I’m a child at heart. So, you can only imagine my excitement every time I visit Disneyland and California Adventures. I’ve been there countless of times, yet, I still seem to become overjoyed and suddenly I’m five years old again.
Here are some of my favorite Disney experiences…
Rides
I love thrill rides. The kind that make me scream and make my tummy feel all weak inside. But, Disneyland is not about the thrill more than it is about family rides. But if you wish to seek out the “scarier” rides, you must go on:
- California Screamin’: a smooth, fast roller coaster that will flip you upside down.
- Hyperspace Mountain: an indoor roller coaster that will make you feel like you’re zooming through outer space!
- Mickey’s Fun Wheel (with swinging gondolas): the swinging gondola really catches you by surprise! Especially because there are no seatbelts and you feel like you have to hang on for your life. Plus, you’ll enjoy the views of the park when you’re at the very top.
- Splash Mountain: a steep fall, plunging into water right before you get soaked!
Other, must-not-miss rides from both parks combined are: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Grizzly River Run, Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, Mark Twain Riverboat, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Pirates of the Caribbean, Radiator Spring Racers, Silly Symphony Swings, Soarin’ Around the World, and Star Wars — The Adventure Continues. Those are my personal favorite and I highly suggest you do not miss them.
Disney Characters
Download the Disneyland App on your phone so you can track down your favorite Disney characters and take pictures with them. I saw Cinderella as soon I walked into the park and let me just tell you…Cinderella is my favorite princess and I became frantic! It’s so much more fun when you pretend that they’re real.
Make sure you visit Toontown. That’s where you’ll find Mickey’s and Minnie’s house. The whole gang tends to hang out there a lot!
Food
I’m vegetarian, so, of course, I seek out restaurants with the most vegetarian options. My ultimate favorite at Disneyland is Rancho del Zocalo located in Frontierland. It’s Mexican cuisine with a nice shaded patio.
The Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe offers yummy vegetable soup and salads and it’s my go-to spot for a quick healthy meal.
If you’re willing to exit the park and walk over to Downtown Disney District, they have better and more affordable options. It’s also a fun walk and there’s lots to explore.
And, of course, don’t miss out on the churros, popcorn, ice cream, and CHURROS! 😀
Entertainment
You MUST watch all of the parades! They’re so much fun! I love to dance and sing along as I wave to all the Disney characters! You’ll definitely catch me screaming, “OH MY GOD IT’S MICKEY!” And the kids surrounding me will look at me like, “how old are you?”
My favorite is the Main Street Electrical Parade. It’s a nighttime parade with floats covered in glowing lights. But don’t miss Mickey’s Soundsational Parade or any of the others entertainment shows, including: Fantasmic!, World of Color, and “Remember Dreams Come True” Fireworks Spectacular. I like to arrive 60 – 90 minutes early to reserve seating so I can get a good view. If you arrive early to World of Color, you can play a game on your phone that’s synced to Mickey’s Fun Wheel and if you win you get to control the Ferris wheel lights! I tried, but I lost. I was devastated! :/
These are my favorite things to do at Disneyland! Did I miss anything? Comment below and let me know your favorites!
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