✈️Disney California – All about the park in Los Angeles

"Where all the magic was born" and "the happiest place on earth" are the best phrases to describe Disney California. Dive into this complete guide to the Disneyland Resort complex with us and discover where it all began.

When we talk about Disney, the majestic Orlando complex in Florida immediately comes to mind. What many are unaware of is that before, in 1955, Walt Disney opened in Anaheim (40 km from Los Angeles) the Disneyland California, the first of the Disney parks.

The great differentiator of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is the atmosphere of its opening, which is preserved (many attractions are from the 50's or 60's). Retro Disney magic is constant in the park, even more so with the nostalgia of being the only one Walt Disney has ever set foot.

With two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), an entertainment, shopping and dining center (Downtown Disney District), and three hotels (Grand Californian, Paradise Pier and the Disneyland Hotel), the entire complex is relatively small – you can explore everything on foot.

The parks are smaller compared to Orlando: one is opposite the other, with Downtown Disney and the hotels around it. In addition, the complex is constantly being updated, with new areas such as Star Wars Galaxy's Edge and the future Avengers Campus, part of Marvel located at Disney California Adventure.

If you plan to go to the west coast of the USA, be sure to include Disney California in your itinerary. So prepare, save to your favorites and write down all the tips in this guide. I'm sure they will help you a lot to have fun in this park. ?

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about or park
Where is
park map
When to go and how many days
Main attractions
- Disneyland Park
- California Adventure
- Star Wars Area
Where to stay – Hotel recommendation
Tickets
park tips

Disney California – All about the park in Los Angeles — O Pixar Pier, no parque Disney California Adventure

California's Disney

Disney California, as the Disneyland Resort complex is popularly known, is divided between two theme parks – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

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Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park is the first Disney park, opened in 1955. It is divided into nine areas: Main Street USA, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, Tomorrowland and the Star Wars Galaxy's Edge.

Disney Florida's Magic Kingdom is mirrored in it, and so there are some similarities between the parks, such as the famous rides Space Mountain e Haunted Mansion. However, some attractions are exclusive, such as the roller coaster Matterhorn Bobsleds.

the castle of Disneyland Park it's the smallest of them all, but it's still iconic. Unlike the Orlando park, inside it there is an attraction, in which we explore the story of Princess Aurora, Sleeping Beauty, who is the “owner” of the castle.

#AnotaADica: Even with some similar attractions between the parks in California and Florida, it is worth knowing the rides in both. Many have different routes, and some versions are more fun in the west coast park.

>> Read our tips in the post Magic Kingdom Disney – Roadmap and Best Attractions to Know.

Disney California Adventure Park

Built in 2001, Disney California Adventure was based on California's most traditional amusement parks. It's more modern, full of radical attractions, as well as being super fun.

There are eight themed areas within the park: Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Land, Cars Land, Pacific Wharf, Pixar Pier, Paradise Gardens Park and Grizzly Peak. But you counted seven, didn't you? It's just that the Bug's Land part of the A Bug's Life movie closed to make way for Marvel's Avengers Campus.

Disney California Adventure brings together unprecedented attractions such as the Radiator Springs Racers (a race from the movie Cars) and the Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission: BREAKOUT!, an attraction that was built in place of the Tower of Terror, Disney's famous elevator, and won his version in an adventure with the heroes of the movie Guardians of the Galaxy.

As with every Disney complex, there is also an entertainment center, the Downtown Disney District, with famous restaurants like Rainforest Café and House of Blues, and stores like Sephora and World of Disney. It's really worth a walk there after a day at the park, or at a more relaxed time of the itinerary.

Where is the Disney California

Disney California, contrary to what many think, is not in Los Angeles, but very close to there. actually stays in Anaheim, approximately 40 km from Terra de Hollywood.

Los Angeles has quite a lot of traffic, and that's why it's interesting search for accommodation closest to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. If you are passing through the region and decide to enjoy the parks, take at least three days to stay in Anaheim. So you don't waste time and don't wear out with the locomotion – and I assure you, the city is worth it.

Beautiful beaches, shopping centers and other popular destinations such as San Diego and Palm Springs are some of the attractions near Anaheim. Spend a few days enjoying the Disney California parks, and enjoy staying close to the complex.

Around the Disneyland Resort there are several good and cheap hotels, in addition to being possible to do everything on foot. For those staying further away, one option is to go by rental car, or use Uber or Lyft. After having fun in the parks, be sure to relax on one of the beaches in the region.

>> Read our tips in our post Anaheim – The Complete Guide to Disney's California City.

Magic Way, the way to get to Disney in Anaheim

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map of Disney California

To better locate yourself, we put together a map of Disney California and its parks and attractions:

When to go and how many days to stay na Disney California

The majority of Disney California's audiences are Americans, so the school holidays and national holidays are the most crowded at the park. Considered as high season, the months of July, August, December and January are the ones that attract the most people. If you can, avoid them.

Holidays like Independence Day (4th of July) and Thanksgiving (last Thursday of November) tend to generate a lot of movement as well. The months of low season and milder weather are May, September and early November – it is recommended to go during these periods.

The ideal number of days to enjoy Disney California is relative. Despite being smaller than those in Orlando, the parks have many attractions and shows, so I recommend that you take at least a full day for each one.

If you only have one day for the two of you, the tip is to start at Disneyland and end at Disney California Adventure. The closing show of the last one is unprecedented, and a little different from what you have in Orlando parks, so it's worth watching.

>> See also other options to tour California in the Gold Country region

best attractions

Here we separate for you the best attractions, shows, events and even restaurants in each park. Check them all out to build your personalized itinerary, and don't miss out on the most fun activities in Disney California.

To better understand:

(FP) – Fast Pass – Disney's free queue skipper
* – most popular attractions

Disneyland Park – Top attractions

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (FP)

Roller coaster on which the cart is a train that rides through a mine in the days of the Wild West. A little different from the Magic Kingdom version. It is located in Frontierland.

Minimum height: 1,02 m.

Buzz Ligthyear Astro Blaster (FP)

Shooting attraction, where you get on a cart and with a laser pistol to shoot Buzz Lightyear's enemies from the Toy Story movie. It is in the Tomorrowland area.

Minimum height: No restrictions.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

This attraction is quite different. You enter a submarine and sit facing a hatch. In it, scenery and animations from the movie Finding Nemo appear. Located in Tomorrowland.

Minimum height: No restrictions.

Haunted Mansion (FP)

The famous haunted mansion, which is actually not scary at all, is located in New Orleans Square.

Minimum Height: No Restrictions.

Indiana Jones Adventure (FP)

Board a jeep – which shakes a lot – and accompany Indiana Jones on his adventures. It's a very different attraction from the Indiana Jones show at Orlando's Hollywood Studios. It's in Adventureland.

Minimum height: 1,17 m.

Matterhorn Bobsleds (FP)

Ride inside a Bobsled buggy in a snowy mountain. The route is super fast and the toy is located in Fantasyland.

Minimum height: 1,07 m.

Mickey’s ToonTown (FP)

Entire area dedicated to Disney characters, where there is a city inspired by cartoons, with the houses of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Tico and Teco. You can visit and meet the characters, as well as take lots of pictures. It's really worth it, as this area no longer exists in Orlando.

Pinocchio's Daring Journey

Cart that strolls through the history of Pinocchio. It's in Fantasyland.

Minimum height: No restrictions.

Pirates of Caribbean

Embark on the adventures of the most famous pirates from around the world. It has a different route than the Orlando attraction, and is located in New Orleans Square.

Minimum height: No restrictions.

Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin (FP)

In a stroller, ride through the Roger Rabbit movie. Located in Mickey's ToonTown.

Minimum Height: No restrictions.

Space Mountain (FP)

Roller coaster in the dark that holds six people in the carts (two in each “car”), unlike the Magic Kingdom version in Orlando. Today it's called Hyper Space Mountain and is Star Wars themed. It is located in Tomorrowland.

Minimum height: 1,02 m.

Splash Mountain (FP)

Little boat that goes through the story of the movie A Canção do Sul and ends in a waterfall. Unlike the Orlando toy, the seats are facing each other. It is located in Critter Country.

Minimum height: 1,02 m

Snow White's Scary Adventures

Cart that goes through the history of Snow White. If you have small children, be aware, as some moments can scare the little ones, like when the Wicked Witch appears. It's in Fantasyland.

Minimum height: No restrictions.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue (FP)

Star Wars simulator, which already existed before the new area was opened, in Tomorrowland.

Minimum height: 1,02 m.

Shows and Parades at Disneyland Park

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade

With the participation of the main characters and lots of music with drums, this stop takes place during the afternoon. Always arrive early to get good seats.

Always look in the app, on the Disneyland website or in the Times Guide (which you can get at the park) to check the show times.

Disneyland Forever

Closing show with projections, music and fireworks from Disneyland Park. It was created for the park's 60th anniversary, celebrated in 2015. The projection is made across Main Street, not just the castle.

It lasts for 14 minutes. Check the app, Disneyland website or Times Guide for show times.

Main Street Electrical Parade

A famous Magic Kingdom show, which is now performed at Disneyland Park in California.

Arrive at least 40 minutes early to get good seats.

Fantasmic (FP)

The show is similar to the one at Hollywood Studios, but here as the theater is smaller, it's nice to get a closer look. It also has surprises, like the Black Pearl ship from the Pirates of the Caribbean, which doesn't appear in the Orlando version.

To guarantee good seats at Fantasmic you can use a fast pass, or book a meal from the Fantasmic package at one of the selected restaurants. In the price, in addition to the meal, a seat in an area reserved for the show is included.

The Fastasmic Dining Package varies in price depending on the choice of restaurant, from $45 to $70 per person, plus taxes. The restaurants included in this package are: Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace.

If you want to have a cheaper meal, and still get a reserved seat at Fantasmic, Disneyland offers the Fantasmic On-the-Go Package option. In this package the meal takes place at the Hungry Bear Restaurant, and the price without taxes is 30 dollars for adults and 20 for children.

Restaurants at Disneyland Park

O inn square, on Main Street, is the restaurant where Walt liked to eat mashed fried chicken (lol). Minnie is the breakfast hostess, and hosts several other characters at the buffet. The cost is $34 for adults and $19 for children ages 3-9, plus tax. Lunch and dinner are à la carte, with American and international options.

Reservations are recommended through the Disneyland Resort website or app. Is it a good choice for those who want to have a meal with characters?

O Blue Bayou Restaurant It is a great option for those looking for a table service. It serves à la carte lunch and dinner in New Orleans-inspired cuisine and serves typical Cajun food. The atmosphere is beautiful (it doesn't even look like a restaurant inside a park), highly recommended for couples!

The average price is 40 to 65 dollars per person. It is located in New Orleans Square.

If fast food is more your thing, the Alien Pizza Planet, inspired by the restaurant of the same name from the movie Toy Story, has pizzas at good prices. It is located in Tomorrowland and the decor is cute!

Another option is the Hungry Bear Restaurant, which serves snacks, salads, ribs and chicken. It is located in Critter Country and has an average price of 16 dollars per person.

Disney California Adventure Park – Top Attractions

Radiator Springs Racers (FP)*

This attraction passes through the same scenarios as the movie, mixing running with walking. Even those who don't know the history will be enchanted by the incredible rocky mountains. Book your fast pass as seats fill up quickly. It is located in Cars Land.

Minimum height: 1,02 m.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT (FP)*

Built on the structure where the Tower of Terror used to be (Tower of Terror, Disney's elevator), now you must help rescue the heroes of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. It still has the fun elevator falls, but with a different story, and it's in Hollywood Land.

Minimum height: 1,02 m.

Incredicoaster (FP)

Wooden roller coaster with looping and a very strong start. Since the construction of Pixar Pier, where it is located, this roller coaster has been inspired by the Incredibles movie.

Minimum height: 1,22 m.

Toy Story Midway Mania (FP)

This attraction is great for the whole family, with skeet shooting competition alongside characters from the Toy Story movie. It is similar to the same toy at Hollywood Studios in Orlando and is located on Disney California Adventure's Pixar Pier.

Minimum height: No restrictions.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue

This is a super cute Hollywood Land attraction where you go through the story of the movie Monsters Inc in a cart.

Minimum height: No restriction.

The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

In a shell, you walk through the story of the Little Mermaid. Located in Paradise Gardens Park.

Minimum height: No restrictions.

Pixar Pal-A-Round

With the renovation of Pixar Pier, Mickey's famous Ferris wheel has been repainted and decorated with Pixar characters. It has gondolas, some of which are fixed and others that move a lot, along with the movement of the Ferris wheel. Not advisable if you get sick easily, but it's a great place for photos!

Minimum Height: No restrictions.

Soarin (FP)

Simulator of a hang gliding flight that flies over several places in the world. We can even smell the places! This year, it returned to California's tourist attractions. You can find this toy in Grizzly Peak.

Minimum Height: 1,02m.

Shows em Disney California Adventure Park

Frozen Live at Hyperion

A 40-minute Broadway-style show from the movie Frozen. It takes place in Hollywood Land and is a must, especially for fans of the movie!

But don't forget to check the session times on the Disneyland website, app or Timer Guide.

World of Color (FP)

The show is beautiful and takes place on the lake around the Ferris wheel at Pixar Pier. There are several colors, lights and projections, which enchant and excite. More than 1200 water jets are used to make the presentation. It's magnificent!

The fast pass for this show helps guarantee a good spot without having to arrive so early. Or, as with Fantasmic!, you can purchase the World of Color Dining Package, with reserved seating and dinner.

Participating restaurants are Carthay Circle and Wine Country Trattoria, with prices ranging from an average of $50 to $65 plus fees per adult.

Events at Disney California Adventure Park

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party

To attend the Disney California Halloween party, you will need a special ticket, purchased separately. Prices start at $120 per person, plus taxes.

The party takes place on select nights during a World of Colors show. Characters from the Descendants movies, a walk-through maze of villains, a new Mickey and the gang show, candy scattered at all-you-can-eat distribution points, and rare photo ops are just some of the attractions for this special event.

Disney California Star Wars – Best Attractions

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge is located at Hollywood Studios. The two versions, from California and Florida, are the same, so everything that is in one you will also see in the other.

Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Simulator where you enter Han Solo's famous spaceship, the Millennium Falcon. Each participant is a crew member with a different function, being able to be a pilot, engineer or shooter.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistence

This attraction will still open in January 2020. Disney promises that it will be super innovative and technological, a mixture of simulator with scenarios, where you battle against the First Order (the villains of the last trilogy of Star Wars movies).

stores in Disney California Star Wars

Savi’s Workshop

In this shop you can assemble your own lightsaber, in an emotional ceremony. However, it's very sweet – it costs 199 dollars, not counting the fees, and you still need to book in advance.

Droid Depot

Imagine building and taking home your own droid (robots just like the one in the movie). In this store it is possible for the value of 99 dollars, plus taxes. Requires advance reservation.

restaurants Disney California Star Wars

Oga’s Cantina

Table service restaurant with typical food from the planet Batoo. Reservation is recommended.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

This is the quick service restaurant in the Galaxy's Edge area, it has American and vegetarian options. The tip here is to pay attention to the packaging of soft drinks and water, as they were created especially for the area, in order to leave a total theme.

In addition to these restaurants, you will find kiosks that sell the famous Blue and Green Milks of the character Luke Skywalker. The milks are lactose free and look like a fruit smoothie. Worth a try!

Disney California – Where to stay

The best accommodation options are on the Anaheim. There are several options for hotels that are located in the surroundings of the Disney California complex – in addition, of course, to the accommodations at the resort itself.

Here are some options to help you choose:

Budget Inn Near Disneyland Drive ($)

What's worth: Good value for money, in a location close to Disneyland California parks.

O Budget Inn Near Disneyland Drive It is a good hotel for those looking to save money, close to several restaurants, the Anaheim Convention Center and Disney California parks.

Parking is free. It has a swimming pool, restaurant and laundry in common areas. The rooms are equipped with a TV, air conditioning, hairdryer and bathroom amenities, as well as a safe, microwave, minibar and free Wi-Fi.

Average daily rates from R$280 to R$550* with breakfast and parking.

Check the prices and availability of the Budget Inn Near Disneyland Drive and make your reservation on Booking by clicking here!

Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn ($$)

What's worth: It's almost opposite the Disney California parks and close to good restaurants.

O Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn It is a hotel that combines comfort with an affordable price. Access to the parks can be done on foot.

Breakfast is included in the rate, in addition to having a pool and restaurants. The rooms are equipped with a TV, air conditioning, hairdryer and bathroom amenities, as well as a safe, microwave, minibar and free Wi-Fi.

Average daily rates from R$400 to R$850* with breakfast and parking.

Check the prices and availability of the Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn and make your reservation on Booking by clicking here!

Disney California hotels

Those who prefer a luxury resort can stay at one of the three resorts on the Disney California estate. Options are the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa ($$$), the Paradise Pier Hotel ($$$) or the Disneyland Hotel ($$$).

The benefits for those staying at a Disney resort are:

Early entry 1 hour before the gates open (Magic Morning) in the parks, on all days of stay
Special admission for non-Disney California Adventure guests at Paradise Pier Hotel and at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Your key (Key to the Magic) serves as a purchase instrument, just register a credit card in it
Purchases you make at the parks or Downtown are delivered straight to your rooms.

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Disney California Tickets

Disney California tickets are per days of use. There is the Regular (you have the right to go to only one park) and the Hopper (you can go to both parks on the same day). One-day tickets are only sold through the Disneyland website or at the park's box office.

It is always better to buy tickets to Disney parks in advance, even in España. If you leave it to the ticket office, you will pay much more for access to the parks. There the payment is in dollars, in cash, with California tax of 8%, and if it is on credit, there is still the IOF, of 6,38%.

Ticket prices start from:

1 Day Regular – $129
1 Day Park Hopper- $179
2 Day Regular- $225
2 Day Park Hopper- $280

Tickets from three days are entitled to Magic Morning, that scheme to enter 1 hour earlier in the parks, just like Disney hotel guests have.

tips from Disney California

1) Download the apps before the trip

Download the mobile app from Disneyland resort. Start researching attractions and places to eat, as well as looking at maps and checking average queue times.

2) Max Pass:

Unlike Disney in Orlando, here the fast pass is a piece of paper that we take the day we are at the park. It is usually located in electronic booths next to attractions. Just enter your ticket, and the fast pass ticket for the closest time will come out.

Two years ago, Disneyland launched the MAX PASS, a fast pass that costs $2 per person and allows you to book appointments on the day you are at the park, even if you are not close to the desired attraction. So you don't have to travel around the park so much.

The Max Pass is scheduled through the Disneyland app and a notification is sent to your cell phone when it is close to the attraction time. After using one, you can schedule another.

What is really worth it is that, in addition to the Max Pass, the Disneyland photo service, Photopass, is included at no additional cost. With it, all photos taken in the park at attractions and by Disney photographers will automatically go to your account in the app. The separate Photopass alone costs $78, so the Max Pass is well worth it.

2) Meeting with characters

There are many characters scattered around the Disneyland parks for photos and autographs. At Disney California, the characters are more relaxed walking through the parks, unlike the Orlando parks. We can even find villains, like the Evil Queen, outside the Halloween season.

Marvel characters stay at California Adventure, while Star Wars characters stay in the area dedicated to them, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, at Disneyland Park. Check the Disneyland Resort app or park map for their location and time to meet them.

3) Be aware of the times to enter Disney California parks

Get there as early as possible as the parks tend to fill up an hour after opening. To experience Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, try to arrive at least an hour before the park's official opening. And one more tip: if you are not a guest at Disney resorts, avoid the days with Magic Morning.

4) Ensure Unlimited internet while traveling

Did you know that it's getting easier – and cheaper – to have unlimited internet throughout your trip?

Just ask for an international cell phone chip through America Chip. We always use and love it! They send a SIM card to your address in España, you insert it in your cell phone when you arrive at your destination and you have unlimited internet throughout the trip.

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5) Disney Travel Insurance is ESSENTIAL

Taking out travel insurance for Disney is an excellent tip to ensure a smooth trip and avoid worries. Even without being mandatory, having the assistance of insurance gives you the peace you need to enjoy the destination and know that you have support, if necessary. Also enjoy our Insurance Promo discount coupon. - SEE PRICES

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6) Tips for those traveling with children

If you have small children or babies, enjoy the Baby Care Center that exists in all parks. In it you can heat the baby food and get products such as diapers, tissues and even some medicines. Look at the location on the map or ask a cast member to help you find it.

Purchase a stroller to use with children up to 7/8 years old – you can rent it outside the park, or buy one at Walmart (just check the size standards allowed on the Disney website). In the parks, rent is $50 a day and strollers are uncomfortable. Even if your child is older, it's tiring to walk around the park all day, so it's worth investing in it.

7) What to bring to the park

We walked an average of 10 km through the parks. So prepare yourself physically beforehand and wear comfortable shoes. You don't need to bring water, because the water there is drinkable and you can ask for it for free in restaurants (the famous tap water). But bring snacks, fruit and cookies to eat when you get hungry, especially if you have kids.

8) What is prohibited

Inside the parks, smoking is prohibited. It is also not allowed to use a selfie stick, or wear clothes with offensive sayings or images.

9) Extra Tips for Disney California Parks

Parking costs $20 a day. You can leave and return to the park on the same day. #StayTip: keep the proof of payment for parking to pay it only once.
Always take a photo of the place and number where you parked. If you forget where you stopped, look for a cast member (park employee) and let them know your arrival time, so they can know which area your car should be in.
If you are going to do both parks in one day, prioritize attractions that are exclusive to Disney California, such as Indiana Jones, Radiator Springs Racer and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.
And finally, enjoy all the magic of the first Disney park in the world, the happiest place on Earth! ?