Disneyland

I've been debating if I was going to do a Disneyland or Walt Disney World post since I wasn't sure if a) could I keep it detailed but not too much and b) if anyone would really be interested in my take on the parks?
But I decided that I was there just a few days ago and might as well. I won't do a WDW post until I go back again so I have up to date information.
If you have any specific questions, like what should I fast pass? or What rides are good for naps in the afternoon without leaving the park? or What rides will my kid's hate? email them to me!!! Seriously I have no issues walking you step-by-step through anything relating to Disney :)

graceparsons2023@gmail.com

Unlike WDW, Disneyland is much smaller and a lot less crowded. Where WDW is full of people that make it their only travel destination, Disneyland is more of annual pass holders that don't come until later in the afternoon.

There are 2 separate parks, Disneyland and California Adventures. They are within walking distance of each other, which is something you can't do in WDW.

We will start out in Disneyland!

As soon as you step through the gates, you can feel the magic or you should at least start pretending :) You walk underneath the train to Main Street USA. Some characters can be greeted right by the entrance, as well as all around the flag pole area! Also, some of the characters (like Alice and the Hatter) will just walk around and play with you all over the parks! This is probably my favorite part about this park.

There are multiple shops and little food places. Watch out for the horse and buggies along with the trolley that is coming down Main Street.
After walking down Main Street you should come to what is called the Hub. From here you can get to all the lands of the park, it's like the spindles of a wheel.
Let's start with Tomorrowland on the right.

There are several rides here and lightsaber churros. Yes, you heard me correctly. The line is crazy long so come prepared to wait for them.

1. Hyperspace Mountain - which used to be just Space Mountain before they added a Star Wars theme to it. 
2. Star Tour - a Star Wars simulator 
3. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - a kid friendly shooting game 
4. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage - you go under the water in a submarine with Nemo! 
5. Tomorrowland Expo Center - which is where you can meet several of your favorite Star Wars characters
6. Autotopia - everyone can drive a car here!
7. Astro Orbiters

Only characters you can find in Tomorrowland is at the Expo Center :) 

Next, let's cross back over and hit up Adventureland! Aladdin, Jazmin, and the Genie are the characters that might be around this area :) 

Now, this is the place where you can get the Dole Whip! It's pineapple ice cream and everyone loves it. I'm not a pineapple person, but all my friends love it. 

1. Indian Jones Adventure - a really fun ride, not suitable for young kids
2. Jungle Cruise - where you can hear the best/worst jokes around! 
3. Enchanted Tiki Room - where the birds sing for free (good place to rest for a bit :)
4. Tarzan's Treehouse - involves stairs and climbing 

New Orleans Square is up next! You can meet Princess Tiana and Naveen here :) 

1. Pirates of the Carribean - where dead men tell no tales, and there could be a chance of a Johnny Deep sighting :) 
2. Haunted Mansion - one of my favorite rides, that turns into a Nightmare before Christmas ride from September - January.

Next is Critter Country - which is only good because the hungry bear restaurant has great chicken :) Winnie the Pooh and Friends can be greeted here! 

1. Splash Mountain - you will get a little wet
2. Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - not my favorite ride.

Frontierland - has some of the best and most diverse food :) This is my go to for a lunch! You used to be able to meet Woody and Friends here, but with the new construction going on, I don't know if they are still doing that.

1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - get ready to ride a runaway mine cart! :)
2. Steamboat Ride - pretty cool if you get the chance to drive it!

Toontown - this is where all the little toddlers and children live. Be prepared for lots of screaming and crying. Really nothing here is worth riding. If you wanna see some of the characters and their "houses" then this is the place to go. Mickey can be meet at his house, Minnie at her house and Goofy and some friends in other places around here.

1. Gadget's Go Coaster
2. Roger Rabbits Toon Spin 

Fantasyland! - the best land. It's amazing here. It's gonna be tough to rank them so some of these can go up or down. Now this place does have some great food. A personal favorite is Edelweiss Snacks with its turkey legs and corn on the cob! 

1. Matterhorn -watch out for the yeti! 
2. It's a Small World - try to not have the song stuck in your head all day! 
   
3. Dumbo - a classic
4. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - only up this far because it's no longer at WDW
5. Pinocchio's Daring Journey - not in WDW
6. Snow White's Scary Adventure - scared me as a child and is not at WDW either. 
7. Peter Pan's Flight -- my absolute favorite ride ever 
8. Alice in Wonderland
9. Mad Hatter's Tea Party - only if you don't get motion sick! 
10. Pixie Hollow - where you can meet Tinkerbell and her fairy friends 
11. Fantasy Faire - go see the princesses 
12. Walk through Sleeping Beauty's Castle - you can't do this in WDW either and it's actually pretty cool. 

In Disneyland they are currently working on a Star Wars expansion back behind Frontierland set to open in 2018. Stay tuned for updates to the blog when that comes out :) 

California Adventures

Literally, right next door to Disneyland and has some pretty cool rides!! It's also broken up into "lands" to make it easier to navigate like Disneyland. 

When you walk through the gates, you are on Buena Vista Street, directly in front of you is the Cathay Circle, a wonderful dining experience. Just like Main Street, there aren't any rides, but several shops and food places. You should also be able to meet some characters along the Buena Vista Street.

If you turn to the left you come to Hollywood Lane. There are a few places to eat right along the main road. You can meet a variety of "stars" in through here and Anna and Elsa can be found at the Animation Studio.

1. Tower of Terror - which has recently been transformed into a Guardians of the Galaxy ride! 
2. Frozen Show at the Hyperion - I've heard good things, but I'm still a upset about getting rid of the Aladdin Show. The genie was hilarious. 
   
3. Monsters Inc Ride - really cute and if you mess Roz at the end, she will joke back with you :) 
4. Animation Studio - I really like this because you can draw a character and its a really cute keepsake! Also, Anna and Elsa can be met here. 
5. Disney Junior Live show - if you have younger kids.
6. Backlot Stage - wouldn't waste my time.

Mad Hatters T Party is a dance thing that sometimes characters come to? It's at random if they do, so don't expect it and they won't sign anything but you can selfie. 

Next up is "A Bugs Land". This is completed for younger kids. 

1. It's Tough to be a Bug - a 3D show that is not my favorite. 
2. Flik's Fun Fair - all of the rides in here are for younger kids. 

Car's Land - now I'm not going to lie. This is pretty much my favorite land in DCA. It's really cute and quaint and I could spend all my time and money eating at the Cozy Cone Motel. The Chili Con Queso is amazing! You can also meet Lightning and Mater here too!! They don't sign your autograph book, but they do take photos :) 

1. Radiator Springs Racers - really fun! make sure you fast-pass it though!! 
2. Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - it's really for little kids, but I enjoy it!

On your way to the next land, you go through the Pacific Wharf. It's all food and no attractions, you can do a bakery Tour if you want though!

Next up is Paradise Pier! This is like Fantasyland in DL and has the majority of the rides. You can meet Woody and Friends out by Toy Story Midway Mania. 

1. Toy Story Midway Mania - make sure you fast-pass for this one! It is like an arcade game and it's really fun.
2. California Screamin' - the rollercoaster! 
3. Little Mermaid Ride - grab a clam and watch the movie unfold
4. Goofy's Sky School - another little coaster. 
5. Mickey's Fun Wheel - this ride makes me sick just watching it!
6. Silly Symphony Swings 
7. Jumpin' Jellyfish - little kid ride.

The Final Land in DCA is Grizzly Peak. The Grand Californian has its own private entrance that comes into this land if you are staying there.

1. Soarin' over California - such a good ride
2. Grizzly River Run - be prepared to get wet
3. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - where you can meet Russell and Dug 

and that's it!!! like I said if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me. I'll give you any information you need.