February 2001 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – You could see the Fun Wheel from anywhere around paradise Bay, but the entrance was tricky to find. The easiest path to follow was the one on the right hand side; head toward the Silly Symphony Swings, and you’d see the sunken waiting area to the […] Read more…
Fantasyland has always been the most popular and well-known land within Disneyland. But since its debut in 1955, Fantasyland has changed dramatically, and is virtually unrecognizable from its original design. Walt Disney and the Imagineers were never completely happy with Fantasyland’s layout or theme, but with limited time and money, they set up Fantasyland with […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The main station for the railroad stands at the opposite end from the castle. It’s the first thing you see from the main gate, and can be accessed from the stairs or ramp beside the center garden. New Orleans Square – You can find the New […] Read more…
March 1967 – present LOCATION New Orleans Square – Whether you arrive from Adventureland or Frontierland, you’ll find Pirates of the Caribbean on your left. The entrance is beneath the bridge, and the line winds into the building. BACKGROUND Original designs for Pirates of the Caribbean called for a walk-through wax museum set in the 18th […] Read more…
If you ask me, Main Street USA is the most underappreciated land in Disneyland; there are just so many cool details, tons of park history, and some really interesting hidden gems. Everything in this land is so polished and perfect, it’s hard to spot anything that isn’t carefully manicured. But did you ever notice that […] Read more…
January 1993 – March 2022 LOCATION Mickey’s Toontown – After crossing under the bridge and into Toontown, guests would follow the main path to the left. You’d find Gadget’s Go Coaster at the end of the main walkway, just after Donald’s Boat. BACKGROUND When Mickey’s Toontown debuted in 1993, Gadget’s Go Coaster was the land’s only operating […] Read more…
July 2011 – present LOCATION Paradise Park – Follow the pier on the side farthest from Pacific Wharf, near the Golden Zephyr and Goofy’s Sky School. You’ll find Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta on the right, behind the covered seating area. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service Seating – covered outdoor patio Reservations – no Entertainment – […] Read more…
ANTICIPATING THE BIG DAY Source: Name Tag Museum Walt Disney began envisioning Disneyland when he visited amusement parks with his daughters in the 1930’s and 40’s. He noticed that those parks catered primarily to children, and imagined a park that would be as entertaining for adults as it would be for their kids. When he […] Read more…
THE RESORT WELCOMES A SECOND PARK In the beginning, Disney used the area now occupied by California Adventure as massive parking space for Disneyland. But as Disney World in Florida grew into multiple parks and became increasingly popular, Disney wanted to repeat this set up in California. So in 1991, Disney announced plans to launch […] Read more…
NEED FOR CHANGE Though California Adventure was a massively anticipated addition to the Disneyland Resort, its initial design and premise did not resonate with guests. The absence of Disney charm and characters combined with the lack of rides for children left guests unimpressed and disinterested in leaving the Disneyland section of the resort. After a […] Read more…
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether or not your kids (or you!) are ready for some of the bigger rides. On the one hand, you don’t want anyone to miss out, but it’s also no fun to be petrified of the happiest place on earth. The following is a list of the Disneyland Resort’s more intimidating […] Read more…
July 1966 – present LOCATION New Orleans Square – Follow the main path toward the Haunted Mansion and you’ll find the French Market on the left, just after Café Orleans. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service Seating – outdoor enclosed patio Reservations – no Entertainment – live music throughout the day Menu Diners looking for […] Read more…
June 2012 – present BACKGROUND The original entrance to California Adventure was not Buena Vista Street, but a central walkway called Sunshine Plaza. But the plaza was largely empty, had no unified theme, and was often overlooked by park guests, so when California Adventure went through its major refurbishment, this area was completely redone. Today, […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Adventureland – When entering from Main Street USA, you’ll find the Jungle Cruise on the left, just after Aladdin’s Oasis. If you enter Adventureland from New Orleans Square, you’ll find the Jungle Cruise on the right, across from the trading post gift shop. BACKGROUND When Walt Disney and his Imagineers […] Read more…