Disneyland is known for its exciting coasters and nostalgic rides, but behind the headliners there’s so much more to discover. In fact, Disneyland holds so many hidden treasures, its almost like a museum in and of itself. Some of these treasures include a series of Orchestrions, early 20th century instruments meant to mimic the sound […] Read more…
Disneyland in 1955 was a very different place. It has always been the epicenter of wholesome family entertainment, but several decades ago, standards of what is “Disney appropriate” were a little different. For one, you could purchase a much larger variety of items on Main Street USA that would never be in a Disney park […] Read more…
If you’ve ever been gone shopping on Main Street USA, odds are you’ve visited the Disneyland Emporium. This corner shop next to the fire station is the largest store on the street, and has a huge selection of souvenirs and Disney merchandise. But for shoppers who take a moment to look above the wares for […] Read more…
When Walt Disney first conceived of Disneyland, one of the only attractions he immediately wanted for his park was a train. The Disneyland Railroad would provide a grand circle tour of the park, and would be a source of entertainment and a method of transportation for guests. Since 1955, the Railroad has been one of […] Read more…
Critter Country is Disneyland’s quietest land, tucked between Disneyland’s outer forest and the Rivers of America waterfront. If you look closely, this peaceful land is actually buzzing with activity; the resident critters are always up to something! You’re probably already familiar with the critter’s favorite haunts (the nearby mountain and sweet shop just to name […] Read more…
New Orleans Square is pirate central at Disneyland, and not just in Pirates of the Carribean. The whole land is a home fit for a boisterous captain and crew, and there are hints throughout the land that it was in fact once crawling with pirates. The best indication of pirate activity in New Orleans Square […] Read more…
If you’ve ever explored the shops on Main Street USA, you know that each has its own distinct personality, its own type of merchandise, and sometimes, its own details and decor. One of the tiniest shops on Main Street is a toy shop, hidden behind a jewelry store and a clothing/accessories store. But this tucked […] Read more…
The Main Street USA windows are always filled with colorful dioramas, delicious candies, and specialty merchandise. No matter how many times I walk up and down that beautiful street, I always see something new! Since there’s so much going on in this busy land, it’s really easy to miss some of its hidden gems, including […] Read more…
February 2001 – present LOCATION Frontierland – Rancho del Zocalo sits on the main path through Frontierland. If you enter Frontierland from Main Street USA, you’ll find this restaurant on the right, just beyond the Shootin’ Exposition. If you’re coming from New Orleans Square or Fantasyland, head toward Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. You’ll see the […] Read more…
Sleeping Beauty Castle is the most beautiful building in Disneyland; it’s stunning 22-karat gold detailing and stained glass windows are noticeable from the very end of Main Street USA. Most park guests are very familiar with the castle and its iconic shape, but did you know that the castle has a feature with its own […] Read more…
The beauty of New Orleans Square lies in the details; every railing, every garden, and every window is ornate and precisely decorated. Everything seems to fit together perfectly…except, perhaps, for one strange waterfront detail. If you walk along the lowest-tiered path in New Orleans Square, toward Critter Country, you’ll notice a small archway built into […] Read more…
LOCATION Adventureland – Tropical Imports sits right on the busiest part of the land’s main walkway, so with so much traffic, it can be easy to miss. When you head into Adventureland from Main Street USA, keep to the left of the path. Tropical Imports will be on the left side, just before the entrance […] Read more…
Back when Disneyland sold individual tickets for different attractions, there were small ticket booths scattered throughout the park. Guests could purchase ticket books, and different letter tickets corresponded with different types of rides or shows. Disneyland officially converted to day passes in 1982, making ticket books collectible antiques instead of valid park admission. Most of the […] Read more…
Fantasyland is Disneyland’s busiest neighborhood; nearly every character resides within its stone walls. The eastern side of Fantasyland is Alice’s stomping ground, with her dark ride, the tea cups, and the Mad Hatter gift shop. But did you know a friend of Alice’s also calls this area home? Pay close attention and you might just find […] Read more…