Disneyland Park
The Disneyland theme park is the Disneyland Resort’s busiest theme park with twice the annual attendance of Disney’s California Adventure.
Disneyland is divided into different areas or lands as Disney calls them. Each land is themed much as you’d expect based upon its name. The theming includes the architecture, cast member costumes, types of attractions and food, and even the background music.
You’ll enter Disneyland at the south end of Main Street USA, one of the themed lands.
At the far (north) end of Main Street is the hub, the central area around which the rest of the lands are arranged. Sleeping Beauty Castle sits on the far side of the hub. Moving clockwise around the hub are the entrances to Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, and finally Tomorrowland.
New Orleans Square and Critter Country are accessed through Adventureland or Frontierland; Mickey’s Toontown through Fantasyland; and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge though Critter Country, Frontierland, or Fantasyland.
In this Overview I use the following Shortcuts:
Attractions
Height Restrictions – Some of the more thrilling attractions have height restrictions. If children are shorter than the set limit, they cannot experience the attraction. Disney will not bend on these restrictions as they are for safety purposes; in many cases they have to do with the attraction seating and associated restraint capability. In some cases just because your child is tall enough to ride, doesn’t mean they are mature enough.
Attractions with height restrictions will be designated like this: (H33) the H designates height restriction and the following number designates how many inches tall you must be in order to ride. In this example (H33) you must be 33 inches tall to ride. Cast members will measure those in question.
Disney Genie
Attractions that participate in Disneyland’s pay to skip the line system will be designated like this:
- Genie+ eligible attractions will be indicated by (Genie+)
- Individual Lightning Lane Purchases eligible attractions will be indicated by (Individual Purchase)
Read more about Genie and Genie+ here
Food
I’ll give a brief overview of the type of food available at each restaurant as well as the type of restaurant (table service, etc.), meals served, and average cost.
Restaurant types consist of counter service, grab-and-go, table service and some buffet restaurants. At least one table service restaurant in each park offers a character meal.
Look for these keys to the rough cost of restaurants and the meals they offer:
$ = Less than $15 per adult
$$ = $15 – $30 per adult
$$$ = $30 – $60 per adult
$$$$ = over $60 per adult
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
S = Snack
Meal Abbreviations:
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
S – Snacks
See my Disneyland Theme Parks Overview for information that in more general in nature and applies to both of the theme parks and my Disney’s California Adventure Page (coming soon).
Arrival
Disneyland Resort Esplanade between the Theme Parks
Those who are used to the huge size of Walt Disney World in Florida will find the Disneyland Resort to be small and compact. Where all of Florida’s various locations are spread out and most drives between venues are 15 minutes long, Disneyland’s locations are all right next to each other, within walking distance.
The Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park are just steps from each other; their entrance gates are just 278 feet apart! They are separated by a common area called the Esplanade. Disneyland is on the north side of the Esplanade and California Adventure to the south.
The Esplanade contains Ticket Sales Booths and by each park entrance stroller and scooter rental, locker rental, and restrooms.
Disneyland Resort Ticket Booth in the Esplanade
The whole Disneyland Resort is bracketed by South Walnut Street on the west and South Harbor Boulevard on the east. The Esplanade is adjacent to S. Harbor Blvd on the east, while the west end of the Esplanade connects to the Downtown Disney entertainment district. Downtown Disney then extends further west part the Grand Californian Resort and Spa all the way to the Disneyland Hotel. Disneyland Drive runs north/south through the property and goes under Downtown Disney.
On-property guests will all walk to Disneyland from their Disney hotels. The walking routes from the hotels all feed into Downtown Disney which then leads to the Esplanade.
Most off-property guests who are walking or taking hotel shuttles will enter the Esplanade from the east. There are only a couple hotels from which you’d walk from the west side.
Guests driving their personal vehicles will park in one of Disneyland’s parking structures and take the tram which drops them off at the Esplanade end of Disney Springs or they can walk and enter Disney Springs from the west.
Main Entrance
Disneyland Main Street Train Station – After entering the park
As noted above the main entrance to Disneyland is from the Esplanade, the majority of guests enter here.
After passing through the entrance turnstiles you will be in an open area in front of the Main Street Train Station, a great spot for a photo op.
To continue into the park head to the hallways under the station to the left and right. You’ll then be at the beginning of Main Street U.S.A. which offers a view of Sleeping Beauty Castle and the far end of Main Street.
Alternate Entrance
Disneyland Downtown Disney Monorail Station
Disneyland has an alternate entrance, that being the Disneyland Monorail, which provides one-way service between Downtown Disney and Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.
There is a Monorail Station near the west end of Disney Springs where you can catch a ride directly to Tomorrowland.
You cannot just ride this Monorail for fun as you can at Disney World. To enter the Downtown Disney Station you will go through a ticket turnstile and a theme park day will be deducted from your ticket!
The Monorail will take you to the Tomorrowland Station where you must get off. To head back to Downtown Disney you must get in line at that station.
Security
Bag Check… Bag Check…… Bag Check!
All Disneyland Resort common areas are within the security zone, that’s: both theme parks, the Esplanade and Downtown Disney. All guests entering Downtown Disney and Disney’s parks will have to pass through a bag check area prior to entering. All bags, purses, backpacks, camera bags, coolers, etc. must be opened for a visual inspection by Disneyland Security.
Security checkpoints have the old fashioned metal detectors, requiring you to take metal items out of your pockets and a physical bag check.
Security checkpoints are located at:
- The west end of Downtown Disney for – Disney Hotel Guests and those walking from the parking lots/structures and couple of hotels to the west
- The east end of the Esplanade for – those walking from off-property hotels, those arriving on hotel shuttles, and via ride hire vehicles
- The Grand Californian entrance to Downtown Disney
- At the parking Structures prior to boarding the tram
- Both rear entrances to Disney’s California Adventure
Guests without bags (and strollers) line(s) are available at all but the small hotel entrance. Those in your party without bags should use this line to quickly get through and make the lines for those with bags shorter, getting everyone through faster.
For those with bags and strollers going through the normal lines, have bags out of their stowed location on the stroller. Please have all pockets on your bag open prior to reaching the Security Cast Member to speed things up and keep the line moving.
Main Street USA
Disneyland Park Main Street U.S.A.
Main Street U.S.A. is a Disney re-creation of early 20th century small-town America. Here you can grab a treat for breakfast, shop, spend some time with President Lincoln, or ride on antique vehicles.
Attractions
Disneyland Railroad – Ride on a real steam train on an approximately 20-minute journey around the Disneyland Park. Your train returns to Main Street after stops at New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown, and Tomorrowland. You may board or exit at any stop. The five trains that run this loop were all built around the turn of the century in the U.S. There are usually three trains running each day. You can board or exit at any stop.
Disneyland Railroad Train
Flag Retreat – Though not an actual attraction it is highly recommended! This awesome event is held daily at 5 p.m. Unlike at Walt Disney World in Florida, a military member or retiree is not selected at random daily to participate, only Disneyland cast members conduct the ceremony.
The Disney Gallery – Presents the Disneyland Story featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – The Disneyland Story takes you on a nostalgic look at Disneyland, with photos, maps, videos, and other memorabilia from its history. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is the original Disney Audio-Animatronics show first displayed at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.
Audio-animatronics are one of Walt Disney’s big innovations, lifelike figures (human or animal) that are animated via hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanics, with movements timed precisely to an audio track. You’ll find these characters in many Disneyland attractions.
Main Street Cinema – A stand up theatre featuring cartoon classics with Mickey, Minnie, and friends.
Dining
Carnation Café – BLD $$ – Table Service – Breakfast includes a full array of favorites, including Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles. For lunch or dinner, you can choose from soups, salads, sandwiches and hearty entrees, plus gourmet coffees, and ice cream for dessert.
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Shop – S $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Offers ice cream cones, sundaes, shakes, and floats. Relax in the old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
Jolly Holliday Bakery – BLD $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Features fresh pastries, specialty coffees and signature entrees, including sandwiches, salads, soups and quiches.
Market House – BS $ – Counter Service – Enjoy a cup of Starbucks coffee, plus both Starbucks and Disneyland pastries and sandwiches.
Plaza Inn – B $$$, LD $$ – Buffet (B)/Table Service (LD) -Minnie & Friends Character Buffet Breakfast offers all you can eat with omelets cooked to order, as well as other typical breakfast fare. A la carte lunch and dinner entrees feature fried chicken, pot roast, penne pasta, salads, and other home-style dishes. Dessert includes pie, cake, etc.
Refreshment Corner – LD $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Serves chilidogs and beverages.
Shopping
20th Century Music Company – Pins and lanyards, Disney music on CD
Candy Palace – Freshly made confections a specialty
China Closet – Disney ceramic Gifts
Crystal Arts – Beautifully crafted crystal collectibles
Disney Clothiers, Ltd. – Disney apparel for the entire family.
Disney Showcase – Seasonal merchandise
Disneyana – Disney art and collectibles
Emporium – The largest Gift Shop in Disneyland (pins, toys, apparel, etc.)
Main Street Magic Shop – For the magician in your family
Main Street Photo Supply Co. – Camera, film, developing and PhotoPass
New Century Jewelry – Disney jewelry
Fortuosity Shop – Disney character watches, purses, fashion clothing
Newsstand – Souvenirs
Penny Arcade – Old fashion arcade games
Silhouette Studio – Take home a paper profile silhouette
The Mad Hatter – Hats for all ‘Disney’ occasions
Adventureland
Adventureland embodies the edge of civilization; here you’ll find several different jungle adventures to enjoy.
Attractions
Enchanted Tiki Room – A musical show featuring audio-animatronic birds. You’ll enter a theatre for this show, which is put on by 225 talking and singing audio-animatronic tropical birds and flowers.
Indiana Jones Adventure (H46) (Genie+) – When you climb aboard your jungle transport, you’re in for an unforgettable ride. You’ll cross a rickety bridge, pass pools of flaming lava, and dodge a huge tumbling boulder as Indy helps you try to escape. Ride vehicles seat nine (3 across in 3 rows) and hydraulic actuators to move the vehicle body, simulating a (very) bumpy ride.
Disneyland Park Adventureland Indiana Jones Adventure
Jungle Cruise – Cruise down the rivers of the world: The Amazon, and Congo Rivers. Your campy Boat Captain, who is full of jokes, will lead your 10-minute-long expedition. On this ride you will board a boat which will take you on your journey along with about a dozen other people. As the ride moves along you will see lots of vegetation interspersed with audio-animatronic scenes while your Boat Captain spouts a continuous stream of corny jokes. You’ll see lions, elephants, gorillas and many other “animals” on your journey.
Tarzan’s Tree House – Walk through Tarzan’s treetop home. As you follow the stairs, platforms, and bridges that guide you along. As you climb higher, you discover secrets of Tarzan’s past, his life with Jane, their animal friends and scientific experiments.
Dining
Bengal Barbeque – LD $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Enjoy a variety of kabobs or bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Tiki Juice Bar – S $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – You can get refreshing Dole pineapple juice or Dole Whip (soft serve ice cream) here.
Tropical Hideaway – S $ – Counter Service – Bao with various fillings and lumpia.
Tropical Imports S $ – Counter Service – offers in-season fresh fruit, soft drinks and bottles of water.
Shopping
Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost – Official Indiana Jones merchandise.
South Seas Trader – Hawaiian shirts, tropical clothing, sunscreen.
New Orleans Square
In New Orleans Square the name and themeing applies mostly to the dining experiences versus the attractions, both of which are housed in different Lands at Walt Disney World.
Attractions
The Haunted Mansion (Genie+) – Ride through this haunted mansion and then the graveyard outside. Once you enter you will be directed into a small room with a group of others and be sealed in. Your Ghost Host will then introduce you to the mansion. Note at the end of this sequence the lights go out momentarily and there is a medium loud scream heard on the soundtrack, meanwhile Haunted Mansion aficionados in the group will scream out loud themselves playing along.
Disneyland Haunted Mansion decked out for Halloween
This is the scariest moment of the attraction. Afterwards a door will open, and you’ll board your Doom Buggy for a tour of the mansion and the graveyard “outside.” The doom buggies will accommodate 2+ with small kids. You will see lots of unique visual illusions and audio-animatronic ghouls and ghosts. Beware of hitchhiking ghosts!
Pirates of the Caribbean – This ride is a classic and a must see! Board a boat with about a dozen others to hit the high seas on this 10-minute-long trip through pirate locales. You’ll see skeletons, pirates and villagers as you float along. The audio-animatronic scenes depict the sacking of a village, you will float through a cannon battle between a pirate ship and seaside fort, then float through the village as pirates loot and plunder. During the voyage you’ll be regaled with the Disney pirate anthem, Yo-Ho Yo-Ho a Pirate’s Life for Me. Be sure to keep a sharp eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow!
Disneyland Railroad – An approximately 20-minute journey around the Disneyland Park on a real steam train. Your train returns to New Orleans Square after stops at Mickey’s Toontown, Tomorrowland, and Main Street USA.
Dining
Blue Bayou Restaurant – LD $$$ – Table Service – Located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, features appetizers, salads, seafood, chicken & beef dishes as well as its famous Monte Cristo sandwich, all with a New Orleans flair. Healthy selections, Kosher and vegetarian options are available. (Lunch and Dinner).
Café Orleans – LD $$ – Table Service – Offers Cajun-Creole including New Orleans Gumbo. Start with their popular Pommes Frittes, then enjoy a seafood crepe or maybe a Monte Cristo sandwich and finish with some Mickey-shaped beignets. Children’s meals are available.
French Market Restaurant – CLOSED 17 Feb 2023 to make way for Tiana’s Palace. The menu at Tiana’s Palace will expand on many of the current favorites served in the location, explore seasonal flavors and, of course, offer some New Orleans classics. – Prievious info: LD $$ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – New England-style clam chowder, jambalaya and our signature roasted half chicken with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Sink your teeth into a slow-roasted Beef Po’Boy sandwich with house-made Cajun chips; lighter choices include the Cajun-style Chicken Caesar Salad.
Mint Julep Bar – S $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Non-alcoholic Mint Juleps, specialty coffee, beignets and ice cream.
Royal Street Veranda – LDS $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Features clam chowder in a bread bowl, gumbo and desserts. Specialty coffees are also available.
Shopping
Cristal d’Orlean – Crystal
Port Royal –Nightmare Before Christmas Merchandise
La Mascarade d’Orleans – Pandora Jewelry
LeBat en Rouge – Ladies Clothing
Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie – Perfume
Parasol Cart – Custom decorated Parasols
Pieces of Eight – Pirate Themed Items
Portrait Artists – Portraits
Royal Street Sweets – Sweets
Critter Country
Here you’ll find attractions, restaurants, and shopping based on classic animated characters.
Attractions
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes – Get ready to paddle. On this real canoe ride, guests do the work as they paddle around Tom Sawyer’s Island. Two guides will steer you and help chart your course. This attraction is only open during daylight hours.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Ride in a honey pot and see all of Pooh’s adventures. Your 4+ person honey pot will take you on a fun journey through the Hundred Acre Wood where you’ll see scenes from the books and movies. Join Pooh and friends in a celebration as the ride ends.
Splash Mountain –(H40) (Genie+) – A log flume ride through Brer Rabbit’s Laughin’ Place. One of Disneyland’s favorite thrill rides. Board your eight-person log to float through the scenes from Song of the South where you will see Brer Rabbit’s adventures while listening to songs from the movie. You’ll progressively get higher during this calm portion of the ride. There may be a few small plunges along the way, until you come to the big final drop and splash. You will get wet! Some more than others, the left side is alleged to get less water.
Disneyland Park Critter Country Splash Mountain
Dining
Harbour Galley – LD $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – This restaurant on the banks of the Rivers of America offers chowder and soups served in bread bowls, plus entree sized salads, baked potatoes and drinks.
Hungry Bear Restaurant – LD $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Offers American type fare, such as chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, fries, etc. Kids meals are also available.
Shopping
Briar Patch – Critter Country Plush Character merchandise and more.
Pooh Corner – Winnie the Pooh merchandise
Professor Barnaby Owl’s Photographic Art Studio – Photos of your ‘Splash Mountain’ experience
Star Wars – Galaxy’s Edge
Visit Black Spire Outpost, the largest village on the planet Batuu on the fringes of the galaxy. Black Spire Outpost is a frontier settlement where scoundrels, rogues, smugglers, the Resistance, and the Empire all have a presence.
This highly themed new land is fun to explore. There is so much detail and back story. Star Wars fans will love it and so will others.
Attractions
Millennium Falcon: – Smugglers Run (Genie+) – An interactive motion simulator attraction where 6 guests are grouped together, given roles, and put in control of the Millennium Falcon.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Millennium Falcon
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – (H38) (Individual Purchase)- A hybrid walk-through and trackless dark ride with a mixed media presentation including projections, audio animatronics, and a variety of physical effects. The attraction will put guests into the middle of a battle between the First Order (including Storm Troopers) and the Resistance and feature an eight-seat ride vehicle known as a First Order Fleet Transport.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Rise of the Resistance
Dining
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – BLD $$ – Quick Service – Mobile Order – Featuring pork, chicken, and shrimp dressed up as extraterrestrial food.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Docking Bay 7
Ronto Roasters – S $ – Quick Service – Mobile Order – Sausage wraps and beverages.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Ronto Roasters
Kat Saka’s Kettle – S $ – Quick Service – Flavored popped grains.
Oga’s Cantina – S $ – Some Table, mostly Quick Service – Out of this would beverages for all ages. Limited capacity bar serving alcoholic beverages, mocktails and other drinks, including Blue Milk.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Oga’s Cantina
Milk Stand – Counter Service – Fruit flavored non-dairy beverages.
Shopping
Black Spire Outfitters – This apparel shop features an eclectic selection of themed clothing.
Creature Stall – stuffed porgs, tauntauns, rathtars, and more.
Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – Inside the den is a rotating collection of unique treasures that include jewelry, ancient tools, rare kyber crystals, statues, and even a collection of famous lightsabers.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Dok Onadar’s
Droid Depot – Build your own droid.
First Order Cargo – Gear for those who want to show support for the First Order.
Resistance Supply – Gear for those who want to show support for the Resistance.
The Jewels of Bith – Accessories, trinkets, and other treasures.
Savi’s Workshop – Hand Built Light Sabers.
Toydarian Toymaker – Playthings and collectibles.
Frontierland
Frontierland depicts life in America’s expanding western frontier and is home to Big Thunder Mountain.
Disneyland Park Frontierland
Attractions
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (H40, 3 Yr) (Genie+) – Hold on to your hats this runaway mine train is the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness.” You will board a train, complete with locomotive in the front for this rollercoaster ride. This fun outdoor coaster zips through mining town scenery based upon Utah’s Brice Canyon with lots of dips and curves. Don’t miss, one of our favorites!
Disneyland Park Frontierland Big Thunder Mountain
Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition – Try your best to get a bull’s-eye. Shoot up Boot Hill and see what happens in this laser gun-shooting gallery. There is an extra charge for this attraction.
The Golden Horseshoe Stage – Spend some time kicking up your heels with the Laughing Stock Company. In addition to the entertainment at this sit-down theater, you will also find food being served which includes chicken nuggets, fish & chips, chili, ice cream sundaes and soft drinks.
Mark Twain Riverboat – Experience a full-circle cruise tour of the Rivers of America around Tom Sawyer Island upon this steam-powered stern-wheeler paddlewheel boat. It’s a relaxing journey that brings the past to life.
Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island – Tom Sawyer Island is a haven for Pirates. Among the enhancements will be a “Dead Man’s Grotto” in the island caverns, a “Pirate’s Den” on the Castle Rock as well as Buccaneer touches made to Tom & Huck’s Treehouse and Smuggler’s Cove. Visitors can go in search of buried treasure, but beware; there will be live pirates waiting to take your booty away. (Closed for StarWars Land Construction, will reopen summer 2017).
Sailing Ship Columbia – Experience a full-circle cruise tour of the Rivers of America around Tom Sawyer Island aboard the first 3-masted windjammer to be built in the United States in over 100 years. You may also visit below deck to view the galley and living quarters in the ship’s museum.
Disneyland Park Frontierland Sailing Ship Columbia (left) and Mark Twain Riverboat (right)
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis for each show.
Dining
The Golden Horseshoe – LD $ with a show – Mobile Order – Grab a bite to eat, sit back and enjoy the show. Chicken nuggets, fish & chips and cold beverages. Grab lunch or dinner before the show!
Disneyland Park Frontierland Golden Horseshoe
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante – LD $ – Buffet Service – Classic Mexican specialties include menu items like burritos, nachos and much more.
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante Outdoor Seating
River Belle Terrace – LD $ – Buffet Service – Options include BBQ ribs, oven-roasted BBQ chicken or a tasty brisket sandwich. Vegetarian options are available. Kids Meals are also available.
Ship to Shore Marketplace – S$ – Fresh fruit, turkey legs, chimichangas, and frozen beverages.
Stage Door Café – LD $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Chicken nuggets, fish & chips, and corn dogs.
Shopping
Bonanza Outfitters – Outdoor clothing for the entire family
Pioneer Mercantile – Souvenirs with a western flare
Westward Ho Trading Company – Disney Pins, pins and more pins
Fantasyland
Fantasyland embodies all things fanciful, here magic abounds. Take a flight with Peter Pan, or a ride with Pinocchio or Snow White.
Attractions
Alice in Wonderland – Climb aboard your “caterpillar” and journey with Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole. Along the way you’ll meet up with some of the famous characters from the Lewis Carroll classic, like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Queen of Hearts and the grinning Cheshire Cat. Seating for 4+ in 2 rows.
Casey Jr. Circus Train – This tiny train travels through a hilly area and offers views of Storybook Land.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Ride on your favorite elephant, Dumbo. Make him fly up then down as you fly in a circle. Your 2+ person elephant can be controlled to fly up and down on this circular journey.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Fantasy Faire – At the Royal Theatre, Disney Princesses present their stories with the help of Renaissance vaudeville-style storytellers. At the Royal Hall, guests are able to meet three of their favorite Disney Princesses.
Fantasyland Theatre – See the musical story of the Magical Map with Mickey and many other Disney cartoon favorites. Check daily entertainment handouts or your Disneyland app for daily show times.
“It’s a Small World” (Genie+) – A Disney classic, audio-animatronic dolls from all over the world plus a few Disney favorites will entertain you during this indoor boat ride. Your boat will seat about a dozen people in 4+ person rows. Each scene you pass through will feature children and animals of the world singing and dancing together in friendship, all to that tune many love to hate or hate to love, “It’s a small world after all.”
“It’s a Small World”
King Arthur Carrousel – Features 72 white carrousel horses that were handcrafted over a century ago, with no two being exactly alike. All of the horses move up and down as the carrousel revolves.
Mad Tea Party – Spinning oversized teacups, this 2-minute long ride whizzes round and round while each group of cups also revolves and you can manually spin your own cup. This ride is not for those with weak stomachs! It is 2 minutes longer than it should be for me…
Disneyland Mad Tea Party
Matterhorn Bobsleds –(H42) (Genie+) – A roller coaster ride, which will bring you to an encounter with the Abominable Snowman. You’ll twist and turn along the track past icicles and fog until you safely arrive back at the base.
Disneyland Park Matterhorn
Mister Toad’s Wild Ride – Hop in and hold tight on this journey through the library of Toad Hall and the city streets of London. You’ll encountering an irate judge and a speeding train along the way. This ride seats 2+.
Peter Pan’s Flight – Ride in a pirate ship over the rooftops of London and into Neverland as you follow Peter Pan on his adventures. Board a 2+ person (with small kids) pirate ship for this airborne journey. You’ll cruise over all major scenes from the movie until the crocodile catches the Captain.
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – Climb aboard your wooden car and follow Pinocchio through his adventures with Jiminy Cricket as your guide. See the dark side of Pleasure Island, before all ends well when Pinocchio is safely back home with Gepetto and is transformed into a real boy.
Pixey Hollow – Tinker Bell and her fairy friends meet guests at Pixie Hollow.
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – Walk through the story of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty depicted through original artwork used in the film. Enhanced scenes and visual effects provide a must see timeless classic.
Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle
Snow White’s Scary Adventures – Ride through and relive the tale of Snow White, complete with Magic Mirror, Wicked Queen, Seven Dwarfs and gallant Prince Charming. Caution, this attraction can be scary to little ones, especially the scenes with the Wicked Queen.
Storybook Land Canal Boats – Board these picturesque boats and journey through a miniature world of many Disney motion picture classics. Boats are scaled down replicas of Dutch, English, and French boats. Each is named after a Disney character.
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Dining
Edelweiss Snacks – S $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Turkey legs, chimichangas and buttered corn on the cob.
Maurice’s Treats – S $ – Counter Service – flavored pastry twists and signature drinks.
Troubadour Tavern – LD $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Features bratwurst, Stuffed Baked Potatoes, corn on the cob and a selection of frozen desserts.
Red Rose Taverne – LD $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Serves flatbreads, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. This is essentially the same menu as the Village Haus with the addition of poutine (a Canadian dish: fries with gravy on top, in this case with beef as well).
Shopping
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Salon for girls and boys, with character costumes and more.
Fairy Tale Treasures – Princess costumes
Fantasy Faire Gifts – Film, postcards
Castle Heraldry Shop – Family Crests and Coats of Arms
“It’s A Small World” Toy Shop – Toys
Le Petit Chalet Gifts – Character T-shirts, collectibles
Mad Hatter – Mickey Mouse Ears and other Disney hats
Stromboli ‘s Wagon – Candy and T-Shirts
Mickey’s Toontown
Mickey’s Toontown
Mickey’s Toontown is the longtime home of many of your favorite Disney characters. Visit classic Disney characters and enjoy the scenery inspired by Roger Rabbit.
Mickey’s Toontown can close early due to fireworks, check the daily schedule
Attractions
Chip n’ Dale Treehouse – Children can enter through an opening at the base of the Redwood style tree house and climb a staircase that spirals up through the trunk.
Disneyland Railroad – An approximately 20-minute journey around Disneyland on a real steam train. Your train returns to Mickey’s Toontown after stops at Tomorrowland, Main Street USA and New Orleans Square.
Donald’s Boat – Walk through Donald’s large houseboat, the “Miss Daisy” docked in the lagoon. This is a walk-through experience with fun hands-on activities.
Gadget’s Go Coaster – (H35) -A children’s roller coaster attraction that takes you on an adventure over and around upper Toon Lake.
Gadget’s Go Coaster
Goofy’s Playhouse – Kids will enjoy Goofy’s yard where they can play, climb and slide.
Mickey’s House and Meet Mickey – Mickey’s house is in the corner of Toontown. Visitors enter Mickey’s living room and walk through his house, viewing his personal mementos and show business memorabilia. In the screening room a continuous loop film featuring segments from four of Mickey’s early cartoons are shown on a bed sheet serving as a screen.
Toontown MIckey’s House
Meet and Greet: Meet Mickey inside his house. Check the daily schedule for appearance times.
Minnie’s House – Minnie’s home is right next to Mickey’s. Walk through Minnie’s house and you’ll find lots of pictures of her favorite mouse, Mickey. There is a wishing well in the backyard where an audio response is heard when you speak or drop a coin into it.
Meet and Greet: Meet Minnie in front of her house. Check the daily schedule for appearance times.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin (Genie+) – Board a Toon taxi and follow Roger and Benny’s trail through town while pursued by the Weasels. Take control of the wheel, spinning your way through the Bullina China Shop, the local Power Plant and the Gag Warehouse on a fast paced spinning ride.
Dining
Clarabelle’s Frozen Yogurt – S $ – Counter Service – Frozen chocolate and vanilla swirl yogurt is a favorite here! Mickey shaped krispie treats and sundaes also available.
Daisy’s Diner – LDS $ – Counter Service – Pizza, salads and desserts.
Pluto’s Dog House – LDS $ – Counter Service – Hot dogs and cold beverages.
Shopping
Gag Factory – Toontown Five & Dime – Art & Collectibles; Toys & Plush; Pins & Vinylmation; Camera & Media ; Gifts & Housewares; Apparel & Accessories; Mickey Ears
Tomorrowland
Disneyland Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is a look at what the “Future That Never Was” might look like, as imagined by sci-fi writers from the 1920’s and 1930’s. Take a spin on the third of the Disneyland’s “Mountains”, Space Mountain, or help Buzz Lightyear defeat Emperor Zurg.
Attractions
Astro Orbiter – Fly in a circle high above Tomorrowland, make your astro orbiter rise and fall. Another of Disney’s circular up and down rides like Dumbo. The ride vehicles look like rockets and seating is 2 per rocket.
Autopia (H54 to drive, 1Yr to ride) (Genie+) – Drive a mini racecar on a two mile-long racetrack through Tomorrowland. These little two-person gas powered cars tool around the track on a guide rail. You can steer side to side and around corners, but the rail keeps you “firmly” in your lane. The combo gas pedal/brake is quite hard to push and is mounted in the center of the floorboard so the adult can operate it while the child attempts to steer. Pre-driving kids will enjoy this, adults will be glad when the left to right jerking and bumping into stopped cars is over!
Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters (Genie+) – Shoot your laser to defeat Zurg and score points! Your 2+ person space ship is equipped with two lasers so that you can help Buzz defeat Emperor Zurg. As you move through the various rooms in your space ship you can shoot at the plethora of targets and when you score a hit your points will accumulate on your individual score board. There is also a joystick so that you can spin your space ship from side to side to get a better angle on targets. This is a fun ride for the whole family! See who gets the highest score.
Disneyland Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
Disneyland Monorail – Travel from Tomorrowland in Disneyland to Downtown Disney Station, which is accessible to the Disneyland Resort Hotels. (When boarding at the Downtown Disney station, guests must disembark in Tomorrowland.)
Disneyland Monorail in Tomorrowland
Disneyland Railroad – An approximately 20-minute journey around the Disneyland on a real steam train. Your train returns to Tomorrowland after stops at, Main Street USA, New Orleans Square, and Mickey’s Toontown.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – Via a submarine, you visit the underwater world of Nemo and his friends. Using new technology, the cast of ‘Finding Nemo’ will swim by your porthole in this fun filled attraction. Listen to the action as Dory, Marlin and friends go in pursuit of Nemo.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Space Mountain – (H40) (Genie+) – Ride a high-speed, indoor coaster on a dark track! Seating is two persons side by side. After boarding you’ll blast off into space, the coaster runs through an almost totally dark area, you will never know which way it is going to turn or when the next drop is coming. An onboard Star Wars soundtrack and occasional visuals add to the excitement.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple – Features Darth Vader, Darth Maul and Seventh Sister from Star Wars Rebels. Kids will train alongside real Jedis to learn the fine art of light saber fighting. Signup is on a first come, first served basis and slots are limited. Signup early near the exit to the Star Wars Launch Bay. This show is fun to watch whether your young Jedi is participating or not. The Stage is next to the Tomorrowland Terrace. Check the nearby sign or daily schedule for times
Star Tours the – Adventure Continues – (H40) (Genie+) – Get ready for your trip to one of 6 different destinations in this new 3-D version of the classic ride. You’ll be traveling to Kashyyyk, Geonosis, Hoth, Naboo, Coruscant or Tatooine, but be careful you don’t take an unexpected trip to the Death Star.
Star Tours the – Adventure Continues
Star Wars Launch Bay – Explore both the Light and Dark Sides of The Force, including meeting some of your favorite Star Wars characters, check out props and models from the Star Wars saga and play the latest Star Wars video games.
Star Wars Launch Bay
Dining
Alien Pizza Planet – LD $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – offers pizza, Caesar salad, and pasta. You can eat inside, or “outside” in a covered area.
Galactic Grill– LD $ – Counter Service – Mobile Order – Cheeseburgers, chicken breast sandwiches, tortilla wraps, fries, etc. Jedi Training is presented on the stage during the day.
Shopping
Merchant of Venus – Wigs, jewelry, Stitch merchandise, home decor, and futuristic toys.
Mickey’s Star Traders – Souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, film, books, toys, and hats.
Disneyland Park Entertainment
Nighttime Shows
Fireworks – Dreams Come True Fireworks is a tribute to the timeless Disney stories and characters which includes a flyby by Tinker Bell.
Fantasmic – Join Mickey along the Rivers of America in Frontierland and New Orleans Square for this amazing fight against good and evil. Special effects, water projection, fiber optics and lasers make this one of Disneyland’s must see events.
“Remember Dreams Come True” Fireworks – features Tinker Bell’s flight, brilliant fireworks, soaring music, dazzling special effects and an amazing journey through the various lands of Disneyland with archival audio tracks, favorite songs and familiar phrases from some of the park’s most popular attractions, past and present.
Parades
Mickey’s Soundsational Parade – Features some of the most popular music from Disney movies and some of your favorite characters, including Ariel, Tiana, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, The Three Caballeros and Aladdin.
Disneyland has several special holiday parades that replace the regular one.
Shows & Other Entertainment
At both theme parks you will find a wide variety of entertainment venues and pop-up performances plus what Disney calls “Streetmosphere” characters. These characters are supposed to be residents of the area that you see them in, such as the Mayor of Main Street. These are larger than life characters who both have set performances with scripts (people will gather to watch these) and they will also interact with you on an individual basis when walking around and not performing.
Disneyland Main Street – Looking from the Hub towards the entrance
Final thoughts on the Disneyland Park
The Disneyland Park is the crown jewel of Disneyland! The original park with the closest ties to all the beloved Disney films, it has a special place in many people’s hearts. This is the busiest of the two parks, the must do park, and one that may take more than a day to explore during your vacation.
More on Disneyland’s Theme Parks:
This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the the Military Disney Tips Founder. He a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way. Check out Steve's Bio. Subscribe to Steve's email newsletter to get website updates and news by clicking this link. |
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