Disneyland Park is the original park, opening in 1955 and brought to life by Walt Disney himself. This is where he walked and even had an apartment! The nostalgia and magic are at every turn. Let’s talk about the keys to Disneyland Park!
Must-See Lands
Although smaller in comparison to the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland has more magic per square inch! From the moment you see the entrance and the train station, there is so much to see and do. Like the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, there are several different lands at this park. However, there are some distinct differences between the two destinations, including unique attractions!
Main Street U.S.A.
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
As you enter Disneyland Park, you see the train station in Town Square. Stop and grab a family photo as you “leave today, and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy”. This is the perfect way to take a ride around the whole park, with various stops along the way!
Stroll down the middle of Main Street U.S.A. and enjoy charming shops and an old-time vibe. Watch for the Main Street vehicles such as a fire truck or a horse-drawn trolley. Then, don’t forget to stop and listen to the Dapper Dans. This popular quartet can be found singing throughout the day along Main Street or in Town Square.
The Emporium is the place to be to find all of your favorite Disneyland souvenirs. From spirit jerseys to stuffed animals, this store has it all! If you’re looking for a sweet treat, grab some ice cream from the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor or your choice of candy and other confections at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen.
Tomorrowland
- Photo Courtesy Emily O’Keefe, Key to the World Travel
Visit the land of tomorrow as you blast off into space, take on Zurg as you blast your lasers, and try to save the galaxy! There are a variety of fun attractions in this land for the whole family including:
- Space Mountain
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
- Autopia
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
- Astro Orbitor
Enjoy space-themed dining locations where you can get popular favorites such as burgers and pizza. Then, head to the shops to find your favorite Star Wars-themed souvenirs and more!
Fantasyland
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
There is so much Disney Magic waiting for you in Fantasyland! Popular attractions in this area include:
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
- “it’s a small world”
- Mad Tea Party
- Alice in Wonderland
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
- Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
- King Arthur’s Carrousel
- Storybook Land Canal Boats
Fantasyland is also home to some amazing entertainment and character experiences. Stop by Royal Hall to meet some charming Disney Princesses. You may even find some familiar Disney friends roaming around the land! Then, don’t miss two incredible shows including Tale of the Lion King and Storytelling at the Royal Theatre.
If you get hungry, there are plenty of opportunities to dine, including at the Red Rose Taverne. This charming spot is inspired by Beauty and the Beast and features quick-service dining with the option to mobile order your food.
Mickey’s Toontown
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
This land has been recently reimagined and designed to engage guests of all ages! With fun play areas, attractions for even the youngest guests, and your favorite Disney friends, Mickey’s Toontown is a must during your visit!
Attractions in this land include:
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Chip ‘N’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
CenTOONial Park is the perfect place to play and explore. There are many opportunities for interactive experiences such as water tables to splash in and the dreaming tree to sit and daydream!
In addition, this land is home to Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House. You may even find them at home, ready to say hello! At Donald’s Duck Pond, everyone will love exploring this water play area and then heading to Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard for many more interactive activities!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
Step into Batuu and live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away. As you explore, you may encounter both friends and foes as the First Order and the Resistance. Chewbacca and Rey may ask you to help them and join the Resistance or Kylo Ren might question your loyalty to the First Order! In this land, you never know who you might encounter!
There are two attractions here that you don’t want to miss! You take flight in the Millennium Falcon or battle against the First Order and Kylo Ren on two epic adventures!
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
More fun awaits though! Make sure you use the Play Disney Parks app and MagicBand+ to track down hidden items throughout the Black Spire Outpost and then grab special souvenirs when you build your own lightsaber or droid.
If you’re hungry, stop for blue or green milk or a tasty bite at the Milk Stand or Ronto Roasters.
Critter Country
This land is home to the classic attraction “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”. There is also a shop where you can find your favorite merchandise inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood.
If you’re hungry, grab a bite at the Hungry Bear Restaurant. This quick-service dining location is also the place to enjoy the Fantasmic! On the Go dining package.
New Orleans Square
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
Head down to the Bayou and celebrate the music-loving city of New Orleans! Here, enjoy two classic Disney attractions and taste the flavors of the bayou.
There are two attractions in New Orlean Square:
- Haunted Mansion
- Pirates of the Caribbean
In addition, there are some amazing restaurants in this area of the park. Choose from both quick-service and table-service dining options. One popular example is the Blue Bayou restaurant. Make sure that you grab a reservation for this one early, as it often fills up fast!
Other examples include the Mint Julep Bar and the newest addition, Tiana’s Palace! These are both quick-service restaurants where mobile ordering is available.
Frontierland
- Photo Courtesy Dan Leonard, Key to the World Travel
Are you ready for the wildest ride in the wilderness? In Frontierland, step back in time to visit the old frontier and experience one of the most beloved Disney attractions – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Other attractions in this land include:
- Mark Twain Riverboat
- Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
- Sailing Ship Columbia
- Fantasmic! (Paused until Spring 2024)
As you roam the land, be on the lookout for two popular character meet-and-greets including Mirabel from Encanto and Miguel from Coco.
Adventureland
- Photo Courtesy Rose Richardson, Key to the World Travel
Awaken your sense of wonder as you head to land brimming with exciting adventures! Enjoy a class attraction as well as thrills and some great places to grab a bite to eat too!
Attractions in this land include:
- Jungle Cruise
- Indiana Jones™ Adventure
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
If you’re hungry or need a sweet treat, consider stopping at the Bengal Barbecue or the Tropical Hideaway. At the Tiki Juice Bar, grab the iconic Pineapple DOLE WHIP. Mobile ordering is also available.
Entertainment
There is no shortage of entertainment at Disneyland Park! Whether you want to hug your favorite character, watch the parade, or finish your evening with fireworks, there are plenty of possibilities!
“Magic Happens” Parade
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
This stunning parade debuted originally in 2020 but has returned as a part of the Disney100 Celebration at the Disneyland Resort! Watch as your favorite stories come to life with beautiful floats and characters from new and classic Disney movies including Frozen 2, Moana, and more! Mickey Mouse leads the way, with a wave of his wand and a magical song that brings these stories to life.
Fireworks
- Photo Courtesy Jeff Williams, Key to the World Travel
Throughout the year, there are a few different fireworks shows available on select nights at Disneyland Park. For example, throughout Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, Halloween Screams is a show that includes Jack Skellington and Zero, as well as several Disney Villains!
There are also shows during the holiday season, for the 4th of July, and New Year’s Eve. Mickey’s Mix Magic is available during most of the year as well on select nights.
Shows
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
Throughout the park, there are a few spots to go and see live entertainment. Whether you want the classic croonings of a beloved barbershop quartet or to watch the retelling of classic Disney tales, you will find it here.
The Dapper Dans typically perform near the park entrance by the train station. However, you may find them anywhere along Main Street U.S.A. You will recognize them when you see their colorful pinstripe suits and hats. If you don’t see them right away, you will surely recognize the sound of their a capella voices as they sing beloved Disney songs and classic American tunes.
As you head toward Fantasyland, stop for Storytelling at the Royal Theatre. This open-air tent has a medieval style and the show is hosted by a fun duo – Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones. Together, they share their entertaining version of the beloved tales of Beauty and the Beast or Tangled. You are sure to smile as you are swept away by the stories and their characters.
Then, head to the Fantasyland Theatre to watch the Tale of the Lion King. Listen to the Storytellers of the Pride Lands share Simba’s journey from young cub to brave king with live music and dance.
Characters
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
There are many opportunities to meet your favorite Disney friends at Disneyland Park. Most characters pop up in designated areas throughout the park. For example, Mickey & Friends tend to meet in the Town Square area. Chewbacca and Rey wander around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and you might find Stitch or Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland.
There are also some regular meet and greet opportunities. For example, go to Royal Hall to find some of your favorite Disney Princesses. In Pixie Hollow, you can meet Tinker Bell and be on the lookout for Minnie Mouse when you visit her house in Mickey’s Toontown!
Dining
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Kelly Greer, Key to the World Travel
Whether you prefer a grab-and-go snack, a sit-down meal, or character dining, you can find it all at Disneyland Park. Reservations at table-service restaurants can be made up to 60 days prior and mobile ordering is available at many quick-service locations.
Plaza Inn
This popular restaurant offers both quick-service and table-service options. For breakfast, enjoy a character dining experience with “Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park”. This is an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet that includes all of your breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, French toast, bacon, fresh fruit and pastries, and more! Then, get your cameras ready for a variety of Disney friends as you enjoy your meal!
For lunch and dinner, this restaurant is a go-to spot for many guests! Enjoy the restaurant’s signature dish – fried chicken – as you dine out on the patio with a beautiful view of Sleeping Beauty Castle!
Blue Bayou Restaurant
Head down to the bayou and enjoy authentic Louisiana-inspired cuisine at this popular restaurant. This restaurant offers a unique ambiance where guests can watch boats from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction float by! You are, literally, surrounded by the bayou! As you dine, listen for the sounds of the bayou, from croaking frogs to the fireflies twinkling in the dark!
Tiana’s Palace
Dreams do come true in New Orleans and the newest quick-service location in New Orleans Square proves it! Enjoy southern hospitality and authentic New Orleans-inspired dishes served with love. You may even see Tiana herself, as she roams around the land or meets guests nearby!
Ready for Your Visit?
Currently, guests are required to have a park pass reservation in order to enter Disneyland Park. This is required in addition to your theme park ticket. Make sure that you make your theme park reservation online prior to arrival to save time. Please note that reservations are always subject to availability.
Are you considering a trip? Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.
Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.