California is one of the most famous states in the United States and attracts many tourists every year for being a gastronomic hub, shopping stronghold, incredible beaches and its amusement parks like Disneyland!
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Unlike what many think, Disney is not just Orlando.
Quite the contrary, there are Disney parks spread across the world like Disneyland of France and Tokyo for example.
But today we will talk about a Disney still in the United States, in California!
There you will find the first Disney park, the Disneyland California.
It is one of the main places for those looking for fun and adrenaline for the whole family! Despite being smaller than the Florida complex, the two parks are not far behind.
The Disneyland California Resort consists of two theme parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, in addition to the area of Downtown Disney and three Disney hotels: Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel.
Disneyland park
In this park we find the original castle of Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora! Inside, there is a Disney souvenir shop with the most diverse characters and the madness of the girls: the Bibiddi-Bobbini Boutique, one of the main stores in the princesses and where girls can make a real real makeover.
In this park there are 53 attractions that appeal to all audiences and are divided into 7 areas:
- Fantasyland
It is the area that starts at the end of the Main Street, where the Sleeping Beauty Castle is located; the attraction that kids love: “It's a small world“, which is a boat that travels through several countries with dolls that sing and dance; “Peter Pan`s Flight”, where it is possible to go through the history of the film; “Mad Tea Party” which are the cups that are spinning at Alice in Wonderland's afternoon tea; “Matterhorn Bonsleds”: the roller coaster that is at the top of visitors' favorite attractions, despite being built in 1959.
There are many other toys in this space that should also be visited, such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Snow White's Scary Adventure.
- Tomorrowland
Attractions in this area are suitable for ages 5+ and adults. Being among the most disputed: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, where you stay in a cart with laser weapons to hit as many monsters as possible on the way;
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, which is a 3D simulator of the Star Wars saga, where the simulator takes you to battles in the stars; Space Mountain: the indoor roller coaster in the dark that takes you to space and Autopia: the race track of cars that run along the iron tracks between many curves and adrenaline.
- Critter Country
For those who go in the warmer seasons or who like the water even with that chill, here you will find one of the most beloved attractions of the public: the Splash mountain, a roller coaster on the water that brings adrenaline and a refreshment.
- New Orleans Square
If you like different walks, the New Orleans Square area is sensational! There's Disney's most haunted house: the Haunted Mansion, which kids love!
Pirates of the Caribbean? Also has! The boat trip that reproduces the routine of pirates with cannons, shops and lots of fun. Jack Sparrow awaits you!
- Frontierland
Save energy for this part of the park, there is the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a successful roller coaster in Florida and Paris parks, California would be no different. In it there is a simulation of a mine and has small falls that cheer up the whole family.
- Adventureland
One of the busiest areas of the park and where you can find the largest number of queues, so we recommend it to be one of the first parts to be visited.
The most popular attraction here is Indiana Jones Adventure, where a jeep takes you to key movie spots with snakes and rolling stones.
- Mickey`s Toontown
stay after Fantasyland, there we find the houses of Mickey, Goofy, Minnie and Tico and Teco. A very cute area to take several amazing photos.
Disney California Adventure Park
That park came up with the idea of portraying the sights of California, with streets that bring the idea of San Francisco.
With a Californian theme, the park is divided into 7 lands:
- Hollywoodland, which is decorated with the famous palm trees that bring all the glamor of Beverly Hills;
- Pixar Pier: where everyone loves to take a picture with the Disney California Adventure symbol, with many attractions and restaurants;
- Pacific Wharf: for those who want to take a break, this is the best place to enjoy the scenery;
- Buena Vista Street: region that characterizes San Francisco, where the cable cars circulate;
- Cars Land: it is the most crowded place, it was inspired by the Californian desert and the landscapes of the famous Route 66;
- Grizzly Peak: a very green place with many water attractions, you already know that in the heat it gets crowded! There you will remember the national parks of California;
- Bug`s Land: with special attractions for children, it is next to the Hollywoodland area.
The attractions that stand out the most: Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout; Radiator Springs Racer; Soarin, Mickey's Fun Wheel; Big Thunder and Incredicoaster (California Screamin').
Downtown Disney California
We recommend visiting at the end of the day, as it is an area with restaurants and bars, getting livelier at night. There you can find stores like Sunglass Icon, World of disney, ESPN Zone Studio Store, Sephora, among several places to buy those really cool souvenirs.
If you choose to go by car, if you stay for up to 3 hours, parking is free, with the validation of some stores the time is 5 hours, but if you need to pay, it leaves around U$15.
How FastPass works at Disneyland California?
Just like in Disneyland Paris, the California version also uses paper FastPasses. It brings great advantages to its users, as it allows you to book a time to go to a certain attraction without having to wait in line.
It is worth remembering that all visitors are entitled to this free benefit. To get it, just go to the machines, located in the kiosks, next to the toy you want to go to and insert your ticket, so there will be a printing of a paper, as if it were a new ticket, with the time you must go to attraction and go to the FP+ queue.
Not all Disneyland California attractions have a FastPass, but those that do already help you save a lot of time and enjoy the parks better, without wasting time in line.
In addition to the toys, there are some characters for photo that also have the FastPass advantage, so we always recommend checking the characters' schedule when arriving at the park.
How to get to Disneyland California parks?
- Disneyland Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA.
- Opening hours:
High season: Monday to Wednesday 9 am to 10 pm, Thursday 9 am to 11 pm and Friday to Sunday 9 am to 12 am.
Low season: consult the official Disneyland California website.
- Tickets: price varies according to the period of visitation.
Tickets for Disneyland California?
You can buy your tickets at one of the authorized sellers and leave Brazil with your tickets in hand as we always recommend, so you can pay in installments and avoid surprises when you arrive at your destination.
Buy your tickets with the best price and service directly on our agency's website or request a quote via WhatsApp.
Are DisneyLand California parks open during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The operation in Downtown Disney California It is already in normal operation at the moment.
Disneyland parks are scheduled to reopen on April 30th. Remembering that it is naturally a reopening with restrictions.
The Disney hotels California were also closed due to the pandemic. Its reopening with restrictions was also scheduled for April 29th.
Disney notifies the dates through its official website, so keep an eye out, we'll keep this post updated as well with the latest information about it.
Very importantly, if you are planning to visit the parks, respect the rules imposed during the restricted periods.
Disney has been very strict about these restrictions to keep both its employees and its guests safe. Have fun responsibly!
What did you think ? It even made me want to get to know California and also enjoy DisneyLand, didn't it?
Tell us if you already met !!
Kisses and see you tomorrow!
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About the Author Carlos Braga:
Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.
My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.
During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!
