Your Complete Guide to Visiting Disneyland

Squeaky-clean, charming and just plain fun: The Disneyland complex in Anaheim, CA, is one of those classic Southern California destinations that never fails to lift spirits. With the 2012 completion of Cars Land, the centerpiece of Disney California Adventure Park’s estimated $1.1 billion expansion, mixed with the good old nostalgia of Walt’s original theme park, there has never been a better time to visit. Here’s a guide to navigating the happiest place on Earth, including all the logistics that go with it amid the summer heat and vacationing crowds. 

What to See and Do

As the second of 2 theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort complex, California Adventure’s popularity soared in 2012 with the opening of Cars Land, a Route 66-inspired nod to the Disney/Pixar movie and its sequel. Expect long lines for Radiator Springs Racers, a thrilling slot-car race through the desert, but that means lines are often shorter at equally cool attractions such as Soarin' Over California and Toy Story Mania. Another place with plenty of elbow room is the Animation Academy, which offers lessons on drawing and shows how Mickey and other Disney characters are brought to life. 

Over at Disneyland Park, crowd-pleasers include the refurbished Matterhorn Bobsleds and Star Tours. FastPasses for popular rides allow you to move to the front of the lines at designated times and can be picked up at each ride’s entrance, but be forewarned: They tend to disappear faster than Alice in Wonderland's Cheshire Cat! 

When everything seems off-the-charts busy, head to the Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World or Jungle Cruise, where waits rarely exceed 15 minutes.

Fireworks, parades and pyrotechnic extravaganzas are highlights for many visitors, while others swear that those are the best times to scout out the busiest rides. If you do hit the scheduled events (times vary by day), make advance reservations at adjacent restaurants to maximize your experience (the French Market for Fantasmic! or Carthay Circle Restaurant for the World of Color water show), or simply find a spot last-minute and accept the fact that you won’t have a front-row seat. 

Where to Eat and Drink

Upscale dining favorites include Blue Bayou (request a table by the Pirates of the Caribbean ride), Napa Rose (known for its 4-course seasonal tasting menu), and California Adventure’s Carthay Circle, which offers a superb wine list and dining plan with preferred seating for World of Color. Reservations are a must. In Disneyland, casual diners swear by the corn dogs at the little red cart near the Plaza Inn and the Monte Cristo sandwiches at Cafe Orleans. On a hot day, try the nonalcoholic mint julep and beignets at the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square. 

Downtown Disney is home to the Rainforest Cafe, the ESPN Zone and plenty of easy snack options. It also has the most robust nightlife, including the House of Blues and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen for live music and the Uva wine bar for late-night socializing. 

Where to Stay

To truly immerse yourself in the world of Disney, the on-premise resorts are the way to go. The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is all refined American craftsman-style architecture, with primo park views and a private entrance to California Adventure, while the 990-room Disneyland Hotel has an always-hopping vibe, a new monorail-themed pool with 2 waterslides, and one of the best character breakfasts around (Goofy's Kitchen). 

Comfortable (and markedly less expensive) lodging options within walking or shuttle distance of the parks include the Candy Cane Inn, the Ramada Maingate at the Park and Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel. The Doubletree by Hilton has roomy suites, efficient service and a location slightly removed from the chaos. Stylish Mousketeers should check out Hotel Menage, which stands out for its minimalist décor and excellent poolside seats for Disneyland’s nightly fireworks show. 

How to Get Around/Ticket Info

If you are covering both parks in 1 day, start early and stay until the gates close. You can also buy multiple-day park-hopper passes and stagger your visit to include midday hotel pool dips or naps. You will save time, though not money, by buying tickets online. Another time-saving tip: Enter Disneyland via the monorail in Downtown Disney. It will drop you off in Tomorrowland and let you avoid wading through lines at the main gate. The Disneyland Railroad, which stops at Main Street, New Orleans Square, Toontown and Tomorrowland, is an efficient way to get from 1 end of the park to another. 

Don’t expect deals on Disney passes in heavy-traffic times such as summer, though Costco stores and AAA regularly offer small discounts. There are also more subtle ways to save. Stay within walking distance of the park, and you’ll eliminate the $16-a-day parking fee. Bringing your own snacks and water will also save scads of time and money, as will avoiding stroller and wheelchair rentals.

MORE: See Our Travel's Best List for More Amusement Park Fun