Things to Do in Disneyland: Disneyland Hotels travel guide on the best things to do in Disneyland. Have a look below for more details on Disneyland Attractions, restaurants, nightlife, bars, clubs, events and shopping.
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Top things to do and Attractions in Disneyland:
The park is divided into “lands” (themed areas) and well-concealed backstage areas. On entering a land, a guest is completely immersed in a themed environment and is unable to see or hear any other realm. The idea behind this was to develop theatrical “stages” with seamless passages from one land to the next.
The public areas occupy approximately 85 acres (34 ha). When the park initially opened, it consisted of five themed areas:
- Main Street, U.S.A., designed to resemble an early 20th-century Midwest town;
- Adventureland, featuring jungle-themed adventures;
- Frontierland, illustrating an American Old West frontier town;
- Fantasyland, bringing to life characters and places from Disney’s movies for children;
- Tomorrowland, an optimistic vision of the future
- Since the initial opening, additional areas have been added:
In 1957, Holidayland, a 9 acres (3.6 ha) recreation area including a circus and baseball diamond, which was closed in late 1961. - In 1966, New Orleans Square, based on 19th-century New Orleans.
- In 1972, Bear Country, themed around the mountain forests of the American South. It was later renamed Critter Country and themed around Splash Mountain’s Song of the South elements.
- In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown, themed around the Toontown seen in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit.Throughout the park are ‘Hidden Mickeys’, or representations of Mickey Mouse heads inserted subtly into the design of attractions and environmental decor.
An elevated berm supports a narrow gauge railroad that circumnavigates the park. Disney California Adventure Park was added in what used to be a parking lot for Disneyland guests.
Some top reviews of the best rides at Disneyland:
Haunted Mansion 2 reviews
#1 of 16 things to do in Disneyland jwilsonwsu says: Like Eric said this is my favorite ride in Disneyland as well. The moment you step on the property of the Haunted Mansion it is an adventure. From the horseless carriage to the many tombston…
1 review
FANTASMIC! 1 review
#2 of 16 things to do in Disneyland Tricia_S says: If you love Disney movies and are a child at heart, I would definitely recommend this show! Located on the Rivers of America, Fantasmic is a journey into Mickey’s imagination. At First it’s …
1 review
Indiana Jones Adventure 1 review
#3 of 16 things to do in Disneyland jwilsonwsu says: This is by far the most popular ride at Disneyland. So be warned that this line is extremely long almost all the time. Just getting to the ride is an adventure, as it probably takes (if ther…
1 review
Remember…Dreams Do Come True-Fireworks 1 review
#4 of 16 things to do in Disneyland jwilsonwsu says: This is an excellent fireworks show. It is done above Sleeping Beauty’s Castle so you can get a view of it anywhere on Main Street. I would suggest getting as close to the castle as possible…
2 reviews
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters 2 reviews
#5 of 16 things to do in Disneyland SwtSerenity says: This ride is awesome if you have that competitive spirit within ya! Here are some tips: – Triangles are worth the most! Then..Diamonds, Squares, and Circles – There are a lot of hidden …
2 reviews
Matterhorn 2 reviews
#6 of 16 things to do in Disneyland Eric says: This was probably the most exciting ride of the day. I think Space Mountain is faster, but the Matterhorn adds an extra element of suspense in that it is so jerky and old that you aren’t qui…
2 reviews
Space Mountain 2 reviews
#7 of 16 things to do in Disneyland travelmonster1 says: This awesome attraction is definitely for those with a stronger stomach as the fast turns and twists of the rollercoaster in complete darkness can be hard to handle. Don’t let this put you o…
2 reviews
Splash Mountain 2 reviews
#8 of 16 things to do in Disneyland travelmonster1 says: Splash Mountain!! Follow Brer Rabbit along on this log flume ride where “you may get wet!” Although tickets for Disney itself are quite expensive, it is well worth it, especially for this r…
1 review
Dumbo the Flying Elephant 1 review
#9 of 16 things to do in Disneyland jwilsonwsu says: Dumbo, Peter Pan and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride make up three biggest attractions in Fantasyland in Disneyland. Dumbo the Flying Elephant is what you would expect. You sit in one of many Dumbos an…
1 review
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage 1 review
#10 of 16 things to do in Disneyland jwilsonwsu says: The newest ride to Disneyland brings back the classic submarines so many of us enjoyed throughout the years. This time, the voyage brings you underwater to witness Nemo’s adventure. I rem…
1 review
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride 1 review
#11 of 16 things to do in Disneyland jwilsonwsu says: As I have said in other reviews, this ride is one of the most popular in Fantasyland. It is almost guaranteed a line no matter what time of the day it is. It is one of the few rides that was…
1 review
Peter Pan’s Flight 1 review
#12 of 16 things to do in Disneyland jwilsonwsu says: Probably the most popular ride in Fantasyland. The line is always long and there is no FASTPASS, so be prepared to wait. The wait though is well worth it. You board a tinier version of Capta…
1 review
Autopia 1 review
#13 of 16 things to do in Disneyland jwilsonwsu says: Autopia is a great ride for the family. I remember riding this back when I was 5 years old. I really thought I was driving a car and believed that I was the best driver (dad said so). This i…
1 review
Jungle Cruise 1 review
#14 of 16 things to do in Disneyland jwilsonwsu says: The Jungle Cruise is an exciting, relaxing ride. Basically it is a riverboat journey through the jungles of Asia, Africa and South America. Along the cruise you see elephants, hippos, and na…
1 review
Thunder Mountain 1 review
#15 of 16 things to do in Disneyland Eric says: Thunder Mountain is a rickety roller coaster set in the wild west that never really lives up to it’s expectations for thrills. You’ll proceed slowly up to the top of a large hill, expecting …
2 reviews
It’s a Small World 2 reviews
#16 of 16 things to do in Disneyland Eric says: I would only recommend going here if you are intentionally trying to traumatize your children. I went here once as a child, and the only thing I remember are demonic looking dwarves and crea…
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