Disney, Thrills, Action & Adventure Family Holiday to LA & Disneyland

A Disneyland holiday is one of our most popular “pinch me moment” holidays for many families. Whilst travel times and cost are a consideration, this is one investment that will guarantee a lifetime of shared memories and feel-good reflections. Our team can give you all the tips you need to supercharge your experience at the “Happiest Place on Earth”. 

Here’s one of our recommended Disneyland Holidays for tweens and teens to provide some inspiration. However, no two holidays are ever alike; and our consultants will tailor make the perfect Disneyland adventure for you and your family – so don’t hesitate to enquire for a custom itinerary tailored to your ages, stages, interests and budget.

Getting there:
Most direct flights from NZ to LA are overnight flights, we recommend an early afternoon arrival to help adjust to your new time zone asap. With so much adventure ahead, you want to minimise downtime, if travelling economy and budget allows then we highly recommend a Skycouch upgrade!

When to go:
School holidays are normally the most popular times – July will be hot so keep hydrated! October can be a busy but extra fun time to visit Disney with Halloween celebrations in full flight, full of costumes and candy!

Getting there:
Getting an uber or taxi from LAX can be chaotic especially with lots of luggage in tow – we can recommend a stress-free transfer with our favourite (and reliable) LA transfer company

Where to stay:
Our team will help determine the perfect stay for you based on your interests. Retail junkies might love WeHo – with The Grove and Farmers Market in easy range and the Glossier flag ship store on Melrose Ave a must-see experience for the young fashionista; families often enjoy the relaxed Santa Monica beach vibes; cycle the promenade, exploring the pier or shopping 3rd Street Promenade - but be aware that getting to other areas of LA can be time consuming. Let us chat about your plans and we’ll work out the ideal launch pad for your adventures.

What to do:
Speak with our team to get your hands on our fave LA experiences guide there’s something for everyone – whether it’s the latest insta worthy hang out spot, foodie experience, sporting experience (travelling to Dodger Stadium on the Dodger Express is an experience in itself), day tours and more! If you are heading to Universal Studios, we strongly recommend a skip the line pass.

Getting Around:
Ask us about the best hop on hop off bus to catch to help you get your bearings and explore the City of Angels. Once you know where you are going there are multiple options to get around LA whether by public transport, ride share or taxis if you don’t have a car.

At a minimum we recommend at least three full days at Disneyland, with one day for orientation Because traffic can make the commute between Anaheim and LAX taxing; expect anywhere between 30-90 minutes depending on time of day, we strongly recommend basing yourself in Anaheim to make your experience more enjoyable.

Getting there:
If you are travelling with a lot of luggage let us arrange a transfer, alternatively if travelling light then you can travel by rail or uber. 

Where to stay:
There are heaps of options – if you want the full Disney experience you can stay in one of the Disney hotels on the perimeter of the park, this will be more expensive than other options; but you’ll enjoy meeting Disney characters at breakfast and an immersive themed experience. If you want to be first on the rides or if you think you might want to head back for an afternoon siesta or swim during your Disney adventures our team can recommend the perfect walking distance stay. 

What to do:
On your first day why not head to Downtown Disney and get your bearings so you’re ready to hit the ground running the next morning. There are Disney themed and other Retail stores and restaurants to help you soak up the atmosphere and get in the vibe. We recommend making a booking at a restaurant via your Disney app well in advance of your visit. 

Next morning get there early! Our team will have sorted your three-day park hopper ticket (including Lightening Lanes – trust us on this one!) and park reservations well in advance as well as advising you on any special in advance bookings you may need. Pop one of your team in charge of planning your itinerary and managing the Lightening Lane bookings (with the help of our HOT Guide to Disney Planning). We recommend exploring one park each day and then day three park hopping everyone’s favourite rides – Disneyland and California Adventure parks are right next door to one another. Planning is key at Disneyland – research food and rides and create a shortlist to ensure there are no regrets!

Getting Around:
Prepare to walk – a lot! If you’re going from dawn to dusk it is not unusual to clock up 30,000 steps on your Disney days. If you do stay at a hotel further from the park our team will share details of the app so you can ride the Anaheim bus network with ease.

Optional Extras: 
If you want to extend your time at Disneyland and explore more of what is on offer here’s a few of our favourites:

•    Buy a five-day pass – amazing value on a per day basis.
•    Be part of the action at an American sports game. In Anaheim you’ll find a passion for both Angels Baseball® and Anaheim Ducks®, the resident ice-hockey team. Nothing beats the excitement of catching a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim!
•    For big rides and big thrills grab an uber to Knotts Berry Farm theme park and make sure to ask us where to hear for the best fried chicken and gravy
•    After a day of fun head to the Anaheim Packing House or Steel- Craft Garden Grove to enjoy a culinary collective of artisan dining options or sample the wares from more than 20 breweries along the region’s Craft Brewery Trail. 

It’s home time! With most of the flights home being late night departures, our team can arrange the perfect day shopping at the Citadel outlets, your transfer will take you and your luggage and check you in at the outlets with a VIP pass and additional discount offers, shop to you hearts’ content, dine and refresh in the VIP lounge before your transfer returns to whisk you to LAX for check in that evening – easy!

Price Indicator:  Return Economy Flights AKL: LAX, mid-range Accommodation, Transfers, 3 Day Park Hopper Park Tickets: 
From approximately $XXXX - $XXXXX+ plus per person (based on 2 adults twin share)
Pricing is indicative only and may vary considerably based on time of booking, time of travel, accommodation standard, number of pax, age of children. For an accurate price based on your requirements please contact your House of Travel advisor.    

Optional Extras: 

Say Aloha to Hawaii or Bula to Fiji!
Fancy a relaxing beach ‘retreat’ after a busy theme park holiday? Talk to our team about adding on a stopover at either Hawaii or Fiji on the way home!

The Happiest Place on Earth – and at Sea!
Don’t let the magic stop! Tag on San Diego and set sail on a Disney themed Cruise with all your favourite characters on board – Oh Boy! Aw Gee!