“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy”
-Walt Disney
Dream Land, Magical Land, Wonder Land, Fantasy Land…..
Well, I am short of words to describe Disney Land!
I wanted to visit Disneyland as I was very fond of all the characters from the Walt Disney Company. I had heard stories of this magical land by many of my friends. They used to tell me that they love to visit Disney land again. I always used to wonder what is so special about Disneyland that makes one visit again. So, I wanted to explore myself. We decided to go to Disneyland during a long weekend (turned out to be a wrong decision because of the crowd). But nevertheless, you can safely count me in to the list of those who says. “ah… I am tired walking around in hot sun, but I will go back again to this magical wonder land”. Yes, you read it right, I am now a big fan of Disney land. So, let me tell you about my Disney land visit!
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Journey and Hotel
Disney Land California located at Anaheim is at a driving distance of 408 miles (656 kms) South of San Francisco and at a distance of 26 miles (41 kms) South of Los Angeles. We started from Milpitas, California at around 10:00 AM PST. Distance from Milpitas to Anaheim is 370 miles. Google map showed us 5 hours 30 mins journey time. But it took us 8+ hours to reach our destination by car. There was considerable traffic as we entered Los Angeles. Also, I have to mention that most of the assigned rest areas on I-5 were closed. So, if you are travelling with a toddler, make sure to carry a portable urinal bottle. We reached around 06:00 PM PST to our destination. We stayed at Best western plus Stovall’s Inn. With my experience i recommend this for stay as it is at a walkable distance to Disney Land park plus you can watch fireworks without going to Theme park. However, watching firework is magical at the theme park but if you are unable to wait till 9:30 PM, you can watch it from this place. Complimentary breakfast is also included. Breakfast had lot of variety and delicious . Next morning, we visited Disney Land.
Booking.comThere are two parks in Disneyland Anaheim, California.
It is highly impossible to cover both the parks in one day. Plan your travel beforehand so you can cover most of the attractions in both the parks. There are multiple entry ticket options for the parks. To know more about the ticket options and to maximise your Disneyland experience, please read tips and tricks from my Disney Land visit.
Day 1 – Disney Land Park
On the first day we visited Disney Land Park. There are about 8 main attractions in this park. Every attraction has a few rides and restaurants. You may encounter your favourite Disney character at the theme park. We waited a minimum 35-45 mins for every ride except for the ones for which we opted Fast Pass entry.
- Main Street, U.S.A.
As we Enter the Disney Land park or “Happiest place on earth “as it is called, we will go back to 1990’s as we move around in Main Street, U.S.A. They say that this was inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown Marceline, Missouri.
There are many shops, restaurants which gives us the feel of yester years. One can ride on Horse- Drawn Street cars, old fire Engines and also Horseless carriage.
As we move along, we get to see the iconic Disney castle or Sleeping beauty Castle. There will be Disney officials clicking pictures. If you have Max pass, then you can download the pictures they capture from the Disney app. Else they are generous enough to take pictures from your phone or camera.
- Fantasy land
When we enter the Disney Castle, we will be welcomed to the Fantasy land. There is King Arthur Carrousel, Mad tea Party, Alice in wonderland etc. Try to cover all the attractions based on the crowd. If you have opted for the Fast pass then make use of it.
- Tomorrowland
This Part of the park showcases everything about tomorrow. There are many rides based on future theme. Some of them are Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Star tours, Astro Orbiters, submarines etc.
- Mickeys Toon Town
This is Mickey’s town. We can greet and meet many Disney characters like Mickey, Goofy. We can also visit their homes, sit on their vehicles. These are the structures constructed in cartoon style. Goofy’s Play house, Donald’s boat, Minne’s house, Mickey’s house are some of the attractions here.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
This was the most crowded part of the Disneyland. This part is inspired by Star Wars. Star Wars galaxy edge was the main attraction here.
- Adventure Land
This Land main resembles jungles of Asia, Africa. Some of the attractions here are Indiana Jones Adventure, Tarzan’s treehouse.
- Frontier Land
This Part of the Disney Park has three main attractions. Mark Twain River boat and sailing ship Columbia. We get to go on the ship in human made river. Frontier land also houses big thunder mountain Railroad which is one of the main attractions of Disneyland. Even the fast pass entry had a waiting time of 20-30 mins.
- New Orleans Square
This part was made to resemble the Orleans. There is a New Orleans Rail Station for the Disney land Rail and also the must visit place of Disneyland – “Pirates of Caribbean”.
Parade
There was a Holiday Season Parade at 6:30PM which was the awesome. We all enjoyed the parade. Parade Details will be updated in the Disney Land App. If there is a parade on the day of your visit, then make sure you be at the place of the parade an hour before. It gets extremely crowded.
Fireworks
We ended the day by watching the spectacular firework themed with a story and a marvellous light show on the Castle. It was as though Disney castle was serving as a canvas for a beautiful painting that was being made. It is best not to miss fireworks; True magic of Disney can be felt while watching the fire show. This show transports us to the magical world.
Day 2 – Disney California Adventure Park
On the second day, we visited Adventure Park. This park has many attractions. Every attraction has a few rides and restaurants. Buena Vista Street welcomes us as we enter the Adventure Park. This Street mainly has a few restaurants. Main Attractions are as follows.
- Hollywood Land
This Part of the theme land is inspired by the Hollywood. We were able to meet Disney Frozen characters, Anna and Elsa:). Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a 3D show which is worth watching and not to be missed if visiting with a toddler. Guardians of the Galaxy Mission : Breakout is one of the most crowded place at the hollywood land.
- Cars Land
Cars land has 3 main attractions.
Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, Luigi’s joy to the whirl and Radiator Springs Racers. Whoever is passionate about cars will enjoy this place. All the rides are worth riding.
- Pixar Pier
This part of the adventure park is scenic with Mickey Giant wheel standing tall in a small island. Incredicoaster( Roller Coaster) is the most crowded place here. Apart from the Roller coaster, we thoroughly enjoyed Pixar Pal a Round (Giant wheel). I had never been on a giant wheel which would swing as we move up. Full moon in the background was serene as we moved up the giant wheel. We missed Toy Story MIdway Manial as it had a waiting time of 45 -60 minutes.
- Paradise Gardens Park
Paradise Gardens is adjacent to Pixar pier. It has 6 main Attractions. Silly Symphony Swings, Goofy’s sky school, Jumpin’ Jellyfish and Golden Zephyr, Little Mermaid.
As we ended the day, we were exhausted but we were planning our next Disney visit. Disney land caters to all age groups, from toddlers to grandparents. Plan ahead and Enjoy your Disney tour!
