Guide to Disneyland Resort

The Partners statue with Sleeping Beauty Castle behind it. Photo taken April 18, 2018 by Andrew.

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, opened on July 17, 1955. Walt Disney and his WED Enterprises (now Imagineering) were inspired by many parks and attractions, including Tivoli Gardens, Knott’s Berry Farm, Colonial Williamsburg, the Century of Progress in Chicago, and the 1939 New York World’s Fair. The park would later inspire many regional and international parks.

Theme parks:

Disneyland (DL)
Disney California Adventure (DCA)

Travel Tips

The Disneyland Hotel is pricy but worth a stay if you’re a huge Disney Parks fan and can afford it. Otherwise, surrounding hotels are close enough to walk to Disney.
For first-time visitors, we recommend four days at the resort - about 2.5 for Disneyland (including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), one for DCA, and some time to explore the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Knott’s Berry Farm is close to Disneyland and a must-visit to see classic attractions that inspired Walt and the growth of DL.

Must-Do Attractions

Disney California Adventure

Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure was formerly the Tower of Terror. However, the reimagined attraction is one of the most fun attractions at Disneyland Resort.
Radiator Springs Racers is a racing slot-car ride through the world of Cars and Ornament Valley. The ride uses the same technology as Test Track at EPCOT.
You can usually catch the original version of Soarin’, Soarin' Over California at Disney California Adventure during the Food & Wine Festival.

Disneyland

The Disneyland Railroad is much more than a regular train ride and a perfect introduction to the park.
Don’t miss the Fantastmic! fireworks show in Frontierland! Most people prefer this over Disney’s Hollywood Studios version.
While several versions of the attraction worldwide exist, The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland is the original. Beginning in September, the attraction features a “The Nightmare Before Christmas” overlay called Haunted Mansion Holiday.
Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye is an exciting dark ride unique to Disneyland! The track-and-ride vehicle is identical to Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Matterhorn Bobsleds may not be the smoothest coaster you’ll ever ride, but it was the world's first tubular steel roller coaster!
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway fits perfectly in Mickey’s Toontown. While the attraction is nearly identical to Disney’s Hollywood Studios version, the queue in the Disneyland version is amazing.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is a beloved classic dark in Fantasyland at Disneyland.
Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square at Disneyland is the attraction that eventually led to the blockbuster movie franchise. Dining at the Blue Bayou restaurant, which overlooks the attraction, is pretty cool if you can get a reservation.
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin is the world’s only attraction dedicated to Roger Rabbit.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an attraction with a trackless dark ride and motion simulator. An identical version is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room is the original version of the attraction. While you wait for the next show, make sure to enjoy a dole whip!