How to Plan the Perfect 3-Day Disneyland Itinerary for Families
Three days is a good length for the Disneyland Resort: one day in each park, plus a flex day for favorites and anything you missed. This itinerary is built for families, with breaks built in and the dining you’ll want to book ahead.
Facts last verified September 28, 2026. Attractions, shows and restaurants can change or close for refurbishment, so check the Disneyland app before your trip.
Before you go: book dining
Disneyland Resort says advance reservations open up to 60 days before your visit at most restaurants. Limited same-day reservations are sometimes available, and select restaurants have mobile walk-up lists. If there’s a meal you’re set on, book it at your 60-day mark.
Day 1: Disneyland Park
Morning. Arrive early. With little ones, start in Fantasyland (Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant). With older kids, head to Indiana Jones Adventure or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance first.
Midday. Take a sit-down lunch break. Plaza Inn on Main Street and Café Orléans in New Orleans Square are two options. Head back to the hotel for a rest if your kids nap.
Afternoon. Adventureland and Frontierland: Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Check the app for parade and show times.
Evening. For a memorable dinner, Blue Bayou sits inside Pirates of the Caribbean. Book it early. Finish with the nighttime show if it’s running on your date.
Day 2: Disney California Adventure
Morning. Go straight to Cars Land for Radiator Springs Racers, then Pixar Pier (Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania!).
Midday. Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining on Pixar Pier works for a family lunch.
Afternoon. At the Disney Animation building, Animation Academy lets kids draw a Disney character with a Disney artist and keep the drawing. Classes run about every 30 minutes, first come, first served. For thrill-seekers, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is nearby.
Evening. For a more upscale dinner, Carthay Circle Restaurant serves Southern California-inspired cuisine. End with World of Color if it’s showing on your date.
Day 3: Favorites and flex day
Morning. Start with a character breakfast: Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel or Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian. Both are buffets where Disney characters visit tables.
Rest of the day. Go back for favorites (Matterhorn Bobsleds, Haunted Mansion) or anything you missed. Leave time for Downtown Disney if you want souvenirs.
Tips for a smoother trip
- Ride the most popular attractions early, before lines build.
- Know the Lightning Lane options. Disneyland Resort offers Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass (for specific attractions, such as Rise of the Resistance) and Premier Pass, each sold separately. With Multi Pass, you can book your next selection after using one, or after 2 hours.
- Plan a midday break, especially with young kids.
- Don’t try to do everything. The flex day exists for a reason.
If you’re still choosing between coasts, see Disneyland or Disney World: which is better for your family.
Sources
- Dining reservations FAQ — Disneyland Resort
- Character dining — Disneyland Resort
- Goofy’s Kitchen, Storytellers Cafe, Blue Bayou, Plaza Inn, Café Orléans, Lamplight Lounge, Carthay Circle Restaurant — Disneyland Resort
- Animation Academy — Disneyland Resort
- Lightning Lane passes — Disneyland Resort
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can you book Disneyland dining? Disneyland Resort says advance reservations can be made up to 60 days before your visit at most dining locations. Limited same-day reservations and mobile walk-up lists are also available at select restaurants.
Does Disneyland still have Genie+? Disneyland Resort now offers Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Premier Pass, each sold separately.
Where can kids meet characters at a Disneyland meal? Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel (breakfast and dinner buffet) and Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian (character breakfast and brunch) are two options. Check Disneyland’s character dining page for the current list.
Can’t get the table you want?
BookADream also monitors Disneyland dining and alerts you when a spot opens.
