Everyone knows about Disneyland. By this point in time, it’s a hallmark of American – and global – culture. The rides, food, fun, movie characters, and sunny California vibes all combine to make it a truly magical experience any time of year.
It’s basically impossible to get bored at Disneyland, and that’s as true for grownups as it is for little ones.
In fact, many a honeymooner sets their sights on a Disneyland vacation, while other couples go to celebrate anniversaries or just to escape Real Life for a while. There’s so much to do, you’ll wish you had another week to spend.
With a total of 67 attractions between Disneyland and the related Disney California Adventure – including rides, shows, and other things to do – there is enough to keep you occupied for days.
Many people choose to spend about three days in the park, then explore other must-see items in the Anaheim area.
These include the Fullerton Arboretum, the House of Blues, and Angels Stadium, among others. Also, Legoland is only about an hour away. It’s smart to explore all your options before you leave town, though, to make sure you’re not missing anything you really want to see.
As this is a guide to Disneyland, however, we will assume you are spending most of your time at the park.
Our goal? To help you budget most effectively so that your week in Disneyland includes all the thrills and sugar rushes you could possibly crave – without breaking the bank. So break out that Mickey-themed notebook and pen, and read on.
Average Trip to Disneyland Cost in 2024
An average one-week trip to Disneyland for two people will cost around $4,500:
- Average Accommodation Cost: $125 per night
- Average Flight Cost: $200 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $200 per person, per day
- Transportation: $300 total
- Total Cost: $4,500
To date, more than 750,000 million people have visited Disneyland, according to official statistics. So you can’t blame them for feeling free to charge what they like!
As such, it is one of the more expensive trips you’ll take in your life if you only take into account activities and lodging, especially if you spend a week at the park.
However, if you account for the fact that your airfare will be very cheap from anywhere in America, it’s quite affordable. Also, you can dramatically shave off costs if you spend only a few days at the park, then pack your trip with other activities along the way.
We’ll discuss this more below. The cost above shows you a general tally for two people. However, a more realistic average Disneyland trip cost is four people because families so often go.
If that’s you, simply multiply the costs by the number of people in your family. For instance, if you have four, double these costs. If you have five, multiply them by 2.5 – and so on.
We’ll spend the majority of our energy on the activities, since that is where Disneyland shines compared to other destinations. Overall, though, you will leave this guide with a clear idea of what to do – and not to do – at this quintessential American destination.
Disneyland Trip Cost: Average by Item
Anaheim, California/United States – 04/24/2019: Tourist walk across the street towards Disneyland theme park/The Image Party/Shutterstock
The average cost for a Disneyland trip varies wildly across the internet. The combination of changing entrance fees, seasonal variation, and your personal preferences does of course make it hard to predict an average, but we’ll do our best.
The below figures will give you an accurate ballpark as well as ways to trim down the budget in each area, so you can build a trip that’s perfect for you.
Accommodation Costs
If you’re on a budget, don’t plan to stay at Disneyland Hotel. You’ll pay shocking prices – $500 a night or more – and the cost doesn’t include park tickets. Unless you’re blowing it out for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, stay somewhere else.
Lodging in surrounding Anaheim is much less expensive. You can stay at a 3-star hotel for around $100 a night and a 4-star option for about $150. We’ll split the difference and call it $125 a night for standard lodging.
Flight Costs
The cost of a flight to Anaheim from anywhere in the United States is between $100 and $300 round trip. If you live close enough, you can avoid this altogether.
But keep in mind that a) gas is still expensive and may completely eat up the cost savings of flights, and b) you will have to spend your vacation time to get there. Unless you love a road trip and don’t care about seeing anything else in Anaheim, it’s better to fly.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
The first thing you should do when planning activities in Disneyland is to purchase the current year’s version of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland.
It is republished every year with the latest pricing information, hot tips for avoiding crowds, and guidance on how Disneyland works, and it is essential for a first-timer.
The Disneyland Map
What you need to understand is that Disneyland is huge. It comprises 100 acres, which is larger than many state parks, and is divided into many different “neighborhoods,” if you will.
These include:
- Fantasyland
- Tomorrowland
- Adventureland
- Main Street, USA
- New Orleans Square
- Critter Country
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Mickey’s Tomorrow
- Frontierland
If your head is spinning, you’re not alone. The park is often overwhelming to first-time visitors, so it’s a good idea to study the map beforehand and plot out a course of action.
To make the best use of your time, you should stick to one or two sections per day so you don’t have to walk all those extra miles zigzagging around the park.
The next day, do another one to two sections, and so on. Depending on how hardcore you are, you can definitely do the entire park in three days.
Disney Hacks FTW
One mistake people often make when coming to Disneyland for the first time is to plan to go for more than three days.
Although you certainly could spend 5 hours a day at the park for a week and not get bored, Disneyland does not distinguish between long and short visits: you will still pay for a full day.
Therefore, it’s a better idea to spend 10 days at the park for three days. Many people don’t know that Disneyland will allow you to leave and come back on the same day without paying extra.
All you have to do is show the same admission ticket you did the first time. This is a great trick for parents whose exhausted kiddos need a nap before returning for evening fun.
(NOTE: When the park is at capacity this will not work, so be sure to stay in the park during holidays and super-busy summer vacation weekends!)
Another Disney secret many people don’t know? Half the fun happens at night! Rides are still going, but they take on an ultra-magical element against the clear California skies.
Plus, the park has free fireworks shows (included in admission) nightly during peak season and many other times throughout the year. Plan to stay late enough on at least one of the nights to appreciate this.
Basic Food and Activity Costs
Now to costs. A good one-day Disneyland ticket will average around $150, and you get a price break on each additional day you book. Typically a five-day pass is around $415, according to Disneyland.
However, the price also changes according to factors such as:
- The guest’s age
- What time of year you visit
- Whether you’re moving between parks
To find exact amounts, you’ll need to visit the admissions page. Note that while tickets start at $83 according to the park, that doesn’t take into account the high season or any FastPass benefits, so make sure to explore the page thoroughly before making your decision.
You can bring food and drink into the park, so a great way to save money is to choose one or two treats a day (plan on $10-$15 each per person) and feed yourself the rest of the time.
All told, assuming three days at the park, other activities in Anaheim, and eating cheaply by packing your own food, you should plan on spending about $200 per person, per day.
Transportation Costs
When it comes to Disneyland, transportation is a consideration. Within the park, you can get around (included in the price of admission) by the Disney Railroad, the Disney Monorail, old-fashioned streetcars, and fire engines.
Outside the park, Anaheim has great public transportation and reliable taxis to and from its many other attractions.
For more information on where to fly in, how to get around, and directions, check out the official Disney transportation page.
When it comes to cost, plan on spending about $300 for the entire trip, assuming you take public transport and Disney’s free in-park transportation much of the time. If you want, you can rent a car for as little as $25 per day, which will likely come out to roughly the same cost.
Things to Consider
Now that we’ve discussed basics, here are a few more things to keep in mind:
- There are two Disney metropolises in this neck of the woods, and many people are confused about the difference between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. While both feature rides and other fun, Disney California Adventure is a more adult-oriented theme park. It features Pixar and Marvel attractions, with faster rides and greater thrills. This stop is best suited to teenagers and above.
- The cost of passes varies greatly, so be sure to do plenty of research about which works best for you and yours before booking your trip. Plus, it’s easier to book all your days at once in advance to be sure you get a spot when you want it.
- You can’t book passes until 4 months before your trip, so although that’s frustrating for the planners among us, the best bet is simply to make all your plans around your chosen dates and jump online the day your window opens.
- Preparedness is key. Before you go to the park, apply sunblock. Pack food and drinks, but avoid glass containers. Leave the booze behind because Disneyland will kick you out if they discover it. Have your passes all in one place for the entire family.
Frequently Asked Questions
James Kirkikis/Shutterstock
Is Disneyland expensive?
Yes, the cost of a pass starts at $83 per day, and all food, drink, and some extra activities cost more. However, you don’t have to stay at the resort and can save money that way.
Is it safe in Disneyland?
It’s quite safe in Disneyland. As with anywhere else, just keep valuables and children close to you at all times.
Is it easy to get around?
Yep, it’s very easy to get around Disneyland and its related adventure parks. Anaheim also has a fantastic public transportation system.
When is the best time to visit Disneyland?
If you can, visit Disneyland during the low season. That includes mid-September until Thanksgiving, January to Spring Break, and mid-April to late May. During school breaks and summer, expect to pay more for everything.
Should I plan to eat at Disneyland?
You probably shouldn’t plan to eat every meal at Disneyland. The average price of a meal is more than $20, but you’re allowed to bring your own food and drink at any time!
So, What Is the Average Cost for a Disneyland Trip?
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $125 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $200 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $200 per person, per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $300 total |
| 💲 Total Cost | $4,500 |
The average cost of a one-week trip to Disneyland is around $4,500 for two people and $9,000 for a family of four. The main danger when visiting Disneyland is that your daily expenses will add up without you knowing it, especially if you’re eating out.
Instead, plan to make and pack lots of food to keep costs down, and stay off Disneyland property. Do that, and you can take the Disney trip of your dreams pretty affordably. Here’s to you!