February 2001 – present BACKGROUND Hollywood Land was originally dubbed “Hollywood Pictures Backlot” and was much more focused on filmmaking and iconic Disney movies. The entrance originally featured a prominent studio gate, and there were no major attractions or headline rides in the land. When California Adventure began its expansion and renovation, the Hollywood area […] Read more…
June 2012 – August 2023 BACKGROUND When California Adventure first opened in 2001, Pacific Wharf was technically part of Paradise Pier, although it was very similar to how it appears now. As the park expanded and Paradise Pier was renovated, Pacific Wharf began to take on an identity of its own. By 2007, when California […] Read more…
Do you know how Walt Disney came up with the idea for Disneyland? The origin of his idea has become a legend itself, and hidden within Disneyland is Walt’s Park Bench, where the first concept of the park began. Walt sat on this bench in Griffith Park (now in the Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln foyer) […] Read more…
Sometimes the long lines for the big rides in the park can be incredibly frustrating. You forgot to grab a fast pass, and now you’re stuck with a big wait. But all hope is not lost, thanks to the Single Rider lines! Single Rider lines, like fast pass lines, allow guests to cut past a […] Read more…
When you’re prepping for your trip to the park, you probably have a standard list of stuff to bring: wallet, phone, sunglasses, etc. But every time I go to Disneyland, I find myself wishing I had brought something I hadn’t thought of. Here is a list of items you might not think to throw in […] Read more…
The beauty of southern California is the weather (or lack thereof!). But every so often, Disneyland experiences its share of downpours, and anxious guests wonder if they should bag their trip or stick it out. My advice is to brave the bad weather if you can. The majority of rides in Disneyland are indoors, and […] Read more…
November 1962 – present LOCATION Adventureland – when entering from Main Street USA, you will find the treehouse at the end of Adventureland, just before the walkway to New Orleans Square. BACKGROUND Tarzan’s Treehouse is a self-guided walkthrough high above Adventureland. The original structure, back when the treehouse was “Swiss Family Robinson” themed, was much […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – If you follow the path to the right of the castle, toward the Matterhorn, you will see the Mad Tea Party on your left, just beyond Alice in Wonderland. BACKGROUND Although Walt Disney and the Imagineers knew they wanted an Alice in Wonderland ride in Fantasyland, they struggled […] Read more…
January 1993 – present LOCATION Mickey’s Toontown – When you arrive in Toontown, follow the main road on the left-hand side. You will see Mickey’s House on your right. BACKGROUND Toontown is home to Disney’s classic characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, and more. While many of the attractions enable guests to explore the […] Read more…
August 1969 – present LOCATION New Orleans Square – If you follow the path along the Rivers of America, you will reach the Haunted Mansion once you pass the New Orleans Square station. The Haunted Mansion is at the end of New Orleans Square, just before Critter Country. BACKGROUND Although it was not part of […] Read more…
April 2003 – present LOCATION Critter Country – When you reach the Hungry Bear Restaurant, take a left and continue on the main path. You will see the entrance to The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh on the right, across from the fast pass return for Splash Mountain. BACKGROUND Disneyland first considered adding Winnie […] Read more…
May 1983 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – When entering from the castle, you will see the Sword In The Stone directly in front of you, right before the King Arthur Carrousel. BACKGROUND It’s very simple—pull the sword out of the stone, and you are the true king of England. What’s not so simple is actually […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – When you enter through the castle, you will find Snow White’s Enchanted Wish on your left, directly across from Peter Pan’s Flight. BACKGROUND Snow White’s Enchanted Wish is one of the few rides left that was in full operation on Opening Day in 1955. Then called Snow White […] Read more…
May 1983 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – When entering through the castle, you will see Pinocchio on the left side, just beyond Snow White’s Scary Adventures. BACKGROUND Pinocchio’s Daring Journey was not one of the original dark rides in Fantasyland. In fact, it wasn’t until it’s equivalent in Disneyland Tokyo became overwhelmingly popular that Disney […] Read more…