Disneyland - A MUST DO for every Disney Fan
You’ve been to Walt Disney World multiple times. You love the familiar feel while still finding something new and undiscovered on every trip. The 4 parks, 2 waterparks, golf courses, ESPN World of Sports Complex, plus Disney Springs all immerse you in the Disney bubble so a vacation at the World really does feel like an escape. So with all that, why jet out to Disneyland? It’s just a different version of the Magic Kingdom and another park that’s kinda like Hollywood Studios, right? Wrong.
Photo Credit - Disney
“You should definitely go, and here are 10 reasons why…”
1. Everything Started HERE
Whatever makes you LOVE Disney is sure to connect in some meaningful way to Disneyland. You’ll fall in love all over again when you walk where Walt Disney worked and experiencing his vision for yourself is, well, magic. And that’s what Disney is all about.
Plus the classics like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Pinocchio’s Journey & the Storybook Land Canal Boats are must-dos to authenticate your Disney fandom.
2. The SAME Attractions
Yes, you’ll find Pirates, Big Thunder, Space & Splash at Walt Disney World, but out in Anaheim these classics are different, and some might say the originals are even better than their east coast counterparts.
We love comparing and contrasting both and deciding which parts of each we like more and why.
The original It’s a Small World masterpiece here is well, masterful, with a truly stunning outer facade. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some special Disney characters on display you won’t find in Florida. If you visit Disneyland during the Holidays you’re in for even more gorgeous magic!
3. Cars Land
This, for me, is the best themed land in any Disney park. Maybe it’s because I’m the mom of boys whose childhood playlists had “Real Gone” and “Life is a Highway” on repeat. Lightning McQueen, Mater and company were their animated heroes.
Photo Credit - Disney
When you turn the corner and see the Cozy Cone and Flo’s lit up in neon you feel like you’re stepping right into Radiator Springs. It’s nothing short of awesome. Plus Radiator Springs Racers is the perfect mix of heart-warming nostalgia and heart-stopping excitement.
4. Characters
The Character interactions at Disneyland are more like impromptu pop-up sightings than wait-in-line scheduled visits. You never know when you’ll see Pluto strolling by or Donald catching up with Daisy. Pixie Hollow with Tink & friends and the whimsical Snow White figures lining a corner of Sleeping Beauty Castle are also one-of-a-kind to Disney’s original park.
Peter Pan hangs out nearby, too!
5. Pixar Pier
Stroll along Pixar Pier and step back in time to the Victorian era-boardwalks of beachside towns all along the California coast. Dine on the tasty California-style, gastro-pub food & drink offerings at Lamplight Lounge while you watch World of Color, take a ride on the Incredicoaster, a back-in-the-day wooden rollercoaster with the latest in theming and thrills, or visit Knick-Knacks to see original concept art on display and pick up your favorite Pixar merch.
And of course there’s the delicious num-num cookie warmed and waiting to tempt you after riding the Incredicoaster.
6. Avengers Campus
This ultra-immersive land is the newest addition and it’s incredible. All your Marvel favorites make appearances throughout the day, and you’ll see Spider-Man swinging through the sky. Take a ride on Web-Slingers and sample some delicious food at Pym’s Test Kitchen, dance with the Guardians. It’s all here.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout is fun, modern, revamped and hip, and believe me if you have kids they’re gonna LOVE it. Tower of Terror is great but this remake amps it up, literally!
7. Broadway Caliber Entertainment
Whether it’s Aladdin, Frozen or most recently Rogers: The Musical, every production at The Hyperion is fantastic. Oftentimes this theatre houses the mini-version of the full-scale show that will eventually grace a stage on the Great White Way. No matter the show, prepare to be impressed. Live theatre and Disney - it can’t be beat! As of early 2024 the Hyperion is currently dark. Hopefully curtains will rise again soon!
8. Walk-in-Park Access from Grand Californian
Imagine exiting your hotel room, walking down the hall, into the elevator and through the outdoor walkways and then you’re inside a theme park. When you stay at the Grand Californian that’s exactly what’s in store. It couldn’t be more convenient. Talk about maximizing your time on your vacation, this is IT!
9. Smaller and Easier
If Walt Disney World feels like a big undertaking, then Disneyland is perfect! With the entry of 2 parks separated by only several hundred feet, going from park to park is super simple. And while you could do a lot of the big stuff in a single day, we recommend a trip of at least a few days to really soak it all in.
10. It’s in California
This state has so much to offer! Just beyond the gates of Disneyland is Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Pacific Ocean. Orange County boasts so many lovely beach towns it’s hard to choose.
When you visit Disneyland it’s the perfect opportunity to expand your vacation and see all the grandeur that awaits you in Southern California.
We believe in the magic of travel and the magic of Disney, and Disneyland is the beginning of it all. Do yourself a favor … indulge your inner child and plan a trip to Disneyland. Your adult self is sure to give that little kid inside a big hug to thank you!
Travel is more than just time away, we believe in the adventure and the magic of travel. Click here to start your adventure today!
Becky Kotsifas
Becky is one of the co-owners of AAVacay. She loves running, performing, traveling & of course Disney.
