To help you stay organized and on top of things when planning for your upcoming Disneyland visit, here’s a simple timeline and checklist that highlights key points, dates, tasks, and deadlines.
Planning for a Disneyland visit has never been easier.
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Disneyland Timeline and Checklist
Here is my ideal timeline for planning a Disneyland vacation:
8 Months Before Visit
This is the best time to figure out your vacation budget, choose your dates, and pinpoint any rides and events you must hit.
Set Your Budget
- Avoid overspending by establishing a budget for your entire visit
- Figure out how much a vacation would cost
- Research where you want to stay that fits your budget
- If you are staying at a hotel, this is a great time to check out the current room rates
Pick Your Dates
- Choose when you want to visit
- This is the time to plan around any events that you want to go to like Food and Wine or Oogie Boogie Bash
Research Special Events
- Find out if there’s any events that you MUST go to such as:
- Oogie Boogie Bash
- Star Wars Nite
- Sweetheart’s Nite
- See when tickets are available and book ASAP because they sell out insanely fast
Check Park Reservation Availability
- Make sure that your park tickets or Magic Key are not blocked out or sold out on the days you plan to visit
6 Months Before Visit
This is the best time to book any hotels (if needed) as well as set up your Disney account and Disneyland App.
Download the Disneyland App
- Set up your account
- Make sure your app is working properly so you can use it to easily make dining reservations, book Genie+ and Lightning Lane selections, and even place mobile food orders
Book Hotel
- Book your hotel
- Choose whether if you want to stay on or off property
- If you stay on property, these are your choices:
- Disney’s Grand Californian
- Disneyland Hotel
- Pixar Place Hotel
- Or you can choose a hotel that’s within walking distance
Buy Park Tickets with a Disney Hotel Package
- Although you can’t technically buy theme park tickets this far in advance, you can still secure your tickets if you buy a hotel and ticket package
120 Days Before Visit
The most important day. This is when you can start making your Disneyland park reservations.
Make Park Reservations
- The first day that you plan to go to the parks should be available to book
- If you have multiple days, you’ll have to come back the next day and make a reservation until the entire duration of your visit is secured
- Choose which park you want to visit (Disneyland Park or California Adventure)
Buy Theme Park Tickets
- Buy your park tickets before it sells out
Book Your Flights
- If you’re flying in, this is the best time to start booking your flights
90 Days Before Visit
This is only for Magic Key annual passholders.
Make Your Magic Key Park Reservations
- Book your park reservations
60 Days Before Visit
Now it’s finally time to start making any advanced dining reservations.
Book Advanced Dining Reservations
- Start booking restaurant reservations exactly 60 days out at 3:00 am PST and then at 6:00 am PST (the official reservation release time)
30 Days Before Visit
Make your final payment for your Disneyland vacation.
Make Final Vacation Payment
- The final payment for your Disneyland vacation is due 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
1 Week Before Visit
Now is when the fun starts!
Pack
- Start packing!
Day of Your Visit
The big day is finally here!
Make Sure You Got Everything
- Wallet, IDs, passports, sunglasses, portable batter chargers, jackets, etc.
Arrive at Disneyland Resort
- Let the fun begin!
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That’s it! I hope you have an awesome time.
