“To all who come to this happy place, welcome.” 

Disneyland Park opened its gates for the first time on July 17th, 1955, and ever since it has been known worldwide as the Happiest Place on Earth. Nearly 70 years later, Walt Disney’s original theme park is as charming, magical, and relevant as ever before. 

Disneyland is broken up into several distinct lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, Frontierland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, and most recently, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

What is there to do in Disneyland?

There are over 50 rides and attractions to experience in Disneyland Park – more than any other domestic Disney park. Here, you’ll find much of the original charm still intact, with classic rides like Autopia, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Matterhorn, and “it’s a small world.” Over the years, other popular rides like Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have joined the lineup of Disneyland’s offerings. You’ll even find Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge here, with Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

You may notice many similarities between Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom. After all, both parks feature a castle, hub-and-spoke design, and a near-identical layout (turn left for Adventureland, and turn right for Tomorrowland). While many of the same rides appear on both coasts, there are some subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences between them that make it worth it to check out the west coast versions of your favorite attractions.

And of course, there are plenty of rides in Disneyland that you won’t find in Orlando, including Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, as well as many of the classic Fantasyland dark rides like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and Snow White’s Enchanted Wish.

Where can I eat in Disneyland?

Snacks are truly the name of the game at Disneyland Park, with classic bites like churros, Dole Whip, popcorn, and yes, even whole pickles in plentiful supply. But if you’re looking for a full meal, there are several table service and quick service options available to check out during your visit:

Disneyland Park Table Service Restaurants & Bars:

• Carnation Cafe
• Plaza Inn (Breakfast – Character)
• Blue Bayou
• Cafe Orleans
• River Belle Terrace
• Oga’s Cantina

Disneyland Quick Service Restaurants

• Alien Pizza Planet
• Bengal Barbecue
• Cafe Daisy
• Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
• Edelweiss Snacks
• Galactic Grill
• Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
• The Golden Horseshoe
• Good Boy! Grocers
• Harbour Galley
• Hungry Bear Restaurant
• Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
• Kat Saka’s Kettle
• Market House
• Maurice’s Treats
• Milk Stand
• Mint Julep Bar
• Plaza Inn (Lunch & Dinner)
• Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
• Refreshment Corner
• Red Rose Tavern
• Ronto Roasters
• Royal Street Veranda
• Stage Door Cafe
• Tiana’s Palace
• Tiki Juice Bar
• The Tropical Hideaway
• Tropical Imports
• Troubadour Tavern

Snacks in Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park reigns supreme when it comes to its snacks. No other domestic Disney theme park comes close. Disneyland is where you’ll find classic snacks, including Dole Whip, Mickey pretzels, and churros, just to name a few. But it is also where you’ll find more unique treats like Chimichangas, sweet and savory Lumpia, Mickey Mouse-shaped beignets, and Churro Toffee. You can easily fill an entire day snacking your way around Disneyland Park and have no room in your stomach for any table service or quick-service restaurants. 

Click Here to check out the current park hours at Disneyland Park.

Halloween Time at Disneyland Park

September and October

Disneyland Park is filled with fall vibes come September 1. While the temperatures in Southern California remain high this time of year, you’ll find Main Street, U.S.A., filled with pumpkins as the park transforms for Halloween Time. Haunted Mansion Holiday makes its annual return to kick off the season, and dozens of limited-time food and beverage items are available for purchase. September and October are excellent months to visit Disneyland, especially if you hop over to California Adventure to attend Oogie Boogie Bash in the evening. Or, stick around Disneyland Park in the evening to enjoy the nighttime fireworks spectacular, ‘Halloween Screams.’

The holiday season at Disneyland Park

November and December 

The holiday season is arguably the best time of the year to visit Disneyland Park. The park comes alive with festive sights and sounds, plus the weather is much more agreeable. During the day, enjoy limited-time treats and entertainment like the long-running ‘A Christmas Fantasy’ parade. Fan-favorite overlays, including Haunted Mansion Holiday and ‘it’s a small world’ Holiday, return each season as well. At night, Main Street, U.S.A. is brimming with holiday cheer, with ‘Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks’ lighting up the sky, and snow magically falls each night.