r/DisneyPlanning 16h ago

Disneyland Will Disneyland, Anaheim be too hot for family with small children?

5 Upvotes

Thank you all for great advice on my last post. We have some concerns regarding the heat in Anaheim this time a year.

We are planning a 3 day visit August 1st-4th with two adults and children aged 1, 4 and 7. We are from Norway, so not used to extreme heat, but we’ve had around 75 degree weather here in the last few weeks.

We are planning ahead with fans, midday breaks at the hotel, lightning lane, hats, cooling towels, water etc.

Do you guys think it will be fine?


r/DisneyPlanning 8h ago

Disneyland Leaving things in strollers

5 Upvotes

When you park your strollers for rides are you leaning anything in them or bringing everything in line? I had plans to pack a cooler bag and store in the bottom of stroller but didn’t think about logistics lol


r/DisneyPlanning 19h ago

Disneyland What activities would you recommend for a "break" day between park days?

4 Upvotes

My family is planning to travel to Disneyland in early November. Our son will be about 4.5 years old. Last time we went we did 3 park days in a row and it was pretty tiring, so this time we would like to have a break day between park days 2 and 3.

Since it will be November it seems like it will likely be too cold to swim, and we did a character meal last time and don't think we want to do one again. While we will try to do some relaxing, I don't think I can convince our preschooler to actually just relax all day.

Does anyone have any recommendations?


r/DisneyPlanning 14h ago

Disneyland Lightning lanes

4 Upvotes

I am sure this has been asked a bunch of times but I dont go to Disney often. We are two adults who are doing some studio tours along with the Universal VIP tour. Now we have two days and figured we would jump to Disneyland. Its Friday Nov 6 and Nov 7. I will get a two day park hopper ticket but do I need lightning lanes as well? Im not even sure how to use it. Any help would be appreciated!


r/DisneyPlanning 18h ago

Disneyland Paris Is one day enough with Premiere Access?

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2 Upvotes

r/DisneyPlanning 18h ago

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom: After Hours Review (7/2026)

1 Upvotes

I attended the 7/13/2026 MK after hours and wanted to share my experience for those also considering this option. This event was 10pm to 1 am.

Pros:
1. Not as hot as midday
2. Yes, smaller crowds, but…
3. Yes, quicker lines, but…
4. 2 fireworks shows
5. Yes, can enter park at 7 pm, but…

Cons:
1. Gates opened at 7:30, so expected “extra” time and planning was shot right away
2. Rides were limited to the 4 majors; Big Thunder, Tron, 7 Dwarves, Space Mountain. Space Mountain was down the entire night. Haunted House was also open.
3. Day pass guests were allowed to linger causing crowds/lines that were bigger than expected (after 10). AH guests were quickly encouraged to leave.
4. Free snack stations were sparse. Not a big deal but water was critical (be aware it is sodium laced Dasani). Closed down at 1 am on the dot so don’t think you’ll be able to grab something on the way out. We got there 15 mins before and they were out of sodas and ice cream was melted.
5. Monorails do not run after so you are on a bus (hotel) or ferry (parking lot). Trams ran to first two parking lots and only one ran per side (villian/hero) so there was a wait.
6. 3 rides broke down while we were at AH. Normally, ok. But when you have a precious 3 hrs every min counts. Communication wasn’t great so you wasted time waiting to find out if it was coming back on line.

I’m a WDW lifer, literally there in 1976 and have loved it ever since. This was my first AH event and I just wasn’t sure of the value. We accomplished most of what we wanted (rode Tron without a 3 hr wait, didn’t die from heat stroke and dehydration, and could walk mostly comfortably through the park) but the space mtn thing was a big bummer. My daughter’s bd and she’d never ridden it. We don’t live in FL.

MK gave the standard response-sorry, but in case you’ve missed it the last 50 years, we can sort of do what we want how we want anytime regardless of what we promoted. We can change event hours, event terms and any time. We’re real sorry about that and how you feel about that but love us or leave us. That $179/ticket buys you the dream.

Given the option to do it again I think we would but we’d be less disappointed knowing all of the above.


r/DisneyPlanning 4h ago

Walt Disney World Average wait times for Slinky Dog Dash vs Smugglers Run? First week in February

1 Upvotes

Going first week in February and getting a jump on planning multi pass/deciding if we need want premier.

I’ve never done lightning lane before and I’ve heard it can be slightly annoying to schedule.

2 adults, no kids. For lightning lane:

Single Pass for Rise
Tower of Terror
Rock n Roller Coaster

For the last deciding between Slinky Dog Dash / Smugglers run. Which typically has the longer wait times? This will be first week of February.

Also, is it necessary for the Indiana Jones show?


r/DisneyPlanning 7h ago

Disneyland How does parking work as a Magic Key member

1 Upvotes

This is kind of a dumb question, but I just got my Magic Key a couple weeks ago and will be going for the first time this upcoming Wednesday. How do you park in the parking area and get the discount? Is there something specific I have to show?

Sorry if it’s obvious! I’m nervous and want to know what to expect!! Thank you!


r/DisneyPlanning 8h ago

Disneyland 5 year old and 4 month old- scat kind of stroller combo please!

1 Upvotes

Edit (title should read what not scat)
My family and I have decided last minute to join the larger family on a trip to Disneyland. It’s NEXT WEEK, and I haven’t been to de la since I was a child . I would really appreciate advice on our stroller situation. As I mentioned in the title, I have a four month old and a five-year-old and I’m not sure what to do. I’m sure I’m going to baby wear my baby most of the day, but it would be nice to have the bassinet stroller to put her down from time to time and give myself a break. We then have a situation of our five year-old .it seems crazy to take 2 strollers, and my baby is too small for a double style one, she can’t sit up yet. What about one of those little platforms to go on the back of our bassinet stroller that my 5 year old could stand on ? What do people do with this age spread? I also kind of wonder if I’ll even use the bassinet that much, and if I should just have a stroller for my son.

Other important info: there will be various cousins and such under 7 in our group, and they all plan on renting Disney strollers. I can’t imagine every kid is going to want to be in a stroller at once, so maybe we borrow?
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate advice!


r/DisneyPlanning 12h ago

Disneyland Package or Book Direct?

1 Upvotes

We are planning a Christmas vacation to LA and will be planning to visit Disneyland and DCA on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (I know it’s probably going to be crazy).

I know Disneyland is a bit different where you do not get much perks for staying on property as opposed to WDW.

I was looking at a package at the Westin Anaheim. Is it better to do a good neighbor package through Disney directly? Or should I just book directly with the hotel and then buy the tickets?

Any downsides or positives going it one way or another?

I was looking at the Disneyland hotel and while I’m sure it would lovely theming, I kind of can’t see why it is so much extra.


r/DisneyPlanning 12h ago

Disneyland Logistics - Disney Land vs World

1 Upvotes

I normally visit DisneyWorld. I've been doing my research for an upcoming trip, but every now and then I get surprised by a logistical difference I wasn't expecting.

I know there are obvious ones. I'm learning the differences with lightning lanes - trying to embrace the west coast vibe that the lightning lanes don't sell out the same way as Florida and I can make a decision day of. As a planner, this stresses me out. This is an aside (but happy to hear if anyone agrees or disagrees).

I just saw someone mention you cannot get a physical card for entry at Disneyland. In World, I like to put the card on a lanyard for scanning into LL rides rather than my phone.

Are there other major logistical differences Land experts think would be helpful to know? Thanks!


r/DisneyPlanning 19h ago

Disneyland Fantasmic!dining package

1 Upvotes

We’re visiting in September! I’d like some advice regarding our plans. I’ve booked the *Fantasmic!* dining package at Rancho del Zocalo, but my 15-year-old daughter is a very picky eater. Since I’m paying the adult price, do you think it would be possible for her to choose from the children's menu instead? Also, if you have any other tips or advice, please let me know!


r/DisneyPlanning 8h ago

Walt Disney World Planning a 7-day Disney/Universal trip for a party of 10 (booking tickets now!) — itinerary, accessibility & budget tips wanted

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone! We’re heading to Orlando in about a month with 10 of us, staying 7 days, and want to split time between Disney and Universal. This is a big family trip and I want to make it as smooth, affordable, and magical as possible for everyone.

A few things I could really use advice on:

**•   Accessibility**: One of our group uses a wheelchair. What’s the best way to set up Disney’s DAS or wheelchair accommodations, and does Universal have something similar? Any tips for making the parks as comfortable as possible for a non-ambulatory guest?

**•   Which parks**: With 7 days total, how would you split time between the 4 Disney parks and Universal’s 2-3 parks (including Epic Universe)? Any must-do vs. skippable parks for a first big group trip?

**•   Itinerary**: With a group of 10, would you recommend splitting into smaller groups for rides, or is there a way to keep everyone together most of the day?

**•   Budget**: Any tips on saving money for a group this size — pass bundles/discounts, off-site vs on-site hotels, cheaper days to visit, cutting food costs, avoiding hidden costs? Worth it to get multi-day/multi-park passes vs. single park?

**•   Pass planning**: Any tips on finalizing park passes and Lightning Lane a month out, or is that too late for certain deals?

Please let me know !


r/DisneyPlanning 10h ago

Disneyland Last week of September or first week of November?

0 Upvotes

Which do you think will have less crowds? 👀


r/DisneyPlanning 10h ago

Walt Disney World Credit Card Holds Questions!

0 Upvotes

Tomorrow is our 60-day window to book dining and for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. I just learned there is a credit card hold even with a dining plan for Royal Table and a hold also for BBB. What kind of hold is this and how much does it need to be? TIA!


r/DisneyPlanning 11h ago

Disneyland Is Oogie Boogie Bash After Dark Event worth it ?

0 Upvotes

Is oogie boogie disneyland after dark event worth it? Me and my gf like going to the after dark events for less crowds and to avoid the heat. We went to sweet heart night and had a lot of fun. But I noticed that oogie boogie ends at 11pm rather than 1am.

Has anyone here attended? Did you like it? Any recommendations? 🤔

I would appreciate any feedback!


r/DisneyPlanning 12h ago

Walt Disney World Disney Debuts Dirty Soda Bar at Paddlefish Among Several New Disney Springs Dining Additions

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mickeyvisit.com
0 Upvotes

r/DisneyPlanning 13h ago

Walt Disney World When you mobile order in parks (wdw) do you get an email receipt?

0 Upvotes

I used to get an email receipt for every mobile food order until last year , they abruptly stopped.

Last year Many people said it was Hotmails aggressive new spam filters but want to see if it's still just my email / hotmail

I haven't tried changing my email address or anything to test it


r/DisneyPlanning 14h ago

Disneyland Real rope drop time

0 Upvotes

Visiting Disneyland on Monday, 7/27. I know that the park opens at 8:00AM. Wondering if everyone that rope drops is literally ready to mad dash at 7:59 or if the park actually opens the gates 10 mins early or something like that? I’m obviously planning on being there early with the family, so we don’t miss rope drop. Just curious on what to expect.

While I’m here… I plan on scheduling my first LL for 9:30AM as soon as I tap into the gate for Indiana Jones. Game plan is to take pics at the castle, head to Tomorrowland for Nemo submarine and Buzz Lightyear, take the train to Its a small world, train to New orleans for Tianas, and then use the first LL for Indy. Will LL for Big thunder from there, and then whatever else is available from there. Kids are 9 and 11, so not really invested in Fantasyland; nice to have but not super necessary rides. Kids said their must haves were Big thunder and Nemo submarine. Is this game plan doable to start the day? Especially on a Monday…


r/DisneyPlanning 18h ago

Walt Disney World Split stay for 7 nights at WDW?

0 Upvotes

Hello! We are planning our kids’ first Disney trip for February. 7 nights, 5 park days plus one resort day (all 4 parks, plus 2 days for MK). Kiddos will be newly 5 and just under 3.
We are currently booked at Grand Floridian for 7 nights in a 1 bedroom villa but wondering if we should switch to Beach Club for the first 3 nights (and try to hit HS, Epcot first) and then GF for last 4 nights to do MKx2, AK and our resort day.

My younger will likely still nap by then so I’m thinking it may be easier although the idea of switching hotels mid week and not having a place for naps that day sounds pretty challenging.

It would save about $1200 as well which is appealing but not the primary thing we are solving for. I really just want it to be the best overall experience.

I’d love to get thoughts from those with similar age kids, or those who have done split stays! What do you recommend? Also, if split stay - move hotels on a resort day or park day?

Also if anyone has direct experience with the 1 bedroom villas at GF and BC and can comment on the quality of the room that would be super helpful!


r/DisneyPlanning 15h ago

Discussion What Are Your Favorite My Disney Experience App Tips & Tricks?

0 Upvotes

My family and I are fast approaching our Walt Disney World vacation! (WHOO HOO)

I took on the exciting yet challenging task of managing our trip through the My Disney Experience app. Annnnd let’s just say I didn’t know how deep this end of the pool was.

From creating guest accounts for family members, then having to transfer them to the accounts they created later with the help of Disney Customer Service, to booking Lightning Lanes, and so on.

What have any of YOU found and/or now do through the app to help enhance your vacation?


r/DisneyPlanning 9h ago

Walt Disney World At what age was your child able to ride Tron?

0 Upvotes

My kids are like 60th percentile and I was wondering if they could make it on Tron at 8 years old? Or should I wait until theyre 9?


r/DisneyPlanning 14h ago

Disneyland Which park would you choose if you only had one day?

0 Upvotes

If you were in this scenario, which park would you choose to go to?

2 women (30F) and baby (10mo). It’s our first time in Disneyland and we’re staying across the street. We will be going to Disney World less than a month later and visiting all four parks there, but we can only do one day in Disneyland. It’s during a layover on the heels of a larger vacation so I’m confident we won’t have the energy to park hop really.

We do have childcare, so we plan to rope drop in the AM without the baby, go back to get baby mid-morning ish and do some things, take baby back for nap, return with baby, and then take baby to bed around 7pm and return just us to close out the park. Saying all that two say, with two solid chunks of time to ride thrill rides (which we love) without having to do rider swap, and the ability to incorporate our baby while knowing we’ll have the full Disney world experience a few weeks later, which Disneyland park would you choose? Planning to get the multipass for whichever park we choose.


r/DisneyPlanning 14h ago

Disneyland Several questions for my upcoming trip

0 Upvotes

Our trip: 2 adults, one 7yo.
Aug 3-6
Staying at the Disneyland Hotel

1. We will be getting LL premier for one day in the DL park. I’m reading that there will still be some shorter wait times but I’m wondering if people think it’s worth the money? Decided to splurge because this will likely be our only trip for many years to come.

2. I thought I put an alert in my calendar to make reservations at the Blue Bayou restaurant but apparently I missed the window 😫 Do they take walk ins?

3. Am I crazy for thinking I should get a stroller on site for my 7yo? He’s the athletic type but I’d rather not deal with whining as it will be hot & sunny out as well.

Thank you so much for any insight! I haven’t been to DL in 20 years, I am absolutely floored at how expensive it and all the hoops people have to jump through now.


r/DisneyPlanning 18h ago

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom: After Hours Review (7/2026)

0 Upvotes

I attended the 7/13/2026 MK after hours and wanted to share my experience for those also considering this option. This event was 10pm to 1 am.

Pros:
1. Not as hot as midday
2. Yes, smaller crowds, but…
3. Yes, quicker lines, but…
4. 2 fireworks shows
5. Yes, can enter park at 7 pm, but…

Cons:
1. Gates opened at 7:30, so expected “extra” time and planning was shot right away
2. Rides were limited to the 4 majors; Big Thunder, Tron, 7 Dwarves, Space Mountain. Space Mountain was down the entire night. Haunted House was also open.
3. Day pass guests were allowed to linger causing crowds/lines that were bigger than expected (after 10). AH guests were quickly encouraged to leave.
4. Free snack stations were sparse. Not a big deal but water was critical (be aware it is sodium laced Dasani). Closed down at 1 am on the dot so don’t think you’ll be able to grab something on the way out. We got there 15 mins before and they were out of sodas and ice cream was melted.
5. Monorails do not run after so you are on a bus (hotel) or ferry (parking lot). Trams ran to first two parking lots and only one ran per side (villian/hero) so there was a wait.
6. 3 rides broke down while we were at AH. Normally, ok. But when you have a precious 3 hrs every min counts. Communication wasn’t great so you wasted time waiting to find out if it was coming back on line.

I’m a WDW lifer, literally there in 1976 and have loved it ever since. This was my first AH event and I just wasn’t sure of the value. We accomplished most of what we wanted (rode Tron without a 3 hr wait, didn’t die from heat stroke and dehydration, and could walk mostly comfortably through the park) but the space mtn thing was a big bummer. My daughter’s bd and she’d never ridden it. We don’t live in FL.

MK gave the standard response-sorry, but in case you’ve missed it the last 50 years, we can sort of do what we want how we want anytime regardless of what we promoted. We can change event hours, event terms and any time. We’re real sorry about that and how you feel about that but love us or leave us. That $179/ticket buys you the dream.

Given the option to do it again I think we would but we’d be less disappointed knowing all of the above.