December 14, 2024

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Safe Travel USA

Disneyland Resort Packages and What You Should Know

Planning your Disneyland Resort vacation can be an overwhelming experience. There is so much to see, do, and eat! The options may seem endless. Booking different Disneyland vacation packages can help ease some of your planning, as well as sprinkle some extra pixie dust into your trip!

Disneyland
Credit: Disney

In this guide, we will examine and break down various packages available at the Disneyland Resort — including Disneyland dining packages and Disneyland Resort hotel vacation packages and how you can book them.

For 2021 information on Disneyland theme park tickets, click here.

Disneyland Resort Dining Packages

There are many dining packages available for different experiences at the Disneyland Resort. While packages may vary depending on the time of year you are visiting the theme park, there is sure to be a dining package that you and your family will love!

Fantasmic! Dining Package

Fantasmic! is the nighttime show that is shown at Disneyland Park that happens on the beautiful Rivers of America. This nightly show features Disney favorites, including princesses, pirates, and the one and only Mickey Mouse!

Fantasmic Disneyland
Credit: Disneyland

If you have not seen Fantasmic!, here is the description of the show from Disney:

Fast asleep, Mickey dreams he is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. With a wave of his hands, he conducts scenes from Fantasia across enormous screens of water while brilliant sparks burst overhead. Pink elephants, swashbuckling pirates, princesses and more appear on and around the Rivers of America.

When Mickey is suddenly pulled into the Magic Mirror, his dream takes a dark turn. The Evil Queen from Snow White conjures up some of Disney’s most dastardly villains—including Maleficent as a 45-foot, fire-breathing dragon! Mickey must use the power of his imagination to vanquish his foes—and save the day.

Featuring a fantastical array of live performers, beloved Disney characters, enhanced special effects and spectacular pyrotechnics, this show will wow the entire family.

Fantasmic! is an incredibly popular nighttime show and multiple dining packages are available for those who would like to have a great meal and take in a great show.

Blue Bayou

Disneyland describes Blue Bayou as:

Blue Bayou has been a must-visit destination for many Disneyland Resort Guests since its opening in 1967. Its mystical setting takes you into the heart of the South—overhead strings of colorful balloon lanterns cast an enchanting glow, dotting the darkness while crickets chirp, frogs croak and fireflies wink in the dark.

blue bayou disneyland
Credit: Disney

What makes Blue Bayou, located in New Orleans Square, a dining mecca for Disneyland fans is the fact that it is situated in the same building as the iconic attraction Pirates of the Caribbean. In fact, Guests dining at the indoor restaurant will be eating right along the water of the ride and will be able to see the boats begin their journey from the bayou to the Caribbean.

Pirates of the Caribbean
Credit: Disney

Guests who choose the Blue Bayou dining package for Fantasmic! will be given a price fixed menu that will give them a three-course meal that includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Traditionally, there is more than one option available for all three courses. These dining menus can vary and, in the past, have included dishes such as rack of lamb, bone-in rib eye, and Disneyland’s famous Monte Cristo sandwich. A nonalcoholic beverage is also included with each meal.

Blue Bayou Dining
Credit: Disney

It should be noted that the Fantasmic! dinner dining package is more expensive than the lunch dining package. The lunch dining package will cost $62 per adult and $29 per child. For dinner Guests, the cost is $75 per adult and $30 per child. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price. Each person in the party who purchased the dining package will be given a voucher for a preferred seating area for the Fantasmic! showing that they have selected.

The starting time for lunch dining at Blue Bayou is 11:30 a.m. and dining for dinner begins at 4:00 p.m. daily.

River Belle Terrace – Regular Package

The River Belle Terrace, located in Frontierland, was a quick-service location that was transformed into a full-service sit-down location in 2016. The new table-service location featured a range of delicious barbecue options. River Belle Terrace opened up as a table-service restaurant only one month after Big Thunder Ranch BBQ closed down to make way for Disneyland’s newest land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Image Copyright Disney

River Belle Terrace is described by Disneyland’s website:

No matter what time of day you’re joining us, you’ll find variety of delicious dishes that are sure to satiate any appetite. At lunch and dinner, choose from a bounty of hearty crowd-pleasers like Skillet Brisket Mac & Cheese, BBQ Tofu and a Pulled Pork Sandwich. For dessert, treat yourself to Cookies and Cream Pudding or Monkey Bread.

The River Belle Terrace Regular package is a slightly cheaper option for Guests who would like to make a reservation for the Fantasmic! dining experience. Both lunch and dinner are available for Fantasmic! dining reservations. For each of these packages, Guests will receive an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. Both the lunch and dining Regular packages cost the same, which is $45 per adult and $25 per child.

River Belle Terrace
Credit: ITM Krysten S.

River Belle Terrace – Premium Package

The key differences between the River Belle Terrace Premium Package and the River Belle Terrace Regular Fantasmic! dining package is the price and choice of Fantasmic! shows. For Guests who choose to purchase the Premium Package, they will only have the option to dine at River Belle Terrace during the first performance of Fantasmic!. This is because the Premium Package allows you to remain at your seat at River Belle Terrace during the performance. With the Regular dining package, Guests receive a voucher for a preferred location to stand during the first or second show.

River Belle Terrace

Because Guests who purchase the Premium dining package will be able to remain seated in a preferred location during Fantasmic!, the price for this dining package is higher than the Regular package. The Premium dining package costs $70 per adult and $40 per child. It should also be noted that reservations for the River Belle Terrace Fantasmic! Premium dining package must book their reservation either at the restaurant in advance or by calling (714) 781-DINE.

Hungry Bear Restaurant

Hungry Bear Restaurant is located in the Critter Country area of Disneyland Park. Unlike Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace which are sit-down table-service dining locations, Hungry Bear Restaurant is a quick-service counter location. Hungry Bear offers what is known as an “On-The-Go” Fantasmic! dining package.

hungry bear restaurant not available during disneyland reopen
Credit: Disney

Per the Disneyland website:

Before your arrival day, use our Check Availability tool on this page to reserve a meal pick-up time between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Then, once you’re at the park, make your way to Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country, where we’ll take your order and prepare your family’s feast. You’ll get to choose an entrée accompanied by tasty side dishes from a down-home, southern-inspired menu created just for this event.

While you’re at the restaurant, you’ll also receive a voucher for entry to the reserved viewing area for the first or second performance of Fantasmic!, a musical, magical, pyrotechnical extravaganza.

Hungry Bear Fantasmic meal
Credit: Disney

The price for the Hungry Bear Fantasmic! dining package is $30 per adult and $20 per child.

Fantasmic! Dining Know Before You Go

Vouchers

Each person in your party who purchased a Fantasmic! dining package will receive a voucher. If someone in your party does not purchase the dining package, they will not be given a voucher and will not be able to stand in the reserved viewing area. Vouchers are only valid on the day of your dining package. When you receive your voucher, it will tell you the time and preferred viewing location for your specific Fantasmic! show. Do not lose this voucher!

Fantasmic
Credit: Disney

Viewing Area

As previously stated, the voucher you receive during your dining experience will tell you where your preferred viewing location will be. The voucher will also list the time that you should arrive at your viewing location and what time the performance time of Fantasmic! will be. Please note that, unless you purchase the River Belle Terrace Premium dining package, your viewing area will not be the same as your dining location.

Fantasmic Viewing
Credit: Disney

Reservations

While advance reservations are not required, they are highly recommended for the Fantasmic! dining package. Guests can make reservations for the dining package day of, but there is no guarantee that there will be any availability. Reservations for the dining packages can be made up to 60 days in advance. A credit card must be given to secure a reservation.

Fantasmic
Credit: Disney

If you wish to cancel your Fantasmic! dining package, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged $10 per person. The credit card that you used to reserve your reservation will incur the charge.

It should be noted that all Fantasmic! shows are subject to change and/or cancellation due to weather, technical, or other issues at the theme park.

Fantasmic
Credit: Disney

Plaza Inn Dining Package

The Plaza Inn is located at the end of Main Street, U.S.A and is one of the most popular counter-service locations at Disneyland Resort. It is most well-known for its delicious plates of fried chicken, served with mashed potatoes, a biscuit, and a vegetable side dish, such as green beans.

Plaza Inn Fried Chicken
Credit: Disney

The Plaza Inn is described by Disney:

Dine on home-style favorites in a lavish Victorian setting, one of the original landmarks of Disneyland Park. Drenched in dazzling décor, it’s no surprise that the Plaza Inn, which opened in 1955, was one of Walt Disney’s favorite places to dine.

The Plaza Inn offers one dining package in conjunction with Disneyland’s newest parade, Magic Happens. Guests who purchase this dining package will receive the following:

  • One lunch entrée and one drink
  • Access to a reserved dining area
  • Preferred viewing of the second showing Magic Happens Parade
magic happens
Credit: Disney

The food options for the Plaza Inn Dining Package are as follows:

Amid the restaurant’s lavish Victorian setting, choose your favorites from a delectable menu featuring slow cooked short rib with chimichurri, chicken thigh fried to a golden brown, pesto-infused mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, corn relish and dessert.

Our kids’ meal includes fried chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, corn relish and your choice of GoGo Squeeze Applesauce or baby carrots and dessert.

Vegetarian options are available upon request.

The package pricing for the Plaza Inn dining package is $40 per adult and $20 per child. Reservation times for the dining package are from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Plaza Inn Dining Package Know Before You Go

Reservations

Reservations for the Plaza Inn dining package are not required, but highly recommended and can be made up to 60 days in advance. A credit card is required to secure your advance reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation, you must do so at least 24-hours in advance. Failure to cancel in that time frame could result in a charge of $10 per person in your party. That charge would be put on the credit card you used to secure the reservation.

Plaza Inn
Credit: Disney

Vouchers and Viewing Areas

Your Plaza Inn dining package comes with a voucher for each member of your party who has purchased the dining package. Vouchers are valid on only the day of your dining package and will contain the information for your viewing area and your showtime for the Magic Happens parade.

magic happens
Credit: D23

Disneyland Resort Hotel Vacation Packages

The Disneyland Resort offers many different types of vacation packages when it comes to its hotels. There is not just one standard package that applies to all Disneyland Resort hotels — the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

disneyland hotel
Credit: Disney

Disneyland Resort hotel vacation packages can vary based on the time of year, the length of the Guest’s stay, among other things. There are several ways Guests can book their Disneyland vacation packages.

Let’s take a look at some of the various hotel vacation packages available for the Happiest Place on Earth.

Vacation Packages With The Walt Disney Travel Company

When you book a vacation through The Walt Disney Travel Company, your package will contain the following:

  • Accommodation at Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel, or the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
  • Theme park tickets — ranging from two to five days — based on your vacation package
  • Hotel Benefits
  • Savings Throughout Disneyland Resort
  • Pin and Lanyard

Accommodations

Paradise Pier Hotel

There are three hotels on Disneyland property that you can choose from when booking through the Walt Disney Travel Company. The most inexpensive of these hotels is the Paradise Pier, whose prices can begin around just over $300 per night but can vary depending on the time of year.

Paradise Pier Hotel
Credit: Disney

As described by the Disneyland website:

Celebrate the heyday of California beachfront boardwalks at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Step back in time at this old-fashioned yet modern hotel—home to a variety of dining, shopping and recreation opportunities—and ride a wave of relaxation from your charming seaside-themed room all the way up to the rooftop pool for some welcome fun in the sun.

For Guests who want some extra magic while staying at Paradise Pier hotel, they can pay more and stay in a Premium View room that will give them a view of the theme parks and enable them to watch the fireworks shooting over Sleeping Beauty Castle during Disneyland Park’s nighttime spectacular.

Disneyland Hotel

The moderately priced hotel on Disneyland property is the original hotel, the Disneyland Hotel. Staying at Disneyland Hotel will completely immerse Guests in the magic of Disney. Rooms at this moderate resort can begin at $445 per night but can vary depending on the time of year.

Disneyland Hotel
Credit: Disney

Disneyland describes the resort’s original hotel:

Become immersed in the spirit of Disneyland past and present! Stay in the Adventure, Fantasy or Frontier tower—each an homage to the park’s original lands—and delight in the sleek, ultra-modern design at every turn. Located just steps from the Downtown Disney District, this hotel is a short stroll to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Disney’s newest and most luxurious hotel is Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Staying at this hotel will put you right in the heart of the Disneyland parks — literally! Guests who stay at the Grand Californian have a special entrance that will bring them right into Disney California Adventure Park. Rooms at Disneyland’s most expensive hotel can begin at $586 per night but can vary depending on the time of year.

Grand Californian DVC Villas
Credit: Disney

According to the Disneyland website:

Escape reality at a hotel that defines grandeur at every turn—from premium accommodations and Craftsman-style elegance to Disney’s impeccable service and renowned attention to detail. Hotel Guests can enjoy impressive amenities and rich dining experiences as well as utilize the convenient proximity* to Disney California Adventure Park. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy thrill-filled days at the parks!

Guests who book their Disney vacation at the Grand Californian can also elect to pay more for a Premium room, which will give you either a swimming pool view or a theme park view, which may allow you to watch World of Color, Disney California Adventure’s nightly water show.

Disney California Adventure
Credit: Disney

Theme Park Tickets

Theme park tickets included with your Disneyland Resort vacation package will range from two to five days, based on the length of your stay. Each ticket is automatically one park per day. However, for an extra fee, you can elect to make each of the tickets in your package Park Hopper tickets. That means that you can hop between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in one day, as long as you have a reservation at both theme parks.

Magical Extras

There are some great perks that booking your Disneyland package through The Walt Disney Travel Company. One of those perks is what is known as the “Extra Magic Hour”. This Extra Magic Hour is only available to Guests staying at hotels on Disneyland property and it gives Guests an extra hour in either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park before they open to other Guests.

prices of tickets at disneyland gates
Credit: Disney

During the Extra Magic Hour, select attractions, dining, entertainment, and shopping will be available.

Extra Magic Hour for Disneyland Park happen on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and occurs one hour before park opening. The Extra Magic Hour for California Adventure is on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.  DCA’s Extra Magic Hour also starts one hour before the park opens.

California Adventure
Credit: Disney

Disney recommends that hotel Guests who wish to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hour get to the park at least 15 minutes before the Extra Magic Hour begins.

Another great perk of booking your Disneyland Resort vacation package with The Walt Disney Travel Company is the discounts that you can receive throughout the Downtown Disney District.

ralph brennans jazz kitchen
Credit: Ralph Brennan’s

According to the Disneyland website:

To receive your Magical Extras Savings, present the voucher included in your Travel ePackage at participating locations. Valid for 2021 arrivals only. One voucher per vacation package. Voucher may only be redeemed by a guest on the applicable vacation package reservation, and may not be transferred or redeemed for cash. Voucher is valid through Hotel checkout date or 1/15/22, whichever occurs first. Offers are made by the applicable locations, and Disney is not responsible or liable for such offers or their fulfillment. Please visit individual locations for offer details and restrictions. Excludes alcohol. Offers are not valid on previous purchases, and may not be combined with any other discounts, offers or promotions. Voucher benefits, offer details and participating locations subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Vacation Packages With a Good Neighbor Hotel

There are dozens of hotels surrounding the Disneyland resort. Many of these are known as Disneyland “Good Neighbor Hotels”. That means that these hotels work with the Disney resort and its Guests to help them get the most out of their Disneyland vacation. While these hotels are not on Disneyland property, they are authorized Disneyland ticket sellers, and often offer some form of transportation to and from the theme parks. This can be free, but some hotels do charge an extra fee.

Howard Johnson
Credit: Howard Johnson

While there are many perks to booking a Good Neighbor Hotel Disneyland vacation package, it will require more research on your part. Not every hotel offers the same type of ticket package and the prices will vary depending on the hotel that you stay at.

According to the Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel site:

Good Neighbor Hotels offer quality accommodations that are located near the Disneyland Resort. With over 50 different hotels to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your family’s travel style, size and budget! Explore room and ticket packages* that let you stay close to the magic—and include a host of special perks.

Marriott Hotel Anaheim
Credit: Marriott

However, booking a stay at these Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels will also give you some of the same perks as booking a Disneyland vacation package through The Walt Disney Travel Company. These same perks are:

  • Theme park tickets
  • Magical Savings
  • Pin and Lanyard
Disneyland Shuttle
Credit: Disney

The Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel site will show you some deals, but many Good Neighbor hotels offer deals, so it will be a good idea to do some research and figure out which hotel offers the deal that works best for you.

Vacation Packages Available Through Costco Travel

For Guests who also have a Costco membership, you also have the ability to book a Disneyland vacation package through Costco Travel. Available packages can be booked with either a Disneyland Resort property or a Good Neighbor hotel. These packages can also contain gift cards that you can use throughout the Disneyland Resort.

Costco Travel Disneyland
Credit: Costco Website

The amount of the gift card depends on several things, including the number of nights you book for your Disneyland vacation, whether you stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel or a Good Neighbor hotel, and which Disneyland Resort hotel you stay at.

Tickets in your Disney vacation package purchased through Costco Travel may also include a Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park hopper ticket as part of the price. Please note that vacation packages offered through Costco Travel are subject to change, so it is important to verify what type of Disneyland park ticket is available with the Disney vacation package that you are purchasing.

disney pixar pier
Credit: Disney

In addition to gift cards, Disneyland Resort vacation packages booked through Costco Travel may also include a discount on shopping at the Downtown Disney District, as well as a pin and a lanyard.

Booking a Disneyland Vacation Package

Booking With The Walt Disney Travel Company

Booking your Disneyland vacation package through The Walt Disney Travel Company is an extremely easy process! Not only can you book your vacation package with hotels at the Disneyland Resort, but you can also book vacation packages with Disneyland’s Good Neighbor Hotels.

Disneyland Vacation Packages
Credit: Disney

Here are the simple steps you can take to book your magical Disney getaway online:

  1. Log on to the Disneyland Vacation Packages website
  2. Click “Book Your Vacation Package”
  3. Pick your desired vacation dates and which Disneyland Resort Hotel, or Good Neighbor Hotel, you would like to stay at — you can look up to 8 months in advance!
  4. Select the room you would like at the hotel you chose
  5. Select which Disney park ticket option you would like and whether or not you would like the Disney tickets to be park hoppers
  6. Select any extras such as Ground Transportation or Travel Insurance
  7. Checkout
  8. You have just booked your Disneyland vacation!
disneyland characters
Credit: Disney

If you would like to speak to a Disneyland Cast Member while you book your Disneyland vacation package, you can contact the Disneyland Resort at (714) 520-5060. Once connected, a Cast Member will go through all of the above steps to book your Disneyland vacation question and answer any questions you may have.

Booking With a Good Neighbor Hotel

Booking your Disneyland vacation directly with a Good Neighbor Hotel does not have one set of steps. Each hotel has its own policies and procedures when it comes to booking a Disneyland vacation package with them.

Good neighbor Hotels
Credit: Disney

When you have selected which Good Neighbor Hotel has the vacation package that meets your needs, you can visit that hotel’s website or call the hotel directly and have them assist you in booking your vacation package.

Booking a Vacation Package With Costco Travel

Booking your trip through Costco Travel is an extremely easy experience for Costco members.

Costco
Credit: Costco

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Go to Costco Travel’s Disneyland page
  2. Under “Book Your Visit” and click “Check Availability”
  3. Enter the dates of travel that you would like, how many people will be in your party, and which hotel you would like — or All Hotels if you would like to see various options. Costco Travel can book reservations at Disney‘s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel, as well as Good Neighbor hotels in the area.
  4. Click “Find Prices”
  5. Choose your hotel
  6. Add any flights or grand transportation you would like to add to your trip
  7. Confirm your offer
  8. Your Disneyland trip is booked!

Booking With Academy Travel

Academy Travel has been helping Guests book their Disney vacations for over twenty years and is thought of as the original “Disney Exclusive” travel agency! Academy Travel is “EarMarked Diamond”, which is the highest honor awarded to a travel agency from The Walt Disney Company.

ACADEMY TRAVEL
Credit: Academy Travel

Per the Academy Travel website:

Academy Travel has received the highest designation that Disney Destinations can bestow upon a travel agency, EarMarked Diamond! Founded in 1996, Academy Travel is celebrating over 20 years in business and as the original “Disney Exclusive” travel agency. As an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner”, our team of experienced travel agents can provide the utmost in professional assistance in planning Disney vacations. In fact, one reason our agency attained the “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” status is that all our travel agents are College of Disney Knowledge graduates. The College of Disney Knowledge is an in-depth comprehensive course that allows agents to develop their expertise regarding the Disney Destinations – knowledge that you can take advantage of when planning a Disney vacation.

Academy Travel will offer numerous deals on Disney vacation packages throughout the year. It is important to remember that Disneyland Resort vacation packages are subject to change, so make sure to check with your Academy Travel representative to get the deal and package that is best for you and your party.

Enjoy Your Disneyland Vacation!

Disneyland
Credit: Disney

Even though booking your Disneyland Resort vacation package can seem like an overwhelming experience, don’t forget the most important thing — you are going to The Happiest Place on Earth! And no matter how you choose to book your vacation, you will have a magical time!

Hopefully, you have found this Disneyland Resort vacation package guide helpful!