Anaheim, in Orange County about 26 miles (42 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles, is best known as the home of the Disneyland Resort: the original Disneyland Park, opened by Walt Disney in 1955, and Disney California Adventure next door, with the Downtown Disney District between them. Most visitors stay in the Anaheim Resort area around the parks, but the city also has major-league baseball and hockey, a lively food hall in a restored packing house, and easy access to Orange County’s beaches. Days are warm and sunny most of the year. This guide explains how Disneyland’s dated tickets and required park reservations work in 2026, what Lightning Lane costs, parking and getting around, and the city’s hotel tax.
Right now in Anaheim
- Wed23–36°C73–96°FClear
- Thu21–33°C70–91°FClear
- Fri21–30°C70–87°FClear
- Mon 12 Oct Columbus Day
- Mon 12 Oct Indigenous Peoples' Day · regional holiday in California
Top tours in Anaheim
See all tours for Anaheim →
From local operators, with prices and reviews; you check availability and book on Viator, our partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we earn money
Anaheim at a glance
- Best for: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, family holidays, baseball and hockey, and a base for Orange County’s beaches.
- How long: 2 days for both Disney parks; 3–4 days for a relaxed visit with a beach day or Knott’s Berry Farm.
- Best time: weekdays outside school holidays; late January to early March, September and early November are often quieter. Summer is hot and busy.
- Disneyland tickets (as of October 2026): dated, tiered tickets, plus a free park reservation for each day; a 1-day Park Hopper starts at $174 on the cheapest dates.
- Getting there: John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest; Los Angeles International (LAX) has the most flights. Amtrak and Metrolink trains stop at ARTIC in Anaheim.
- Before you go: entry rules, money, tipping and driving are in our United States travel guide.
Disneyland tickets and park reservations in 2026
The Disneyland Resort has two theme parks: Disneyland Park, with Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street, U.S.A., Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the classic rides, and Disney California Adventure, with Pixar Pier, Cars Land, Avengers Campus and the evening water show. You need two things to enter, according to Disney:
- A valid ticket. Tickets are date-based and priced in tiers, from the quietest days (Tier 0) to the busiest. Disney’s own figure for the cheapest 1-day Park Hopper ticket, which lets you visit both parks on the same day, is $174. One-park, 1-day tickets ranged from about $104 on the quietest days to $224 on the busiest in 2026, according to secondary sources (Disney’s price calendar loads only in its app and website). Children aged 3–9 pay a little less, and under-3s are free. Multi-day tickets cost less per day.
- A theme park reservation for the same park on the same date, for every guest aged 3 and over. Reservations are free but limited, made online or in the Disneyland app after buying or linking your ticket; Disney says they open up to 240 days ahead. Check reservation availability before you buy, especially for weekends and holidays.
Buy only from Disney or authorized sellers. Park hours vary by day and season, often from early morning until late evening; check the park calendar in the Disneyland app for your dates.
Lightning Lane: skipping the lines
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass: from $34 per ticket per day as of October 2026, varying by date. You book a return time for one attraction at a time once you are in the park, and can book the next after you use it or two hours later.
- Lightning Lane Single Pass: pay per ride for the most popular attractions, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers; prices vary by date, up to two different attractions a day.
- Lightning Lane Premier Pass: one entry to each available Lightning Lane attraction in both parks without return times; the price, which varies with demand, is shown in the app up to 7 days ahead.
All Lightning Lane passes need valid park admission and a park reservation, and a Park Hopper ticket if you want to use them in both parks.
Magic Key annual passes
Disneyland’s annual passes, called Magic Keys, were on sale in October 2026: the Inspire Key at $1,899, Believe Key at $1,474, the new Explore Key at $999 (introduced on January 13, 2026, when the Enchant Key was discontinued) and the Imagine Key at $599 for Southern California residents. Each has blockout dates and limits on how many reservations you can hold. Disney says a pass can pay for itself in about four visits compared with Tier 0 Park Hopper tickets.
Saving money at Disneyland
Pick your dates first: weekdays outside school holidays fall in the cheapest tiers and have the most reservation availability, and multi-day tickets bring the daily price down. Decide whether you really need a Park Hopper; on a short trip, one park per day is plenty. Stay within walking distance to save on parking, carry a refillable water bottle (water fountains and free cups of ice water at counter-service restaurants are easy to find), and use mobile ordering in the app to avoid food lines. Many visitors bring their own snacks; Disney’s park rules ban glass containers (except small baby-food jars) and bags or coolers larger than 24 x 15 x 18 inches (61 x 38 x 46 cm).
What’s on at Disneyland in fall 2026
- Halloween Time runs until October 31, 2026, with Haunted Mansion Holiday, the “Halloween Screams” fireworks on select nights and seasonal overlays in both parks. Plaza de la Familia, celebrating Día de los Muertos at Disney California Adventure, runs until November 2.
- Oogie Boogie Bash, a separately ticketed Halloween party at Disney California Adventure, runs on select nights until October 31; guests may enter from 3 p.m.
- Holidays at the Disneyland Resort run from November 13, 2026, to January 6, 2027.
- Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration ended on August 9, 2026. New in 2026: Soarin’ Across America and a Bluey stage show; Disney has announced the return of the “Magic Happens” parade in summer 2027 and of the original-style “World of Color” in February 2027.
Other things to see in Anaheim
Downtown Disney District
The free-entry promenade between the parks and the Disney hotels has restaurants, shops and evening entertainment, and no ticket is needed. Parking at the Downtown Disney lot costs $10 for the first hour, with validation at some restaurants.
Anaheim Packing District and Center Street
In downtown Anaheim, about 3 miles (5 km) north of the parks, a 1919 citrus packing house is now a popular food hall with stalls and bars, next to the small Farmers Park. Nearby Center Street Promenade has independent shops and cafés: a relaxed evening away from the resort crowds.
Angels baseball and Ducks hockey
Angel Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Angels, hosts Major League Baseball from spring to early fall, and Honda Center hosts the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League from October to April, as well as concerts. Both are next to ARTIC, the city’s transit center.
Knott’s Berry Farm
In neighboring Buena Park, about 7 miles (11 km) northwest, this older theme park has big roller coasters, a Wild West ghost town and its famous fried-chicken restaurant, plus a summer water park. Its Halloween event, Knott’s Scary Farm, is one of the region’s biggest.
Fun and family
- Angel Stadium of Anaheim
- Honda Center
Theme parks
- Disney California Adventure
- Disneyland
- Knott's Berry Farm
Other sights
- Downtown Disney
Day trips from Anaheim
- Orange County beaches: Huntington Beach (surfing and a long pier), Newport Beach and Balboa Island, and the art town of Laguna Beach are 30–45 minutes away. See our beaches and surfing guides.
- Los Angeles: Hollywood, the Getty and Santa Monica are 1–1.5 hours away, more in traffic; see our Los Angeles travel guide.
- San Diego: about 95 miles (153 km) south, roughly 2 hours by car or by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from Anaheim; see our San Diego travel guide.
- Palm Springs and Joshua Tree: desert resorts and a national park about 1.5–2.5 hours east.
Nearby destinations
- Los Angeles41 km
- Palm Springs126 km
- San Diego142 km
- Santa Barbara180 km
- Joshua Tree National Park192 km
Getting there and getting around
By air: John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana is about 14 miles (23 km) from the resort, Long Beach (LGB) about 20 miles (32 km) and Ontario (ONT) about 30 miles (48 km); Los Angeles International (LAX), about 35 miles (56 km) away, has the most international flights but the drive can take 1–2 hours. Shuttles, taxis and rideshare serve all of them.
By train: the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), by Angel Stadium, is served by Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner (to Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Barbara) and Metrolink commuter trains; from there it is a short bus or rideshare ride to the parks.
Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART): buses link the hotels, the Disneyland Resort, ARTIC, the convention center and nearby shopping. As of October 2026, a one-way ride costs $4 (tap a contactless card), a 1-day pass $6, a 3-day pass $16 and a 5-day pass $25 for adults, with lower fares for children and seniors. Many hotels within walking distance of the parks make a car unnecessary.
Driving and parking: Disneyland theme-park parking costs $40 per car per day (Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals or Toy Story lots, with trams or shuttles to the entrance), $60 for preferred parking, as of October 2026; lots open an hour before the parks. Disney hotel guests pay $45 a night to self-park. Freeways around Anaheim, especially Interstate 5, are very congested at rush hour; driving tips are in our United States travel guide.
When to go and how long to stay
Anaheim is warmer and sunnier than the coast in summer and mild in winter. The table uses NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for the Anaheim weather station.
| Season | Average high / low | What it’s like | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 71 °F (22 °C) / 48–49 °F (9 °C) | Mild and mostly sunny; the rainy season | Very busy over the holidays; quieter in late January and February |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 74–78 °F (23–26 °C) / 51–58 °F (11–14 °C) | Pleasant; gray mornings in May | Busy at spring break and Easter |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 82–89 °F (28–32 °C) / 62–66 °F (17–19 °C) | Hot, dry afternoons | Busiest season; long lines |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 88 °F falling to 77 °F (31–25 °C) / 64 °F falling to 53 °F (18–12 °C) | Warm; occasional heat waves and Santa Ana winds | Quieter on weekdays in September and early November; Halloween weekends busy |
The station gets about 13.5 inches (343 mm) of rain a year, mostly from December to March. Dry Santa Ana winds in fall can bring heat and raise the wildfire risk in the hills; check the AirNow air-quality map if smoke is reported. On hot days in the parks, drink water often and take breaks in the shade.
Weather month by month
How long to stay: 2, 3 and 4 days
2 days: one day at Disneyland Park and one at Disney California Adventure, with an evening in Downtown Disney. 3 days: add a Park Hopper day to revisit favorites, or a day at Knott’s Berry Farm. 4 days: add a beach day at Huntington Beach or Laguna Beach and dinner at the Anaheim Packing District.
Where to stay in Anaheim and the hotel taxes
- Disney hotels: three resort hotels next to the parks and Downtown Disney; the most convenient and most expensive.
- Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue: dozens of hotels within walking distance of the main gate, from motels to suites.
- Garden Grove: just south of the resort, often cheaper, with ART bus links.
- The coast: stay in Huntington Beach or Newport Beach and drive in for a park day.
Room rates are quoted before tax. According to the City of Anaheim, hotels charge a 15% transient occupancy tax, and hotels in the Anaheim Resort also collect a 2% Anaheim Tourism Improvement District assessment, so expect about 17% on top of the room rate. Since voters approved Measure J in 2022, the tax applies to the full room price, including bookings through online travel sites. Many hotels add parking charges and resort fees, so compare total prices.
Practical tips for Anaheim
- Sales tax: according to the state tax agency (CDTFA), Anaheim’s rate is 7.75% as of October 2026, added at the register and in the parks.
- Download the Disneyland app before you arrive for tickets, reservations, Lightning Lane, wait times and mobile food ordering.
- Arrive early: lines are shortest in the first hour after opening.
- Bag checks: all guests pass security screening at the resort entrances.
- Tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants; more in our United States travel guide.
- Emergencies: call 911.
What to pack for Anaheim
Pack comfortable, broken-in walking shoes (a park day can mean 10 miles, or 16 km, on foot), light clothes and a sweater for cooler evenings, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a portable phone charger for the app, and a light rain jacket or poncho from December to March. A small bag speeds up security checks.
Anaheim travel FAQ
How much are Disneyland tickets in 2026?
Prices depend on the date. One-park, 1-day tickets ranged from about $104 to $224 in 2026, and Disney prices the cheapest 1-day Park Hopper at $174. Check Disney’s calendar for your dates.
Do I need a reservation for Disneyland?
Yes. According to Disney, every guest aged 3 and over needs a valid ticket and a free theme park reservation for the same park on the same date.
How much is Lightning Lane at Disneyland?
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass starts at $34 per person per day as of October 2026; Single Pass and Premier Pass prices vary by date.
How much is parking at Disneyland?
$40 per car per day for theme-park parking, or $60 for preferred parking, as of October 2026.
When does Halloween Time end at Disneyland?
On October 31, 2026. The holiday season runs from November 13, 2026, to January 6, 2027.
How far is Disneyland from Los Angeles?
About 26 miles (42 km) from downtown Los Angeles and about 35 miles (56 km) from LAX; allow 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic.
What taxes are added to Anaheim hotel bills?
A 15% transient occupancy tax, plus a 2% tourism improvement assessment at hotels in the Anaheim Resort area.
How many days do you need at Disneyland?
Two days covers both parks; three gives time to revisit favorites without rushing.
Can I get around Anaheim without a car?
Yes. Stay within walking distance of the parks or use ART buses ($4 a ride, $6 a day as of October 2026), and take trains from ARTIC.
Plan your trip
Partner links: TravelerCenter may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Sources · last reviewed 4 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Park reservation rules, Lightning Lane, Magic Key prices, parking and the Tier 0 Park Hopper price: the Disneyland Resort; seasonal events, the end of the 70th celebration and future announcements: the Disneyland press room; ART fares: Anaheim Resort Transportation; hotel tax, the tourism assessment and Measure J: City of Anaheim; sales tax: the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration; climate: NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for Anaheim. One-park ticket prices, airport distances and details of Knott’s Berry Farm, the Packing District and the sports venues come from secondary sources and are flagged for checking. Check Disney’s calendar before you go. For entry rules, tipping and driving, see our United States travel guide.
Also: NOAA NCEI normals 1991–2020, Anaheim (climate)
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Air quality: OpenAQ · Rates: ECB · Holidays: Nager.Date · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODBL) · Wikidata (CC0)