Hi Julianne! Welcome to planDisney! This is a great place for hopping into happy plans and bouncing toward magic. Thanks so much for bringing your question to us. It’s always helpful to have the logistics figured out before starting your perfect Disney day.
I love that you are planning on getting a
Park Hopper ticket for your visit to
Disneyland Resort. It really is one of the best ways to make the most of your time and experience all the magic the theme parks have to offer. When you see that
park reservations are unavailable for guests starting at Disney California Adventure, it simply means that the reservation allotment for starting there has been filled. You would still be able to hop over from Disneyland Park after 11 a.m., subject to capacity. While it is rare for a park to reach capacity and restrict entry, it can happen on special occasions, such as major holidays.
I see that you are from California, my original home state! There is a special California Resident ticket available right now that includes three days of Park Hopper tickets valid through May 21, 2026 for eligible zip codes from 90000 to 96199. If your visit dates line up, and you live in the eligible areas, this could be a great option, especially if you want a little extra flexibility in case you can’t do everything in one visit. Having the ability to take your time, notice the details, and discover those off-the-beaten-path experiences is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the parks.
Disney California Adventure will also be celebrating its
25th Anniversary beginning February 6, 2026, with new character costumes, special merchandise, and one of my favorite highlights, the return of
Soarin’ Over California. I was there on opening day, and Soarin’ was an opening-day attraction that absolutely wowed me. Growing up in California, I really did love seeing the state from a bird’s-eye view!
Julianne, I hope you have a truly magical visit and that all your Disney dreams come true. If any other questions come up, hop on back in and I will be happy to help!
Kimberly