More than 15 Million people visit Disneyland a year and last week, I was one of them!
Disneyland, the first of all the Disney parks opened in July of 1955, and it was a disaster! The park really wasn’t ready to open, tickets were copied and too many people were let into the park. Opening day was memorable all right, the park ran out of food and the Mark Twain riverboat nearly capsized.
Today we see a much different Disneyland. The 85-acre theme park is made of eight lands which carry you through time, from the early 1900’s in New Orleans Square all the way to the future that is Tomorrowland. Be sure to visit all eight as you experience a different adventure in each. Here’s a glimpse into them:
Main Street USA – Just like the main streets of old. Take your time to stroll through the various shops and eateries. Be on the look-out for the horse drawn carriage, you don’t want to get run over. For you coffee lovers, Market House will refill your coffee throughout the day, just be sure to hang on to your original receipt.
New Orleans Square – Celebrate Mardi Gras year round in 19th Century New Orleans, home to pirates, ghosts, and Southern belles. Favorite rides here, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion.
Adventureland– Take a relaxing Jungle Cruise, explore Tarzan’s Tree House or hunt for the latest treasures with Indiana Jones. (I admit, the Indiana Jones theme song goes through my head whenever I enter Adventureland.)
Frontierland – It’s a gateway to the old west, home of the Mark Twain Riverboat, Tom Sawyer’s Island and Big Thunder Mountain.
Critter Country – What could be cuter than a bunch of critters! When you visit, be sure to find Winnie the Pooh. And if it’s a really hot day, cool off on Splash Mountain. Sit at the front of your log to ensure you cool off.
Mickey’s Toontown – Visit where the Disneyland characters live, including the home of Mickey and Minnie. Whatever you do, don’t get in the car with Roger Rabbit. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
Fantasyland – Take a walk through Sleeping Beauty’s castle and step into a land of wonderful stories. Be sure to catch Peter Pan and visit Snow White, but be weary of Mr. Toad. He’s another one you may not want to get into a car with. Whatever you do, don’t be late for the Mad Tea Party. If travel is more your thing, be sure to visit It’s a Small World. Hope your passport is up to date.
Tomorrowland – Star Wars fans, the force is strong in here. Whether you’re taking the Star Tours adventure or going for Jedi training, you are well represented. If fighting bad guys is more your style, be sure to stop by Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
A few tips to remember when visiting Disneyland:
- Visit the more popular attractions first as they have the longest lines.
- If you don’t want to wait, use a Fast Pass. The time on the pass lets you know when to return to the ride and move to the front of the line.
- Have a smartphone? Download the Disneyland App which give you real-time attraction wait times, GPS enabled park maps for the park you’re in, access to dining guides and reservations, and Disney games.
- Concerned about food due to dietary issues? No worries, either call ahead or visit City Hall when you enter the park to find out which restaurants can accommodate you.
- Don’t miss out on your favorite rides because your little ones aren’t tall enough. Disneyland offers a Rider Swap pass that allows one adult to ride while the other stays with the kid(s) then swap places once the ride is through. This way both adults can enjoy the rides.
- And remember, if you want to fully enjoy your day, bring sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes. You don’t want to remember the park by sunburn or blisters.
Hope you enjoyed our brief look into Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth. Have you been to Disneyland? If so, what’s your favorite memory? What’s your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below.