Magic, mystery, mice, and more! What more could you want? Here are a few tips to make your Disneyland visit as magical as possible!
* written in March of 2025, changes may have occurred after this date
Disneyland is the original Disney park. This means that much of its construction was overseen by Walt Disney himself, and his special touch can be found in little hidden treasures all over the park. It also means that the park is small, but no less magical.
Disneyland is constantly evolving, but is currently split up into these different sections: Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country/Bayou Country, Mickey’s Toontown, and Main Street USA.
The Different Lands
Main Street USA
The first land you’ll visit, and the most nostalgic.
To access the park, you walk through this land with shops and restaurants on your sides and the Sleeping Beauty Castle in front of you. Music is playing, the air smells like churros and popcorn – the magic has begun.
Characters to see:
Mickey Mouse is the main man on Main Street USA, but you can also take pictures with other classic character’s from Mickey’s gang like Pluto and Goofy.
A must have:
This is the #1 place to buy souvenirs – pins, lanyards, hats, character shirt, stuffed animals, figurines, etc.
A Hidden Treasure:
When you enter the park, look to your left and find the Main Street Firehouse. The second floor is where Walt Disney lived for Disneyland’s construction. Nowadays, a light is always kept on near the window as a tribute to Walt. Every time I enter Disneyland, I look at that light and feel like I’m a child again, immersed in the magical world he created.
Top Tip!
Enjoy the parades and other shows from this area as often as you can. Basically, if you see a float coming at you, or hear a man suddenly burst out into song, pay attention!
Fantasyland
Other than the Matterhorn, nearly all the rides in Fantasyland were built for people of all ages. As a result, they are primarily rides that move through the movie’s plot, with animatronics, glowing lights, and a slower feel. They are enchanting, but there’s no need to ride them more than once a day.
Characters to see:
The Disney Princesses and their Princes, as well as Peter Pan and some of the more “classic” Disney characters from the Gold, Silver, and Bronze ages.
A must do:
The Sleeping Beauty Castle is a great photo opportunity and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a blast for any kid wanting to dress up for the day. Also, the theater next to the Hall is a great place to experience more Disney magic and take a break with some snacks.
A hidden treasure:
Go to the Storybook Land Canal Boats, right near the Mad Tea Party. It’s a treasure mostly hidden from the outside, as it is surrounded by walls and can only be accessed through the mouth of Monstro the whale by boat. The journey will take you through a land of miniature houses and castles that belong to characters from the Disney movies. These include Arendelle, the Cave of Wonders, Snow White’s Cottage, Cinderella’s Castle, and many more. It is a small piece of Disney magic just waiting to be uncovered.
Top Tip!
The wait times for these lines fluctuate the most. Sometimes they’ll be over an hour, and then drop right down to 20 minutes. If you keep an eye on the Disney app or the signs in front of the rides, it’ll be easier than you think to find a time where you don’t have to wait too long.
Frontierland
This land is Western themed and melds into New Orleans Square and Critter Country/Bayou Country. You’ll find shoot-em-up games here as well as the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Sailing Ship Colombia – although this is somewhat part of New Orleans Square as well.
This part of the park is often under construction, with the Tom Sawyer Island in the middle of the river usually closed and the boats firmly docked (rumors speak of a new attraction taking over here).
Characters to see:
Characters from the Toy Story franchise are here most often, with occasional visits from Pocahontas and the Encanto characters.
A must have:
There is a shop here that melds Adventureland and Frontierland together and as such, as some of the most unique merchandise you’ll find anywhere in the park.
A hidden treasure:
The Golden Horseshoe is often where my family and I stop for lunch, as the food is priced reasonably and there’s a stage full of entertainment.
Top Tip!
Ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad often in the morning, as it is weirdly free of lines for the first few hours after the park opens.
Adventureland
Adventureland feels like a miniature jungle full of wonder. Sure, there might not be as many rides as other areas of the park (although it DOES have the Indiana Jones ride), but it’s one of the best places to grab a quick bite to eat and has the famous Dole Whip as an option.
Characters to see:
Although you can find the Aladdin characters in this park, overall there are less character opportunities.
A must have:
The Dole Whip! Duh! Plus, now there’s multiple flavors to choose from.
A hidden treasure:
It seems a bit odd to call a bathroom a hidden treasure, but here we are. The bathroom near the Enchanted Tiki Room is somewhat hidden, and therefore not nearly as crowded as others.
New Orleans Square
This part of Disneyland rivals Main Street USA in quality of ambiance. It has a relaxed but quirky vibe, influenced by jazz music and has some of the most popular restaurants.
Characters to see:
Characters from The Princess and the Frog dominate this area, as well as the occasional visit from one Captain Jack Sparrow.
A must have:
With Princess Tiana’s influence, the Beignets in this area of the park have become a must-buy.
A hidden treasure:
This is where the famous Club 33 is located (no, I have not been inside).
Top Tip!
The Blue Bayou restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in the park due to the fact that it’s partly built into the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, so one can eat New Orleans-inspired food while watching boats go by in the mystical atmosphere. However, this restaurant is pricy and extremely hard to book, so if you can’t get a reservation, put your name on the wait list early on in the day and there’s a decent chance you may be able to get in.
Critter Country/Bayou Country
Critter County has seen some change lately, with the famous Splash Mountain becoming Tiana’a Bayou Adventure (Caution: you will get wet!) leading to a name change, and the new Star Wars land opening next door – but this has not changed the land’s enduring charm.
Characters to see:
This is where you’ll find all of the Winnie the Pooh characters.
A must do:
Use the back entrance to Star Wars land here to avoid more of the major crowds!
A hidden treasure:
Remember the Country Bears? No? Well they used to have a place of prominence in this area of the park, and now they only exist in a BBQ restaurant called the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.
Top Tip!
Use the single riders line for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure when the line becomes too long. It goes surprisingly fast and all members of your party won’t be waiting more than five minutes for the others.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The newest edition to Disneyland, this part of the park is the most immersive yet – with to-scale replicas of Star Wars ships, huge backgrounds that transport you to the films, two new rides, and multiple shops offering the best memorabilia in the galaxy!
Characters to see:
All of the Star Wars characters (obviously).
A must have:
Two options:
- The blue milk (I call it the Butterbeer of Disney – some love it, some hate it, but most try it anyways)
- A lightsaber from the Build-Your-Own Lightsaber area.
A hidden treasure:
This isn’t necessarily hidden, but it certainly is a treasure – the Mos Eisley Cantina!
One of the only places to get alcohol in the Disneyland park, this is an exact replica of the Cantina in Star Wars complete with music and themed drinks. The only problem? These reservations get taken fast so make sure to book yours quickly!
Top Tip!
This may seem either obvious, or the complete opposite of a ‘good’ recommendation, but when the park opens, RUN TO STAR WARS: RISE OF THE RESISTANCE!!! This is what everyone is going to do, and you’ll still be waiting in line no matter what, but this is the ONLY time of day you’ll be able to get on the ride with a wait time under 45 minutes. Even the Lightning Lane passes for this ride are an additional cost above the ‘normal’ Lightning Lane passes. So, although you will be told not to run – ignore that and SPRINT!
Tomorrowland
This is used to be the main hang for all Star Wars nerds, and it still is to a point, but now there’s a new Star Wars land that takes away a bit of the original appeal of Tomorrowland. Now, Tomorrowland still has the main attractions that fans loved, but it’s a bit overshadowed.
Characters to see:
You can still find Star Wars characters here, namely the more classic ones like Darth Vader. Additionally, Buzz Lightyear and Stitch are favorites in this area.
A must do:
Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters is one of the most underrated rides in the park. It’s fun and accessible for all ages and lets your competitive flag fly. Ride it as many times as you can!
A hidden treasure:
The Finding Nemo ride is surprisingly entertaining and doesn’t normally have a long line as it’s a bit off to the side and not accessible to all.
Top Tip!
DO NOT use the single riders line for Space Mountain. It takes way too long.
Mickey’s Toontown
This land is primarily for the kiddos (evident by the long line of strollers you’ll see), and is meant to represent the land where Mickey and his friends live. Although the age demographic is a bit younger, the build of the land is rather impressive and can be fun for all-ages to visit.
Characters to see:
All of the classic Mickey and friends characters can be found here.
A must have:
Pictures! This land offers endless opportunities for fun and odd photos.
A hidden treasure:
The new Mickey & Minnie Runaway Railway ride is extremely well done and is a fun insight onto what Disney is doing with Mickey and the gang in the modern era.
Top Tip!
Don’t wait in line to see Minnie at her house, you can see her in other areas of the park and it’s not worth the line.
Park Tips!
A few things that may make your trip extra magical.
Things To Remember:
- Don’t go during peak season, mainly during the summer and holidays. This will guarantee you won’t have to fight 4 hours lines.
- Get to the park as early as possible for the shortest lines. Some hotels offer earlier access.
- Lightning Lane passes are important, especially when visiting during crowded times. A 2 hour line can turn into a 15 minute one. The most popular rides are Space Mountain, the Matterhorn, Indiana Jones Adventure, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (requires an additional fee), Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
- Have a leg injury? Not a problem! Go to Town Hall and register for a wheelchair or scooter, you may have to show proof of your injury as people have started faking to get through lines quicker so bring a doctor’s note!
- If you have young kids, make sure they take a nap in the middle of the day when its hottest and most crowded. Also be sure to take them to visit the Disney characters that roam around the park and pose for pictures, as the photos you gain might be the only part of the trip they remember when they grow up.
- See a parade if you can, they lots of characters and the lights are beautiful.
Where To View The Fireworks
The obvious answer is along Main Street USA, but here are a few other options:
- From either in front of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars land or between the hanging drapes in the Star Wars land eateries (very unique and impactful).
- From next to the Matterhorn (a great view, plus quick access to multiple popular rides).
- From near It’s A Small World (lots of benches and places to sit and relax)
- New Orleans Square (you can see the reflection of the fireworks on the water)
Conclusion
Disney’s logo is “The happiest place on Earth” for a reason. It’s the perfect blend of childhood nostalgia, movie magic, and thrills.
Visiting can be stressful at times, but it doesn’t have to be – not with a few quick tips of the trade.
~ ~ ~ ~
For more information, click here.
Any questions? Contact me or comment below!
No Comments