Disneyland Resort California

Disneyland Resort: the Happiest Place on Earth

Written by Bethany Whittington

Disneyland, the destination of every child’s (and children at heart) dreams. The happiest place on Earth truly lives up to its name, and coming from personal experience, it is a must-do destination. Upon research, you will find there is a lot of information. I mean, a lot of information. Now, before you freak out and become overwhelmed, I’m going to tell you some must do things at Disneyland – especially if you have limited time and want to get the highlights done.

First off, a heads up about the park...

Even though the whole complex is called "Disneyland Resort", there are two separate theme parks within the resort: Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure. 

Disneyland Park is the first, original park created by Walt Disney in 1955. This is the park where you will find the famous castle, and is based entirely on the magic of Disney. Within this park, there are eight lands: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Critter Country and Toontown.

Disneyland California Adventure is the theme park adjacent to Disneyland Park, and is based on the location of Disneyland Resort: California (but with the magic of Disney intertwined with it). This park is much smaller than Disneyland Park, but if you're a big Pixar or Frozen fan, you will find a range of Pixar rides, and you can meet Anna and Elsa and see the stage show Frozen: Live at the Hyperion here.

Must-dos - Disneyland Park

There is so much to do at Disneyland Park, that it can be a little overwhelming (just looking at the map tells you just how big the park is). But, if its your first day, or you've only got little time, I've created a must-do of the rides and attractions you have to do!

Main Street U.S.A.
Upon entering Disneyland Park, the first land you encounter is Main Street USA, a street designed after the old towns of America. From experience, nothing gets your heart pounding more than walking down Main Street and being greeted with the view of the castle in front of you. It is honestly one of the best experiences you can have. Here, you can find a bunch of souvenir shops, and of course, yummy food! And don't forget the daily parades and fireworks you can view here too!

Fantasyland - feel the magic
Hop on a flying boat and journey through London and Neverland in 'Peter Pan's Flight', or visit the world of Snow White in 'Snow White's Scary Adventures', or even go on a wild car chase in 'Mr Toad's Wild Ride', and don't forget to visit Wonderland in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. For something more relaxing, make sure you hop on a boat in the Storybook Canals and view small models of the places from some of your favourite Disney movies, including Aladdin, Pinocchio, The Little Mermaid and Frozen. If you're a bit more of a daredevil, make sure you take a toboggan ride on the Matterhorn (and you might just cross paths with the Yeti!), or go on a submarine trip and find Nemo and his friends!Want to travel the world? Make sure you hop on a boat in Its A Small World, and visit the countries of the world! (I am not responsible for when the song inevitably gets stuck in your head).Don't forget to stop by the Royal Hall and meet the princesses!

Adventureland
Want to explore an ancient tomb? Make sure you stop by the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, where Indiana Jones will help you escape the treacherous tomb! Next, make sure you stop by the Enchanted Tiki Room, where a bunch of beautiful, exotic birds will sing their song for you (...and it will never escape your head). Make sure you get some pineapple dole whip, its absolutely delicious! Then, you must stop by the Jungle Cruise. See a wide range of exotic animals, and expect a ton of puns from the skipper!

New Orleans Square
Ever wanted to be a pirate? Well make sure you stop by the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and you might just catch a glimpse of Captain Jack Sparrow (note: you may get wet!) Next, make sure you stop by the Haunted Mansion - where you can find a range of foolish mortals who have found their way into the mansion. There's just one catch - they're all ghosts! During the Halloween and Christmas season, the Mansion is taken over by Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Tomorrowland
Want to go to a galaxy far, far away? Make sure you take a trip on 'Star Tours', and visit the lands from the films! Next, take a trip to space on 'Space Mountain', an indoor dark rollercoaster that makes it look like you're in space! Then, help Buzz Lightyear to take down the evil Emperor Zurg in 'Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters'!

FrontierlandTravel back in time to the era of cowboys, and hop on 'Big Thunder Mountain Railroad', a fast-paced rollercoaster. Then, make sure you hop on the 'Mark Twain Riverboat' for a trip around the Rivers of America! Then, just around the corner is Critter Country, where you can hop on Splash Mountain, a long, fast drop where you will get wet! Or, you might decide to visit Winnie the Pooh in the 'Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh'.

Must-dos - Disneyland California Adventure
California Adventure Park is much smaller than Disneyland Park, so I have summarised the best rides and attractions you must do!

Hollywood Land

• Disney Animation building - here you can learn how to draw your favourite Disney characters from real, professional artists, have a talk with Crush from 'Finding Nemo' or meet Anna and Elsa from 'Frozen'
• Frozen: Live at the Hyperion - come to the Hyperion Theatre to watch the story of 'Frozen' live on stage! There is no extra charge to see the incredible production, but it is first in, best dressed.
• The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror - what would happen if you were in an elevator that suddenly dropped? Experience this at the Tower of Terror, where you will feel your heart in your throat as you plummet down in an elevator!

Click here to see some highlights from Frozen: Live at the Hyperion!

Cars Land

• Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - sit in the back of a tractor as you are swung around in a jamboree!
• Luigi's Rollickin Roadsters - sit in a car and grab a partner, as you dance around in your vehicle to the tunes of Cars!
• Radiator Springs Racers - ever wanted to sit in a slot car? Well this is your chance, with this fast-paced, fun trip through Radiator Springs! It ends with a race with the other car on your track!

Paradise Pier

• California Screamin' - a fast-paced, high speed rollercoaster with a loop! Only for the real adrenaline junkies!
• Toy Story Midway Mania - Join the character of Toy Story in a series of arcade games (try to beat your friends)!
• Mickey's Fun Wheel - get one of the best views in the park - go up high and see the scenery of not only Disneyland, but of California as well!
• Ariel's Undersea Adventure - go under the sea to experience the story of The Little Mermaid!

Grizzly Peak

• Grizzly River Rapids - jump on a raft and head down the rapids of Grizzly Peak! You will definitely get wet!
• Soarin' Around the World -  sit on a glider and zoom through all the sights our world has to offer us! You might even see your home country!

This is only a snapshot of what Disneyland has to offer! 

Disneyland has so much to experience and offer, that you really have to experience it yourself!

For more information, click here to visit the official Disneyland website!

Thank you so much, and have a magical day!