Disneyland Park has reopened and magic abounds! It felt absolutely incredible to walk in Walt’s footsteps again at the theme park that started it all. My best friend and I spent last week hopping between the two theme parks (easy peasy!), enjoying great food, riding classic and new attractions and soaking in the sights and scenes. These photos are over the course of our days in the park.
Main Street USA
As always, we start our Disneyland day by just enjoying Main Street. We took a horse drawn trolley down to the Castle, immersed in the music, happiness, scents and joy of this park.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Sleeping Beauty Castle is always a must stop, before I hop on any attraction. You will want to be sure to do the castle walk through that tells the story of Sleeping Beauty.
Attractions
Disneyland has reopened, along with all of your favorite classic and new attractions!! The only noticeable thing not yet running are the shows. We enjoyed so many of our favorites, including Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder and Small World, which are all different (and better!) than on the East Coast. There is no shortage of things to do. Max Pass has been discontinued so you simply pick a line and wait to ride. We found the posted wait times to be consistently overstated and felt like the lines moved forward quickly. If you’ve never been to Disneyland, know that most queues are outside, as opposed to indoors. They can seem daunting but are more reasonable than they look. Of course, VIP Tours are in full swing so that is an option many of my clients take advantage of.
Toon Town
Toon Town is an adorable land unique to Disneyland. The classic characters have their homes here, and are meeting guests right on their front porches.
Characters
Speaking of characters, you can meet SO many characters at Disneyland! I’ve always felt that the California parks are the gold star in character interactions and that has stayed true! I love that they have “couples” meeting together – like Mary and Bert and Anna and Elsa. You can get much closer to them here than in Disney World at this time.
Cavalcades are also running through the parks and are a darling way to get your parade fix!
Dining, Sweets and Treats
Let’s talk food! We did not make a sit down restaurant reservation here in Disneyland Park. Instead, we enjoyed all of our favorite small bites and treats!
If you know me, you will know that every Disneyland day of mine starts with beignets and coffee! With mobile ordering, it is easier than ever and completely free of a line.
We had to try the 66th birthday cupcake (delish!) and enjoyed my favorite Disney treat anywhere – the Raspberry Rose Macaroon from Jolly Holiday – TWICE!
The corn dogs from Red Wagon are a fan favorite and are now available on mobile order.
And, finally, the raspberry swirl dole whip, floats and sundaes are to die for. This one you’ll have to wait in a line for. I love the little seating area overlooking jungle cruise. :-)
Fireworks
Mickey’s Mix Magic nighttime show is back and is AMAZING! This nighttime spectacular features fireworks and castle projections. But, it also has projections down main street and in other areas of the park so you can enjoy from many different locations. It is a high energy, upbeat way to end your Disney day.
I loved having so many of you follow along on this trip. It was so much fun, but also invaluable for planning your Disneyland vacations going forward.
If a Disneyland vacation is on your mind, let’s talk!
As Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Aulani Hawaii, Universal, Sea World and to over 40 countries on 7 continents through Adventures by Disney® and National Geographic Expeditions.
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