Looking for more information on what to do at the Disneyland Resort? Look no further!
Meet Mickey at his home in Toontown - This is a special experience reserved only to the Disneyland Resort. Take a stroll past the infamously long screaming child filled line that is "It's a Small World" and head to the back of Toontown for a visit to Mickey's home. Found right next door to...Minne's house...this adorable, straight from the cartoon, house is the perfect place to meet the Mouse that started it all! Lines can be VERY LONG so try to visit during weekdays or opposite parades. NOTE: Toontown closes around sunset for the Fireworks.
Watch Fantasmic & Remember, Dreams Come True - There is nothing better then watching the vivd imagination of Mickey erupt in flames and water over the Rivers of America. Fantasmic has been reimagined many times throughout the many Disney Parks worldwide, however, the classic pyrotechnic, water and character show takes a whole new life as you watch the forces of good battle the forces of evil on a picturesque island. Saying the grand finale and the reimagined "Murphy" will blow you away could be one of the largest understatements in print. Stay put at the Rivers of America to avoid the inevitable crush of people rushing for a good spot in front of the Castle and watch the sky over Big Thunder Mountain Railroad explode with every color you could ever imagine. Sitting back with very little crowd around you and a relaxing breeze off the Rivers of America make for the perfect end to a big day. (Also watch the Fireworks early and catch the last showing of Fantasmic for a prime spot with little to no waiting)
Watch World of Color - This entirely water based show, located in the Paradise Bay in Disney's California Adventure, is a stunning spectacular that showcases some of the most popular Disney movies of all time. Projected onto the largest water screen in the world, the sheer size of what you are watching sucks you into the show. Then you add the special magic only Disney knows, and no matter how old or young, your heart will soar with the balloons from "Up", you will shed a tear when a stampede from "The Lion King" comes by, and most of all you will celebrate the World of Color.
Ride Radiator Springs Racers - The newest "E-Ticket" ride at the Disneyland Resort, a combination of "Test Track" at Walt Disney World and the incredibly vibrant world of Cars, this ride is a stunning visual feast that surrounds you in the world or Radiator Springs from the minute you start walking through the queue. The attention to detail is rivaled by none, and the views of the entire park are stunning. For a special added treat ride at night and get an amazing view of the stunning neon lights below. The entire Cars Land expansion at Disney's California Adventure is a stunning addition to the Disneyland Resort. (Note: The lines for this ride can exceed 4+ hours - Ride EARLY or VERY LATE)
Ride the original "Disney Mountain" - The Matterhorn - A Landmark roller coaster, the first steel tubular roller coaster in the world. Built in 1959 this classic Disney mountain is an thrilling side by side race against another bobsled from the top of the Matterhorn to a thrilling and somewhat wet conclusion. Yes, this ride is a little old, bumpy and you may have whiplash when you get off at the end, however, the classic animatronics and the stunning views of the park make up for any discomfort. A little known fact is that both sides of the ride are entirely different, one side is made to showcase the Tomorrowland side of the park and is more "Space Travel" feeling, while the other is set to showcase Fantasyland and is a much more picturesque ride with large window-like openings in the mountain. If both sides are open, try to ride them both and see which is your favorite!
Ride in the front of the Monorail with the Captain - Another only at Disneyland experience, this was something that you used to be able to do at Walt Disney World but rules have changed and now the Monorail in Florida is a "transportation system" as opposed to an "attraction" like the one at Disneyland. Make sure you ask the conductor as soon as you arrive at the station, there may be a few families ahead of you, but if you have never done this, its absolutely worth the wait! You board in the very front and get to ride with the Captain as he or she pilots the "Highway of the Sky" around Disneyland, through Downtown Disney and California Adventure. If you board in Tomorrowland, you can ride the entire loop, if you board in Downtown Disney you must disembark at Tomorrowland. Feel free to ask the cast member piloting the Monorail questions, but do not interrupt them while they are arriving at a station or in a tight area.
Watch Mickey and the Magical Map - A spectacular outdoor broadway style showcase of all that is Disney. Paying homage to some of the original Disney characters in a fun and lighthearted intertwining with scenes and music from Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, Mulan, The Little Mermaid, Lilo and Stitch and others. Grab some pretzel bites from the stand out front and kick back and enjoy the music, you may even find yourself singing along with the songs. The theater is located in the back of the park between Its a Small World and Toontown.
Grab a drink and admire the beauty of Disney's California Adventure - One of my personal favorite past times at the entire Disneyland Resort. Disney's California Adventure is an adults paradise, there are multiple beer carts, full bars, wine tasting bars, and incredible food options. Grab a beer or a glass of wine (my favorites are either Cove Bar - above and in the back of Ariels Grotto) or just grabbing a Vodka Pomegranate Limeade from the Cozy Cone in Cars Land and wandering the park. Taking a relaxing stroll through Disney's California Adventure, you tend to discover some of the small wonderful details the talented Imagineers at Disney have put into every aspect of the parks. Don't forget, you cannot take drinks (alcoholic or otherwise) on many of the rides and into many of the shows, don't get stuck downing a drink before a roller coaster! ALSO - even though you may not be with your family, Disney is still for families, please be respectful of all around you, DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
Wander through the Animation Academy and Beast's Library - A place long forgotten until the Southern California heat has zapped even the most venerable guest. Often discovered because of the amazing air conditioning, walk past the main entrance playing loops of some of the most famous animation in Disney history, and go down the ramp into the "abyss". There you will find an interactive wonderland thats dazzling to children and adults alike. Learn to draw and animate your own cartoon, find out what Disney character you are most alike in the Beast's library, or sing your heart out until Ursula steals your voice in the grotto. Be careful, you may loose your children, friends, or parents to the often addicting interactive elements in play here. Also offered here are classes on how to draw your favorite characters (times and character change daily) and "Turtle Talk with Crush" - A very popular attraction for children.
Watch Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular - If you like broadway, and Disney characters that make real life pop culture references, make sure to see this show. The talent of the cast, recreating one of the greatest love stories of all time, through song, dance and stunning visual effects will captivate everyone in your group. Then when your sucked into the sets, the music and the talent...HERE'S GENIE!!! Everything about this show begins and ends with the Genie...a talented, comedic gem hidden within the park. If you ever need a GREAT laugh, get in line and enjoy the blue wonder zing pop stars, celebrities and audience members alike. Always appropriate for children, but the jokes are adult oriented.