January 1993 – present BACKGROUND Mickey’s Toontown was the last of the main lands in Disneyland to open, debuting in 1993. This land was also the first designed specifically for the youngest of Disney fans, with no major attractions and a primary focus on characters and the charm of the town. Although it has expanded […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – When entering Fantasyland through the castle, continue forward until you reach the King Arthur Carousel. Take a left just after the Carousel and you should see the entrance to the Casey Jr. Circus Train. BACKGROUND Casey Jr. was one of the first rides opened in the park after […] Read more…
You may have noticed that the Matterhorn Bobsleds never quite reach the top of the mountain. Ever wondered why? Well, the upper third of the mountain is actually open inside, with storage, staircases, and this park secret: the Matterhorn Basketball Court! Â Source: Invisible Theme Park The small basketball court has a full backboard and net, […] Read more…
BASIC INFO App Name: Walkee Company Name: MediaLAB, Inc. App Price: $3.99 Free version: Yes HOW IT WORKS Walkee is one of the many wait time apps. It is designed to show the locations of rides and attractions by mapping them, and provides estimated wait times for each. Unlike many other apps, Walkee also shows […] Read more…
July 1955 – present BACKGROUND Modeled after Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street USA is park guests’ first glimpse of Disneyland. Imagineers wanted guests to be immediately taken away from their normal lives and into a completely different place and time, thus the old-timey feel of the land. Main Street USA is set […] Read more…
June 1959 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – When facing the castle from Main Street USA, follow the path on the right-hand side and you will see Matterhorn Mountain. BACKGROUND When the park first opened, the ground that had been hollowed out for the castle moat was piled to the right of the castle. This area […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – When entering through the Castle, you will find it on the right, just after the archway leading to Tomorrowland. BACKGROUND At first, Walt Disney envisioned a ride in which guests flew through Neverland as if they were Peter. Confused guests didn’t understand why Peter wasn’t found anywhere in […] Read more…
May 1966 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – At the very back, right before the path to Toontown. If you take the path to the right of the castle, you will reach It’s A Small World after passing the Storybook Land Canal Boats. BACKGROUND It’s A Small World was originally conceived of as a celebratory exhibit […] Read more…
The worst kept secret of Disneyland veterans is the Fast Pass. These are incredible time-savers and both free and easy to use, so it amazes me that most park guests don’t take advantage of them. I recommend that even on lightly-attended park days, visitors use as many fast passes as possible…there’s really no reason not […] Read more…
Disneyland has tons of rides for kids and adults of all ages, but getting your money’s worth from the park seems difficult if your kids are hesitant about braving the coasters. When I was little, I was afraid of EVERYTHING: roller coasters, dark rides, you name it! For me, it was the tamer the better. […] Read more…
July 1955 – present BACKGROUND Without a doubt, Fantasyland is the most famous and heavily visited area in Disneyland. Walt Disney envisioned Fantasyland as a place for children to become part of the stories they loved, and was supposedly his favorite area in the park. Fantasyland is styled as a medieval Bavarian village, but stays […] Read more…
June 2010 – present LOCATION Paradise Park – On the water overlooking Mickey’s Fun Wheel and California Screamin’. To view World of Color, head to your designated fast pass tier, or ask a cast member for assistance. BACKGROUND When California Adventure began its major expansion from 2007-2012, Imagineers wanted to create a show somewhat like Fantasmic! […] Read more…
June 1958 – present LOCATION Fantasyland — Alice In Wonderland is nestled in between the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Storybook Land Canal Boats, and the Mad Tea Party. If you are standing facing the front of the castle, take the path to Fantasyland on the right and you should see the ride on your left. BACKGROUND […] Read more…
July 1966 – present BACKGROUND New Orleans Square was not one of the original lands in Disneyland, but its conceptualization began almost immediately after Opening Day in 1955. Imagineers envisioned an old timey square for park guests to relax in, with restaurants, shops, and waterfront views of the Rivers of America, and in 1966, New […] Read more…