Last Minute Disneyland Trip Tips

As you may know, I booked a last minute Disneyland trip a few months ago. Having done that, I thought I would share a few tips in case someone else decides to do the same.

Last Minute Disneyland Trip

I planned and booked my last minute Disneyland trip about 5 weeks out. Seeing as how the Wondrous Journeys fireworks show is showing for the last time this year later this month and Halloween starts next month, I thought now was the perfect time to create this post. I know lots of people plan their trips months in advance. That’s why Disney allows you to book dining reservations 60 days in advance. However, that’s not who this post is for. I’m talking 3-6 weeks out in this post. Here are my tips for planning your last minute trip!

Tips

• Check park availability. As of 2023, Disneyland is requiring a park reservation to enter a theme park. So, before you book your trip, make sure that you can actually visit the park by checking their availability calendar linked above.
• Book a room and buy tickets. If your dates at the parks are open, then you should get to booking your trip asap. You can stay at one of the Disney’s 3 official resorts or off-site. For my most recent trip, I stayed at the Sheraton Park Hotel, which you can read my review of there. You should know that the hotels closest to the parks (including Disney’s hotels) cost more. Additionally, there are homeless people around the Katella Avenue and South Harbor Boulevard corner. As soon as you buy your tickets, make the park reservations as well.
• Book dining reservations. In my limited experience, only the most popular restaurants get booked up 60 days out. That includes Blue Bayou and Lamplight Lounge. Others may have availability a few days or weeks out. If you can’t get one you want, I recommend setting up a reservation finder. I’ve had some success with Touring Plans (more so with their WDW one, but still valid) and Mouse Dining. Additionally, you can continue to check back yourself. If all else fails, try some quick service locations for meals.
• Book flights. Generally speaking, flights are cheaper 6-8 weeks out than they are 2 weeks out. So, book the flights asap as well.
• Remain calm. Disneyland is typically seen as a locals park, versus the tourist parks of Florida. A Disneyland trip is typically more relaxed than a WDW one. Securing reservations is typically easier. Plus, the people at Disneyland are usually (not always) calmer than at Disney World.
• Pack and enjoy the trip. A last minute trip can be stressful to figure out. However, you should make an effort to relax and enjoy the trip once you arrive!

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, it’s much easier to plan a last minute Disneyland trip than a Walt Disney World one. I had a much easier time getting dining reservations. Plus, Lightning Lane was very beneficial at Disneyland for skipping the ride lines. So, do you have any other tips?