Welcome to the magical world of Disneyland Resort, where dreams come to life and every corner is filled with wonder. Nestled in the heart of Anaheim, California, this iconic destination is home to two spectacular theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Each park offers its own unique blend of attractions, entertainment, and experiences that promise to create unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.
Disneyland Park, the original “Happiest Place on Earth,” is a timeless wonderland where classic Disney stories and characters come to life. From the moment you step through the gates, you’re transported into a world of fantasy and adventure.
Stroll (or ride in a Main Street Vehicle) down Main Street, U.S.A., and feel the nostalgia of a bygone era, leading right up to Sleeping Beauty Castle – the iconic centerpiece of Disneyland Park. Along with Main Street, U.S.A., there are eight lands, each offering their own magical experiences. They are Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, and Tomorrowland.
The daytime parade is super cute, but brief. The nighttime show at Disneyland Park is Fantasmic! in which daring heroes and epic villans do battle under the watchful eye of Sorcerer Mickey. The castle’s fireworks and projection show happen between Fantasmic!’s two showings.
Pro-tip: A Fantasmic! dining package which offers a reserved viewing area is ideal. However, if you are not able to score one of these, about an hour before showtime, head over to the area between Pirates and Haunted Mansion.
You’ll notice some obvious similarities between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom + Hollywood Studios. But there are also major differences. I thoroughly enjoyed unique attractions like Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
Fun Fact: Disneyland Park is the only park designed and constructed under Walt Disney’s direct supervision!
Just a stone’s throw away, Disney California Adventure Park offers a different kind of magic, celebrating the spirit of California and the stories of Disney and Pixar.
Start by taking a walk down Buena Vista Street, inspired by the Los Angeles that Walt Disney encountered in the 1920s. From there, there are 7 lands waiting to be explored. They are Hollywood Land, Avenger’s Campus, Card Land, San Fransokyo Square, Pixar Pier, Paradise Gardens Park, and Grizzly Peak.
The nighttime spectacular at California Adventure is World of Color – One. This light and water show celebrates Walt Disney’s rich storytelling legacy, and exemplifies how a single action can make the world of difference.
Pro-tip: A World of Color – One dining package or dessert party which offers a reserved viewing area is ideal. Alternatively, guests can try to score a virtual queue. If you’re unable to score either of these, about an hour before showtime, head to the area along the bridge to Pixar Pier or in front of Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
Worth mentioning is that in addition to scheduled character meets, characters freely roam throughout the parks, much more so than at Walt Disney World. I also noticed where characters featured at character dining are somewhat “grouped” on the east coast, here, they are much more random. For example you may see Fairy Godmother, Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh, and Mickey Mouse at the same meal.
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney is the dining and shopping hub that connects both parks. The scale of everything is so manageable. I highly recommend staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels to take advantage of the conveniences.
Holiday Celebrations
In addition to the mainstream holidays, Disneyland also recognizes and celebrates Three Kings Day (Jan 6), Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb), and Dia de los Muertos (fall). This is a great way to incorporate a bit of culture on a magical visit.
70th Anniversary Celebrations
On May 16th, the Disneyland Resort will kick off its 70th anniversary celebration! Fun additions include the Wondrous Journeys Nighttime Show, Tapestry of Happiness Projection Show, the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, new additions to “it’s a small world,” and the grand return of the Paint the Night Parade in Disneyland Park. In California Adventure, there will be the World of Color Happiness! nighttime show, a Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade, Celebrate Happy at the Carthay Circle Theater, and new additionsl to Toy Story Midway Mania. And yes, there will be lots of 70th Anniversary merch!
Current offers include:
✨Discounted 4-Day Ticket
✨Up to 20% off Disneyland Resort stays Sun-Thurs May 16-Aug 14, 2025
✨Up to 20% off Disneyland Resort stays for Disney Visa Cardmembers
I think Disney enthusiasts who frequent Walt Disney World would appreciate visiting the Disneyland Resort. It’s a combination of the familiar and new, which makes for an exciting experience.
Getting There
If you’re in the southeast and think that travel to the west coast will be more expensive, think again. I priced out flights from BNA to LAX for several dates and it was significantly less than flying into MCO.
As part of my service, I will take care of your travel arrangements, including transportation from LAX to Disneyland.
Work bestie T and I are so thankful we had the privilege of representing our host agency Classic Travel Connection at the Disney Earmarked Silver Producer Conference. What an incredibly magical experience!
Disneyland Resort: The Parks / Disneyland Resort: The Resorts
Beyond Walt Disney World: Disneyland Paris
As a full-service travel agent, I would love to be of assistance to you. I am passionate about what I do and pour that energy into crafting perfectly planned itineraries for you. Email ebony@familytraveladventuresllc.com to learn more.
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