Disneyland Resort FAQs with Mouse Brief: Do I need to pay for a ticket to enter the Disneyland Resort Esplanade?
While you do need valid admission to enter Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, you do not need a ticket to enter Disneyland Resort itself. This includes the Esplanade: the plaza between the two parks.
To enter the Esplanade, you will need to pass through Disneyland Resort security. At the security checkpoint, you will pass through a metal detector (or alternative screening) and have any bags inspected. Once you are cleared by the security cast members you are free to proceed to the Esplanade, or through Downtown Disney, without a ticket and without charge.
Why would I want to visit the Esplanade at Disneyland Resort?
The Disneyland Resort Esplanade is home to various guest services. These include DAS and other accessibility services, ticketing services, stroller rentals, ECV and wheelchairs rentals, locker rentals, lost and found, restrooms and general guest services. Some of these services are also available over the phone or online, but you may prefer to access them in person.
The Esplanade is also a nice place to view the fireworks display from Disneyland Park. The view is limited and you will miss the accompanying effects, but you will not need a ticket to enjoy the show! If you plan to view fireworks from the Esplanade, we recommend checking the entertainment schedule. Fireworks are only scheduled for select nights and subject to weather conditions.
If you are a first time or infrequent visitor to Disneyland Resort, you may even want to visit the Esplanade on your arrival day (if you do not plan on visiting the parks that day). We have done this in order to time the walk from our accommodations and to preview the entry procedure. This may seem, well excessive, but we like to arrive when the parks open. Practicing the route helps us plan for the following morning. Plus, we find that it is a fun way to build excitement for a day in the parks.
What other parts of the Disneyland Resort can I access without a ticket?
You can also enter Downtown Disney District without using an admission ticket. The Downtown Disney District offers live entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities. Popular shopping destinations in the Downtown Disney District include the LEGO Store, World of Disney and Star Wars Trading Post. The Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage regularly offers musical entertainment as do other locations like the Splitsville Kingpin Stage and Jazz Kitchen. You can grab a quick churro, beignet or ice cream. Or, you can sit down at a restaurant like Din Tai Fung, Centrico or Naples Ristorante e Bar.
The Disneyland Resort Hotels also have an impressive range of restaurants including fine dining at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and whimsical themed dining at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel. Some areas of the hotels are restricted to hotel guests, but anyone can enjoy the creative lobbies and access the restaurants.
So I can visit Disneyland Resort for free?
You do not need an admission ticket to enter the Disneyland Esplanade or the Downtown Disney District. However, you may incur other costs while visiting. The parking areas at Disneyland Resort all charge a parking fee (though some restaurants validate parking), and you will need to pay for any food, beverages or merchandise you purchase. Still, you can have a great day at Disneyland Resort without paying for a ticket. You can read our suggestions for how to have a terrific day at Disneyland without a ticket in this article.
Thank you for reading. We hope you have found this article on visiting the Disneyland Resort Esplanade without a ticket useful.
If you would like a guide to ticket purchases, we recommend this one. We also recommend our article on Terrific Ways to Have Fun at Disneyland Without a Ticket. Finally, we want to share with you our Step-by-Step guide to planning a Disneyland visit. You can get that straight in your inbox by subscribing to our free newsletter below. Thanks again for reading!
