Fairy Tales Can Come True: Disneyland: Anaheim, California

If you are planning a trip to Southern California then Disneyland should be a first stop on your list. Whether your a child or just a child at heart, Disneyland has something for everyone!

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

I have been going to Disneyland every year since I was a child and it holds a special place in my heart. Whenever I visit I feel my troubles can just melt away and I can become the child I once was. It is a truly magical place and there is so much to do for both the young and old. Disneyland has more than just rides, so below I compiled a list of must see’s in order to make your dream vacation even more magical. 

First, when you are in Disneyland, I would highly recommend either downloading the app or picking up a brochure. This will help you figure out when to see various parades, and show times. Mickey’s Magic Map is a really fun show to see and it is located right outside of toon town. After the show feel free to head to Mickey’s house to meet the original himself! Other must see shows include Mickey’s Fireworks show and Fantasmic. Both are amazing! Usually you can see both a 1/2 hour to hour before park closing time. 

PS: In Disneyland, Fantasmic also has Fast Passes for their show.

Don’t forget about the food! Often times people wonder what is the best food to grab in the park? Well, trust me there are so many options it will be hard to decide. One of my personal favorite places to eat is the Bengal BBQ. It offers a variety of skewers, rice, and vegetables. It is located outside the Jungle Cruise area and it is delicious. Another food item that you must try are the Mickey beignets. They are quite possible one the best desert foods I have ever eaten. You can get these treats outside the French Market in 

New Orleans Square. If you are looking for a fancier meal you can also eat at the Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square. It is a pricier option, but the ambience will be worth it. The restaurant is actually located inside the Pirates of The Caribbean Ride! Just remember a reservation will be needed if you want to eat there. 

Fun Fact: Real skeletons were originally used as decor in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Although some say the skeleton props were switched out to fake ones years later, some park employees insist that several are still real! 

After you have seen everything there is to see in Disneyland, head over to Disney’s California Adventure Park. Here you will find a variety of activities as well. 

First, make sure you pick a time to go see Frozen at the Hyperion Theater. These run everyday and are approximately an hour long. Not only will you be amazed at how good the show is, your feet will also get a rest from the miles of walking you did throughout the day. I am honestly amazed every time I see this show. It is like a mini broadway. Trust me it is that good! 

Another must in this park is the Animation Academy. I don’t know if a lot of people know about it, but it a really fun way to get to learn how to draw some of your favorite characters. These classes run every half hour, all day long. What is really neat is that everyone walks away with an amazing sketch drawing which they did themselves. The teachers are really good at making the class fun, and easy to understand. I have drawn various characters at the Animation Academy and they always turn out pretty good if I do say so myself. 

As far as parades and events go, DCA offers World of Color on certain nights. If you have never been to the park or seen this show, I recommend it. It is brilliant show composed of beautiful arrays of colors and various Disney movie clips which are projected onto moving water screens. This is located in front of Pixar Pier. If you want a better spot to sit and watch the show, I would recommend getting a Fast Pass. This will allow you to sit up close and you won’t have to arrive as early to secure a good seat. 

Second Star to the Right 

  Fun Fact: When Walt Disney built Disneyland he used forced perspective on Main Street, USA. What does this mean? Well, it means that when you walk into the park, Main Street to the Castle seems shorter than it really is, and when you are leaving the park Main Street seems longer than it really is. This was created in order to make park goers feel like they were quickly entering into a magical world of fantasy, but leaving seemed far behind them.

My Top Five Ride Picks: 

1. Pirates of the Caribbean

2. Haunted Mansion

3. Matterhorn Bobsleds

4. Guardians of the Galaxy (DCA)

5. Splash Mountain (Prepare to Get Wet!!)