Reservations required. Tickets: $104–$206, ages 3–9 $98–$196, free under 3; Park Hopper extra $65–$75.
The longstanding Disneyland Resort is as much a spectacular piece of pop art as it is a set of theme parks. Incorporating two parks—the seven-decade-old, near-mythic Disneyland, and the younger Disney California Adventure—the resort calls itself “the Happiest Place on Earth.” And if you bring the right mood (and enough money) with you, it’ll likely live up to its nickname.
Venture down the freeway to Anaheim and you’ll find something for everyone here: roller coasters, stage shows, fireworks, family-friendly rides and familiar properties ranging from princesses and Pixar pals to Marvel and Star Wars (which both now have their own lands with Avengers Campus and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge). There’s always more on the horizon, too, including Avatar, Coco and Marvel rides.
Time Out tip: Disneyland requires a lot of planning these days, and we have entire guides dedicated the best Disneyland rides, the best things to eat and some overall top tips. But if I were to single out just one pointer: If you can afford the line-shortening Lightning Lane Multi Pass, nominate one person in your party to monitor the Disneyland app for whatever ride has the soonest return time—you’ll get on way more rides that way.