed that window, it can be challenging to secure a table, especially on a Saturday, which is one of the busiest days.

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Anaheim

Question: Disneyland Day

Answer: When planning a Disneyland visit in August, it’s important to keep in mind that this is peak summer season, so crowds are generally high throughout the week. While no crowd predictor can guarantee accuracy, there are several tools and strategies that many visitors find helpful for estimating busier versus slightly quieter days.

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Anaheim

Question: Anaheim Convention Center via OCTA from SNA

Answer: Traveling from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to the Anaheim Convention Center using OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) is possible but not very straightforward, as SNA is not directly connected to most public transit lines. OCTA does operate bus routes in the area, but you’ll need to plan carefully.

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Anaheim

Question: preferred date for Disneyland

Answer: Choosing the best day to visit Disneyland in August depends on a few factors: crowd levels, ticket prices, and personal convenience. You mentioned considering Friday, August 15, or Monday, August 25.

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Anaheim

Question: Uber/shuttles to disney

Answer: It’s true that using Uber or Lyft to Disneyland can be a bit tricky. Guests cannot be dropped off right at the park entrances due to security and traffic control, so rideshare drop-offs are at designated areas on the outskirts of the resort. From there, you typically have a short walk to the security checkpoints before entering the parks.

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Anaheim

Question: Budget Hotel Choices - July

Answer: For a budget trip to Disneyland during the 70th anniversary in July, finding a balance between cost, convenience, and comfort is key. Given your preferences—entering Disneyland on Main Street, staying under $150 per night, and having dining options nearby—here is a detailed look at your options and considerations.

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Anaheim

Question: San Francisco to Disneyland

Answer: Your proposed schedule of flying from San Francisco to Orange County (SNA) in the morning, heading straight to Disneyland for a single day, and staying overnight at a nearby hotel is definitely doable and has been done by many visitors as a “Disneyland overnight” trip. However, there are a few considerations and potential drawbacks to keep in mind.

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Anaheim

Question: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge VIP Experience

Answer: Yes, Disneyland does offer ways to enhance your visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but there isn’t a single “VIP Experience” officially titled as such. Instead, there are several options and strategies to maximize your time in that specific land, especially if you only have one day.

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Anaheim

Question: Crowds at Disneyland

Answer: Disneyland crowds can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including school schedules, holidays, special events, and even local sports events. Over the years, Disney has optimized operations to handle large numbers of visitors efficiently, meaning the park can feel busy almost any day, but there are occasional windows of lighter crowds.

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Anaheim

Question: Westin Vs JW

Answer: Both the JW Marriott and Westin Anaheim Resort are excellent hotels near Disneyland, and since your price difference is minimal, the decision mostly comes down to location, amenities, and your specific family needs, especially with two small children.

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Anaheim

Question: No more early entry for Disneyland hotel guests 2026

Answer: Starting in 2026, Disneyland Resort is changing its policy for hotel guests. Previously, staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel gave guests early entry into the parks, allowing them to access attractions before regular park opening hours. This early entry perk is being discontinued. Instead, hotel guests will receive a single Lightning Lane pass per day as a replacement benefit. This pass allows one expedited entry to an attraction via the Lightning Lane queue, which can significantly reduce wait times for that ride.

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Anaheim

Question: Could I use Anaheim as a base?

Answer: Using Anaheim as a base for a Disneyland-focused trip is very common and convenient, especially if the main goal of your visit is the parks themselves. The area has plenty of hotels, restaurants, and services catering to visitors, which makes it easy to stay in one place for the entire trip without needing to switch hotels.

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Anaheim

Question: Transport from LA Airport

Answer: For a family of 5 traveling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Anaheim, private transportation or shuttle services are the most convenient options. Since you prefer not to take buses and want a reputable company that can pick you up directly at the airport, here are some suggestions and tips:

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Anaheim

Question: Disney Trip Report

Answer: It sounds like you had a well-planned, stress-free trip to Disneyland and California Adventure. Using ride-shares from John Wayne Airport is a convenient choice, especially to avoid rental cars and parking hassles near the parks. Here’s a detailed summary and tips based on your itinerary:

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Anaheim

Question: But what does it feel like?

Answer: You're correct that 70–80°F in Anaheim feels very different from the same temperatures in a humid climate like coastal Georgia. The key difference is the low humidity in Southern California, typically around 30–40% this time of year. This means the air feels much drier, and your body cools more efficiently through sweating, so temperatures can feel more comfortable and less “sticky” than what you’re used to. A 70°F evening in Anaheim can feel slightly chilly, especially with a light breeze.

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Anaheim

Question: Has Anaheim area been affected by fires

Answer: Great question — you’re right to think ahead about fire risk, but as of now, Anaheim and Disneyland are not significantly affected by the wildfires. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the situation, risk factors, and what to watch for when you visit in April.

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Anaheim

Question: Disney unique to CA

Answer: Visiting Disneyland in California offers some experiences and attractions that are unique compared to Disneyland Paris, so it’s possible to focus on those if you only have a day. Since your kids are 10 and 7, you can prioritize rides and shows that they can enjoy, while keeping the day manageable for adults who may not want to spend all day on theme park rides.

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Anaheim

Question: Supermarket near South Harbor Blvd

Answer: The Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites is located very close to Disneyland and South Harbor Boulevard. For a convenient supermarket, you have several options within a short drive, though walking distance is limited depending on how much you want to carry with kids right after a long flight.

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Anaheim

Question: Food (meal) delivery service - Disneyland Hotel

Answer: Ordering delivery to Disneyland Hotel Villas in Anaheim is a smart idea, especially after a full day in the parks with young grandchildren. Anaheim has a variety of meal delivery options through major apps, and several local restaurants cater specifically to hotel deliveries. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose.

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Anaheim

Question: Vegetarian/ pescatarian in DL parks or DD

Answer: Disneyland and Downtown Disney have significantly improved vegetarian and pescatarian options over the past few years, making it much easier to find suitable meals during your visit. Many quick-service and table-service locations now offer clearly marked vegetarian options, and you can request pescatarian modifications in most restaurants.

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Anaheim

Question: Mickey’s Halloween 31st oct

Answer: Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland is a special ticketed event held on select nights in October, including October 31st. These tickets are separate from regular Disneyland admission, so your friend will need to purchase a special event ticket for that evening.

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