Disneyland is a place full of magic, fun, and adventure. There are so many things to do that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether you love rides, meeting characters, or watching shows, Disneyland has something for everyone. Here are some of the exciting things you can do when you visit Disneyland.
1. Ride the Famous Attractions
Disneyland is known for its exciting rides. Some of the most popular attractions include Space Mountain, a thrilling roller coaster that takes you through outer space, and Pirates of the Caribbean, a boat ride through pirate adventures. Another favorite is Splash Mountain, a log ride with a big drop at the end. For something a little calmer, you can take a trip on It’s a Small World, a boat ride that shows dolls from all around the world singing the famous song. These rides are fun for the whole family.
2. Explore Different Lands
Disneyland is divided into several themed areas called lands. Each land has its own unique atmosphere and attractions. For example:
- Fantasyland is where fairy tales come to life. You can ride Peter Pan’s Flight or visit Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- Adventureland is full of jungle adventures, like the Jungle Cruise, where you take a boat ride through wild animals and explore mysterious places.
- Tomorrowland is all about the future. Here, you can ride Star Tours, a simulator ride that takes you through the world of Star Wars, or go on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, where you help Buzz defeat the evil Emperor Zurg.
- Frontierland gives you a taste of the Old West. You can ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a roller coaster set in a mining town, or take a ride on the Mark Twain Riverboat.
Each land offers something different, making it fun to explore the whole park.
3. Meet Disney Characters
One of the most exciting things to do at Disneyland is meeting your favorite Disney characters. You can find Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and many other characters around the park. They often greet visitors, take photos, and sign autographs. There are also special spots where you can meet Disney princesses like Cinderella, Belle, and Ariel. Meeting characters is a great way to create magical memories, especially for children.
4. Watch Live Shows and Parades
Disneyland has many live shows and parades throughout the day. These shows are filled with music, dancing, and, of course, Disney characters. One of the most famous shows is the Fantasmic! show, which happens at night. It features fireworks, water fountains, lights, and characters like Mickey Mouse battling villains like Maleficent. There are also parades, such as the Main Street Electrical Parade, where floats covered in lights move down the street while Disney music plays. Watching a show or parade is a great way to take a break from walking while still enjoying the magic of Disneyland.
5. Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
If you are a Star Wars fan, you’ll love Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a special area in Disneyland where you can step into the world of Star Wars. You can explore the planet of Batuu, visit the shops in the marketplace, and even build your own lightsaber or droid. One of the main attractions is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where you can fly the famous spaceship and go on a mission. There’s also Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, an immersive experience that puts you in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. It’s a must-see for Star Wars lovers.
6. Enjoy Delicious Food and Snacks
Disneyland is famous for its food, and there are plenty of tasty treats to try. Some popular snacks include Mickey-shaped pretzels, churros, and the refreshing Dole Whip, a pineapple-flavored frozen dessert. You can also find meals themed to different parts of the park. For example, in New Orleans Square, you can try gumbo or beignets, while Frontierland offers BBQ dishes. If you want a special dining experience, you can eat at Blue Bayou, a restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride that offers a magical atmosphere.
7. Take a Walk Down Main Street, U.S.A.
When you enter Disneyland, you’ll first walk down Main Street, U.S.A. This part of the park is designed to look like a small American town from the early 1900s. There are shops, cafes, and horse-drawn carriages. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs, like Mickey Mouse ears or Disney-themed clothing. You can also grab an ice cream or a coffee and take in the charming sights. At the end of Main Street is the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, a perfect spot for photos.
8. Experience Holiday Magic
Disneyland is even more magical during the holidays. For example, during Halloween, the park is decorated with pumpkins, and special events like Mickey’s Halloween Party take place, where visitors can dress up in costumes and trick-or-treat around the park. During Christmas, Disneyland is covered in holiday lights, and special parades and shows bring extra holiday cheer. Even the rides get holiday makeovers, like Haunted Mansion Holiday, which combines the Haunted Mansion with characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
9. Shop for Disney Souvenirs
No trip to Disneyland is complete without picking up a souvenir to remember your visit. There are many stores around the park selling Disney-themed merchandise, like toys, clothing, and accessories. Some of the most popular items include Mickey ears, which come in all kinds of designs, and Disney pins, which many visitors collect and trade. You can also find items based on different movies, like Star Wars lightsabers or Frozen costumes. Whether you’re looking for a small keepsake or a special gift, Disneyland has something for everyone.
10. Take a Ride on the Disneyland Railroad
The Disneyland Railroad is a train that travels around the park, giving you a relaxing way to see the sights. The train stops at several stations, including Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, and New Orleans Square. It’s a great way to rest your feet while still experiencing the park. Plus, there are some surprises along the way, like the Primeval World, where you can see dinosaurs as the train goes by. The railroad is perfect for people of all ages and adds to the nostalgic charm of Disneyland.
11. Learn About Disney History
For those interested in how Disneyland and Disney itself came to be, there are places in the park where you can learn more about its history. The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is a show that honors President Abraham Lincoln, and it also includes exhibits on how Disneyland was created. You can also visit Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, one of the first attractions to feature audio-animatronics, a technology that Walt Disney himself helped develop.
12. Take Part in Special Events
Throughout the year, Disneyland hosts special events that offer unique experiences. One popular event is Disneyland After Dark, where the park stays open late and hosts themed parties with special entertainment, food, and photo opportunities. There are also runDisney events, which combine fitness and fun, as participants run through the park dressed as their favorite characters. These events give visitors a chance to experience Disneyland in a different way.
13. Relax and Watch the Fireworks
At the end of the day, one of the best ways to finish your visit to Disneyland is by watching the fireworks show. The fireworks light up the sky over Sleeping Beauty Castle, set to classic Disney music. It’s a magical way to end your day, and many visitors gather in front of the castle or along Main Street, U.S.A., to get the best view.
Why It’s the Ultimate Family Vacation Destination?
There’s no shortage of things to do at Disneyland. From thrilling rides and character meet-and-greets to live shows and delicious food, every visit is filled with magic and adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Disneyland veteran, the park always offers something new to discover. So, if you’re looking for a place where dreams come true, Disneyland is the perfect destination.