Let me start by saying Disney WORLD is the most magical place on earth and you need to dedicate at least 4 days to a week to that adventure. However, DisneyLAND in California is a spot you can conquer in 1-2 days.
DisneyLAND was Walt’s first creation in 1955. It was an instant success, and, in 1971 Disney World became the bigger and more astounding version in Florida. If you’re going to go to any Disney spot, Disney World should be first on your list. However, if you are on the West Coast and Disneyland is easier for you to get to, here are some tips to on what to do and see!
DisneyLand has two parks: Disneyland Park, which is your typical Disney park: castle at the centerpiece with Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, etc.; AND California Adventure Park which I found most similar to Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. Both parks are right across from one another, and Downtown Disney is just a walk away. The layout is much more convenient than Disney World, as you can walk to everything Disney.
If you plan accordingly, you can do both parks in one day, just get a park hopper pass. Otherwise, you can spend one day at each park. Let’s start with Disneyland Park. Before you go, fast pass any major rides you want to do and plan your day around those times. Upon arrival, explore the charm and shops of Main Street USA. Get your picture in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, then explore it. Pick out a dress and head to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (this is for ages 3-12, so adult princesses, we’re out of luck). Then, make it your goal to hit up every “land.” I always like to start at Tomorrowland and travel counterclockwise, but choose your own adventure. Make sure to check out the latest addition: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You definitely feel like you’ve left Disney and are on a Star Wars set.
There are a lot of famous rides that are similar to Disney World like Dumbo, Tea Cups, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Thunder Mountain, It’s A Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain, to name a few.
But some rides differ, like Finding Nemo is in a submarine, and The Matterhorn is not at Disney World at all.
Outside the Tiki Room, they serve Dole Whip floats (pineapple soft serve with pineapple juice) which I’m now obsessed with. Its super sweet and refreshing.
The best parades and night shows can be seen at Disneyland Park. Especially their Fireworks and, my personal favorite, Fantasmic. Tip: the Pirates bridge is the best place to watch Fantasmic from.
Onto California Adventure! Even though I said California Adventure is most similar to Disney World’s Hollywood studios, it has a lot of differences that I think make it really special and unique. For starters, the famous Tower of Terror ride has been transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy. The live Frozen Show gives the Broadway one a run for its money and is a perfect way to break up your day and cool down from the afternoon sun. This show runs longer than your typical Disney show (about an hour) so hit up the bathroom before you get in line. My absolute favorite thing about this park: Pixar Pier. Not only is the pier beautiful, but I LOVE Pixar films and am so happy they are celebrated in such a special way! And the Ferris Wheel will give you the most beautiful view in the entire park. California Adventure offers other shows, parades, and nighttime extravaganzas as well, so make sure to put those on your schedule, if you have time.
Between seeing your favorite characters, riding nostalgic rides, and escaping the real world to be immersed in magic, you can’t go wrong with Disneyland. I’m Jillian Lawton, and thank you for reading 10-Minute Travel Tips: Weekend Getaways. Please check out the corresponding YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BznbGlqnP1c