Waiting in line is the part of a Disneyland vacation no one looks forward to. Even with fast passes, single rider options, and lighter crowds, you will always have to stand in line at some point. But some attractions definitely step up to make the experience a little more enjoyable (check out my favorite queues […] Read more…
May 2019 – present BACKGROUND The Star Wars universe has long been part of the Disneyland Resort – ever since Star Tours opened in Tomorrowland in the 80s. But with the newest trilogy joining the saga in 2015, Star Wars suddenly gained a new generation of fans, and Disney had the perfect opportunity to expand its presence […] Read more…
Everyone knows the place to find Jack O Lanterns at Disneyland is Main Street during Halloween; they line the windows of shops, adorn balconies, and sometimes sit on restaurant tabletops. But one special pumpkin hides in Disneyland all year long, in a place you probably wouldn’t expect. Swing by Goofy’s Playhouse during any season, and […] Read more…
December 2018 – present LOCATION Adventureland – The Tropical Hideaway is nestled in a cozy corner along the rivers of the Jungle Cruise. To find this spot from Main Street, follow Adventureland’s main path as it curves left. You’ll see the entry bridge on your left, next to the Tiki Room exit. If you’re coming […] Read more…
Anyone who’s ever had a blog will tell you: you need a LOT of photos. As a result, I’ve easily taken thousands of photos of the happiest place on earth. After a while, you realize you’ve been snapping the same angles over and over again. It’s easy to fall into familiar patterns. So on my […] Read more…
There’s a very distinct Disneyland experience to be had in Mickey’s Toontown. Sure, in Fantasyland you can meet tons of characters, but in Toontown, you get to snoop through their houses. You have uninterrupted access to Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Chip & Dale’s homes. Mickey and Minnie’s houses offer particularly revealing tours, where you […] Read more…
January 1976 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The Disneyana shop is hard to miss; it’s the closest retail space to the park gates. To find this shop, keep to the right as you enter the park. You’ll see the shop on your right, just before the Disney Gallery. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Art, […] Read more…
Fantasyland is the epicenter of royalty in Disneyland. Beneath the towers of the castle, you’ll find wandering princes and princesses, evil queens, even the occasional fairies offering counsel to various members of Disney monarchies. Fantasyland provides a regal backdrop for these characters, right down to the tiniest details. On various signs, banners, and gold detailing, […] Read more…
When the sun sets in Disneyland, Fantasyland changes. The bright colors and gold detailing on many of the buildings hide in the shadows, and instead, the attractions themselves shine in soft lighting. In the central courtyard, the castle and carousel shine brightest, leaving the rest of the area in shadow. And on the east side, the […] Read more…
When you arrive at the gates of Disneyland, long before you see the castle or the Matterhorn or the Rivers of America, you stand before a special building: the Disneyland Railroad Main Street Station. This place overlooks the berm, which protects Disneyland from the real world outside, hosts live performances from characters and the Disneyland […] Read more…
Guests wandering Main Street can’t help but notice (or trip on!) the tracks leading down the center of the street. These are trolley tracks, steering the iconic horse-drawn trolleys back and forth between the castle and the train station. Since 1955, Disneyland’s most famous vehicle has been taking guests on magical trips down Main Street, […] Read more…
Spring 1957 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – Disneyland’s iconic magic shop sits on the eastern side of the street. To find the shop, walk toward the castle and keep to the right; you’ll see the neon marquee just as the street narrows from the open town square. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise– magic accessories, gags, […] Read more…
Spring/Summer 1995 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The Little Red Wagon overlooks the busiest part of Main Street. To find the wagon, walk down Main Street toward the central hub. When the street opens into a circle, keep to the right. You’ll see the wagon on your right, just before the entrance to […] Read more…
November 1994 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The Photo Supply Co. anchors the northeast corner of Main Street. To find the little shop, walk down Main Street toward the castle. When you reach the end, you’ll see the shop on your right, just as the street opens up into the central hub. EXPERIENCE […] Read more…