Disneyland was the first Disney park, opening on July 17, 1955. It is the only theme park designed and built to completion under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.
Here’s some fun facts about this park:
🗺 The park is currently divided into 8 themed “lands” plus the popular Main Street, USA. (Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Mickey’s Toontown, and Tomorrowland)
🎄 In 1957, Holidayland opened with a recreation area including a circus and baseball diamond, but was closed in late 1961. It is often referred to as the “lost” land of Disneyland.
🏰 It’s center icon is Sleeping Beauty Castle
👨👩👧👦 Disneyland has a larger cumulative attendance than any other theme park in the world, with 726 million visits since it opened
💡 Walt often liked to stay in the park, where he had an apartment above the fire department. The light in the window was always on when he was there. Now, as a tradition, the light stays on permanently. At Christmas time it is a tree in place of the regular lamp.
🎢 Although the theming of several attractions is different that at Magic Kingdom in FL, you’ll notice that the ride themselves are not the same. Noteably, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, and It’s a Small World.
🎠 Some attractions are unique to Dinseyland. Some of these include The Matterhorn Bobsleds, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Alice in Wonderland.
In 2018, Disneyland added Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the park. This is an immersive Star Wars experience great for any fan. There are 2 rides, Rise of the Resistence and Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. Although there are several places to grab a snack or a bite to eat, Oga’s Cantina is the place to be.
You can also build your very own droid or light saber. What better souvenier could there be? Reservations must be made in advance for both of these experiences.
Droid Depot
Visit a workshop stocked with parts, chips, manuals and other tech items useful for constructing your very own droid, one of the galaxy’s most indispensable sidekicks. You first register your choice of unit, and then are given the specs and parts for it. Follw the specs and you’ll have your very own droid! The cost for this workshop is $99.
Savi’s Workshop
You can construct your very own lightsaber and bring it to life through the power of kyber crystals, which is available in red, blue, green or violet. One of Savi’s Gatherers will help you choose one of 4 available hilt themes and receive a cloisonné pin to identify your selection. Themes include Peace & Justice, Power & Control, Elemental Nature, and Protection & Defense. Parts will be provided based on your theme and cloisonné pin. You choose which parts to use to assemble your hilt. Finally, the Gatherers will masterfully connect your hilt to a 31” lightsaber blade so you’re ready for anything the galaxy puts in your path! The cost for this workshop is $219.
The Food
Disneyland food is just amazing. It’s the best of everything from standard and simple like Pizza Planet to unique like Blue Bayou. Here’s some of what I’ve tried:
The Blue Bayou
The Blue Bayou deserves it’s own section. It’s theming is top notch. You’ll find this restaurant in New Orleans Square. Once through the lobby, you’ll find yourself right in the bayou of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Although they usually have my favorite, the Monte Cristo, it wasn’t available on this trip. Sometimes this happens if they don’t have a fry cook that day. In spite of this, however, it’s still an amazing spot.
Now that I’ve covered the basics, you can see why this park is simply a must do! It has had my heart since I was a child. The history, uniqueness, and magic make this park one of a kind!
You can read all about my personal experience at this park in December 2021 here.
Ready to book your next Disney trip?
I can help! I am a vacation planner that specializes in Disney and Universal. My services are complimentary to you when you book with me. If you have not booked yet, or have booked within the last 30 days, you can book or transfer your trip with me! I help with itineraries, dining and magical extras bookings, packing lists, and even scheduling your transportation from the airport, like in this article. You can contact me at emily@fantasticalvacations.com or fill out a booking form here.
If you have already booked your trip but realize you may need some extra help, I can also help with that for a small fee. Email me at emily@fantasticalvacations.com for more info.
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