I’ve mentioned before that our family loves the Disneyland Resort. Being born and raised in southern California I practically grew up in the parks. The Anaheim parks will always hold a special place in my heart even when it’s awhile between visits. With the 64th anniversary of Disneyland coming up next month I thought it would be fun to poll my readers about the parks! I’ve compiled all the Disneyland Resort fan favorites into one spot for you. I hope this list comes in handy if you’re planning a visit to the Disneyland Resort. Or if you’re just dreaming of the happiest place on earth maybe it will help cure your Disney withdrawals until your next trip! Be sure to scroll to the end for a Disney-loving infographic!
As soon as I walk through the gates it’s like all my worries and stress have left. I feel lighter and happier! It truly is my happiest place on earth!
Megan Solis
Is the Disneyland Resort a must-do?
According to nearly 96% of people polled visiting Disneyland is a dream bucket list item! That’s not just true for my own survey–according to a 2016 article 138 million people visit Disney parks worldwide every year. The Magic Kingdom in Florida comes in first with the highest attendance. The original Disneyland park in Anaheim comes in second with roughly 18 million people.
Nearly 83% of people who took my survey said that they prefer Disneyland over California Adventure; yet half of responses claimed their favorite ride was in California Adventure Park! In addition, approximately 43% of people also said that their favorite show takes place in DCA. Personally, I love both parks and I think they’re both unique. If you’re able to visit both then you definitely should!
There’s no wonder why it’s called the happiest place on earth. The minute you stroll through those gates, reality transforms into a whimsical, timeless wonderland. I still remember the wonder I felt the first time I went, and I STILL get that feeling as an adult, no matter how many times I’ve gone. I was raised on Disney, turned 21 at Disney, got engaged at Disney. When I’m not there, I’m thinking about it, or enjoying Disney wherever I am (movies, toys, dance parties). And as a parent, now getting to share the magic with my kids and see their eyes light up is something I will treasure forever.
Kimi, kimilove.com
Disneyland park favorites
My favorite memory is watching my oldest daughter get a princess makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. She loved the whole thing and it was so fun to watch her excitement! I can’t wait to have that same experience with my youngest daughter.
Jenny, lovejennyblog.com
35% of people who took my Disneyland Resort fan favorites poll said that they visit Tomorrowland first on park days. However, only 1% of people stated that their favorite ride is in that land. It’s Space Mountain, for those of you wondering. Adventureland came in second, probably due to the 35% of people who said Dole Whip is their favorite Disney treat! By the way, have you seen my post about how to make authentic Dole Whip at home yet??
My favorite part of every Disneyland visit is the Enchanted Tiki Room. Our kids come home singing the song and continue to do so for months afterward. Everyone knows the song and sings along. It’s our tradition to go there first and share a Dole Whip – first thing in the morning.
Aileen, aileencooks.com
California Adventure Park favorites
The World of Color show at California Adventure Park was the number one choice for entertainment between either park! To get entrance to the reserved viewing area you must either get a FASTPASS or purchase a World of Color Dining Package.
27% of people polled also said that their favorite ride in either park is Guardians of the Galaxy–Mission: BREAKOUT! I haven’t been on this version of the ride since it replaced Tower of Terror in 2017. However, with six different story lines to experience during the ride it’s easy to see why it’s a fan favorite!
Disneyland makes me feel carefree and seeing the attractions through my kid’s eyes is beyond amazing. I love seeing my step-daughter try the bigger rides each visit and watching my toddler be in absolute awe of every single ride she goes on. For us, the memories we made over the summer have been something we constantly talk about as a family. It was an experience that bonded us together even more, which was great since we are a blended family.
Ashleigh, growinggraci.com
Disneyland Resort fan food favorites
70% of people who took my survey said that their favorite restaurant anywhere in the Disney Resort was in Disneyland Park. Of those within Disneyland Park Blue Bayou was definitely the number one fan favorite. If you’ve never been it’s located “inside” Pirates of the Caribbean so it’s a very unique dining experience. You should know that reservations are definitely recommended and you can make them up to 60 days in advance.
Here’s some pertinent information if you’re interested in character dining at Disneyland Resort. 43% of people polled actually prefer the dining choices at the Resort hotels. The experience at Goofy’s Kitchen was the clear front runner (our family has done this a few times and we love it!). This year a new experience started at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. So if your little one wants to dine with Disney princesses be sure to check that out.
Disneyland has been so accommodating for those whom are gluten free or have other dietary restrictions. Food safety is very important to them. For some people, like my family, it is the first time they can eat food without having to worry about a reaction!
Janel, janelberchielli.com
Disneyland Resort fans know how to save money
The most common piece of advice for saving money was to bring your own food from home. Whether you’re going for the day or you’re staying at a hotel nearby 61% of people polled said they save money by bringing in their own snacks and drinks. The true Disneyland Resort fan knows how generous the parks are with their outside food policy. I’ve also shared before how you can get free ice water from most quick service restaurants in the parks.
Two other common tips were to use Reward credit cards towards your Disney trips and to get Disney gift cards at Target using your Red Card–such great ideas! And don’t forget that military members do get a small discount as well.
Even though my family and I had passes for a few years, Disneyland never lost its magic! We found that we loved the park even more each time we went because we knew where everything was and we had a game plan for our trip. Each trip had a different focus, and some of our favorite days are ones when we went in without any plan at all; there is always more to see and do.
Kendall Moxie
