There’s nothing quite like the magic of Disneyland. However, experiencing it with a large family adds a whole new level of excitement… and chaos. Whether you’re traveling with your big crew of kids, tagging along with extended family, or planning a multi-generational trip, there are definitely a few extra logistics to consider. But don’t worry! With a little bit of planning and some smart budgeting, visiting the Happiest Place on Earth with a large family can be (relatively) smooth and memorable for all the right reasons. As a mom of seven who has visited the parks with littles and tweens in tow, here are my best tips for planning a trip to Disneyland with a big family! Some links contained in this article contain affiliates, I only recommend companies I love. Thank you for helping to support Little Dove!
budget tips for large families at Disneyland
Let’s be honest—Disneyland isn’t exactly known for being a budget destination. When you’re planning for Disneyland with a large family or group, the costs can add up fast! There’s tickets, the hotel, all the food (why are kids always so hungry?!), a souvenir or two–these are all things that need to be budgeted for. But with the right resources and a few “tricks”, you can absolutely make it work without sacrificing the fun.
1. Use Get Away Today for Hotel and Ticket Packages
One of the biggest money savers I’ve found is booking through Get Away Today. This can also make planning your Disney trip really easy! Get Away Today specializes in Disneyland vacation packages and they offer exclusive deals on both tickets and hotels that are perfect for bigger groups.
They’ve already done the legwork and hand-picked accommodations that work for families of 5, 6, or even 8 people. Plus, their hotel partners often include extra perks like free breakfast, waterpark access, reduced parking, or extra nights free—all things that really add up when you’re traveling with a group!
Here are a few of their current deals:
- Family of 5 – Stay at The Viv Hotel in a 2 Queen w/ Bunk Beds room. Includes 3-Day 1-Park per Day 70th Anniversary Tickets. 3rd night free! Starting from $501 per person (07/21–07/25). Read our review of the Viv in this blog post!
- Family of 6 – Stay at Cambria Hotel & Suites in a One Bedroom King Kids Suite. Includes free breakfast + waterpark access + 4th night free! Starting from $502 per person (05/19–05/23). You can read our review of the Cambria here!
- Family of 8 – Stay at Element by Westin in a 2 Queen Kids Suite. 4th night free + free breakfast and reduced parking. Starting from $556 per person (06/16–06/20).
- Family of 8 – Stay at the JW Marriott in 2 Queen Connected Rooms. 4th night free! Starting from $763 per person (06/23–06/27).
These kinds of package deals make it so much easier to stretch your vacation dollars!
2. Bring Your Own Snacks and Meals
One of the things I love about Disney parks is that they allow guests to bring food into the parks. This is such a money saver for our family! We usually pack snacks and a lunch, and then work a dinner in the park into our budget. Or sometimes we head back to the hotel for dinner before heading back into Disneyland for fireworks. Pack a small soft-sided cooler with lunch and snacks. And don’t forget your refillable water bottles! You can get free cups of ice water from any of their dining options that has a soda fountain.
| Read: Goofy’s Kitchen vs. Storytellers Cafe Character Dining |
3. Set a Souvenir Budget Ahead of Time
With kids (and let’s be real, adults too), the temptation to buy all the Disney merch is real. Before your trip, talk with your kids about how much they’ll be able to spend and stick to it. One thing we’ve done is give each of our kids a Disney gift card ahead of time—once it’s gone, it’s gone! Along the same lines, if a trip lines up nicely with a holiday or birthday we talk to grandparents and suggest a Disney gift card for the grandchild’s present.
planning tips for visiting Disneyland with a large family
Disneyland is magical, but it’s also a beast when it comes to planning—there’s a reason why there are so many Disney content creators out there! The planning stress reaches a whole new level for large families. Don’t wait until you’re walking through the gates to figure out your day!
Pro tip: Have each member of your group choose their one must-do. Whether it’s getting a family castle picture, or riding Space Mountain, make these items a priority while planning your park day.
1. Use a Shared Calendar or Planning App
If your Disney trip includes more than just your immediate family, a shared Google Calendar or a planning app can keep everyone on the same page. Include travel days, park reservations, dining reservations, and break times. The Disneyland app is great for keeping all your reservations in one place too!
2. Make Park Reservations Early
As of now, Disneyland still requires park reservations in addition to valid tickets. I’m guessing that feature is here to stay. When you’re booking for a big group, the sooner you reserve your dates, the better—especially if you’re trying to line up multiple families. Currently, non Magic-key holders can make their park reservations 6 months in advance of their trip. Remember that you’ll need a park ticket and a valid reservation to get into Disneyland!
3. Book One Table-Service Meal Together
While mobile ordering is a game-changer for quick service meals, I highly recommend planning at least one sit-down meal together—especially if you’re celebrating something special. Restaurants like Plaza Inn (with its iconic fried chicken) or Lamplight Lounge (for Pixar fans!) can usually accommodate larger parties if you book early enough. Personally, we usually like to book a character dining experience for each Disney trip. Dining reservations are available 60 days in advance and they can go fast. Depending on the size of your group, you might want to reserve two separate smaller tables and just be okay with a parent at each one.
navigating Disneyland with a large family
So you’ve booked the hotel, packed your snacks, and everyone is finally in the park—now what? Navigating the crowds with a large family takes strategy, flexibility, and a little patience.
1. Have a “Home Base” Plan
Even if your intention is to stay together, families can still get easily separated. Make sure you talk to your little ones about what to do and who to talk to if that happens. It’s also a good idea to agree on a meeting place for the group if you have mostly older ones. Some good options: under the flagpole at Town Square, the blue wall by It’s a Small World, or in front of Grizzly River Run at Disney’s California Adventure. Even if you all have phones, it’s smart to have a backup plan, just in case.
We also love our older kids’ Gabb Wireless watch and phone. They give them the opportunity to explore a bit on their own, but still be tracked through the park and we can contact each other when we need to. You can use the code LITTLEDOVE for a discount on your device when you activate a new line.
2. Use Rider Switch and Single Rider Line
For families with little ones who aren’t tall enough (or brave enough) for certain attractions, Disneyland offers Rider Switch, which allows one group to ride while another waits with the child, then switch without waiting in line again. It’s especially helpful when there are multiple adults in your group to rotate through. You will need the Disneyland app to utilize this helpful feature!
Another great thing about Disney is that they have a policy for single riders–your child must be seven years old to ride an attraction alone. It has worked great for our family in the past to have all the older kids go through the single rider line together, and then ride alone. We always tell them where we’ll be waiting when they get off (most often it’s right by the ride exit). Having kids that are old enough go through the single rider line is a huge time saver and is a great way to make the most of your time if a little brother or sister is taking a stroller nap.
3. Bring Matching Shirts or Accessories
I love going all out for our theme park trips and planning matching outfits. Not only is it super fun to match for family photo ops, but it also helps you keep track of each other in a crowd. And, if you’re all dressed similarly it’s especially easy to describe what your child is wearing if you do happen to get separated while visiting Disneyland with a large family.
4. Be Flexible
This might be the most important tip of all. Things will go off schedule, kids will get tired, and sometimes the ride you were looking forward to all day will be temporarily closed. But with the right mindset, even those unexpected moments can become special memories. Some of our favorite times at Disneyland have come from the unplanned. There’s always something to see, do, or munch on at Disney!
is visiting Disneyland with a large family right for you?
As much as we love visiting Disneyland with a large family, I know it’s not the ideal family vacation for everyone. However, I definitely recommend it, at least once. With a little planning, smart budgeting, and plenty of patience, you can create memories your whole family will treasure forever.
And remember, Get Away Today is an amazing resource to help you simplify the planning process and save money. This is even more true when you’re booking for a big group! With great hotel options for large families and deals that include extras like free nights and breakfast, they make it easy to focus on the fun. Now go grab those mouse ears and start counting down!
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