places to visit near disneyland california

The 20 Best Things to Do Near Disneyland in California

Matt Gush / Getty Images

Although the reason you're in Anaheim, California, is probably to visit the city's most popular attraction, Disneyland , there's more to do in this town than exploring the famous theme park. While most of Los Angeles' main attractions are up to two hours away, there's plenty to do close by that will entertain the whole family in the cities of Anaheim, Orange, and beyond. From performances at the House of Blues Anaheim to interactive exhibits at the Pretend City Children's Museum, you're sure to find something to enjoy without having to wander too far from Disneyland.

Drop In at the Vans Skatepark

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If you're traveling with kids who love to skateboard, the Vans Skatepark at the Outlets Mall in Orange is a true experience. Much more than a shoe shop, this store has its own skate park with open sessions for skateboarding and BMX. In addition to renting out equipment like boards and helmets, they also offer lessons for newbie skaters. The park is huge, featuring a warm-up area for beginners, plus a mini ramp, skate pool, an outdoor course, and a 20,000 square foot street course.

Satisfy Your Cravings at the Anaheim Packing District

Chris Alcoran / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

If you're looking for something different to eat and need to satisfy the many varied cravings of a big group, there's no better place to go than the Anaheim Packing District. A bonafide bazaar of different restaurants, you can taste a variety of cuisines, from Cajun, Indian, and Soul Food to Syrian, Thai, and more. Some sweet favorites include Popbar , an ice cream shop that serves gelato on popsicle sticks, and Pie Hole , a coffee and pie shop that serves up creative concoctions like the Cereal Killer, which is packed with fruity pebbles and topped with fruit loops.

Get Fresh Air at the Fullerton Arboretum

Soraya S. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

With 26 acres of land, the Fullerton Arboretum is the largest botanical garden in Orange County. Home to over 4,000 plants, it is divided into four areas: Cultivated, Woodlands, Mediterranean, and Desert Collections. The gardens aim to educate visitors about wildlife conservation and offer classes for budding scientists to cultivate their own bonsai trees and learn how to compost. One of the main attractions of the garden is the Heritage House. Built in 1894 by one of the first doctors of Fullerton, it currently serves as a museum to 19th-century medical practices and family life.

Cool Down at Anaheim ICE

Unsplash / Kelli McClintock

Maybe you're inspired after watching the Anaheim Ducks match at the Honda Center, or maybe you just need to cool off after a long day baking in the Southern California sun—either way Anaheim ICE is the perfect place to go. With two NHL and Olympic-sized ice rinks, there is plenty of room to practice your skills. Skate rentals are plentiful and you can check out the website for public skating sessions, or if you plan to spend more time in the area, consider signing up any novice skaters for a lesson.

Go See a Show at House of Blues Anaheim

Albert L. Ortega / Getty Images

The House of Blues in Anaheim moved from Downtown Disney to the nearby GardenWalk  in 2017. The newer venue has four different live music rooms that each offer a different New Orleans-style dining and music listening experience.

From acoustic to rock and roll, you'll catch plenty of performances year-round at this popular venue. If you're in town for the weekend, stop by their signature Sunday morning Gospel Brunch for a real treat—both musically and in terms of flavor.

Test Your Skills at a Flight Simulator

The Flight Deck 1 Air Combat Center is an authentic military flight simulation facility where you and your family can test their skills on the same equipment used to train fighter pilots. Open to the public but with a minimum age of 11 (or height of 4 feet 11 inches), Flight Deck 1 isn't an attraction for all ages, but everyone who tries it out remarks that it's a truly unique experience for kids and adults alike.

Watch a Baseball Game at Angel Stadium

The Los Angeles Angels are one of the city's two Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, and baseball fans can take in a game of this American League team at Angel Stadium in Anaheim during the regular season from late March through early October each year.

If there's no game going on, you can still take a souvenir photo with the giant Angels baseball caps that flank the entrance. Angel Stadium also offers public tours on specific dates and hosts special events throughout the regular season including family days, fireworks nights, and military appreciation games.

Play in the Water at Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge

The Great Wolf Lodge California is an indoor waterpark resort just a few miles down Harbor Boulevard from Disneyland. However, the waterpark is only available to resort guests, so you have to stay here to play here. Fortunately, its convenient location near Disneyland makes it a great place to stay if you plan to visit both.

The Great Wolf Lodge California features a lazy river, wave pool, water slides, and a variety of signature attractions like the Howlin' Tornado, River Canyon Run, the Wolf Tail, and the Wolf Rider Wipeout, a surf-pond for boogie boarding.

Check Out the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

While the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center doesn't have a permanent collection, it does host a wide variety of traveling cultural exhibits throughout the year.

On the smaller side, this quaint museum is easy to see in just over an hour. Recent exhibits have covered everything from America's buffalo soldiers to the local history of the city of Anaheim. Other exhibits include " I Am An American ," which features artifacts, photographs, news clippings, and various other relics from Japanese incarceration in the United States during and after World War II.

Shop in Old Towne Orange Historic District

Ken Lund / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Old Towne Orange Historic District is a cluster of quaint antique shops and old-time diners and soda fountains centered around a traffic roundabout at the intersection of Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street.

It's a cool place to browse around, especially for people interested in antiques or historic home restoration. Many of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the unique boutique shops feature artisanal crafts and local goods that are perfect souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

Visit the Bowers Museum

TripSavvy / Kayte Deioma

Located in nearby Santa Ana, Bowers Museum hosts internationally renowned traveling exhibits alongside permanent exhibits that include one of the best California Indian collections in Southern California.

The museum's exhibitions mostly cover culture and anthropology from around the world, but you'll occasionally find contemporary art galleries here as well. Bowers Museum also hosts elegant dinners, holiday gatherings, and other special events throughout the year, so be sure to check out the event's calendar on the official website when you're planning your trip.

Get Hands-on With Science at the Cube

Discovery Cube Orange County , also known as the Cube, is Orange County's premier science museum. Located southeast of Anaheim in Santa Ana, this solar cube is a fun museum to explore with the kids. It offers over 100 interactive exhibits such as the Boeing Rocket Lab and a hands-on exhibit about hockey where kids can ride a Zamboni or play goalie.

Featuring special events geared toward kids throughout the year, there's no better place in the area to learn about the world while having a blast with your kids. During the summer, you can even send your kids to Summer Camps at the Cube, also known as Camp Discovery , where they'll have animal adventures, learn about space exploration, and engage in coding challenges for computer science.

Explore the Muckenthaler Cultural Center

Harmony Gerber / Getty Images

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center , also known as the "The Muck," is housed in a 1920s Spanish Revival-style mansion surrounded by lush gardens in Fullerton, California.

In addition to traditional works of art shown in gallery exhibits, The Muck also hosts musical performances, festivals, and special events throughout the year. Be sure to sign up for Family Art Nights each season and check out the official website for gallery opening receptions and performance schedules before you go.

Visit Knott's Berry Farm and Soak City

If you're in the mood for more theme park thrills, you can head down the road to Knott's Berry Farm in nearby Buena Park. Knott's has a nice combination of thrill rides and attractions as well as shows for younger kids.

In October, they offer the Halloween-themed Knott's Scary Farm , and from November into New Year's weekend, you can get in the holiday spirit at Knott's Merry Farm . However, if you're visiting during the summer, you can spend the day splashing around at Knott's Soak City waterpark.

Eat Dinner on a Pirate Ship

Pirates Dinner Adventure

Pirate's Dinner Adventure is a live-action musical dinner theatre production with lots of acrobatics and sword fights as well as delectable pirate-themed dinner options.

The show is kid-friendly and extremely interactive. Several kids and adults alike are chosen to assist in the pirate expedition, and the entire audience cheers or boos for your assigned pirate teams. Pirate attire is encouraged, and there's plenty for sale in multiple gift shops on site.

The action takes place on a pirate ship center stage surrounded by tiered seating, which offers multiple views of the production. Reserve a table early to get the best seats. The center sides have the best view since some of the areas closer to the ends are behind rope ladders that partially block the show.

Feel the Horsepower at Marconi Automotive Museum

Jim Steinfeldt / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Housed in a former oil manufacturing facility in Tustin, the  Marconi Automotive Museum celebrates historic, exotic, and classic cars as well as race cars from around the world. Opened in 1994 to showcase the founder Dick Marconi's extensive auto collection, the permanent collection at the museum includes a large collection of Italian sports cars and American muscle cars.

The Marconi Automotive Museum is open for self-guided tours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on days when it's not hosting a special event. A portion of proceeds from museum admissions benefits children's charities in Orange County.

Learn About President Nixon

Greg Doherty / Getty Images

The Nixon Library and Museum is located at the former president's 1910 birthplace on a 9-acre estate in Yorba Linda, northeast of Anaheim.

In addition to the original home, the museum includes 22 high-tech galleries about the life and times of the 37th president Richard Nixon as well as grounds featuring the First Lady's Rose Garden and the Rose Woods Walk, which provide several gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside.

See a Performance at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts

After shopping and dining at South Coast Plaza, head across the street to watch a show and rest your feet at the  Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCA) . Previously known as the Orange County Performing Arts Center, this space includes multiple venues that host concerts, Broadway shows, ballet recitals, and national children's performers, among others.

Check out the official website for all the latest shows and performances, including free activities on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza attached to the main building of the SCA.

Shop for Antiques and More at the Orange County Marketplace

For fans of flea markets, swap meets, and bargains, the Orange County Marketplace is a shopper's paradise with more than 1,000 vendors selling new and used items—from clothing and shoes to furniture, antiques, and even prefab houses.

The swap meet takes place each Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. The Orange County Marketplace also hosts various holiday celebrations and concert series throughout the year, including the Orange County Fair each July.

Let Kids Work Their Imagination at the Pretend City Children's Museum

Pretend City Children's Museum

Pretend City is a unique children's museum in Irvine that is set up as a Southern California beach town. Here, kids can let their imaginations run wild as they assume the role of workers across the lifelike Pretend City.

Activities in Pretend City include shopping at the grocery store, painting in the art gallery, pumping gas at the gas station, taking care of patients at the clinic or emergency center, or just relaxing in one of the kid-sized homes—everything you'd find in a real city for adults.

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• September 29, 2023

9 Fun Things to Do Near Disneyland: Best Places to Visit Nearby!

Disneyland is magical, but sometimes you just crave a bit of extra flavor in your Southern California vacation, right? 

During my many adventures in this vibrant part of the world, I’ve discovered a myriad of eclectic spots that are just a hop, skip, and jump from Disneyland.

And they’re simply too good not to share. 

From verdant oases that offer a serene break from the Disney whirl to museums, you’ll find these gems add an irresistible zest to your trip. 

Hunting for fun things to do near Disneyland? 

See my tips below and discover a dash of adventure and a sprinkle of local culture, all within a breezy drive from our favorite Mouse’s home base.

Fun Things To Do Near Disneyland Compared 

Are you ready to discover the magic beyond Disneyland? 

You don’t want to miss our top picks for things to do near the park. 

From enchanting beaches to thrilling theme parks, these activities will take your family adventure to the next level. 

Editor’s Choice

Knott’s Berry Farm

Not only does it boast heart-pumping thrill rides, but Knott’s Berry Farm has shows and attractions suitable for the little ones.

• Family-Friendliness: 5/5
• Affordability: 4/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Fun Factor: 5/5
• Educational Value: 3/5

#2nd Best Choice

Pirates Dinner Adventure

Pirates Dinner Adventure offers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience in Buena Park.

• Family-Friendliness: 4/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Educational Value: 2/5

#3rd Best Choice

Buena Park Historic Tour

Step back in time by taking a tour at the Buena Historic District featuring well-preserved 19th-century buildings.

• Family-Friendliness: 3/5
• Affordability: 5/5
• Fun Factor: 3/5
• Educational Value: 4/5

Here are the top 9 things to do near Disneyland.

1. Knott’s Berry Farm (Editor’s Choice)

8039 Beach Blvd Buena Park, CA 90620 (714) 220-5200 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

In the mood for some thrilling theme park rides?

Trust me, you’re going to have a blast exploring Knott’s Berry Farm.

Not only does it boast heart-pumping thrill rides, but it also has shows and attractions suitable for the little ones.

Ratings Criteria

• Thrilling rides: Knott’s Berry Farm offers a wide variety of exhilarating roller coasters and attractions, offering an exciting experience for thrill-seekers.
• Family-friendly atmosphere: There are plenty of attractions suitable for younger children, including Camp Snoopy.
• Crowds and long lines: Like any popular theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm can get crowded, especially during peak times. 
• Additional costs: Some experiences, such as certain shows or games, may require an additional fee.

Why recommend going here

Knott’s Berry Farm has 57 acres of family-friendly fun and entertainment.

With a bevy of family rides, attractions and roller coasters, it’s no doubt, one of the top attractions near Disneyland, California.

For a memorable visit, we suggest that you experience the Xcelerator – the park’s most thrilling ride and fastest roller coaster.

Other mind-blowing rides that are worth trying include the Silver Bullet, Timber Mountain Log Ride and the Waveswinger.

Distance from Disneyland

The fastest way to get to the park is to drive I-5 N.

The route’s distance is 6.8 miles and the drive normally takes 11 minutes.

The Metro Bus also has scheduled trips from Disneyland to Knott’s Berry Farm.

Recommended Hotel Near Knott’s Berry Farm: Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel

Related: Best Restaurants in Buena Park, CA

Related: Best Disney Resort for Kids

2. Pirates Dinner Adventure

7600 Beach Blvd Buena Park, CA 90620 (714) 690-1497 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

It’s, after all, an interactive dining adventure with an epic pirate-themed show.

• Interactive entertainment: The interactive nature of the show makes it engaging and enjoyable for all participants.
• Delicious dining options: The dinner portion of the experience features a meal with various menu options, including vegetarian and kid-friendly choices. 
• Limited variety: Since the focus of Pirates Dinner Adventure is on the show, some guests may find the dinner options to be limited or not as diverse as they would prefer.
• Cost: The ticket prices for Pirates Dinner Adventure can be relatively high compared to other entertainment options.

Why we recommend going here

It’s a musical dinner, live-action theater with plenty of sword fights and acrobatics.

There will be mysterious monsters, thrilling adventures and intense battles as you indulge in a 4-course meal.

You may upgrade your experience to sit with the captain as well as get a couple of souvenirs.

There are a lot of ways to get to this spot from Disneyland.

We recommend I-5 N since it’s the fastest and easiest.

It’s only 6.5 miles long and has a travel time of 10 minutes.

Recommended Hotel Near Pirates Dinner Adventure: Fairfield Inn & Suites Anaheim Buena Park/Disney North

Related: Best Beaches Near Disneyland, CA

3. Buena Park Historic Tour

6631 Beach Blvd Buena Park, California 90621 (800) 541-3953 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Looking for historical things to do and see near Disneyland?

• Historical insight: The Buena Park Historic Tour provides an opportunity to learn about the rich history of the area, including its architecture, landmarks, and cultural heritage. 
• Guided experience: With a guided tour, visitors can benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable guides who can offer detailed information and answer questions.
• Limited scope: The tour’s focus on Buena Park’s history may be narrow in scope, which means that individuals looking for a broader historical experience might find it less fulfilling.
• Pace and duration: Some visitors may feel rushed or find the tour to be too long, especially if they have limited time or shorter attention spans.

Why we recommend going there

The Buena Park Historic Tour gives you a glimpse of the 1800s California.

Spend some time wandering through the striking Whitaker-Jaynes House and learn more about the history of the region.

While there, don’t forget to check out one of Orange County’s oldest surviving structures: Bacon House.

For a free tour of these buildings, call their number and schedule your visit.

To experience this tour, just drive I-5 N from Disneyland Park.

With a distance of 6.7 miles, the drive will likely take about 12 minutes.

Recommended Hotel Near Buena Park Historic Tour: Hotel Pepper Tree Boutique Kitchen Studios – Anaheim

Related: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Orange County

4. Marconi Automotive Museum

1302 Industrial Dr Tustin, CA 92780 (714) 258-3001 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Marconi Automotive Museum is one of our favorite cool places to go near Disneyland.

A hidden gem, this museum celebrates race automobiles as well as exotic, historic and classic cars across the world.

Established in 1994, this museum aims to showcase the extensive automobile collection of its founder, Dick Marconi.

As you tour this museum, you’ll see a bevy of dazzling vehicles, including American muscles and Italian sports cars.

From Disneyland, drive I-5 S, and you’ll arrive at the museum in around 15 minutes (10.4 miles).

Recommended Hotel Near Marconi Automotive Museum: Hotel Irvine

Related: Best Family Hotels Near Disneyland

5. Ralph B. Clark Regional Park

8800 Rosecrans Ave Buena Park, CA 90621 (714) 973-3170 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Aching for a nature escape near Disneyland?

I suggest that you spend a few hours savoring the fresh breeze and easygoing ambiance of Ralph B. Clark Regional Park.

While it’s a short drive from Mickey Mouse’s kingdom, it feels like a world away, thanks to its serene scenery.

The park is a refreshing oasis with loads of cheap activities for everyone.

You can enjoy a picnic, venture into the emerald forests and go for a little run.

Moreover, you can learn more about the park and its heritage by visiting the Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center.

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy this refreshing oasis.

From Disneyland, just drive for 9.3 miles via I-5 N, and you’ll arrive at the park in less than 17 minutes.

Recommended Hotel Near Ralph B. Clark Regional Park: Hampton Inn & Suites Buena Park

6. Old Towne Orange Historic District

Old Towne Orange, CA 92866 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Old Towne is a can’t-miss spot in the area.

Known for its vintage architecture, this historic downtown teems with collectibles and antique dealers, art galleries and specialty shops.

The district is a cool place to explore and browse around, especially for antique collectors.

Even better, many of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Plus, it has unique boutiques featuring local goods and artisanal crafts that make excellent souvenirs.

You can quickly get to this district by driving I-5 S from Disneyland.

Travel time is 11 minutes and the route’s distance is 6.9 miles.

Recommended Hotel Near Old Towne Orange Historic District: ALO Hotel by Ayres

7. Citrus Ranch Park

2910 Portola Pkwy Tustin, CA 92782 (714) 573-3326 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Citrus Ranch isn’t just a family-friendly park, but is also one of the most romantic places to visit in the area.

With scenic vistas and an aromatic lemon orchard, it’s a great spot to have some quality time with your loved one.

The park is a local’s favorite weekend spot, complete with barbecue facilities, a turf area, a gazebo and a playground.

For a romantic visit, check out the hill-top gazebo and soak up the mesmerizing mountain views.

The drive to park from Disneyland is just 13.1 miles long via I-5 S.

Additionally, it has a travel time of 19 minutes.

Recommended Hotel Near Citrus Ranch Park: AC Hotel by Marriott Irvine

Also See: Kids Activities: Orange County

8. Discovery Cube Orange County

2500 N Main St Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 542-2823 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Very few places to see near Disneyland are as educational and intriguing as the “The Cube”.

With an array of hands-on displays, this family-friendly science museum makes learning extremely fun for the little ones.

The museum features more than 100 intriguing exhibits, like the Boeing Rocket Lab.

Our favorite here is the hockey hands-on exhibits where children can play goalie or ride a Zamboni.

Plus, the museum has educational events, such as their Camp Discovery in summer.

The museum is a 10-minute drive from Disneyland with a distance of 6 miles via I-5 S.

Recommended Hotel Near Discovery Cube Orange County: Sheraton Garden Grove-Anaheim South

9. Big Air Trampoline Park

8320 Buena Park Place Buena Park, CA 90620 (844) 550-5867 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Big Air is unlike any typical backyard trampoline.

Full of life and colors, this trampoline park is equipped with signature attractions that everyone will love.

The park has a wide variety of attractions for kids and adults alike.

Adventurous adults may test their bull-riding skills in The Bullpen or enjoy Airstrike’s extraordinary dodgeball game.

Kids will love the Lil’ Air and other child-friendly attractions of the trampoline park.

Depending on the traffic, the drive to the park from Disneyland takes around 12 to 20 minutes via I-5 N.

The distance of the route is 5.3 miles.

Recommended Hotel Near Big Air Trampoline Park: Holiday Inn Buena Park

Activity Guide 

Comparing attractions: which one is right for you.

Stepping into Knott’s Berry Farm, I was instantly a kid again, the rush of roller coasters taking me back to simpler times. 

On the flip side, the Pirates Dinner Adventure stirred a sense of intrigue, the swashbuckling actors and immersive plot captivating my inner storyteller. 

But the tranquility I found on the Buena Park Historic Tour? 

Unmatched. 

It was like time-traveling through Buena Park’s roots.

So, here’s the scoop. 

If you’re yearning for the euphoria of wild rides, then Knott’s Berry Farm will make your heart race. 

Craving a side of spectacle with dinner? 

Pirates Dinner Adventure will set your evening alight. 

But if you’re like me, sometimes searching for a moment of calm amidst the thrill, the Buena Park Historic Tour could be your hidden treasure. 

There’s magic to each, my friend. Your perfect pick depends on what kind of magic you seek. 

How I Picked The Activities

In selecting these activities, I didn’t merely rely on personal experience.

 Yes, I’ve indulged in the thrills, tastes, and tales each offers. 

But I also carried out comprehensive research and engaged in conversations with fellow locals and travelers. 

That’s the cocktail of insight I used to create this list.

Our Rating Method 

I rate these attractions based on the following criteria: 

• Family-Friendliness: I use this criterion to assess the family-friendly appeal of every activity. Is it suitable for families with kids? Is it safe, engaging, and fun for children? I ask myself these questions in order to rate family-friendliness. 
• Affordability: This is used to evaluate the attraction’s affordability. Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? Is it free or cheaper compared to the other options? Does it offer discounted rates, special promotions, or free entry? I consider these factors when rating affordability.
• Accessibility: This evaluates the activity’s accessibility. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Are there plenty of parking spaces available? Is it wheelchair accessible? I ask myself these questions when assessing the attraction’s accessibility.
• Fun Factor: I use this to evaluate how enjoyable the attraction is for visitors. Will it create positive and memorable experiences? Is it engaging, fun, and exciting? I use these questions to evaluate this criterion. 
• Educational Value: This assesses the educational benefits of the activity. Does it provide learning opportunities to kids? Will it teach visitors lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating educational value. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do with days off from disneyland.

During your days off from Disneyland, you can explore Anaheim and its surroundings. Take a relaxing stroll through Downtown Disney, visit nearby theme parks like Knott’s Berry Farm or Universal Studios Hollywood, enjoy outdoor activities at beautiful beaches such as Huntington Beach, or embark on a day trip to iconic attractions like the Getty Center in Los Angeles. The possibilities are endless, ensuring you make the most of your time outside of the park.

How Many Days Is Enough For Disneyland?

To fully experience Disneyland, it is recommended to plan for at least 2-3 days. This allows sufficient time to explore both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, enjoy various rides and attractions, watch parades and shows, and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere. Additional days can be added to further enhance your experience and make the most of everything Disneyland has to offer.

What Is The Closest City To Disneyland?

The best month to go to Disneyland largely depends on your preferences and priorities. Generally, months with lower crowd levels, such as January, February, September, and October, can offer shorter wait times for attractions. But special events and holiday seasons, like Halloween or Christmas, can also provide unique and festive experiences. Consider factors such as crowd levels, weather, and any specific events or themes you’d like to enjoy when choosing the best month for your Disneyland visit.

Conclusion 

On the quest for fun things to do near Disneyland, we unearthed several incredible experiences, each unique in its charm. 

But it’s Knott’s Berry Farm that left us most exhilarated, ticking all the right boxes in terms of family-friendliness, affordability, accessibility, and, above all, the fun factor. 

The Pirates Dinner Adventure offered an entertaining mix of dining and drama, and the Buena Park Historic Tour provided tranquility and rich insights. 

But it was the roller coaster rush at Knott’s that stole our hearts. 

So if you’re searching for a thrilling encore to Disneyland, this theme park is my top pick for you.

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Global Munchkins

Travel + Global Inspired Lifestyle

November 22, 2023

35 Amazing Things To Do in Anaheim Beyond Disneyland

When most people think of Anaheim, there is one attraction that comes to mind; Disneyland . This may come as a surprise, but there is WAY more to Anaheim being a top family vacation destination than just a theme park!

We spend a lot of time in this area as a family and have uncovered some incredible activities. That being said, I am so excited to share over 35 of our favorite things to do in Anaheim beyond Disneyland below!

35 Amazing Things To Do in Anaheim

We love Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park even more than most, but the truth is Anaheim has SO MUCH MORE to offer traveling families coming in from both near and far. Here are 35 alternative family-friendly things to do in Anaheim!

1. Lessons at Vans Skatepark- Our Kiddos Favorite Thing To Do in Anaheim!

One of our kids’ favorite things to do in Anaheim is the Vans Skatepark. This massive 20,000+ square foot skatepark is a skater’s paradise.

My kids were complete beginners, but thanks to their incredible instructor Devon they had a blast! You can book private lessons on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with a Vans-certified skate instructor for $50 an hour.

My kids weren’t quite ready for the craziness but they did enjoy sliding down it on their bums!

The Vans Skatepark is located in The Outlets at Orange. You can take private lessons like we did, rent equipment, or enjoy an open skate.

2. SwingIt Trapeze Lessons

You have to experience SwingIt Trapeze ! I was completely shocked that our whole family was able to fly. The staff is incredible and will guide you step by step so that you feel completely comfortable. Check out the current class schedule here!

Trapeze wasn’t easy but the instructors are so skilled at helping you learn! Ella also enjoyed the sideshow tricks while she was waiting for her turn.

3 & 4. Catch an Angels Baseball Game or a Ducks Hockey Game

Instead of riding the roller coaster over at Disney California Adventure, why not head to a baseball game? And.. what trip would be complete without a trip to Angels Stadium of Anaheim?

Anaheim is home to the Angels and luckily the Angels Stadium is a fantastic place for families.

Sundays are family days so there are extra games and fun for the kiddos with face painting and games located in the Gate 5 Courtyard.

You can also head across the street to the Honda Center and check out the National Hockey League and see the Anaheim Ducks. If hockey isn’t your thing, the Honda Center also holds concerts throughout the year!

*AVOID PARKING HEADACHES: You can hop on the rail, bus, or grab an Uber from the ARTIC Transportation Center.

*DISCOUNTED TICKETS: Often times you can get discounted tickets from sites like StubHub. Click Here for Angels Prices! &  Click Here for Anaheim Ducks Prices!

5. Find Instagram-Worthy Food at  the Anaheim Packing District

The Anaheim Packing House was once the Sunkist Packing House. It was built in 1919, but got a whole new look a few years ago and is now a foodie hall full of amazing artisan eateries.

You absolutely cannot visit Anaheim and not visit the Anaheim Packing District. There is always something new to discover and it is oh so tasty. Just make sure you arrive hungry!

You will want to add the Anaheim Packing House as one of your favorite things to do in Anaheim, based on the atmosphere and decor alone!

I recommend trying the K2 Cro-Nut from Pandor . Just be sure you have someone to share it with.

A Rainbow Cloud from Mini Monster is also one of our favorites. It’s a Thai Tea with boba topped with freshly spun cotton candy and fruity pebbles. You can keep sustainability in mind and buy the reusable jar, too!

You will also find the Instagram sensation known as Pop Bar at the Packing House. They serve gelato on a stick dipped in your favorite chocolate and rolled in the topping of your choice.

Take a look at all the natural light flowing in, the succulent plants, and swings… it’s so beautiful!!!

If you are in the mood for a meal I suggest checking out the artisan tacos at Urbana …

or a fresh plate of Tikka Masala from Adya . The warm fresh naan is to die for!

Make sure to stay up-to-date with all the events and live music happening at the Anaheim Packing District here!

*BONUS TIP: More Instagram-worthy photos can be taken at the GardenWalk located on Harbor Blvd. You will enjoy delicious places like The Cheesecake Factory and crazy desserts from Snowopolis!

6. Fly a Fighter Jet at Flightdeck for a Totally Unique Thing To Do in Anaheim

Flightdeck is amazing! You get to take a flight course, jump in a suit like Maverick & Goose and dog flight inside simulator pods in front of a giant screen.

Not to mention, the Flightdeck in Anaheim is the ONLY place in the world you can do this!!! Check Current Prices Here.

My boys LOVED competing against each other. My middle son, Owen, who loves video games said this was his favorite activity all summer long. Pretty high praise if you ask me!

7. Check Out Center Street – One of the Coolest Things To Do in Anaheim!

One of the coolest things to do in Anaheim is to head to Center St. Promenade. Center St. Promenade brings together all the best of Anaheim.

This is where you will find the farmer’s market, seasonal art shows, and street fairs. Make sure you save room for Pour Vida . Their tacos and fresh-pressed juices are divine.

If you are over at the Packing House you can hop on “Polly the Trolley “ noon to 9 PM Friday-Sunday. It’s a free ride from the Packing House to Center St. Promenade and back. It leaves every 15 minutes!

8. Take the Family to Medieval Times

You can’t miss the long-time family favorite, Medieval Times ! I will admit, we had not been to Medieval Times in ages so I was shocked by how much the kids still loved the show and dinner.

The place was PACKED! The kids loved eating without silverware. I ordered their vegetarian meal, which was also delicious.

The knights are fun to watch, but what I really love is watching all of the magnificent horses. They brought out some who were literally dancing to the music. It was so beautiful to see.

No trip to Medieval Times is complete without a quick stop at the gift shop. They sell costumes and toy weapons so your kids can recreate their favorite sequences back at the hotel.

Just make sure to set some ground rules before they dive in. No heavy swings, kids! Keep it playful and light! You are going to definitely want to add Medieval Times as one of the things to do in Anaheim list! Grab discounted tickets here!

9. Grab Lunch at Dave & Buster’s & Hang Out at the Arcade

Another find in The Outlets at Orange is Dave & Buster’s . We had a delicious lunch here with the kids. They have a huge menu so there is something for everyone!

Of course… it’s not the food the kids cared about but the MASSIVE arcade. Our kids played for a good hour and a half before we could pry them off the machines. They had a blast!!

And, once they were done they got to go to the most incredible ticket redemption store I had ever seen. Ella could hardly believe she had enough tickets to buy the adorable stuffed raccoon below!

10. The Anaheim Brewery- A Stop Moms & Dads will LOVE

I know breweries are not really for the kids, but this one was too good not to mention. Anaheim Brewery is a revived prohibition brewery. Even though this stop is for the grown-ups, you can sandwich it with fun activities for the kids.

All beer is made right there on site. The founders Barbara and Greg are so passionate about brewing beer and it shows! The beers are light, airy and absolutely delicious.

11. Find Hands-On Fun at the Discovery Cube and Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

Last but certainly not least, Anaheim offers a variety of museums and cultural centers to make learning fun for the little ones.

The Discovery Cube in Orange County is another fantastic stop! They have a ton of hands-on educational activities that will entertain your little ones for a full afternoon.

My bigger kids love checking out the Science of Hockey area and the Inspector Training course. If you live in SoCal their family annual pass is a really affordable way to keep the fun going all year long.

If you’re hungry for more cool exhibits and learning activities, the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center is a short distance from Disneyland and has a lot to offer.

Muzeo offers educational exhibits that dive into the history of Anaheim, including Disney history, as well as rotating features from local artists.

For younger children, this might be a certified snoozefest. For older children with an interest in history or art, however, it’s an inexpensive way to change the pace for an hour or two before getting out and about in Anaheim again.

Plus, it has air conditioning. Thank goodness!

12. Round 1 Bowling & Amusement

Bowling is one of our favorite things to do in Anaheim. The newest addition to Anaheim Attractions is Round 1 Bowling and Amusement. Technically it is in the neighboring city of Santa Ana, but it’s just a couple miles away. You can check it out here!

13. Fullerton Arboretum – FREE!

Right next to Anaheim is the Fullerton Arboretum . There you will find 240 lush acres to enjoy with the family and get a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a great place to enjoy nature and take some amazing pictures while enjoying some respite from the bright lights and attractions of Disney and Anaheim.

We love to visit between busy days sightseeing or visiting Disneyland. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a much needed change of pace.

14. Visit Huntington Beach – FREE!

While most folks flock to Anaheim for the sights in the city and Disneyland, California remains one of the best states for going to the beach.

The coastline is vast, and the Pacific offers some of the best conditions for surfing you can find anywhere in the intercontinental United States.

Huntington Beach is the closest beach to Anaheim and a quick drive. It is one of the most iconic beaches in Southern California. Enjoy watching some amazing surfers, dine and shop on main st. and of course enjoy the beach.

15. Jump around at the Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park 

Looking for more ways to let the kids burn off some energy?

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park is a great spot to bring them for endless fun jumping on the many, many trampolines.

Slam dunk in the Slam Zone or soar into a soft, foam pit in the Drop Zone. Pit your kids against each other on the Battle Beam– winner picks where we eat dessert tonight. No matter who wins, you get dessert!

It’s a lot of rough and tumble fun, but they do have a dedicated Toddler Zone too for the real little munchkins to run and play without a bigger kid landing on them. 

And they have benches and air-conditioning for Mommy and Daddy to rest their tired feet. What more could you need?

16. See a Show at the House of Blues

House of Blues Anaheim is a premier venue for live music and entertainment. It’s not just a concert hall but a cultural experience, featuring a diverse array of musical genres and performances.

The venue is known for its unique atmosphere, combining Southern-inspired cuisine with an eclectic mix of music, from rock and hip-hop to country and blues.

Many of the shows are 18+ or 21+, but there are specific all-ages events that the whole family can attend!

17. Visit the Hass Avocado Mother Tree in La Habra 

Looking for something unique to do? The Hass Avocado Mother Tree in La Habra is where it all started for Hass avocados in the United States. It’s a historic and educational spot that tells the story of how a single tree revolutionized the avocado industry.

During your visit, you will learn about the history of this popular fruit and its impact on California’s agriculture. It’s an offbeat yet fascinating attraction!

18. Shop at Anaheim GardenWalk 

Located in the heart of Anaheim, the GardenWalk is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. It offers a range of retail stores, from well-known brands to unique boutiques, alongside a variety of dining options like Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s.

19. Explore Ralph B. Clark Regional Park 

This regional park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Ralph B. Clark Regional Park offers a mix of natural beauty and recreational facilities, including hiking trails that wind through picturesque landscapes, an interpretive center featuring local fossils, and ample space for picnics and sports.

It’s the perfect place to take a break from the city!

20. Spend Some Time in Yorba Regional Park

At Yorba Regional Park, you will find scenic biking and walking paths, fishing opportunities, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It’s a great spot for a family day out or a peaceful retreat in nature. The park’s tranquil atmosphere and well-maintained facilities make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike

21. Visit Thursday Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers Market

The Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers Market is a vibrant local marketplace that operates every Thursday. It’s a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by exploring a wide range of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats. Oftentimes, there is also live music!

22. Walk Around and Dine in Downtown Disney 

Downtown Disney District offers a magical experience with its unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s a lively promenade where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, explore diverse shops, or dine at various restaurants that range from casual to fine dining.

Don’t forget to grab a scoop of icecream at Salt&Straw, it’s the best!

23. Skate at Anaheim ICE  

Anaheim ICE is a premier ice-skating facility offering a fun and exciting experience for skaters of all levels. Whether you’re looking to learn how to skate, play ice hockey, or just enjoy a public skating session, this rink has it all.

24. Hit Another Amusement Park Knott’s Berry Farm in nearby Buena Vista 

Knott’s Berry Farm is a world-renowned amusement park that offers a wide array of attractions for visitors of all ages. From thrilling roller coasters and exciting rides to live shows and interactive experiences, this park has something for everyone.

If visiting during the fall, make sure to check out Knott’s Scary Farm as well. We visit yearly!

25. Knott’s Soak City (buy discount tickets here!)

From exhilarating water slides and wave pools to the lazy river and children’s play areas, Soak City caters to thrill-seekers and families alike. It’s a perfect spot to cool off and enjoy water-based fun, with options for all ages and thrill levels.

26. See Some Animals at the Santa Ana Zoo  

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to monkeys, reptiles, and farm animals. It’s an ideal place for families, with interactive exhibits and educational programs that engage children in learning about wildlife and conservation.

The zoo is on the smaller side which makes it great for a day trip and leisurely strolling with little ones.

27. Head to a convention at the Anaheim Convention Center

The Anaheim Convention Center hosts a wide array of events, from industry trade shows and conventions to public expos and cultural events. Attending an event here is a great opportunity to explore new interests!

28. Hike at the Oak Canyon Nature Center

This nature reserve in the Anaheim Hills offers a serene hiking experience with trails meandering through oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub. It’s a fantastic spot for nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor activity.

29. Go Kayaking at Belmont Shores in Long Beach

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Long Beach by kayaking at Belmont Shores. It’s a fantastic way to experience the coastline, with opportunities for both beginners and experienced kayakers.

The area also offers other water sports and beach activities, making it a great destination for a day of fun in the sun.

30. Listen to Music or See a Show at The City National Grove of Anaheim

This intimate venue hosts a variety of performances, from concerts and comedy shows to family entertainment. You can find shows like Blippi here and The Nutcracker during the holiday season!

31. Find Some Small Thrills at Adventure City  

This family-friendly amusement park offers a range of rides and attractions suited for younger children. It’s a good budget-friendly alternative to larger theme parks.

32. Eat Famous Chicken and Waffles at Roscoes 

Roscoe’s is renowned for its soul food, especially the classic combination of chicken and waffles. It’s a must-visit for food lovers seeking a taste of Southern comfort in Anaheim.

33. Enjoy dinner and a show at Pirates Dinner Adventure

This interactive dinner theater offers a swashbuckling experience with a pirate-themed show. It’s perfect for a family night out, combining entertainment with a unique dining experience.

34. Camelot Golfland

Camelot Golfland in Anaheim provides a variety of family-friendly activities, making it a perfect destination for a fun day out. It’s the largest miniature golf facility in the country, featuring several uniquely themed mini-golf courses that promise fun challenges for all ages.

Beyond golf, the venue offers an array of attractions including laser tag, a massive arcade with the latest games, and water slides for some fun during warmer months

35. Visit Bowers Kidseum

Bowers Kidseum focuses on interactive and educational experiences for children, emphasizing art and culture. It’s an enriching destination that encourages creativity and learning in a fun environment.

Family-Friendly Accommodations in Anaheim

When exploring Anaheim & Disneyland, there are many amazing Anaheim resorts. It’s true that some of the best options are Walt Disney resorts, located just a few quick minutes from the Disneyland Park.

You can still have a great experience and save some money by picking on some nearby accommodations that offer an all-around amazing experience while still staying close to the park.

Below are two of our favorite hotels that are super family-friendly off of Disney property.

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance Hotel

The Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance Hotel is a newer hotel with an on-site water park called Surfside, a beautiful fitness center, and rooms designed with families in mind. You can even see fireworks from the pool area and some of the rooms.

We stayed in a family suite that had two queen beds + a bunk bed. Even with all 6 of us we never felt squished. Check Prices Here!

photo provided by Courtyard Anaheim

My favorite feature was the dual showers, it made our usual hectic mornings pretty peaceful!

Great Wolf Lodge

Another great place to check out is the Great Wolf Lodge. It is so family-friendly and located about 3 miles away from Disneyland. We added this to our list of things to do in Anaheim because it is so family-friendly and a BLAST!

You can check out my Great Wolf Lodge Southern California review here! There’s a water park inside the hotel, too. Don’t miss out check current prices here!

*Currently Save up to 25% OFF Great Wolf Lodge Stay* Use Promo Code ASUMMER21

How to Get Around Anaheim

If you are from the Southern California area, getting around by car in Anaheim is easy. But, how will you get around from one amazing activity to the next if traveling from a distance? I love that Anaheim, unlike a lot of Southern California, has an amazing public transit system!

If you don’t have a car, just hop on the Anaheim Rapid Transit (ART). With just a couple of bucks, you can be anywhere. Check out and pre-purchase discounted ART passes here!

Map of things to do in Anaheim

Have you explored Anaheim beyond the Disney Parks? We would love to hear your Anaheim tips below!

Additional Resources for Planning the Perfect Trip: 

• Need help planning and booking your magical Disneyland vacation? Contact our friends at  Best Day Ever Vacations . Their services are FREE, but they will save you both time and money.
• Looking to head over to Buena Park? Check out my 25 things to do in Buena Park! [9 are free] 
• Going to Disneyland?  How to Buy Discount Disneyland Tickets – 7 Easy Ways

FAQ About Things To Do in Anaheim

What is there to do in Anaheim besides Disneyland?  

Skateboarding Lessons at Vans Skatepark Hands-on Entertainment at Discovery Cube Flight Simulators at The Flight Deck Trapeze Lessons at Swing it Trapeze Catch a Baseball Game (Angels) or Hockey Game (Ducks) Grab Lunch at Dave & Buster’s & Hang Out at the Arcade Take the Family to Medieval Times Jump around at the Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park See a Show at the House of Blues Shop at Anaheim GardenWalk Find Instagram-Worthy Food at the Anaheim Packing House

What is there to do in Anaheim for adults?  

Craft Beer Tasting at Anaheim Brewery & Bruery Terreux Catch a Baseball Game (Angels) or Hockey Game (Ducks) Grab Lunch at Dave & Buster’s See a Show at the House of Blues Shop at Anaheim GardenWalk Find Instagram-Worthy Food at the Anaheim Packing House Enjoy an Amazing Dinner at The Ranch Cocktails at the FIFTH Rooftop Lounge & Watch The Fireworks at Disneyland Enjoy an Escape Room

What can you do for free in Anaheim?

Walk around Downtown Disney (watch fireworks for Free) Hike at the Oak Canyon Nature Center Explore Ralph B. Clark Regional Park Head to the beach – Huntington Beach (just a few miles away) Muzeo – Museum and cultural arts center. Kids Workshops at Home Depot Anaheim.

Pin-it for later: 35 Amazing Things To Do in Anaheim Beyond Disneyland

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Reader Interactions

August 5, 2016 at 8:39 am

I love Disney but these are great ideas since my pass is blocked for the summer! I love all the food at the Packing House!!

xoxo, CiCi http://www.worldwidestylista.com

August 5, 2016 at 9:08 pm

We love Disney too it was just so fun to see what else Anaheim had to offer. I think ever trip to Disney here on out may include a stop at the Packing House… that place was soooo good.

August 5, 2016 at 9:07 am

Wow, that all looks amazing! If we ever visit we will have to look some of these places up 🙂

August 5, 2016 at 9:06 pm

I hope you get the chance someday!

August 5, 2016 at 9:42 am

Some really amazing places here! My boys would flip out over the skate park and the flight deck 🙂

The skatepark was SO cool it made me wish I was in the lesson with the kids. Pretty sure I would break my neck but seriously so cool and my husband loved the flightdeck. So fun that there are these awesome resources right in Anaheim.

August 5, 2016 at 10:59 am

Very comprehensive out of the box list. Good suggestions.

August 5, 2016 at 9:04 pm

Thank you Raquel!

August 5, 2016 at 11:30 am

You and your kids look like you have so much fun! There are indeed so many places worth exploring and visiting other than Disney Land. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

I hope more families think outside of the box and find other ways to entertain their kids. The world is full of cool things.

August 5, 2016 at 11:38 am

Good grief. I never knew there was so much to do there. That Flight Deck looks like it would be a winner in our house. Great info!

August 5, 2016 at 9:03 pm

The boys absolutely LOVED it!! Hopefully, you will get the chance to check it out someday!

August 5, 2016 at 12:48 pm

I’ve never been on the West Coast, but I’d love to one day! Not sure I would want to chug my kids around with me, though. Haha! I don’t know how you do it!!

August 5, 2016 at 9:02 pm

It gets easier as they get older. Our two year old still gives me a run for my money though. I think the more we travel the more it just becomes who we are. It is part of our lifestyle and the kids routines. It is our normal I suppose and that makes it easier. You should definitely come to the West Coast though with our without kids. I love our side of the states 🙂

August 6, 2016 at 10:08 am

You are right Kayla… I think these activities are ageless. My hubby and I had just as much fun as the kids 😉

August 6, 2016 at 10:40 am

I never knew there was so much to do!!! I have been to disney may times, next time i go ill have to do some of this stuff instead. looks like you had a blast.

http://xoxobella.com

August 6, 2016 at 2:26 pm

We really did it was awesome, hopefully you will get a chance to return soon too. Their packing district is amazing as a photo backdrop 😉

August 6, 2016 at 2:05 pm

What a fun city! I had no idea! The medical times place looks especially fun! I will have to visit!!

Yes, you totally should. SO MUCH FUN!

August 6, 2016 at 5:01 pm

I’m pinning this to my travel board! I’ve never been to Anaheim, but I hope some day to go to do Disneyland AND these other great ideas!

August 6, 2016 at 10:26 pm

I think these would be great places to round out a Disneyland trip. We had SO much fun!!

August 8, 2016 at 4:49 am

Love the pics! All of those things especially the trapeze lessons sound equaling as much fun as Disneyland!

August 8, 2016 at 6:26 am

The Trapeze lessons were amazing. I think I may have liked it the most!

August 8, 2016 at 2:17 pm

Great recommendation – I’m totally guilty of forgetting how much else Anaheim offers. I bookmarked a bunch on yelp to check out so thanks!

August 8, 2016 at 3:35 pm

Awesome… I know I cannot believe all of that has been there and I had no idea. We are in Anaheim all the time. And, now I am dying to go back and for once not to get in a park. I really loved the Outlets and the Packing House.

February 4, 2017 at 8:31 pm

Thanks for this! My family is heading to Anaheim this Spring and these are great ideas as alternatives to Disney.

February 5, 2017 at 8:05 am

Wonderful, glad that you found it helpful! We absolutely love Anaheim. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions- [email protected] 🙂

April 17, 2017 at 7:36 pm

WOw that’s a lot of neat stuff. Hoping to get out that way this summer a game is such a good idea- esp helmet nachos!

May 10, 2017 at 3:29 pm

I love these ideas! I also love going on hikes such as Torrey Pines down in San Diego.

May 10, 2017 at 7:12 pm

Torrey Pines is such an awesome hike, I love it!!

May 10, 2017 at 3:31 pm

What we love to do in Southern California is Disneyland with the kids. I got to go once a year growing up and I want to do the same with my children.

May 10, 2017 at 7:11 pm

We are so lucky to have Disneyland near by.

May 10, 2017 at 3:49 pm

I LOVE LOVE to go to all the amusement parks and water parks in So Cal. We are so fortunate to be in SoCal and have access to the Beaches, Mountains, Wineries, we got it all!!

It is true, California is an amazing state.

May 10, 2017 at 5:16 pm

Our favorite thing to do is Medievel Times

May 10, 2017 at 7:09 pm

Yes, Medieval Times is super fun!

May 10, 2017 at 5:27 pm

I really love going to the Angel’s games!! And I would LOVE to take my grandkids to Adventure City one day…..

May 10, 2017 at 7:07 pm

Yes, Angels Stadium is great with kids.

May 10, 2017 at 6:21 pm

Love the discovery cube! Good suggestions !

May 10, 2017 at 7:05 pm

Awesome, so glad you liked the suggestions. I agree. The Discovery Cube is great!!

May 11, 2017 at 2:32 pm

The Cube is amazing!

May 12, 2017 at 3:58 am

We love it too 🙂 Thank you for stopping by

May 11, 2017 at 2:47 pm

It’s worth the drive to LA to see the Dodgers instead of Angels ? Although, a freeway series game is pretty cool!

May 12, 2017 at 3:26 am

We should get out to a Dodgers game, I haven’t been in ages 😉 Thanks for stopping by.

May 11, 2017 at 9:07 pm

Great idea’s! Must check out more than Disneyland next time we go to OC!

May 12, 2017 at 3:22 am

Thank you for stopping by, and YES!!! You totally should. Anaheim has quickly become one of my favorite places in Southern CA.

May 13, 2017 at 1:10 am

My favorite thing to do besides Disneyland is definitely going to Anaheim Ducks games! The atmosphere is unlike anything else. It is a must do for any sports fan!

May 13, 2017 at 12:53 pm

Yes! Ducks games are amazing!!!

May 13, 2017 at 11:47 pm

Disney is awesome–just costs so much to go 🙁

May 14, 2017 at 2:56 pm

I agree, it definitely is not an easy trip on the pocket book. You’ll have to try some of these activities instead 😉

May 18, 2017 at 7:48 am

I’m not one to really read blogs.

But this one actually served a purpose for me! We have 6 kids and over the years as our family has grown; I am desperate for new and exciting outings.

The Flight Deck is something I have been wanting to take my sons to but had no idea it was possible!

So thank you! This was a perfect family involved post and have tons of options we can take on if we want to treat our older kids to a date day and the leave smaller ones with the sitter. Thanks for this!

May 18, 2017 at 10:08 am

Yay!! So happy that you found it useful. You will love the Flight Deck, it was a really unique experience 😉 We also love Sitters In a Second, Inc. if you ever need a sitter while traveling 😉

May 19, 2017 at 7:56 am

Wow I’ve been to Anaheim a lot and you shared things we’ve never done. My son well die to to flight-deck. Thanks

May 19, 2017 at 10:43 am

That is fantastic to hear. That is how we felt when we started researching. Now I am working on awesome things to do in San Diego and I am shocked at how many we have never visited.

December 8, 2017 at 12:40 am

Planning on visiting for Christmas. Can you u give is other information on great places to go.

December 8, 2017 at 10:36 am

Hello Bernadette, you can find tons of info on the Visit Anaheim Tourism Board. They are incredibly helpful! http://visitanaheim.org/

July 17, 2023 at 11:47 am

Great suggestions, thanks for all the tips and ideas!

[…] […]

[…] to be of help. You may also like this post full of things beyond the parks you can do in Anaheim- https://globalmunchkins.com/destinations/travel-within-the-states/10-things-to-do-in-anaheim-besides-&#8230 ; You are going to have so much fun!!! Let me know if you have any […]

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The 25 Best Things To Do Near Disneyland Resort in California [2024]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

767 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Michael Y. Park

14 Published Articles 151 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 60+ U.S. States Visited: 50

1. Adventure City

2. american ninja warrior adventure park, 3. anaheim ice, 4. angel stadium, 5. bowers museum, 6. camelot golfland, 7. discovery cube, 8. exodus escape room, 9. flightdeck rogue racing anaheim, 10. fullerton arboretum, 11. k1 speed, 12. kids empire anaheim, 13. knott’s berry farm, 14. lyon air museum, 15. marconi automotive museum, 16. muzeo museum and cultural center, 17. oak canyon nature center, 18. orange county ropes course, 19. playpie, 20. pretend city children’s museum, 21. santa ana zoo, 22. santiago oaks regional park, 23. sky zone trampoline park, 24. tanaka farms, 25. yorba regional park, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Travelers around the world flock to Disneyland Resort, but there’s more to do in this part of California than visiting Mickey Mouse.

Whether you’re a sports fan, a history lover, or a thrill-seeker, there’s something to do near the Happiest Place on Earth. To kick-start your travel planning, here are the best things to do near Disneyland Resort for visitors of all ages.

The Best Things To Do Near Disneyland Resort in California

Since 1994, Adventure City has entertained families with its classic fair rides, petting farm, and games. With over 18 attractions on the property, the park has something for most families. In particular, the space is known for its relaxing environment while offering its guests hours of fun.

Some of the most beloved parts of the park are Mount Adventurous, Thomas the Tank Engine Creative Play, and the Giggle Wheel. You can make special arrangements for birthdays and other parties.

The nearest bus stop is Beach-Starr.

• Address: 1238 S. Beach Blvd., Anaheim, CA 90680

The Visit Anaheim Savings Pass is free and gives you discounts for specific restaurants, transport, and activities.

In Santa Ana’s MainPlace Mall, the American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park is the perfect place for fans of the hit TV show. The course consists of obstacles similar to those used by the actual show’s athletes , so you and your family can compete to see who is the toughest, strongest, and most athletic.

Some of the most popular parts of the course are the Monkey Swings, the Spider Walls, and the Warped Wall. There’s also an inflatable obstacle course, which is perfect for youngsters.

The nearest bus stop is Main-Main Place.

• Address: 2800 N. Main St. #603, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Anaheim ICE is such a popular indoor rink that even professional hockey teams and skaters use it. Initially, the space was commissioned by Disney, but it’s since become an independent business used for figure skating competitions, lessons, parties, and leisure skating.

It rarely gets cold enough for snow in Southern California, so the rink is one of the best ways to enjoy this winter activity, no matter how warm it is outside. Adult and child skate sizes are available.

The nearest bus stop is Lincoln-Clementine.

• Address: 300 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92805

Angel Stadium is Anaheim’s big stadium and the home ballpark of the Los Angeles Angels.

Most families visit the stadium on game days, but you can take an in-depth guided tour of the space during the off-season or when there’s no game scheduled. These tours even grant you access to the locker room, the dugouts, and other areas usually closed to the public when athletes are on the premises.

The nearest bus stop is State College-Gene Autry.

• Address: 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806

History- and art-loving families have been visiting the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana since it opened in the 1930s. The space has acquired over 100,000 items, many of which are Native American or pre-Columbian pieces.

In addition to the permanent exhibit, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that feature specific artists, cultures, or periods. Most are family-friendly, but call ahead to be sure. There’s even an interactive area for young visitors, the Kidseum, to get children more interested in the arts.

The nearest bus stop is Main-20th.

• Address: 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706

You can find Camelot Golfland sites throughout California, but the one in Anaheim is a particular favorite among visitors. The park’s centerpiece is the miniature golf area, which features different courses of varying difficulty, all King Arthur-themed.

The Anaheim site also includes a bumper boat pool, laser tag, and child-friendly race cars. Keep in mind that there is a height and age requirement for the race course. There’s also food for sale.

The nearest bus stop is La Palma-Kraemer.

• Address: 3200 E. Carpenter Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806

Discovery Cube gets kids interested in science through interactive exhibits, camps, and on-site activities. Currently, there are 8 permanent exhibits , which include “Raceway,” “Rainforest Adventure,” and “You Be the Goalie.” These spaces explore science in a hands-on and fun way. Science camps are also hosted here.

This space is also available for large groups. For example, you can call ahead if you’re planning a field trip or a child’s birthday party.

The nearest bus stop is Main-Edgewood.

• Address: 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92705

Thrill-seeking and puzzle-loving families should have a great time at the Exodus Escape Room in Anaheim. Currently, the facility hosts 3 different room experiences: Villains Vendetta, Olympus, and the Elevator, all of which use puzzles and a 60-minute timer to promote teamwork and bonding.

These rooms are considered family-friendly, though you may want to call ahead if you’re traveling with anyone with sensory concerns. A minimum and maximum number of guests are also allowed, depending on the room you select.

The nearest bus stop is La Palma and Imperial.

• Address: 5642 E. La Palma Ave. #202, Anaheim, CA 92807

If you’re traveling with aspiring pilots, make sure to visit Flightdeck Rogue Racing Anaheim . Visitors 11 and up can test out the simulator in an accurate and life-size cockpit to see how they’d manage flying their own plane.

You can choose from 2 different flight experiences. The Fighter Pilot Experience offers a more thrilling simulation, while the Airline Pilot Experience allows you and up to 5 guests to test out flying a Boeing 737. There’s also a car racing track.

The nearest bus stop is Katella-Clementine.

• Address: 400 Disney Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Spread across over 20 acres of Fullerton’s California State University Campus, the Fullerton Arboretum is the perfect place for a peaceful family day. Today, over 4,000 different plants grow on the property, which you can see while strolling the walking paths.

Additionally, there are 2 museums on the arboretum grounds: the Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum and the Heritage House. Special events are also regularly hosted here, like educational seminars and hands-on workshops for all ages.

The nearest bus stop is State College-Yorba Linda.

• Address: 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, CA 92831

K1 Speed lets families fuel their need for speed on a small-scale racetrack. You can try to beat the best time of the week and month and earn yourself a spot in the facility’s hall of fame.

There are 2 different car models. Those for adults can reach up to 45 miles per hour, while the cars outfitted for children reach a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Children have to be at least 4 feet tall to drive.

The nearest bus stop is La Palma-Red Gum.

• Address: 1000 N. Edward Court, Anaheim, CA 92806

Kids Empire Anaheim offers children a chance to play, explore, and have adventures in a safe and secure environment. Since this play area is inside, it’s the perfect place to go on rainy days or during the summer when it’s too hot to be in the sun.

Climbing courses, slides, giant building blocks, and an indoor soccer arena are just a few of the many activities at the Kids Empire playground. This space can also be rented for parties.

The nearest bus stop is State College-Westport.

• Address: 2078 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806

Knott’s Berry Farm is a family favorite among both locals and out-of-towners. In addition to the rides that are open all year, the park is famous for its annual events. In particular, the entire area turns into a haunted park during the fall for the “Knott’s Scary Farm” event.

There are a variety of rides, from Banzai Falls to Butterfield Stagecoach, many of which are considered family-friendly. However, keep in mind that most rides have a minimum height limit of 46 inches.

The nearest bus stop is La Palma-Beach.

• Address: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620

Since 2009, Lyon Air Museum , which abuts John Wayne Airport (SNA), has been a favorite spot among plane enthusiasts. I n particular, the facility focuses on aircraft from World War II , but there are a number of other planes and vehicles from other periods.

Some of the highlighted items in the museum are the Cessna O-1 Bird Dog plane and the 1945 Indian Chief motorcycle. Eight of the planes in the museum have been preserved so well they can still be flown. Make sure to see if there are any special exhibits while you’re visiting.

The nearest bus stop is Red Hill-Fischer.

• Address: 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707

Car enthusiasts of all ages should consider the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin. Currently, there are over 100 different historic vehicles within the museum. Many of these pieces are from luxury companies like Ferrari and Lamborghini. There are even a few film cars like the Batmobile and the General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

It’s a nonprofit museum; all admission fees are donated to charity. It also makes a memorable event venue for celebrations of all kinds, from birthdays to corporate galas and conferences.

The nearest bus stop is Red Hill-Santa Fe.

• Address: 1302 Industrial Drive, Tustin, CA 92780

Inside Anaheim’s Carnegie Library, the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center complex spreads out over 25,000 square feet. Since 2007, the museum has been used as a gallery and art space, celebrating culture from around the world.

As the space regularly rotates its galleries, you can visit multiple times without seeing the same things twice. Events are also regularly hosted on the premises, many of which are suitable for visitors of all ages. There are even camps and events specifically designed for children.

The nearest bus stop is Anaheim-Broadway.

• Address: 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805

Anaheim’s Oak Canyon Nature Center covers over 55 acres, encompassing 3 different habitats to promote different vegetation. Hiking and nature walks are the main reasons why people visit the nature center. However, on weekends, the site’s interpretive center is also open.

This facility allows visitors to learn about the habitat more in-depth, including seeing some of the wild animals that call the territory home. For those families visiting in the summer, check if one of the center’s day camps is scheduled.

There isn’t a bus stop convenient to get here, so you’ll probably have to drive. Take California Highway 91 to Imperial Highway, make a left on Nohl Road, and then take a left onto East Walnut Canyon Road. The park is at the end of East Walnut Canyon Road.

• Address: 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92807

Santa Ana’s Orange County Ropes Course is famous for being one of the largest rope courses on the West Coast.

With over 30 different course challenges at a multitude of heights, the course is great for thrill-seeking families. Classes are offered in rock climbing and rappelling. Of course, make sure no one you’re traveling with is scared of heights.

Groups are requested to call ahead for special arrangements and don’t hesitate to book it for birthday celebrations.

You need a car to get here. Drive down California Highway 91 to Gypsum Canyon Road, then take Featherly Park to the ropes course.

• Address: Canyon RV Park, 24001 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92808

PlayPie in Buena Park is an elaborate indoor play area with over 15,000 square feet of space. With slides, play sets, a ball pit, and more, kids of all ages can express themselves and explore their imaginations at the facility.

Birthdays on the premises are particularly elaborate, with multiple themes available, like events for kids who love circuses or princesses. Though the space is geared toward kids, even parents and guardians can enjoy the bright colors and attention to detail of PlayPie’s facility.

The nearest bus stop is Beach-Orangethorpe.

• Address: 6924 Beach Blvd., K-131, Buena Park, CA 90621

Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine is dedicated to boosting creativity and expression in children. With its 17 different interactive exhibits, the space is a favorite among local and tourist families alike.

Education and growth are the 2 philosophical pillars of the facility, and it uses cutting-edge research to ensure all the sets and exhibits are properly designed to help kids develop. From art to reading, the space uses buildings in a typical city as a jumping-off point to inspire play.

The nearest bus stop is Irvine Center-Hubble.

• Address: 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

Since 1952, the Santa Ana Zoo has been a center of education, conservation, and fun in California. Over 200 animals are housed here, most representing species found in Central and South America , such as the emerald toucanet and golden-headed lion tamarin, one of the smallest monkey species in the world. Funnily enough, according to old contract stipulations, the facility has to house over 50 monkeys at any given time.

There are 6 different exhibits, with “Amazon’s Edge” and “Colors of the Amazon Aviary” being 2 of the most popular. There’s even a safari train for children.

The nearest bus stop is 1st-Lyon.

• Address: 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Santiago Oaks Regional Park is a wonderful place for nature-loving families to enjoy the great outdoors. With numerous trails to explore, there’s a path for every family, no matter the ages and physical abilities of the people you’re traveling with.

You can also learn more about the local wildlife and geography at the nature center. Dogs are allowed in the park as long as they’re on leashes. Picnics and barbecues are also permitted, so you could enjoy an entire day here.

The nearest bus stop is Newport-Campus, though it’d be a 45-minute walk from there to the park. If you drive, take Santiago Cyn Road to North Windes Drive, which ends inside the park.

• Address: 2145 Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869

Fitness meets fun at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Anaheim. With its numerous trampolines, kids love how close the park lets them get to flying. It can also elevate dodgeball, rope climbing, and other sports.

Kids of all ages are welcome, though certain parts of the park have height or age requirements. You can also book the space for birthdays. Food is available at the park, but you can’t bring any from outside the building except for baby food.

The nearest bus stop is La Palma-Kellogg.

• Address: 1301 Kellogg Drive, Anaheim, CA 92807

Though Tanaka Farms is a working farm, it’s also a popular spot for local and out-of-town families. Tanaka lets you pick your own fruit throughout the year, offering pumpkins in the fall and strawberries in the summer. It also has year-round tours.

In addition to agriculture, the farm serves as an educational center. The farm hosts workshops on topics from farming and barnyard animal welfare to gardening. There are also lunches, cookouts, and cooking seminars using the farm’s own produce.

The nearest bus stop is Michelson-Jordan East.

• Address: 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612

Yorba Regional Park in Anaheim encompasses 13 acres and offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy California’s famously pleasant weather. A number of outdoor activities are permitted in the park, from biking and fishing to hiking. In fact, some of the park’s trails connect to the Santa Ana River Trail, which leads to the Pacific Ocean. It’s 27 miles to Huntington Beach and has a mostly flat, paved surface ideal for bikes.

Numerous amenities, like bathrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue sites, are available to make a day at the park stress-free. Bikes and boats are available for rent.

The nearest bus stop is La Palma-Potomac.

• Address: 7600 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807

Missing LA from this list? If you’re set on leaving the immediate Disneyland area and visiting the City of Angels, Check out our guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles .

Disneyland is, without a doubt, one of the most popular vacation destinations in California. However, from zoos to museums, there are a number of other things for families and solo travelers to do near the park.

We hope this list has given you a few ideas of what sorts of activities and attractions you can do to pass the time while visiting the Anaheim area on the days you’re not at Disneyland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest town or city to disneyland.

Disneyland is in Anaheim, California. However, several cities and towns, such as Irvine, Santa Ana, Orange, and Fullerton, are within a short distance. Even Los Angeles is relatively nearby, meaning it’s easy to visit both cities while on a Disneyland trip.

Are there things to do near Disneyland?

There are numerous things to do near Disneyland. There are several other amusement parks for families. There are also museums, parks, restaurants, and plenty of shopping districts. There are even sports stadiums and event venues suitable for all ages.

Where should I stay near Disneyland?

Consider staying in Anaheim if you don’t want to stay at one of the Disneyland resort hotels. You can also stay in Santa Ana, Orange, Fullerton, or Irvine. If you only want to visit Disneyland for a day, you can stay in LA.

Can you visit Disneyland in a day?

Disneyland Resort is made up of 2 different parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. So if you want to see everything in both, plan at least a day for each. However, if you have limited time, you can see the main attractions in 1 day.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Things To Do Near Disneyland

Disneyland Resort is the the Happiest Place on Earth – and there’s plenty to do here. A day or two at the main park, California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and all the exciting amenities at the Disneyland Resort Hotels…why would you need to go anywhere else?

If you’re spending some time at Disneyland and want to make the most of your visit to Southern California, you’ll probably want to explore more of the local destinations and attractions. Not sure where to start or what to add to your itinerary? Here’s a list of things to do near Disneyland.

Best Things To Do Near Disneyland

Have dinner or drinks at a nearby rooftop restaurant or bar and watch the fireworks.

See a concert at the Anaheim House Of Blues

Go shopping at the Anaheim GardenWalk where you can also try out the flight simulators at Flightdeck and play a few games at the arcade

See what’s happening at the Anaheim Convention Center and attend an event

Visit one of the Orange County beaches for swimming , surfing , and soaking up the SoCal sun

Go scuba diving or snorkeling at a local dive spot

Have a beach bonfire

Take a surf lesson in Huntington Beach

Have dinner at a restaurant with a view of the ocean

See a baseball game at Angel Stadium

See a hockey game or live performance at the Honda Center

Try out seasonal brews at a local brewery

Take a hike on one of Orange County’s best hiking trails

Head to Newport Beach or Dana Point for a whale watching or fishing trip

Go Line Dancing at The Ranch, Cowboy Country, or InCahoots

Head to Los Angeles for the day and visit some of the top tourist spots

Visit a celebrity chef restaurant

Have dinner at a themed restaurant like Strong Water or Trader Sam’s

Have cocktails at a hidden speakeasy

Have more theme park fun at Knott’s Berry Farm

Enjoy an evening with Medieval Knights at Medieval Times

Have a swashbuckling good time at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure

Rent a Duffy Boat and take a cruise around Huntington or Newport Harbor

Take a drive down Pacific Coast Highway

Visit an Orange County food hall and try some tasty treats

Visit the Balboa Fun Zone and have a famous Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana

Have a burger and fries animal style at In-N-Out

See a performance at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Try your luck at a nearby casino

Spend a day winding down from the theme park at a local Day Spa

Visit Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific

Visit one of the local Children’s Museums or an Art Museum

Get up close with the animals at the Santa Ana Zoo or the OC Zoo

Catch a punk show at the Doll Hut

Challenge the family to a round of bowling

Spend a day at some of OCs best shopping destinations like Fashion Island , South Coast Plaza , and Irvine Spectrum

Check out the Asian Garden Mall

Explore a local nature center

Take a train ride at Irvine Regional Park

Hike to Red Rock Canyon at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

Have a picnic overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Play a round of golf at one of Orange County’s world-class golf courses

Go on a ghost hunt or learn about some of OCs haunted locations

Take the kids to a local petting zoo or family farm

Hit the local trails for a horseback ride

Take a boat ride to Catalina Island

Take a day trip to Palm Springs

Seasonal Things To Do Near Disneyland

It’s always a good time to visit Disneyland. But keep in mind that during the summer months, it is busier – and hotter – than other times of the year. If you want to experience the magic of Disney at its best, you can visit during the holidays.

The park decorations are so much fun at Halloweentime with tons of pumpkins and not-so-spooky trimmings. Plus you’ll get to see the characters in their best Halloween costumes. Come Winter, the park is full of holiday magic and special events to celebrate the spirit of the season. Bonus that the temps are lower!

If you’re visiting the area during the holidays, here are some local things to explore:

Find somewhere nearby to play in the snow

Spend a day on the slopes and learn to ski or snowboard

Attend a local Fair or Festival

Find a local Halloween Event or Community Haunted House

Spend an evening getting scared at Knott’s Scary Farm

Enjoy some of the local winter holiday festivities

See one of the local holiday boat parades

Take an evening drive to spot the best Christmas Lights in the area

Go Ice Skating at one of the seasonal Ice Skating Rinks

Save on Multiple Local Attractions with a Go City Tourist Pass

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Anaheim Adventures: 7 Things to Do Near Disneyland

There are a lot of fun things to do near Disneyland. Here are the top places to check out in Anaheim after leaving the park.

November 09, 2022

Magical lands, Mickey Mouse ears, and extra-long churros may be all that comes to mind when you think about Anaheim, but there are so many things to do near Disneyland to keep your adventure going . The 50 square miles that make up the city are filled with diverse opportunities, from amusement parks to ballparks. Though we all know the main attraction that draws the 25 million visitors to the city each year, there are plenty of hidden gems and tourist attractions in Anaheim that are worth the trip—that don’t require a pass to Disneyland, one of the best amusement parks in California .  

So pack your baseball hats and hockey jerseys alongside your mouse ears, and prepare to have the time of your life in Anaheim. To take advantage of the city’s incredible attractions, catch a show at the House of Blues Anaheim, watch a game at Angel Stadium or the Honda Center, ride a roller coaster at Disney California Adventure Park, shop at the outlets, and eat a multicultural meal at the Anaheim Packing House.

Anaheim Packing District

Nestled in the center of Anaheim, northeast of the Disneyland Resort, the Anaheim Packing District has become the gastronomic hot spot for locals and tourists alike. The area encompasses Farmer’s Park and the various historical landmarks surrounding it—including the Packing House and Packard Building—making it an expansive destination. 

The Packing House is the most well-known of these landmarks and is one of the last remaining citrus packing warehouses in Orange County . The exterior of the building has been preserved and retrofitted to become the incredible food hall it is today. Thanks to this ingenious upcycling, the Packing House was able to celebrate its 100th birthday on April 7, 2019. Whether you are looking for Southern-inspired seafood, smoothies, Syrian cuisine, or salads, you can find it all here. 

While the Packing House may often steal the show, the Packard Building (formerly the Packard car dealership) and the MAKE Building (which previously served as a marmalade factory) are also home to quaint eateries. In between meals, check out Farmer’s Park, where gardening classes, community outdoor yoga , and special events are commonplace. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Anaheim .

Center Street Anaheim

After exploring the Packing District, take a walk down the street to discover its cool lifestyle counterpart: Center Street Anaheim. Full of funky independent boutiques, alfresco dining, farmers markets , and local street fairs, Center Street brings together modern amenities and vintage vibes. Grab some dessert, peruse the comic shop, and look for some second-hand finds before heading to the other sweet spots in town.

Anaheim GardenWalk

Looking for a one-stop shop? The Anaheim GardenWalk is an entertainment, dining, and shopping destination that perfectly balances large chain restaurants and shops with one-of-a-kind Anaheim specialties. Among the most popular things to do in Anaheim, California , the Garden Walk is full of fun surprises.

Try your luck at an escape room, hit up the bowling alley, browse the art galleries, and whatever you do, catch a show at the House of Blues Anaheim. Bonus: The Anaheim GardenWalk is merely steps away from the Disneyland Resort, so no transportation is needed (though we wouldn’t judge you for taking an Uber).

Bodhi Leaf Coffee Traders

Coffee enthusiasts, this one’s especially for you! For a more distant excursion, take a ride across the Santa Ana River to Bodhi Leaf Coffee Traders for some of the highest-quality specialty coffee in town. If you take your coffee seriously, this is the place for you. The roasters work directly with farmers around the world to ensure that they are using the best beans available. The combination of direct sourcing and artisanal roasting leads to an energizing coffee experience that is sure to put some pep in your step. 

Order the oat-milk lavender latte if it’s on offer, or try one of the single-origin espressos to savor the distinct flavors that come with such meticulous attention. This is the perfect morning stop before you continue your adventures in Anaheim!

Angel Stadium

Angel Stadium is an Anaheim landmark that must not be missed. While it was once the home of the Los Angeles Rams too, the stadium’s 45,050 seats are now exclusively for Los Angeles Angels fans. The energy of watching a baseball game at their home stadium is something that can only be felt first-hand. With game tickets being so affordable too, this is the perfect baseball stadium to go with even the family or a huge group of friends! Catch a game and savor classic ballpark eats, such as hot dogs, garlic fries, and nachos, or take it to a whole new level with empanadas, rotisserie chicken, and poke bowls.

Oak Canyon Nature Center

Head away from the commercial sections of Anaheim to visit the 58-acre Oak Canyon Nature Center for some much-needed peace and quiet. Tucked into the Anaheim Hills, this natural park features a trickling stream, four miles of hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife. The beautiful expanse comprises three adjoining canyons, which bring together one of the last remaining spaces of oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub in the county. Balance out the hustle and bustle of the lively attractions Anaheim has to offer with a much-needed mini-escape into nature.

Downtown Disney

No, we couldn’t resist throwing this one in, because for the record, Downtown Disney is not technically part of Disneyland since it doesn’t require a ticket to enter. Browse through the numerous boutiques for gifts, keep an eye out for Disney pop-ups, grab a bite to eat, and indulge your sweet tooth with Salt & Straw’s creative flavors. Trust us: there is plenty of Disney magic to discover without even entering the gates of Disneyland.

Flightdeck Flight Simulator

Continuing on with the list of things to do in Anaheim that aren’t Disneyland, Flightdeck Flight Simulator is a great option. For those of you who always dreamed of piloting your own aircraft, this is the right place for you! Get to experience first-class experience as a pilot inside your own cockpit, without ever actually taking flight, that is. With how immersive virtual reality is becoming, flying the make-shift aircrafts will feel incredibly genuine. So get ready for the ride of a lifetime at Flightdeck Flight Simulator, one of the most fun things to do in Anaheim CA.

The Rinks 

Bringing ice to Anaheim, The Rinks has been the best skating rink in the area . Welcoming both professionals and casual skating enthusiasts, this high-quality ice rink is among the most fun activities you can find here. There are freestyle sessions and group classes available for anyone interested, and if you are in luck, you might actually catch some recreational games throughout the Hockey season. Going to The Rinks for an ice skating session is also one of the best family things to do in Anaheim, CA, so get those skates on!

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Anaheim-Disneyland   Travel Guide

12 Best Things To Do in Anaheim-Disneyland

Updated June 10, 2022

The main attractions here are obviously the rides and amusements of Disneyland . But the city of Anaheim also offers a hoard of other worthwhile ventures too. Knott's Berry Farm and Adventure City are traveler-approved amusement parks that are

• All Things To Do

Disneyland Resort Disneyland Resort

Many travelers say this original Disney resort lives up to its motto as "The Happiest Place on Earth." You'll find three unique areas inside Disneyland Resort: Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park and the Downtown Disney District. The main park is still the favorite among reviewers and frequent guests, as it harbors several themed areas like Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Mickey's Toontown and its latest attraction, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, which has brought a whole new level of excitement to the park. While not all the "Star Wars" rides are available (rollout continues until early 2020), the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride and the themed shops and eateries that are open have garnered high praise from visitors.

Meanwhile, at California Adventure, you'll find Golden State-themed lands like Paradise Pier, which is modeled after California boardwalks similar to the one in Santa Monica, and exciting new attractions like the "Guardians of the Galaxy" ride in Hollywood Land. Visitors can also explore the worlds of "The Little Mermaid" and "Cars." For a tasty meal and some entertainment, head to Downtown Disney.

Anaheim Packing District Anaheim Packing District free

Described by recent visitors as hip and a cool place to dine, the Anaheim Packing District features more than 20 artisan eateries, live music, a farmers market and an event area with a fireplace and orange grove. Housed in the former Anaheim Packing House, which was built in 1919, this two-level facility features a central atrium with a communal dining area flanked by cafes and kiosks. Outside, there are picnic gardens and a marketplace, Farmers Park.

Recent visitors highly recommended making a stop (or two) at the Anaheim Packing District. Both travelers and locals love its eclectic vibe and the variety of cuisines (catering to many different budgets) that are available here. Those who also visited Disneyland said this space provided a relaxing and interesting reprieve from the at times chaotic atmosphere of the theme park.

Huntington Beach Huntington Beach free

Known as the center of surfing culture in California, so much so that the city's official nickname is "Surf City USA" and the Vans US Open of Surfing is held there every summer, Huntington Beach is the perfect place to enjoy the waves, either on a board or from shore. Located about 20 miles southwest of Anaheim, it also makes for a good daytrip.

Recent visitors praised the beach's cleanliness, and many note it's an ideal spot for families.

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Angel Stadium Angel Stadium

Both baseball aficionados and casual fans agree: If you're in Anaheim, you should make a point to catch a game at this historic, 45,050-seat venue. Home to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim since 1966, Angel Stadium (or The Big A) is baseball's fourth-oldest active Major League Baseball stadium, behind Fenway Park , Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium. Single game ticket prices start at $5 and vary depending on the day, time and opponent. Parking at the stadium costs $10 per car.

According to recent visitors, the park is clean, the staff is friendly and the parking is easy. If you're looking for an affordable family activity (relative to Disneyland ), you should try to attend a game here, according to past travelers. Also, the tour offered at the stadium also earns high marks from recent visitors, who say the guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center

For all the would-be pilots out there and all those "Top Gun" fans, the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center is for you. Here, you can pretend you're taking off, dogfighting, and completing death-defying aerial maneuvers in fighter jet and Boeing 737 flight simulators that make it feel real. 

And in case you were wondering, recent visitors said it's nothing like a computer game. Reviewers said the graphics and sound in the simulator made them feel as if they were actually flying. You also have the option to change into a flight suit, which past travelers said only enhanced the experience. Visitors also praised the staff and instructors for their clear and informative presentation. The minimum age to participate is 11, so if your tweens or teens grow tired of Disneyland , consider making a stop here.

Adventure City Adventure City

If you're on a budget and you've got young children in tow, you should consider a trip to Adventure City, according to recent visitors. Many reviewers said this small theme park is a less stressful and less expensive alternative to the pricey, crowded entertainment mecca of Disneyland . But keep in mind that this park is geared toward younger kids (most travelers said children between the ages of 2 and 10 will enjoy what Adventure City has to offer). The park does boast two roller coasters, but the focus here is less on thrilling rides and more on engaging pint-sized visitors with interactive attractions, such as the Thomas Tank Engine attraction where kids help one another build train layouts.

And because of Adventure City's manageable size, you can likely spend just one day here, versus the several you'll need to set aside for a trip to Disneyland. However, reviewers caution that preteens probably won't enjoy Adventure City as much as younger children. 

Yorba Regional Park Yorba Regional Park

Approximately 10 miles east of downtown Anaheim in the mouth of Santa Ana Canyon, Yorba Regional Park is an oasis of green in a city heavily blanketed in concrete. Among its four lakes and connecting streams, biking and jogging paths, and equestrian trails, there are more than 400 picnic tables, along with barbecue grills and restrooms, making it the ideal place to take a family tuckered out by all the crowds at Disneyland . There's also a bicycle rental shop at the park ( Wheel Fun Rentals ), which rents out a variety of bikes, kayaks and pedal boats. Consider renting a bike if you want to ride the 20-mile-long Santa Ana River Trail, which eventually leads to the Pacific Ocean.

Recent visitors loved their time at Yorba Regional Park and strongly recommended travelers make time to stop by. Reviewers described the park as a city oasis and say it offers a wonderful place to relax.

Knott's Berry Farm Knott's Berry Farm

If you're sick of Disney – or just want try out some big roller coasters – you should check out nearby Buena Park's Knott's Berry Farm, a popular theme park that features some thrilling attractions. The park contains the quaintness of a Wild West reconstruction with some of the attractions of a multimillion-dollar theme park. It also boasts a log ride, a Wild West stunt show, a boardwalk-themed area and a playground area called Camp Snoopy that is geared toward young children. Highly recommended thrill rides include the HangTime dive coaster and the super-fast Xcelerator The Ride roller coaster. If you're visiting during the summer and need a break from the heat, consider purchasing tickets to the water park, Knott's Soak City, which is open from mid-May through early September.

While Knott's Berry Farm offers a different experience (and a cheaper price tag) to the Disneyland attractions, many past visitors noted that, unlike Disney, the staff and amenities were not always up to par. If you plan on drinking more than one fountain drink, consider purchasing the park's souvenir bottle, which costs $12.99 and grants free refills throughout your visit. Travelers also suggested downloading the Knott's Berry Farm smartphone app, which includes an interactive map of the park showing the fastest routes between rides and wait times for select rides, among other features.

Small-Group Hollywood, LA Beaches & Filming Location Tour from Anaheim

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from $ 96.00

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Full-Day Los Angeles Sightseeing Tour from Anaheim

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Anaheim GardenWalk Anaheim GardenWalk free

Anaheim GardenWalk is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex, with one of the main attractions being the House of Blues. Other businesses at the 460,000-square-foot complex include GO VR Gaming, Mission Escape Games and Bowlmor Lanes. Restaurants, like Johnny Rockets, The Cheesecake Factory and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. are among the family-friendly restaurants. Located steps from Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center, it's an easy place to relax and dine.

Recent visitors who knew what to expect at the complex were happy with what they found, saying there were good restaurants and prices, but others who thought they were going to an actual garden were disappointed. They also mention that several shops seemed to be closed.

Aquarium of the Pacific Aquarium of the Pacific

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Fullerton Arboretum Fullerton Arboretum free

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Disneyland California

10 Fun Things to Do Near Disneyland California

From amusement parks to live concerts and sports games, there is something everyone will love to do near Disneyland California.

Attend a Show at The City National Grove of Anaheim

If you're looking for a night of entertainment , look no further than this spectacular outdoor live music venue. Take the kids and attend a show, or plan a date night with your significant other – this venue has you covered.

Watch a Baseball Game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Attend a baseball game and root for the home team, the Angels. The stadium is the fourth-oldest active Major League Baseball stadium. Go on a tour of the ballpark and view areas that are normally restricted to the public. Click here for more information.

Visit the Flight Deck Air Combat Center

Thrill seekers will enjoy this authentic military flight simulator. You will get to feel what it is like to take the controls of a commercial airliner. Flightdeck provides classroom training and in-flight instruction to ensure you have a memorial experience .

Explore the Orange County Marketplace

With a new event happening every weekend , you will always find something to do and see at the Orange County Marketplace. It operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 7a.m. to 4p.m.

Visit the Great Wolf Lodge

Swim and slide at the Great Wolf Lodge, California's only indoor water park resort . Enjoy over 105,000 square feet of fun. As a family, ride down the River Canyon Run, slide tandem on the Alberta Falls, ride the indoor surf simulator Wolf Rider Wipeout, and race the kids on the Mountain Edge Raceway. 

greatwolf.com

Visit the Discovery Cube OC

Discovery Cube offers families the opportunity for hands-on learning. Explore the traveling aerospace exhibition, Above and Beyond; take a virtual helicopter tour and fly from mountains, over landmarks , to the sea; and make sure to take some Healthy Kitchen classes to learn some tips and tricks.

Visit Adventure City Amusement Park

Take the kids to Adventure City Amusement Park for a fun filled day. Some of their most popular rides include Reweind Racers, Drop Zone, Crazy Bus, and Giggle Wheel.  Admission is $18.95 per person, infants 12 months and younger get in for free and parking is also free.

Go Shopping at Anaheim GardenWalk

This outdoor shopping and entertainment center will keep your entire family entertained. Not only is GardenWalk absolutely stunning but there is a store for everyone.

Go-Kart Racing at K1 Speed

Get your adrenaline pumping on professionally designed tracks with K1 Speed . These high-performance electric karts can reach speeds of 45mph. Right now you can get five races for $75 or eight races for $100.

Take the Kids to Camelot Golfland

If you're looking for an inexpensive family activity , look no further than Camelot Golfland. Play miniature golf, laser tag, arcade games, and more.

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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

15 Coolest Things To Do In Disneyland, California

July 25, 2021 //  by  Jessie Wolf //   3 Comments

You might think that the coolest things to do in Disneyland California would be pretty obvious, but actually, there are a lot of hidden treats in and around the parks that add that little extra magic to your trip. From the more obvious rides and attractions, all the way through to sitting for a portrait!

We’re going to run down our best things to do in Disneyland so that you’ll be able to have the best plan of what to see and do while you’re there. There are a huge range of things to take your fancy so don’t worry if you don’t like rides or aren’t a big fan of musicals. There’s something at Disneyland CA for everyone. After all, it is the happiest place on earth!

Get a FREE printable 30/60/90 day Disney countdown by joining our private  Disney Facebook Group  and share your photos and ask for tips and tricks!

Rides and Attractions

When people think of Disneyland, a lot of people will think of all the cool rides and attractions that it has to offer. This is a great way to spend your time at Disneyland. There are rides for everyone in your party, from smaller and more gentler rides to the big coasters. You’ll be sure to find something that everyone will enjoy. Some rides do have different height restrictions but we have a helpful guide all about those to help you out! 

Even if you have people in your group that aren’t big fans of rides, there are plenty of other cool attractions to take a look at. Whether that’s discovering the different lands, especially the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, which is superbly designed, or enjoying the various play parks and smaller activities, such as Tom Sawyer’s Island. You can also spend some time meeting the characters or enjoying a guided tour of the park with one of the very knowledgeable Cast Members. Whatever kind of Disney you’re into, there are plenty of rides and attractions to keep you entertained.

Character Dining

Disneyland has some really great food options on offer, we’ve rounded up some of the must-eats for you here . But one of the best things to do at Disneyland is to enjoy some character dining. Character dining is a unique experience where you get to enjoy a delicious meal whilst also enjoying the company of some of your favourite characters.

There are a number of different options for character dining and different characters are available at different locations. Character dining can often be a way for you to meet characters that you otherwise wouldn’t see around the parks. For example, having breakfast or brunch at Disney’s PCH Grill is one of the only ways you can meet Stitch at Disneyland, outside of special events. Other character dining includes the Disney Princesses and Mickey and Pals. Character dining is available at more locations for breakfast, but if you’d rather have dinner with your favourite characters then Goofy’s Kitchen is the best place to be as they have character dining all throughout the day. A lot of character dining experiences feature a buffet meal which means you can get your fill of food as well as fun with your favourite Disney friends!

Park Hopping

Pretty much all the Disney parks in the world, feature two or more parks. When you visit Disneyland, you can get tickets that all you to go in both Disneyland and California Adventure in a single day. This is known as park hopping. It allows you to take advantage of everything that both parks have to offer, giving you the freedom to jump in and out of the parks when it’s convenient for you. 

California Adventure has more of the bigger rides which can mean that wait times for rides in that park are longer. The fast passes are also more likely to run out earlier, especially for the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout ride.

This means that you may wish to head to this park earlier to get the fast passes and then spend time in the Disneyland park while you wait for your time slot. Similarly, you may wish to do all the water rides in one go so you can dry off completely rather than repeatedly getting wet! Park hopping gives you more opportunities to make the most of everything to see and do in the park.

But one of the best things about park hopping is the transition between the two parks. The large forecourt between the two parks is always packed with people. You’ll get to see all kinds of weird and wonderful costumes, especially if you go around Halloween.

You can check out what people are Disney Bounding as (if you’re not sure what Disney Bounding is, check out our guide !). There’s just such a great energy and excitement around there, even while you’re not in the park. It’s such a wonderful place to spend a bit of time and people watch for a bit.

Everybody loves a holiday. That’s why going to Disneyland during a holiday season, whether that’s Halloween or Christmas or Easter, is both one of the coolest things to do, but can also be pretty tricky.

Big events, like the Oogie Boogie Bash at Halloween, often have bigger crowds and bigger costs so it may not be the best for everyone. If you want to look when the park will be the quietest, check out our crowd calendar for the best ideas.

The special events at Disneyland are often separately ticketed meaning that you need to pay extra to go to the specific events. However, if you’re not interested in the events specifically but just the decorations and the general ambiance of the parks, then going at these times doesn’t have to cost you more.

Alternatively, if you want to go to a ticketed event, the event ticket often gives you access to the park earlier than the event starts, so you don’t necessarily need a park ticket as well as the event ticket.

These special events often give you exclusive access to rides or additional experiences, such as the Trick or Treat walks at Halloween. You may also be able to meet exclusive characters, or characters in different costumes, so for a lot of people these events are well worth the money.

But even if you don’t want to doing anything extra, going during the holidays is extra magical anyway! The parks get decorated for the theme and no detail is spared. If you want to go somewhere truly, magical at Christmas time, Disneyland is the place you want to be! The Cast Members and the park itself go all out and lots of rides and attractions get Christmas make overs too. Going to Disneyland during a holiday is a great way to make your trip, and your holiday, extra special.

House of Blues

House of Blues Anaheim was originally located in Downtown Disney but has since moved into bigger premises on nearby Garden Walk. It’s only a few minutes walk away and is well worth a visit so we’re still including it on this list of best things to do at Disneyland.

House of Blues is an incredible restaurant with four differently themed rooms, all playing live music. All are based around New Orleans in style and also flavour and there’s a huge range of live music whenever you visit. If you’re looking for an extra special treat, head over for Gospel Brunch on a Sunday morning and you won’t be disappointed!

Special Occasions

Any trip to Disneyland is magical. It’s always a real treat and something you’ll remember for years to come. But Disneyland can make an already special occasion even more special. Whether that’s a birthday or a graduation or even an engagement, Disney have many ways to make a memorable moment truly special.

If you’re visiting Disneyland for a special occasion, make sure to visit the Town Hall first. You’ll find a range of badges there that will help you celebrate. These include birthdays, just married, and even first visits. You can personalize these with your name or the date and when you wear them around the park, Cast Members often give you a little extra magic to make your day that little bit more special.

Whether that’s as simple as a Congratulations or Happy Birthday, to letting you ride at the front on a ride, or taking some extra Magical Moment pictures, it can be a tiny token to make your day extra amazing.

Disneyland Cast Members love making magic for people so if you’re looking for a helping hand or a sneaky photographer for a big moment, they are more than happy to help. All you have to do is ask! If you are planning a Disneyland engagement, you may want to check out our guide for some of the best ways to go about it!

Even if there’s nothing extraordinary happening while you’re at Disneyland, any trip to Disney is a magical experience – especially if it’s a surprise trip! We’ve also rounded up some of the best ways to reveal a surprise Disney trip here so be sure to check that out to kick off a great trip in a magical way.

Fantasmic is Disneyland’s ‘end-of-day’ show and is as fantastic as the name suggests. Fantasmic turns Tom Sawyer’s Island into a magical stage where Sorcerer Mickey creates incredible illusions. Featuring fireworks, animations and even a real life pirate ship, Fantasmic is a must experience when you’re at Disneyland.

Some of the dining experiences include priority seating to watch the show, so if you want a great view and a physical seat, this can be a great way to combine great dining with great entertainment. Annual Passholders also have priority access to some standing areas, the rest are on a first come, first served basis so it’s a good idea to get there with plenty of time if you want a great view.

One great thing about Fantasmic though, is that is revolves around the island, so even if you’re further round the edges, you still get a really good view as the boats pass in front of you.

World of Colour

Don’t worry if you’ve only got California Adventure tickets while you’re visiting Disneyland, there’s still an end of day show for you to enjoy too. California Adventure’s show is called World of Colour and uses a clever display of water to tell magical stories.

Depending on what time of year you visit, there are different stories to be told. If you visit during Halloween for example, the story is all about the Disney villains! No matter what story is being told, there are a range of wonderful animations and incredible waterworks. All the rides in the background get switched off too so all you can see is the colours of the show. There’s plenty of great spots available and they are all first come first served, but be careful if you stand too close as you may get wet!

One way to make sure you have a trip to Disneyland you’ll never forget, is to get plenty of great photos. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so think of all the stories you can tell from the pictures you take at Disneyland. Whether you get them taken by the Disney photographers or you take them all yourself, there are loads of great places to get photos at in Disney.

One of the most popular things to do is to take pictures with the Disney Walls around the park. These are simply what they say, walls. But there are so many different ones, all painted differently, that they make brilliant backdrops for photographs – particularly ones for Instagram. If you’re thinking about putting your Disney photos on Instagram, check out these great captions to use!

Pin trading

This is one of the most simple things to do at Disneyland but it can actually be one of the most rewarding. If you’re new to pin trading, or if you’re a seasoned pro, and want some great tips and tricks on how to get going in the parks, we have a great guide here .

What makes it one of the best things to do at Disneyland is that you can make it whatever you want it to be. Maybe you want to try and trade as many pins as possible while you’re in the park, or maybe you’re looking for a single pin that sums up your trip, pin trading offers a bit of something for everyone. Some people like to collect specific rides or characters, or event pins when they go to special events. Some people just like to see what they can find. Whatever way you want to trade, it’ll be sure to add a bit of magic to your Disneyland trip.

Caricatures

If you’re looking for a different kind of souvenir, then a custom caricature drawing is also a great idea. These are Disney stylized drawings by professional Disney artists, who will Disneyfy you as you sit for them. They are relatively inexpensive and it’s a complete custom and unique piece of Disneyland to take home with you.

What makes them a great thing to do at Disneyland is that you don’t actually have to be in Disneyland to get one. There is a caricature artist in New Orleans Square in Disneyland park, but there is also an artist located in Downtown Disney, near the World of Disney store. Both are employed directly by Disney so you know that you’ll get just as good quality outside the park as you would inside!

Frozen – Live at the Hyperion

Going to see any show at Disneyland is a wonderful treat and if you get chance to see them all, go for it! You would not be disappointed. But if you’re only planning on seeing one show whilst you’re at Disneyland, Frozen is the one you want to see.

Frozen Live at the Hyperion is in the Hyperion Theatre in California Adventure and guests can experience a Broadway quality show, with incredible sets, costumes and special effects. It also has phenomenal singing! It tells a shortened version of Frozen but it still lasts about an hour so it may not be the best for very young children. Although the staging and acting are all so magical that I’m sure it’ll capture the attention of everyone, young and old!

WonderGround Gallery

WonderGround Gallery is a store and art gallery-of sorts in Downtown Disney. It is primarily a homeware and art store that sells phenomenal (and somewhat expensive) Disney collectibles. The Gallery name comes from the quality of the artwork on display, and for sale, in the store. So if you’re not looking to buy anything, it’s still a fantastic thing to do in Disneyland as it’s all worth a look at.

They often run special events too where they theme the artwork around new rides or movies. There’s also new stock in very frequently so it’s always different whenever you visit. As much a gallery as it is a store, it’s a great way to spend some time while you’re in the area.

Watch the Clock

This may seem like an odd thing to do at Disneyland. Why would you want to be watching the clock when you want to be doing all the amazing things to do at Disneyland? Well, sometimes it’s nice to take a little moment to relax and enjoy the time and effort that went into building Disneyland.

By watching the clock, I mean specifically, the clock on It’s a Small World. The large clock face on the front of the ride is an actual working clock and if you’re there when it strikes the hour then you get to watch figures from across the globe have a little song and dance around the clock! It changes it when it has its holiday decorations on too! But with all the hustle and bustle going on around Disneyland, sometimes it’s nice to take a moment and just take it all in!

Cars Land in California Adventure is one of the most impressive and immersive areas of the park and you could easily spend hours looking at all the intricate details that go into it. But what you can also do while you’re in Cars Land is meet the Cars themselves.

These are full on vehicles that you can meet and have photos with. They all have different personalities and are super incredible to look at. It is a little bit of potluck sometimes about who’s going to come out, but they’re all worth the wait, just for the pure attention to detail that goes into them!

There are so many amazing things to do at Disneyland and different people will enjoy different things. Disneyland and the surrounding area has so much to offer that you’ll be sure to find many amazing and magical things to fill your time with!

Reader Interactions

August 18, 2021 at 4:00 am

The publishing date of this article is July 25th, 2021. It’s an old article and many of the suggestion, like park hopping, fast passes, Fantasmic, and other shows are not even available at this time. Your article is a disservice to anyone looking for current information.

August 18, 2021 at 7:32 pm

Hello! I have hundreds of articles on this site and it would be nearly impossible to update them all for current offerings. Some offerings at disney world [not land] started off small, and disney world has been bringing back dining, experiences and more multiple times a month. This would mean over a year of updating hundreds of articles multiple times a month and that just isn’t feasible for a small business owner in this climate. Thank you for understanding! Please always cross check with the official Disney website.

August 31, 2023 at 12:59 am

I was wondering if you can use a Magic Band at Disneyland like you do at Disney World?

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The Ultimate Guide to Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort

Everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to “The Happiest Place on Earth”

By Amanda Adler

“To all who come to this happy place, welcome!” These are the words Walt Disney chose to open Disneyland Park with in 1955, and in the decades since, this entertaining vacation destination has grown to include two theme parks, the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district, and three themed hotels. Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland Resort is easier to navigate than the larger Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy all the classic Disney magic in a more manageable footprint. 

Related The ultimate guide to Walt Disney World Resort

Follow this guide to help make your trip to “The Happiest Place on Earth” a success.

An introduction

Disneyland Resort’s two theme parks, the original Disneyland Park and the newer (still evolving) Disney California Adventure Park, serve as the anchor for this vibrant entertainment destination. Travel between the parks is simple as it’s only a short walk from one entrance to the other, meaning you can enjoy a ride through the Amazon on the Jungle Cruise in the morning before tasting your way through a miniature version of California wine country in the afternoon.

Disneyland Park

Nine themed lands, taking you throughout worlds of fantasy, adventure, futurism, and beyond await at Disneyland Park . Here you’ll find the bubblegum pink Sleeping Beauty Castle, classic attractions that send you whirling around in a teacup and zooming off through space on an indoor roller coaster, and new offerings that immerse you in the Star Wars universe. Don’t forget about the character hugs, which make this your ultimate destination for cozying up next to Mickey, Donald, Chewbacca, or your favorite Disney Princess.

What not to miss: The popular nighttime Main Street Electrical Parade recently returned to Disneyland Park, offering sparkling lights and catchy music to help close out each evening. Thrill seekers should make sure to ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds, which can only be found at Disneyland Park, whereas families with younger kids can delight in classic kid-friendly fare like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

Noteworthy seasonal events: The winter holidays bring the park to life with festive, themed overlays at popular attractions such as It’s a Small World and The Haunted Mansion.

Insider tip: Plan to arrive at the park as early as possible. Since Disneyland is a popular choice for local visitors, many Californians don’t arrive until after morning rush hour has passed, giving you time to beeline for your favorite attractions before the crowds arrive.

What’s the best age for a child to visit Disneyland? The beauty of Disneyland is its appeal for all ages. Littler tots will find lots to enjoy here, from gentle boat and train rides to a variety of slow-moving attractions themed to classic Disney animated films. But older kids and teens will find thrilling coasters such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain equally appealing, making this a vacation getaway that the whole family can enjoy together.

Disney California Adventure Park

Disneyland’s second park revolves loosely around a theme dedicated to the state in which it’s located. But Disney California Adventure Park is more than a simple tour of the Golden State as it offers a bevy of unique attractions that can only be found here. From Pixar-themed rollers to lands dedicated to the Cars franchise, the Avengers films, and more, you’re sure to find charming one-of-a-kind experiences around every corner in this dynamic theme park.

What not to miss: The Avengers Campus dives into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, complete with high-flying stunts by Spider-Man, mystic arts demonstrations by Dr. Strange, and live battles between Black Widow and a bevy of bad guys. Dine on food and drinks altered by Pym Particles at Pym’s Test Kitchen before firing off webs on the Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure attraction or dropping (literally) into a massive Guardians of the Galaxy heist.

Related Disneyland’s latest experiences challenge your senses and mess with your head

Noteworthy seasonal events: Themed events take place throughout the year, making this a popular spot for seasonal travel. During Halloween, the park hosts a separate ticketed event, Oogie Boogie Bash, which offers costumes, special treats, and Disney character fun.

Insider tip: If you’re unable to ride popular attractions during the day, save them for last. Lines tend to die down as the park nears closing time—if you’re still in line when the park closes, they will let you ride.

Is Disneyland fun for adults? Disney parks are an increasingly popular destination for adults to visit, including those traveling without children. Disney California Adventure Park’s exhilarating attractions mixed with its variety of culinary treats and seasonal gourmet festivals make this an especially popular park for foodies and adrenaline junkies to explore, with or without kids. 

Downtown Disney District

Journey out the park gates to discover an eclectic mix of Disney shops, name-brand boutiques, unique eateries, and fun entertainment offerings at the Downtown Disney District . Though relatively busy at any time, this destination truly comes to life at night, when visitors head for happening eateries such as Ballast Point Brewing Co. and Salt & Straw ice cream.

The Disneyland Resort has three main hotels, each of which is within walking distance to the theme parks and offers perks to those who stay, such as early theme park access. These properties include:

• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa : Disneyland’s most luxurious hotel is designed to celebrate the early 20th-century Arts and Crafts era and offers an on-site spa, upscale dining, and a private entrance directly into Disney California Adventure. 
• Disneyland Hotel : This namesake property celebrates Disneyland’s past and present. Rooms offer headboards with a light-up fireworks design. Outside you can enjoy a pool with a monorail-themed waterslide, and an interactive tiki bar.
• Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel : This hotel’s theme pays homage to a seaside retreat, complete with a rooftop pool, located steps from the theme park front gates.

More than 50 properties near the Disneyland Resort have been designated as “Good Neighbor Hotels.” These hotels offer accommodations at a variety of price points and can be booked as part of a room and ticket package. 

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Big name hotel chains are prevalent here, with the Anaheim Marriott and Hilton Anaheim being among some of the most admired options.
• Those looking for the best value will find budget-friendly options like Castle Inn & Suites, while campers will love Anaheim Harbor RV Park .
• Those looking for room to spread out will enjoy larger accommodations at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort and CAMBRiA Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort.
• Families with kids will delight in the on-site water parks found at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground, and the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance.
• Those seeking a boutique hotel experience should check out Hotel Lulu Anaheim Resort and SunCoast Park Hotel Anaheim.

Planning your trip

When planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort, arrange your visit for mid-week if possible. Since many locals visit the parks, you’ll want to steer clear of weekends and school holidays as much as possible. The month of October is especially popular due to the park’s Halloween festivities, and the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s are also generally very crowded. A visit in early January and throughout February is a good bet for mitigating the masses, and late-April to mid-May is also a great time to visit. 

Disney Genie: No matter when you visit, be sure to download the Disneyland app to gain access to Disney Genie, which provides attraction and dining recommendations based on your family’s interests, including suggestions on best times to visit to avoid crowds. The app also offers a tip board with wait times and connects you to photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout your stay.

How do you avoid lines? For an extra fee, you can purchase Disney Genie+. This gives you all the features of Disney Genie, with the added benefit of selecting a window of time to enter an expedited queue line, called a Lightning Lane, for some of the most popular attractions. For the most highly demanded attractions, Lightning Lane entrance access is available on an individual, pay-per-ride, system.

Tickets, reservations, parking, and more 

Disneyland theme park tickets can be purchased online in advance at Disneyland.com . Multi-day ticket options allow you to save on longer stays. 

Park hopping: Those interested in visiting more than one park on the same day can add the Park Hopper option to their tickets for an additional fee. This allows you to visit the second park any time after 1 p.m. (based on availability).

Annual passes: The Disneyland Resort offers several types of annual passes, called Magic Key Passes. The passes vary in price based on the features included. Currently many of the annual passes are sold out, with only the lowest tier pass, Enchant Key Pass, available for purchase. Availability of these types of passes does vary, so be sure to check Disneyland’s website for the most up-to-date information. 

Know before you buy tickets: To enter a theme park, you will also need a park reservation for the park you plan to visit—for each day you’d like to visit. This is a relatively new process that helps better ensure the parks won’t reach their capacity limits. Before purchasing a theme park ticket, please check to see if your desired date and theme park is available. The current availability calendar is found at Disneyland.com .

Parking: Parking locations for Disneyland generally open 60 minutes before the parks open. The cost is $30 for cars and motorcycles, or $35 for larger vehicles, such as RVs. Closer preferred parking is also available for an additional fee.

Itinerary suggestions

Many travelers coming to the Disneyland Resort only stay a few days. While this length of visit is great for those looking to make the most of a short getaway, an extended stay also has its perks. Check out these itinerary suggestions to help when planning your vacation.

In a weekend: Weekend visitors will find that the easy-to-navigate layout of the Disneyland Resort allows them to hit many of their must-see attractions in both theme parks during a 2-day visit. To maximize your time, plan to arrive at the parks each morning at opening and head for your most coveted ride first.

In 3 to 4 days: A slightly longer stay gives you enough time to see everything at a leisurely pace, with extra time to lounge by your hotel pool in the afternoons and savor longer sit-down meals. Sports fans can also take in a game as the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Angels both play nearby.

Longer stays: Those looking to extend their stay in Southern California can explore more of the area surrounding Anaheim. Theme park fanatics should make time to visit Knott’s Berry Farm , and the stunning Pacific Coast beaches, along with the alluring attractions of L.A. and Hollywood, are also close by.

How much does the average trip cost? A trip to Disneyland can vary wildly in cost depending on your length of stay, choice of accommodations, upgrade options, and more. A 1-day theme park ticket generally starts at $104 plus tax, but the park’s seasonal pricing model means that travel during weekends and peak seasons can send this cost upwards. The per-day cost of Disneyland theme park tickets goes down the longer you stay. So as you price out your trip, you may find that extending your visit is more affordable than you realize.

Food offerings

Disneyland offers some of the most delicious, Instagram-worthy eats of any travel destination. From snacking on Mickey-shaped beignets in a New Orleans-inspired setting to sipping out-of-this-world cocktails in a Star Wars -themed cantina, savoring sourdough loaves crafted into the shape of your favorite Disney characters at a San Francisco-style waterfront eatery, and drooling over an insane variety of churros found pretty much wherever you look, your biggest vacation quandary may just be determining what to eat next.

The parks offer a never-ending array of seasonal food offerings, and grabbing quick eats throughout your trip can easily be accomplished via mobile ordering on the Disneyland app. But if you’re seeking a more refined sit-down meal, you’ll want to book reservations well in advance at the most popular eateries.

Some favorite restaurants include:

• Blue Bayou: A southern-style restaurant located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
• Oga’s Cantina: A heavily themed Star Wars -inspired watering hole with light snacks and a robot DJ.
• Carthay Circle: Upscale dining and cocktails located inside a reproduction of Los Angeles’ Carthay Circle Theater, the spot where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered.
• Lamplight Lounge: A waterfront Pixar-themed eatery that boasts popular lobster nachos and local craft beverages.
• Napa Rose: Elevated California cuisine and award-winning wines can be found at this fine-dining establishment, located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Can I bring my own food into Disneyland? Guests are allowed to bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverages into the parks as long as they’re not in glass containers, don’t require heating or refrigeration, and don’t have pungent odors. Inform a Security Cast Member of any food items when you enter the park.

Road trip tips and tricks

While L.A. traffic is notoriously hard to navigate, roadtrippers who make it to the relatively laid-back enclave of Anaheim will find the streets are easier to maneuver. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Much of Anaheim is very walkable. While having a car is handy for visiting attractions outside of the main tourist thoroughfare, much of the area surrounding Disneyland Resort is easy to explore on foot. There are countless hotels, eateries, and stores surrounding the Disney parks, and chances are your resort also offers a shuttle to take you back and forth with ease. 

Comfy shoes are a must. Even if you’re not planning to walk to Disneyland from your hotel, once you’re at the parks you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Expect to trek several miles each day. You’re going to want to pack a trusted pair of sneakers, not just sandals.

Pack cute, but pack light. Personalized t-shirts, Minnie ears, and themed outfits are all on display during a visit to Disneyland. While dressing up isn’t a requirement, the parks offer the perfect setting to sport a fun look if desired. But be practical in your clothing choices as they’ll need to last through long days of exploration. Try to only bring a small bag with you into the park to make your load lighter and avoid any unneeded extras.

Budget a little extra for frivolities. Disney is full of temptations. From delicious eats to adorable souvenirs, you’re bound to find lots of items that pique your interest. No matter what you think you’ll spend during your visit, build in extra spending cash for impulse buys—and know that Disney pricing is likely higher than you imagine it will be.

Don’t try to do it all. The longer you plan your trip, the more items you’re likely to add to your must-see list. Try to give yourself grace and be realistic about what you can accomplish during your visit. Often the best memories are made in unexpected moments you didn’t plan for. Stop and take in a show by a strolling performer, snap a selfie with Goofy, and make a beeline for the churro cart. A fun vacation is about all the moments—both big and small—so make sure you give yourself time to savor them all without rushing onto the next big thing.

Meet the Author

Amanda Adler

Amanda Adler is a writer who splits her time between traveling the U.S. in her RV and soaking up the air conditioning in her home in Orlando, Florida. While on the road she seeks out national parks, theme parks, kid- and dog-friendly hiking trails, and local businesses that tout their wares as being “craft,” “artisanal” or “bespoke.”

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Must-Do Disneyland Perfect Itinerary for First Timers (2024)

If it’s your first time visiting Disneyland, what makes the park so magical? What are the must-do Disneyland things to experience? If you only have one day to tour this California theme park, how do you know where to start? I’ve included my definitive list of “must do Disneyland” attractions and rides, in a one day Disneyland itinerary.

Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab.

This article was originally published February 23rd, 2015 and has been updated and republished with a new date.

Must-Do Disneyland List of Attractions

As a first time Disneyland visitor, you’ll want to get the best feel of what makes this Disney park the “Happiest Place on Earth”. The recommended attractions and rides will give you the best experience for a single day at Disneyland.

You’ve never been to Disneyland before but wondering how to do Disneyland in one day? I’m sharing my insider tips in this ultimate guide on the must-do Disneyland attractions for a first time visitor. These ideas will give you a great feel of the park and allow room for plenty of magic.

Be sure to read this planning guide for tips on taking a first Disneyland vacation . The following article offers my suggestion of a one day Disneyland itinerary. After you’ve experienced these things, everything else is just a Disney bonus!

Disneyland in a Day

Can you do everything at Disneyland in one day? Nope, not by a longshot. Rides, attractions, and shows will keep you busy. You’ll want to mix in character greetings and dining. Add live entertainment including parades and nighttime spectaculars and that’s a jam-packed day.

This Disneyland itinerary doesn’t include everything, of course. You’d need a lot more than one day at Disneyland to experience it all.  Each guest will have to pick and choose carefully which of the items on this single day must-do Disneyland list you’ll want to experience.

I’ve served up suggestions for families with younger kids including Disneyland with babies and toddlers. There are tips here for thrill ride fans and foodies.

Please note that some attractions or rides may not be open or operational during your visit. Always check the Disneyland calendar ahead for your date.

Choosing the Best Day for Your Vacation

Disneyland fluctuates the hours their park remains open throughout the year. Before you book your reservation, check the Disneyland calendar to ensure you’ll have a full day in the park. Often times the parks close early due to special events or during off-peak seasons. Fireworks, parades and some shows may not operate during weekdays.

The other thing you’ll want to be aware of is the refurbishment calendar. Disneyland lists on their website which rides will be closed on certain dates. Double-check ahead of time to see what attractions will not be operating during your visit.

If it’s expected to be a crowded day at Disneyland , use this itinerary to plot out your day ahead of time. Figure out a loose plan on where you’ll eat and view menus online before your trip to speed things along.

DISCOUNT DISNEYLAND TICKETS – My travel partners at Get Away Today offer both discounted Disneyland tickets and Anaheim-area hotels to fit any budget! Many hotels include exclusive discounts like free parking, complimentary breakfast or even free nights, just for booking through Get Away Today.

Disneyland tickets purchased now are good through January 12th, 2025 . Purchase your multi-day tickets through Get Away Today today and lock in the best pricing of the year.

When you’re ready to book your Disneyland vacation, my friends at Get Away Today are ready to help! Mention code REWRITTEN to receive an extra discount off your SoCal vacation package (when booking 2+ nights with two or more tickets).

Maximizing One Day at Disneyland

When planning a first Disneyland vacation, it’s important to know how to best stretch out the day. There are ways to maximize your time in the parks, which is especially important when you only have a single day at Disneyland.

To squeeze in as much Disney fun as possible, you’ll want to arrive to the park before opening and stay until they close. These are a few more thoughts on boosting a one day visit to the parks!

Disney Genie+

The complimentary FASTPASS service is gone and Maxpass is no longer. Take advantage of the line cutting Disney Genie+ for around $30 per person, per day.

Guests can book their return times online. If trying to maximize time in the parks, purchase a Disneyland ticket with Disney Genie+ bundled in.

As a bonus of purchasing Disney Genie+, you’ll also receive unlimited Photopass and ride photo downloads!

Need more help with using this new line cutting system? Read these beginning tips for using Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane from my friend Leslie at Trips with Tykes .

Individual Attraction Selections

With time constraints, you won’t want to waste a moment waiting in unnecessary lines. Consider booking “individual Lightning Lane” for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland. Radiator Springs Racers is available at Disney California Adventure.

The cost per ride for the “Individual Attraction Selection” is between $7-25 per person. This can be done on the “Tip Board” through the Disneyland app upon entry into the parks. On a day when you’re trying to see and do as much as you can, this extra charge is worth the cost.

Carry a Full Charge

Frequent use of your smart phone to access the Disneyland app is going to drain your battery…FAST! You’ll be using your device for Disney Genie+, scheduling Lightning Lane attractions, mobile ordering and more.

Purchase a Fuel Rod in advance then swap it out for a full battery inside the park. There are kiosks all over (locations found on the Disneyland app).

Single Rider Lines

Certain attractions feature a separate entrance line for those riding individually. This can save an exceptional amount of time versus the usual stand-by line. Guests using the Single Rider line essentially fill in empty space on ride vehicles. This means, the Cast Members will seat you with other guests that are not in your own party.

Single Rider is best used with older kids and adults, who don’t mind not riding with their own group. You cannot request to sit with your family if using the Single Rider option.

I’ve mentioned in each section below which rides offer Single Rider. Take note that the Single Rider lines aren’t always in operation, so just ask a Cast Member at the entrance.

Dining is a Must-Do Disneyland Activity – But Where to Eat?

Of course, eating at Disneyland is a must. But where are the best places to eat in Disneyland, especially when on a time constraint? Keep reading through each section in which I cover the top dining spots within the individual Lands. These are extra tips:

Full Service Dining

I’ve made a few suggestions in each section for a full table service meal. At most, choose just one of these for the day, then mobile order the rest of your food. Or save your full service meal for another day outside of the parks and dine at one of the hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

Mobile Order

Mobile ordering is a must. If you’re trying to squeeze as many attractions into your single park day, quick service dining is where it’s at. Mobile ordering is done via the Disneyland app on your smart device. It’s an easy process in which you purchase and pay for food online. Then you’ll bypass the stand-by queue to pick up at designated restaurant windows.

Character Dining

If you only have one day in the parks, is character dining a must-do Disneyland activity? Honestly, no. Character dining combines character greetings with a meal but the process is generally much more drawn out than a regular meal.

If you’re tight on time, you’ll want to skip the only in-park character dining, Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park (located at the Plaza Inn restaurant).

Consider instead to book your character meal on an off-park day. There are several character dining locations inside the hotels of the Disneyland Resort that are a better option.

• Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast/Brunch – Storytellers Café inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Goofy’s Kitchen – inside the Disneyland Hotel

READ MORE: Are you on a restricted diet or have special dietary needs? Get the tips on where to find healthy food at Disneyland .

What to Skip at Disneyland

As I mentioned earlier, if you only have a single day, you’ll need to be selective on the attractions you visit. Naturally, everything at Disneyland is wonderful. But when it comes down to it, you can’t do it ALL in one day!

Within each section of this article, I’ve included attractions you’ll likely want to skip. Save the list for your next multi-day vacation.

These are the Disneyland must-do rides and attractions for anyone that has just one day in the parks. In each section, I share Disneyland tips and tricks for going to Disneyland this year.

This itinerary only covers Disneyland park itself, not Disney California Adventure. To follow this itinerary best, purchase a Disneyland One-Park Per Day Ticket and not a Parkhopper!

Start Your Day on Main Street U.S.A

When you enter Disneyland Park you’ll pass through the tunnels (there’s one on each side of the entrance) and be deposited into the hub. Follow Main Street U.S.A towards Sleeping Beauty Castle and the various Lands will branch out from here.

I MPORTANT!! While I do mention Main Street USA first in this article, I do NOT recommend that you do these attractions first thing in the morning. I’d suggest visiting Fantasyland first, then returning to Main Street later in the day.

Arrive at “rope drop” before the Park actually opens. The first two hours at Disneyland are very important when it comes to lighter crowds. At rope drop, you’ll be able to enter Main Street U.S.A. and visit some of the shops.

Must-Do Disneyland Attractions on Main Street USA

Disneyland Railroad – Hop aboard on Main Street U.S.A. and take the grand circle tour around the Park, a total of 1.2 miles. Not to be missed is Primeval World, a large diorama that takes you back to the prehistoric times and features dinosaurs and volcanoes!

Main Street Window Displays – Take a peek at these at the very end of the day, just before leaving the park. These charming scenes are reflective of classic Disney films. You’ll find them in the outside windows around the Emporium.

Main Street Vehicles – No thrill rides here, just a good ol’ fashioned ride down Main Street U.S.A. to get you in the mood of the Park. Take a ride in a horse-drawn car, jitney, fire engine or omnibus.

There’s rarely a line for the Main Street Vehicles, making them a fun option to hitch a ride (ideal for guests without strollers). The Main Street Vehicles don’t run in the evening or nighttime hours.

Best Souvenir Shops on Main Street

Silhouette Studio – Get into the vintage Victorian vibe by having the artists hand cut your silhouette out of paper for the perfect souvenir.

The Mad Hatter – It’s the place to find a hat for every occasion! What better way to start your Disney vacation than with a pair of Mouse Ears that reflects your personality? We bought my son’s Pluto hat here. He continued to wear it on nearly ever Disneyland trip for the next 6 years.

Top Places for Character Greets on Main Street

With the changes at Disneyland since reopening, character locations have shifted. The best way to find character meet ‘n greets is through the Disneyland app.

Simply press the navigation icon, then click the dropdown arrow at the top of the screen. Find “Entertainment” to see which characters are meeting where during specific times throughout the day.

Characters meet ‘n greet at various locations just inside the parks, on Main Street U.S.A. Occasionally, characters will greet on Main Street from the stairs at the railroad station.

Here, you’ll find popular favorites including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald, and Chip ‘n Dale. Other characters also appear here throughout the year.

Best Places to Eat on Disneyland Main Street U.S.A.

Jolly Holiday (quick service) – If you only have one day to spend in the park but still need breakfast or lunch, grab something quick. The Jolly Holiday offers mobile ordering for pastries, cinnamon rolls and sandwiches.

Carnation Cafe (full service) – Serving up classic American comfort food, this is where Walt used to eat. In fact they still serve his favorite chili. Time it right and you can sit outside on the patio and catch the parade going by!

Gibson Girl (snack) – The perfect spot for ice cream, use mobile ordering here to get a waffle cone sundae.

What to Skip on Main Street When Time is Tight

If you only have one day to see Disneyland, these are the things you’ll need to skip on Main Street USA.

Emporium – This expansive souvenir shop has a lot of great goodies. But many can be found in World of Disney at Downtown Disney. I highly suggest saving your shopping for a day when you aren’t inside the theme park.

The Disney Gallery

Parades – I do love the parades, but if you’re trying to see and do more things you’ll need to skip. In fact, I recommend avoiding Main Street and Fantasyland completely when parades are taking place. The walkways and shops will be heavily congested during those times.

The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln

Market House (aka: Starbucks) – There’s no mobile ordering here and the line is always lengthy. If you must get your coffee fix, consider the Downtown Disney Starbucks location which offers mobile ordering through the Starbucks app.

Main Street Cinema

Fantasyland at Disneyland

Head straight across the drawbridge and into the most whimsical Land in the entire Park! Or take one of the two side pathways that lead into Fantasyland on each side of the Castle. There’s a lot packed into this small area but I’m including the top must-do Disneyland attractions.

I suggest visiting Fantasyland either first thing in the morning or late at night after the fireworks spectacular. This is when crowds will be the most reasonable.

I’ve made suggestions in this section based on whether you have young kids in your group. If visiting with babies, toddlers and preschoolers, you’ll want to reserve a large amount of time to touring Fantasyland.

For families with older kids or adult-only vacations, save some of your day for thrill rides in other Lands.

Fantasyland Attractions Not to Miss at Disneyland

Peter Pan’s Flight – Arguably the best Disneyland dark ride but I add to this list with a caveat. The line for Peter Pan’s Flight is always 30+ minutes. If you’re pressed for time, consider skipping this one.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – The story behind the iconic castle comes to life with three-dimensional displays. The attraction is beautiful done and guests move at their own pace to view the dioramas inside the castle.

Mad Tea Party – From the festive lanterns hanging over head to the bright colors and patterns of the twirling teacups, this is one bright spot in Disneyland that can’t be missed! If you suffer from motion sickness at theme parks on spinning rides, add to the list of attractions to skip.

Matterhorn Bobsleds – This is the only roller coaster in Fantasyland. Guests zip inside fast moving bobsled-type cars through the mountain, past a frightening Yeti! This ride is offered on Disney Genie+ and Single Rider option, to save you time.

Fantasyland Must Do Disneyland Attractions with Young Kids

Dumbo the Flying Elephant – If you have little ones with you, this is a must do Disneyland classic attraction. Kids can maneuver up and down with a knob inside the vehicle.

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – Newly refurbished and with a happier ending, this dark ride is delightful.

“it’s a small world” – This happy and colorful attraction carries a message that simply uplifts your heart. Curmudgeons give this one a bad rap because the song by the Sherman brothers is slightly catchy. Younger kids will love it’s a small world , but everyone should aim to ride it. Take advantage of shorter lines with Disney Genie+.

Dining in Fantasyland

Red Rose Taverne (quick service) – This Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant offers up a wide variety of meals, including burgers and salads. The Grey Stuff Gâteau is the well-known dessert served up here. Use mobile order to avoid wait times in line!

Best Places to See Characters in Fantasyland

There are several locations in which characters meet inside Fantasyland. The mall in front of “it’s a small world” hosts a variety of popular Disney characters, including Bert and Mary from Mary Poppins .

Fantasy Faire is the place for classic Disney princesses including Cinderella, Aurora and Rapunzel. Guests can pass through the Royal Hall for personal photos with princesses.

There is also a live princess character show outdoors at the Royal Theatre. Guests may meet and greet with them after the presentation.

Fantasyland Attractions to Skip

I have a hard time suggesting that you skip some of these rides because they are iconic! However because of time constraints and the lack of Disney Genie+ to line skip, you may need to miss them on this trip.

Alice in Wonderland – If you can make one extra Fantasyland ride happen, choose this one. It’s charming and well done, with excellent effects. But the line is usually long so only ride when the queue is short.

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

Casey Jr. Circus Train

King Arthur Carrousel – Young kids in particular will want to ride the merry-go-round. Do it if you have the time!

Fireworks spectaculars – No need to stop and watch the fireworks. You can catch the overhead show most anywhere in the parks. There are projections shown on both Sleeping Beauty Castle and “it’s a small world” façade, but I recommend not stopping to watch as the crowds will make it difficult.

Important to note that the Fantasyland rides close down when fireworks are taking place. Aim to be elsewhere in the park when fireworks are happening.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – This in-park “salon” offers make-overs for princesses and princes, complete with hair-dos and nail polish. The process can be time consuming so consider a DIY Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the hotel room.

Storybook Land Canal Boats – Guided boats glide past the royal city of Agrabah from Aladdin , King Triton’s underwater oasis from The Little Mermaid and even the land of Arendelle from Frozen . But the wait time is often lengthy, so it’s best to skip on this visit.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

This newest Land takes guests to the edge of the galaxy and beyond. For adults or families of older children (who meet the height requirements), Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge should be your first stop of the day.

If you have a very young kids in your group, read this article about doing Star Wars land with preschoolers and toddlers . Lots of tips on how to fit this area into your one day itinerary when traveling with youngsters.

Must-Ride in Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Like nothing you’ve ever experienced in a Disneyland theme park, this ride/experience is a must-do Disneyland attraction. This ride is NOT part of the Disney Genie+ service.

There is a stand-by line for this attraction that is generally the lengthiest wait time in the park. The only way to skip the regular queue is to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane, highly recommended when you only have one day to experience.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Always wanted to fly Han Solo’s “hunk of junk”? This interactive attraction lets guests participate as either a pilot, gunner or engineer on the Millennium Falcon.

Use Disney Genie+ to shorten your wait time in line. The Single Rider line option is another good choice, though you will miss part of the important pre-ride sections.

Where to Eat in Star Wars Land

Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo (quick service) – Indoor and outdoor dining at this lunch and dinner location. Unique dining that’s more upscale than the typical fast food restaurant. The Batuu-bon dessert is both creative and delicious. Definitely use mobile ordering here for quick dining.

Milk Stand (snack) – Want to try Blue Milk and Green Milk just like Luke in the Star Wars movies? Try the plant-based drink, only available in Galaxy’s Edge. Get one of each and share (they both taste different). Mobile ordering is available for very fast service.

What to Skip in Galaxy’s Edge

Oga’s Cantina – Yes, sipping cocktails at the Galaxy’s Edge is pretty cool. But it’s also a more leisurely experience that you don’t want to rush. And while it is a “kid-friendly bar”, you don’t get to pick and choose where you want to sit. So you might end up standing at a counter-height table instead.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities , Black Spire Outfitters , Toydarian Toymaker and Creature Stall – I’m recommending you skip all the souvenir shops within Galaxy’s Edge. The reason being is that you can visit the Star Wars Trading Post in Downtown Disney, which has most, if not all, of the same items.

Savi’s Workshop and Droid Depot – While these high-end Star Wars souvenirs are awesome, they’re also time consuming activities. Guests can build a custom lightsaber in Savi’s or a droid at the depot. Best for only the most die-hard fans.

Tomorrowland at Disneyland

This “Land of the Future” at Disneyland is popular and often crowded. Fortunately many of the attractions in Tomorrowland offer Disney Genie+ so you can line-skip and get to most of them in one day. Before you blast off, check out these must-do attractions and what you should avoid during this single day visit.

Tomorrowland Must Do Disneyland Attractions

Space Mountain – This is the fastest coaster in Disneyland Park. It’s also completely indoors and in almost total darkness! Lots of sharp twists and turns, this one will make you feel like you’re riding a rocket through the stars. This ride also offers Disney Genie+ to save time.

Star Tours – The Adventure Continues – A 3D motion simulator that takes guests on an adventurous ride through the galaxy. C-3PO mans the controls of the Starspeeder in this Star Wars ride that mixes the classic with the new. Use Disney Genie+ and your wait time will be faster.

READ MORE: Concerned that your child might be nervous on the Disneyland roller coasters? Read this Complete Guide to Everything Scary at Disneyland .

Best Rides for Young Kids in Tomorrowland

Autopia – Though you’re only driving about 7 miles per hour, you’ll feel the freedom of the open road! This attraction dates back to opening day in 1955, before there was a center guide rail keeping your car on the road. If your child meets the height requirement, this is a must-do Disneyland classic. Plus it offers Disney Genie+ so your wait time should be minimal!

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – Guests of all ages can wield a laser to hit moving targets inside the attraction. The quirky music, flashing lights and spinning vehicle (that you control) add to the competitive fun of scoring points. Disney Genie+ available so you don’t have to wait in the long line-up.

Places to Eat in Tomorrowland

Alien Pizza Planet – Tomorrowland isn’t my first choice for dining but if you’re here, this is what’s available. Indoor dining and the place to grab those adorable Toy Story Alien macarons. The pizza here isn’t the greatest, but the pasta and salad options are decent.

Galactic Grill – All outdoor dining with burgers, fries and veggie wraps. Look for seasonal offerings here throughout the year.

What to Skip in Tomorrowland

Disneyland Monorail – This 2.5 mile loop offers an unique aerial view that can save time walking. Use this only if you need to get to and from the Disneyland Hotel or deep into the Downtown Disney District. You’ll need a valid ticket to get back inside the Park.

Star Wars Launch Bay

Astro Orbitor – Similar to Dumbo, with a spinning “rocket ship” that goes up and down. The line is usually long and best to be skipped.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – It’s a charming trip under the sea to see characters from the film series. However without any line cutting strategy, this ride is slow to load and best to skip.

Churro carts – The churro cart in Tomorrowland often sells the best specialty treats. But the seemingly mile-long wait times are a hindrance on your schedule…mobile order your dessert instead!

Frontierland

Get ready for the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness”! Frontierland is a sprawling land that includes the Rivers of America and its own island. There are two grand attractions, and several other things to add in if you have the time.

Don’t Miss These Rides in Frontierland

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – When this first opened, my parents literally dragged my brother and I to get on the ride! We were scared of what looked like a runaway train. Of course, we’ve come to love it. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is my favorite Disneyland Mountain and a must-do Disneyland ride!

Mark Twain Riverboat – If you need to sit and rest your legs at this point in the day, add in this river boat tour that takes you around the Rivers of America.

The ride features narration by an actor reading as the author Mark Twain, whom this paddle wheel steam engine riverboat is named after. The line to get on is generally short.

Disneyland Dining in Frontierland

Rancho Del Zocalo (quick service) – The Mexican food platters here are large enough to share and offer a nice variety. The bonus is its beautiful outdoor seating under the glow of the glass lanterns, especially pretty at night.

River Belle Terrace (full service) – Make the advance dining reservation for this restaurant if you’re able to coordinate dinner with a nighttime viewing of Fantasmic! .

The River Belle Terrace has an outdoor patio that overlooks the Rivers of America, where Fantasmic! takes place. Consider purchasing the special dining package to ensure a front row seat.

Golden Horseshoe (snack) – Yes, you can order the usual theme park fare here (chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks). But the highlight of the menu is the sundae. Mobile order the Chocolate-Chunk Cookie Sundae, which is large enough for two.

The Golden Horseshoe is one of the original buildings from 1955. Aim to sit in the upper right reserved box, where Walt Disney used to sit himself!

Best Souvenir Shopping in Frontierland

The Westward Ho Trading Company is the place for all things trading pins. This extensive shop offers up lots of selection. A Cast Member has an outdoor table set up for trading here as well. Get a head-start on your collection by purchasing a lanyard ahead of your trip.

Frontierland Seasonal Can’t Miss Attractions

If you’re visiting Disneyland during Halloween Time, stop in Frontierland to see the decorations. First, you’ll see the Halloween Tree, dedicated to sci-fi author Ray Bradbury. This is best viewed at night, when the tree glows orange with lights and tiny jack o’ lanterns.

The second fall seasonal feature here is the Dia de los Muertos area in El Zócalo Park. This photo worthy location features traditional Day of the Dead spirit with skeletons, overhead flags and brightly colored flowers.

Things to Skip in Frontierland

Shootin’ Exposition

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island – If you have little kids that need to burn off excess energy, this is a great place to climb and play. However, expect to add at least an hour to your schedule getting across the water and exploring the island.

Sailing Ship Columbia

Fantasmic! – This nighttime show on the Rivers of America combines water feature, character interaction and daring special effects. Fantasmic! is also crowded and time consuming. If possible, plan to visit another area of the park when this show takes place.

Adventureland at Disneyland

This jungle-themed area is always jam-packed. And with reason: there’s a lot to experience in Adventureland! The pathways are narrow here as well. Use Disney Genie+ when you can to help speed things along.

What to Do in Adventureland

Indiana Jones Adventure – Experience the Temple of the Forbidden Eye just like Indy in this rugged, action-filled trip. For guests that meet the height requirement and aren’t scared of a few thrills, this is a must-do Disneyland ride. Use Disney Genie+ for this popular attraction.

The Enchanted Tiki Room – “Let’s all sing like the birdies sing!” 200+ Audio-animatronics perform before your eyes in this tropical paradise. The show is lively, the music is charming and you may find yourself singing along (go ahead, everyone else will be singing too!).

Jungle Cruise – Another 1955 original, this one evolved over the years from a serious African jungle tour into a slightly silly romp through the rain forest, complete with jokes from the skippers.

Each skipper puts their own spin on the tour along with incorporating classic gags from years’ past. There’s no way to skip the queue here. Try some of these tips for things to do while waiting in line at Disney .

Where to Grab Snacks in Adventureland

Tiki Juice Bar (snack) – Dole Whip, Dole Whip Floats and Pineapple Juice! Get this classic Disneyland treat and use mobile ordering to grab your treats to go.

Bengal Barbeque (snack) – If you’re looking for healthy food at Disneyland , the proteins and veggies skewers here offer a hearty bite. Use mobile ordering to get in and out.

What to Skip in Adventureland

Adventureland Treehouse (formerly Tarzan’s Treehouse) . If you’re particularly fit and can get up and down the stairs quickly with ease, add in this attraction. The view at the top overlooking Disneyland is pretty nice.

Tropical Hideaway (quick service) – I adore this dining oasis alongside the Jungle Cruise. Yummy bao and lumpia snacks with specialty Dole Whips with beautiful waterside seating.

The downside is there’s no mobile ordering, the line is often long and it can be hard to find a table. Use the Tiki Juice Bar to get a Dole Whip fix instead.

New Orleans Square at Disneyland

Wander through the streets of New Orleans Square to get a charming glimpse at the Disney details. It’s Mardi Gras all the time in this quaint area of the park.

As you stroll through, look for the entrance to Club 33 , Disneyland’s exclusive members-only restaurant and lounge. Here’s what not to miss in New Orleans Square!

Can’t Miss Rides in New Orleans Square

Pirates of the Caribbean – Truly one of the best amusement park rides, the detail and special effects are incredible. New additions based on the movies have been added to enhance the story line. Floating through the foggy battle scene, you will feel completely transported. It’s a must-do at Disneyland!

Haunted Mansion – Appropriately spooky, the Haunted Mansion has just the right amount of fright and fun.

From around mid-September to early-January you can see the Haunted Mansion Holiday version, inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas . Use Disney Genie+ year-round for this ride.

Where to Dine in New Orleans Square, Disneyland-Style

Tiana’s Palace Restaurant (quick service) – The New Orleans feeling is alive here! After choosing your meal, take a seat outside to enjoy the live music of a Dixieland Band. Gumbo is on the menu, along with other Creole favorites. Mobile ordering is available here for fast service.

Mint Julep Bar (snack) – Treat yourself to Mickey Mouse shaped beignets and a mint julep from the Mint Julep Bar. Use mobile order and choose the seasonal treats.

Top New Orleans Square Souvenirs

There are two unique Disneyland souvenirs, found only in the New Orleans Square area. There are other shops here including the Cristal d’Orleans and Pandora. But aim not to use your time shopping when you only have one day to experience the theme park.

Take a seat in one of the chairs across from the Blue Bayou entrance and have your portrait drawn by a street artist. There are several versions including caricature or a more realistic pastel artist’s rendering.

Choose one of the hand painted parasols from the cart in front of Café Orleans. These personalized sun umbrellas are a Southern tradition, recreated here in California.

You Might Want to Skip This in New Orleans Square

Blue Bayou – While this is Disneyland’s signature restaurant, it’s also a more leisurely meal. Situated inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, this dining location is a challenging reservation to snag. If you have the time to do one sit-down meal, this could be the one.

Consider MouseDining to help you secure Disney park advance dining reservations. This free service will notify you when coveted ADR become available in Disney’s system.

Critter Country

A little slice of the country, right here at Disneyland! There are several spots you don’t want to miss here including rides and quick dining restaurants. Critter Country is a bit out of the way, but can be reached by two directions – through New Orleans Square or via Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Character greeting – Guests can usually meet ‘n greet with Winnie The Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger in the area just outside of the ride.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Lighthearted, bouncing fun featuring Pooh Bear, Tigger and their friends. Take this whimsical dark ride only if you have babies, toddlers or preschoolers in your group.

Eating in Critter Country

Harbour Galley (quick service) – This waterfront dining spot is oft overlooked. But with mobile ordering for seafood favorites like the famous Lobster Roll, you might reconsider. Walk around the backside to dine alongside the Rivers of America and catch a fun peek at riders coming down Splash Mountain.

Hungry Bear (quick service) – It’s burgers and funnel cakes on the menu at this dining location. Choose to sit on either the upper or lower patios with a pretty view of the Rivers of America. Definitely use mobile ordering for this popular restaurant.

What to Skip in Critter Country

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes – Hop aboard one of these free-floating canoes (no track!) as you and other guests paddle around the Rivers of America. It’s a unique way to get in your workout and the lines to get onboard are usually short.

However, the activity takes about 15 minutes total and if it’s hot weather at Disneyland , you’re going to be super sweaty afterwards!

Mickey’s Toontown

Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland has reopened after a major overhaul. There are tons of new spaces for children and families to play and relax together, including grassy lawns and play areas.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – This newest Disneyland attraction is a gem! Arrive just after rope drop to minimize your wait time.

Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin – A wacky dark ride based upon the film that combines a spinning vehicle that you control yourself. Use Disney Genie+ if the lines are long. You’ll skip the fun queue that sets up the attraction but necessary if time is tight.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GadgetCoaster – The ideal first coaster for young kids at just one minute long. Skip this brief thrill unless you have preschoolers in your group.

Where to Eat in Toontown

There are only two locations for dining in Toontown. Daisy’s Café serves up theme park favorites, including hot dogs. Or grab a snack picnic basket from Good Boy Grocers to take a rest on the lawn while you dine.

What to Skip in Toontown

Meet Mickey and Minnie – Guests can still catch their favorite characters at their respective houses. Check the time for these meet ‘n greets before jumping in line. Other Disney characters mingle in the grassy area near the houses, which might offer a shorter wait.

What If You Have More Time in Your Itinerary?

Is there more time in your Disneyland day? Add in some of the missed attractions or mix some of these extra ideas:

• Photopass photographers – Throughout the park, there are professional photographers available to take photos in popular locations. If you purchased a Disneyland ticket with Disney Genie+ , all Photopass images taken that day are available for free, unlimited downloads!
• Look for Hidden Mickeys – As you wait in queues and while you walk through the park, look for these insider finds. The book Disneyland’s Hidden Mickeys will offer you some guidance towards spotting them.

• Watch a Parade – Disneyland park offers the most fantastic parades you’ll ever see! If you have the opportunity to watch, try and do so.
• Pressed Penny Machines – If time to shop for souvenirs is limited, try this fun and relatively inexpensive memento. There are pressed penny machines over the entire resort. Check out this UP! inspired Pressed Penny Keepsake Book from Etsy.

Extending Your Trip for Longer Than a Day

As you can see from this extensive article, there’s A LOT to see and do inside Disneyland park. If you’re able to stretch out the single day visit into a multi-day vacation, I highly recommend it. You’ll be able to experience many more things, at a more leisurely pace.

I highly recommend purchasing a discounted Disneyland ticket at 2-days or longer. One day tickets are the worst value and are not discounted. Multi day park tickets offer guests a better value, as the cost per day reduced the longer you visit.

READ MORE: For more information about the best ticket to purchase, read this article with everything you need to know about Disneyland tickets .

If cost is a concern, you can place your Disneyland vacation on layaway with Get Away Today . Use the time ahead of your trip to pay in installments.  Use the Promo Code REWRITTEN and receive an extra $10 off any 2-night or longer Southern California package. (Hotel and 2 ticket minimum purchase to qualify for the discount).

Author and owner Julie Bigboy shares first hand knowledge on a variety of subjects, including family travel, positive parenting, and simple living. Her work can be found on The Points Guy, SheBuys Travel, MiceChat and Disneyland With Kids, among others.

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17 Best (and most unique) Things to Do at Disneyland Resort, California

Having opened in 1955, Disneyland has expanded and continued to create magic for young and old over it’s 60+ years as the Happiest Place on Earth.

The Disneyland Resort, as a whole (Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, The Disneyland Hotel, The Grand Californian Hotel and the Paradise Pier Hotel – soon to be the Pixar Pier Hotel) contains a variety of unique experiences guests can only find at this California wonderland.

Here are some of the best things to do when you visit the resorts, unique to Disneyland.

Hey! Want more Disneyland resort guides? Check these out!

• 17 Best Rides at Disneyland Park, California
• 12 Best Rides at California Adventure
• 12 Best Rides and Attractions at Disney California Adventure

1. Handmade Candy Canes

At Christmas, these highly coveted confections are proudly purchased by guests in the know. 

Limited in number each day, guests line up during the month of December to purchase this special peppermint treat, only offered at Disneyland parks.

The candy canes are hand-pulled and formed into giant hooks, sold alternately at The Candy Palace on Main Street at Disneyland and at Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure.

Information on when and where these holiday treats will be available are usually made in early to mid-November. 

Only one candy cane may be purchased, per guest, each day.  Plan ahead and taste the magic of these special holiday treats!

2. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and Tangaroa Terrace

Based on a character from the original Jungle Cruise in Disneyland, enjoying a drink and a “Poo Poo Platter” at Trader Sam’s is a true Disneyland experience. 

The inside bar area is a treat for the senses. 

Tiki kitsch covers the walls as guests find hints to various stories from Adventureland and the Jungle Cruise. 

Order a Uh-Oa sharable cocktail and the bar turns into a furry of entertaining cheers, cracks of thunder, flashes of “lightening”, and a spritz of water from behind the bar.

The bartenders serve up various concoctions in special tiki mugs and glasses which guests get to take home (although less expensive options for the drink alone can be purchased). 

You may also ask for a non-alcoholic drink, if you prefer, and still buy the souvenir Tiki mug (at full price). 

Young explorers (anyone under 21) may experience the inside of the bar until 8 pm, at which point the bar becomes a hot spot for adults 21 and over. 

However! 

Everyone is welcome on the outdoor terrace where live music is played almost every evening.

Reservations are highly recommended for this exciting dining location, however, a standby list is available at the entrance and online. 

If you don’t get into Trader Sam’s, never fear! 

Walk around the side of the building to the entrance of Tangaroa Terrace and seat yourselves. 

You can purchase the same Tiki drinks and food at the walk-up bar and they will give you a number for your table.

BONUS! 

Tangaroa Terrace is open for breakfast, as well! 

Several Polynesian inspired dishes are available such as the Loco Moco breakfast burrito and the incredibly delicious Tangaroa Toast – a thick slice of cinnamon toast, stuffed with custard and topped with guava puree and coconut whipped cream (with a side of bacon!) 

You’re welcome, in advance!

3. Snacks from the Cozy Cones at DCA

Carsland is one of the highlights of Disney California Adventure and the Cozy Cones are must-eat experience! 

Sally’s motel from the movie, “Cars” has been turned into several choices for snacks at various Cozy Cones. 

Most of the snacks come in cone-form and Cast Members (Disney employees) encourage you to enjoy the “Cone-diments” located to the side of these giant orange road-warnings.

A few of the snacks include Chili Cone Queso, Bacon Mac-n-cheese (both served in a spiral bread cone), chimichangas and a wide selection of frozen treats and drinks such as a Route Beer Float.

Grab a treat and watch as the lone stop light really is slower on every third blink! 

Also, can you find the hidden Mickey on the power line near Stanley’s fountain?

4. Neon at Carsland

Another fun experience at Carsland is to arrive at dusk, just as the town lights up in neon.

Catch a Cast Member in the area, earlier in the day, to ask what time you should return for that evening’s lighting.

Just as in the movie, “Cars”, the Neon is turned on, one location at a time, as the song “Life Would be a Dream” is piped in over the speakers and guests saunter down the main drag, just as Lightening McQueen discovered the wonders of this little stop on the old Route 66.

The neon lights make for wonderful photo opportunities and Photopass Photographers are always available to make sure your family can save this visual memory of your vacation for years to come.

5. Table-side Guacamole

While in California, you might as well try one of the best produce the state has to offer – the avocado! 

And what better way to taste this creamy, rich, delicacy, than in GUACAMOLE!

Tortilla Jo’s Mexican restaurant in the Downtown Disney District, makes this special version of guacamole right at your table, adjusting the recipe to your specifications. 

More tomatoes? 

Maybe none at all! 

Want it spicey or mild? 

Onions?  More or less cilantro? 

You have a say in how your green masterpiece is created.

Then dip a warm chip into your creamy guacamole and ENJOY! 

6. The Disneyland Hotel Lobbies

Hotel lobbies can be grand and beautiful, but very few contain actual museums of Disneyland history!

The lobbies of the Disneyland Hotel and its Convention Center, hold many treasures that Disney fans will find fascinating.

Start in the main lobby of the Fantasy Tower. 

Of course, you can sit in a tea-cup chair and play on the video table games while waiting for your room information, but there is so much more.

All around the lobby are pieces of art by famous Disney artists such as Mary Blair and Herb Ryman. 

There’s also a giant, light-up map of the original version of Disneyland. 

Near the entrance to the Convention Center is a wall of Disneyland souvenirs throughout the history of the park and a photo history of the Disneyland Hotel.

Next, enter the main entrance to the Convention Center near Goofy’s Kitchen. 

You’ll find a replica of the original Autopia Cars that you can sit in for a photo. 

Climb the stairs to view more art from the talented artists of the Disney Studios.

In the Frontier Tower, you’ll find a model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, complete with a tiny dynamite-toting goat!

7. Corn Dogs from the Little Red Wagon

It’s not your average corn dog. 

Really. 

This is the BEST corn dog you’ll ever eat. 

Even guests who don’t enjoy corn dogs will devour one of these “puppies” in a heartbeat.

There’s just something different about these specific corn dogs from the Little Red Wagon, located at the end of Main Street in Disneyland that keep people coming back for more.

The corn dogs located at other locations throughout the parks are good, but there really is something different about this location.

The meal gets you a corn dog, a bag of chips and a soda for what is considered one of Disneyland’s best deals for a meal.

The tasty, quality, hotdog is dipped in a delicious coating of cornbread batter and deep friend to crispy perfection.  

Dipped in ketchup or mustard, this delightful food-on-a-stick is sure to please even the most skeptical of foodies. 

8. The Blue Bayou and other New Orleans Square delights

The Blue Bayou restaurant at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is a Disneyland classic! 

Talk about ambiance! 

This dining location has it in spades!

The Blue Bayou is designed to immerse guests into a fantasy New Orleans dining scene, ripe with Southern charm. 

Wrought-iron fences divide the diners from the river that sweeps ride-goers into the Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Lightening bugs blink, frogs croak and crickets chirp as the wait staff wind their way around the tables, serving up gumbo, jambalaya, steaks, fish and the famous Monte Cristo Sandwich – a battered and fried turkey, ham and Swiss cheese sandwich with a side of strawberry jam to dip.

Reservations for the Blue Bayou are HIGHLY recommended. 

Try to dine at off-peak times for a better chance of getting into this popular location.

But never fear! 

If you’d still like to try the famous Monte Cristo without dining in the Blue Bayou, you can also purchase the sandwich at Café Orleans with a side of pommes frites (French fries).

Another special treat are the Mickey-shaped beignets at the Mint Julep Bar, located near the New Orleans Square train station. 

Buy a bag of these freshly made, warm, powdered sugar covered treats and enjoy a non-alcoholic Mint Julep on the side for a true New Orleans Square experience!

9. Lobster Nachos

The Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure offers many different culinary delights, but one of the most popular is the Lobster Nachos.

This snack-as-a-meal, first appeared at the Cove Bar, which was located above the restaurant when it was a character dining location. 

These nachos are HUGE and definitely can be shared with several people. 

A layered pile of tortilla chips and cheese are topped with chunks and flakes of tasty lobster, black beans, pico de gallo and a crema sauce.

The Pixar-themed Lamplight Lounge also serves an array of cocktails. 

The restaurant is full of Pixar concept art and movie moments.

10. Walk in Walt’s Footsteps Tour

Although Walt Disney imagined great things for his theme park in Florida, he never actually had the chance to walk in the completed park. 

This is not the case at Disneyland! 

Disneyland was Walt’s original dream and he not only walked within the theme park, he often spent the night in his special apartment located over the Main Street Fire Station and would roam around amongst the guests, signing autographs and meeting the families for whom he created The Happiest Place on Earth.

Walt’s magical touch can be seen throughout Disneyland and his spirit remains in the place he loved so dearly. 

The Walk in Walt’s Footsteps Tour highlights all the areas and attractions Walt loved the most within Disneyland.

Guests get to see behind the scenes and in areas, not open to the general public.

They also receive lunch or dinner at the Jolly Holiday Bakery and a commemorative pin to remember the experience. 

Reservations are required. 

The cost of the tour is in addition to park admission.

Even if you are unable to go on the tour, make sure to honor Mr. Disney by noticing the lantern that is kept lit in the widow of his apartment. 

Thank you, Uncle Walt!

11. Notice the details

Disneyland is full of interesting history and more details than you can see in one visit. 

Hidden Mickeys are, of course, a very popular detail in all Disney parks and hotels. 

They can be found from various spots in the pavement, to a swirl on the side of a snack cart.  Hidden Mickeys are EVERYWHERE! 

Each Disney Parks Legend is given a commemorative window on Main Street. 

Look up to find names of famous Imagineers, animators and park executives. 

Unique to Disneyland is the window of Ron Dominguez, who’s family once owned the property on which Disneyland was built! 

At the New Orleans Square Railroad Station, you can hear Morse Code ticking away from the telegraph office. 

This is actually the speech Walt Disney gave at the opening of Disneyland in 1955!

12. The Lilly Belle

Another special tour at Disneyland involves Walt’s love of trains! 

Train enthusiasts can enjoy the Grand Circle Tour, which covers the history of Walt Disney’s love of trains, models and his dream of building a train that would circle Disneyland. 

Originally build in 1928, the Lilly Belle, a special train car named after Walt’s wife, Lillian, was created to transport VIP’s around the park and to the exclusive Club 33, located in New Orleans Square.

Now, guests of the Grand Circle Tour may board this special car as they make their way around Disneyland by rail.

The tour includes the opportunity to purchase souvenirs specific to the tour. 

Separate admission to the park is not included, but is required to attend the tour.

13. Explore Sleeping Beauty’s Castle

The original Disneyland Castle may not be as grand as its counterparts across the world, but it houses a fun walk-through experience.

Enter on the back side of the castle (actually, the FRONT!  Did you know that?) and climb up the winding staircase to tour the story of Sleeping Beauty set in beautifully created dioramas. 

The exhibit takes you back down the other side of the main arch and exits back out, across from where you entered.

It’s a quick attraction, with hardly ever any line. 

A lovely way to cool off from the warm California sun.

14. Jingles!

The King Arthur Carousel in Fantasyland is a fun ride for all ages – a theme park staple and part of Walt Disney’s inspiration for a family amusement park.

But there is one special horse that many people don’t notice when riding this classic attraction.

Each of the white horses on the carousel have a name (a list is available at City Hall on Main Street). 

The lead horse, and Walt’s favorite, is named Jingles.

In 2008, after a refurbishment of the ride, special details were added to Jingles, highlighting the movie “Mary Poppins” and the horse was dedicated to actress Julie Andrews in a special ceremony during Disneyland’s 50 th Anniversary.

Jingles is now a highly coveted horse on the carousel and guests feel special as they reenact Mary’s Jolly Holiday while riding aboard this special, bell-clad, horse. 

15. The Little Man of Disneyland

This special “secret” spot was one created after a story written and illustrated in 1955 for the Little Golden Books, so popular in American literature.

“The Little Man of Disneyland” is about a leprechaun named Patrick Begorra, who is uprooted from his home as Disneyland is being built.

In the story, Mickey and his friends eventually find a special home for Patrick in a tree located in Adventureland.

The park officials decided to incorporate Patrick’s home into an actual tree and guests can search for his little door with a porch roof and stove pipe, near the entrance to Indiana Jones Adventure.

The book is still being published at can be purchased through several booksellers.

16. Jungle Cruise Maps

The Jungle Cruise, one of Disneyland’s original attractions, has taken on many versions over the years, but the general route has remained the same. 

And yet, do you know your way around the jungle?

When exiting the ride, ask a Cast Member at the nearby stand, for a map of the Jungle Cruise. 

If you are lucky, a special sepia-toned, keepsake map will be presented to you, discreetly.  

The free souvenir makes a lovely memory of your visit and looks great framed!

BONUS:  Guest can also ask for a Death Certificate from a Cast Member when exiting the Haunted Mansion, but these aren’t as readily available.

17. The Citizens of Buena Vista Street

Buena Vista Street is located as you enter Disney California Adventure and acts as DCA’s “Main Street USA”.

Unique to this street are all the citizens that make Buena Vista Street a thriving community. 

Phiphi the Photographer (aka Phiphi Farouk Francis) is a rather flamboyant world traveler, often found shadowing Photopass photographers and guest as they take pictures, and marveling at their modern equipment.

Donna the Dog Lady (aka Donna Linn De Larria) is the self-appointed, unofficial Mayor of Buena Vista Street. 

She can be found wandering around with her dog, Lady, in her special blue dress and grand “chapeau” (hat). 

She is full of quick-witted jokes and gossip about everything pertaining to that particular part of DCA. 

You are welcome to pet Lady with permission.

Officers Clyde and Calvin Blue are brothers in charge of making sure peace is kept on Buena Vista Street. 

They are known for writing out tickets to guests for “best smile” and “excessive laughter”. 

If you’re lucky enough to be stopped by one of these officers, you may just receive a ticket!

The Officers Blue have their eyes set on the town bike messengers, Millie and Molly. 

Make sure to ask them about their crushes. 

If you run into Millie or Molly yourself, be sure to ask if they have any messages. 

They just might have a telegram in their pocket for you!

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Disneyland Resort

Things to do in disneyland resort, explore popular experiences, ways to tour disneyland resort.

The History and Architecture of Downtown Los Angeles

Pretty Gritty Arts District Bike Tour

LA Food Tour: Exploring America’s Culinary Frontier

LA Little Tokyo to Olvera St Smartphone (App/GPS) Walking Tour

The Los Angeles Sightseeing Flex Pass: Save Big on 20+ Hollywood Attractions

Thai Cooking Class in Fullerton near Disneyland

Los Angeles Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game

Self Guided Driving Adventure Through Coastal Orange County

Top attractions in disneyland resort.

What travellers are saying

• Disney California Adventure Park
• Disneyland Park
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
• Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters
• Disneyland Resort VIP Tours
• Little Tokyo

Disney California Adventure Park

Disneyland Resort

8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Watch Favorite Stories Come to Life Before Your Eyes...

Can't-miss attractions, incredicoaster.

Join the mad dash to catch Jack-Jack as he wreaks havoc throughout this high-speed chase!

Radiator Springs Racers

Get revved as the Radiator Springs crew shifts this high-octane ride into overdrive!

Soarin’ Around the World

Take flight on a breezy airborne adventure above the wonders of the world!

Savor the Flavors

Lamplight lounge.

Soak up waterfront views as you enjoy gastropub-style dishes and signature libations.

Flo's V8 Cafe

Go with the Flo and dig into comfort food filled with finger-lickin’ good fun!

Carthay Circle Restaurant

Indulge in award-worthy fare amidst a Golden-Era backdrop worthy of top billing.

Maximize Park Time

Download the disneyland app.

View menus, park maps and much more with the official mobile app for the Disneyland Resort.

Mobile Order

Order meals from your phone—it’s quick and easy from anywhere in the parks!

Explore More at Disney California Adventure Park

Avengers campus.

Team up with the Avengers at a campus they’ve created to recruit the next generation of super heroes!

Gear up for fun in a fantasy world fueled by the characters and adventures of Cars .

Hop aboard truly incredible attractions, see favorite Pixar pals, dine, shop and play!

San Fransokyo Square

Step into a vibrant, diverse locale full of neighborhood restaurants and small businesses—home to Big Hero 6!

Buena Vista Street

Find dining, shopping and more with a nostalgic twist—at Disney California Adventure Park!

Grizzly Peak

Tackle the great outdoors like never before with attractions and more!

Hollywood Land

Lights, camera… get ready for your close-up as Tinseltown stories come to life before your eyes!

Paradise Gardens Park

Visit this boardwalk-inspired land filled with tons of attractions, eateries and retro-style fun.

Shopping at Disney California Adventure Park

Explore our stores.

Disney-themed merchandise is available for purchase at nearly every corner of Disney California Adventure Park.

The Perfect Disney Gift

Give someone special the gift of magic with a Disney Gift Card!

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Disney California Adventure Park

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Things to Do near Disney California Adventure Park

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Screen Rant

All disney castles at every disneyland park.

Every Disneyland theme park features at least one giant castle, but where are they located, and what can visitors expect from these attractions?

• Disneyland's iconic castles, inspired by Disney movies, offer attractions inside and picturesque photo opportunities outside.
• Reservations are needed for castle restaurants and experiences, making them must-stops on any Disney itinerary.
• Each Disney castle around the world offers unique attractions and dining experiences, adding magic to any visit.

There's a lot to see at Disneyland , no matter which park one is visiting — and the castles are some of the best sights to take in, as well as the best backdrops for photos . Every Disneyland theme park has one giant castle — Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has two — and they're based on Disney movies like Cinderella or Beauty in the Beast. Visitors can take gorgeous pictures outside the castles, and they can typically dine inside the castles as well. Needless to say, these are hot spots that belong on every Disney itinerary.

Of course, newcomers to Disneyland may need a breakdown of where to find the castles at each destination and how to approach their visit. Anyone planning to head to the restaurant within a Disney castle will need reservations in advance, as well as knowledge of what to expect. And those hoping to see every Disney castle at all six theme parks will need to know what they're looking for before purchasing tickets to Disneyland .

6 Disneyland California - Sleeping Beauty Castle

Located in fantasyland in disneyland park.

Disneyland California is home to Sleeping Beauty Castle , which pulls its current name from the 1959 classic but doesn't fully resemble the castle in the film. That's because Sleeping Beauty Castle drew inspiration from Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria (via Disneyland.com ) — but even then, its bright pink body and blue embellishments seem to be original to the park's design. The vibrant structure was built for Disneyland's opening in July 1955, and it's the oldest Disney castle in all the theme parks worldwide. Visitors weren't able to enter the castle until two years later though, with the inside opening in 1957.

Sleeping Beauty was still in production when Disneyland Park's castle was built, but it was named this to promote the upcoming film.

These days, visitors can enjoy an entire attraction inside Disneyland Park's castle . The Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough experience allows them to immerse themselves in Princess Aurora's story. Dioramas are scattered throughout the building's interior, and the tale of Sleeping Beauty is depicted through 3D imagery and sound effects. It's well worth checking out, especially for those visiting Disneyland with children. The attraction does get dark at times, and the final scene features an appearance by Maleficent, but it's otherwise family-friendly.

Hours and other details about Sleeping Beauty Castle can be found on Disneyland's website. The building is sometimes closed for fireworks performances, so visitors should take those into account when planning their trip. The castle sits near the center of Disneyland Park, so it's hard to miss. And despite its drawbridge and moat, it's easy enough to access.

5 Walt Disney World Resort - Cinderella Castle & Belle's Castle

Located in fantasyland at magic kingdom.

Walt Disney World Resort is one of the locations to have two castles in one theme park , but this makes for double the fun when visiting Florida's Magic Kingdom. Both Cinderella Castle and Beast's Castle reside within Magic Kingdom, though one has been at Disney World significantly longer than the other. They both offer experiences related to the movies they're based on, making them must-stops for those visiting the park.

Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle opened in 1971, and it was inspired by the 1950 Disney film Cinderella . It looks a bit different from the one from the movie, with its color palette resembling that of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. However, everything inside the structure revolves around the 1950 classic . Cinderella Castle is surrounded by a moat and grounds that are an ideal backdrop for photos. Visitors can even find Cinderella's wishing well outside the castle walls. The building is located at the end of Main Street, so it's a well-trekked area.

On the inside, Cinderella Castle contains a restaurant, a boutique, and stunning glass mosaics. The mosaics tell Cinderella's story, much like the dioramas in Sleeping Beauty Castle cover Aurora's tale. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique allows kids to have their hair and makeup done, so their appearance is befitting of their favorite prince, princess, or knight. Reservations are required, and they become available 60 days before a given date. The boutique often books up quickly, but kids can still visit and receive some free pixie dust during their trip to Cinderella Castle.

The main event at this castle is Cinderella’s Royal Table , which Disneyland.com describes as a " one-of-a-kind Fairytale Dining experience. " The restaurant requires reservations and also fills up quickly, so visitors will want to book their visit as soon as possible. Cinderella's Royal Table serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a character experience, delicious food, and a stunning backdrop for anyone eating at the restaurant. This eatery is among the most popular at Walt Disney World, so it's worth trying to get a spot.

Beast's Castle

Beast's Castle is a much newer addition to Disney World's Magic Kingdom , as it opened in 2012. This castle is based on the 1991 film Beauty and the Beast, and its Be Our Guest Restaurant speaks to that connection. The Be Our Guest Restaurant has become another hugely popular eatery in Magic Kingdom, so visitors will also need to make reservations in advance to dine there. There are three different dining spots within the castle, all based on Beauty and the Beast : The Grand Ballroom, The West Wing, and The Rose Gallery. The eatery serves French and American fare for lunch and dinner.

Visually, Beast's Castle is unique compared to other Disneyland castles around the world. Its appearance lacks the pink and blue colors of the other castles, opting for more neutral shades. Its shape is also a bit different, as it attempts to replicate the look of Beast's Castle in the 1991 film rather than the appearance of other Disneyland hot spots.

4 Disneyland Paris - Le Château de La Belle au Bois Dormant

Located in fantasyland in disneyland park paris.

Le Château de La Belle au Bois Dormant, which translates to Sleeping Beauty Castle, is the main castle at Disneyland Paris. Its pink and blue color scheme is similar to that of its California-based counterpart, as well as Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World Resort. Disneyland Paris' Sleeping Beauty Castle was built in 1992 , and according to WDW Magazine , it drew inspiration from multiple places, including the architectural designs of Loire Valley, France and the Disney castles that were already built by then.

The outside of Le Château de La Belle au Bois Dormant is as stunning as any Disneyland castle, but the inside only offers a few things to do. There's La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant , which recounts the story of Sleeping Beauty using tapestries and stained-glass windows. There's also La Tanière du Dragon, a " sleeping " animatronic dragon that sits beneath the structure. All of these make for fun viewing experiences, but they aren't quite as immersive as the eateries and attractions in other Disneyland castles.

3 Tokyo Disney Resort - Cinderella Castle & Beast Castle

Located in tokyo disneyland.

Like Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort features two castles as well , one of which was built as early as 2020. Tokyo Disney Resort has a lot in common with Florida's Disney park, as its castles feature the same characters: Cinderella and the Beast. Unlike the Florida-based castles, Tokyo's don't feature dining experiences. However, they're well worth visiting for the attractions that are inside, as well as their magnificent architecture.

Another Cinderella Castle sits at the heart of Tokyo Disneyland , and it bears a strong resemblance to its Florida-based counterpart. The main difference is the coloring, as Tokyo's Cinderella castle has a white and blue palette rather than a pink and blue one. The castle opened in 1983, when Tokyo Disneyland made its debut, and its architecture was inspired by Bavaria's Neuschwanstein Castle and Walt Disney World's Cinderella Castle. It's stunning outside, and it's got plenty to look at inside as well.

Tokyo Disneyland's Cinderella Castle contains Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall , which chronicles Cinderella and Prince Charming's romance through artwork like paintings and dioramas. Cinderella's throne and glass slipper are also on display. Needless to say, there are lots of photo opportunities and exciting things to see here.

As of 2020, Tokyo Disneyland also has its own Beast Castle — and instead of an eatery, it contains a ride inside of it. Beast's Castle resembles its Florida-based counterpart and the castle in Beauty and the Beast , and its walkway makes for an ideal photo spot. Inside the structure is the ride Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, which takes visitors through the story from the film while they sit inside of magical dancing teacups.

2 Shanghai Disney Resort - Enchanted Storybook Castle

Located in fantasyland in shanghai disneyland.

The Enchanted Storybook Castle in Shanghai Disney Resort is the biggest of all the parks' castles, and the number of things to do inside speaks to that fact. The Enchanted Storybook Castle is unique in that it doesn't focus on a single Disney movie or princess, opting to include all the princesses in its " story " instead. The castle was built in 2016, and its bright blue and pink colors were chosen because of the pollution in the area (via WDW Magazine ). It features a walk-through experience, meet-and-greets with multiple Disney princesses, and another Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

The biggest attractions within The Enchanted Storybook Castle, though, are its restaurant and boat ride. The latter, dubbed the Voyage to the Crystal Grotto , takes visitors through the castle in a boat that passes a number of Disney scenes. The restaurant inside of Shanghai Disneyland's castle is called the Royal Banquet Hall, and it requires reservations in advance in order to eat there. It features character experiences and a stunning backdrop that makes it a must for anyone visiting the Shanghai Disney Resort.

1 Hong Kong Disneyland - Castle of Magical Dreams

Located in the center of hong kong disneyland.

Hong Kong Disneyland has the Castle of Magical Dreams on its grounds, though it was once another Sleeping Beauty Castle; the current structure was built over it. The Castle of Magical Dreams opened in 2020, and its architecture is inspired by various European and Asian buildings. Like Shanghai's Enchanted Story Book Castle, it features numerous Disney princesses on the inside — but Princess Aurora remains central to the building. The Castle of Magical Dreams contains another Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, meet-and-greets, and plenty to look at. There aren't any restaurants or rides at this Disneyland castle, however.

Source: Disneyland.com, WDW Magazine

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Best Disney California Adventure Restaurants RANKED! We Have Tried All.

Disney California Adventure has become the foodie's park at Disneyland. We are diving into the best restaurants at Disney California Adventure to share the breakout locations that you should add to your day at the theme park.

In this guide, we will offer our ranking of the top Disney California Adventure restaurants divided into quick service and table service, our favorites from each location, and our thoughts on what makes them stand out. Disney California Adventure is home to some of the best restaurants at the Disneyland Resort like Lamplight Lounge and the Carthay Circle Restaurant as well as the recently completed Big Hero 6-themed San Fransokyo Square dining area with several quick-service options.

We eat at all of the Disney California Adventure restaurants frequently so that we can provide you with the best guidance for your vacation. Keep reading for our list of the best Disney California Restaurants ranked! We have tried every restaurant at Disney California Adventure.

For restaurants beyond Disney California Adventure, see our overall ranking of the best Disneyland restaurants , our ranking of the best Downtown Disney restaurants , and the best foods at Disneyland .

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Best Disney California Adventure Restaurants Ranked

For this list of the best Disney California Adventure restaurants, we will be weighing a few different factors, including quality of food and standout menu items as well as ambiance, theming, and the overall experience provided. We will also be including special dining experiences on this list that are not offered in a traditional restaurant setting like the World of Color Dessert Party and the Festival Marketplaces for special events.

Below, we will share our top 3 table service recommendations and our top 7 quick service recommendations for the best Disney California Adventure restaurants. 

Best Disney California Adventure Table Service Restaurants Ranked

Disney California Adventure is home to two of the best table-service restaurants at the Disneyland Resort with spectacular theming and food. Because of their popularity, reservations at these locations go extremely quickly, so you need to be ready to make them 60 days in advance when the reservation window opens up.

For our best tips on how to get Disneyland dining reservations, see our article on our top 5 tips for Disneyland dining reservations .

1. Lamplight Lounge

Lamplight Lounge is a table-service restaurant located in Pixar Pier that is themed to all things Pixar. Around the restaurant, you'll find a variety of Pixar drawings, artwork, and artifacts celebrating beloved characters and stories. The theming for this location is truly impressive and what makes it one of our top picks, as there are new details to discover around every turn!

There is both an upstairs and downstairs dining area at the restaurant, and one of our favorite aspects of Lamplight Lounge is the waterfront open-air deck that provides stunning views over Paradise Bay. A favorite spot of ours is the padded couch-style seating areas with tables in the middle that provide a comfortable place to enjoy your food and soak in the view. Mickey Visit's founder Gavin recently enjoyed this seating area during a trip to Disneyland with his 85-year old grandmother . The ambiance of this outdoor deck is truly beyond compare and a big reason it's one of our favorite dining locations at the resort!

Lamplight Lounge has a brunch and lunch/dinner menu offering gastropub cuisine. You've likely heard of their famous Lobster Nachos, and this is a favorite appetizer among guests. We also enjoy the Potato Skins here, and for Brunch, the Avocado Toast (which can also come as the New York Avacado Toast with New York Steak) or the Indulgent French Toast.

One of the most fun parts of Lamplight Lounge is the assortment of specialty drinks offered here that all have names inspired by filmmaking. You can enjoy drinks like “The Sequel,” “Over Budget,” “A Little Perspective,” and more. All of these drinks are also beautifully made so they are a visual treat as well! One of the specialty beverages is the Cinnamon Toast Cocktail which is perfect to enjoy with brunch.

Lamplight Lounge is also home to one of the coolest secret spots at Disneyland: a secret dining room known as “The Office!” This secret dining room is located behind a vault door and seats up to 13 people. There are black and white sketches of Pixar animators on the walls as well as games that you can take down and play, and you can even enjoy a private patio with views of the Incredicoaster launch! While you can't reserve this room, you can ask if it's available when you check in with a larger party and see if you get lucky, and the room is sometimes offered as a surprise for guests.

You can see our full review of Lamplight Lounge for everything you need to know!

2. Carthay Circle Restaurant

Carthay Circle Restaurant on Buena Vista Street is an upscale table-service restaurant that is the most elegant dining destination you will find at Disney California Adventure. The restaurant is inspired by the original Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, where Walt Disney's first feature film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered. The design and decor of the Carthay Circle Restaurant beautifully capture the grandeur of the Golden Age of Hollywood and contain rare artifacts and references to the early Disney era.

The beautiful design of the restaurant is sure to take your breath away—see the pastoral scene from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs painted on the ceiling of the main dining room with chandeliers below.

In addition to the indoor seating offered at Carthay Circle restaurant, there is also outdoor seating on the open-air terraces overlooking Buena Vista Street.

Carthay Circle Restaurant offers a menu courtesy of Chef Andrew Sutton, who is the Culinary Director of the award-winning Napa Rose. The Signature Thick Cut Pork Chop is the star of the show and our favorite item—it's moist and immaculately seasoned, and it falls right off the bone. Lighter eaters could even share this dish between two people and have plenty to enjoy!

If you are looking for a lighter meal, we recommend trying the Carthay Circle Lounge, which is a perfect place to enjoy a drink and some appetizers like our favorite Moroccan Roasted Chicken Meatballs.

You can see our full Carthay Circle Restaurant review for our experience dining here!

3. World of Color Dessert Party

While this is not technically a table-service restaurant, the World of Color Dessert Party in Paradise Gardens Park is still a sit-down experience that will allow you to enjoy premium reserved seating at the show as well as a plate of sweets and drinks. This is a popular option with visitors as it is the only one that offers seated viewing for the show.

The dessert plate includes a selection of desserts and cheeses (see the picture below for the cute treats!) as well as an assortment of beverages and a World of Color cocktail. During Christmas at Disneyland , the dessert plate features holiday-themed treats like a Mickey gingerbread cookie.

We think the World of Color Dessert Party is worth the splurge if you are planning on seeing the show. See our thoughts on the experience here in our full review of the World of Color Dessert Party !

Best Disney California Adventure Quick Service Restaurants Ranked

Disney California Adventure has a great variety of quick-service restaurants across the parks for guests who are looking for a delicious grab-and-go meal. San Fransokyo Square, the dining area that was recently rethemed to Big Hero 6, has a few of our favorites that we will list below.

Most of the below locations (except for the Festival Marketplaces) offer mobile ordering , which allows guests to use the Disneyland app to order ahead and select a return window to pick up food. Because these are all popular choices for visitors during their visit to Disney California Adventure, we recommend putting in your mobile order as early in the day as possible so that you don't end up with a return window that is later than you'd like.

1. Flo's V8 Cafe

Flo's V8 Cafe is located in Cars Land, one of the best themed lands at the parks. Flo's V8 Cafe is straight out of Radiator Springs from the Cars movie and is a Route 66-inspired diner that serves classic American comfort food. The outdoor dining area modeled like a gas station is a fun place to sit when Cars Land is all lit up with neon lights at night , and you can even get a view of the Radiator Springs Racers cars whizzing by if you face the attraction.

Flo's V8 Cafe has some standout items that we love including Ramone's Low and Slow Club, Flo's Famous Fried Chicken, and the milkshake offerings. This quick-service location offers something that everyone in your party will enjoy, and you can't top the theming.

Flo's V8 Cafe is the perfect place to soak up the ambiance of Cars Land and enjoy a great meal! We consider this to be one of the best quick-service restaurants overall at Disneyland. 

2. Pym Test Kitchen

Another one of our favorite quick-service locations in Disney California Adventure is Pym Test Kitchen, located in Avengers Campus. This fun location offers “size-defying fare” as Ant-Man and the Wasp have led a team of research chefs in creating a menu with innovations large and small. The theming and concept of this quick-service location make it a fun choice, and inside the restaurant, you can watch as pretzels travel on a conveyor belt through a quantum tunnel on the ceiling turning from regular-sized to big.

Our favorite items truly capture the fun theme of Pym Test Kitchen producing “inventive-sized” food that is extra big or small, like the ginormous Quantum Pretzel (pictured below) and The Not So Little Chicken Sandwich (a huge chicken cutlet on a small piece of bread). Look how fun the chicken sandwich is! 

The fun presentation of these items, along with the quality of the food, make this a great choice if you are looking for a quick and easy meal in Avengers Campus! Pym Test Kitchen serves a breakfast menu as well as a lunch and dinner menu. If you're planning on visiting this area of the park during your next visit, see our guide to Avengers Campus for everything you need to know!

3. Smokejumpers Grill

Next on our list of favorites is Smokejumpers Grill located in Grizzly Peak, a popular aviation-themed quick-service location that offers a menu of American classics and recently added breakfast items.  Smokejumpers Grill offers “Pilot Classics” like burgers, chicken, salads, and plant-based options, and it's one of our favorite places to mobile order a meal at the park.

We especially like the Grilled Chicken Salad and the Chipotle BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburger here as well as the milkshakes offered. One of the recent seasonal milkshake offerings, the Raspberry Cheesecake Shake, has received rave reviews from visitors and is one of the best new seasonal menu items we've tried recently. See the shake below!

The convenient location of Smokejumpers Grill right off Buena Vista Street, combined with its filling and delicious offerings, makes it one of our top quick-service picks at Disney California Adventure. 

4. Festival Marketplaces

While the Festival Marketplaces don't fall under a single quick-service restaurant, they are a crucial part of Disney California Adventure during special events that occur at the park throughout the year like Lunar New Year , the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival , the Festival of Holidays , and even Pixar Fest .

These Festival Marketplaces are located around the park and offer portion-sized tastings of various foods related to the special event. For many visitors, getting a Sip and Savor pass to try different marketplace offerings throughout the day is their go-to choice for meals at Disney California Adventure during festivals. 

The Festival Marketplaces often feature returning favorites, from the Beef Brisket Slider at Winter Sliderland during the Festival of Holidays to the Mickey-shaped Macaron made with SNICKERS bar pieces from Nuts About Cheese at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Each year, there will also be a wide variety of inventive new menu items to try from the marketplaces as well.

While some foods at the Festival Marketplaces are better than others (see our recent reviews of the Lunar New Year foods, Disney California Adventure Food and Wine foods , and Festival of Holidays foods), we always find that this is a really solid and rewarding option for food if we are visiting during a special event. There is so much to try, and the format of the Sip and Savor pass makes it convenient for you to split portions with other members of your party so you can explore as many different offerings as possible. I've found that some of the best foods I've ever had at the park have been from Festival Marketplaces.

See our most important tip for ordering from Festival Marketplaces to keep in mind during the festivals!

5. Lucky Fortune Cookery

Lucky Fortune Cookery, located in the recently reimagined San Fransokyo Square, is a quick-service restaurant offering Asian cuisine. When we first tried the new menu offerings here for the opening of San Fransokyo Square, we really enjoyed the Karaage-inspired Crispy Chicken Sandwich and the Baymax Macaron and these have been some of our favorites since. Another favorite of ours is the Teriyaki Chicken, which is a long-time menu item at Lucky Fortune Cookery. See the Beef Birria Ramen from the location below! 

San Fransokyo Square provides plenty of outdoor seating that is not too far away from the character meet-and-greet where you can see Hiro and Baymax from Big Hero 6 . The area is filled with fun details throughout as you can see in our photo tour of San Fransokyo Square.

You can see our full San Fransokyo Square food review for our thoughts on everything we've tried!

6. Corn Dog Castle

No list of the best Disney California Adventure restaurants would be complete without Corn Dog Castle, the quick-service location in Paradise Gardens Park where you can enjoy this Disneyland food staple.

This fun medieval-themed stand offers Original, Hot Link, and Cheddar Stick corndogs. Corn Dog Castle is an option that never disappoints, and it's one that we have enjoyed consistently over the course of several Disney California Adventure trips for a snack or a meal!

7. Cocina Cucamonga

Also located in San Fransokyo Square, Cocina Cucamonga is one of the best Disney California Adventure restaurants that offers Mexican food like street-style tacos as well as a selection of specialty drinks. Our favorites at this quick-service location include the QuesaBirria, which is extremely popular with visitors, and the Tacos Dorados de Papa. 

A new item that was introduced during the opening of San Fransokyo Square that we also really enjoy is the San Fransokyo-style Street Corn (pictured below with the QuesaBirria), which can be enjoyed with a meal or by itself as a delicious snack. 

Cocina Cucamonga also often offers some seasonal items as part of the festivals that take place in the park throughout the year, like the Strawberry Horchata, which is a recent offering for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. We recommend trying some of these seasonal items as they become available!

There are so many great options for dining in Disney California Adventure, with each restaurant on our list of favorites offering a unique experience and delicious food. Whether you decide to dine at a table-service restaurant or enjoy one of the park's quick-service restaurants, be sure to give these locations a try during your next vacation!

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You can find more information on planning your vacation in our guides:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Disney California Adventure offers a variety of different food options, from the upscale table-service Carthay Circle restaurant to San Fransokyo Square’s quick-service restaurants, the Festival Marketplaces that are available during special events throughout the year, and more. See our guide above for the best Disney California Adventure restaurants ranked. 

You can take food into Disney California Adventure as long as it does not have pungent odors, is not stored in a glass container, and does not require additional processing, refrigeration, heating, or reheating. You can see our guide to bringing food to Disney for everything you need to know. 

The most expensive dining experience offered at Disneyland California is 21 Royal, a private luxury $18,000 dinner held in a space envisioned by Walt and Lillian to host VIPs above Royal Street in New Orleans Square. See our full article on 21 Royal for more details. 

Pacific Wharf Cafe, which was part of Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure, was turned into Aunt Cass Cafe as part of the Big Hero 6 reimagining of the area into San Fransokyo Square. It still offers favorites like soup in a bread bowl but also now offers new menu items for guests to enjoy as well. 

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About Emily Midgley

Emily Midgley is a writer from San Diego, California. She was introduced to Disneyland when she was two and has been in love with all things Disney ever since! At Mickey Visit, she will keep you updated with the latest news from the Disney Parks and provide helpful planning content for your vacation. Her favorite rides at Disneyland are Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Space Mountain, and Rise of the Resistance. She loves Marvel (especially Guardians of the Galaxy) and lives and breathes anything to do with Star Wars.

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California News | Where to get solar eclipse glasses for free and…

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California news | ohtani’s interpreter charged with bank fraud, stealing $16 million from ballplayer, california news, california news | where to get solar eclipse glasses for free and watch the eclipse in southern california.

A total solar eclipse is happening on Monday, April 8, 2024. While Southern California won’t be on the path of the total eclipse, it’ll still be an experience.

Related: Solar Eclipse 2024

For Southern California residents, the solar eclipse will start just after 10 a.m. Pacific on Monday, April 8. The eclipse will be at its max around 11:12 a.m. In Southern California, the sun will only be about 50% visible at its peak. The eclipse will conclude around 12:20 p.m.

Related: How to protect your eyes during the solar eclipse

To view the eclipse, it’s important to have eye protection. While solar eclipse glasses can be purchased online or in stores, many businesses are offering them for free.

Here’s a list of different places you can find them in Southern California as well as some viewing parties that are happening on the day.

Los Angeles County

Los angeles county public library branches.

Those with a library card are able to pick up two pairs of glasses from most branches, with some even offering viewing parties such as the Sylmar Branch, Studio City Branch, Playa Vista Branch and Edendale Branch.

Mount Wilson Observatory

Update: The observatory had originally planned to stream the eclipse live to its Auditorium . However, because of inclement weather and road closures this past weekend, Mount Wilson Observatory has cancelled the event .

Griffith Observatory on the other hand is not hosting a public viewing of the Solar Eclipse but will have a live online broadcast.

Pierce College*

The college is hosting a viewing party on the 2nd floor of the Center for the Sciences. *Pierce College has not mentioned if there will be solar eclipse glasses available at the event.

Orange County

Oc public libraries.

Each of the OC Library branches will be giving out free glasses, except for Laguna Niguel Library, Los Alamitos Rossmoor Library, and Dana Point Library, which are temporarily closed for tenant improvements or repairs. Additionally, the Stanton Library is hosting a viewing party and after the eclipse, they will also be offering a free craft.

Inland Empire

Museum of riverside.

The museum is hosting a viewing party in addition to giving out free glasses on the day.

San Bernardino County Museum*

San Bernardino Valley College is hosting a viewing party at the museum. Set up begins at 9 a.m.

*San Bernardino Valley College has not mentioned if there will be solar eclipse glasses available at the event.

Throughout Southern California

Warby parker.

Starting April 1, 2024, the glasses store will be offering free solar eclipse glasses at all of its locations .

*These events do not mention providing solar eclipse glasses.

Editors Note: Additional information has been added to this article to clarify which viewing parties have not mentioned if they will be providing glasses.

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News | Solar Eclipse 2024: What Southern California…

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News | Solar Eclipse 2024: What Southern California should know as things go dark(er)

On Monday, April 8, at 11:07 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, the Earth’s familiar sun will briefly disappear for people in North America as a total solar eclipse enters the continent through Mexico’s Pacific coast.

From there, the “path of totality,” the band where the Sun is completely blocked from view, will cut diagonally across the continent, delighting U.S. viewers from Texas to Maine. All told, the totality will pass over 13 U.S. states, and at least a partial eclipse will be visible from all 50, within eyeshot of 99% of the U.S. population.

That includes us, here in Southern California, where we’ll see a nearly 50% eclipse. Joel Zinn, assistant professor at Cal State Long Beach’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, was gearing up for a public viewing event at the campus’s quad on Monday.

Related: Solar Eclipse 2024

While he studies stuff like asteroseismology and galactic archaeology, you could hear the philosopher in him as the eclipse approaches.

“As people who live in Southern California, we may take the sun for granted,” he said. “It’s just something that’s there in the sky, and we don’t have a chance to look in detail on what’s going on with the sun.

“This is the one time when people think about it in a different way,” he said. “We’re really lucky this can even happen in the first place.”

And then there’s how one event will be a moment to join millions across a continent. He sees the moment as an exciting opportunity to engage folks who know little about the sun.

The possibility of seeing solar prominences, sun spots, the loss of light in the middle of the day – it’s all got Zinn and his stargazing kin giddy.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Here’s how visible it will be in Southern California

It is estimated that 31.6 million people in the U.S. live in the totality’s path, and many others will travel for the chance to see day become night for four and a half minutes.

And with that, here is a guide to help as you prepare for a day not quite like any other in the skies above.

What is a solar eclipse, and when exactly is the one on Monday?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and sun, casting its shadow across our planet. The eclipse arriving on Monday will be a total solar eclipse, where the moon fully blocks the light of the sun from the Earth’s view along the “line of totality.”

In Southern California, we will see a partial eclipse, which will begin at 10:06 a.m., peaking at 11:12 a.m. and concluding at 12:22 p.m., according to the Griffith Observatory.

According to NASA, two to five eclipses occur each year. However, not all of these are total eclipses. If an eclipse occurs while the moon is near its furthest point from the Earth, the sun will peak around its edges, known as an annular solar eclipse.

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, but not in perfect alignment, obscuring only a chunk of the fireball. During a hybrid solar eclipse, the Earth’s curvature results in an annular eclipse shifting into a total eclipse.

The occurrence of total eclipses is due to a very unlikely coincidence involving the sizes of the moon and sun, and their distances from the Earth. This coincidence is a favorite eclipse fact of Dr. Marin Anderson, astrophysicist, radio astronomer and research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“It’s a coincidence that we happen to be on a planet with a moon that’s about 400 times smaller than our star, but that our star is about 400 times further away,” Anderson explained.

“And so we just so happened to live on this planet. At this moment in time, when we get to experience the moon being exactly the same size in the sky as the sun.”

Why should I care? Why does all this matter?

According to Anderson, in around a billion years, the moon will have drifted far enough from Earth that total eclipses will be a thing of the past, so get ‘em while we got ‘em.

Unlike the 2017 totality, this Monday’s eclipse is occurring around the sun’s solar maximum, when explosive activity in the corona is at its highest. That means more spectacular “streamers” and “prominences” coming off the corona like colorful wisps and curls. The upcoming totality will last for nearly 2 minutes longer than in 2017, resulting in a more spectacular experience over a longer period of time.

When the sun disappears in the middle of the day, a number of strange and beautiful things happen.

According to Christopher Burns, a volunteer telescope operator at Mount Wilson Observatory and research associate at the Observatories at Carnegie Science, standing under the totality feels like “an artificial sunset in all directions.” Birds start to freak out. The air becomes chilly in the sudden absence of sunlight.

“The stars come out, the brighter ones, and you can definitely see planets that normally you wouldn’t see during the day,” Burns said.

Right before totality, viewers can see what astronomers call the “diamond ring.”

“The surface of the moon is not a completely perfect sphere,” Burns explained. “It has bumps, it has mountains, it has craters and stuff like that. And so right when you’re getting most of the eclipse just about to happen, you still get little bits of light of the sun passing kind of through the valleys and it sort of creates this sort of diamond effect almost like it’s a ring with a diamond on it.”

During the totality, the sun’s corona forms a “white, ghostly halo” around the moon. And then the whole process reverses.

While eclipses themselves are not rare occurrences, the likelihood of a total eclipse passing directly overhead is. According to NASA, any given spot on Earth might fall under a total eclipse once every 360 years.

The next total solar eclipse to pass over the U.S. won’t arrive for another 20 years.

The planetarium at Orange Coast College by Friday had about 650 people on a registration list for this eclipse happening in the middle of a Monday workday. That has the planetarium’s interim manager, Jessica Artinger, happy with people’s interest. She expects about 1,000 to show up.

“I think it is just the rarity,” said Artinger.

Why are scientists so giddy about this?

Today’s scientists still rely on eclipses to make observations of the Sun.

Along with her duties as a research scientist at JPL, Anderson helps educate students and citizen scientists using the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) to map the sun. On April 8, the GAVRT team will be hosting a public, live-streamed webinar to demonstrate how eclipses can be used to aid solar research.

Scientists studying the sun are interested in better understanding the its corona, the outer atmosphere of the sun.

According to Anderson, the “corona is a really important part of the sun in terms of producing magnetic activity”, which produces “space weather events”, bursts of electromagnetic radiation that can wreak havoc on Earth’s infrastructure, satellites, and astronauts. Among other things, scientists are interested in better forecasting these events.

During an eclipse, as the moon transits across the sun’s path, it slowly covers and uncovers the Sun’s active regions, allowing scientists to take readings with much higher resolution.

At these times, the clarity of radio telescope readings, called angular resolution, improves by more than two orders of magnitude.

“We can see the structure of the magnetic fields in the sun’s outer atmosphere, in that corona, more than 100 times better than we would be able to see it during standard, non-eclipse observations,” Anderson said.

How can I safely view it?

Staring into an eclipse without proper eye protection can result in severe eye injury. So avoid direct sun-gazing.

According to NASA, looking at an eclipse through a camera lens, binoculars or telescope without special-purpose solar filters “will instantly cause severe eye injury.”

The Planetary Society provides detailed guidance on their website –https://www.planetary.org/articles/are-your-solar-eclipse-glasses-safe — about how to stay safe during an eclipse.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Staying safe

First of all, only view eclipses through “eclipse glasses”. And make sure they meet the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) of “ISO 12312-2”, which should be printed on the glasses.

According to the The Planetary Society, eclipse viewers should only buy their glasses from one of the reputable sellers approved by the American Astronomical Society (AAS); a list is available on their website — https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters — along with guidance on how to tell if your eclipse glasses or viewers are safe to use — eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/how-to-tell-if-viewers-are-safe .

Here are precautions, courtesy of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:

• Do not look directly at the Sun
• Wear eclipse glasses, or solar viewers, with certified solar filters and ensure lenses are in good condition.
• Free eclipse glasses are also available at select public libraries.
• Do not use sunglasses, binoculars, or telescopes
• Always supervise children using solar viewers
• Use a pinhole viewer to view the eclipse indirectly without looking at the sun. Instructions on how to do this are on this website .
• Monday is projected to be a sunny day in Los Angeles County. If residents are outside to view the eclipse, Public Health advises people to also wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to protect their skin.

Where can I view it?

If you already live in the path of totality, stay put and walk outside on April 8; you can find a map with totality transit times on NASA’s website — https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/5123/. If you want to travel to see the total eclipse, find a spot in the path of totality in the U.S., Mexico or Canada.

Solar Eclipse 2024 : Where to get eclipse glasses

NASA is also hosting, co-hosting or sending speakers and presenters to events throughout the country ( https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/events/ ).

Mount Wilson Observatory has canceled its viewing event due to unsafe weather conditions on the mountain, but in Southern California plenty of lower-elevation opportunities remain.

Many libraries, including multiple branches of the L.A. County Library system — — will be hosting viewing events starting in the morning; check out your library system’s website for more information.

Each of the OC Library branches will be giving out free glasses, except for Laguna Niguel Library, Los Alamitos Rossmoor Library, and Dana Point Library, which are temporarily closed for tenant improvements or repairs. Additionally, the Stanton Library is hosting a viewing party and after the eclipse, they will also be offering a free craft.

The museum of Riverside is hosting a viewing party in addition to giving out free glasses on the day.

Many colleges and universities are also hosting eclipse-viewing events with speakers and activities. Here’s a few:

Caltech : 10 a.m. to noon., at the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, 1216 E California Blvd., Pasadena.

Cal State Long Beach , 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Upper Quad, Cal State Long Beach,1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach.

Cal State L.A .: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., main walkway between the Biological Sciences Building and the Annenberg Science Complex,  5154 State University Drive.

Pierce College : 10 a.m., 2nd floor of the Center for the Sciences, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills.

Mt. San Antonio College : 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 8, 2024 Mt. SAC-Randall Planetarium, 1100 Grand Ave, Walnut.

Orange Coast College Planetarium , 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa

San Bernardino Valley College  is hosting a viewing party at the museum. Set up begins at 9 a.m.

And then there’s the many local schools, where classrooms will be buzzing over the event.

Maricela Brambila, principal of Willard Elementary School in Pasadena, was gearing up during spring break for an eclipse-filled return of students on Monday.

“I think what I hope our students mostly take away from this is that while our universe is vast and may at times seem absolutely removed and incomprehensible from our day to day experience, events like this help us understand how everything is interconnected and can have an impact on us,” she said.

How can I photograph a solar eclipse ?

There are a host of smartphone apps for eclipse chasers. The American Astronomical Society has compiled a list of useful ones for both iOS and Android devices, including its own Totality app that shows your location on a map of the totality path.

Digital SLR cameras will produce the best photos. Their manual exposure controls and ability to add zoom lenses and accessories like remote shutter buttons will let you make great pictures.

NASA published detailed guidelines for smartphone eclipse photography in 2017 with the caveat that “smartphones were never designed to do sun and moon photography.” That’s because the wide-angle lenses on most devices won’t let you capture close-up detail. But new phones released since then come with sophisticated sensors, multiple lenses and image stabilization software that give a better chance.

The American Astronomical Society advises using a solar filter to protect cameras against intense sunlight and heat.

You can buy a filter that screws onto DSLR lenses, but it will take time to remove when totality happens.

For smartphones, you can use a spare pair of eclipse glasses and hold it over the lens, or buy a smartphone filter.

Be careful on selfies: While you might think your vision isn’t at risk because you’re not looking at the sun, your phone’s screen could reflect harmful ultraviolet light, eye experts have warned.

What if I can’t see it in person?

For those unable to see the eclipse in-person, many organizations are putting on free, online events.

Griffith Observatory is not hosting an in-person event in Los Angeles but will be live-streaming from Texas. As mentioned above, the GAVRT team is hosting their own live-stream event. For the visually impaired, The LightSound Project will live-stream the eclipse using sound – more on that below.

NASA will also be putting on a live-streamed, online event called “ Through the Eyes of NASA ”, offering “expert commentary, live demos, and more.”

The experience for the visually impaired

In order to make solar eclipses more accessible for those with visual impairments, NASA has produced a book called “ Getting a Feel for Eclipses, 2023 & 2024 ” that gives visually impaired readers a tactile way to explore the eclipse.

Researchers at Harvard University, building on the work of Wanda Diaz Merced, a blind astronomer, developed an open-source device that allows visually impaired people to hear eclipses. The device, called LightSound, converts light into sound that changes pitch as the incoming light brightens and dims. The LightSound team has made their designs freely available online, and distributed more than 750 of the devices to groups around the world. The team will also be hosting a live stream of Monday’s eclipse over Zoom.

Will animals act weird during the total solar eclipse, and what about pets?

While there are many individual sightings of critters behaving bizarrely during historic eclipses, only in recent years have scientists started to rigorously study the altered behaviors of wild, domestic and zoo animals.

Researchers say that many animals display behaviors connected with an early dusk.

Some zoos along the path are inviting visitors to help track animals.

As for indoor pets, they may react as much to what their owners are doing – whether they’re excited or nonchalant about the eclipse – as to any changes in the sky, said University of Arkansas animal researcher Raffaela Lesch.

“Dogs and cats pay a lot of attention to us, in addition to their internal clocks,” aid University of Arkansas animal researcher Raffaela Lesch.

Staff Writers Teresa Liu, along with City Editors Ryan Carter and Heather McRea, and The Associated Press, contributed to this article.

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