Disneyland has long been known as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” and for good reason! From the moment you step into the park, you’re instantly transported into a world of magic, wonder, and unforgettable memories. Our first family vacation to Disneyland was an extra special one, as we had the opportunity to bring our girls (ages 8 and 10) along for their first-ever trip, joined by my sister. We stayed at the iconic Disneyland Resort Hotel, Club Level, and even squeezed in a day at Universal Studios. Here’s a look at our unforgettable adventure!

Staying on property was a real treat, and it came with plenty of perks that made the extra cost worthwhile. The Disneyland Resort Hotel had magical theming, from the décor and staff to the activities and services. We felt Disney’s magic long before we even set foot in the parks.

The hotel’s proximity to the parks was unbeatable. We could easily go back and forth multiple times a day. We took full advantage of Magic Morning (Early Entry), allowing us to access select attractions before the general public. After a busy morning, we would head back to the hotel for a break, which was perfect for my 10-year-old and sister, who loved relaxing by the pool or taking a nap. We’d then head back to the parks in the late afternoon and stay until closing.

Magic Morning grants early access to certain attractions, usually 30 minutes to an hour before the parks open. While it might seem like a short window, it makes a huge difference, especially for rides with long wait times, like Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Radiator Springs Racers, and Incredicoaster. We made sure to get there 20-30 minutes before Early Entry to get through security and start our day with shorter lines.

Staying so close to the parks made for convenient transportation. We didn’t need to rent a car for the entire trip. Since many group transport services charge per person, it was cheaper to take an Uber from the airport. Once we were at the resort, we could walk to the parks or use the complimentary shuttles and monorail. This saved us money on parking and rental fees. The one day we did rent a car to drive to Universal Studios was super easy, thanks to the convenient rental car facility located between the hotel and Downtown Disney.

Staying at Club Level was a real indulgence. While not necessary, the added benefits made us feel spoiled! We had access to the Club Lounge, where we enjoyed free breakfast, snacks, and drinks throughout the day. The lounge even offered prepackaged snacks and water bottles, which we could grab before heading to the parks. On evenings when we didn’t want to fight the crowds for fireworks, we could watch them from the lounge while enjoying Mickey-shaped desserts.

On our last full day, we drove to Universal Studios. We picked up our rental car early and arrived when the park opened. Unsure if we’d have time to experience everything, we purchased Express Passes to skip the regular lines. By the afternoon, we’d ridden all the major attractions. While Universal Studios was fun, it didn’t have the same appeal as Disneyland. Harry Potter Land was cool, but since none of us were huge Harry Potter fans, it didn’t captivate us the way Disney parks do. Reid participated in a special wand ceremony, which was a highlight of our day.

Many of Universal’s rides are Virtual Reality-based, which was tough on some of the adults in our group. The motion and jerky movements led to some motion sickness, making the rides harder to enjoy. Afterward, we took a scenic drive through Hollywood, seeing the Chinese Theater, Walk of Fame, and even the Hollywood Sign from the comfort of our car.

Our Disneyland Resort adventure was a dream come true, filled with magical moments, exciting rides, and unforgettable memories. From the convenience of staying on property to the indulgence of Club Level perks and our day at Universal Studios, it was the perfect family getaway. If you’re planning a Disneyland trip, staying at the resort and taking advantage of all the benefits truly enhances the experience, making it even more special.