A Disneyland® family vacation tops many families’ bucket lists, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between the rides, characters, parades, fireworks, snacks, and souvenirs, there’s a lot to take in. That’s exactly why a well-planned 5-day Disneyland® itinerary with kids makes such a difference. Five days gives you time to experience both Disneyland® and Disney® California Adventure at a relaxed pace, avoiding burnout and maybe even exploring a bit of Anaheim.

It also helps tremendously to stay super close to the parks. Camelot Inn & Suites is directly across the street, making early rope drops and midday breaks easy-peasy. When you’re visiting Disneyland® with family, a quick walk back for naps, snacks, or a reset may be the difference between magical and meltdown.

Before you go, remember you need park tickets and reservations for each park. If you plan to visit both Disneyland® and DCA Park on the same day, purchase Park Hopper tickets. And for popular attractions, consider Lightning Lane passes to maximize your time. Even if you’re on a tight budget, freeing up that time otherwise spent waiting in lines drastically improves the Disney experience. Finally, check the park’s entertainment calendar and prioritize popular seasonal offerings or limited-time shows when building your schedule.

Day 1

Start strong by rope-dropping a few iconic attractions: Indiana Jones Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, or the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Knock out two or three early, while lines are shorter.

Have a relaxed lunch in the park or head back to the hotel for a break. Spend the afternoon enjoying smaller attractions, browsing shops, and strolling Main Street, U.S.A. If fireworks are scheduled, end your first night with a bang.

Day 2

Begin with major crowd-pleasers like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. If temperatures climb, refresh with a midday swim break at the hotel pool terrace.

Fit in Peter Pan’s Flight, then enjoy a nice dinner inside the park. That evening, watch the Tapestry of Happiness projections and Wondrous Journeys in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Day 3

Rope drop Pirates of the Caribbean or Haunted Mansion. After two busy days, have a slower morning with a character breakfast or leisurely brunch. Use today to catch anything you missed or revisit favorites. In the afternoon, watch the Happy Cavalcade roll by, and at night, line up for the Paint the Night parade, then stay for high-energy Fantasmic!

Day 4

Start with the popular Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Then, grab a snack and head to Animation Academy, ideally during the hottest part of the day.

Continue with Toy Story Midway Mania and the Incredicoaster. Catch the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! parade before dinner. In the evening, ride the Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land and finish up with the World of Color nighttime spectacular.

Day 5

Keep your final day lighter with Monsters, Inc., The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and Soarin’ Across America. It’s the perfect way to soak up those last magical moments before heading home.

Five days may sound ambitious, but with the right plan, it’s perfect. Staying at Camelot Inn & Suites puts you steps from the entrance, with a pool terrace for unwinding, onsite laundry for longer stays, and convenient stroller, electric scooter, and wheelchair rentals onsite. When you’re planning a multi-day Disneyland® getaway, comfort and location are paramount—and this is how you make every minute count.