A Thoughtful Guide to Exploring the World’s First Disney Park the Smart Way

Disneyland California: The First Ever Disney Park

Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California, was founded in 1955, making it the first Disney theme park in history. Also, it is approximately 40 minutes away from Los Angeles, making it an easy drive for people living in the SoCal region. Disneyland is built n the theme of fairy tales, animation, and fantasy, and provides visitors a chance to step away from reality. Its age is an advantage. Disneyland Resort is made up of both the Disneyland Park and the Disney California Adventure Park. The combination of classic rides and newly built attractions is a special mix for first time and long time Disney visitors. Disneyland California Castle Disneyland California Resort · The first Disney park, made by Walt Disney in California, is the start of all Disney parks that are made worldwide. · The resort features two parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. You can purchase tickets to either one or both parks. · Disneyland Park has a traditional setup where it has a Main Street U.S.A, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. · Firework shows near the castle are a signature way to end the night. This is an attraction for both adults and children.

Two Parks, Two Unique Vibes

Disneyland Resort is made up of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Disneyland Park focuses more on Disney classics with animated stories and charming storybook vibes. On the other hand, Disney California Adventure Park emphasizes more on adventure rides and has a more energetic atmosphere. The entrances for both parks are located directly across from each other. A Park Hopper-style ticket allows you to go to both parks in one day, whereas a one-park ticket forces you to choose one gate to enter. Unless you are going to be at the Disneyland Resort for multiple days or have a specific plan to do certain attractions, attempting to 'complete' both parks in a day is not a great use of your time. One park done properly is far better than two parks done poorly.

Official App

Searching for ‘Disneyland’ will help you find the official Disneyland app, which is described as ‘Maps, Wait Times, Tickets, Characters and More on Your Phone.’ This app is the most useful planning tool for the resort. The app consolidates several services, including the purchase of tickets, attraction wait times, and dining information. You can also find the entertainment schedule and other services. Disneyland official app 1) Operating Hours Don't assume that operating hours will be the same every day. The operating schedule can include changes to opening times, parades, fireworks, water shows, and other entertainment. You can confirm the schedule in the app on the day you visit. For example, if you choose July 29 in the app, you will find the opening hours, as well as the times for the scheduled parade, fireworks, and water show. The source mentions that Disneyland Park opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. with summer hours going from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. Disney California Adventure Park opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. with summer hours going from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. These times can change from day-to-day so make sure to check the live schedule.

Opening hours and showtimes will be available on July 29.

2) Important features of the app.

Attractions: Shows wait times and if the ride has a return time. Also shows the height requirements.

Characters: Shows where and when the characters will be. For example, if Elsa is out, you can select her character and it will show her schedule.

Dining: Restaurants are broken down by category on the map and include relevant operating hours, menus, price ranges, and reservation options. The park offers a variety of dining options including theme restaurants, snacks, ice cream, and sweets.

Entertainment: The app includes all of the shows including amphitheater productions, stage shows, music performances, and even mini shows. These performances are a great way to take a break from the rides and lines.

Events: The app includes a listing of special events including superheroes in Hollywood Land at the Disney California Adventure Park. This schedule changes all the time.

Hotels: Use the app to see Disney and nearby hotels and get their contact information.

Shops/Recreation: The app will show you lists of shops and the hours they are open and what services they offer.

Guest Services: The app will help you find ATMs, smoking areas, baby care centers, lockers, and other guest services. In the old version of the app, this section also helped guests locate FASTPASS distribution points.

3) Picking less crowded days.

There is no season where the park is completely empty. The original article noted that mid-January through mid-March, mid-April through mid-May, and mid-September through mid-November may have some open periods. In addition, it was noted that Tuesday through Thursday were more favorable days than the weekend. The concession is clear. Less-crowded times may not include all seasonal exhibitions or holiday activities. You decide between reduced crowds and the specific entertainment you wish to see.

Ticket Types

The original article divided tickets into single, double, multi-day, and annual tickets. There was no charge for children under three years old, while children aged 3-9 used child tickets, and those aged 10 and above used adult tickets. Tickets could be purchased via the Disneyland website with an international payment card after creating an account with an email address. Electronic tickets were sent via email once payment was completed. As for travel agencies and authorized agents, they are also offered as alternatives with discounts in some cases. Please check the terms of tickets, reservations, delivery, and validity with the official seller before purchasing. Sample of a Disney e-ticket Disney ticket categories are divided into three types: Value, Regular, and Peak, with all types having a one-year validity period. Value tickets may not be used on Regular or Peak dates, and Regular tickets are not valid on Peak dates without an additional payment. Because ticketing structures and rules are subject to change, the above information should be used as a guide and current rules should be confirmed prior to purchasing tickets. 1) One-day Tickets One-Day, One-Park Ticket: For one day, you may choose to go to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure. The source indicates the prices differ depending on the Value, Regular, and Peak dates. One-Day, Two-Park Ticket: This ticket is more expensive and allows you to switch between both parks during the day. The article correctly mentions that most guests will not be able to enjoy both parks enough so this ticket is recommended for very active repeat guests or selective visitors with a few attractions on their list to experience. August single day tickets 2) Two day tickets Two-Day, One-Park-Per-Day Ticket: This is the best option for most first time visitors. It will allow you to spend a day in Disneyland Park and another in Disney California Adventure Park, while enjoying each without back and forth. You can also decide to spend both days at one park if that is what you prefer. Two-Day, Two-Park Ticket: This ticket allows you to have the most flexibility to visit both parks for two days but you will spend time and energy if you do a lot of park hopping so it is not the best value for especially for many guests. 3) Multi-day tickets and annual passes The source article talks about 3, 4 and 5-day tickets. The average daily rates ranged from $90 to $60. It also mentioned that early-entry from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. before the public opening has its benefits which may change along with the prices. Annual passes were offered for those who often visit the Los Angeles area, along with various perks such as discounted dining, merchandise, and hotel stays. Disney Deluxe Annual Pass 4) Private VIP tours (excluding admission) Disney’s private guided service is described as a separate premium offering for 1 to 10 person groups and included a private guide, access to priority attractions, and support to secure front row positions for fireworks, parades, and theater shows. The service of guide in Chinese can be requested as an additional option.

The source article mentions that there was an hourly rate for the tour service, which had a minimum engagement of six hours, and the price was the same irrespective of whether there was one guest or ten guests in the private group, making it cost-effective for larger groups. Due to the limited availability, it was recommended to book in advance.

service for VIP private groups

Note: The source article mentions that admission tickets were not included, the group size was capped at 10 people including children, if you need a guide who speaks Chinese you should request it when making the reservation, and there are no separate gratuities or payments to the guide after the reservation is confirmed. For any further updates on VIP services, please contact Disney directly.

5. FASTPASS and MaxPass: Historical Queue-Skipping Guidance

The information about FASTPASS and MaxPass systems comes from the source article. These programs, including the attractions associated with them, are subject to change, so please use the official app for the most up-to-date information on managing wait times.

Ticketed guests at both parks in Anaheim are offered a FASTPASS, which is not the case at certain theme parks where guests must pay to skip the line. If used strategically, it could significantly reduce waiting times.

1) How FASTPASS worked

A highly demanded ride may have an estimated wait time of one hour, while the wait time to get to the FASTPASS return line is only five to twenty minutes. The time shown on the FASTPASS is the designated return time, for example, 10:30 to 11:30. It is also typical for each admission ticket to have one FASTPASS associated with it, and after the return time, you can obtain additional FASTPASS tickets.

You can find FASTPASS distribution points in the official app under Guest Services as well as next to the rides. Signs provided information about the regular wait times as well as the time tickets were being issued. In order to get a paper FASTPASS, guests had to stick their park tickets into the machine, and they had to remember to take the admission tickets back. 2) What MaxPass offered MaxPass provided the opportunity to acquire FASTPASS return times via the mobile app instead of having to walk to a distribution machine. Additionally, it offered unlimited downloads of photos taken via PhotoPass that day. According to the source article, the steps to purchase were: download the Disneyland app; go to the page for the specific park you will visit and log in with your ticket; tap “Get FASTPASS with Disney MaxPass”;

select which friends need MaxPass; make payment; and return times will show in the app. 3) Attractions that were stated as having FASTPASS in the source Disneyland Park: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Autopia, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. Disney California Adventure: Radiator Springs Racers, Grizzly River Run, Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!, Goofy’s Sky School, California Screamin’, Soarin’ Over the World, and Grizzly River Run. Participation depended on changes made per park day. 6 Getting to Disneyland Resort 1) By Car The source article indicated that if you are driving from Downtown Los Angeles, you should take the I-5/Santa Ana Freeway South, then exit at Harbor Boulevard. With no traffic, it estimates the trip to take around 30 minutes. To find the location, you can search for either “Disneyland Park” or “Disney California Adventure Park” Alternatively, you can enter 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802. Driving from central Los Angeles The source suggested the drive to be approx. 40 min, taking the I-105 East and I-5 South / Santa Ana Freeway toward Disneyland Drive in Anaheim, driving from Los Angeles International Airport. Driving from Los Angeles Airport The source states that Los Angeles Airport parking is charged by the DAY at around 140 yuan for a standard car at the time. Once parked, a free tram takes visitors to the front of the entrance, where Disneyland Park is to the left after the security check and Disney California Adventure is to the right. Please check traffic, parking prices, and access instructions prior to leaving. 2) Public transport The article advised against using the local metro or buses from downtown Los Angeles or the airport since the trip would take around 2 hours. Instead, it recommends a bus from the airport to Disneyland that takes an estimated 40 minutes. Additionally, there is a Los Angeles day tour that includes round-trip air-con coach transport with several pick-up points, Chinese guidance before the entrance, plus a one-park ticket. Guests can then choose to stay and explore the park by themselves.

One Day at Disneyland Park: A Smart Route

The source article mentions eight themed zones: Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Frontierland, Mickey’s Toontown, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Main Street, U.S.A. The suggested route begins in Adventureland on the left side and moves in a clockwise direction. Attraction names, themes, and access may change, so check the most current park map. The Disneyland Park themed lands and attractions you must experience are: 1) Adventureland: Indiana Jones Adventure Adventureland is located on the left as you enter the park and has a winding river with jungle-like scenery. The main attraction is Indiana Jones Adventure. Here, guests ride expedition vehicles into an ancient temple and encounter smoke, dark environments, and even some cinematic effects. The source lists a minimum height of 117 cm for guests. The article also mentions Tarzan’s Treehouse, which is based on the treehouse built by Tarzan’s parents in the film. Indiana Jones Adventure 2) Critter Country: Splash Mountain If you go past New Orleans Square, you will reach Critter Country, which used to feature Splash Mountain. Here, guests boarded a log boat and traveled through various indoor and outdoor waterways that included a steep final drop. If you wanted to get less wet, it was recommended to sit near the back of the log. Before the final drop, the ride had animated animal scenes and was accompanied by music. The source lists a minimum height of 102 cm for guests. Splash Mountain’s final drop 3) Frontierland: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Directly across from Splash Mountain is Frontierland, which recreates the ambiance of the early American West. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad put guests in a mine-train coaster that raced through red rock country, dinosaur bones, and artificial rock slide areas. The source lists a minimum height of 102 cm for guests. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 4) Fantasyland: Sleeping Beauty Castle Sleeping Beauty Castle is Disneyland’s most important landmark and the center of Fantasyland. It is the most important photo opportunity and near it are encounters with princesses, storybook murals, and several classic attractions. The article describes the experience of joining Snow White in the dark forest and following Alice down the rabbit hole into a vibrant fantasy ride. Sleeping Beauty's Castle is Disneyland's iconic attraction. Every kid is going to love meeting Disney princesses. Step into the cave and start a mini adventure. 5) Main Street USA - Good spot to watch the parade. Main Street, USA is the park's primary street that has been themed to look like an American town over a century ago. The source states that Mickey's Soundsational Parade started around 4:30 pm and featured Disney characters on big floats. To have a good spot, you need to arrive 30 mins early. There were also smaller musical shows on the street and a lot of services, shops, and restaurants. Disney parade on Main Street. Tip: City Hall on Main Street is a guest service center. If a kid gets lost in the group, please ask for help there. Cast members have also taken lost children to that place. 6) Tomorrowland - Space Adventure Tomorrowland is located near the Sleeping Beauty Castle across from Main Street and is inspired by Walt Disney's view of the future. The source mentions Space Mountain, a fast indoor roller coaster that is space-themed, and Star Tours, a motion simulator that takes you to the Star Wars universe. Both attractions have a minimum height requirement of 102 cm. Space Mountain. Star adventure. 7) Mickey's Toontown - Meet Mickey and Minnie. Mickey's Toontown is located in the northern part of the park. It is a gentle contrast to the thrills of Tomorrowland. The colorful, oversized buildings create a little cartoon town that includes some government-style buildings, a town square, a factory, a post office, and a trolley. Photos with characters were a big deal, and the houses of Mickey and Minnie were very popular places for family pictures. Meet Mickey in Toontown 8) Fireworks Disneyland Park's major nightly closing spectacle is fireworks, usually around 9:30 p.m. in Fantasyland. The event features a combination of fireworks, projections, the Sleeping Beauty Castle, and classic Disney cartoons. The event suggests finishing rides 30 minutes earlier and find a place across from the castle to watch. Also check the Disney app because weather can affect the fireworks. Illuminated Castle and Fireworks Show

One Day at Disney California Adventure: A Smart Route

The source article suggests going from right to left starting with Grizzly Peak. Grizzly Peak, Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Land, A Bug’s Land, Cars Land, Pacific Wharf, Paradise Pier are all themed sections of the Disney California Adventure Park. 1) Grizzly Peak: Grizzly River Run and Soarin’ Grizzly River Run is an 8 person rafting ride with rapids, a mountain cave, and a big drop where everyone gets wet. If you hate water, then bring a poncho. The minimum height for this ride is 107 cm. Grizzly River Run: summer’s wettest essential Soarin’ Around the World was a different type of thrill where you sit in a row and are lifted to a huge screen showing aerial views of different places including the Great Wall, Sydney Opera House, and open fields. That article says to sit in the front row in the center to have the best experience. The minimum listed height is 102 cm.

Sit down and get ready to fly around the globe

2) A Bug’s Land: An insect world for the whole family

A Bug's Land made visitors small as they entered an oversized world of insects with enormous leaves and gigantic bugs. The article describes a 3D/4D experience called “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” with water sprays, scents, descending spiders, and moving insects under the seats. Although designed for families, the collection of sensory surprises was enough to challenge anyone with a fear of bugs.

Insect world 4D experience

3) Cars Land: Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

Cars Land was based on Radiator Springs from Cars. The source article mentions recommendations for the wider land's desert and dramatic rocks surrounding a spinning ride with an 81 cm minimum height called Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. The mountain scenery surrounding the ride was 280,000 square feet and had some of the largest artificial rocks built in a Disney theme park in the USA.

Be Lightning McQueen from Cars

4) Pixar Play Parade

The Pixar Play Parade was expected to start around 6:10 p.m. on Buena Vista Street. Unlike the wider Disney parade in Disneyland Park, this parade focused on Pixar universes such as Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, and Toy Story. Arrive about half an hour early to secure a good spot along the parade route for a chance to wave, shake hands, or get a surprise spray from a bug water shooter.

Disney California Adventure Park parade

5) Paradise Pier: Roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and The Little Mermaid

Paradise Pier was considered the ride heaviest area in the park. The source mentioned a height requirement of 122 cm.

Miceky's Fun wheel had two types of gondola cabins, one that was stationary and one that was swinging. The swinging gondola is reccomended as the more exciting experience.

The Little Mermaid ride featured clam shell vehicles that transported you under the sea. You will see an 86-foot mural and dimensional scenes with Ariel, and ending with a happy ending.

Coaster thrills

Explore Ariel's underwater world

6) World of Color

End your day at Paradise Pier with World of Color a large light and water show. The article source listed showtimes at 9pm and 10:15pm for a 30 minute show. The article reccomends you show up 30 minutes early. Please check the app for real show times. \n

World of Color water show

9. Covering Both Parks in One Day

If You have a two-park ticket with limited time, you will have to make choices. The following source of the era guides emphasize major attractions instead of attempting to see it all. \n Option 1: Don't miss the Disneyland fireworks

Start at Disneyland Park, move to Disney California Adventure and end at Disneyland Park for the fireworks. The source recommends starting with Disneyland Park’s Indiana Jones Adventure, Splash Mountain in Critter Country, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland, and either Space Mountain or Star Tours in Tomorrowland. Then, proceed to Disney California Adventure and enjoy Grizzly Peak’s Grizzly River Run, a show in Hollywood Land, the Pixar parade on Buena Vista Street, Cars Land, and the coaster at Paradise Pier. Finally, return to Fantasyland to catch the fireworks at 10:15 p.m., which are mentioned in the source. 2) Option Two: Make sure to see World of Color Start at Disneyland Park with Indiana Jones Adventure, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and Star Tours. Afterward, head to Disney California Adventure for a show in Hollywood Land, visits to Cars Land and the Pixar parade, the coaster at Paradise Pier, and World of Color, which is scheduled for either 9:00 p.m. or 10:15 p.m. The article suggests that families with children should go to A Bug’s Land, the superhero area in Hollywood Land, Fantasyland, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Mickey’s Toontown. Be sure to check the app for the most up-to-date schedules and availability. Disneyland Snacks Worth Seeking Out Disneyland isn’t just about the attractions. The source lists a number of food stops worth visiting, although you will need to check up-to-date menus, locations, prices, and seasonal availability before going. 1) Monte Cristo Sandwich At Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square, the Monte Cristo Sandwich really stood out. It was a fried sandwich filled with meat and cheese and dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied with berry sauce and fruit. The combination of sweetness from the powdered sugar and the savory sandwich filling made it much more interesting than the typical ham-and-cheese sandwich!

The article suggests trying the fries along with Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and Cajun dipping sauce. Average spending during the source-era was US$15–35.

Restaurant: Cafe Orleans. Location: Disneyland Park, New Orleans Square.

Ham-and-cheese sandwich and Cajun fries

2) Pumpkin Mickey Beignets

In New Orleans Square, the Mint Julep Bar served seasonal pumpkin Mickey beignets that were crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted with sugar and pumpkin spice. They are as photogenic as they are delicious because they are shaped like Mickey.

Restaurant: Mint Julep Bar. Location: Disneyland Park, New Orleans Square.

Pumpkin Mickey beignets

3) Lobster Nachos

The source recommended lobster nachos at Cove Bar by Paradise Pier. The nachos contain lobster meat, hot tortilla chips, two types of cheese, and lots of toppings. The portions are large enough to share. Average spending during the source-era was about US$15.

Restaurant: Cove Bar. Location: Disney California Adventure, Paradise Pier.

Lobster nachos

4) Hand scooped ice cream

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream was recommended for summer because of the Disney-themed presentation, which included Mickey-shaped sprinkles. Average spending during the source-era was about US$15.

Restaurant: Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream. Location: Disney California Adventure, Buena Vista Street.

Clarabelle’s hand-scooped ice cream

11. Hotel Suggestions

Staying at a Disney hotel will provide different park access depending on when you stay and which package you purchase. It is more expensive than staying off-property, but the convenience may be worth it for a multi-day stay. Check all the current hotel names, services, benefits, and prices before you book.

After an exhausting day at the park, some visitors may want a more relaxing hotel experience at the hotels described below. 2) Disneyland Hotel This hotel is a few minutes walk to both parks and has guests describing it as highly themed with Disney inspired accommodations and eateries plus a water play area. 3) Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel The recommendations for this hotel include its seaside-resort vibe, rooftop pool, character breakfasts, and even possible views of the Disneyland fireworks. Nearby hotel suggestions: 1) Best Western PLUS This hotel is about a 5 minute walk from Disneyland's main entrance. It has a hot buffet breakfast, guest parking, a fitness room, and a shared terrace that has views of the fireworks. The source-era double room price was around 1,148 yuan. 2) Grand Legacy At The Park This hotel is about 400m from Disney California Adventure according to the source and has an outdoor heated pool, in-room coffee makers, and some rooms with cribs and rollaway beds. The rooftop lounge has cocktails, craft beer, and snacks, plus fireworks. The source-era double room price was around 1,012 yuan. 3) Hotel Fullerton Anaheim This hotel is for those who do not require the convenience of being at the resort entrance. It is about a 15 minute drive from Disneyland and has a complimentary Disneyland shuttle, sells park tickets, has daily hot buffet breakfast and has a bar/grill on site. The source-era double room price was around 1,182 yuan.

Practical Reminders

Travel light and wear comfortable shoes that can get wet, and skirts can be impractical for some attractions, etc.

Be prepared for sun and water.

Use sun protection and you may want to bring a disposable poncho.

3. On thrill rides, bags, glasses, and loose items should be secured. Follow all safety procedures and tie long hair back.

4. The source article says park closing tram service ran for about an hour after closing. Check current services.

5. Do not take photos or videos of theater performances unless the venue states you can.

6. There are lockers for your important belongings.

7. Smoking is only allowed in smoking areas.

Disneyland Resort has a lot to think about. Energize for the rides, pick a park that fits your priorities, use the app to get the most out of the day, and make sure to find a good spot for the first show. This is all the difference between visiting and enjoying Disneyland.

More guides will be coming out for Disney Orlando and other locations.