We are back from four days in Disneyland and I just can’t stop smiling. Magic abounds on the West Coast, and it always feels incredible to walk in Walt’s footsteps again at the theme park that started it all. My family spent our days 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 soaking up the sights and scenes on 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 adorned with purple and silver buntings for the Disney 100 celebration!
Attractions
Disneyland offers SO many attractions and, over the course of our four days, we enjoyed all of our favorites! Even those on both coasts offer a little something different. Genie+ is easy to use, with a little homework and strategy (I’ll provide all the tools you need!). 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. At this animated neighborhood, families can explore, play, discover and unwind together while enjoying new interactive experiences, returning familiar favorites and the recently debuted attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway!
You can meet Minnie Mouse right in her darling little houee!
And Mickey, too! Come inside, it’s fun inside!
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.
Mickey and the gang have dazzling 100th outfits for the anniversary celebration! You can find these friends walking all around Main Street USA. They sometimes stop for photos, but are often just roaming for amazing, special encounters.
Magic Happens Parade
With a wave of his wand, Mickey Mouse leads a cavalcade of fabulous floats, whimsically costumed performers and popular Disney pals around the park and into your hearts—all while moving to a high-energy contemporary musical score that puts a spin on classic Disney hits.
Watch Moana ride the crest of a beautiful wave in her voyager canoe, followed by Coco’s guitar-strumming Miguel joined by his dog Danté and other fantastical spirit animals and behold the enchanted forest from Frozen 2 as Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven pass by. The parade’s grand finale commemorates memorable moments from Disney classics in an incredible procession that’s not to be missed!
Main Street Philharmonic & Dapper Dans
The Main Street Philharmonic is another highlight of every Disneyland trip. My absolute favorite is when you catch them with the characters at the Train Station. The Dapper Dans are another hallmark of Main Street USA.
Dining, Sweets and Treats
Let’s talk food! 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.
Jolly Holiday is my favorite Disneyland restaurant and, best of all, it’s quick serve!! You absolutely must get the grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch or dinner. The raspberry rose macaroon is my top treat from any Disney location. And, their new strawberry stuffed croissant is an absolutely fantastic breakfast!
The corn dogs from Red Wagon are a fan favorite and are now available on mobile order.
And, finally, the 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. :-)
Fantasmic
Fantasmic is shown on both coasts, but I am partial to Disneyland. This is such a fantastic show.
Wonderous Journeys Projections & Fireworks
An all-new spectacular, Wondrous Journey, features nods to every Walt Disney Animation Studios film over the last century. Unfortunately, the fireworks were not done due to high winds every night, but this show features projections in three park locations so it can be enjoyed every night regardless of weather.
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.
Let’s Travel & My Services
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I am recognized for providing the highest level of customer service, experience, and knowledge in the industry. I use my personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke Disney trips for the most discerning clients. On top of that, Disney vacations are expensive and I know how to get the best value for your time and money. If you’re looking to travel to Disney any time in 2023, NOW is the time to plan!
Most aspects of planning a Disney vacation look different and now, more than ever, it is crucial to have the most current, up to date information based on personal experience to plan your vacation. I travel to the theme parks monthly and have stayed in every single resort from coast to coast! I tour the parks the way you will be touring the parks – whether it is a “best day ever” on VIP Tour, strategizing on Genie+, or waltzing onto attractions with Express Pass, you won’t find a travel advisor with more passion or first hand experience. Let’s go there!
