From the transcontinental rail days that put Ogden on the map to the mid-century dream that built Disneyland, this route marries history with pure delight. In September, Utah’s air turns crisp and the Great Salt Lake shimmers—a perfect prelude to Anaheim’s late-summer sunshine and evening fireworks.

Disneyland typically celebrates Halloween Time starting in September, with seasonal decor, specialty snacks, and select after-hours events at Disney California Adventure that can alter park hours. Keep an eye on official schedules, and remember: you’ll generally need both a valid ticket and a reservation for your visit dates.

This 7-day plan is calibrated around Sept 19–22, 2025 at Disneyland, with relaxed Utah days on each side for recovery and local flavor. Expect practical travel details, pinpoint dining recommendations, and insider park strategies so you can spend less time in lines and more time making memories.

Ogden

Ogden blends frontier grit with creative energy. Historic 25th Street—once a rough-and-tumble railroad stop—now hums with galleries, breweries, and chef-driven kitchens. Minutes away, the Wasatch foothills give you quick access to trailheads and panorama views.

Don’t miss Antelope Island’s wildlife (bison, pronghorn, and shorebirds) at the Great Salt Lake, or Union Station’s compact museums that trace the city’s rail, car, and firearm history. Coffee is a quiet strength here—perfect for early starts and cozy afternoons.

• Stay (Ogden): Browse VRBO in Ogden for bungalows near 25th St or foothill townhomes. Or check Hotels.com Ogden for walkable stays near the downtown corridor.
• Eat & Drink: Daily Rise Coffee (small-batch espresso), Kaffe Mercantile (homey breakfast burritos), Grounds for Coffee on Harrison (student favorite), Slackwater Pizzeria (creative pies and taps), Tona (elegant sushi), Roosters Brewing Co. (house beers and pub plates), Rovali’s (old-school Italian on 25th St).

Anaheim

Walt Disney’s original park pairs nostalgia with constantly refreshed headliners—think Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Indiana Jones Adventure, and fan-favorite dark rides. Across the esplanade, Disney California Adventure brings Pixar Pier coasters, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Radiator Springs Racers’ desert vistas.

September is prime: lighter heat than midsummer, longer hours on weekends, and pumpkin-spiced everything. Plan around potential after-hours events (which can close DCA early), arrive before rope drop, and consider Genie+ on busier days to maximize Lightning Lanes.

• Getting There (Ogden ⇄ Anaheim): Drive ~10.5–11.5 hours (720 miles) via I‑15 with optional overnights in St. George or Las Vegas. Flying is faster: Ogden → SLC (~45–60 minutes by car) → SNA (~1h55 flight). Round‑trip fares in September often range ~$160–$380. Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. From SNA to the Anaheim Resort is ~20–25 minutes by rideshare; from LAX, budget 45–75 minutes depending on traffic.
• Stay (Anaheim): For walking distance to the gates, the Anaheim Resort/Harbor Blvd cluster is ideal. Compare VRBO Anaheim (condos with kitchens) and Hotels.com Anaheim (pool-centric family hotels, newer suites).
• Eat & Drink: Pre-park pastries at Okayama Kobo (Japanese bakery). Within Disneyland: Jolly Holiday Bakery (macarons, grilled cheese/tomato soup), Plaza Inn (classic fried chicken), Docking Bay 7 + Ronto Roasters (Galaxy’s Edge), Blue Bayou (book early). At DCA: Lamplight Lounge (Pixar pier views), Carthay Circle Lounge (craft cocktails, seasonal plates), Pym Test Kitchen (oversized fun). Nearby: Anaheim Packing House (try Georgia’s Restaurant for Southern), Puesto (handmade tortillas and tacos), Marri’s Pizza & Pasta (retro red‑sauce vibes), Roscoe’s Chicken ’N Waffles (comfort classic).

Day 1 – Thu, Sept 18: Ogden warm-up and historic 25th Street

Morning: Ease in with a latte at Daily Rise Coffee. If you want a leg-stretcher before travel, walk the Ogden River Parkway from the Botanical Gardens toward Fort Buenaventura for a breezy 3–4 miles round trip.

Afternoon: Check any last-minute trip items on 25th St (outdoor gear at Gear:30, treats at Kaffe Mercantile). Pop into Union Station’s small museums if you love rail lore.

Evening: Tackle a playful city game on the Ogden Utah Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game (about 1.5–2 hours). It doubles as orientation to downtown’s murals and landmarks.

Afterward, dinner at Roosters Brewing Co. (try the Niner Nachos and Honey Wheat) or Tona for impeccably fresh nigiri. Turn in early—you’ve got an early flight tomorrow.

Day 2 – Fri, Sept 19: Travel to Anaheim + Disneyland evening

Morning: Drive from Ogden to SLC Airport (~45–60 minutes). Fly to SNA (~1h55). Typical one-way fares run ~$120–$220. Compare prices on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Rideshare to your Anaheim hotel (~$25–$45 from SNA).

Afternoon: Check in, refresh, and enter Disneyland Park by mid-afternoon. Warm-up rides with short queues: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Disneyland Railroad grand circle tour.

Evening: Mobile-order dinner at Plaza Inn (fried chicken is a day-one tradition) or hit Docking Bay 7 for a quick bite. Stake a spot for the nighttime spectacular (on many Fridays you’ll see fireworks; other nights feature projections—check the day’s schedule). End with a serene spin on Storybook Land Canal Boats or a glowing lap through Tomorrowland.

Day 3 – Sat, Sept 20: Disneyland classics and Galaxy’s Edge

Morning: Rope drop is gold. Head straight to Fantasyland dark rides (Peter Pan first) before lines build, then Matterhorn and Space Mountain. Grab breakfast wraps from Ronto Roasters as you pivot to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Afternoon: Tackle Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, then explore Black Spire Outpost’s marketplace. If Haunted Mansion is operating its seasonal overlay, it’s a September favorite—lines can spike midday. Consider Genie+ (often $30–$40+; pricing varies) for Lightning Lane access and same-day PhotoPass downloads.

Evening: Sit-down dinner if you snagged a reservation (Blue Bayou’s waterfront tables sell out early; 60-day booking windows are common). Otherwise, Carnation Cafe or Jolly Holiday offer comfort hits. Cap the night with Big Thunder Mountain and a nighttime riverside stroll through New Orleans Square.

Day 4 – Sun, Sept 21: Disney California Adventure day

Morning: Rope drop Radiator Springs Racers or buy an Individual Lightning Lane to skip the queue. Loop Incredicoaster at Pixar Pier and WEB SLINGERS in Avengers Campus before late-morning crowds.

Afternoon: Refuel at Pym Test Kitchen (share the oversized pretzel) or Cocina Cucamonga for citrus-marinated tacos. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! is a must; aim midafternoon as crowds ebb.

Evening: Lounge bites at Lamplight Lounge (ask about off-menu nachos) or small plates at Carthay Circle Lounge. End with “World of Color – One” if scheduled. Note: on select fall nights, after-hours events can close DCA early—choose Disneyland Park on those evenings.

Day 5 – Mon, Sept 22: Park-hop favorites + Downtown Disney

Morning: If you have Park Hopper, mop up misses and repeats: Indiana Jones Adventure, Rise of the Resistance (if you saved it), and a second spin on Racers. Coffee and melonpan ice cream at Okayama Kobo en route.

Afternoon: Shop for keepsakes on Main Street, U.S.A., then decompress at your hotel pool. Late lunch options nearby: Puesto (handmade blue-corn tortillas) or a casual Anaheim Packing House graze (Georgia’s Restaurant for fried catfish or wings).

Evening: Re-enter your preferred park for a last hurrah—Pirates, a Dapper Dans serenade, and a twilight castle photo. Turn in early; tomorrow’s a travel day.

Day 6 – Tue, Sept 23: Fly back to Utah + playful Ogden puzzle quest

Morning: Rideshare to SNA, fly to SLC, and drive back to Ogden. Morning flights typically land early afternoon; fares often mirror the outbound (~$120–$220 one-way). Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Afternoon: Stretch your legs on the Ogden Puzzling Adventure—a smartphone-guided, clue-solving walk around downtown (about 2 hours, teams welcome).

Cool down with gelato at Rovali’s or a cold brew at Grounds for Coffee.

Evening: Dinner at Slackwater (the “Tangelo” pizza and a local IPA) or Union Grill (try the French Onion soup and prime rib dip). If you’ve still got energy, a sunset stroll through The Monarch’s art campus hits the reset button.

Day 7 – Wed, Sept 24: Great Salt Lake morning + departure

Morning: Early brunch at Jeremiah’s (scone with honey butter, cinnamon roll pancakes) then cruise to Antelope Island State Park for viewpoints of the Great Salt Lake and a chance to spot bison from your car. Prefer staying downtown? Do the Outrageous Ogden Scavenger Hunt for a quick dose of puzzles with a live remote host.

Coffee to-go at Kaffe Mercantile or Daily Rise.

Afternoon: Depart for home or your next stop. If you’re extending your stay and crave an immersive outdoor experience, consider the Native American Guided Backpack – Overnight – The Great Salt Lake on Antelope Island (a lesser-known gem just an hour from SLC).

If you book it, adjust your flight by a day and pack accordingly.

Practical Park Tips (Quick Reference)

• Tickets & Reservations: Disneyland generally requires both a valid ticket and a park reservation for each day. Check policies for your exact dates before purchase.
• Genie+ Strategy: Buy only on the busiest days (Sat/Sun). Prioritize Lightning Lanes for Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Radiator Springs Racers, and Guardians.
• Rope Drop: Be at the gates 30–45 minutes before official open to blitz 2–3 headliners with minimal waits.
• Dining: Book table service about 60 days out; use Mobile Order for quick-service at peak lunch hours. Hydrate often—free ice water is available at most quick-service counters.
• Closures & Events: Fall after-hours events can alter DCA hours; pivot to Disneyland Park those evenings.

Where to Book: Stays in Anaheim (VRBO), Anaheim (Hotels.com), Ogden (VRBO), and Ogden (Hotels.com). Flights via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

In one week, you’ll savor mountain mornings and castle nights, concluding with a serene Great Salt Lake sendoff. The itinerary is dialed to your Sept 19–22 Disneyland window, with just enough Utah on both sides to keep the whole trip balanced and memorable.