Whether you’re on the hunt for the world’s best birthday gift or a magical holiday surprise, Disneyland Resort tickets might just be the ultimate pick. They’re perfect for Disney® die-hards or anyone who could use a little sprinkle of pixie dust.
But let’s be real—Disneyland tickets come in all shapes and sizes, and figuring out the best option can feel a little daunting. That's where we come in! From single-day magic to park-hopping extravaganzas, we’ve got ticket options for every kind of Disney fan.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ticket options available to gift, fun ways to present them, and a sneak peek into both Disneyland Resort parks. By the end, you’ll be all set to share the magic of the Happiest Place on Earth® with someone special!
The Disneyland Resort: An Overview
Before diving into ticket options, let’s start with a lay of the land. Located in Anaheim, California, the Disneyland Resort can feel like a world of its own with:
- Two unique theme parks
- A vibrant downtown area
- Three stunning hotels
- Endless dining and shopping spots
Best of all, everything is within walking distance, so it's easy to wander through the entire resort. And for anyone with limited time or mobility, there’s a monorail with two convenient stops in the Downtown Disney® District and the Tomorrowland® Area in Disneyland Park, plus plenty of shuttles running to and from the resort’s parking areas.
While admission is required to enter both theme parks, the Downtown Disney District is open to all—no ticket needed! It’s the perfect place to shop, grab a bite, or explore without entering the parks.
Disneyland Resort Experiences and Gifts
1. 1-Park Per Day Tickets
Best for: Those who love to take their time and savor every magical moment, one park at a time!
With a 1-Park Per Day ticket, you can spend the entire day exploring either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure® Park. It’s the ultimate way to experience everything each park has to offer—from thrilling rides and Character meet-and-greets to jaw-dropping shows.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the World of Color Nighttime Spectacular show at Disney California Adventure Park—it’s our personal fave.
2. Park Hopper® Tickets
Best for: Guests who would enjoy the freedom and flexibility of experiencing both parks on the same day.
Park Hopper Tickets are always our personal go-to. That’s because we can hit all of our favorite attractions in both parks, all in one day! Just picture it: you can start your morning with a thrilling ride on the Space Mountain® attraction at Disneyland Park, then head over to Disney California Adventure Park for a fun-filled afternoon at Pixar Pier (f/k/a Paradise Pier® Area). And the best part? You get to keep hopping back and forth as the day goes on—more rides, more Characters, and double the magic!
Pro tip: After entering your first park of the day, you can’t hop to the next until 11:00 AM. After that, feel free to hop as many times as you’d like!
3. Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Best for: Disney die-hards or first time visitors who would rather spend more time playing and less time waiting.
The Lightning Lane Multi Pass is an add-on that gives you access to shorter lines at some of the park’s top rides—think the Space Mountain® attraction, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad® attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, and more!
Here’s how it works:
- Once you enter the park, use the Disneyland app to make your first ride selection
- When your reservation window arrives, head to the ride, scan your app at the entrance, and skip the standby line
- Afterward, you can continue making Lightning Lane selections one at a time throughout the day
Gifting Perk: The pass also unlocks fun PhotoPass Lenses and unlimited digital photo downloads, including pictures taken by professional photographers. It’s the ultimate way to relive all the Disney magic!
Disneyland Park VS Disney California Adventure Park: Which One Should I Pick?
Disneyland Park
The Vibes: Classic, nostalgic, and oh-so-magical!
If it’s your first visit to the Disneyland Resort, this is the place to start. Disneyland Park is home to all our timeless favorites—think the Haunted Mansion® attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction, and even the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. But the magic doesn’t stop there! Beyond the classics, you’ll discover exciting new adventures and incredibly immersive lands that bring every Disney dream to life.
Top Attractions:
1. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a galaxy far, far away! Explore the bustling planet Batuu, where you can build your own droid, pilot the Millennium Falcon on Smugglers Run, and take on the First Order in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Don’t forget to grab a blue or green milk and keep an eye out for Characters like Chewbacca and the Mandalorian.
2. Sleeping Beauty Castle
AKA the crown jewel of Disneyland! Located at the park’s center, the Sleeping Beauty Castle is more than just a photo-op. You can take a stroll through the castle’s storybook interior to relive the tale of Princess Aurora. Don’t forget to admire all the intricate details along the way—from shimmering stained glass windows to beautiful murals and more.
3. Bayou Country
Don’t miss the Disneyland Resort’s newest ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! Glide through the bayou with Princess Tiana, Louis the gator, and Mama Odie before splashing down a 50-foot drop. After, grab a bite at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree or treat yourself to a souvenir from Ray's Berets.
4. Main Street, U.S.A.® Area
Step back in time to small-town America, where you'll find charming horse-drawn carriages, vintage-style shops, and all the tasty treats you could ever wish for (definitely try a float from the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, it’s so worth it). And be sure to swing by in the evening—it’s the best spot to catch the park’s spectacular fireworks show!
Disney California Adventure Park
The Vibes: Discover the perfect balance of thrilling adventures and family-friendly rides, all with a nod to the diverse beauty of California.
Located just across from Disneyland Park, it’s home to exciting attractions like the Incredicoaster, Goofy’s Sky School, and the whimsical Pixar Pier. But the fun doesn’t stop there! From the neon-hued streets of Hollywood Land to the wild hills of Grizzly Peak, there’s something for everyone at Disney California Adventure Park.
Top Attractions:
1. Avengers Campus
Get ready to unleash your inner superhero! Join the action and meet iconic Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and Deadpool. Then, if you’re up for a thrill, help Rocket free his friends on Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! This exhilarating ride features free-fall drops, stunning visuals, and six different storylines—which one will you experience?
2. Pixar Pier
This whimsical boardwalk features attractions inspired by all your favorite Pixar stories. Take a thrilling ride on the Incredicoaster, play carnival games, and admire jaw-dropping views from the top of the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel (trust us, those swinging gondolas are not for the faint of heart)! For all the grown-ups out there, snagging an eye-catching cocktail from the Lamplight Lounge is a must.
3. Cars Land® Area
If you’re a big fan of the movie Cars, then make this your first stop! You’ll feel like you’re actually strolling through Radiator Springs as you pass by Luigi’s Casa Della Tires, the Cozy Cone Motel, and Flo’s V8 Cafe. Who knows? You might even run into some of your favorite Characters including Lightning McQueen and Mater. For the grand finale, buckle up for the race of a lifetime on the Radiator Springs Racers® attraction!
4. Grizzly Peak
This rustic, nature-inspired land is an outdoor lover’s dream! Take an exhilarating ride on Grizzly River Run, where you’ll twist and turn through white-water rapids, all with views of the majestic Grizzly Peak. Then, experience the Soarin’ Around the World® attraction, an immersive adventure that takes you flying over some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, thanks to incredible IMAX technology and an 80-foot projection dome.
How to Give a Disneyland Resort Experience Gift
At Virgin Experience Gifts, we make purchasing, gifting, and booking Disneyland Resort experiences a breeze. All you have to do is:
1. Choose their tickets. Browse our wide variety of Disneyland Resort ticket options and find the one that’s right for them. Still not sure what to pick? Let them choose or give them money towards their magical adventure with a Virgin Experience Gifts e-gift card!
2. Add a personal touch. Take your gift to the next level by adding a beautifully designed digital greeting card at check out. To make things extra special, pair their tickets with a Disney T-shirt or their very own pair of Mickey ears.
3. Pick a delivery date. Whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, or just because, your gift can be sent instantly or scheduled for a specific date, directly to your inbox or theirs. Talk about perfect timing!
4. Let Them Book Their Adventure. You gift it, they book it! All your lucky giftee needs to do is redeem their experience and pick the date for their Disneyland adventure—no stress, just pure magic.
Plus, you’ll enjoy gifting peace of mind with no expiration dates, hassle-free exchanges, and easy returns. Disney dreams really do come true with Virgin Experience Gifts!
Summary
So, there you have it: the ultimate guide to gifting Disneyland Resort tickets and experiences. Whether it’s a quick, one-day trip or a three-day adventure, you’re sure to find the perfect fit. Go ahead, spread a little pixie dust and let your loved ones experience the magic of Disney firsthand!