When Steve Birnbaum launched this guide in 1981, he made it clear what was expected of anyone who worked on it: The book would be meticulously revised each year, leaving no attraction untested, no snack or meal untasted, no hotel untried. First-hand experiences like these, accumulated over the years, make this book the most authoritative guide to Disneyland.
Our expertise, however, is not achieved by being escorted through back doors of attractions (although we would enjoy that). Instead, we wait in lines with everyone else, always hoping to have a Disney experience like that of any other guest. While the Disneyland Resort has vastly expanded, and so has our knowledge of one of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet. We believe the best way to gather useful advice for a Disney park guest is to be one. Over and over again!
—Jill Safro, editor

7: GETTING READY TO GO
Here’s all the practical information you need to organize a Disneyland Resort visit down to the smallest detail: when to go; how to get there—and get around (once you arrive); which theme park tickets to buy; how to make park reservations, strategies for saving money on lodging, food, and transportation; and helpful advice for planning your vacation budget. There are specialized tips for parents of young kids, adults on their own, singles, older visitors, and travelers with disabilities, plus lots more indispensable, time-saving advice. Insider tips reveal how to plot a day-by-day itinerary, use Genie+, access Lightning Lanes, avoid the crowds, and much more.

41: ACCOMMODATIONS
Choosing comfortable lodging convenient to the theme parks is uppermost in the minds of those planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort. This can be tricky when the hotel is selected sight unseen, as is often the case. Rest assured—we only recommend accommodations that were carefully selected, including every price and lodging category. In this chapter, we feature the three Disneyland Resort hotels (and explain the advantages of staying on-property) as well as more than a dozen of our favorite Good Neighbor hotels (all conveniently located near the Disneyland Resort). Choose the one that suits you best.

53: DISNEYLAND PARK
It’s called the “Happiest Place on Earth,” and the reason why is evident in the host of attractions and amusements that fill this, the most famous enchanted kingdom in the world. Our detailed land-by-land guide describes all the park has to offer (drawing special attention to what’s new and to our own particular favorites), when and where to catch a live show, and what you may discover in each shop.

95: DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
From the glittering lights of Hollywood, to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, to the thrill rides of an amusement pier, Disney pays tribute to the glories of the Golden State in this, Disneyland’s sister theme park. Our insider coverage reveals all there is to see and do—follow our advice and Hot Tips on how to tour the area like a pro, and be sure to catch the new additions and all of this theme park’s greatest hits.

113: GOOD MEALS, GREAT TIMES
Whether it’s a simple snack or a multi-course feast, the Disneyland Resort offers something for nearly every palate and pocketbook. Our dining and entertainment section reflects Disneyland Resort’s extensive range of possibilities, from the spirited nightspots in the Downtown Disney District to theme park dinner shows, birthday celebrations, and the ever-popular meals hosted by Disney characters.

135: SPORTS & RECREATION
Perhaps you dream of catching the perfect wave, hiking along cliffs above the Pacific coast, polishing your tennis serve, or taking in a spectator sport. It’s a cinch to fulfill your fondest athletic fantasies in the land of sun and surf.

WHAT’S NEW?
To spotlight the various attractions, shows, shops, and restaurants making their debut, some listings are marked with the “new” icon shown here. Look for it throughout this book. Here are a few highlights for 2024:
62: Adventureland Treehouse
119: Cafe Daisy
76: CenTOONial Park
77: Chip ’n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
86: Eudora’s Chic Boutique
77: Goofy’s How-to-Play Yard
129: Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio
90: Magic Happens Parade
78: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
46: Pixar Place Hotel
129: Porto’s Bakery & Cafe
104: San Fransokyo Square
112: World of Color—ONE
91: Wondrous Journeys