Top Ten Reasons I Love Disneyland

By Maggie Ballantyne, Concierge Agent
March 1, 2022

Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure are my favorite Disney parks. I love that this location is where the magic began. I love the nostalgic feel of walking down the original Main Street, U.S.A. I love the unique features of the parks we don't have over here on the East Coast. I have visited this West Coast gem twice and look forward to returning in the future.

Here are my top ten reasons why I will definitely be returning:

1. Walt Was Here! There is a certain sense of nostalgia knowing you are walking where Walt walked, knowing you are really standing under his apartment when you take a picture by the Fire Dept., and knowing you are immersed in a world that he created and saw for himself!

2. Park Hopping Is a Breeze! With Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure only steps away from each other, park hopping is SO EASY. No transportation, rarely any lines... just walk on over! This saves so much time and adds a level of flexibility to your day.

3. Location! There are three on-property hotels (Paradise Pier, Disneyland Hotel, and Grand Californian) and they are also within walking distance of the parks. No waiting for transportation as you eagerly await heading over to the parks early in the morning. Going back to the room after a long day in the parks is just as easy. All you need to do is walk through Downtown Disney. There are also several Good Neighbor properties within walking distance as well.

4. Pixar Pier! I love everything about Pixar Pier starting with the Incredicoaster. What a FANTASTIC rollercoaster. I love that this entire area is on the water with beautiful views of the sunset in the evening. I love that everywhere you turn you see an ode to a Pixar film in some detail of design. I love other rides including Toy Story Mania and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. I love that it feels like an old-fashioned pier with the carnival games and food, but really it is so much more! I could spend every evening here. It is really a perfect spot for families with young ones, families with teenagers, and adult-only trips.

5. Radiator Springs Rides and Food! Radiator Springs is straight out of the movie Cars. Everything is perfect to a tee... you will even see Mator and Lightning McQueen driving down the street. The main attraction, Radiator Springs Racers, does not disappoint and is worth any wait. This area is also home to one of my favorite Disney meals... the Mac and Cheese cones from the Cozy Cone Motel!

6. Original Rides- Haunted Mansion, Small World! You are going to experience the original version of some rides such as Haunted Mansion, It's A Small World, and Pirates of the Caribbean... they are different from the versions you have experienced at Disney World on the East Coast! For example, It’s A Small World in Disneyland has the boat going outside for a portion of the attraction. Disneyland does NOT have the same lineup of rides as Disney World, so you will not be repeating yourself by taking this trip!

7. Blue Bayou Restaurant and New Orleans Square! Not only is the Blue Bayou restaurant serving up delicious food, but the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction goes right through the restaurant. So, whether you are on the ride or enjoying your meal, you are fully immersed (something Disney does best!). New Orleans Square is where this restaurant is located. I love the entire theming of this area. If you do nothing else, try the beignets they are best known for!

8. Lamplight Lounge! By far my favorite Disney bar and restaurant. Located right on Pixar Pier, this lounge is decked out in original designs, drawings, and odes to Pixar and Disney movies. Everywhere you turn you will notice something different from the backs of the chairs to the floor design to the wall decor... there is just so much to see. Again, the food and drinks are great AND this lounge is located right on the water. I suggest the lobster nachos.

9. The Weather! Anaheim/Disneyland is known for its beautiful weather, and it is a perk when visiting the parks. Most days are sunny between 80 and 70 degrees. Because of this, so many of the attraction queues are actually outside. It is really nice to be outside enjoying the sun without worrying about the heat!

10. THE CHARACTERS! In my opinion, Disneyland outdoes Disney World in all character interactions. The variety in characters seen on any given day is better, there are more characters making appearances, and it is much more relaxed/casual. It is very much designed as if we are visiting their world and they are going about their everyday lives. They roam around as if it is any ordinary day. In a short 15-minute time span, I casually ran into Bert and Mary Poppins on the way to Main Street after nonchalantly waving to Belle in Fantasyland (just kidding I was excited). Another day I was walking along eating a churro when Jack Sparrow tapped me on the shoulder. After conversing with him for a while, I found a path along the water to walk and ran into Pocahontas waving to boats as they passed going down the riverbend (see what I did there?). It is not uncommon to see the Mad Hatter hanging out at the teacups (he may even join someone for a ride) or see Peter Pan running around playing tricks on people. And if you are there at the holidays? Be on the lookout for villains because they are everywhere!

It is SO NICE to not have to wait in crazy lines to meet characters and strategize who you want to see. You just see who you are meant to see! 

The list could really go on... Toon Town, Indiana Jones Adventure (an AMAZING and thrilling attraction!), the churros, a reimaged Tower of Terror and Space Mountain, and more!

There is also a new experience I should note and that is the BRAND NEW AVENGERS CAMPUS! This campus is in Disney's California Adventure. This area is home to more than just Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! and WEB SLINGERS - A Spiderman Attraction. Here, you can also encounter Dr. Strange at the Ancient Sanctum and meet your heroes at the Avengers Headquarters. Have a superhero sized appetite? Enjoy a meal at Pym's Kitchen or try something new at the Pym Tasting Lab. There is also Shawarma Palace and Terran Treats. If you are in the mood for shopping, stop by WEB suppliers, Campus Supply Pod, and The Collector's Warehouse! 

Ready to go? I know I am!! For more information on Disneyland or any Disney destination, please contact me at maggie@wishesfamilytravel.com or follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wishesfamilytravelmaggie