Disneyland Park Hopping Guide: Park Strategy and Tips

When you travel to Disneyland, you'll have the opportunity to experience two different theme parks - Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Some guests choose to experience one park per day while others opt to hop between parks for one or more days.

In addition, some guests may wonder if they can leave Disneyland and return later in the day (yes, you can!). Perhaps you want to return to the hotel and rest for a while or have lunch at Downtown Disney.

Whether you want to park hop or stay at the same park but return later in the day, this guide will help you determine the best way to enjoy the Disneyland parks.

Disclosure: I have received complimentary admission to the Disneyland Resort parks at no cost as part of my participation in a conference. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you. All opinions are my own.

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Park Hopping Guide at Disneyland

Regardless of which park tickets you choose, you can leave the park and return later in the same day. This can be a great way to rest during the day (especially when traveling with younger kids). You can also leave one of the two theme parks and dine outside the parks - either at a nearby restaurant, at a Disney hotel restaurant, or at a Downtown Disney restaurant.

Park Hopping

Park hopping, however, is different. When you park hop, you will leave the first park (Disneyland Resort or Disney California Adventure Park), and go to the other park the same day.

You'll need to have that option on your tickets to park hop. It does cost extra, so you'll have to decide if it's worth it.

I get the park hopper option on my ticket whenever I visit Disneyland. I like having the flexibility of traveling between the two parks. It is an excellent opportunity to try to ride everything I want, and it allows me to dine at a different park.

You can choose to add the park hopper option to your tickets when you purchase them. While this is also an option for Walt Disney World tickets, this post specifically focuses on Disneyland in California.

It's important to note that Disneyland currently has a set time for guests to park hop to the second park. At Disneyland, you'll make a reservation for your first park (reservations are still required), and then you can park hop starting at 11 a.m.

However, you don't have to park hop at 11 a.m. - you are allowed to at any point after 11 a.m. In addition, you can return to the first park you started at.

This is a good way to experience both parks' shows, attractions, and restaurants. Because the two parks at Disneyland Resort are across from each other, it's easy to move between them (unlike at Walt Disney World).

Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Planning to use Lightning Lane Multi-Pass with park hopping? You'll be able to do that.

When you purchase tickets, you'll have the option of the number of days you'll visit(for a multi-day ticket), the park hopper option, and the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass.

If you park hop, you can use the Lightning Lane Multi Pass in both theme parks.

Consider Meals

I feel that Disneyland offers better quick-service options than table-service restaurants. But if you plan to make reservations for the table-service restaurants, you'll want to plan your park hopping so you know exactly which park you'll be in during mealtime.

Currently, at Disneyland Resort (both theme parks), you will also need a valid park reservation for the first park you are visiting for the day. This is the case, even if you have a restaurant reservation in that park.

Lockers

Carrying a lot of stuff for the day? Lockers are available to rent at both theme parks and in the Esplanade right outside the theme parks.

Remember to return to the locker at the end of the day to retrieve your stuff. If you don't need it inside the park, it may be best to rent one at the Esplanade, which will be easier to access when you are done for the day.

Staying Nearby

Planning to leave the park and return later in the day? To make the most of your time, it's best to stay near Disneyland so you can walk back to your hotel. Luckily, there are many hotels near Disneyland in California, in addition to the three Disneyland Resort Hotels. We have several reviews of nearby hotels, including the Courtyard by Marriott, the Howard Johnson, and the Westin.

Is Park Hopping Worth it?

As with most add-ons, it really depends on your family and your plans. I have always found it worth it to add the park hopper to my tickets, because I enjoy the flexibility to move between parks throughout the day. It helps maximize my Lightning Lane strategy and allows me to experience more attractions.

Park hopping may not be worth it if you aren't planning to spend a full day in the parks, if you really only want to go to one of the parks, or if you'd prefer to leisurely visit one park per day.