Attractions
The Disneyland Resort consists of two parks: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Between both parks, we were able to ride a decent amount of attractions.
🎠 Disneyland
🎠 Disneyland
*Haunted Mansion Holiday
* Pirates of the Caribbean
* Space Mountain
* Alice in Wonderland
* "it's a small world”
* The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
* Mad Tea Party
* Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
* Peter Pan's Flight
* Pinocchio's Daring Journey
* Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
* Snow White's Enchanted Wish
* Storybook Land Canal Boats
* King Arthur Carrousel
I’m disappointed we didn’t get to ride the Matterhorn and Indiana Jones because these rides are unique to Disneyland. I’m only slightly sad about not riding Splash Mountain for Danny’s sake. The iconic attraction is set to transform into Tiana's Bayou Adventure in 2024, replacing its original theme that follows the story of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear. I haven’t been on Disneyland’s Splash Mountain myself because I hate Magic Kingdom’s version so much. I know I won’t be a fan, especially since it seems you have the potential to get really wet on this version.
I also kept forgetting that Disneyland has a functional railroad you can take around the park because Magic Kingdom’s railroad has been out of commission for some time now. Danny was sad when I had to break the news that we couldn’t ride Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin. Toon Town is currently being renovated with Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway being constructed for its West Coast debut.
🎢 DCA
* Pirates of the Caribbean
* Space Mountain
* Alice in Wonderland
* "it's a small world”
* The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
* Mad Tea Party
* Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
* Peter Pan's Flight
* Pinocchio's Daring Journey
* Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
* Snow White's Enchanted Wish
* Storybook Land Canal Boats
* King Arthur Carrousel
I’m disappointed we didn’t get to ride the Matterhorn and Indiana Jones because these rides are unique to Disneyland. I’m only slightly sad about not riding Splash Mountain for Danny’s sake. The iconic attraction is set to transform into Tiana's Bayou Adventure in 2024, replacing its original theme that follows the story of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear. I haven’t been on Disneyland’s Splash Mountain myself because I hate Magic Kingdom’s version so much. I know I won’t be a fan, especially since it seems you have the potential to get really wet on this version.
I also kept forgetting that Disneyland has a functional railroad you can take around the park because Magic Kingdom’s railroad has been out of commission for some time now. Danny was sad when I had to break the news that we couldn’t ride Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin. Toon Town is currently being renovated with Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway being constructed for its West Coast debut.
* Incredicoaster
* Pixar Pal-A-Round-Non-Swinging
* Radiator Springs Racers
* WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
* The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure
* Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
* Soarin' Around the World
* Goofy's Sky School
* Jumpin' Jellyfish
* Silly Symphony Swings
Since DCA is a smaller park, we were able to get on almost all the rides. Danny finally went on the Incredicoaster and survived. Unfortunately, I still haven’t experienced the Incredicoaster at night. The boys thought Goofy’s Sky School was more terrifying, ironically LOL. He also conquered the dreaded Ferris Wheel. As long as you don’t go on a swinging gondola, it’s not so scary. Unlike Danny, I refuse to get over my fears and go on Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: BREAKOUT. If you aren’t aware Tower of Terror was re-imagined as Mission: BREAKOUT in DCA and is essentially, the first attraction for Avengers Campus. I want to be brave, but I know I’ll hate it because free fall rides make me want to die.
It took us three times, but I FINALLY got on Monsters Inc. Not sure why this ride breaks down every day, but maybe it really needs some TLC from Disney lol. I’m also mad that I STILL haven’t experienced Soarin’ Over California. Obviously, you can only experience this in DCA when the park does a limited run for this version of Soarin’. Disney seems to have settled on bringing the California version back each year for the Food & Wine Festival at DCA.
Nighttime Shows
I was so set on seeing all three nighttime shows, but only saw one LOL. I purposely decided to fly into California on a Friday so that I would have a Saturday and Friday to accomplish my plan of attending each nighttime show. Since Disneyland is not set in its own bubble like Disney World, fireworks and Fantasmic only occur during the weekends with summer being the exception. I remember this threw me for a loop when I visited in 2019. I was oblivious. My Disney World privileged ass thought fireworks happened every night. The East Coast has me jagged and entitled to nighttime shows every night of the week. Anyway, little did I know, it was going to RAIN on Saturday… the day I was trying to see fireworks and Fantasmic. When does it ever rain in Southern California?! The situation annoys me because the rain did clear for a moment in order for the fireworks to go on as planned, but I had given up before then because I was convinced the fireworks were going to be canceled.
I did see Halloween Screams with fireworks on Friday though! Since Disneyland has less real estate, you have to arrive early to get a good spot for fireworks. Despite us weaseling our way to what should have been a great view, the trees blocked our picture of the castle. With Sleeping Beauty’s castle not being as grand as Cinderella’s castle in the Kingdom (sorry not sorry), I don’t think I’m really impressed with fireworks in front of the castle. If I had the chance to watch fireworks twice, I would have viewed them from Galaxy’s Edge as well. You won’t see any of the projections or hear the music at this location as Disney likes to keep in character with the concept of Batuu (cast members will call the fireworks “celebrations”), but the views look beautiful above the Millennium Falcon.
As for Fantasmic… I don’t know when I’ll ever see this show LOL. I did book a dining package with Hungry Bear because it was decently priced and would allow us to have access to a reserved viewing area, but like I mentioned, the rain ruined my opportunity. I had opted for the second showing of Fantasmic that night, since the later presentation is usually less crowded, but I’m pretty sure both Fantasmic shows were canceled that night. I mean, I didn’t even get to eat the food because Hungry Bear was packed and the majority of its seating area didn’t provide shelter from the rain. In Disneyland, Fantasmic takes place in and around Rivers of America. This is the area near Pirates of the Caribbean, which is in between New Orleans Square and Frontierland. It seems more difficult to nag a great viewing spot for civilians who didn’t reserve a dining package. This is another circumstance where Disneyland suffers from its smaller park. In Disney World, Fantasmic has its own amphitheater in Hollywood Studios that is nestled into a corner of the park, away from the general park population. One day I’ll see Fantasmic, but it will probably be at Hollywood Studios (if I can stop running off to Epcot for the night).
Food & Snacks
I didn’t initially plan for it, but I did end up dining at three different Character breakfasts this trip, finally getting to cross off Goofy’s Kitchen off my bucket list! I was disappointed though because the Mickey pancakes I came for weren’t exactly shaped as nicely as I had hoped… oh well. The breakfast meals were basic run of the mill buffets, so I wouldn’t go out of my way to dine at these character dining, even if it was cute seeing the gang.
I did book two reservations at Oga’s Cantina with no regrets. We finally got to sit at the table booths! Usually I have to stand at the bar because we’re only a party of two people. I had some difficulties picking out my drinks this time around because the menus at Disneyland and Disney World are different. I couldn’t get the Bespin Fizz. I ordered the Jabba Juice thinking it was the Carbon Freeze because of the popping bobas. I tried the Coruscant Cooler not realizing that whiskey is truly disgusting. I took a sip of Danny’s Yub Nub, but I wasn’t a fan. The only drinks worthy of my taste buds were the Takodana Quencher and Fuzzy Tauntaun.
For quick service, I was able to cross off the list…
*Hand-dipped Corn Dogs at Little Red Wagon on Main Street U.S.A.
*Fried Chicken and Pot Roast at Plaza Inn on Main Street U.S.A.
*Flo's Famous Fried Chicken at Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land
*Hot Dogs at Award Wieners in Hollywood Land
*Spaghetti and Meatballs at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta in Paradise Gardens Park
What I didn’t get to cross off my list…
*Chili Cone Queso at Cozy Cone Motel 3 in Cars Land
*Pym-ini Sandwich and PB3 Superb Sandwich at Pym Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus
*Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters in Galaxy's Edge
*QuesaBirria at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill in Pacific Wharf
For snacks, I was able to cross off my list…
*It's Lemon and Mango Swirl & Pixar Pier Frosty Parfait at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats on Pixar Pier
What I didn’t get to cross off my list…
*Mickey Mouse Pretzel
*Outpost Mix at Kat Saka's Kettle in Galaxy's Edge
*Blue & Green Milk at Milk Stand in Galaxy's Edge
*Mickey-shaped Beignets at Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square
*Hand-dipped Frozen Bananas and Ice Cream Bars at Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream on Buena Vista Visit Street
*Golden Gate Banana Split at Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Pacific Wharf
*Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums on Pixar Pier
I’m realizing now that I didn’t get as many snacks as I had thought. What do I have the most fomo from missing out on? I would say the frozen bananas and the Mickey beignets. I’m also sad about the Outpost Mix because it’s a mixture of caramel and chocolate popcorn as opposed to Disney World where the mixture is of sweet and spicy popcorn. The rest of the snacks I can easily get at Disney World when I visit in the near future.
Luckily, I was able to visit Marceline’s Confectionery for a caramel apple. I had my heart set on the infamous poison apple from Snow White, which is a green Granny Smith apple first dipped in caramel, and then in red white chocolate with a green skull drawn on to emulate the very apple The Evil Queen tricked the princess with. I should have gotten more than one apple. They’re so fresh and delicious! I wish NYC had a place that made caramel apples like Disney, but I can’t find one. I also got an Oogie Boogie rice cereal treat and a Mickey Mummy marshmallow. I found the Halloween Pumpkin donut at the GCH Craftsman Grill in The Grand Californian. It was just a basic vanilla cake donut dipped in orange-colored white chocolate, but it was still so cute! I wish they had the Mickey Mummy donut as well, but I’m not sure if they were making them this year or if I had just missed out. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to grab a gingerbread zombie cookie at the GCH Holiday Cart. I definitely miss Disney gingerbread.
Disney Merch
I ended up with the Zero light-up popcorn bucket, and the Mighty Thor's Hammer drink vessel this trip. I try my best to limit how many sippers and popcorn buckets I buy because who has the space at home? 😅 Danny and I brought home Disney sweaters as well. Danny got the blue knit Donald Duck sweater, while I got myself the new Mickey Holiday Spirit Jersey. The sweater version of the Spirit Jersey is more expensive, but it kept calling to me every time I passed it in stores. Last but not least, it wouldn’t be a Disney trip if I didn’t buy any ears. I saw the Winnie the Pooh ears at Pooh Corner, and it was game over. I can’t wait to do a Classic Winnie the Pooh Disneybound in the future.
I’m itching to go back to Disneyland for the Christmas season now. Even though I was salty to see the park put snow on the castle midway through our vacation, I still want to experience the Christmas magic on the West Coast. Lights on Sleeping Beauty's castle, It’s a Small World Holiday, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, superior gingerbread cookies… it’s not goodbye Disneyland, it’s see you later!
* Pixar Pal-A-Round-Non-Swinging
* Radiator Springs Racers
* WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
* The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure
* Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
* Soarin' Around the World
* Goofy's Sky School
* Jumpin' Jellyfish
* Silly Symphony Swings
Since DCA is a smaller park, we were able to get on almost all the rides. Danny finally went on the Incredicoaster and survived. Unfortunately, I still haven’t experienced the Incredicoaster at night. The boys thought Goofy’s Sky School was more terrifying, ironically LOL. He also conquered the dreaded Ferris Wheel. As long as you don’t go on a swinging gondola, it’s not so scary. Unlike Danny, I refuse to get over my fears and go on Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: BREAKOUT. If you aren’t aware Tower of Terror was re-imagined as Mission: BREAKOUT in DCA and is essentially, the first attraction for Avengers Campus. I want to be brave, but I know I’ll hate it because free fall rides make me want to die.
It took us three times, but I FINALLY got on Monsters Inc. Not sure why this ride breaks down every day, but maybe it really needs some TLC from Disney lol. I’m also mad that I STILL haven’t experienced Soarin’ Over California. Obviously, you can only experience this in DCA when the park does a limited run for this version of Soarin’. Disney seems to have settled on bringing the California version back each year for the Food & Wine Festival at DCA.
I was so set on seeing all three nighttime shows, but only saw one LOL. I purposely decided to fly into California on a Friday so that I would have a Saturday and Friday to accomplish my plan of attending each nighttime show. Since Disneyland is not set in its own bubble like Disney World, fireworks and Fantasmic only occur during the weekends with summer being the exception. I remember this threw me for a loop when I visited in 2019. I was oblivious. My Disney World privileged ass thought fireworks happened every night. The East Coast has me jagged and entitled to nighttime shows every night of the week. Anyway, little did I know, it was going to RAIN on Saturday… the day I was trying to see fireworks and Fantasmic. When does it ever rain in Southern California?! The situation annoys me because the rain did clear for a moment in order for the fireworks to go on as planned, but I had given up before then because I was convinced the fireworks were going to be canceled.
I did see Halloween Screams with fireworks on Friday though! Since Disneyland has less real estate, you have to arrive early to get a good spot for fireworks. Despite us weaseling our way to what should have been a great view, the trees blocked our picture of the castle. With Sleeping Beauty’s castle not being as grand as Cinderella’s castle in the Kingdom (sorry not sorry), I don’t think I’m really impressed with fireworks in front of the castle. If I had the chance to watch fireworks twice, I would have viewed them from Galaxy’s Edge as well. You won’t see any of the projections or hear the music at this location as Disney likes to keep in character with the concept of Batuu (cast members will call the fireworks “celebrations”), but the views look beautiful above the Millennium Falcon.
As for Fantasmic… I don’t know when I’ll ever see this show LOL. I did book a dining package with Hungry Bear because it was decently priced and would allow us to have access to a reserved viewing area, but like I mentioned, the rain ruined my opportunity. I had opted for the second showing of Fantasmic that night, since the later presentation is usually less crowded, but I’m pretty sure both Fantasmic shows were canceled that night. I mean, I didn’t even get to eat the food because Hungry Bear was packed and the majority of its seating area didn’t provide shelter from the rain. In Disneyland, Fantasmic takes place in and around Rivers of America. This is the area near Pirates of the Caribbean, which is in between New Orleans Square and Frontierland. It seems more difficult to nag a great viewing spot for civilians who didn’t reserve a dining package. This is another circumstance where Disneyland suffers from its smaller park. In Disney World, Fantasmic has its own amphitheater in Hollywood Studios that is nestled into a corner of the park, away from the general park population. One day I’ll see Fantasmic, but it will probably be at Hollywood Studios (if I can stop running off to Epcot for the night).
I didn’t initially plan for it, but I did end up dining at three different Character breakfasts this trip, finally getting to cross off Goofy’s Kitchen off my bucket list! I was disappointed though because the Mickey pancakes I came for weren’t exactly shaped as nicely as I had hoped… oh well. The breakfast meals were basic run of the mill buffets, so I wouldn’t go out of my way to dine at these character dining, even if it was cute seeing the gang.
I did book two reservations at Oga’s Cantina with no regrets. We finally got to sit at the table booths! Usually I have to stand at the bar because we’re only a party of two people. I had some difficulties picking out my drinks this time around because the menus at Disneyland and Disney World are different. I couldn’t get the Bespin Fizz. I ordered the Jabba Juice thinking it was the Carbon Freeze because of the popping bobas. I tried the Coruscant Cooler not realizing that whiskey is truly disgusting. I took a sip of Danny’s Yub Nub, but I wasn’t a fan. The only drinks worthy of my taste buds were the Takodana Quencher and Fuzzy Tauntaun.
For quick service, I was able to cross off the list…
*Hand-dipped Corn Dogs at Little Red Wagon on Main Street U.S.A.
*Fried Chicken and Pot Roast at Plaza Inn on Main Street U.S.A.
*Flo's Famous Fried Chicken at Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land
*Hot Dogs at Award Wieners in Hollywood Land
*Spaghetti and Meatballs at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta in Paradise Gardens Park
What I didn’t get to cross off my list…
*Chili Cone Queso at Cozy Cone Motel 3 in Cars Land
*Pym-ini Sandwich and PB3 Superb Sandwich at Pym Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus
*Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters in Galaxy's Edge
*QuesaBirria at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill in Pacific Wharf
*It's Lemon and Mango Swirl & Pixar Pier Frosty Parfait at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats on Pixar Pier
What I didn’t get to cross off my list…
*Mickey Mouse Pretzel
*Outpost Mix at Kat Saka's Kettle in Galaxy's Edge
*Blue & Green Milk at Milk Stand in Galaxy's Edge
*Mickey-shaped Beignets at Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square
*Hand-dipped Frozen Bananas and Ice Cream Bars at Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream on Buena Vista Visit Street
*Golden Gate Banana Split at Ghirardelli® Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Pacific Wharf
*Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums on Pixar Pier
I’m realizing now that I didn’t get as many snacks as I had thought. What do I have the most fomo from missing out on? I would say the frozen bananas and the Mickey beignets. I’m also sad about the Outpost Mix because it’s a mixture of caramel and chocolate popcorn as opposed to Disney World where the mixture is of sweet and spicy popcorn. The rest of the snacks I can easily get at Disney World when I visit in the near future.
Luckily, I was able to visit Marceline’s Confectionery for a caramel apple. I had my heart set on the infamous poison apple from Snow White, which is a green Granny Smith apple first dipped in caramel, and then in red white chocolate with a green skull drawn on to emulate the very apple The Evil Queen tricked the princess with. I should have gotten more than one apple. They’re so fresh and delicious! I wish NYC had a place that made caramel apples like Disney, but I can’t find one. I also got an Oogie Boogie rice cereal treat and a Mickey Mummy marshmallow. I found the Halloween Pumpkin donut at the GCH Craftsman Grill in The Grand Californian. It was just a basic vanilla cake donut dipped in orange-colored white chocolate, but it was still so cute! I wish they had the Mickey Mummy donut as well, but I’m not sure if they were making them this year or if I had just missed out. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to grab a gingerbread zombie cookie at the GCH Holiday Cart. I definitely miss Disney gingerbread.
I ended up with the Zero light-up popcorn bucket, and the Mighty Thor's Hammer drink vessel this trip. I try my best to limit how many sippers and popcorn buckets I buy because who has the space at home? 😅 Danny and I brought home Disney sweaters as well. Danny got the blue knit Donald Duck sweater, while I got myself the new Mickey Holiday Spirit Jersey. The sweater version of the Spirit Jersey is more expensive, but it kept calling to me every time I passed it in stores. Last but not least, it wouldn’t be a Disney trip if I didn’t buy any ears. I saw the Winnie the Pooh ears at Pooh Corner, and it was game over. I can’t wait to do a Classic Winnie the Pooh Disneybound in the future.
I’m itching to go back to Disneyland for the Christmas season now. Even though I was salty to see the park put snow on the castle midway through our vacation, I still want to experience the Christmas magic on the West Coast. Lights on Sleeping Beauty's castle, It’s a Small World Holiday, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, superior gingerbread cookies… it’s not goodbye Disneyland, it’s see you later!
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