Disneyland Resort

Overview of Disneyland Resort

Many travelers say this original Disney resort lives up to its motto as "The Happiest Place on Earth." You'll find three unique areas inside Disneyland Resort:

1. Disneyland Park

The main park is still the favorite among reviewers and frequent guests, as it harbors several themed areas like Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Mickey's Toontown, and its latest attraction, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This area has brought a whole new level of excitement to the park. Although not all the "Star Wars" rides are available yet (rollout continues until early 2020), the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride and the themed shops and eateries that are open have garnered high praise from visitors.

2. Disney California Adventure Park

At California Adventure, you'll find Golden State-themed lands like Paradise Pier, which is modeled after California boardwalks similar to the one in Santa Monica. Additionally, you'll discover exciting new attractions like the "Guardians of the Galaxy" ride in Hollywood Land. Visitors can also explore the worlds of "The Little Mermaid" and "Cars."

3. Downtown Disney District

For a tasty meal and some entertainment, head to Downtown Disney. This area features a variety of dining and shopping options that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Cost and Tickets

Though recent visitors gushed about this timeless experience, they also warned that taking your family here will cost a small fortune. Ticket prices vary based on the time of year, package deals, and more:

• One-day tickets for kids and adults ages 10 and older start at $129.
• You save slightly by purchasing multiday tickets, but two-day adult admission costs $225.
• Prices vary by season and day of the week; single-day adult admission can cost as much as $149.

Keep in mind that single-day tickets only grant you entrance to one park. If you'd like access to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, you'll need to purchase a Park Hopper Ticket, which can nearly double your admission price.

Additional Costs

Other factors to consider include dining (no outside food or beverage is allowed in the park) and the FASTPASS service, which allows you to virtually save your place in line instead of having to physically wait for each attraction.

If these prices have you second-guessing a trip to Anaheim, consider visiting some of the area's more affordable theme parks, such as Knott's Berry Farm and Adventure City. Though these parks lack the flash and beloved Disney characters you and your children grew up with, they can cut costs significantly and offer other unique charms.

Operating Hours and Parking

Hours vary, but Disneyland Resort generally stays open from about 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the summer, the park might open as early as 7 a.m. and stay open as late as midnight. If you decide to drive, be prepared to pay $25 per vehicle for parking.

Many hotels offer shuttle service to the park, which can be a cheaper and less stressful alternative to parking at Disneyland. All ART buses provide access to Disneyland.

For more information, visit Disneyland's website.