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 from one to the other (unlike at Walt Disney World).
Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Planning on using 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.
Early entry
When you stay at an official Disneyland Resort Hotel, you'll have access to early entry. Resort guests can enter a park 30 minutes before the official opening.
During early entry, a limited number of attractions are open, but it's a great way to get a head start on your day. Each day, one designated park is open for early resort entry.
The three Disneyland Resort Hotels are Disney's Grand Californian, the Disneyland Hotel, and the newly renovated Pixar Place Hotel.
I find early entry to be a big perk that makes it worth staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. It may not be worth it if you don't want to wake up early - but as an East Coaster who is often up way too early, it's a great way to start riding attractions right away.
If you aren't staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, it's still worthwhile to know the schedule. I'd recommend starting in the other park that day (not the one open early). It's likely to be less crowded in the morning.
Consider Meals
I feel that Disneyland offers better quick service options than table service restaurants. But, if you do plan to make reservations for the table service restaurants, you'll want to plan out 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 right outside the theme parks, in the Esplanade.
Remember that you'll need 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 maximize your time, it's best to stay near Disneyland so you can just walk back to your hotel room. Luckily, at Disneyland in California, there are many hotels nearby, 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.
Tips for Park Hopping
- Make your theme park reservations for the first theme park of the day
- Consider your schedule and then make any dining reservations
- Take advantage of early park entry if you are staying at an onsite hotel, or visit the other park first if you aren't.
- Wear comfortable shoes since you'll be doing a lot of walking
- Stay at a nearby hotel so you can easily return to your hotel in the middle of the day
- Remember that Downtown Disney is a great place to grab lunch for a quick, midday break. Or consider the restaurants at the onsite hotels.
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