In this post, I’m sharing my experience visiting Disneyland Resort in California for the first time. It was one of the things I looked forward to when I planned for this trip and it did not disappoint.
| Preparations before you go Why you should download the Disneyland App Park Strategy Our Ride Experiences Must-See Shows Where to get Celebration buttons Where to Stay |
Preparations before you go
When you’re planning your Disneyland trip, get together with your Disney pals and make a list of the rides you can’t miss. Chat about your strategy to make sure everyone gets to hit their favorites. Our goal was to try as many rides as possible that are unique to each park.
To dodge the crowds, aim for a weekday visit. Check out the crowd calendar to help you pick the best day. Grab your tickets early and make sure to book your spot online.
Don’t forget to snag the official Disneyland Mobile App and set up a Disney account if you haven’t already. Link your tickets to the app for easy access. Also, discuss whether you want to purchase Genie+ to maximize your visit.
Tips for visiting Disneyland Resort California:
- Instead of purchasing bottled water, bring your own water bottle and refill it at the water stations inside the park.
- Arrive early before the park officially opens.
- Open every zipper and compartment of your bags when going through the security check.
- Bring a power bank to keep your phone charged throughout the day.
- Download the Disneyland App.
Why you should download the Disneyland App
This is super important, so don’t forget to download the Disneyland App before you go! It’s super handy for checking ride wait times, ordering food on the go, and even planning your day at the park. I totally recommend using the food ordering feature – it’s a real time-saver. If you get Genie+ service, you have to use the app to book return times for the rides and grab complimentary PhotoPass images. Plus, you’ll need the app to join the virtual queue for the World of Color nighttime show at Disney California Adventure. I recommend downloading the app before you go and taking some time to familiarize yourself with how it works.
Park Strategy
Arriving early before the park officially opens lets you get in 15 minutes ahead. When we were at Disney California Adventure, we noticed that most people head to Radiator Springs. We were going to Pixar Pier when suddenly everyone made a turn and went to Radiator Springs. We had the whole Pixar Pier to ourselves and were able to ride Toy Story Mania twice and the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel. So during the first few hours, I suggest hitting the rides that don’t have Lightning Lane access. Try to go to the nearby attractions, instead of going to attractions that are far. It will waste your time and energy going back and forth. We visited the different themed lands in a clockwise direction.
I also suggest grabbing an early lunch or dinner to avoid the crowd. If you have Genie+ service, use it to book attractions while waiting or watching the parade and fireworks. When you see some Disney characters walking around, try to snap a selfie. Some characters are willing to stop to take a selfie with you.
Our Ride Experiences
I’ve compiled a list of our experiences with the various rides at Disneyland. Even with Genie+, it is impossible to finish all the rides in one day. However, we were able to check out all the rides on our wishlist. Here are my thoughts on each ride.
Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris Wheel
This ride was on my list because it seems to evoke extreme reactions from people on social media. So I had to check it myself. This ride was actually pretty fun. If you’re not afraid of heights, I highly recommend giving it a try. I was surprised to find that there was no seatbelt inside, so be sure to hold on to the side to avoid falling off your seat. If you feel like you are gonna throw up halfway through the ride, make sure to use the barf bag located at the side of the ride.
Pixar Toy Story Mania
Next on the list is Pixar Toy Story Mania. This was one of the rides that we went to during the first 2 hours of the park opening. This carnival-style shooting game was a blast, especially when competing with friends. This was one of the most crowded attractions at Tokyo DisneySea when we visited a few years back. We were happy to see and ride it again here at Disney California Adventure. Because everyone was at the Radiator Springs Racers, we quickly queued again for Round 2. It was so much fun!
Radiator Springs Racers
This ride is a must-do for Cars fans. The first part of the ride takes you on a leisurely journey through Luigi’s Casa Della Tires or Ramone’s House of Body Art to get a racing makeover. The last part offers a thrilling race between the other cars. This is one of the most popular attractions, and most people seem to head to this ride first. If you don’t mind sitting separately, I recommend taking the single-rider lane. When we went back to this ride, the waiting time was about 40 minutes. However, the single-rider lane only took us about 15 minutes, and there is a small chance that you get in the same vehicle together.
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
In this game, you help Spiderman with a special mission. This Kinect-like game provides an arm workout as you use your arms to shoot out spider webs like Spiderman to shoot the bots. It’s an enjoyable experience if you’re up for the physical activity and gaming. Additionally, there is a single-rider lane at this attraction.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
This awesome ride drops you a few feet while playing cool music. Before it starts, make sure to secure all your stuff for a worry-free experience. And don’t forget to smile! It’s the most thrilling ride I’ve tried in the park. It might not be for everyone, but if you’re into thrill rides, you’ll love it.
Goofy’s Sky School
From the outside, the roller coaster looks like a normal one. But when you’re in it, the sharp turns on this roller coaster can be a bit painful compared to others. I would probably pass this ride, maybe until Goofy reassesses the ride.
The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
This gentle indoor ride offers a delightful retelling of the Little Mermaid story, making it a great choice for families seeking a relaxing break and a classic Disney experience.
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
It was my first time experiencing the Monster’s Inc. ride, and I was pretty excited. The ride feels nostalgic as it takes you through scenes from the movie, making it perfect for families and fans of the movie.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
This 4D show features Donald Duck and classic Disney films and characters. The theatre is a lot bigger than Hong Kong Disneyland, but its content is mostly the same, except for the added Coco scene, which adds a new and exciting element to the experience. A great option if you want to take a break in the afternoon before hitting the rides again.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
This was the first ride we tried at Disneyland. The setup of the ride was really cool. It felt like we had entered a real spaceship. I was also surprised when the Cast Member assigned roles to us. I was the second pilot, in charge of turning sideways. It was a unique and enjoyable experience that’s definitely worth trying out.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
This is an indoor dark ride where you can spin your cab around 360 degrees while navigating the course. Personally, I didn’t enjoy this ride very much, but it may appeal to fans of the character and the classic movie.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
This enjoyable ride showcases catchy music and an engaging story, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. It was entertaining to watch Pluto’s attempts to save the picnic during the ride.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Our cousin highly recommended this ride, and it totally lived up to the hype. Even though I’m not a big Star Wars fan, I thought the whole setup was really cool and made me feel like I was in space. The attention to detail and immersive experience were seriously impressive. Just a heads up, you can’t use Genie+ to book a lightning lane for this ride, but you can buy an individual lightning lane for it. There wasn’t a single-rider lane, so we ended up queuing for 40 minutes. This ride is also one of the top attractions that people rush to when the park opens.
Indiana Jones Adventure
This fast roller coaster is so thrilling and perfect for adventure lovers. When we were on the ride, there was a technical issue, so we had to wait a while for them to fix it. After the ride, the staff member gave us the option to ride again without waiting in line. Everyone was like, “Yes, let’s do it!”. Sometimes technical issue occurs because of loose objects falling off the track, so here’s a kind reminder to all: always secure your belongings, which include your cap, bags, eyeglasses, and phones.
Pirates of the Caribbean
I totally didn’t expect the ride to have such a long line, and at first, I thought it was going to be like “It’s a Small World”. But then, it had this drop that made the whole experience surprisingly awesome. The way they mix storytelling with all the thrilling stuff really makes this ride stand out. Just a heads up, you might get a little wet from the splash, so be ready for that!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain ride is an outdoor roller coaster that provides a thrilling experience with exciting turns, keeping the adrenaline pumping throughout the ride. This ride reminds me of the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway in Hong Kong Disneyland.
Hyperspace Mountain
Another one of my favorite rides in Disneyland is Hyperspace Mountain, an indoor thrilling dark roller coaster that offers a heart-pounding experience for fans of intense rides.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
This shooting game brought back nostalgic memories. It’s replaced by Ant-Man & The Wasp in Hong Kong Disneyland, so it was nice to play it again and relive the classic experience. It is a fun ride to compete with family and friends.
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
This was not part of our must-try ride. But we passed by and saw there was no queue, so we seized our chance. I have tried the Jungle Cruise in Hong Kong Disneyland before, so I thought it would be an unique experience to try canoeing. Indeed, it is an arm workout inside the park, we had to paddle all the way back to the starting point. It offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the park’s surroundings.
Storybook Land Canal Boats
The Storybook Land Canal boat ride is a leisurely experience that takes you around to see miniature figures of different Disney lands. It’s a relaxing and visually captivating experience for visitors of all ages. This boat ride is great for families and friends who want to take a break from the rides.
It’s a Small World
“It’s a small world” is a leisurely boat ride that takes you through different scenes representing countries from around the world. As you glide along, keep an eye out for Disney Characters, they may be displayed beside dolls dressed in costumes from various cultures. This charming attraction is suitable for guests of all ages and offers a delightful experience as you take in the colorful and diverse displays.
Soarin’ Over California
Soarin’ Over California is an amazing indoor flight simulator that provides a captivating virtual tour of California’s stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks. From the majestic coastlines to the breathtaking mountains, the simulation offers incredibly realistic scenes that truly immerse you in the beauty of California’s popular attractions.
Some rides such as Incredicoaster and Matterhorn Bobsleds, were closed during our visit. You can check the details of the rides from the official website. The website will tell you information such as the ride opening hours, the minimum height limit to ride, whether it suits children, big drops, loud or scary, etc.
Must-See Shows
There are several shows at Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland. You can find the show times in the Disneyland App. All of the shows were amazing, and the performers were great. However, if you have limited time, I highly recommend watching the following shows.
World of Color
I have watched fountain shows before, but I have never seen anything quite like this. It incorporated scenes from beloved Disney films, which made it even more entertaining. The World of Color is an incredible display of lights, water, and music in a nighttime show at Disney California Adventure that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Don’t forget to set a reminder and join the virtual queue (12 noon) to grab a spot in the reserved area for the awesome World of Color show. You might get a little wet, but it’s totally worth it. It’s a good idea to show up early, even if you end up with a yellow or blue entrance code, to snag a front-row seat. When we got there, some tall folks ended up blocking our view when they stood up right before the show started. On the other side, a family with a kid in a stroller seemed like a smart spot to stand behind, but then the dad lifted the kid onto his shoulders and blocked our view too.
Storytelling at Royal Theatre
I didn’t have high expectations for the Royal Theatre. I thought it would just be a regular rendition of Beauty and the Beast. But once the show started, it turned out to be incredibly funny. The Royal Theatre delivered an unexpectedly delightful and entertaining performance. The actors’ comedic talents during “Beauty and The Beast” were truly impressive, adding to the overall enjoyment of the show.
Parades
During our visit, the parade showtimes were scheduled at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. To secure a comfortable spot and avoid direct sunlight while waiting for the parade to begin, it’s best to arrive early. I love that they include characters from classic and new Disney films such as Merlin, Moana, and Coco characters.
Fireworks
Watching the fireworks is a must when visiting Disneyland. For the best viewing experience of the fireworks display, it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot. Although the fireworks are visible from a distance, it’s worth noting that the projection of the castle can only be fully appreciated from closer vantage points. During our visit, arriving an hour early was not enough to secure a good viewing location, as the nearest areas were already filled with spectators. But we were pleasantly surprised that we were treated to a preview of the Pixar Fest’s “Together Forever” fireworks display. It is so cool to see Buzz Lightyear and the house from the film “UP” flying over the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Where to get celebration buttons
Disneyland Resort is a great place to celebrate milestones in life. Whether you are celebrating a friend’s birthday, honeymoon, or graduation, don’t forget to get yourself a complimentary celebration button. You can find them at Disneyland’s City Hall on Main Street USA, or at Disney California Adventures’ Chamber of Commerce.
We wanted to get the “First Visit” button. Unfortunately, during our visit, both of these places run out of stock. We were advised to ask a Cast Member at the Oswald’s Tire to get one. In Disneyland, we passed by Galactic Grill and found a Cast Member with a table full of celebration buttons.
Where to stay
Disneyland Resort in California is located in Anaheim. It is not near other attractions in Los Angeles. If your budget allows it, I recommend you to stay at one of the Disneyland hotels. One of the perks of staying at their hotels is that you can have 30-minute early access to the park. There are designated rides that you can access during the early access. For more details, please refer to the official website.
Disneyland Resort Hotels
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
This hotel is located conveniently in front of Disney Downtown. Hotel guests staying at the hotel can have early access to the parks. There is an entrance with direct access to Disney California Adventure. On the 6th floor of the hotel, hotel guests can enjoy a great view of the Disney California Adventure.
Pixar Place Hotel
If you are a Pixar fan, don’t miss this hotel. The hotel is beautifully decorated with all the beloved Pixar films. It’s contemporary design and the Pixar-inspired themed rooms will surely make your day magical. Hotel guests staying at the hotel have early access to the park. What’s more, you can watch the Disneyland Park fireworks from the third-floor pool deck.
Disneyland Hotel
Located just a few minutes away from Downtown Disney, the Disneyland Hotel offers rooms with different themed suites and amazing amenities such as the monorail-themed waterslide pool, and the steamboat Mickey splash pad. Again, staying here will allow guests to have early access to the parks.
Good Neighbor Hotels
Besides the three official onsite Disneyland Hotels, Disney partnered with more than 50 neighboring hotels, known as Good Neighbor Hotels. These hotels are all within 2 miles proximity of Disneyland Resort.
Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
We stayed at the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel. The hotel is located less than a mile from the park and it offers a free shuttle bus service to the park. Note that most of the hotels offer shuttle service but with a fee. During our stay, the last shuttle bus service is one hour and fifteen minutes after the park closes. As of the writing, Candy Cane Inn is another hotel that offers a free shuttle service to the park, which you can check out.
Other hotels
The hotels in the vicinity are classified into different categories based on the level of amenities and services they offer. These categories include deluxe, moderate, superior, and suites. You can check the availability and reviews of the hotels here.
If you are visiting Hollywood while in Los Angeles, check out my post here.