There’s a special magical excitement that comes with a planning a family holiday to Disneyland, especially if it’s your first visit. Disneyland has something for everyone and that overwhelming happiness you feel as you arrive at the Park is just as much a part of a visit as a hug from Mickey Mouse.
Disneyland in Anaheim remains our firm favourite of all the Disneyland parks around the world, and on our latest trip we revisited all our favourites (basically, everything) and discovered some new favourites too.
There is so much to see and do at Disneyland, and while jumping on the best Disney rides and meeting your favourite characters may be your immediate focus, there are so many other special Disneyland experiences that you should really try to see like the Frozen stage show at the Hyperion in California Adventure Park, animation classes, parades, character dining street performances and so much more. And if you feel like taking a break from this Disney overload why not set off on one of these kid friendly California road trips.
But before we enter the Parks, we have just a little admin.
First up: Download the Disneyland App
Download the Disneyland app to get all the info on opening hours, shows, wait times, where to find food outlets – and order in advance – and more. As soon as you get your Disneyland Park tickets, link them in your app by scanning the barcode. Phew. Your tickets are safe and sound.
Next, decide if you’re going to buy a Disney Genie and Lightening Lane tickets.
Lost & found
Then, plan your Lost and Found spot and make sure to show the kids the Disneyland Cast Members in their uniforms so they know who to approach if they get lost.
Okay we are ready to go.
Now, let’s get cracking: Our Disneyland TOP 40!
Let’s start with Disneyland Park:
1. Grab your park map and schedule as you enter
Yes you will have all the information and maps on your Disneyland App but for me, nothing is more helpful with navigating the parks than my little DL sized park map and daily schedule with all the show times and performances. They’e so helpful for planning your day. Of course you can always use the App but it does help to have it in front of you. You can also pick these maps up from stands around the park.
2. Meet your favourite Disney Princesses
You may spot Disney Princesses just inside the Disneyland entrance! They like to hang out there and meet their little fans as they arrive so say hello and take a photo on your way in. What a fabulous way to start your visit! You can also find Princesses at Fantasy Faire of course, and all throughout the Park! There is little that’s more exciting to smaller children than seeing their favourite princesses and characters strolling the Park so keep your eyes open. You can also find out times and locations for Princess meetings on the Disneyland App.
3. Get your Disneyland badges
From the entrance take the path to the left and you will curve up past the City Hall building. You can collect your special Disney badges here – first time, birthday, or just write your occasion on the badge – and wear them with pride as you explore Disneyland. And if it’s your birthday, expect good wishes from the Disney Cast Members throughout the day.
4. Photographs and autographs with Mini Mouse and Mickey Mouse
Disney fans know to lurk at Main Street (and use the Disney App to find out when specific characters are appearing) to meet their favourite characters during the day. It’s a huge thrill to be up close with Goofy, Donald and Daisy, Mickey and Minnie, Chip and Dale and so many others. If you miss out don’t worry because the characters always come back.
OUR TIP: Buy a Disney autograph book and pen from one of the souvenir shops on Main Street or bring your own.
Dreams come true with Mickey Mouse
5. See the Dapper Dans
It’s not just Mickey and pals who visit Main Street, if you’re lucky you’ll the to watch the Dapper Dans in action, singing and performing with jokes and fun for all the family.
6. Mickey’s Soundsational Parade
This Parade has been running for as long as we have been coming to Disneyland – eight years! – and it’s one of our most favourite parts of our Disneyland visits. The music and energy is so joyful and you’ll be dancing and singing from your spot on the parade route.
7. Mickey and the Magical Map
Speaking of favourites, Mickey’s Magical Map is HANDS DOWN one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. It only goes for around 20 minutes but the singing is spine tingling, the dancing is so much fun and the message within the show – about accepting yourself and others, and of course imagination – is pure Disney awesomeness for kids (and adults). If you only do one non-ride activity, we ask you, please see this show! It’s on around four times a day at the Fantasyland Theatre next to Small World. Check the app for up-to-date show times!
8. Dining in Disneyland
It’s tempting to eat all the burgers and turkey legs at Disneyland BUT did you know the restaurants in Disneyland are excellent too? Our favourites are the Blue Bayou on New Orleans Square, and the Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian does a fabulous dinner buffet which makes it so easy to eat after a big day and plonk into bed, or head back to the Park.
9. Get wet at Splash Mountain
We call it the log ride and it’s one of the best! Sit in a log as you travel through the inside of the mountain with beautiful scenes depicting the story Song of the South featuring Br’er Bear and Br’er Rabbit, with music and lighting and the finale song, Zip A Dee Doo Dah. Its so much fun and the final drop is a bit scary and you will FOR SURE get wet but don’t wimp out and wear a raincoat, take pot luck and see if you’re saturated or just wet a little.
10. Single rider
At this point I want to mention the Single Rider pass to you, because you can ride as a single on Splash Mountain and many other rides. Single riders basically fill up holes left by other solos or uneven numbers of people riding together. The single rider queue is usually pretty short and you wait til you’re called to fill a gap. You get to ride faster and you help the queues move faster. If you don’t mind sitting without your friends then its a great option.
11.Visit the Enchanted Tiki Room and grab a Dole whip
This is a fabulous afternoon combo – a visit to the Tiki Room where you get to rest your weary feet while you watch the birds sing and the flowers croon. And afterwards grab yourself a dole whip from the Tiki Juice Bar. You just have to get a dole whip when you’re at Disneyland and if there’s a queue you can use your Max Pass to make an online order. The pineapple soft serve is addictive and this time I tried a pineapple float…heaven.
12. Davey Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
After all our visits to Disneyland this was our first time on the canoes, paddling down the Rivers of America with a bunch of strangers, all in time and getting a totally different view of Disneyland than we’ve been used to. It was lovely being out on the water and this is a fab activity for the fam to do together. We haven’t been across to Tom Sawyer Island since our very first Disneyland visit all those years ago and its on our list again for next time.
13. Mickey Mouse food
There are so many dining options throughout the park but something that can’t be missed is nibbling on your very own Mickey Mouse – there are waffles, pretzels, ice-creams and ices, there are sugar coated apples and biscuits…eating a mouse-shaped snack is a must at Disneyland.
14. Minnie Mouse’s house in ToonTown
Don’t miss ToonTown because you think it’s just for littles. This my friends is where Minnie Mouse lives and she is very often at home at her beautiful little pink and white cottage. Take a tour of her house and then say hello to Minnie as she has a cup of tea in her courtyard.
15. Buy your ears!
It’s hard to choose! But everyone needs their ears at Disneyland.
16. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle
A big reveal is coming at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle! It was all under wraps while we were there, but it will be ready to share very soon.
17. Bibbity Bobbity Boutique
Emmie has never had the Princess treatment at Bibbity Bobbity Boutique but Ruby from Claire Collected did, and didn’t she look adorbs! Claire shares it all in her Disneyland blog.
18. Eat a hot fudge sundae in Main Street
We do this every visit! Huge scoops of strawberry and vanilla ice-cream in a waffle cone topped with whipped cream and fudge. We grab a seat in the shoppe and watch the crowds wander by as we dig into our ice creams. Delish.
19. Character Dining
There are so many options for character dining at Disneyland. Our favourite has always been the Minnie and Friends Breakfast in the Park, but we also loved the breakfast at the Grand Californian Hotel with Mickey. Mickey’s Tale of Adventure Breakfast buffet really was delicious and so many of Mickey’s friends stopped by. The food is much better that this breakfast so if that’s important to you definitely book in at the StoryTeller cafe at the Grand Californian.
20. Meet the band
The Disneyland Brass Band is amazing and the drumming and choreography is slick and fast. We saw them in Frontier Land and just loved watching. If you see them make sure to stay and watch their performance.
21. Fresh fruit and vegetable snacks
I love that Disney makes healthy snacks available. You can find fruit and vegetables with dips at little carts all around the park. It’s our go-to when we need to up our energy. You can get cheese, snack boxes, nuts, pineapple and other fruit – so don’t stress mum, you can definitely balance out the churros, popcorn and sundaes with healthy options.
22. Fireworks & Mickey’s Mix Magic
Every evening (weather permitting) is a fabulous Disneyland fireworks show above Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Try to last the whole day to see this amazing evening show. While Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is under wraps join in Mickey’s Mix Magic – a party with DJ Mickey sharing his favourite songs and lights and projects light up It’s A Small World, followed by fireworks (on select nights).
23. Mickey’s 90th birthday
Did you know that in 2019 Mickey Mouse celebrates his 90th birthday? What a wonderful milestone! Minnie and Mickey both have special birthday outfits and there are celebrations throughout the park. Make sure to wish Mickey Happy Birthday.
24. It’s a small world
You can’t miss It’s A Small World when you visit Disneyland, it’s one of the most enduring rides at the Happiest Place on Earth. You can use a FastPass here so beat the crowds and jump in your boat.I love that there is an accessible boat here too for anyone needing extra space or wheelchair accesses.
25. Partners statue of Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse
At the end of Main Street and just in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is the beautiful Partners statue of Walk Disney and Mickey Mouse. It’s surrounded by smaller statues of Walt Disney’s other famous characters.
26. Mickey’s Get Your Ears On Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
Oh this is a super cool little party that is so, so, so much FUN! Emmie danced with Chip and Dale and we all had a boogie. Check the App and calendar for times but this is a great party for little and big kids to enjoy.
27. Explore Main Street
Wander down Main Street and browse through the little shops and stores. Here you can watch old Disney movies, or buy souviners to take home. We love getting a sundae here!
28. Grab a Starbusks coffee
Starbucks is in the park, it’s just not branded – so if you’re craving walk up Main ST towards the castle and at the last cafe on the right (pn the corner) you can grab your cuppa.
29. Ride the Disneyland Railroad
The Disneyland Railroad loops around Disneyland and has four stops throughout the Park. It’s an attraction in itself, taking you behind the scenes of some of rides. Trains come every 5 – 10 minutes.
30. Meet your favourite Star Wars Characters
Meet your favourite scary Star Wars characters like Darth Vader, Chewbacca and Ray at the Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland. Check your App of program for times.
31. Space Mountain in Tomorrowland
One of our most favourite rides, it’s important to get your FastPasses ready for Space Mountain cause everyone else loves it too. Fly through the darkness of space in your own little rocketship. When we were at Disneyland years ago in the rain we would jump onto Space Mountain to dry off!
32. The magic of Fantasyland
Many of our favourite rides live here, the Tea Cups, Peter Pan Takes Flight, Dumbo and the Carsousel. It’s very popular and many rides don’t have FastPasses so do get here early to enjoy the magic before the crowds.
DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK
Once you’ve spent a day in Disneyland it’s time to experience Disney California Park! We used to love running between the two, but now we think it’s best to focus on one park at a time…you can use up precious minutes running from park to park and its best to take it all in and enjoy being where you are.
33. WE LOVE THE NEW Guardians of the Galaxy
The Tower of Terror has had a friendly makeover and Emmie went from refusing to go near it to naming it her new Favourite Ride. You are basically seated in an elevator that flies up and drops, stopping at levels where characters dance to 70s and 80s music. It’s SO MUCH FUN now, it was such a great move making it scary fun rather than scary terrifying . I think it might be my new favourite too.
34. Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off
Boogie away with Star-Lord and Gamora and if you’re lucky – like Emmie – you’ll be pulled out of the crowd to share your dance moves. So much fun. We really loved the new Guardians ride and the joy around it, and Emmie got to meet Gamora and Star-Lord after the show!
35. Red Car Trolley News Boys on Buena Vista Street
There is nothing better than seeing the red tram come sailing down Buena Vista St in Disneyland California for another of our favourite shows – and we know all the words and sing the songs while dancing around the kitchen at home now. Gather round for an awesome 15 minute show with singing and dancing from the Red Car Trolley News Boyas and Micky Mouse. Make sure to see it.
36. Soaring Around The World
Our old favourite Soaring Over California has had a makeover and now flies over some of the most incredible sights from around this incredible planet of ours. Sit with legs hanging as you are transported into the air for a birds eye view. If you’re peckish right next door is a cafe where they make a really good burger.
37. Ride the new Incredicoaster!
It was about time the Incredibles got their own ride don’t you think The Inredicoaster is super fun and scented! Yep, scrented – keep on sniffing as you ride. And if you’re lucky you might catch a character or two at the end of the ride. Make sure to grab your photo too.
38. Visit Pixar Pier
Pixar Pier is a whimsical boardwalk past fabulous rides and sideshow games. Incredicoaster is here, along with the awesome Toy Story Mania, the Pixar Pal Around (ferris wheel) and Jessie’s Critter Carousel!
39. Watch the World of Colour
Use your MaxPass or grab a FastPass to this fabulous evening event. The World of Colour is an incredible sound and light show that is beyond anything Ive ever seen before. Shows like like make me realise how Dinsyeland really must have the best people working for them and that when you focus on imagination, incredible shows like The World of Colour can be developed.
40. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
A relatively unknown gem of California Adventure Park, Emmie loves this amazing space and I do too. Run around little trails, do a spot of rock-climbing, climb rope ladders and slip down slides. Its a little slice of outdoor ranger adventure that’s great for the kids and gives parents a bit of rest time too.
41. Take a drawing class at the Animation Academy in Hollywood Land
We have been to at least one of these classes every time we’ve visited Disneyland. Sit odwn with animators and get step by step instructions on how to draw your favourite Disney characters. And when you’re finished you have your very own artwork to take home.
42. Eat your weight in Churros
Another must eat at Disneyland is the Churros! You buy it from little carts and stalls and it is divine. You can get special theme churros for Mickey’s 90th birthday too – it’s all sparkly and delicious. It’s the first thing Emmie and I eat when we get to Disneyland.
43. Grand Californian Hotel & Resort
We love and adore this resort and it’s our favourite place to stay. It has gorgeous rooms, an amazing lobby and a back entrance that takes you straight into Disney’s California Adventure Park.
44. Story Teller Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue
This statue of young Walt Disney on his way to Hollywood with his cardboard suitcase os on Buena Vista st.
45. Carsland meet the characters and the amazing rides
Radiator Springs Racers is the top attraction herein Carsland and for good reason! But there are many other rides here in Carsland that we love and you can meet the characters and get a bite to eat. It’s a beautifully constructed land with soft music playing in the background and a feel good vibe.
46. Take the backstreets from Carsland to Pixar Pier
Follow this almost hidden pathway from Carsland around to the Pixar Pier entrance. It’s a really beautiful walk, and even prettier in the evening.
47. Disneyland Photographers
Disney photographers are all around Disneyland and they ave the skills and know the best spots for photos. You MaxPass gives you unlimited photos so make sure to take advantage of the Disneyland photographers during your visit. If you don’t have a MaxPass you can link your photos to a Photo Pass that the first photographer you see will give you. Give this to all the other photographers to scan as they take your pic and at the end of your visit you can select pics to buy.
48. Get your ride photos
You’ll get your photo taken on many of the rides at Disneyland and California Adventure Park Adventure Park and if you have the MaxPass you’ll be able to download them straight away with the code that pops up onto the preview screen at the photo stations at the end of your ride. Just plug it into your app and within minutes the photo will pop up for you. If not you can buy the photo at the photo booth generally in the gift ship at the ride’s exit.
49. Get Your Ears On
Just get into the joy of Disneyland and grab some ears for the whole family! We love our ears and you can get them all over the park AND there are so many styles you will all find something you like.
50. Lamplight Lounge Pixar Pier
It’s been a long few days, parents. What you need is to sit down with a cocktail and some food while the kids chill beside you. Watch the sun set behind the Incredicoaster and prepare for the last few hours in the park. Enjoy!
We LOVE visiting Disneyland resorts and parks around the world:
Take a look at some of our favourite blog posts for more Disneyland advice and inspo!
Hong Kong Disneyland is perfect for a one or two day visit with kids – get the best Hong Kong Disneyland tips here.
Discover the magic of Disneyland Shanghai is all about our trip to the opening of Shanghai Disneyland and what to expect when you visit. We adore this park.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris why not explore Disneyland Paris during Halloween?
Planning your visit to Disneyland
When you’re planning your visit check out these awesome planning tips for the best Disney holiday ever and read through these super helpful tips and tricks for your Disneyland visit.
Thank you!
We were guests of Disneyland on this trip. Thank you so much for having us! We flew with Air Canada from Sydney, Australia to Los Angeles via Vancouver.
