I had the opportunity to go out to California and checkout Disneyland for the very first time this year, for this Disney-loving girl it was nothing short of a journey back to where it all started! Having spent my lifetime on the East coast and visiting Walt Disney World since I was 4 years old I couldn’t help but compare the two. I haven’t yet decided on which one my heart loves most but there were some of my favorite things in each of the two American soil Disney Destinations! You will just have to visit both for yourself to make your decision on favorites!
This journey starts heading out on a coast to coast flight to the grand state of California! Home of Route 66, old Hollywood magic, riding the waves of Malibu, visiting the giant Redwoods, wine tasting in Sonoma, riding the trollies in San Fran… we could go on all day! My point is there is so much to see in California that if you are making the trip to Disney Land make sure you carve out enough time to explore! Let’s head back to where it all started, all the way back to July of 1955!
Walt Disney, the man behind the Mouse!
Disneyland consists of two parks, Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney and 3 resorts! My biggest surprise was how close these two parks are you can literally walk out of Disneyland and in within 100 steps be inside California Adventure Park. Disneyland is right in the middle of the city of Anaheim, not at all like the sprawling 40 square miles of Walt Disney World with it’s 4 parks, 2 water parks, 26 resorts and Disney Springs! As a matter of fact you could put all of Disneyland in the Magic Kingdom parking lot - to give you an idea of size! No matter the size, these parks pack a big punch of vintage Disney magic, Classic Disney attractions and the newest in Disney Innovation!
Some of the most iconic spots of Disney Land Park! Disney Land Front Lawn, Main Street USA, Pirates of the Caribbean, New Orleans Square, the Matterhorn, Storybook Land Canal, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, It’s a Small World, Haunted Mansion and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle! I threw in some of my favorite famous snacks too!! And yes, apparently it does rain in Southern California, but only when I am there! The castle was sadly under going refurbishments during our visit but is completed now.
You can easily walk between the two parks several times during the day! Since they are so close you want to make sure you let us add they Park Hopper Ticket so you can visit both parks! One difference between Disneyland and Walt Disney World is their Fast Pass system! Disneyland still has the paper Fast Pass system so you can grab your paper Fast Passes from the Fast Pass kiosks if they are available.
PRO TIP: I recommend upgrading your ticket to the Max Pass option so you can add Fast Passes on your app at either park to save time! Max Pass is only $15 per day per ticket and includes the Disney Photo Pass!
We loved California Adventure Park, reminded us a little of Hollywood Studios in Disney World - but I have to say it was way better! Disneyland has turned Tower of Terror into Guardian of the Galaxy Mission:Breakout adding comedy and rock n’ roll to the drop zone - making it my favorite ride in all of Disneyland!! Pixar Pier was so fun, like a vintage carnival boardwalk with the Mickey’s Fun Wheel and all new Incredicoaster!! Cars Land took the cake for me, the absolute most immersive and intricate details in theming - truly a masterpeice! Make sure to stay for nighttime in the parks, it’s truly the most magical, we loved the World of Color water and light show!
We would love to help you get out to California to see what all Disneyland has to offer! We definitely recommend staying on property to get the full Disneyland experience! Who wouldn’t want to ride the Monorail from their hotel to Disneyland Park?! We can curate your Disneyland vacation to meet your families expectations! We hope you enjoyed your Weekly Wander to Disneyland! Contact us for more information!
Wishing you magical and sweet dreams! Until next time Disneyland….
